■■.■.-■■"■-.:
&^
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
3 1833 03007 3701
bweet, William Henry, 185>>-
1 919.
A history of Methodism in
northwest Kansas
Hi
A HISTORY
OF METHODISM
IN
NORTHWEST KANSAS
BY
WILLIAM HENRY SWEET, D.D.
Of
The Northwest Kansas
Conference.
KANSAS WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY
1920
**>
COPYRIGHT, 1920, BY
WINTON J. BALTZELL, PAUL W. SWEET, WILLIAM W.
EET, EMMA SWEET TONDEL, RUTH SWEET
KRESKY AND RALPH L. SWEET.
PREFACE
The last several years of the life of William H.
Sweet were devoted to the collecting of material and
the writing of this volume. He very much hoped to
finish the task and see the book through the press
himself, but death came suddenly on January 5, 1919.
He had planned to publish the book at his own ex-
pense and ask the Conference to sell it for the benefit
of Kansas Wesleyan University, and before his death
he had talked to his children about the plan. They
accordingly now desire to carry out his desire, and
the present volume is published at the expense of the
heirs of William H. and Rose A. Sweet. On its com-
pletion the entire edition will be turned over to the
Northwest Kansas Conference and the proceeds of
the sale of the book are to go to the Kansas Wesleyan
University.
The manuscript has been published, practically as
it was left by its author. He greatly regretted that
more complete material was not forthcoming in re-
sponse to his many appeals, but the book contains
much material that would no doubt soon have been
lost, and those, who in the future will write of pioneer
days in Northwest Kansas will find here a storehouse
of interesting material.
The Biographical Introduction has been added,
though the author did not so intend, and has been pre-
pared by his eldest son, Dr. Paul W. Sweet.
CONTENTS.
Preface.
Biographical Introduction.
Chapter I. Kansas.
Chapter II. Pioneering.
Chapter III. The Organization of the Conference.
Chapter IV. The Conference Sessions.
Chapter V. Educational Interests of the Confer-
ence.
Chapter VI. Women's Work.
Chapter VII. History of the Churches of the Colby
District.
Chapter VIII. History of the Churches of the Ells-
worth District.
Chapter IX. History of the Churches of the Man-
kato District.
Chapter X. History of the Churches of the Salina
District.
APPENDIX.
A. Conference Roll.
B. Those Admitted on Trial.
C. Members, Probationers, Local Preachers.
D. Local Preachers Ordained.
E. Benevolent Collections.
F. Districts, with Presiding Elders, or District Super-
intendents, in Charge.
G. Pastoral Charges and Dates of Organization.
H. Pastoral Support from 1872 to 1883.
I. Salaries of Pastors.
J. Special Sermons.
K. Church Property.
L. Constitution of Itinerants' Club.
M. List of Faculty Members of Kansas Wesleyan
University.
WILLIAM HENRY s\\
L843 L919.
Oil Portrail Presented to
Baker University.
BIOGRAPHICAL INTRODUCTION.
My father was an American, measured both by
birth and his ambitious and energetic life. He was
descended on his father's side from one of three
Sweet brothers who came to this country about the
time William Penn founded the great colony of Penn-
sylvania. Whether they came with William Penn I
am not certain, but I know they came under the in-
fluence of that great leader, for the teaching and re-
ligious ideals of the Quakers seem to have come down
through the generations even to my father, whose fore-
most desire seemed always to be to live a life approved
of God. His mother's name was Jane Robinson, the
daughter of Lucy Moorman and Thomas Robinson of
Virginia. I have heard grandmother say that she
was a direct descendant of Pocahontas and John Rolfe,
but we have since learned that Robert Boiling, whose
first wife was Jane Rolfe, married for his second wife
Lucy Hall, and it is from this line grandmother de-
scended. When they moved to Kentucky they became
slave holders, as grandmother's parents had been in
Virginia. When father's father and mother were mar-
ried they were presented a slave girl as a wedding
present, and after they moved into Ohio, it was one of
their great regrets that they had not set the slave
girl free, rather than sell her, as they did.
It was shortly after their first child was born that
father's parents moved from Kentucky into Brown
County, Ohio, where they settled just across the east
fork of the Little Miami near the village of Marathon.
Here they lived for a number of years, when they
moved to Five Mile, where father was born, on July
14, 1843, the last of six children, in a lottle log cabin
2 History of Methodism
in the midst of a dense forest, which was afterwards
cleared away by grandfather and his boys and a farm
made near the turn-pike which runs from Fayville
to Georgetown, the county seat of Brown county.
I have heard father describe their log cabin and
their log school house, both of which were primitive
indeed. The logs were hewn by hand out of the me-
dium sized trees of the forest, while the cracks between
the logs were filled with mud, which would often dry
and fall out of place. The boys' bedroom was in the
attic or loft of the cabin, which was reached by a rude
ladder. Here the wind, on winter nights whistled be-
tween the cracks and under the eaves and it was not
unusual for them to awaken in the morning to find a
drift of snow across the floor or even sometimes across
the bed. The first school which father attended was
conducted in a log school house, where slabs, hewn
out by hand served as desks and home-made stools with
pegged legs served for seats. But the times were
rapidly improving and as the community became more
thickly populated it was not long until the schools had
a much more improved equipment.
Father's parents were staunch members of the
Methodist Church and grandfather was an official of
their local church, while grandmother was noted for
miles around for her singing. Especially was she
in demand during the protracted meetings and on some
occasions she even crossed over into Kentucky to help
with the singing there. When father was a babe in
arms his mother and father took him across the Ohio
river on one such occasion. Coming back after night ;
while they were crossing the Ohio river in a row boat,
the boat was capsized and father with the others
thrown into the river. It was only by a fortunate
chance that they secured him, in the dark and
him from an early death.
At the age of twenty-one, in company with his
In Northwest Kansas
older brother Andrew father entered the army of the
North, in answer to President Lincoln's call for one
hundred day men. Already father's twin brothers,
John and James, had entered the service of their coun-
try, and Uncle James was soon to meet his death at
Vicksburg. It was on May 1st, 1864, that father and
Uncle Andrew were mustered into the service as mem-
bers of Company K, 160th Ohio Volunteer Infantry.
Immediately they went into camp at Ripley, Ohio,
where they remained but a few days, when their Com-
pany was embarked on a river steam boat and taken to
Martinsburg, Virginia. Here they were placed on
picket duty, until July 3rd, when they were driven out
and hotly pursued to Maryland Heights, where they
made a stand, and were saved from capture by the
arrival of cavalry reinforcements and large guns.
Father and his brother were honorably discharged
from the service and reached their home on September
20, 1864. Previously to this, however, father had be-
longed to the Home Guards and had taken part in the
pursuit of Morgan, on his famous raid through south-
ern Indiana and Ohio.
Immediately after being mustered out of the army,
father began his educational career by attending a
Normal school at Lebanon, Ohio. My cousin, Will
Hair, writes of that period of his life: "I well remem-
ber the good-bye grandpa and grandma gave him as
he climbed into the wagon loaded with his furniture
After finishing at Lebanon he came to Ne-
braska City, Nebraska and taught school in the district
in which we lived, one mile south of Nebraska City.
He boarded with us. During his one year's residence
in Nebraska he formed acquaintances that were of
the best. It was only two years after freighting days
and Nebraska City was still filled up with the rough
characters of those times, as that was one of the lead-
4 History of Methodism
ing points Tor loading freight bound for the west.
Your father's strong Christian character — which he
never compromised — was so unusual at that time and
place, that it made him prominent, and although I was
a small boy then, I can well remember some of the
comments about him. Before leaving, he was offered
a good position in a bank by the leading banker of
Nebraska City. Your father considered this seriously,
but his desire for an education and the ministry over-
came all temptations to enter the business world. I
considered him while in school and afterwards — the
best specimen of an honorable man, as he had the
best combination of ability, strong religious convic-
and unselfish manhood I ever knew.*'
After spending the summer in canvassing in the
northern part of Nebraska for a book entitled "The
Men of Our Day," father left for Delaware, Ohio, Sep-
tember 1st, where he entered Ohio Wesleyan Univer-
sity — a college where character building held chief
place in its curriculum, and where more attention was
paid to moralities than to formalities. Here he was
a classmate of former Vice-President Charles W. Fair-
banks. Like Fairbanks he batched most of the time,
which did not seem to adversely affect his future in the
least, though even then as now, those who were com-
pelled to resort to batching in college, were sometimes
made to feel their penniless condition. Father was
unable to go straight through college on account of his
finances, but generally taught a "winter school" com-
ing to college in the spring after his school had closed.
At that time the Ohio Wesleyan Female College
was separate from the Ohio Wesleyan University
which admitted men only, but that did not prevent
the boys and girls from becoming acquainted. And
so it was that Rose A. Williams, another real Ameri-
can with a family tree going back to early New Eng-
In Northwest Kansas 5
land — met her future husband in the person of Wil-
liam Henry Sweet. I think father must have felt his
poverty very keenly, while in college for he once told
me that he seldom went with the girls and his meeting
mother one afternoon at the old white sulphur spring
on the campus and walking home with her to Monnett
Hall was one of the bright spots in his college life at
Delaware.
My mother was the daughter of a farmer, Jacob
Williams, who was the owner of several hundred acres
of land in Franklin County, Ohio. Mother's paternal
grandfather had come to Franklin county, had taken
up land and had erected the first brick house in that
country, and the country about the village of Harlem
was largely held by his sons. Mother and a brother
and sister went to school at Delaware, and mother
was graduated from the Ohio Wesleyan Female Col-
lege with the class of 1871. I have before me the
program of the Commencement exercises for that year
and I note that Rose A. Williams, my mother, was the
valedictorian of the class. Following her graduation
my mother taught two years in a school for colored
people established by the Freedman's Aid Society of
the Methodist Episcopal Church at Holly Springs, Mis-
sissippi, then called Shaw University, since changed,
however, to Rust University. It was while mother was
at Holly Springs and father in Kansas that a corre-
spondence between Ihem was begun which finally end-
ed in their engagement. I have several of the letters
of that period before me and they make interesting
reading for their children.
At this point we will let father tell of the next four-
teen years of his life.
FOURTEEN YEARS OF MY LIFE.
I was graduated from the Ohio Wesleyan Uni-
versity in 1872, in a class of forty-six. Before my
(3 History of Methodism
graduation I had applied for, and been elected to a
Professorship in Baker University. But before I left
Ohio for the west, another letter reached he from the
trustees, to the effect that owing to the condition of
their finances, there had been a subsequent meeting of
the Board, and the question of my election had been
reconsidered and tabled. So when, in August, I start-
ed for the west, I was in much the same situation as
was Abraham when he left the land of Ur: "Went
forth not knowing whither I went."
A classmate had told me that a Principal of Schools
was wanted at Piper City, a little town in Illinois. I
determined to spend a Sunday there, on my way west,
and see if there was a place there for me. At that
time, a county superintendent in Illinois was author-
ized to examine and employ teachers. I arrived at
Piper City on a Saturday morning, and went at once
to set 1 the Superintendent. He inquired as to what ad-
vantages I had had, and examined me as to my quali-
fications, and offered me the place, at $70 a month. I
told him I would give my reply Monday morning.
I went to church Sunday morning, and in the after-
noon took a walk along the railroad. The cry of my
heart was like that of Paul's on his way to Damascus :
"Lord what wilt thou have me to do." I had no An-
anias to tell me, but I trusted that the Holy Spirit
would speak it to my heart. Not far from the station
I sat down on a railroad tie, and thought and prayed.
The question to be decided then and there was : "Shall
I accept this offer or not." I had not sat there long,
till there was whispered to my consciousness as plainly
as if it had been spoken in my ear: "Do not accept it."
My decision was instantaneous to obey the voice.
Accordingly I went to the Superintendent, the next
morning, and declined his offer; and took the train to
pursue my unknown way. I had some business at Ne-
In Northwest Kansas 7
braska City, and went there to look after it. Before
the business was finished, a third letter reached rne
from the Hoard of Trustees of Baker, saying they had
held another meeting, and had re-elected me, and de-
sired me to come on at once. Owing to this experience,
I never doubted that I had a work to do at Baker.
This had much to do with my holding on to the school
again and again, under 'circumstances of great dis-
couragement.
I landed in Baldwin September 4th, 1872, and en-
gaged board and room at the home of Professor Foss,
who was in charge of the Music department, and kept
a boarding house. The school had already opened
and I entered at once upon 'my work. Dr. R. L. Har-
ford, who was the pastor at Lawrence, was the nominal
President of the College. Professor S. S. Weatherby
was Vice-president and in charge of the school. Miss
Harford, a sister to the Doctor was preceptess and
teacher of English. The attendance of students was
very small, so that three of us were quite able to take
care of the classes. Early in the term, Miss Harford
was married and left us. In due time her place was
filled by the election of Mrs. M. V. B. Knox — a most
estimable lady and a good teacher.
It soon became evident that my salary would not
warrant me in paying four dollars a week for board
and room. Professor Weatherby suggested that a
boy's boarding hall would be a help to the school, and
that the old college building (the Castle) might be
converted into one. I went to Lawrence and invested
forty dollars in lumber, and wall paper ; and though I
had never attempted carpenter work, proceeded to put
in partitions and to paper the walls. Mr. C. W. Rob-
erts, a member of the Junior class and a carpenter,
was kind enough to hang the doors and put on the
locks. In November the boy's club was opened, with
History of Methodism
Mrs. Barbary Moore as Matron and cook. She was
an estimable lady and a good cook. I occupied a room
on the first floor and acted as steward for the club.
Several boys occupied the rooms on the second floor.
Not a great many joined the club, but we were a con-
genial group and spent the winter pleasantly.
The next spring the Kansas Conference met at
Ottawa. At this session it was divided into the Kansas
and the South Kansas conferences. A fellow was re-
ported to have declared, "it was a wicked shame that
a set of Methodist preachers could get together and
divide the state;" but he added, "there will be one
good thing about it, we shall have two more Senators."
He was not very learned, but he was wise; for he be-
lieved in getting all the consolation he could out of a
thing he did not approve, and could not mend.
At this session a committee of business men from
Olathe came before the conference and offered $50,000
if they would move the college to that place. After a
lengthy discussion, a commission of ministers and lay-
men was appointed to consider the proposition and
relocate the school, if in their judgment it was wise
and expedient to do so.
The following resolution was passed by the con-
ference :
Resolved: (1) That the Educational Commission shall meet
in Baldwin City on the first Tuesday in May, at 2 o'clock, to be-
gin their investigation, after which they shall fix a time of their
own meeting. (2) That if they shall report favorably to the con-
tinuance of Baker University at Baldwin City, we will respond
to their call, on account of subscription given at the last con-
ference.
The commission met at the appointed time and
canvassed the whole ground, and reached two con-
clusions: First, that the Conference could not, in
honor, move the college from Baldwin if they would;
In Northwest Kansas 9
and second, that it would not be wise to move it if
they could. It was discovered that real estate in Bald-
win had been deeded to purchasers on condition that
a school of collegiate grade be maintained there, and
if this were not done, the land was to lapse to the
original owner. This provisional deed effectually
barred the honorable removal of the school, and the
trustees and the conference could not afford to even
consider the doing of a dishonorable thing. The Olathe
proposition was therefore turned down, and arrange-
ments were made to continue the work at Baldwin.
I had been admitted into the conference on trial.
On the last morning of the session Rev. J. Boynton,
who was my Presiding Elder, and also chairman of the
board of trustees, came to me and said, there was not
much doubt but that the college would be moved, and
that in his judgment it was not wise for me to remain
in it. I told him I was in the hands of the conference,
and was ready to obey my superiors. I was accord-
ingly appointed to Centralia, Nemaha county. Pro-
fessor Weatherby was not quite so forsaken as he had
been on a previous occasion, as Mrs. Knox was present
to share his burden. A. A. B. Cavaness was enlisted
again to instruct the classes in Mathematics. The
work for the college year was carried through and a
pleasant commencement closed the year. A class of
three members was graduated, M. V. B. Knox, L. P. B.
Weeks and Mary Henderson.
On my way from Ottawa, returning from confer-
ence, Dr. Davis lamented, in my hearing, the action
that had been taken, and predicted that the college
would not be moved. I told him if the college was
continued at Baldwin, I would return, if the trustees
desired me. Accordingly, after the finding of the com-
mission, I was recalled, and in November left a charge
that had proven a very pleasant one, and returned to
10 History of Methodism
my work in the college, and to my room in the old
castle. Professor Knox had been added to the faculty,
and a pleasant, and in some respects, a successful
school ■ 9 enjoyed.
In June, 1874, Dr. Denison was elected President,
and a new impetus came to the school. It was quietly
whispered that the doctor's bachelor brother, who was
reported to be rich, might lift the institution out of
its embarrassment, but the financial crash of 1873,
that wrecked so many fortunes, disappointed all ex-
pectations.
On August 13th of that year the grasshoppers lit
in Baldwin. Crops had already been cut short by
drouth and chinch bugs, and in an incredibly short
time after the hoppers came every green thing had
disappeared, except prairie grass and apples. Strange
to say, the devouring pests stripped the trees of their
foliage, but left the fruit hanging. But it might al-
most as well have been taken, for being exposed to
the burning sun, it soon withered and was of little
value. The prospect for students being thus cut short,
I, fearing the income would not be sufficient to support
all the teachers, applied for and secured the position as
teacher of the higher grades in the Baldwin Public
Schools. Such of the college classes in Mathematics
as could not be provided for by the other Prof
were heard before and after school hours, without
remuneration. This arrangement continued for but
one term, as the work in my department became
d it was felt that full just ire could not be
done the students.
One direction often given to those who
accumulate is thai they live within thei
come, but during the 70's teachers in Baker needed
to study very assiduously how they could live without
'ncome. The school year ended June, 1875, with
In Northwest Kansas 11
the gloomiest prcspects the state had ever seen. The
grasshoppers that had invaded the country 7 the pre-
vious fall had deposited millions of eggs in the ground.
These eggs hatched in the early spring, and the young
hoppers grew as if they were native to the soil. Farm-
ers were diligent in sowing and planting, but the little
hoppers seemed to watch for the sprouting grain, and
devoured it as fast as it grew, so that fields that had
been planted twice, and some three times, were as
destitute of vegetation the middle of June as the public
road. But if one had concluded that these conditions
were to continue, he would have been greatly mistaken.
As soon as the hoppers got their wings, they took their
flight. The fields were again planted and the weeks
which followed were, for rain and sunshine, the most
favorable I have ever seen. Corn planted the 16th of
June produced, in seven weeks, stalks as many feet
high. Potatoes, melons, garden stuff of all kinds, grew
amazingly, so that fields which were bare the middle
of June could have supplied an army in September.
It is probable that the crop of '75, after a spring so
unpromising, first suggested what has since been af-
firmed: "That Kansas can rise the highest, and fall
the lowest, and get up the quickest of any place on
earth."
The year 1875 is a memorable one to the writer
for another reason ; for in August he returned to Ohio
and on the 7th of September took to himself a wife, in
the person of Miss Rose A. Williams, whom he had
met at Delaware, Ohio, she being a member of the
class of 1871 of the Ohio WesJeyan Female College.
She had taught two years in the Freedmen's Aid
School, at Holly Springs, Mississippi, and had there
some experience of short rations, which, in a measure,
prepared her for the experiences that awaited her.
The first Sunday I was in Ohio an old gentleman in-
12 History of Methodism
quired whether "I was there in the interest of the
grasshopper sufferers." Father Williams replied, "I
guess he is here in the interest of one of them."
In October the Rev. Walters, pastor of the Kaw
Valley Circuit, gave up his charge, and the Presiding
Elder, Rev. J. J. Thompson, appointed me to the place.
I supplied the charge for the remainder of the year,
in addition to full work done in the college. This was
a fortunate opening, for the sum paid by the charge
supplemented the income from the college and tided
us through the year. But in the spring the college
felt too poor to issue a catalogue, so there is no record
of that year's work.
The following year opened much as the previous
year had done. The attendance was small and there
was little enthusiasm. Indeed, little else could be
expected, for a debt of $17,000 hung, as a dark pall,
over the institution and faculty. Up to this time noth-
ing had been done toward liquidating the debt. It
consisted of $10,000 of bonds, and $7,000 floating
debts. It had been proposed that Baldwin would take
care of the floating debt, if the conferences would pro-
vide for the bonds. The only hope that either the
town or the church had of being able to accomplish
the task was that creditors would discount their claims
from half to two-thirds their face. Some of the holders
of bonds and other creditors had encouraged the hope
that this would be done.
In the spring of 1877, feeling that I could not afford
to remain longer in the school, I resigned my place
and was appointed pastor at Holton.
Rev. P. T. Rhodes was appointed Agent at this
time. Having assurance that the bonds could then be
taken up at an average of forty cents on the dollar,
ho said to the conferences, that if they would raise
$4,000, he would clear the college of debt. Pledges
In Northwest Kansas 13
were secured for a little more than that amount. Had
these all been paid promptly, the Agent would have
made good his promise. But it was again demonstrated
that it is one thing to get a pledge, and quite another
thing to get the money. With the most earnest and
strenuous effort, the Agent was not able to collect half
the amount that had been pledged. Four thousand of
the bonds were taken up, leaving six thousand still
outstanding.
It should be said that Brother Rhodes was a zealous
and efficient Agent. Considering the discouragements
and the small amounts that he was by the most as-
siduous efforts able to collect, he did all that any one
could be expected to do. Many lots in the town site
had been sold for taxes. The Agent bought many tax
titles, and by securing quit-claims from the original
owners, perfected the title in the name of the Univer-
sity. By selling these hundreds of dollars were ob-
tained for finishing the building and other important
improvements.
The greater part of the floating debt was owed to
teachers who had been previously employed, but the
largest single claim was for lumber for the college
building. That amounted to $1,700 and was held by
Mrs. Sells, who lived in what is now known as the
Sullivan property. The part the writer had in lifting
the floating debt may be learned from the copy of a
letter found among old papers some years ago. It
reads as follows:
Baldwin City, Kansas, February 14th, 1876.
Mrs. Isabell Sells,
Dear Madam:
The proposition I make is this; my father and I own a quar-
ter section of land in Otoe County, Nebraska, the north half of
the southeast quarter and the north half of the southwest quar-
ter, section four, township seven, range nine. If you will ac-
cept that piece of land for your claim against this institution,
14 History of Methodism
we will turn it over to you, in case the other debts including
the bonds are paid. Will say, as to the value of land : I asked a
real estate man in Nebraska City, a little more than a year ago,
what our land was worth. He replied: "I have land in that
neighborhood which I am holding at $1,000 per quarter; but
the land is worth $800.00 You would receive a good title, there
are no incumbrances or back taxes against it.
Signed, W. H. Sweet.
The deed passed and that claim was settled.
Dr. Hall said in his historical sketch that men
tithed their property to support the school, but one-
fourth of the possessions of the writer went to pay
the floating debt.
In June, 1877, C. A. Weaver, whom I had known
at the Ohio Wesleyan University, and who had been
associated with Mrs. Sweet in the school at Holly
Springs, Mississippi, was chosen Professor of Mathe-
matics and was retained in that position ten years.
In June, 1879, Dr. Denison resigned the Presidency
and the writer was chosen to the place. Some of my
friends thought me foolish in accepting the position.
They said, "So many have tried to build up the in-
stitution and have not succeeded, your effort will in
all probability result no better." It did indeed seem a
hazardous undertaking. A part of the debt had been
paid, but there was still enough to seriously embarrass
the institution. Those who had in good faith paid
their subscriptions, made two years before, were dis-
couraged by the failure of others to meet their pledges,
and there was no enthusiasm and little faith anywhere.
No catalogue or circular had been issued the previous
year. While the enrollment of students for the year
reached ninety or one hundred, it declined the spring
term to thirty-eight.
Bishop Andrews was present at the Commence-
ment. As I was returning to Holton the next day, I
met him on the street in Lawrence. He shook my
In Northwest Kansas 15
hand and said: "Well, Brother Sweet, I do not feel
I can congratulate you on any thing, except on having
an opportunity to do good."
The Trustees, feeling that they must not contract
additional debt, and not having any funds with which
to pay deficiencies in salaries, declined to be responsi-
ble, and passed a resolution to the effect that when
the funds from tuition and Conference collections were
exhausted, any deficit that might remain should not be
a claim against the trustees. Thus the newly chosen
faculty were required not only to bear the responsi-
bility of running the school, but must take the entire
risk of financial loss. The burden that had been mu-
tually shared by the trustees and faculty, was now
shifted entirely to the shoulders of the teachers. The
fixing of salaries meant only that teachers might have
so much, if, within certain prescribed limits, they
could get it.
The chair of Ancient Languages had been left
vacant by the retirement of Professor Weatherby,
and Music, which had been taught by Dr. Denison's
daughter, was left to be provided for. I was advised
not to secure any one for the language department,
but merely to employ a student as a tutor. But I felt
that if the institution was ever built up, its success
must begin in the school itself. Accordingly, upon the
suggestion of Professor Weaver, I opened correspond-
ence with our former schoolmate and mutual friend,
Rev. W. I. Graham, who was then in Iowa. The exact
conditions were laid before him, and, strangely enough,
he surrendered his charge in Iowa and came to us.
An advertisement was put in the church papers for a
man to take charge of the Music school. Out of a
number of applicants, E. R. Snyder was chosen. Both
selections proved fortunate, for both men were strong
factors in building up the school.
16 History of Methodism
An edition of five thousand circulars was is
and sent to all the Normal Institutes in the state. But
apathy toward the school had grown chronic, and in-
terest could not be so easily awakened. The fall term
opened with an enrollment of about forty, and reached
only sixty-two, including music students, that term.
The enrollment for the year in the Preparatory and
College classes was but seventy-seven. We had adver-
tised a music department, but the only instrument
owned by the college was a small Mason & Hamlin
organ, and there were no funds with which to buy
others. I owned a team of black horses, which I dis-
liked very much to separate, but driving teams, nor
any other material thing, was to stand in the way of
the success of the school. One of the horses and a
hundred dollars, paid by myself, secured a piano.
Brother Rhodes, our agent, had succeeded in pro-
curing several hundred dollars worth of chemical and
physical apparatus, and the gentleman from whom
the purchase was made had agreed to spend several
weeks in the institution, delivering lectures and per-
forming experiments. This was a great help and
added much to the enthusiasm of the students in the
study of the sciences. Their interest was awakened
on other lines in other ways ; so that it could be truly
said that they were as busy as bees, even though the
swarm was a very small one.
As the time for the conference session approached,
the teachers very anxiously considered the qu
"How can the attendance be increased?" After due
deliberation, it was decided to reduce the tuition to
$10.00 a year, if paid in advance, and that a charge
that would raise an educational collection of $10.00
or more might, if they chose, name a student from
the charge who should receive the benefit of the col-
lection as tuition. As we think of that proposition in
In Northwest Kansas 17
these times of prosperity, it seems almost incredible
that such a thing should have been proposed. And
some thought it perilous then; but we had canvassed
the ground, and felt that something extraordinary
must be done.
The South Kansas Conference met at Ottawa,
Bishop Foster presiding. The educational meeting
was" held Saturday night. Dr. Fry spoke on education,
and Professor Graham represented the college. Noth-
ing was said of our proposed plan. That was to be
presented by myself Monday morning, when the report
of the committee on education was made. Before the
hour for opening the session I went to the Bishop's
room to lay our plan before him, and, if possible, en-
list his sympathy and interest for our success. But he
had been connected with much larger enterprises, and
evidently felt that the thing was too insignificant to
be championed by him. He did not oppose the plan.
He thought it was as good perhaps as any we could
adopt. It might be an improvement. We certainly
could not make matters worse.
On our way to the conference room he said to me,
"Brother, your school seems to be unfortunately lo-
cated, and I think the other conference will take action
for its removal." If one can imagine how he would
feel if an elephant stepped on him, he can imagine my
feelings just then. Fortunately for me, there was
special work for the cabinet during that last session of
the conference. So, after the minutes were read and
approved, Bishop Ninde, who was visiting the con-
ference, was called to the chair. He had gone to one
of the city churches the night before to hear me preach,
and after the service was over had stopped to shake
hands with the preacher, and to speak a word of kind
appreciation of the sermon. It need not be said that
18 History of Methodism
the change in presiding officers that morning was ac-
ceptable to one person.
But another difficulty confronted me. I was not
a member of that conference, and of course had no
right to address it, unless invited. When the report
on education was read, no one even suggested that I
be given an opportunity to speak. Feeling it was then
or never, I went forward and took the platform unin-
vited. In some way — and I have never doubted that
the Lord helped me — I was able in a ten or fifteen-
minute address to awaken sympathy for the school,
and quite a little enthusiasm for its support. Seventy
preachers pledged their charges for at least ten dollars.
The Kansas conference met at Topeka and about
the same number of ten-dollar pledges was given. We
had proposed that if two hundred pledges were given
the plan would be adopted. But the Rubican had been
crossed, and the bridges burned, so there was no other
way but to go forward.
The school year closed pleasantly and successfully
in every respect, except financially. Teachers' salaries
were woefully deficient. At Holton I had received
$750 and a house. At Baker I received $526 and fur-
nished my own house and paid out $230 for piano and
printing. Our students had gone home enthusiastic
for the school; each one a walking advertisement.
Many preachers were sending names of young people,
and there was much to encourage. Miss M. M. Ham-
mond, a most excellent lady, who had taught in the
school for a number of years, was retired from the
faculty in June, 1880, and F. J. Baker and wife, grad-
uates of Ohio Wesleyan, were elected, he as professor
of Natural Science, and she as preceptress and teacher
of English.
The next year opened auspiciously. I had said at
Ottawa that we hcped for 150 students in the literary
In Northwest Kansas 19
classes. That would have been an increase of nearly
100 per cent. Imagine our delight when we were per-
mitted to enroll two hundred the first term. The cata-
logue shows an enrollment of two hundred and forty-
seven for the year. Salaries were paid and there was
a surplus of incidental funds used for improving the
property.
It is sometimes said that the prosperity of an enter-
prise often proves to be its embarrassment. This was
the case with Baker, at the time of which I now write.
The $6,000 of bonds that were still outstanding were
owned by a bank in Raway, New Jersey. Soon after
the school opened in the fall of 1880 a gentleman came
west to look after their interests. The building had
been improved, the campus made a pleasing appear-
ance, and our halls were fairly well filled with students.
The gentleman was pleased with appearances. After
looking over the ground, he said to the trustees : "The
Methodists of Kansas are back of this, and our bonds
are worth their face."' Three years before $4,000
would have paid the debt. Now, when $4,000 of the
bonds had been taken up, it required $6,000 to pay it.
On account of this, and for other reasons, our
heretofore energetic and efficient agent became dis-
couraged, and at the next session of the conference he
resigned, and Rev. J. M. Sullivan was elected.
In December, 1880, the first edition of the college
paper, "The Baldwin Index," was issued. It was small
and unpretentious, but contributed to the general suc-
cess. Professor Graham was chosen editor, and was
relieved of other rhetorical duties. The literary
societies appointed associate editors. The first staff
were G. B. Norton, H. A. Jones, Eliza Telford ; assist-
ants, Emma Sullivan, J. S. Simmons and J. W.
Divilbis.
20 History of Methodism
The new agent began his work under very dis-
couraging circumstances. The fact that the amount
necessary to cancel the debt was greater than before
any had been paid needed to be explained over and
over again. Sullivan had no bragadocia in his blood.
It had been demonstrated that subscriptions taken
under the influence of strong public appeal, and the
incitement of others giving did not bring satisfactory
results. He therefore determined to make a still hunt.
Baldwin had provided for the floating debt, and thus
met her agreement as to the lifting of the debt; but
the additional demands made by the bond holders made
it evident that those who had given must give again.
So the new agent began his work in Baldwin with the
following results : J. M. Sullivan, $200 ; H. H. Taylor,
$200; C. P. Ives, $100; W. H. Sweet, S100; William
Plasket, $50; S. D. Anderson, $50; Keifer & Hogan,
$50; Sophiah Stevens, $50; U. H. Emick, $50; A. H.
Walters, $25; L. B. Bodwell, $25; J. C. Bare, $25;
four persons, $100; total, $1,025. Having secured
more than one-sixth of the necessary amount in Bald-
win, he pressed the canvass at other points, and at
the close of the conference 3^ear had secured almost
enough in pledges to meet the requirement. Senator
Plumb sent a check for $500, after Sullivan had started
to conference, and on his return found another check
for $500 from Mr. Milburn, the wagon manufacturer.
These two subscriptions almost completed the neces-
sary amount. But the agent had been so quiet as to
what he was doing, some grew restless, and secured his
removal, and S. E. Pendleton was elected to the office.
Although Sullivan was not permitted to hold office
until he had completed the work and cancelled the debt,
the credit for the achievement really belongs to him ;
not only because he had secured in pledges almost the
amount needed, but even after he had been removed
In Northwest Kansas 21
from office rendered efficient service by helping to col-
lect what had been pledged. Pendleton held the office
until November, when he resigned, the bonds having
been taken up.
At the annual meeting of the board of trustees in
June, 1882, on motion of J. M. Sullivan, a committee
consisting of Rhodes and Tucker was appointed to see
that the bonds, when taken up, should be publicly de-
stroyed. Accordingly, at a public meeting in the old
college chapel, on an evening in the following summer,
amid general rejoicing, the bonds were, one by one,
committed to the flames by H. H. Taylor. Thus the
evidence of debt that so nearly swamped Baker went
up in flame and smoke.
The attendance during the next school year was
affected by a false report which got into circulation
that the college building had been destroyed by a
storm. Late in the summer part of the roof was blown
off, but that was the extent of the damage, and it was
soon repaired. But the report had gone out, and a
number of students were turned from us to other in-
stitutions. However, we enjoyed a fairly prosperous
year. There was a small increase in the enrollment,
all the salaries and other expenses were paid, and the
trustees felt warranted in advancing the salaries which
teachers might receive.
The next school year opened auspiciously. The
attendance for the year taxed the building to its utmost
capacity ; but we had the gratification of knowing that
no one left us on account of our crowded condition.
E. J. Baskerville was admitted to the Senior class
and permitted to give instruction in penmanship and
elocution. He succeeded well, and organized large
classes in both branches. He continued to teach these
branches a year after his graduation and organized the
commercial school. For a number of years Miss
22 History of Methodism
Amanda Plaskett had taught drawing and painting.
She continued her work until 1883, when she retired
on her own motion, and Miss Kuhn was elected to the
position.
Up to this time all the work of the college had
been in the stone building (Science Hall), that part
of the upper story west of the stairs being the Chapel.
It was now evident that if we were to grow more, we
must have more room. The situation was laid before
the church trustees and a request made that they grant
us the use of the church for chapel exercises and all
public meetings. The chapel in the science hall was
partitioned. The art school was assigned the north-
west room, and the other two rooms were occupied by
the literary societies. A part of the basement was
finished, which provided recitation rooms for some of
the preparatory classes; and a room was fitted up in
the mansard story, to which the museum was removed.
Not only did additional rooms have to be provided for
the accommodation of the school, but the town, not
having grown as fast as the school, there was a lack
of rooms for the accommodation of the students. Ac-
cordingly, I and others of the teachers pooled the
money we were able to raise with that of citizens who
were willing to join us, and erected four four-room
cottages suitable for self-boarding, each of which pro-
vided accommodation for from six to eight students.
We graduated this year (1883) a class of nine, the
largest number that had been reached up to that time.
The enrollment for the year was three hundred and
fifty-seven. By action of the trustees, the salaries of
the teachers were again increased. Professor and Mrs.
Baker retired from the faculty, and C. S. Parmenter
was elected professor of natural science, and Miss Ida
Ahlborn preceptress and professor of English litera-
ture. Dr. H. A. Butts preached the baccalaureate
In Northwest Kansas 23
According to previous arrangement, a subscription
was started on commencement day for Centenary Hall.
Quite a considerable sum was pledged, which was in-
creased during the summer, through the efforts of the
different members of the faculty. During the winter
term of the following school year my classes were pro-
vided for by the other members of the faculty, and I
occupied myself soliciting subscriptions for the new
building. My . book shows that the entire amount
pledged at the time of the session of the conference in
ring of 1884 was $9,180. This was turned over
to the trustees without cost to them. With these
pledges in hand, the trustees felt warranted in going
forward with the building. The contract for the build-
ing' was accordingly let to Mr. McKim of Lawrence.
He was not willing to go forward with the work unless
some individual would give his personal pledge that
payment for the work would be forthcoming. Rev.
J. M. Sullivan came forward and stood sponsor for the
trustees. This was satisfactory to the contractor, and
the work was begun. By the commencement the foun-
dation was in, and the corner stone was laid on com-
mencement day, 1884.
Mr. George Miller of Baldwin took the contract for
the super-structure.
The enrollment for the year was four hundred and
twenty-five, and a class of seven was graduated. The
baccalaureate sermon was delivered by the president.
At the meeting of the trustees some changes were
made in the teaching force. J. K. Elwell was put in
charge of the commercial school and made instructor
in penmanship, and Dr.. G. W. Hoss, who for some
years had been conducting private classes in oratory
and English classics, was elected to teach these classes
in the college. Allen Buckner was elected financial
agent.
24 History of Methodism
Since the literary societies had been privileged to
have halls for their exclusive use, interest had in-
creased in their work and a healthy rivalry sprang up
not only among their own members ,but they began
to compete with members of other schools. Two so-
cieties were, organized by the ladies, the Clionian and
yElioien. The State Oratorical Society was organized
and Baker students joined the list. In the first con-
test but three schools were represented, Kansas Uni-
versity, The Southwestern and Baker. W. A. Quayle
was our representative. The first contest was held at
Winfield and the man from The Southwestern was
given first place by the decision of the judges; but
owing to the great dissatisfaction that was general,
the association ordered another contest. This was held
at Baldwin. The Kansas University and Baker were
the only schools represented. By the decision of the
judges the first place went to the University of Kan-
sas. Many, however, in the audience were not back-
ward in expressing their dissent to the verdict.
The work on the new building was progressing,
and by the close of the winter term it was ready for
occupancy, and to the delight of the faculty and stu-
dents we moved in. The enrollment for the year
reached four hundred and seventy-five. The catalogue
for Kansas University for that year reports four hun-
dred and seventy-one. A class of six graduated and
M. S. Terry preached the baccalaureate sermon.
It is safe to say that the school year '84-'85 was
the most successful year Baker had experienced up to
that time. The career of the institution had been
varied and somewhat checkered. Her doors were
opened to students in 1858. The war for freedom in
Kansas was on. The Black Jack battle, v
styled "the first battle for freedom," was fought within
four miles of the site of Baker. It was thus near the
In Northwest Kansas 25
storm center of the border strife. Nevertheless, her
doors were never closed, and considering the newness
of the country, and the conditions of the times, the
enrollment was highly creditable. The smallest re-
ported during those years was one hundred and
twenty-nine. That for 1863-64 was two hundred and
five, and that for 1865-66 was two hundred and thirty-
five. In his report for the year 1867 the state superin-
tendent said "Baker University is the oldest living
working institution in the state, and has had more
pupils than half of the other denominational schools
in the state." This success continued until 1869. From
1869 to 1879 the career was checkered. At one time
Professor Weatherby was the only teacher left in the
school. But he and the chairman of the board rallied
other teachers who consented to assist with the classes,
and so the school was kept going.
In one respect, however, the outlook for the school
had never been more unpromising than at the opening
of the fall term of 1879. Heretofore the trustees had
been willing to stand with the faculty and share the
financial responsibilities. But, as I have previously
recited, they now took action freeing themselves of all
obligations for unpaid salaries. The citizens of Bald-
win had always been loyal to the school, and were gen-
erally on hand to show their interest and sympathy on
all important occasions. But if any were present at
the opening that morning, in the fall of 1879, I can
not now recall it. Even Baldwin citizens seemed to
feel that at best it was a forlorn hope. I am quite
certain that no form of welcome was extended to the
incoming administration. Indeed, it was only such an
opening as any ordinary public school with forty pupils
might have. Had we announced that morning our-
selves as prospective rivals of anything, we should
have been ridiculed. But when we accepted the situa-
26 History of Methodism
tion and applied ourselves to our task, doing our own
work, and attending to our own business, leaving
others to do the same, and saw the institution grow
year to year in numbers, and influence, and ef-
ficiency, till at the close of our sixth year we found
ourselves leading the state university in the number
of pupils enrolled, and holding them a close second in
oratory, it was evident that work had been done that
could not be derided.
But these things were not the only evidence of
success. The music department, which had been be-
gun with a little organ and a pjano of my own pur-
chase, had grown amazingly. Musical instruments
galore occupied every available room in the buildings.
At that time there was no better music school in the
state. Four standard literary societies held exercises
each week, which, as institutions for social and literary
culture, were not surpassed in the state, while a
preparatory society fitted younger students for mem-
bership in the standard societies. A college paper had
been established which ranked with like papers in
other institutions in the state. A lecture bureau was
organized in October, 1884, which was sustained by
the four college literary societies. Each society elected
three persons to represent it in the bureau. The first
year they provided five lecturers: Richard Proctor,
Dr. Hedley, Bob Burdette, William Parsons and John
J. Ingalls. The second year they provided ten enter-
tainments, impersonations, musicales and lectures.
The lecturers were Dr. C. L. Thompson, Mary A.
Livermore, G. W. Bain, Stewart Rogers, Joseph Cook
and John Clark Ridpath. When Joseph Cook rose be-
fore a packed house of intelligent people, he remarked
that Baldwin was the biggest little town he had ever
been in. The bureau was wholly self-sustaining and
expended that year $550.
In Northwest Kansas 27
The course of study had been strengthened by the
addition of a year to the requirements for admission
to the college course. The commercial school had also
prospered and compared favorably with other schools
of the kind. Salaries and all other expenses were paid,
and that without the trustees having gotten behind a
dollar for current expenses. In addition to this, a
new and commodious building was on the ground, half
of the funds for which had been secured through the
efforts of the faculty. All this in the face of the fact
that when we undertook the work, the buildings were
inadequate either for the accommodation of the school
or for the housing of the students ; the equipment was
very inferior and no funds in the treasury either for
improvements of the buildings, purchase of equipment
or payment of salaries; and there was no pledge that
any definite salary would be paid. It would be inter-
esting to know if another institution in Methodism
has risen from the dust in like manner and by similar
agencies. Whether there has been or not, I have never
felt in any sense ashamed of what was accomplished
at Baker. But in the face of all that had been accom-
plished, there were persons clamoring for my removal
and plotting to effect it. The following year they suc-
ceeded in their purpose. The trustees showed their
appreciation of the work by again increasing the sal-
aries ; that is, they increased the amount we might re-
ceive in case we could get it. They did this, however,
against my judgment and over my protest. The out-
come proved my judgment to have been correct. An
additional member was added to the faculty, and the
enrollment the following year was thirty-three short
of the previous year, so that the income was several
hundred dollars less than the expense. My own re-
ceipts were one hundred and forty dollars less than
they were the previous year. If we had exercised
28 History of Methodism
worldly wisdom and held the surplus of previous years
in our treasury, we might have had funds to meet
this deficiency. But we were trying to build the school,
and not to provide for a rainy day.
The year 1885-86 did not differ in anything essen-
tial from the previous year. The enrollment was not
quite so large, but the graduating class was the largest
in the history of the school. A sad event cast a gloom
over the school early in the year. Miss Cora Emick,
one of the brightest members of the Senior class, took
typhoid fever and, after a few weeks of painful illness,
went to join those who have angel teachers. I accom-
panied the body to her home in Clay Center and found
the town in mourning over her death. Allen J. Addell,
a preparatory student, also died in Baldwin this year.
So far as I can now recall these were the only deaths
of students during my administration.
The school year closed pleasantly. The annual
exercises by the literary societies and the graduation
exercises were in a high degree creditable. The bac-
calaureate sermon was preached by the president from
the text :
"To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my
throne, even as I also overcame and am set down with my
Father in His Throne."
The reader will recall that I stated in the fore part
of this paper that the train of events previous to my
coming to Baker led me to conclude that I had a work
to do in the institution. I have never changed my
opinion in that matter, or ever once regretted that I
followed the voice that guided me to this work. One
of greater ability might have done more, but I have
the satisfaction of knowing that, up to the measure of
my ability, I did the best I could, and continued at the
task as long as I was permitted. If others might have
done more, nevertheless what was accomplished will
In Northwest Kansas 29
not suffer by comparison with what others had pre-
viously done.
I was the twelfth president. June, 1879, closed the
twenty-first year of Baker's history. In those years
they graduated twenty-seven persons. There was no
senior class in '79, hence there were no graduates in
'80.
In the next six years we graduated forty persons,
and in addition to those, a number completed the nor-
mal course.
The quality of the work done may be judged from
the products sent out.
Of the forty graduates, one is a bishop, one an
ex-United States senator, one speaker of the Kansas
House of Representatives, one general secretary of the
Epworth League for two quadreniums, one a college
professor, who for twenty-five years maintained her-
self at the head of a department in her alma mater;
one an authoress, whose contributions are welcomed
by the church press and other publishers. Many young
people, after completing the college course, seek fur-
ther training in professional or graduate schools, but
these entered upon their life work with only the train-
ing received at Baker.
Of the remaining thirty-four, fourteen were
preachers, five lawyers, two teachers. All the others,
as far as I know, acquitted themselves well in some
useful calling.
In addition to these, there were forty or fifty others
who were helped toward graduation which they after-
wards reached, some of whom attained distinction, one
being an influential member of Congress for successive
terms. Several reached distinction in the ministry.
Besides these, there were some hundreds who were
never graduated, but were helped in their preparation
for their life task by attendance at Baker for one or
more years, from '79 to '86.
30 History of Methodism
Taken all in all, the writer feels that he has had
some part in a work that was worth while, and that
some record of it may claim a place in the annals of
the school.
For that reason, he presents this booklet to the
library, as his last contribution to an institution to
which he devoted eleven of the best years of his life.
Every lover of progress and achievement must re-
joice in the success that has attended the labors of
those who, in recent years, have so greatly enlarged the
borders and strengthened the stakes of Baker Uni-
versity.
May her prosperity continue, and increase more
and more.
W. H. Sweet.
Father resigned the presidency of Baker Univer-
sity in the spring of 1886, and in the summer of that
year we moved to Salina, Kansas, where the Northwest
Kansas Conference were just establishing a college,
Kansas Wesleyan University. Father became a mem-
ber of the first faculty of that institution. He re-
mained at this post but one year. There were now
six children in the family, and the income had to be
increased, and although the college work was richly
enjoyed, the pastorate of the First Methodist Church
at Salina was accepted. Though no longer a member
of the faculty, father kept in touch with the college
and served as a trustee during most of the remainder
of his life, and for a number of years he was the pres-
ident of the Board of Trustees.
After serving two years at the First Church of
Salina, he was assigned to the church at Minneapolis.
Two years he was pastor here, when we again moved
to Salina, father having been made Presiding Elder of
the Salina District. The six years on the Salina Dis-
In Northwest Kansas 31
trict were among the hardest years Kansas has ever
experienced. One of the recollections of my boyhood
was of the barrels and boxes filled with clothing which
came into our house, shipped from the East, to be dis-
tributed by father among the needy people of his dis-
trict. After serving the district for six years, during
which time he was twice a delegate to the General
Conference, in 1892 and 1896, father was sent to Beloit
as pastor. Downs, Lincoln, Marquette and University
Church, Salina, completes the list of his pastorates in
the Northwest Kansas Conference.
Toward the end of his active ministry, mother's
health was slowly giving way. Finally it was decided
to go to a milder climate, and a home was purchased
in Centralia, Washington. Here it was that the last
days were spent. Father, still active in many ways,
about the garden and working on the history of his
conference; mother confined most of the time to the
house with declining health.
Finally the end came for both, father on the 5th
of January, 1919, and mother nineteen days later,
January 24th. These three simple verses of faith
found on father's desk by my sister, Ruth, after his
death, well serve to close this sketch, for they typify
both father's and mother's attitude toward life and
death :
My work on earth is well nigh done,
I wait the setting of the sun.
I hear the sui'ging of the sea
That beats upon eternity;
I see the far-off shadow realm
And thither turn the trembling helm.
The winds that blow so cold and drear
Grow softer as the end draws near.
The distant gleams of silver light
Relieve the darkness of the night.
There stands upon the misty shore
Faint forms of loved ones gone before.
32 History of Methodism
The voice that once said "Peace be still"
Now whispers softly, "fear no ill."
I sail alone, yet not alone,
The Saviour takes me for his own,
I wait his greeting when I land,
I wait the grasp of his dear hand.
CHAPTER I.
KANSAS.
It has been said that Kansas is only another word
for opportunity. If the time be restricted to recent
years, the saving is true; but whoever will under-
take to trace any chain of events, in this territory, to
their beginning, shall find historic rootlets running
back to a time when Kansas meant anything but op-
portunity. Of no state in the Union, has this been
more true ; for the reason that no part of the country
had so unpropitious an outlook at the first and no
other state has been trameled by so many handicaps.
In the geographies in use in the schools of the
country, down to the middle of the nineteenth cen-
tury, the entire country lying between the Missouri
River and the Rocky Mountains, was denominated the
Great American Desert.
In 1819-20 Major H. S. Long's party traversed
a part of Kansas.
"To those early American explorers, Kansas hard-
ly presented an attractive or promising appearance.
The beautiful prairies of the eastern border showed
billowy bays of grass ever rolling in shadowy sun-
shine ; which kindled their enthusiasm, but in the in-
terior and to the westward, they found a hopeless
reach of desert, well enough for Indians— for white
men untenable." Lieutenant Pike considered "the
borders of the Arkansas river a paradise for the wan-
dering savage, * * * but the region could not
support white men in large numbers, even along the
Kansas, the LaPlatte and Arkansas rivers, and their
tributaries. The wood now in the country would not
34 History of Methodism
be sufficient for a moderate population, for more than
fifteen years, and then it would be out of the ques-
tion to think of using any of it in manufactories ; con-
sequently their houses would be built entirely of mud
brick, like those of New Spain, or of the brick manu-
factured with fire.'' 1
"When the Kansas-Nebraska bill passed Congress,
Kansas contained not a town or settlement of whites.
The only inhabitants in it, except Indians, were a
few traders, Missionaries and Indian Agents. The
western limits of Missouri were, a few years previ-
ous, regarded as the outer verge of civilization; and
the domain of Kansas, as a part of the Great Ameri-
can Desert, over which farms, towns and cities could
never spread; fit only for the nomadic wandering of
the savage, the prowling of the wolf, and the range of
the buffalo. It was marked on the map — 'Great
American Desert,' a desolate and sterile waste." 2
Such was the view entertained sixty years ago,
of the country we are now pleased to call "Sunny
Kansas." Nor was this opinion readily abandoned.
Even after the state was admitted into the Union,
many persisted in the prediction, that even the central
portion of the state would never be settled. As late as
1866, intelligent people who visited the state, thought
that Manhattan was as far west as cultivation would
ever extend. This is the reason that the state capitol,
and all the state institutions are located so far east of
the middle of the state. Some thought even Topeka
was too far west for the capitol, and voted for Bald-
win instead.
This is quite in contrast with the description which
Jason Lee sent to Congress of the Oregon country.
He said: "The products of our fields have amply justi-
i Spring's Hist, of Kansas.
- Hallowell Hist, of Kansa.-.
In Northwest Kansas 35
fied the most flattering description of the fertility of
the soil, while the facilities which it affords for rais-
ing cattle, are perhaps exceeded by those of no coun-
try in North America.
The people of the United States, we believe, are
not generally apprised of the extent of valuable coun-
try west of the Rocky Mountains. A large portion of
the territory from the Columbia River south, to the
boundary line of the United States and the Mexican
Republic, and extending frcm the coast of the Pacific
for about 250 or 300 miles, into the interior, is either
well supplied with timber, or adapted to pasturage
or agriculture. The fertile valley of Williamette, and
the Umpqua are varied with prairies and woodlands,
and intersected by abundant lateral streams present-
ing facilities for machinery."
In another memorial to Congress the following lan-
guage is found :
"Your petitioners would further represent that the
country south of the Columbia River and north of the
Mexican line, is one of unequaled beauty. The moun-
tains covered with perpetual snow, pouring into the
prairies below around their bases, transparent streams
of the purest water. The white and black oak, pine,
cedar and fir forests that divide the prairies into sec-
tions convenient for farming purposes ; the rich mines
of coal ; the quarries of limestone, chalk and marble ;
the salmon in the rivers, and the various blessings of
the delightful and healthful climate, are known to us ;
and impress your petitioners with the belief that this
is one of the most favored portions of the globe."
People impressed by the representations of Mr. Lee
and his compatriots, flocked to the western coast,
until there was carved out of the Oregon country, three
noble states, Oregon, Washington and Idaho. They
did well and why should they not? It was theirs to
gather rich harvests from their sowings year by year,
36 History of Methodism
and to garner wealth from forests and mines and
rivers.
But what shall be said of those who by diligent
and patient, persistent endeavor, have made the Kansas
desert "to rejoice and blossom as the rose."
But drowth was not the only thing that hindered
development in Kansas. Two other things conspired
to hinder settlement. These were Indian raids, and
the efforts of the slave power to foist a proslavery
government upon the state. A single act of Congress
served to intensify the evil effects of both.
The passage of the Kansas-Nebraska bill by Con-
gress, repealed the treaties which had been made with
the Indians, giving them allotments in Kansas, and
repealed the Missouri Compromise, thus making it
possible for slavery to be established in the state. This
last measure prohibited slavery north of 36° 30".
The American Indian was a factor that had to be
reckoned with,
Thus innocent men, women and children were made
to pay the penalty of faith violated by the legislators
of the nation. If the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska
bill provoked Indians to deeds of violence and sav-
agery, it cut the nerve of resolution of many who were
looking with expectancy to the Kansas prairies.
On the 20th of May, 1854, W. H. Seward said:
"The sun has set for the last time upon the guaran-
teed and certain liberties of all unsettled and unorgan-
ized portions of the American continent, that is, within
the jurisdiction of the United States. Tomorrow's
sun will rise in dim eclipse over them."
The New York Tribune of May 24 said: "The
revolution is accomplished and slavery is King. How
long shall this Monarch reign?" In June it said:
"Not even by an accident, is any advantage left for
liberty in this bill. It is all blackness, without a single
In Northwest Kansas 37
gleam of light — a desert without one spot of verdure
— a crime that can show no redeeming point."
Thus it is seen that the most astute leaders of that
day regarded the contest for Freedom as already lost.
* "Kansas has a history which is common with that
of no other state in the Union. The history of slavery
in our country is the history of successive triumphs
and continued advances, over the will of the majority
of our people, until it entered into a hand-to-hand
grapple with Free Labor in Kansas. Here was the
battlefield of the combined forces of the irrepressible
conflict, and here the question of supremacy between
its opposing elements was finally settled. Slavery tri-
umphed in every territory where she sought to estab-
lish her dominion, until she provoked, by tearing down
the bulwarks of plighted faith, a single-handed con-
flict, with Free Labor in the settlement of Kansas,
upon the principle of Popular Sovereignty.
To the people of this territory, aided by friends in
free states, therefore, belongs the honor of first repell-
ing the forces of slavery, and of forever destroying its
power. Slave propagandists felt this, and hence when
defeated in Kansas, they turned, in their wrath, upon
the general government, which had been to slavery an
indulgent and fostering guardian, to take its life, that
they might rid themselves of its control.
Thus in the heart of this nation there was staked
off a great territory, for experiments in popular sov-
ereignty, as a Union saving expedient.
Thitherward hurried partisans of North and South
— representatives of incompatible civilizations — hire-
lings, adventurers, blatherskites, fanatics, reformers,
philanthropists, patriots. That such a medley of hu-
manity, recruited from Moosehead Lake to the Rio
Grande, responsive to all the sectional animosities
*Holloway's preface to History of Kansas.
38 History of Methodism
which distracted and imperiled the country, conscious
after some vague sort that great destinies might hinge
on their mission, would transform the wilderness of
Kansas into an immediate Utopia, was hardly to be
anticipated. So foul a sky clears not without a storm."
Few fully comprehend the awful character and ex-
tent of the desperate conflict in Kansas. Both parties
upheld by the pecuniary means and moral support of
their respective estates, engaged in it with the most in-
tense and inflamed spirit of partisans. Plans deep,
dark and far reaching were laid by the great minds,
of the nation, and found their execution in Kansas.
Worse than civil war reigned, worse than its con-
comitant evil prevailed. A few extracts from the press
of that period will serve to show what some of those
evils were.
The slave power had determined that Kansas
should come into the Union as a slave state. This was
to be accomplished at all hazards, and no act of vio-'
lence that promised success was too horrible to be
undertaken, and no squeamish notions of right or
propriety were to be tolerated, if they, in any wise,
interfered with the carrying out of proposed plans.
*In June, 1854, ten days after the opening of the
territory, a number of Missourians met within three
miles of Fort Leavenworth and organized the Squat-
ters' Claim Association, and adopted rules to govern
the settlement of the territory. Here are three of
them: "(8) We recognize the system of slavery as
already existing in this territory and recommend slave
holders to introduce their property as soon as possible.
(9) That we will afford no protection to abolitionists
as settlers of Kansas territory. (10) That a vigilance
committee of thirteen be appointed to decide all dis-
putes."
B. F. Stringfellow, a prominent proslavery advo-
cate, defined an abolitionist as follows : "Every Na-
In Northwest Kansas 39
tional Democrat is an abolitionist in disguise. He
might not steal a nigger, but would pat on the back
those who did." Therefore, the idea of a national
Democratic party is absurd. The "Democratic Plat-
form," — a Missouri newspaper, — said in 1854: "We
are in favor of making Kansas a slave state, if it should
require half the citizens of Missouri, musket in hand,
to emigrate there, and even sacrifice their lives, in
accomplishing so desirable an end." "The Western
Champion" responded: "Them's our sentiments."
Not only were such sentiments freely expressed by
individuals and the public press, but vigilance com-
mittees were appointed in many places, with a view to
carrying out the threats. April 30, '55, a meeting at
Leavenworth adopted among other resolutions the
following : "Resolved, that a vigilance committee con-
sisting of thirty members shall now be appointed, who
shall observe and report all such persons who shall
openly act in violation of law and order, and by the
expression of abolition sentiments produce disturbance
to the quiet of the citizens, or danger to their domestic
relations, and all such persons so offending shall be
notified and made to leave the territory." On April
30th this vigilance committee gave notice to William
Phillips, a free state lawyer living in that city, to leave
the territory. He refused, and was seized, taken to
Weston, one side of his head shaved, stripped of his
clothes, tarred and feathered, ridden for a mile and a
half on a rail, and a negro auctioneer went through
the mockery of selling him for one dollar. On May
20 the Leavenworth Herald said of the tarring and
feathering: "Our action in the whole affair is em-
phatically endorsed by the pro-slavery party in this
district. The joy, exultation and glorification produced
by it in our community are unparalleled." A public
meeting in Leavenworth May 25 resolved : "That we
heartily endorse the actions of the citizens who shaved,
40 History of Methodism
tarred and feathered, rode on a rail, and sold by a
negro, William Phillips, the moral perjurer." Phillips
had protested against a fraudulent election. He was
killed in his home, September 1, 1856, by squatter
sovereigns.
On August 16, 1855, Rev. Pardee Butler was placed
on a raft at Atchison, and sent down the Missouri
River. Citizens followed, stoning him. Butler had
avowed himself a freesoiler, on the streets of Atchi-
son. All of this outlawry was approved and much of
it incited by David R. Atchison, a U. S. Senator from
Missouri. A Dr. Smith of Boston, a traveler through
the country, describes the Missouri bandits as follows :
"Those I saw at Westport, whose camp was in the
woods, only a few rods out of the territory, were young
men, rough, coarse, sneering, swaggering., daredevil
looking rascals as ever swung upon a gallows. The
marauders were mounted upon horses and mules,
armed to the teeth with pistols, long knives and car-
bines. They rob travelers, surprise the humble res-
idents of prairie cabins, whom they strip of their
valuables, and in repeated instances murder the
owner." Henry Ward Beecher said of them : "Sharp's
rifle is truly a moral agency, and there is more moral
power in one of those instruments, so far as slave
holders of Kansas are concerned, than in a hundred
Bibles. You might just as well read the Bible to
buffalos as to those fellows who follow Atchison and
Stringfellow ; but they have supreme respect for the
logic that is embodied in Sharp's rifles." Such was
the character of many of those who came to Kansas
in 1854-'56.
Much more might be added of the same character,
but enough has been said to show the handicap placed
on Kansas by the border war. Nebraska was not so
afflicted. The pro-slavery people were willing that it
should be a free state. Justice demands that another
In Northwest Kansas 41
quotation from Martin be added. He says: "Let me
emphasize again, they (the Border Ruffians) were
but a fraction of the people of Western Missouri. No
greater, more useful or patriotic people ever lived than
the generation of Missourians who followed Doniphan,
and who cut the trackless waste west of them by the
trails of commerce."
Indeed it may be questioned whether the cause in
which the Border Ruffians were enlisted was not re-
sponsible for the depredations and atrocities com-
mitted., rather than their inherent badness. After
slavery was abolished many pro-slavery men showed
themselves to be actuated by very different principles
from those they had espoused while the contest was
on. Mr. Martin says : "I once asked a man who was
notorious on the border during the war, and prom-
inent afterward as a business man, and a good citizen,
to write a story of his experiences for the Kansas State
Historical Society. His response was: "I have two
as good boys as a man ever had in this world, and I
do not want them to know any more about their father
than is necessary."
Even Stringfellow, who was a great fomenter of
strife, and encouraged the most extreme measures,
and was ready to excuse and condone the very worst
that could be done, so far changed his sentiments and
conduct as to even become a Republican in politics.
The marvel is that after the scenes that were acted
out from 1854 to 1861, the population of the state
should be so renovated and purged as to present so
worthy a citizenship.
But Indian raids and border strife were not the
only things that hindered the development of Kansas.
Frequent crop failures or partial failures greatly re-
tarded the growth of the state.
In 1874, drouth, chinch bugs and grasshoppers
combined to devastate the country. In 1890 and 1894
42 History of Methodism
drouth prevailed throughout almost the entire state,
and in 1911 and 1913 the experience was repeated. In
addition to these, there have been partial failures
which in some localities were complete. So that in
some sections of the state full crops were not reaped
for from two to seven years at a time.
dtors in the state often remark as to the excel-
lent character of our citizens. This is only what might
be expected. Indeed, it would be strange if it were not
so. The state having passed through so many trying
ordeals, those who remained in it must, in the very
nature of the case, have had staying qualities. Each
new trial that has come through the years has served
as an automatic screen through which our population
has been sifted. This is not saying none left the state
except undesirables, nor that all of inferior quality
have been sifted out. From one cause or another many
-one whom it would have been desirable to re-
tain, and some are here who might easily be spared.
The purpose of the grain separator is to divide the
straw and chaff and light grain from the marketable
wheat; but some good grain goes into the straw, and
some light grain and chaff remain with the wheat, but
that which is garnered is in much more marketable
condition than that which we used to gather from a
machine which had no separator attachment. Other
states got their population under such conditions, but
Kansans passed through the separator. That the esti-
mate which our visitors place upon our citizens is cor-
rect and just is demonstrated by what has been
achieved in the state out of conditions so unpropitious.
Back in the 60's, when everything looked so un-
favorable, if one had predicted that Kansas would, in
a half century, rival in achievement the most favored
states, he would have been regarded as an idle
dreamer. It would have been argued that there were
natural conditions that could never be overcome. But
In Northwest Kansas 43
today we find not only that Kansas is a rival of the
best, but is surpassing some that were thought to be
highly favored in soil, and climate, and in all essential
characteristics. The very unfavorable conditions,
which explorers reported to exist in Kansas, have been
mentioned ; also the very flattering prospects found by
early settlers on the Pacific coast. They stand in bold
contrast. Washington authorities estimate that the
wheat crop of that state for 1915 was 50,495,601
bushels, while the Kansas crop for that year was
95,768,176 bushels. It will be recalled that three
states, Oregon, Washington and Idaho, were carved
out of the original Oregon country, and the favorable
conditions were claimed for the whole of it. It com-
prised a stretch of country more than three times the
extent of Kansas. The grain inspector of Washington
ventures an estimate of the wheat crop of 1915 for
all three states, and reckons it to have been 84,160,000
bushels, and remarks that this is the largest,, by far,
in the history of the Northwest, but Kansas surpassed
all of them by more than 10,000,000 bushels.
Oregon authorities estimate the value of live stock
and all farm products for the year 1914 at $135,500,-
000, but Kansas reports the value of the same products
for the same year to be $638,253,261, or more than
four times that of Oregon. Illinois is probably the
first agricultural state in the Union, but if Kansas
be compared with that great state, it will be found
not to be greatly outdistanced. For Illinois reports
her live stock and all farm products as having a value
of $656,171,775, while Kansas reports hers at $652,-
217,080, or less than four million below that of the
greatest state.
Considering the conditions which existed a half
century ago, these results which have been wrought
out are seen to be marvelous. How can they be ac-
counted for? The answer to that question is in one
44 History of Methodism
word: the people. When John Adams pleaded that
the Continental Congress should declare themselves
free and independent, and they stood hesitant fearful
as to what might be the result of so bold a stand, he
said to them: "The people, the people, if we are true
to them, will cany us, and will carry themselves
gloriously through this struggle." So a seer standing
back in the 60's, and contemplating the uncertainties,
the danger, the hazard connected with the settlement
and development of Kansas, might confidently have
adopted the language of the revolutionary leader. For
it has been the pluck and energy and perseverance of
Kansas people, who in every instance, have brought
succor and deliverance from impending peril, and suc-
cess and prosperity out of threatened disaster. When
savages invaded the territory, and by pillage and mur-
der were terrorizing the settlers, a little band of Kan-
sas men, marooned on an island in the Aricaree, bur-
rowed in the sand and awaited the attack of a body
of Cheyenne savages, twenty times their number, led
by their fiercest warrior chief, Roman Nose. Nearly
half the little band were killed or wounded at the first
attack. Then the savages withdrew to reform their
columns. On they came riding sixty abreast. As they
approached the island, Roman Nose rose to his full
height, and uttered a war cry fierce and fiendish, which,
being taken up by the whole band was well calculated to
strike terror to the stoutest heart. But in that hour of
supreme peril, a Kansas boy, crouching in his frail shel-
ter, with steady nerve and deadly aim, sent a ball
crashing into the body of the fierce leader, caused him
to bite the dust. The war whoop was changed into
bitter wailings. "All night the Indians gathered up
their dead and chanted their weird death songs." A
band of fifty Kansas men had met and defeated a force
twenty times their number. This victory on the Ari-
In Northwest Kansas 45
caree broke up the combination of Indian forces for
all future time.
Custer's victory over the Cheyennes, Kiowas and
Arapahoes in November of the same year, together
with the winter campaign of Crawford's Nineteenth
Kansas, who were led by scouts recruited in the Kan-
sas valleys, practically put an end to Indian raids
in the state.
When the slave oligarchy, bent on extending that
accursed system at whatever cost of principle or right,
transported the ruffians from Missouri who sought by
perjury and illegal voting to foist a proslavery consti-
tution upon the state, it was Kansans who quietly bid-
ed their time, until in 1859 a legal election was se-
cured and a Free State constitution adopted. Then,
in 1861, the proslavery members of Congress having
withdrawn, to join the ranks of secessiondom, the state
was admitted into the Union.
When in 1874 the grasshoppers had destroyed two
plantings of corn, it was Kansans, who refusing to be
outdone by insect pests, by a third planting, succeeded
in raising a record breaking crop. So with succeed-
ing crop failures; by persistent effort they finally
achieved the signal successes which in recent years
have crowned their efforts.
Lest I be accused of being prejudiced in favor of
my adopted state, let another tell of her financial and
intellectual condition. The Philadelphia North Ameri-
can, in 1913, published the following:
"As a matter of fact Kansas, which last year pro-
duced 325 million dollars worth of farm products,
can better afford such a roasting and drying up, than
any other state. It can better afford this or any other
brand of calamity, for its people are not constantly
paying out huge sums for the care and keep of crim-
inals, paupers, insane and feeble minded. In 1887 its
46 History of Methodism
one hundred and five counties had no insane. In fifty-
four of this number, there are no feeble minded.
Ninety-six counties had no inebriates, and in the other
nine they are as scarce as hens' teeth. Thirty-eight
county poor houses are as empty as a last year's locust
shell, and most of them have been so for the best part
of a decade. The pauper population of the state is a
little short of six hundred. That is one pauper for
every three thousand of the kind, making a living, and
a good one — the kind that now own two hundred and
twenty-five million dollars worth of live stock, and in
the last twelve months, have added more than forty-
five million dollars worth to their taxable personal
property. At one time not long ago, the jails in fifty-
three counties were empty, and sixty-five counties were
on the roll as having no prisoners serving sentences
in the penitentiary. Some counties have not called a
jury to try a criminal case in ten years and the attor-
ney general says: "A grand jury is so uncommon, half
our people would not know what it is, or how to use
it!"
For still other reasons Kansas can afford to lose
two-thirds of a cory crop, without having to renew the
calamity howls which once went rasping through the
nation, from that grassy quadrangle, whose dream is
the realization of the impossible, and which, for
twenty-five years have been making that dream come
true. Instead of being plastered from end to end with
mortgages held by easterners, as was the case two
decades ago, its own people this year, hold more than
sixty-seven million dollars, in this form of wealth, an
increase of more than five hundred per cent in five
years.
Instead of being hampered by a large list of illit-
erates — its present ratio of two per cent is next to
the lowest in the land, and two-thirds lower than
Massachusetts."
In Northwest Kansas 47
To all of this success, material and intellectual, the
people called Methodists contributed their due propor-
tion, and superadded to this what is more important,
the refining influence of Christianity.
This book has for its object the tracing of the plant-
ing, the growth and achievements of Methodism in the
northwest section of the state.
CHAPTER II.
PIONEERING.
The growth of the church in the state was not un-
like its material development. Small beginnings char-
acterized both. Each was planted on the eastern bor-
der and gradually pushed westward. Several localities
received the gospel about the same time. In very many
instances the credit for establishing public worship
and organizing churches was due to local preachers.
Whatever may be thought or said of this class of
Christian workers at the present day, the time was
when but for their devotion to Christ and fidelity to
His cause, many sections of the country would have
been without the gospel and the ordinances of the
church much longer than they were. This was true
not only of Kansas, but of every state in the nation.
The writer recalls in grateful remembrance Daddy
Birdsell of Clearmont County, Ohio, an old saint of
God, who farmed to pay expenses, but spent much of
his time preaching the gospel, visiting the sick, bury-
ing the dead, and during the fall and winter season
holding revivals and leading sinners to Christ. It was
to him I gave my hand when I sought church mem-
bership. God bless the memory of the dear old man !
And God bless the memory of the host of local preach-
ers in every land who were glad, and in many cases
able, dispensers of the word; who preached not be-
cause they were to receive a stipend, but gloried in
the privilege of being ambassadors for Christ and,
like Saint Paul, in paying their own way.
One of the first to conduct services within the ter-
ritory now occupied by the Northwest Kansas Con-
ference was J. P. Ryan. He came to Kansas in 1859
In Northwest Kansas 49
from Iowa, though he had formerly resided in Indiana.
He first settled in Riley County, not far from Man-
hattan, where he was associated with Dr. Joseph Deni-
son, R. L. Harford, James Lawrence, William Knipe,
and others who were prominent members of the Kan-
sas Conference. He lived for four years on Dr. Den-
nison's farm and did the carpenter work on the Blue
Mont College, which was a Methodist institution,
afterward taken over by the State, and became the
nucleus of the Agricultural College. In 1865 Brother
Ryan took a homestead in Clay County, on the west
side of the Republican River, about four miles from
the present city of Clay Center. He conducted the
first service held in Clay Center, and organized the
first Sunday School. There were no school houses in
the country. Religious services were held in the
cabins and dugouts of the settlers, or in the groves in
warm weather. In those days Indian raids were not
uncommon. On one occasion a few people had met in
a grove for a religious service, when somebody brought
a report that the Indians were coming. Brother Ryan
tried to restrain the people, but his efforts were vain,
for they scattered forthwith. The rumored raid, how-
ever, did not materialize.
As early as 1868 a class was organized on the west
side of the Republican River, in Clay County, called
Riverdale. It was connected with Clay Center circuit,
under the supervision of Rev. Frank Cunningham, as-
sisted by Rev. J. P. Ryan. This circuit was in the
Manhattan district, Rev. G. S. Dearborn Presiding
Elder.
The next year, 1869, J. P. Ryan was placed in
charge of the work on the west side of the river. Two
new classes were organized, Republican City and
Washington. In 1870 the Washington and Republican
City circuit was formed on the west side and was
served by Richard Wake. The next year this circuit
50 History of Methodism
was in charge of George Nicholson, with J. P. Ryan
assistant.
In 1872 the work was divided and the Riverdale
circuit was formed, comprising Riverdale and Shirley,
in Cloud County, and Bagby, Chapman Creek and
Five Creeks. The circuit included all the territory
north of Republican City, west of the river and as far
north as Shirley, and west to the divide, between the
Republican and Solomon Rivers. There were eight
appointments, which were served by J. P. Ryan. It
was in the Salina district, James Lawrence Presiding
Elder.
In 1872 and 1873 three classes were organized in ter-
ritory now in the Northwest Kansas Conference — the
Star school house, three miles north of the present site
of Miltonville, Sulphur Springs, three miles south of
Aurora, and Shirley, a school house not far from where
the town of Rice now is located. These were the be-
ginning of the Miltonville, Aurora and Rice societies,
and were organized by J. P. Ryan. In those days, the
Quarterly meeting was an occasion of spiritual uplift.
Sometimes the Presiding Elder would have his sched-
ule arranged ahead, so that he would be able to an-
nounce, at one Quarterly Meeting, when the next one
would be, the time would be remembered and looked
forward to with expectancy.
Reason and Levi Phelps were two persons very
closely affiliated with the experiences of those times.
Reason was class leader and Levi was a Steward. They
would drive twenty miles, going sometimes on Friday
and stay until Monday morning. It was the devotion
of such as these, that kept the struggling charges alive
in those times.
One of the earliest leaders in the northwest cor-
ner of the Conference was R. P. West. He had a
homestead eight miles southeast of where the town of
Belleville was afterward located, in the year 1866. He
In Northwest Kansas 51
was a local preacher of more than ordinary ability,
was a good singer and a fluent talker. He was also
of a cheerful disposition and had a fund of stories and
anecdotes, that rendered him very acceptable to the
people. And he neglected not the gift that was in him,
but diligently dispensed the Gospel, preaching in the
school houses and humble homes of the people. Classes
were organized at Fairview (now Wayne), Clifton,
Clyde, Cuba, Salt Creek, Haddam and Blocker's School
house, now Morrowville. He also preached at the home
of W. J. Christie on lower Salt Creek, now Hollis.
The first member of Annual Conference who
preached in this vicinity was Rev. E. R. Brown, of the
Kansas Conference. In the spring of 1868 he was ap-
pointed to the Republican Valley circuit by Rev. N.
Green, Presiding Elder of the Manhattan District.
Green was at one time Lieutenant Governor and for a
brief time acted as Governor, and was known in later
years as Governor Green. The head of the Republican
Valley circuit was Clyde, the society there having been
organized by R. P. West. Brown says of the circuit:
"It extended east into Clay county and north and west
into Republic and Washington counties, requiring nine-
ty miles of travel to reach the appointments. He trav-
eled the circuit on foot, reaching the appointments once
a month. Of the conditions he says : "There were but
eight or ten shingle roofed houses within the bounds
of the circuit. The school houses were of round logs,
sod roofed with a section cut from one of the logs,
and a single window glass set in for light and ventila-
tion. People came twelve miles to church ; not entirely
for the service, but they were hungry to see folks.
Men came coatless and barefooted, not because they
had not been accustomed to better things, but because
they could not then afford such luxuries, as coats and
shoes. Brown relates one experience that came to
him which was remarkable. There was one family on
52 History of Methodism
the charge by the name of Spencer, the wife a mem-
ber of the church. Up to a certain day in the fall of
the year, he had not visited this family. On this par-
ticular day, being in that neighborhood, he felt espe-
cially impressed, that he ought to visit the Spencer
family. He had eaten supper with a Brother McBride,
a local preacher, who had insisted on his staying all
night, and even refused to consent to Brown's going,
but he was so forcibly impressed that he ought to go,
that he went against McBride's protest. At this time
he was using a borrowed pony. He arrived at the
Spencer home about sundown and found that Spencer
was away from home, leaving the wife and four chil-
dren, two boys nine and twelve, and two little girls,
one three, and the other a babe, and a lady seventy
years old, and entirely blind. After prayer they re-
tired, the preacher occupying a bed in one corner of
the room, Mrs. Spencer and the blind lady and two lit-
tle children, a bed in the opposite corner, and the boys
a pallet on the floor. Early in the evening it began to
rain, and continued through the night. About two
o'clock one of the boys called out that he was wet. The
preacher told him to come and get in his bed. As he
came, it was noticed that the child was walking in
water. Brown rose and found himself ankle deep in
water. He dressed and noted that the water was ris-
ing rapidly, and that they must vacate the dugout at
once. All were finally removed and taken to ground
sufficiently high to be out of danger from the rising
flood. There they huddled together and protected
themselves as best they could, with a bed comfort,
which they had brought from the dugout, and waited
till morning. At daylight the water was running furi-
ously, four feet over the top of the dugout, which had
caved in, and would have been the grave of the family
if they had not been taken out.
In Northwest Kansas 53
Three miles above the Spencer home in the same
valley, were three families living in tents. As soon as
he could well leave the family he had rescued, Brother
Brown, and a young; man who came along early next
morning, went to see how the people who were living
in tents had fared. They found a mother walking
along the river bank who informed them that her own
grown daughter and five chidren had been drowned,
and that the mother of the children was lodged in a
tree top, in imminent danger. They rescued the worn-'
an from her perilous position, then busied themselves
in bringing together the bodies of those who had been
drowned, getting food for the living and on Sunday
evening buried the deceased on the hillside.
As a counterpart to this sad experience, Brother
Brown relates a revival experience Chat is inspiring.
He was invited to hold a meeting seven miles north of
Clyde on Elk Creek. There was no church organiza-
tion, but there were four Christian families, two Meth-
odist, one Baptist and one Presbyterian. The meeting
was begun in a dugout, but the first night, so many
attended they could not be comfortable, and they'
thought they would have to abandon the effort; but a
Brother Dilly spoke up and said : "Brother Brown, you
may have my house, and we will move into the cellar."
The cellar was only a hole in the ground without walls
or floor other than the soil, but the offer was accepted
and the next day the furniture, what little they had,
was moved into the cellar, and the next evening, serv-
ices were held in the house. In a few evenings this
was too small also, to hold all who wished to attend,
and was uncomfortable for those who did attend. A
maiden lady of the same name, Dilly, possibly a sister,
spoke up and said: "Brother Brown, you can have
my house, if you will move it over." This offer was
also accepted, and the next day, men went with teams
and skids and brought the house over. Thev took the
54 History of Methodism
east end out of one and the west end out of the other
house, pulled the two together, closed over the crack
and they had a hall eighteen feet wide and thirty-six
feet long. The meeting lasted for three weeks, and a
church was organized of nearly one hundred members.
After such sacrifices is it any wonder that success at-
tended the effort? The wonder would have been if it
had not been successful. Some people think they make
heroic sacrifices if they open their home for a serv-
ice, and some call it sacrifice if they forego some work
they had planned for the good of the church ; but here
was a lone woman, who voluntarily permitted her
house to be moved from the foundation, and partly de-
molished, that the people might have a roof under
which to worship.
One thing in connection with this improvised
church greatly impressed the people. One night dur-
ing the service, the floor of the room dropped about
four inches. It went down with a thud. Mrs. Dilly
and her two children, and two other women with their
children, were in the cellar with a hot stove and an
oil lamp; but despite the imminent danger Brother
Dilly sat calmly, and spoke up and said; "Everybody
sit still," then speaking to the men near the door, asked
them to pass quietly out. Thus he gave direction till
most of the men had passed out. when he also went
out, got his ax, cut two ports and with the help of the
others, stayed up the joists and in a short time, re-
turning to the room said to the preacher, "the floor is
safe, you can go on with the service." A prayer of
thanksgiving was offered, a hymn sung, the discourse
concluded, and an invitation given for persons to come
to Christ and thirty-five presented themselves as seek-
ers at the improvised alter. Later investigation re-
vealed that every joist was broken but one; and the
conclusion was. that gracious Providence alone a
In Northwest Kansas 55
the congregation and the mothers and children in the
cellar from an awful catastrophy.
Brother Brown says of church property at Clyde,
"The first owned by our church was a town hall built
by a stock company, and bought by the church in 1870.
The first Board of Trustees were, Frank Rupe, J. B.
Rupe, N. J. Smith, L. W. Brown and Wm. Bradley.
This building was on Main street and is now used as
a garage."
At Fairview, now Wayne, a church was built in
1870. This was the first church west of Waterville,
forty miles away, from which point the lumber was
hauled by Brother Brown and two other men. Noah
Kunkle and James V. Brice and John Campbell were
three of the trustees.
The year 1870 Brown and his mother lived on a
homestead midway between where Cuba and Munden
now stand. In 1871 Brown was married and made
his home in Clyde. E. C. Chilson succeeded Brown on
the Circuit and G. S. Dearborn succeeded N. Green on
the District.
It is authoritatively stated that the first gospel
sermon preached in Republic County was by a Method-
ist preacher named Harshberger. This was in March,
1862. R. P. West, mentioned elsewhere, came in Oc-
tober of the same year.
In the summer of 1870 Rev. E. R. Brown, pastor
of Republican Valley Circuit, organized the Bethel
class in the home of Joseph Northrop. The charter
members were Joseph Northrop and wife, Sophronia
Northrop (Mrs. McNeil), Amy Northrop (Mrs. Mun-
son). Martha Northrop, (Mrs. Thompson) Sweedland
Northrop, Robert Calvert and wife, Rueben and Hes-
ter Templin, Grandma See, Phila and Mary See, Ad-
rian and Amanda Canfield. Robert Calvert was the
first class leader. He served for two years when R. T.
56 History of Methodism
Templin was appointed, who served till his death in
1889.
The following is the pioneer experience reported
by Mrs. Allen Enyart :
We left Rochester, Indiana, October 11, 1872, and
landed in Kurioin (Kirwin), October 18th. We stopped
with Thomas Enyart, a brother to my husband. On
the 27th of October, Mr. Enyart preached the first ser-
mon ever delivered in Kirwin, in a store room owned
by Shurtz and Belford, using a dry goods box for a
pulpit.
There were but thirteen persons present; but we
had a good meeting. God's Spirit was in the hearts of
the few who were there. From this meeting, the gos-
pel spread as the people came West, to get homes.
They settled mostly along the streams; and the call
come and hold meetings for us, came from different
places.
The next place visited was the home of Thomas
Cox, five miles west of Kirwin. The next was five miles
further west at Mr. Schedulers' place. This was called
the Kildeer Class. Mr. Enyart next went to Bow
Creek, and held a two weeks meeting, preaching at
night and hunting buffalo during the day. The slaugh-
tered buffalo were divided among the settlers along the
creek.
God's Spirit was present at all the meetings, there
being conversions nearly every night. From Bow
Creek, the preacher went to the North Fork of the
Solomon, to the home of Mr. Potts, near Glade, for-
merly called Marvin. This was called the Solomon
Class. A three weeks meeting was held here, and
there were thirty-five conversions.
The people were eager to hear the gospel. They
came twenty, even thirty miles; and some had only
oxen. He next went to Phillipsburg, then north on
Big Creek. From there to Long Island and along the
In Northwest Kansas 57
Prairie Dog. Next to Norton, Lenora, Logan and Big
Bend (Speed). The farthest point west reached on
this tour, was the head of the Sappa at Mr. Aberna-
tha's. Later there was an Indian raid here, and six
were killed.
In the fall of 1873 Mr. Enyart invited a Mr. Wur-
ley, a local preacher, to help him hold a camp meet-
ing in a grove, on Deer Creek, owned by Mr. Truesdale.
The preachers first went to the Solomon and killed
two young buffalo to supply the campers with meat.
Five families camped on the ground. Others came from
different directions. I never saw a more gracious out-
pouring of the Holy Spirit. There were seventy-five
conversions and many accessions to the church. A Mr.
Homan, a Baptist minister, and Mr. Kernz, a United
Brethren, also assisted in the meeting.
This was the beginning of these churches, as
neither of them had an organization previously.
Three preachers stood on the platform and Mr.
Enyart said, "If you want to join the United Breth-
ren church give Brother Kernz your hand, if the Bap-
tist give Brother Homan your hand, if the Methodist
give it to me."
They worked harmoniously together trying to save
souls, and not trying to see which could get the most
members.
In those days people were not afraid to shout when
they were filled with the Spirit.
Financially the times were hard, but the people
were kind to us and divided what they had with us.
When people met, religion and the saving of souls
was the principal theme. Meetings were held in sod
houses, dugouts and groves. Hunting buffalo and
freighting and gathering buffalo bones, were the only
means of getting a living.
James Lawrence, of Topeka, was the first Elder
to hold a Quarterly Meeting. At Mr. Enyart's request,
58 History of Methodism
he came to a grove meeting on Plotner Creek near
Phillipsburg. The Conference was held in Mr. Kidd's
dugout near Glade. W. H. Mitchell was the first Pre-
siding Elder, sent to this territory. This was the Ker-
win Circuit, and the Beloit District. Mr. Enyart
worked under six different Elders, Lawrence, Mitchell,
Caruthers, Breed, Green and Bull.
We had many Indian scares but the massacres were
farther west. The Indians with whom we came in
contact, were from the reservations and were partly
civilized.
Our work in N. W. Kansas closed in May, 1896, and
we moved to Montrose, Colo. The territory over which
we labored during those years, planting the seeds of
Methodism, covers hundreds of miles. I am glad I
lived in those days, and by the grace of God was able
to be a help to my husband, in his efforts to save souls,
and establish the church. The work was prosecuted
during the summer's heat and winters' cold, in spite
of cyclones, drouths, grasshoppers, Indian scares and
various other hardships, which only a pioneer minis-
ter's wife knows.
Mr. Enyart continued his work in Colorado, organ-
izing churches and Sunday Schools in different min-
ing towns.
He did not join the Conference because he felt
he could do more good by being free to go where he
felt he was most needed, than to be subject to the
appointment of another.
He was ordained Deacon by Bishop Walden at Kir-
win, in 188G. He was not a college man, but was a
great reader, and came to be well informed; and being
a fluent talker came to be quite a popular speal i .
W. R. Allen was a pioneer in Smith County, coming
there with his family, and two cousins and their fami-
lies, in wagons from Iowa in the year 1871.
In Northwest Kansas 59
The following spring other settlers swelled their
number so that they were able to organize the county.
Brother Allen was elected the first county clerk. They
soon felt the need of religious services. There was no
suitable place in which to hold them, so the Allen home,
a one-room residence cut in the bank and faced with
logs, was opened and services were held from time to
time. Here as at other places local preachers were
found who preached to them. At first J. T. Stone,
from Missouri, who had a homestead near the Ne-
braska line, was their preacher. Later L. M. Bonnett
preached for them, and still later J. C. Dana, whom
Allen styled their patiarch saint, preached a number
of times.
Brother Allen was licensed as an exhorter and held
services in the absence of a licensed preacher. When
in 1876, W. J. Mitchell was appointed Presiding Elder
of Beloit District, Smith Center Class was organized,
and Allen was licensed as a local preacher.
In 1879 Dr. Caruthers, Presiding Elder of the Kir-
win District, prevailed on Allen to take an appoint-
ment in that District. At the close of the Conference
session he wrote him saying: "I have left Graham
Center for you. Do not know whether there is any-
thing there or not. Go and see." Here Allen may
tell his own story. He says: "Leaving my family on
the homestead, I started for the new and unknown
country. After driving one hundred miles, following
Bow Creek from Kirwin, I came to the home of Broth-
er John Walton, where I received a cordial welcome.
I found him to be a zealous Methodist. On inquiry I
learned there was no such place as Graham Center,
but that there were three small villages near the cen-
ter of the county, each of which was striving for the
county seat when the county should be organized. I
found these to be Gettysburg, where were four little
houses and an unfinished livery barn ; Hill City, where
60' History of Methodism
were a few dugouts, with one frame building used for
a store, and postoflice ; and the third, Millbrook.
I arranged to hold a service in the barn at Gettys-
burg, Sunday morning, and in a 12 by 14 dugout at
Hill City at three in the afternoon and at Millbrook
Sunday night.
I returned to Walton's and after conferring with
him, decided to file on a claim about five miles up the
creek from his place. Here I constructed a real dugout.
I filled my appointments at the three villages the next
Sunday, holding the first service ever held at either of
them. I then returned home and placing our few goods
in the covered wagon, my family and I started for the
new home.
After three and a half days travel we arrived at
noon Saturday at the dugout. By working till nearly
midnight we succeeded in getting our goods stored in
the dugout and sank to rest so weary that we slept
soundly till morning. As I had fourteen miles to travel
to my morning service I had to hurry. And as I did
not wish to leave my family alone after nigM, I
preached twice and returned home. My mission em-
braced all the country between Wakeeney and Norton
and as far west as the settlements extended. At the
close of that year I had nine appointments and
preached three times each Sunday. Often when re-
turning home at night after the evening service, I lost
the trail and was only able to guide myself by the
stars or the wind.
As there was no mission organized when I went
there, I received nothing from the mission fund and
only twenty dollars from the charge. In 1880 I was
returned to the mission and received twenty-five dol-
lars from the missionary society.
The drowth that year was so severe that many of
the settlers were compelled to leave their families and
return east to obtain work in order to enable them to
In Northwest Kansas 61
live. I also left my family and my charge and drove
north into Nebraska till I reached the village of North
Platte at the junction of the Platte rivers. I found
work making hay on a large cattle ranch. After a
month's absence I returned to my home and again
took up the work of my mission.
At one of my appointments my congregation was
almost all cowboys but they welcomed me gladly and
entertained me royally. Once when preaching to them
a young fellow who had become intoxicated was sitting
on the ground with his head resting against one of
his companions. While I was preaching he suddenly
raised his head and said, "I know better than that."
The boy against whom he was leaning shook him and
told him to keep still. He was quiet for some minutes
when he again sat up and said, "I know that ain't so.'
Immediately three of the boys sprang to their feet,
gathered hold of him and quickly dragged him from
the tent. After the services were over the boys came
to me and said, "Parson, don't you mind them drunk
galoots. You just go on with your preachin' and we
will take care of them."
At the close of this second year I asked the Elder
what he thought would be done with the mission the
next year. He replied, "send you back to continue it."
I said to him, "I have been here two years, wouldn't
it be better to send some one else?" He looked at me
a moment and said, "We have no other man that can
starve as you can." I was returned for a third year.
The drought was more severe, if possible, than the
preceding year. So discouraging was the prospect and
so great the destitution that fully one-half of the peo-
ple abandoned their claims and left the country. We
labored as best we could under these discouragements
and the Lord blessed our work. At the close of the
third year we had eight classes organized and more
than one hundred members. Our sixth child was born
62 History of Methodism
during this year, making eight of us in the family.
I received during the three years a salary, all told
of less than one hundred and fifty dollars. Often we
were compelled to live on the most meager fare, but
we ate it with thankfulness, receiving it as a pledge
from the Lord that he would not permit us to starve.
At the Conference of 1882 I was appointed to Pleas-
ant Plains and Aurora. During those years of priva-
tion and hardships we were blessed with health and
strength for the work and were thankful that we had
some humble part in founding the church in western
Kansas. We truly rejoice as we see what God has
wrought."
James Boicourt was admitted on trial into the
Kansas Conference in 1872. For four years his work
was in the eastern part of the state. In 1876 the Con-
ference met at Lawrence, Bishop Peck presiding. At
this session Boicourt was assigned to the Smith Cen-
ter Circuit. The Circuit, developed and enlarged by
the new pastor, consisted of Smith Center, Twelve
Mile, Crystal Plains, Reamsville, Lane, Gaylord, Por-
tis and Cedarville.
A parsonage was built at Smith Center the first
year. To accomplish it. wheat was solicited from the
farmers, and three men with teams gathered it up and
hauled it to Hastings. Nebraska, a distance of eighty-
five miles, where it was exchanged for lumber.
On the way to Hastings, the farmers were heading
for a large barn, where they hoped to lodge for the
night. A short time before reaching it, they saw a
tongue of flame leap from the top window. The barn
burned and seventeen horses were roasted in it. The
three farmers were thankful they were not their
horses.
Trustees were appointed at several points. At
Smith Center, A. B. Cordry, Watson and Walker; at
Portis, J. Cross. W. C. Smith. A. M. JefFers and Jas.
In Northwest Kansas 63
McDowell; at Twelve Mile, A. D. Benjamin, George
Tompkins and Wm. McNeely. A sod church was built
here and another at Reamsville, — Trustees, A. J. Rob-
erts, J. H. Brown, L. A. Fairchild and A. Jennings.
The year 1880 was very dry. In addition to that,
there was a second visitation of grass hoppers. That
year Boicourt was sent to Phillipsburg. The people
were greatly discouraged and some sold their home-
steads for less than two hundred dollars. Boicourt
says of it, "Preachers stampeded, and for a year I
had nearly the whole country. I had one appointment
twenty-five miles northeast, and one fifteen miles
south. Marvin was the only town on the circuit, ex-
cept Phillipsburg.
His next appointment was Gaylord. Here he pur-
chased eighty acres of land and made a home, in which
he lived while he served at Gaylord, Portis and Mar-
vin with outlying points at each place; and for six
years while he served as Presiding Elder of the Os-
borne District.
A remarkable revival occured at a point not con-
nected with the charge, during the first year of his
pastorate at Gaylord. On a Sunday morning the pas-
tor preached from the text, "Go ye into all the world
and preach." At the close of the service a stranger
came to him and said: "I came here this morning to
try and persuade you to obey the text you have just
used. We have no preaching in our neighbcrhood, and
we are in the world. There are six Christians in our
community, and we have prayer meeting and a Sunday
School." Boicourt replied: "I have no vacant hour on
Sunday, but I will preach for you on Thursday night."
Thursday night the house was full. At the close of the
sermon opportunity was given for Christians to tes-
tify. They responded promptly. Afterward they
were asked if there were any present who wanted to
be Christians. Three men arose, the husbands of three
64 History of Methodism
women who had testified. All were converted that
night.
The congregation was asked how many would like
for the meeting to continue. Everyone in the house
arose. Service was announced for the next night.
That was early in January. The meeting closed only
in time for the pastor to make preparation for Con-
ference in March.
One remarkable conversion was witnessed. An infi-
del of some notoriety lived near the school house. Some
years before he had hailed the pastor and stopped him
in the public road, to tell him what a fool he was to
believe in Christianity. A short time before the meet-
ing began, this infidel had driven his son from home
and forbidden him to enter the house again. The young
man was boarding in the neighborhood and attended
school in the house where the meeting was held, and
naturally attended the services. His father also at-
tended. In the testimony meeting one night, some-
one said he thanked God for praying parents. The
young man was so stirred with emotion, he was unable
to control himself, but said in a loud tone, "I never
heard my parents pray, but I am going to pray, and
I am going to begin now"; and forthwith standing,
for there was no room to sit or kneel, he turned his
face upward and poured out his soul in earnest prayer.
He had not prayed long until his prayer was turned to
praise. His father was in the house and some feared
he would make trouble, but the Holy Spirit had
touched his heart, and pushing his way through the
crowd till he reached his son, grasped his hand and
said: "Ed, come go home with us." This was on a Fri-
day night. No meeting was announced till Sunday
night. On Sunday the infidel father was converted at
home. On March 10, 1916, Brother Boicourt wrote
me saying: "Old as I am, I would willingly walk
twenty miles to hear such testimony and to witness
In Northwest Kansas 65
such a meeting as there was that night." The new
convert took the meeting out of the preacher's hands
and directed it to his own liking, to the delight of the
preacher.
The young man was very gifted in prayer and
speech, and many thought of him as a coming
preacher; but his health failed, and he sank into an
early grave. The father constituted himself a mission-
ary to his fellow infidels, and was very zealous in tell-
ing them that Christianity was true.
While the revival was in progress, the pastor had
a different kind of experience. Let Boicourt tell it.
"There was no railroad to Smith Center. Brother
Breed, the Presiding Elder, came to Gaylord Friday
night and I was to take him to Smith Center Sat-
urday for the quarterly meeting. It snowed all Fri-
day night. Then came a sudden thaw. The whole
face of the earth was covered with water and snow.
In crossing one of the draws, we struck it where there
was a hole much deeper on the right side than on the
other. I dropped off on my feet and it was deep enough
to wet my collar. Brother Breed being on the upper
side was thrown clear over me, and went head first
into the water and snow and disappeared. We went
on to Smith Center. When we arrived the Quarterly
Conference had convened, and the Presiding Elder
went through the business before changing his clothes.
I returned to my school house and closed the re-
vival and received quite a number into the church."
In 1886 Boicourt was appointed to the Osborne Dis-
trict. In November, 1886, Dr. J. H. Lockwood wrote
him advising that he secure the services of a band of
the Salvation Army workers, who had been very suc-
cessful on the Salina District. At first there was
strong opposition to it, both in the church and the com-
munity. But the Presiding Elder refused to be dis-
suaded. He told them there had never been a revival
History of Met]
in Gaylord, and he was going to have his way. The
band proved to be discreet in their conduct and wise
in their management, and soon won their way. There
were six in the band of workers; and people said he
could not find places for them to board. Sister Boi-
court said, "Bring them on, I will board all of them,"
which she did at first ; but soon there were more invi-
tations than they could accept. The church was 30
by 50 and had never been more than half full at a
preaching service. Soon it was crowded to overflow-
ing. A skating rink 40 by 110 had been built. This
was opened for the meeting and seated. A platform
was put in sufficient to seat sixty people. One hundred
and fifty were converted in two weeks. The workers
from the Army went to different places in the District
and had remarkable success wherever they went.
Bands were organized at Gaylord that visited different
points. They reported over a hundred converts at
these several places. Twelve hundred conversions
were reported that year on the Osborne district; and
the Presiding Elder said : "half of them was the result
of the earnest work of the Salvation Army."
Reuben Bisbee was admitted into the Kansas Con-
ference in 1879, but previous to his admission he had
lead a very unique career as an exleorter and local
preacher. He was converted in 1875 through the
efforts of his father, a member of the British Wesleyan
Church, who followed his son from Canada to the
northwest part of Norton, Coreuty, Kansas.
During one of a series of meetings which were be-
ing held in the community, by a Methodist minister
from Nebraska, Bisbee made known his feeling that
God had called him to preach.
By the unanimous request of those present, at the
meeting the minister gave him an appointment for the
next Sunday, and so he began his ministry without
oven having had an opportunity to join the church.
In Northwest Kansas 67
His nearest appointment being thirty-five miles away.
In 1876 he was given an exhorter's license by R. H.
Seymour, who had been appointed to the Norton cir-
cuit, by the Kansas Conference ; and the next year he
was given a Local Preacher's license by W. J. Mitchell,
the Presiding Elder. After faithful service for two
years on the circuit which consisted of Devizes, Ober-
lin, Jennings, Clayton, Spring City, Langford and
Shields, he was recommended to the traveling connec-
tion and admitted into the Kansas Conference.
During these years of earnest faithful work, the
people of Western Kansas suffered greatly from
drouth and grasshoppers. Bisbee gives an interesting
example of the privation through which he lived in
the following story:
"In February, 1879, I started from the eastern
part of Smith County to drive to the Conference at
Leavenworth. I picked up Brother E. G. Cary, and we
spent Sunday in Atchison at the home of a Brother
Waterson. They were dedicating the M. E. Church
there that day and Brother Waterson invited a num-
ber of ministers from the district to dinner.
"While we were eating dinner, Brother Gray, who
had been serving a charge in the Atchison district,
told about how poorly the people had to live where
he had been. Then Bro. E. R. Brown, who had been
at Cawker City that year, said, 'Here is Bro. Bisbee,
the farthest preacher west, out among the coyotes and
cowboys, maybee he could tell us something about hard
times.' I replied, 'I was just thinking that you did
not know anything about hard times.' 'Well,' said Bro.
Gray, 'What do you call hard times?' I said, 'When
a man walks five miles to borrow a pork rind to grease
the bread pan with.' A good Christian woman with
nine children told me that she had walked three miles
in a foot of snow, there and back, before breakfast,
to borrow a pork rind to grease her bread pan, so
68 History of Methodism
she could get the corn bread out of the pan. But in
spite of his privations Bro. Bisbee continued his min-
istry and in 1880, he served with a Bro. Graham on a
circuit, which was composed of three appointments
in Norton County and all of Sheridan county, where
he had organized six classes the previous year. Dur-
ing this year I think I am safe in saying that three-
fourths of the settlers in Sheridan County left the
country. Dr. Caruthers, the Presiding Elder, sent the
following statement to the Central Christian Advo-
cate: In June he had driven 500 miles and all the
green vegetation he had seen could have been held in
one hand at one time. The editor of the Chicago Inter-
Ocean, reprinted the statement, and styled it false.
I wrote to that editor and offered to pay his ex-
penses to and from Norton, and to take him over the
same trip ; if it were untrue ; if true, he was to pay his
own expenses, but he never showed up."
After having served the Long Island Circuit for
three years Bisbee was sent to the Marvin charge,
where he found an unfinished church, whose bare walls
of stone had stood the weather for four years. He
filled all of the appointments, and raised $600, and
hoped to finish the church the next year, but obligingly
consented to be transferred, in order that Bro. Dalton
might have Marvin, which appointment he could reach
from his homestead on which he wanted to prove up.
Then followed a year at Bull City, now Alton, after
which he was sent to the Norcatur Circuit, which com-
prised a territory of about 20 by 30 miles, where he
served for two years.
The next three years were spent at Portis, which he
describes as being the best of his whole life. Let him
tell of his work there.
We finished the church that was in course of erec-
tion and held a camp meeting in August. In the fall
W. H. Swee*t dedicated our new church out of debt,
In Northwest Kansas 69
and we had a splendid revival, about sixty or sixty-
five being converted, and added to the church. I was
returned to Portis in 1888 for the second year, and
we had a splendid year all through, notwithstanding
the fact that there Were no crops worth mentioning.
We had a District Conference meeting at Crystal
Plains with M. L. Haney and Aura Smith, evangelists,
and that country has not gotten over that meeting to
this day.
In December Chaplain McCabe, who was mission-
ary secretary, wrote me to urge the collections for mis-
sions. I wrote him on this wise, that I had been at
Portis for twenty months and it had not rained enough
during that time scarcely to wet a man't shirt, and
that crops had failed almost entirely, and most of my
members were paying 3 per cent a month on money
with which to buy bread. I had told my official board
at the first Quarterly Conference, when they were esti-
mating the salary, that if they would pay me five cents
a meal for each one of my family I would get through
on that, but I had failed to get one-quarter of that
clear, so far. I told the chaplain, further, that I had
ridden two days to raise $40 to relieve a mortgage
that was on my team, and had failed and aswed him
what I was to do.
He wrote me telling me to stand my ground, that I
had a big church back of me, and it would see me
through, and to emphasize what he wrote, he sent me
a personal check for $25 and a draft on the contingent
fund for $66. Besides this he published my letter in
the church papers in the country, and I got substan-
tial help from many quarters.
Again Bro. Bisbee tells of the trials through which
he built a church at Agra. The school house was
nearly a mile from town, and the Methodists had
rented the Congregational church, part of the time. I
advised the Brethren to build a church and they
70 History of Methodism
thought it could not be done, but they were persuaded
to try.
In one day we raised between $1,400 and $1,500 in
subscriptions and soon had a church underway. We
got it up and enclosed, and were finishing up the in-
side and had enough money in sight to furnish the
church and buy an organ, when one morning I received
a telegram from Agra stating that the church had
been blown away.
The parsonage at Cedarville had been badly
racked during the night and crops had failed, dried up
and blown away.
I drove to Agra, eighteen miles from Cedarville,
to find the church utterly ruined and scattered for a
mile over the prairie. The brethren and sisters were
standing around, and strong men were weeping. The
trustees said, "Bro. Bisbee, our church is gone, and
we cannot rebuild." I replied, "We must rebuild, w»
are like the Irishman with the 'bear, we have to hold
and can't let go. We must build. We cannot collect
our subscriptions except we build, and you have $750
to pay or build a church." So we went and ordered
another bill of lumber and rebuilt.
In 1894 Bisbee was returned to the Marvin Cir-
cuit which had been enlarged by two new appoint-
ments on Bow Creek. All went well until June of the
next year, when the Presiding Elder asked him to go
to Logan. There with the help of M. L. Haney he held
a splendid revival. But, in the battle against wrong,
which was being waged there he nearly lost his eye-
sight. So upon the advice of his physician, who told
him that he would have to stop preaching and rest, he
consulted with Bishop Andrews and aswed for a super-
annuated relation.
After resting for six years he took work in Okla-
homa in 1902.
In Northwest Kansas 71
W. A. Saville says of his work in Kansas. My
ministry in what is now Northwest Kansas Conference
began in 1877. I was anxious to see the real western
life : I had been troubled with chills and fever, while
in school at Drew Seminary, and had been advised to
go west. I was, therefor, willing to accept what was
proffered me. W. J. Mitchell was the Presiding Elder
of the Beloit District, and asked me to take Kirwin, in
Phillips County. Of course, I consented.
At that time the Central Branch Railroad "was com-
pleted to Beloit, but that left me sixty miles from Kir-
win. I determined to go by way of Russell, which is
a little nearer Kirwin than Beloit is, and my college
friend W. H. Simmerman, was pastor there.
After a pleasant visit with him, we (wife and
baby), started with teams across the prairie for our
new home, which we reached in due time, and met a
cordial welcome. There w^s no parsonage, so we had
to rent a house. The charge consisted of the following
points, Kerwin. Bow Creek, Martins, Plum Creek, Ger-
mantown, and Snows.
The land office was here, which brought many peo-
ple, and made lively times. I was the farthest west
of any Conference man. But I remained at Kerwin,
only one year.
In 1878 the Kerwin district was formed and Dr.
R. A. Carruthers was appointed Presiding Elder over
it. I was sent to Norton. Dr. Carruthers gave the
following description of my circuit ; from Kerwin Cir-
cuit on the east to the Colorado line, and from the
Nebraska line on the North to the Wa Keeney charge
in the south. He added, "I give you a roving commis-
sion. Go up and possess the land for Methodism."
My early desire for frontier life was to be fully
gratified. I had promised to go where I was sent. I
soon realized if I did that, the pastor's study would
have to be in a buggy, behind a span of Texas ponies.
72 History of Methodism
As soon as I could reach home and pack our goods,
we were off for another sixty mile move across the
prairie.
The first man I met on the new charge was David
Close, who was a merchant in Norton, and a trustee
of the church, and a steward of the society. He in-
formed me there was no parsonage, and he did not
know of a vacant house. A contest was on between
Keota and Norton for the county seat. I determined
to use this as a lever to secure a house for the preacher.
The town counsel was called together and it was pro-
posed that they build a house and let the preacher
have the use of it free of rent and he and the church
would work for the county seat at Norton. This was
done, and in a short time they had a three-room house
ready for our use. This may have been politics, but
as we had no members at Leota, it did not seem wrong.
As the charge had been, there were six or seven preach-
ing places, but through the year calls came to me from
different jiiaces, to hold services, till at the clo>e of the
year I had seventeen appointments, viz. : Norton, Long
Island, Almena, Leota, Bisbees', Spring City, Golomon
Valley, Slab City, Jennings, Gilvers, Bow Creek, Hig-
ginsons, Lower Solomon, Cactus, Deer Creek, Ken-
I was away from home most of the time. I was re-
turned to the same charge in 187S and Rueben Bisbee
and E. G. Gray were sent to me as junior preachers.
With these to assist me, I was greatly relieved but still
we were at it, all the time. Whenever a few settlers
could be brought together, we started preaching.
I was much among the cowboys and always found
them respectful and considerate. Once they asked me
to preach to them. They were orderly and gave good
attention. At the close I was about to dismiss them,
when one rose and said, "We are not ready to be dis-
missed. We have not had the collection, and we do not
want you to preach to us for nothing." He took his
In Northwest Kansas 73
hat and started around. One fellow was not inter-
ested in that part of the exercises. The collector stood
a moment looking at him, then drew a revolver and
pointing it at him said, "Put in a dollar." Futher per-
suasion was not needed.
Prohibition was being agitated that year, and I
took an active part in the campaign. I was warned
several times to desist or harm would come to me. I
continued, however, without regard to the warning.
One night as I was going home from church, I was
fired at. Fortunately the shot missed its mark. I
have always been proud of what I did for Prohibition.
On this occasion and another, which I now relate, I
felt that the Lord's care shielded me from death.
I was called some miles from home, to perform a
marriage ceremony January 1st, 1877. I went to the
home of the groom, December 31. The ground was
covered with snow, and that night, it snowed several
inches more. Next morning it was very clear and cold.
We drove about four miles farther, performed the
ceremony for which I received $1.00, and I started
home. Along in the afternoon I was very cold, then
began to feel warmer, and drowsy and was inclined to
sleep, when it came to me, as if a voice spoke in my
ear: "You are freezing." I was aroused, got out of
the buggy, though it was difficult for me to stand, at
first, but I persisted till I could run, then ran, till I wa«
thoroughly warm. I have always believed if I had
yielded to the inclination to sleep, it would have been
my last sleep. As it was, I suffered much, and was laid
up for several days.
We had good revivals all over the charge.
Once, when I was going to the Jenning appoint-
ment, there was a covered wagon near the road. I
stopped and engaged the man in conversation for a
short time, then told him who I was. He exclaimed,
a Methodist preacher! Why, I left Ohio to get rid
74 History of Methodism
of you fellows, and now here you are before I get un-
loaded. I suppose I'll have to go to h — 1 to get away
from you." I told him I feared he might find some of
them there. I invited him to our services. He finally
came, and before I left the charge he was happily con-
verted and was loving the Methodists.
Another incident may be worth relating. Rumors
came that the Indians were coming. Day after day,
they were said to be coming nearer, and headed for
Norton. Finally it was thought they might reach us
before the next day. A council was held, and it was
decided that all the women should go to the hotel,
which was a stone building. Accordingly they were
ail gotten in ; but they were packed so close they could
neither sit nor lie down. Then the men did scout and
guard duty. I was chaplain, of course. It was a night
of great anxiety. Scouts reported Indians within four
miles. They did not reach Norton, but several men
were killed and women and children outraged and
abused. When the scare was over and the women came
out of the hotel Mrs. Saville said she would rather
be scalped than spend another such night. The next
day the settlers who came into town amused us. Some
stayed, but most of them went farther east. One man
with his family, came with the horses on the run. I
asked him where ,he was going. I hardly caught his
reply as he hastened by: "To New York." Never
heard whether he arrived there or not. A few days
after I took Dr. Caruthers to Devizes. Upon the
divide we saw one good Indian but he was dead.
Many of the people were very poor and their ac-
commodations the crudest, but their hospitality was
so generous that we were witling to put up with incon-
veniences.
There was one family from Tennessee, who were
very ignorant as well as poor; and yet it was a pleas-
ure to visit them. When we would drive up, she would
In Northwest Kansas 75
say: "Brother Brazill, you and your wife get out and
bring your police (valise) and come right in." Their
bedstead was made of cottonwood poles ; and one night
when we were there a sow with pigs was under one
bed, and one or two hens with chickens under the
other. A herb doctor lived a short distance from them.
We stayed at their house one night when the doctor
was not at home. They had but one bed. I insisted
on the old lady sleeping with my wife, in the bed, and
I would sleep on the floor; but she would not listen to
it. After we retired, she put chairs together, then
brought a buffalo skin that had not been tanned, but
suffered to dry and it rolled up at each end like a
barrel. She fixed it on the chairs then crawled in.
She was completely enveloped, so needed no covering.
The second year on the charge, we built a four-
roomed parsonage, and moved out of the town com-
pany's house. Several sod churches were built. At
some places I preached in dugouts. At one point the
people had determined to build a sod church, but could
not agree as to its size. Some wanted to build simply
for the present. Others wanted to build with a view
to future needs. The quarterly meeting was near at
hand, so I suggested that they leave it to Dr. Caruthers
to decide. At the close of the quarterly conference, I
laid the case before the elder. He stood up and in his
droll way said, "What has posterity ever done for us,
that we should look after them ?" That settled it. We
built for present needs.
At the conference of 1880 I was sent to Cedarville
and Germantown. Gaylord was one point on the
charge, and a larger town than Cedarville. Here were
the walls of a church which had stood for some time.
I at once applied myself to the taslf~bf fitting up
this for our services. This I found to be a larger un-
dertaking than I expected. The membership was
small, and all were poor. But, we got busy arid before
History of Method ; .
the next Conference we were able to hold one service
in the new church, though the people had to sit on
boards laid on store boxes, and I had only a dry goods
box for a pulpit. At Cedarville we worshipped in the
school house, which took fire and burned to the ground.
There was a man in the town who kept a billiard hall,
and it was generally believed he also kept liquor; but
I went to him, and asked him for the use of his room
for our services, and to my surprise he gave his con-
sent. A school house much better than the old one
was soon built, which we were glad to occupy.
Here a great bereavement overtook us. Our darl-
ing daughter, three years and nine months old, took
the scarlet fever. After twenty-one days of great
suffering, her spirit took its flight to be with God and
the angels. She was our only child, and had through
these months, been the light of our home, and delight
of our hearts. The trial was severe, but through grace
we were able to say, "Thy will be done."
Owing to the nature of the disease, the people
could not come to see us, but they were very kind, and
showed us every consideration possible.
A difficulty developed in reference to the parsonage
property. It was discovered that the trustees had
never had a deed for it. The man who held it, began
to tell the preacher what he might do, and what he
could not do, or he would put him out. At first I
thought he was bluffing, but on investigation found he
was correct; but he finally deeded it to the church;
but not until he was paid a price that he exacted.
Our friends learned that our fifth anniversary was
approaching. So on the 19th of January they came
in from all parts of the circuit till the parsonage was
crowded to overflowing. They gave us several articles
of furniture, and wood enough to last all winter.
It was this year that the preachers sent Dr. Caru-
thers east to solicit supplies for the preachers and peo-
In Northwest Kansas 77
pie. Our house was made a distributing point. There
was surely need enough. Some were almost barefoot-
ed and very thinly clad ; much of the aid sent was very
good but part of it was not worth the freight.
Here as it had been on other charges, invitations
came to establish preaching in new communities. I
accordingly added Bull City to the charge, preaching
there at night. In the Hawkeye neighborhood, I held
a four weeks' meeting, resulting in twenty-four con-
versions and twenty-eight accessions to the church. A
new society was organized, at the Highland appoint-
ment, where we held a two weeks' meeting and had
twenty-five conversions. This brings us to 1882.
When the Conference was divided, I was sent to Solo-
mon City. By the action of the Conference the 6th
Principal Meridian was made the dividing line. . Solo-
mon is situated on this Meridian ; part of the town be-
ing east and part on the west of that line, but by a vote
cf the Conference, Solomon was placed in the new Con-
ference.
The people of Ellsworth, some of them at least,
had their hearts set on another man for their pastor,
but he found he could go to Salina, and was therefore
appointed there. This need not have hindered the
work at Solomon, but it did greatly ; for two men had
determined that I should not succeed, so blocked my
way completely, in everything I undertook.
My next appointment was Ellsworth. Brother
McDowell my predecessor had started a subscription
amounting to $1,000. I soon discovered two things,
that the building proposed was larger than the com-
munity needed, and would be much more expensive
than the society was able to build, without burdening
themselves with a debt they could not afford to under-
take. I did my best to have them change their plan
for a smaller and less expensive church, but they had
their hearts set on this, and would not be disuaded. I
78 History of Methodism
think I could have brought them to my way of think-
ing, if it had not been for one trustee. He was not
a member of the society, but kept the largest general
store in the town, and had succeeded in getting elected
treasurer of the board. A donation was secured from
the Board of Church Extension, and when the money
instead of depositing in the name of the trustees,
he deposited it in his own name. This aroused my sus-
picion, that he had some sinister motive in view. So
I made it so uncomfortable for him, that he finally re-
signed his position. After that, everything moved on
harmoniously. But he had succeeded in getting the
society under a burden of debt that they bitterly re-
gretted.
The town paper gave the following report of the
laying of the corner stone. "The corner stone of the
Methodist Church was laid Saturday. July 28th, 1883,
by the Rev. E. W. Van Deventer, of Abilene, assisted
by M. M. Stolz, of Brookville, Rev. Sea, of Ft. Harker,
and Saville, pastor of the church. The people were
called together by the Knights of Pythias band.
Van Deventer made an able address. Stolz made a
brief talk. The ceremony used was that of the M. E.
Church, and was very impressive. Many articles were
placed in the stone which will be of value fifty years
hence, as matters of history concerning the city, coun-
ty and church. When completed this edifice will be a
credit to the city as well as to the church. The bene-
diction was pronounced by the Rev. Dr. Sternberg,
of the Lutheran Church, the oldest minister in this
country."
We moved along well till the building was enclosed.
Then the funds ran low and one after another of the
workmen was laid off till only one man was left, an
Englishman, an excellent carpenter and a reliable man.
We paid him $2.00 a day. It fell to me to provide the
money. So week after week I started out Monday
In Northwest Kansas 79
morning soliciting. Little by little, funds were collect-
ed, and this one man kept at work, till the building
was ready for dedication. W. H. Adams, D.D., of
Illinois, was secured to be with us on that day, Decem-
ber 7, 1884. Three thousand dollars were needed to
meet the claims on the church. The Doctor proved
himself a successful general, for such an undertaking.
Before the services of the day closed we had in good,
reliable subscriptions $3,400.
The Ladies Aid proved to be most efficient helpers,
in all this work. Up to the time of dedication they
had paid $300. On that day they assumed $400 more.
Soon as the funds for the building were provided
for, I started out to collect money for the purchase of
a bell, which was accomplished in a short time. The
bell weighs 1047 pounds and cost $245.
The following poem published in the town paper,
was written by a man claiming to be a skeptic.
"How glad is sound as it echos around,
'Mongst hills and valleys and dells,
It cheers up the hearts of both young and old
The tones of this Methodist bell.
Rejoice all ye men, that came long ago,
When the town was not ruled so well.
When rowdyism held superior sway,
Then there was no Methodist bell.
But time that changes all things below,
Has changed this city as well ; ....
And a sense and a feeling of tranquil repose,
Pervades at the sound of this bell.
That beautiful spire which is raised so high,
And adorns the structures so well,
Long may you point to the etherial sky,
To uphold this Methodist bell.
As the groom and his bride through your petals s'l'de
And the organ its harmony swells
When two hearts beat as one
How gjad are the tones of the bell
80 History of Methodis
And when the sad end of this mortal coil
Receives nature's mandate, death's knell,
Tho doleful the sound, yet it is found.
That there's rest at the sound of the bell.
My next charge was Russell, where I remained
years, and these were among the most enjoy-
able years of my ministry. During the first year,
there was raised on the charge, about $2,000. a con-
siderable part of which was for church improvement.
But I recall that we reported for missions nearly three
times the amount reported the previous year. A Nor-
mal Bible Class was organized in which much interest
shown, and it was very helpful to both teachers
and students. Soon after we came to the charge, the
daughter of William Farusworth, one of our most use-
ful young lady members, was struck by lightning and
instantly killed. She was a most estimable young lady,
and her sudden taking off made a deep impression on
the community.
In December, 1888, Russell had a fire which de-
stroyed about $40,000 worth of property.
On our return to Russell for the third year the peo-
ple gave us a complete surprise. We returned from
Conference in the night. There were none of our
friends at the station. We thought this was strange.
We thought somebody would certainly come to meet us.
I told my wife I guessed our coming back was a mis-
take, as they evidently did not want us. When wo
reached the house, all was quiet and dark: but
stepped into the hall, we heard voices and presently,
out of the darkness, in the parlor, were greeted with
the words, "Blest he the tie that binds." The house
nil and a most delightful evening v. s enjoyed.
Goodland was our nexi charge This had previ-
ously been a circuit, but this year two points, Lamborn
and Muldrow, were taken off, thin reducing tho mem-
bership forty-nine. A church had been built under
In Northwest Kansas 81
difficulty, it having been blown down when it was
nearly completed, and had to be rebuilt. It was dedi-
cated the first Sunday after Conference, by Rev. J. D.
Knox. The day was stormy and some who would have
given were not there. However, the amount asked for,
$1,000, was raised and the church was dedicated.
The Official Board was organized and also an Ep-
worth League. A revival meeting was held with the
assistance of Thomas Muxlow, resulting in eighteen
conversions. My record shows there were fourteen re-
ceived by certificate and ten on probation.
My next charge was Ellis, where I spent three de-
lightful years. Each year the Lord blessed us with a
gracious revival. An Epworth League was organized
which was a great help to the young people. I have
always felt that the best thing I did at Ellis was bring-
ing C. W. Talmadge into the church, and then into the
Annual Conference.
I closed my pastorate here with real regret. I be-
lieve we did a work there the results of which can be
told in eternity alone.
David Harrison was another local preacher who
did efficient work in the vicinity of Jewell Center. He
says of his work:
"In 1879 a part of the Mankato Circuit was left
without a pastor and the Presiding Elder asked me to
supply it. I went to find my work. Enterprise, a small
sod school house, was five miles from Mankato. The
class was small but the house was full every Sunday.
A protracted meeting was held, resulting in nineteen
conversions. Eighteen united with the church. Mt.
Zion Class was twelve miles from town. "This was a
dugout school house. A heavy rain in the summer
caused the roof to fall in. We then went to the tim-
ber and made a pulpit and fixed seats under an elm
tree, and held S. S. and preaching services there till
the school house was built.
History of Methodism
In 1881-2 1 served the Sweet Home Circuit. There
were five preaching places, and I walked the Circuit.
The distance of 7-5-5 miles. A good sister said you
can not walk the circuit. I said, "If the Lord wants
me here I'll stand it all right." In June, a man, not
a member of the church, loaned me a horse for the
summer. When I rode up to the home of the sister,
she said, "Where did you get the horse?" I said, "The
Lord sent him." So the Lord will provide.
"The Sweet Home" Church was a sod with a dirt
floor. Chalk Mound was a sod church ; Porter's Ranch,
a stone church with sod roof. Allen appointment a
frame school house; The County Line Church was a
sod. Most of the people lived in sod houses.
Our home was a frame house fourteen feet square
with a small stone kitchen, with a sod roof. We never
lacked for anything to eat.
The Harrison circuit, my next charge, was about
sixteen miles north of Mankato. At Harrison there
was a sod church; at Rubens a school house. Most of
the school houses in this country were frame, and
many of the dwellings were frame also.
A man came to me on this charge, who was not a
member of the church, and said to me, "Come to our
school house and hold a revival ; there is nothing going
on there, but fiddling and dancing, and somebody will
be killed." I said to him, "If you will come and keep
order, I will come and hold a meeting." I went; the
whole community was stirred. One man wanted his
children baptized. Said he did nol want to name his
children as men named their cattle. I went and chris-
tened the children and a Has- was formed.
While on this work a young lady, living ten miles
away, was very sick with the white plague. She sent
for me to come and baptize her. I got the word about
four o'clock. It was a cold spring day, snowing and
sleeting. I reached the home at dusk. The family
In Northwest Kansas 83
were not Christians, and did not think it best that she
should be baptized; but she called the family in and
asked that the baptism be attended to. So it was done.
When I went to bid her good-bye, she said to me: "I
want you to preach my funeral." In a few weeks after
I was called on to perform that sad duty.
Later I served the Bird City circuit. Here I found
a Western town sure enough, horse racing, teachers
taking their pupils hunting on Saturdays, etc. When
I first went to a point nine miles in the country, they
told me I should have to take a lunch in my pocket,
but I never went hungry.
On this charge I had very long drives. I was once
called on to attend a funeral in the winter, sixteen
miles away. I went part of the way the day before.
When I reached home the next day, I was so cold I
could not stand still. The second year the crops failed
and nearly all the pastors of the other churches left
the country. One sister said, "Brother Harrison, it
will be so bad to have no preaching, for we can not
support you." I said, "I am not going away, sister;
the ravens are not all dead yet." The Lord did pro-
vide, and we had a good year.
We built a parsonage the next year. After we
were settled in it, some of the rummyes tackled me
about the enforcement of prohibition. They said,
"You will want money to pay for your parsonage,
and we will not give you any." I said to them, the
parsonage is finished and we are living in it; and it
is paid for, and if any who gave to it are dissatisfied,
tell me how much you gave, and he shall have his
money. One spoke up and said he wanted his money.
I said, "How much did you give?" He said two dol-
lars. I said, "Here is your money." "Oh," said he,
"I do not want it. I did not think a preacher had that
much." It raised a laugh and they left.
History of Method] -
Another wrote of the Bird City pastorate as fol-
lows: "At the session of the Northwestern K
Conference the spring of 1889, David Harrison was
appointed to the Bird City charge, and held it for
three years.
On his arrival he found the people quite discou-
raged, owing to repeated crop failures. Most of the
early settlers had proved up on their claims, and gone
back to their wives and folks. The county had been
organized only three years, and the hard times had
made it a life and death struggle for the churches.
We had no church property at this point. Two other
denominations had been on the field, one owning a
church.
With his saw and hatchet, the pastor built a par-
sonage all alone. It stands today, and is a part of
the pleasant home of the pastor. Later the church
was bought from the other denomination, which had
abandoned the field.
Today Bird City is a strong point, with a good
equipment of church property, valued at $4,000. and
paid for.
My next work was St. Francis circuit. This was
new work and I had to organize new points. At one
sixteen miles from St. Francis, people of differ-
ent churches got together and sent me word that if I
would come, they would all stand by me.
They sent a young lady to invite me. I told her I
had all the appointments I could fill. She began to
Said her father was not a Christian, and if I
would preach, she thought he would come. I thought
it was of the Lord, so sent an appointment by her. The
people made their word good, and the young lady's
rs were answered. Her father accepted Christ.
A lady, a member of the Baptist Church, said to
ne day. "Why do not our preaches come like you
Mrthodists do?" "Oh." I said, "they come by water,
In Northwest Kansas 85
and this is a dry country." She came into the church
and was a devoted worker. Some one said to her one
day, "Why don't you leave this God forsaken coun-
try?" "Oh," she replied, "it is not God forsaken as
long as Brother Harrison preaches for us."
Within the territory then included in the St. Fran-
cis circuit there are now six regular preaching points,
and instead of the sod shanties, there are three modern
school houses used for church services, and two good
churches, worth $5,000, and paid for.
M. M. Stolz.
M. M. Stolz came to Kansas from Indiana in 1879.
Although not on the ground as early as some others,
his work was such that he had ample opportunity for
frontier experience.
In 1886 he was appointed Presiding Elder of the
Ellsworth District, which included the whole, or a
part of, Ellsworth, Russell, Ellis, Rooks, Trugo, Gra-
ham, Gove, Sheridan, Logan and Wallace Counties.
More than one-half of the territory was unorganized
a year ago. There were twenty-nine charges and one
hundred and twenty-five preaching places.
He records that at the beginning of his term there
was no class organized for one hundred miles west of
Wakeeny. At the close there were fifty societies
organized and five church buildings, and seven others
approaching completion.
On some charges very successful work was done
from the beginning. At Bunker Hill F. N. Cox held
a very gracious revival. One hundred were converted
and eighty-three united with the church. The pastor
secured the use of twenty-five acres of land, on which
he induced the people to sew wheat, from which $400
was realized to apply on a new church.
At Hays City J. W. Blundon built a church worth
$3,000, and the Sunday school reached an enrollment
of one hundred and fifty.
86 History of Methodism
At Hoxie, a town of 500, though only a year old,
a sod church was built, largely through the influence
of Brother Haney of the Rock River Conference. At
the first Quarterly Meeting three cowboys took pos-
session of the town and amused themselves by shooting
at the feet of people to make them dance. One man
refused to dance and they shot the sole off of one
boot. So he danced rather than lose the sole of the
other boot.
The first Quarterly Meeting at Gove City was held
in an old sod school house, one end of which had been
partitioned off for a chicken house. When the services
were under way the chickens began to make their
presence known, and the crowing of the cock and the
cackling of the hens mingled with sermon and song.
The first Quarterly Meeting for the next year was held
in a building used as a Court House. During the
service people passed through the room to office rooms,
looking after homesteads and other business, which
was little, if any, less annoying than the crowing of
the chickens of the previous year. An empty barrel
was used for a pulpit, but they had a good meeting and
one was converted. The second Quarterly Meeting was
held in a sod school house, with slabs lying on natl
kegs for seats. The Presiding Elder remarks: "If
the flies in Egypt were any thicker than they were in
that room, it was no wonder that Pharo said, 'Let
Israel go!' " Owing to failure of crops, church claims
were only half met.
During Stolz's second year on the district, G. L.
Rarick succeeded in building a church and parsonage
at Plainville. A revival followed the dedication of the
church, which resulted in the conversion of about one
hundred persons. W. A. Saville, who was at Russell
for the second year, conducted a revival for several
weeks, at which fifty accepted Christ. A. W. J. Best
had a most gracious revival at Stockton. The mem-
In Northwest Kansas 87
bership, when the meeting began, was twenty-seven.
At the close there were three hundred. The church
building was also improved. At Hays City Blundon
did good work for Methodism and temperance. Kan-
apolis and Millbrook each built a neat church. A
short time afterward Millbrook was destroyed by a
cyclone. Only one house in the town escaped all in-
jury, while the church was a total wreck. The society
did not recover from the loss for years. T. J. H. Tag-
gart held a good revival at Oakley, with the assistance
of Mahaffa and Ferguson. J. N. Moore was pastor at
Ellis. Sixty-five were converted during his pastorate.
Colyer was organized a year before with fifteen mem-
bers ; at the close of the year there were fifty. Crops
failed and they had only buffalo chips for fuel, but a
good revival was held. One hundred and fifty were
converted and $110 was raised for the support of the
cause. The parsonage was remodeled and improved.
During this second year there were 1,000 conver-
sions on the district, six churches dedicated, and two
parsonages built.
At the close of the third year on the district the
Elder reported in part as follows : "Failure of previous
years has intensified conditions. There was more
suffering than in 1874, the grasshopper year. Preach-
ers worked on the railroads to support their families ;
and wives kept charges together, reading sermons and
visiting. Sometimes they drove thirty miles to meet
appointments, then drove home on Monday morning
to a cowchip fire. Only God and the preachers them-
selves know what many endured. One preacher was
so destitute of the comforts of life that he had no
underclothing, not even a shirt, yet he continued his
work. He wore his coat buttoned to the neck and had
a string around his neck, to which he attached his
white collar. Finally comfortable clothing was re-
ceived through the W. H. M. S. When it came, the
88 History of Methodism
brother shouted, "Glory to God ; now I shall not have
to give up my charge." He tells of another family that
lived on bread and water for days.
Along with these experiences of destitution there
were others more inspiring. If some cowboys shot the
soles off men's shoes to make them dance, there were
others not so hard to reach. One came to me on the
train one day and told of hearing me preach at a cer-
tain place, and it had led him to see his folly, and he
was then on his way back home to se his mothr.
J. E. Langley was appointed to Millbrook, in Gra-
ham County, before the county was organized. He
started in asking the Lord for one hundred souls. At
the close of the vear he reported two hundred, and
had begun the erection of a church. T. J. H. Taggart
built a church at Oakley in 1886, with the aid of a
loan of $250 from the Board of Church Extension and
a donation of $250, and organized four M. E. Sunday
Schools. All benevolent apportionments were raised
in full. That of church extensions was three times
the apportionment. At Wilson W. H. Williams was
pastor. Three appointments reported two hunred and
sixty-two full members and eighty-three probationers.
About a thousand dollars was collected and expended
for payment of debts and improvements. Five times
the amount asked for missions and three times the
amount asked for Freedmen's Aid were raised.
The Elder concludes his report for the term with
the statement that at its beginning all the Western
part of the district was a wilderness, whole counties
being under fence. At its close land was taken up
and towns and settlements dotted the prairies.
In the spring of 1897 Stolz was appointed to the
Norton District, which covers the northwest p
of the state. He begins his report of the district with
the statement that the Norton District, est of
th<> five districts of the Conference, has elements of
In Northwest Kansas 89
strength that when the hot winds cease to blow, and
the destructive electric storms are controlled, and the
clouds drop their refreshing, will develop into one of
the most magnificent agricultural countries in (the
world. At present it is a buffalo or short grass
country.
The year 1897 opened auspiciously and continued
so till July. Wheat and corn both promised fine crops.
The people were in fine spirits and devised liberal
things for their pastors and the benevolences. All
went well till one day in July a hot wind blew, which
destroyed everything. One brother had three hundred
acres of wheat. Only one hundred was worth cutting,
and from that he threshed but twenty-nine bushels.
Corn that had promised twenty-five to fifty bushels
to the acre was so withered and dead that it was unfit
for fodder. Many were left without anything except
their cows and chickens. The contingent fund of the
Missionary Society and the W. H. M. S. was the main
dependence.
The labor performed and the privation endured by
some had to be witnessed to be appreciated. One
brother traveled forty miles and preached three times
every other Sunday, taking his dinner with him and
eating on the way. He received less than $100 from
the circuit. One who was serving as a supply would
leave home without his breakfast, that the family
might have more to eat while he was gone.
This devastated country covered Sherman, Chey-
enne, Thomas, Rawlins and part of Sheridan and
Decatur Counties.
Many pastors wrote the Presiding Elder, "What
shall we do?" I was, from experience, able to reply,
"Who fed thee last will feed thee still," and He did.
Not one left the district because of the hard times.
Gracious revivals were enjoyed in most of the
charges. The motto for the district was "a thousand
90 History of Methodism
souls for Christ." Nearly that number were converted
or reclaimed. The pastors assisted one another largely.
It was thus that the best results were reached.
Owing to the crop failure, the reports for benevo-
lences are small. As a rule pastors have been faith-
ful in presenting the causes, and many of the people
have given fully to the measure of their ability. A
number of Epworth and Junior Leagues have been
organized and are doing good work.
In the spring of '98 Stolz was changed from the
Norton to the Salina District, which occupies the
southeastern corner of the Conference, and is there-
fore a more promising territory than the short grass
country. However, no part of Western Kansas is
exempt from drouth and hot winds, as my experience
during June and July of my first year on this district
proved. Owing to the failure of crops, there were in-
dividuals as little able to meet their financial obliga-
tions as any of those in the short grass country. Still
a study of statistics will show that the eastern district
had a decided advantage over the western. The aver-
age pastor's salary in the Norton District was S331,
while the average in the Salina was $492.
The growth of the work during my term of office
on this district was quite encouraging in one respect.
The first year the average pastor's salary was $492;
the last year it was $586. Church property increased
$18,600. Contributions for missions increased $569.
Pastoral support increased during these ye;
That is an average of $115 for each pastor.
Three things seem to have characterized the
tors of the district which were in a high degree com-
mendable. Harmony among themselves, unity of aim
and purpose for the best results, and faithfulness to
their task- and fidelity to the cause. A single misfit
grew to such proportions that the Presiding Elder felt
impelled to call a committee of investigation. The
In Northwest Kansas 91
committee found conditions such that they felt con-
strained to suspend the brother for a year. He finally
withdrew from the church and resumed the practice
of law, which he gave up before entering the ministry.
This was especially afflictive to this writer, as that
brother was brought into the Conference by him, and
had served several years successfully. He finally
drifted into another communion and resumed preach-
ing. Not finding the associations congenial, within
the past year he returned to the Methodist Church,
asked for the restoration of his parchments, has been
readmitted to a conference, and is again a Methodist
pastor. So that the one slip in the administration of
Dr. Stolz in the Salina District has been mended as
far as may be. In this fact this writer rejoices.
The fidelity and faithfulness of pastors is attested
by the improved conditions on the charges. Good re-
vivals were reported in nearly all of them. Church
debts were paid, except in a single charge; pastoral
support and benevolent apportionments were generally
reported raised in full.
Parsonages and churches were built and largely
paid for. This, following years of dearth and crop
failure, evidently could not have been done if the peo-
ple, as well as the preachers, had not been very gen-
erally and very largely imbued with devotion and self-
sacrifice.
This is the spirit that largely characterizes Kan-
sas people. It is this that has made of Kansas the
grand state it is, and which, with the blessing of God,
will make of Kansas Methodism the glorious church
it is to be.
J. D. Baker.
I was licensed to preach in the United Brethren
Church, at Harland, Smith County, in 1880, and con-
tinued to work in that church in Jewell, Republic and
Decatur Counties until 1885, when they withdrew
92 History of Methodism
their support from that part of the country. I had
taken a homestead, which I could not well afford to
leave.
In 1886 Rev. S. A. Green, Presiding Elder of the
Norton District, appointed me to the Achilles charge,
in Rawlins County, which was a very wild country.
There were two classes of people, who were in almost
constant strife, and a stranger was looked upon with
suspicion. Both parties went armed and were ready
to shoot on the slightest provocation. Stock would
disappear mysteriously, never to be seen or heard of
by the owners. Those were very trying times ; but the
Lord was with us, and we found friends among all
classes.
There was a sod church at Achilles that would ac-
commodate two hundred people. The trustees were
Esom Masterson, Harrison Hays and B. F. Morton.
Masterson was an exhorter and also the class leader.
During the winter of 1886-7, under the blessing of
God, we had gracious revivals. At Achilles there were
fifty-four conversions and accessions to the church ; at
Barretsville there were fifteen ; at the Welsh appoint-
ment there were fifty-six. I preached at two other
points in Sheridan County.
In 1887 I was sent to the Cumberlin charge, in
Thomas County. At the Buelah appointment there
was almost a constant revival, the Lord adding to the
church every Sabbath such as were saved. There
were about seventy accessions during the year. There
was a sod church here, of which W. W. Armstrong.
John Clawson, C. R. McVae, W. A. Scott and Edward
Snell were trustees. John Clawson was class leader,
and Jennie Scott Sunday school superintendent.
In 1888 I was returned to the Achilles Circuit. We
had a good year. There were about thirty additions
to the church. There were many antelope in the coun-
try and we had some merry times along with the hard-
In Northwest Kansas 93
ship. There were no bridges, and many times we
had to ford raging streams to reach our appointments.
I remember once my horse drifted quite a way before
he was caught by a Mr. Edward Robbins and brought
to shore.
In 1889 I was returned to Achilles, but the work
had been divided and I had only Achilles and Basset-
ville; but nothing daunted, I proceeded to take up
other points. One was seven miles south of Atwood,
where a class of thirty-five was organized, and one
four miles east of Old Chardon, where there was a
class of twenty-seven members. There were thirty
conversions at the other two points. Most of our
services were held either in sod houses or dugouts. I
remember Brother W. K. Loobourrow came to hold
my Quarterly Meeting once, in place of the Presiding
Elder. He thought it was pretty hard to get up en-
thusiasm under such conditions.
In 1890 I was sent to Rexford, where there were
four appointments, Rexford, Menlo, Vernon and Gem.
I remained here two years. This was a very hard year.
Nothing was raised. I received $87 from the work,
but the Lord was with us, and we were not permitted
to suffer want. In 1891 crops were much better, out
so many were not able to get seed that there was not
much more for the preachers than in 1890. These
were years when the souls of men and women were
tried. All the churches except the Methodist withdrew
their ministers from the field. It was by the assist-
ance of the Woman's Home Missionary Society that
ours were able to stay.
In 1892 I was returned to Achilles, which I con-
tinued to serve till 1897. In 1892 the circuit consisted
of Achilles, Bassetville, the Welsh appointment, Bethel,
Summit school house, in Decatur County, six miles
south of Oberlin, where a class of thirty members
was organized, and one at Center school house, where
94 History of Methodism
we organized with thirty-five members. There were
revivals at the other points, and seventy-five were re-
ceived into church fellowship. Thus closed quite a
successful year.
In 1893 the circuit was changed. The two points
where classes were organized the previous year were
placed in another circuit, and in their stead I took up
the Fairview school house, where a revival was held in
connection with the Summit class, and there were
forty-seven conversions.
In 1894 a class of forty-seven was organized at
Decatur Center, and there were at the other points
forty conversions and accessions to the church.
In 1896 a class of thirty-five was formed north of
Bassetville, and another of twenty-seven at the Vickers
school house, in the southwest township of Decatur
County. Fifty-two persons were received into church
fellowship at the other points on the circuit.
In 1897, on account of my wife's health, I did not
take regular work, but continued to preach at different
places as opportunity offered. This year M. M. Stolz
succeeded E. W. Allen on the district.
In 1898 L. 0. Housel was appointed to the Norton
District. J. W. Bates was appointed to the Dresden
charge, which he resigned to take an appointment in
the eastern part of the Conference. The Presiding
Elder then appointed me to the Dresden charge, which
I served this and the following year. The charge con-
sisted of five appointments, viz. : Dresden, Jackson,
Summit, McGraw and Shibbolith. At this last point
we built a neat church building, and during the pas-
torate received seventy into the church. The trustees
of the new church were J. Amlin, J. W. Tibbies, Fred
Bundy, Perry Ashcroft and H. Winchell. Fred Bundy
was the class leader, and J. Amlin the Sunday school
superintendent.
In Northwest Kansas 95
I again served the Achilles circuit during 1901 and
1902. A class of thirty members was organized at
Pleasantville. James Purvis was appointed leader,
and Isaac Lyons and Sarah Purvis were stewards.
Lest a detailed report should be longer than the
editor shall care to publish, I will simply give a sum-
mary for the remaining thirteen years of my active
work. I may say, however, that for three years of
this time, from 1909 to 1912, I so nearly lost my sight
that I was unable to take work. There are, therefore,
but ten years to be accounted for. During that time
I served seven charges for one or more years, and
organized thijpe new classes with a total membership
of sixty-nine, and received into the church at other
points one hundred and seventy-six. One league of
fifty members was organized.
It would have been pleasant to have had Conference
relation during these years, but before I decided to
ask admission to Conference I had reached an age
when, in the judgment of the Conference, it was not
wise to admit men. I have therefore been content to
work as a supply, if only I might be privileged to
preach Christ to a lost world. So I have no complaint
to make. The Lord has been with me and wonder-
fully blessed my labors, and now, at three score and
ten, I am sweetly trusting Jesus as one strong to de-
liver and mighty to save. I only hope I may be able
to hold up the cross of Christ till He shall say : "It is
enough, come up higher."
The Editor — I find in going over Brother Baker's
reports that he has served for twenty-six years as a
supply. In that time he has organized eleven new
classes, with a total membership of two hundred and
eighty-one. He has received into organized societies
seven hundred and sixty-nine, making a total of one
thousand and fifty received into the church. This is
a remarkable report, and especially so when we con-
96 History of Methodism
sider the meager salaries he has received in view of
this service.
This writer moves that he be granted unconditional
membership in the Conference, and that he be placed
on the retired list.
CHAPTER III.
THE ORGANIZATION OF THE CONFERENCE.
When the Kansas-Nebraska Conference was organ-
ized, in 1856, it was supposed that settlements would
never extend beyond the sixth principal meridian, if
indeed they should ever reach that far ; but the desire
to possess themselves of the broad acres which the
government offered as a gift, and thus to hold in their
own name a home, influenced people to press farther
and farther westward, until, in 1880, the extreme
western counties in the state had been entered. At
that time, or shortly afterward, county organization
had been effected in every part of the state. As a mat-
ter of course, Methodism kept pace with the westward
march of the settlers, and there are pastoral charges
older than the county organizations.
The cities and churches that were able to entertain
the conference were all in the eastern portion of the
state, thus western men felt themselves at a disad-
vantage. Those who received the least support had to
travel farthest to the seat of the conference. This
was felt so keenly that western men soon began to
agitate the division of the conference. This agitation
finally came to a head in the conference of 1880, when
on the second day of the session a resolution was
passed instructing the delegates to the General Con-
ference to ask it to empower the Kansas Conference
to divide at any time during the coming quardenium.
if it should seem desirable to do so.
The men of the west were anxious for the division,
and on the organization of the Kansas Conference of
1882, among other committees, one was raised on the
division of the conference. This committee consisted
98 History of Methodism
. E. Wilson, E. H. Fleisher, C. L. Shackelford,
\\ . 11. Zimmerman, I. McDowell, W. H. Underwood,
William Jones and James Lawrence. This committee,
later in the session, reported favoring the division.
Fearing that some of the western men who might
not be in favor of the division would feel that the men
of the east had set the west off in an arbitrary man-
ner, the writer made a motion that an informal vote
be taken, the two sections voting separately. This was
accordingly done, and it was found that eighty-four
favored and twenty-five opposed the division. It was
then ordered that this be declared the vote of the Con-
ference.
The western men would have been glad if the divi-
sion line had been one tier of counties farther east,
but owing to the wording of the motion passed by the
General Conference, Bishop Warren, the Presiding
Bishop, gave as his decision that if the division was
made, it would have to be on the sixth principal me-
ridian. The situation was accepted with reserve and
some misgivings, but with an earnest desire to make
the best of the conditions which they could not mend.
Since the eastern portion of the state now constitutes
one Conference, the territory of the state would be
more equally divided if the contention of the western
men had been conceded. Indeed, it would be a gracious
thing if the Kansas Conference would even yet con-
sent to that division. But the Northwest has grown
and prospered till it is now quite able to maintain itself
in the territory it has.
The names "Kansas" and "Northwest Kansas"
were given to the two Conferences by the vote of the
Kansas Conference before the division. The North-
west Conference as constituted by this vote consisted
of three Presiding Elders' district-, comprising sixty-
eight pastoral charges, forty-five of which were served
In Northwest Kansas 99
by the Conference members, and twenty-eight by
supplies.
The Northwest Kansas Conference met for its
first session in Beloit, March 15, 1883. Bishop W. L.
Harris of New York opened the session with devotional
services, including the Sacrament of the Lord's Sup-
per, in which he was assisted by the Presiding Elders,
J. H. Lockwood, A. N. See and H. G. Breed. The roll
was called and thirty-eight members answered to their
names. The first secretary of the Conference was R.
A. Hoffman, and the first Conference treasurer, L. K.
Morton. Twenty-five standing committees were then
appointed.
The reports of the Presiding Elders were read on
the first and second days of the session. J. H. Lock-
wood was the Presiding Eider of the Beloit District,
H. G. Breed presided over the Kirwin District, while
A. N. See looked after the Salina District. Unfortu-
nately, their reports do not appear in the minutes of
the first session of the Conference. The same districts,
with the same Presiding Elders, were continued the
second year.
Of special interest was the action taken by the
Conference at its first session in reference to the
founding of an educational institution of high grade
in Western Kansas. A special committee was ap-
pointed, consisting of R. A. Carruthers, R. A. Hoff-
man, J. J. Antrim, D. D. Campbell, H. G. Miller and
F. D. Baker, to look into the matter. In their report
they state: "Whereas, the growing necessities of the
West are such as to require, at an early day, the loca-
tion of an institution of high grade somewhere within
its limits, and feeling assured that necessity will be
supplied from some source, and believing it to be the
duty of the Methodist Episcopal Church to accept the
situation, we recommend —
100 History of Methodism
(1) The location of such an institution. (2) That
this Conference appoint a board of trustees to secure
a charter for that purpose. (3) That this board con-
including, viz.: J. H. Lockwood, R. A. Carruthers, H.
H. Sudendorf, Martin Mohler. (4) That this Confer-
ence empower this Board of Trustees to entertain pro-
sist of nine persons, five ministers and four laymen,
posals for the location of the institution."
Yv . H. Sweet, the President of Baker University,
had been present at the first session of the Conference
and had presented the cause of Baker University, and
the regular Committee on Education had recommended
in their report that during the next year the Confer-
ence continue to give their support to Baker Uni-
versity.
The action of this first session of the Northwest
Kansas Conference in reference to tobacco is interest-
ing. In 1872 the Kansas Conference had passed a
set of strong resolutions in regard to tobacco, in which
they state: "The use of tobacco hinders ministerial
and Christian usefulness, is inconsistent with purity
of heart, is a violation of Bible teaching and of the
general rule forbidding 'needless self-indulgence,' and
they therefore resolved that: (1) That our ministry
and layity so indulging be admonished to cease the evil
practice. (2) That all seeking admission into the Con-
ference be requested to abstain from its use," while in
a third resolution they state: "We will preach against
its use as against other sins." Ten years later, 1882,
a resolution was passed requiring all candidates for
admission to the Conference to swear total abstinence
from its use for all time to come.
The new Conference, at its first session, declared
itself regarding tobacco in the following manner: "(1)
That we politely request our ministers and members
to abstain from its use. (2) That we deplore this
in some of the members of the Conference and
In Northwest Kansas 101
urge an effort at reformation. (3) That we will re-
quire all candidates for admission and ordination to
be free from this habit, and to pledge total abstinence
in the future. (4) That the Presiding Elders do not
employ a man who uses it. (5) That we request the
Bishops not to transfer to this Conference any one
who will not agree to abstain from its use."
Later in the session another resolution was adopted
requesting the Presiding Bishops not to appoint to
the office of Presiding Elder any one addicted to the
use of tobacco. The Conference was determined to
live up to its rule, and when it was discovered that
a brother whose ordination had been sanctioned was
a user of tobacco, the motion was promptly recon-
sidered and he was required to pledge that he would
quit its use. The Presiding Elders were also instructed
to report at the next session of the Conference whether
any who had previously pledged to abstain had re-
sumed its use.
G. W. Grabe of the Southern Illinois and A. W.
White of the Lexington Conference were received by
transfer. S. L. Semans, B. F. Hewlett, W. H. Wil-
liams, G. H. Woodward, J. W. Manners, James
Flowers, G. L. Rarick and E. C. Cary were admitted
on trial. John A. Bull, A. J. McRacken, John Med-
craft, E. G. Cary and Hartwell Mitchell were ordained
deacons, and Reuben Bisbee, J. C. Walker. 0. N. Max-
son and W. S. Morrison were ordained elders, March
19, 1883.
A Conference Missionary Society was organized by
the election of officers as follows : L. F. Tuttle, pres-
ident; John Pittinger, vice president; H. G. Miller,
secretary; L. V. Morton, treasurer; J. Antrim, J. A.
Stayt and G. W. Grabe, managers.
A committee consisting of one preacher and one
layman from each Presiding Elder's district was ap-
102 History of Methodism
pointed to draft a constitution and by-laws for a Con-
ference Preachers' Aid Society.
A resolution was passed commending- the W. F. M.
S. and recommending the holding of an anniversary
during the session of the Annual Conference. The
report of a special committee was adopted recommend-
ing: (1) That an institution of learning be located.
(2) That a board of nine trustees be appointed, con-
sisting of five ministers and four laymen, to secure a
charter and to entertain proposals for the locating of
the institution.
A committee was appointed to organize an Educa-
tional Society and to report at the next session of the
Conference. The committee named for the organiza-
tion of a Preachers' Aid Society was M. M. Stolz, C.
Eberhardt, C. L. Shackelford, Henry Casey, J. Boi-
court and J. W. Mclntyre. Question 30, what are the
claims on the Conference fund, was answered none.
Salina was fixed as the seat of the next Conference.
CHAPTER IV.
THE CONFERENCE SESSIONS.
1884-1918.
The Conference met in its second session in Salina
March 19, 1884. Bishop S. M. Merrill was the presid-
ing Bishop. The Bishop led the devotional service and,
with the assistance of the Presiding Elders, adminis-
tered the Sacrament. To the roll call fifty members
and probationers responded. R. A. Hoffman was elected
by acclamation as secretary, while C. W. Caseley, W.
A. Saville, J. C. Dana, M. M. Stolz and J. C. Walker
were selected as assistants. L. V. Morton was again
elected treasurer. The usual standing committees were
nominated and elected; also a special committee on
Conference boundaries. The last named committee
submitted a report on the third day of the Conference
which was of the nature of a protest against the divi-
sion line that had been fixed. They asked that a com-
mission of five be appointed to meet a like commission
from the Kansas Conference; and if that Conference
would not consent to this, that the General Conference
be petitioned to fix the line on the fourth range line
east of the sixth principal meridian; if this could not
be done, that the line be lifted and the Conference be
restored as it was before the division was projected.
Against this last proposition M. M. Stolz presented a
minority report, protesting against obliterating the
division line. However, it all passed and nothing came
of the action. It is simply recited here to show the
dissatisfaction caused by the fixing of the line where
it is.
104 History of Methodism
It may not be out of place to show here the relative
strength of the four Conferences. One will readily see
the grounds on which the men of the Northwest based
their demands for a readjustment of the line.
Statistscs of the Four Conferences.
S. S.W. N. W.
Kans. Kans. Kans. Kans. Total
Probationers 1983 2172 1664 963 6782
Members 13351 12293 7678 5990 39313
Local Preachers 142 139 81 62 424
Churches 140 134 63 49 386
Value $408,350 $305,886 $187,425 $67,802 $979,469
Parsonages 75 70* 44 37 226
Value $69,653 $51,490 $28,750 $20,865 s :
Sunday Schools 185 168 105 128 596
Officers and Teachers. 1980 1710 1128 1099
Scholars 14712 12602 8404 6850 42508
For present status of Kansas Methodism see Appendix.
None were received by transfer at this session. W.
H. Doner, A. M. Morse, A. Pharo and C. P. Stayton
were admitted on trial. A. W. White, E. Goodrich and
W. J. Meredith were ordained deacons, and C. W.
Caseley, W. R. Leigh, W. R. Allen, M. J. Bailey and J.
Pittinger were ordained elders.
Rev. J. H. Lockwood was chosen delegate to the
General Conference, and R. A. Caruthers alternate.
The Lay Conference elected C. E. Falkner delegate,
and J. S. Goodwin alternate. The claims on the Con-
ference fund were $498. These were paid in full.
Dr. Fry dismissed with the benediction.
The third Annual Conference session was held at
Clyde, March 26, 1885, Bishop Ninde presiding. He
conducted devotional services and administered the
Sacrament, the Presiding Elder- assisting. R. A. Hoff-
man was elected secretary.
The assistant secretaries were C. W. Caseley, W.
A. Saville, M. M. Stolz, J. C. Walker and O. N. Max-
In Northwest Kansas 105
son. S. A. Green was elected treasurer. E. P. Mich-
erner, George Nulton, M. S. McCoy, J. F. Dey and W.
A. Matson were transferred into the Conference. J.
M. Ryan, H. M. Mayo, D. W. Burt, W. C. Littell, A.
Crumley, D. A. Allen and J. P. Smith were admitted
on trial. S. L. Semans, B. F. Hewlett, J. W. Manner,
G. L. Rarick, J. W. Edgar and Alfred Crumly were
ordained deacons, and J. A. Bull and M. S. McCoy were
ordained elders. J. W. Scott and H. G. Miller were
granted the superannuated relation. A. T. Riley was
transferred to the Kansas Conference. N. A. Walker
was received on credentials from the United Brethren
Church.
The claims on the Conference fund were $261. Paid
Conference claimants, $330. Balance in hand, $93.
Northwest Kansas Conference met in its fourth an-
nual session at Kirwin Thursday, March 25, 1886.
Bishop J. M. Walden led devotional services and ad-
ministered the Sacrament, the Elders assisting. Fifty
members and nine probationers responded to roll call.
C. W. Caseley, W. A. Saville, M. M. Stolz, F. D.
Baker, J. A. Bull, J. C. Walker, 0. N. Maxon and W.
J. Meredith were assistant secretaries.
L. V. Morton was chosen treasurer. 0. J. McFad-
den, A. W. J. Best, E. W. L. Elder, W. M. Sedore and
C. K. Loofbourrow were received by transfer, and
Alfred Crumly, J. B. Oring, J. W. Edgar and L. A.
Dugger were admitted on trial.
Isaac Kurtz, W. C. Littell, D. W. Burt, John Horton
and Allen Enyart were ordained Deacons, and E. Good-
rich, W. J. Meredith, W. L. Cannon and George W.
WinterBourne were ordained Elders on March 28,
1886. John Pittinger was transferred to the New Jer-
sey Conference, and J. A. Antrim withdrew.
The claims on the Conference fund were $450; of
this sum $270 only was paid. The total benevolences
were $2,592.
106 History of Methodism
The Conference met in its fifth annual session in
Ellsworth March 24, 1887. Bishop Andrews opened
the session in the usual manner. The secretaries of
the last Conference were re-elected, except W. T. Rob-
i he-sen recording secretary in place of \Y. A.
Saville. J. W. Presby, S. R. Ferguson, L. 0. Housel,
Aaron Schyler, W. H. Sweet, I. S. Hall and W. W.
Mahaffie were received by transfer, and A. J. Markley,
G. H. Cheney, C. J. English, T. J. H. Taggart, W. W.
Stocking, S. B. Lucas, W. F. Swahlen and A. M. Lott
were received on trial. F. L. Tuttle transferred to
Southern California and C. P. Staton to Puget Sound
Conference. J. M. Ryan, H. M. Mayo, D. A. Allen, J.
P. Smith and F. N. Cox were ordained Deacons
S. L. Semans, B. F. Hewlett, W. H. Williams, G. H.
Woodward, J. W. Manners, James Flowers, G. L. Rar-
ick and H. E. Pickle were ordained Elders, March 27,
1887. I. G. Morrill and J. W. Scott were located at
their own request.
The claims on the Conference were $500. Received
on these was $444; total benevolences, $5,533. R. A.
Caruthers and E. S. Arrington were granted the" super-
annuated relation.
On March 21, 1888, the Conference convene . in its
sixth annual session in Salina. Bishop Thomas Bow-
man conducted a devotional service, after which he,
with the assistance of the Presiding Elder, adminis-
tered the Holy Communion. Fifty-eight members and
eight probationers answered roll call. The Conference
eded to the election of assistant secretaries. C.
W. Caseley and M. S. McCoy were chosen. J. C. Walker
rotary, who nominated as his
ants A. W. J. Best. W. I,. Cannon, B. W. Hollen,
W. J. Meredith and T. J. H. Taggart. They
elected. F. D. Baker and 0. N. Maxson were chosen
financial secretaries, and L. V. Morton treasurer.
Standing committees were elected on the nomination
In Northwest Kansas 107
of the Presiding Elders. F. N. Moore, Job Infram and
G. M. Glick were received by transfer, and H. S. Plum-
mer, F. N. Cox, G. W. Morly, J. F. Johnson, Joseph
Baker, G. L. Tennant, J. H. Kuhn and D. McGurk were
admitted on trial.
J. W. Blundon was ordained Elder, and L. A. Dug-
ger, F. C. York, A. J. Markly, B. F. Harper, G. W.
Morly, Isaac Booth and J. N. Shepherd were ordained
Deacons. B. F. Hewlett, J. W. Presby and D. W. Burt
were removed by transfer. J. A. Stayton withdrew.
J. F. Ekey and J. B. Orwig were located at their own
request.
M. M. Stolz and J. H. Lockwood were chosen del-
egates to the General Conference, and C. L. Shackel-
ford and H. G. Breed were elected as alternates. A. P.
Collins and C. D. Jones were chosen by the Lay Elec-
toral Conference as delegates, and J. C. Postlethwait
and J. P. Woods as reserves.
The seventh session of the Conference convened in
Jewell City March 27, 1889. Bishop John H. Vincent
was in charge and conducted devotions, reading I Tim-
othy, first chapter. Mayor McClung made an address
of welcome, which was responded to by F. D. Baker.
Fifty-nine members and eighteen probationers re-
sponded to the roll call. The assistant secretaries were
C. W. Caseley and W. J. Meredith. 0. N. Maxson was
statistical, and J. C. Dana recording secretary.
The transfers into the Conference were J. L. King,
W. R. Pierce and E. H. Bailiff. J. F. Johnson, G. W.
Morley, G. L. Tennant, H. S. Plummer, F. N. Cox, W.
E. Jenkins, J. P. Allen, G. P. Miller and William Nash
were admitted. C. J. English, T. J. H. Taggart, S. B.
Lucas, A. M. Scott, W. E. Day, A. Ellis, W. W. Arm-
strong and James M. Bell were ordained Deacons, and
J. M. Ryan, D. A. Allen, H. M. Mayo, J. P. Smith and
W. C. Littell were ordained Elders. A. W. J. Best, D.
D. Campbell, G. W. Grabe, G. W. Wood and W. H.
108 History of Methodism
Williams were removed by transfer. Job Ingram with-
drew.
A committee on Conference boundary was appoint-
ed to confer with a similar committee from the South-
west Kansas Conference in reference to the boundary
line between the two Conferences and requested to
seek such an adjustment as will divide the territory
equally between the Conferences.
A resolution was also passed protesting again -t
gate fees at Chautauqua Assemblies on the Sabbath.
The total benevolent collections were $4,398. The
claims on the Conference were $436., which were paid.
The eighth session of the Conference met in Min-
neapolis, Kansas, March 26, 1890. Bishop Foss was
in charge. E. W. Allen conducted a devotional serv-
ice, after which the Holy Communion was adminis-
tered by the Bishop and others whom he invited to
assist.
Those chosen assistant secretaries were A. D. Bick-
hardt, W. R. Pierce, 0. N. Maxson and W. J. Mere-
dith. F. D. Baker was elected treasurer.
The Presiding Elders nominated the standing com-
mittees and they were elected. A draft for $630 was
ordered on the book concern, and one for $30 on the
chartered fund.
L. O. Housel was appointed to report for the local
papers, W. K. Loofbourrow to solicit for the Methodist
Review, and S. L. Semans to solicit for the Gospel in
All Lands. Attention was called to the fact that R.
A. Caruthers had died within the past year. J. H.
Lockwood and M. M. Stolz were chosen delegates to
the Ecumenical Conference. Stolz declined in favor
of Dr. Schuyler, and on motion he was elected. Prof.
F. A. Cook and J. C. Posselethwait were chosen Lay
delegates.
The Conference voted on equal Lay representation
In Northwest Kansas 109
in the General Conference. One favored it and sixty-
five voted against it.
Action was taken looking to the organization of a
Conference Epworth League. One hundred dollars
was voted to the Children's Home at York, Nebraska.
C. W. Caseley was transferred to the Missouri Con-
ference, C. J. English to Des Moines, S. R. Ferguson
to the Upper Iowa, M. S. McCoy, Central Illinois; O.
J. McFadden, Southern California. D. G. Murray
came into the Conference from the Illinois, and B. T.
Stauber from Missouri. F. C. Lookwood, G. W. Wheat,
C. M. C. Thompson, B. F. Rogers and J. F. Clark were
admitted on trial. Isaac Kurtz, J. G. H. Armitstead,
J. W. Edgar, L. A. Dugger, C. V. Perm and G. M.
Glick were ordained Elders. G. W. Wheat, C. P. Cole-
grove, J. H. Kuhn, D. McGurk and Joseph Baker were
ordained Deacons. E. S. Arrington and L. V. Morton
were retired.
The claims of retired preachers on the Conference
fund amounted to $1,225; only $931 was in hand to
meet it. The aggregate of Conference collection was
$5,804.
March 25, 1891, was the time set for the meeting
of the Conference in its ninth session, in the City of
Norton, but owing to a blinding snowstorm which fell
on the night of the 23d, and following, blocking the
roads completely, the train which should have brought
the Bishop and many members of Conference on Tues-
day night did not arrive until Saturday afternoon.
Those who had reached the seat of Conference on
time assembled at the time appointed. The Bishop
not being present, E. W. Allen was chosen president
pro tempore. J. C. Dana conducted a devotional serv-
ice, the roll was called and forty members and nine
probationers responded. Secretaries were elected and
the hours fixed for meeting and adjourning.
The chairman not being disposed to take up the
110 History of Methodism
regular minute business, as there was a possibility that
the Bishop might arrive in a short time, the most of
the first day was devoted to the consideration of the
constitution of an Itinerants' Club, which wa> sub-
mitted by this writer, and which was found under
Appendix K in this volume. Two things were accom-
plished by that constitution which have proven perma-
nent. First, it put an end to slip-shod, oral Confer-
ence examinations. Second, it called into existence a
permanent record of grades, and originated an office,
viz., a registara, and assigned to him a duty which
the Conference never has found occasion to abandon.
That Conference record of grades provided for in 1891,
during that snow blockade, is perhaps the oldest record
in the church East or West. On the second day after
the journal of the previous day was approved, Rev.
James Boicourt conducted a love feast which was a
feast indeed. Following this. Dr. Earl Cranston de-
livered an excellent address in the interest of the book
concern.
On the third day the standing committees were
called, reports were presented, discussed and adopted.
On the fourth day disciplinary questions were
called and Conference business was proceeded with,
as far as possible, in the absence of the Bishop. After
he arrived, on Saturday at 6 p. m., an evening session
was held and such business transacted as was neces-
sary to prepare for the ordination service of the Sab-
bath. G. W. Hood was received by transfer from the
Arkansas Conference. Joseph Adams, J. W. Blundon,
R. A. Quinn, M. 0. Moyer, J. M. Allen and L. F.
Gonldin were admitted on trial.
J. P. Allen, G. L. Tennant, G. P. Miller, W. E.
Jenkins, J. F. Johnson, F. N. Cox, William Nash and
G. W. Morley were admitted into full connection and
to Deacons' orders. G. H. Cheney, T. J. H. Taggart,
S. B. Lucas, A. M. Lott and A. J. Markley were or-
In Northwest Kansas 111
dained Elders. J. N. Moore was transferred to Ar-
kansas, W. J. Meredith to Des Moines, G. M. Glick to
Colorado, D. G. Murray to Illinois, and G. W. Morley
to Missouri. E. S. Arrington and L. V. Morton were
granted the superannuated relation.
The total for ministerial support was $484.94.
Total Conference claimants was $805, which was met
in full. Aggregate of benevolence, $4,500.
Bishop H. W. Warren held the tenth session of the
Conference, which met at Concordia, March 23, 1892.
Brother Hoffman having served the Conference as
secretary very efficiently since its organization, de-
clined re-election, and H. M. Mayo was chosen and
was continued in the office till he transferred out of
the Conference.
C. V. Penn, W. L. Cannon, T. J. H. Taggart and
J. C. Dana were assistant secretaries, and F. D. Baker
treasurer.
W. A. Spencer of the Church Extension Society.
J. C. W. Cox of the Sunday School Union and Tract
Society, C. C. McCabe of the Missionary Society, R. S.
Storrs of the American Bible Society, and M. C. B.
Mason of the Freedmen's Aid Society were present and
addressed the Conference. W. P. Stow spoke in refer-
ence to the publishing interests of the church. A reso-
lution of respect for Dr. St. James Fry was adopted.
Dr. S. A. Keen conducted Pentecostal services, which
were greatly appreciated.
The General Conference was memorialized to re-
store the time limit. W. H. Sweet and M. M. Stolz
were chosen delegates to the General Conference, and
E. W. Allen and B. T. Stauber were the reserves. The
Lay Conference elected J. C. Postlethwait and E. W.
Voorhis delegates, and T. B. Carpenter and J. M. Bell
reserves. It also passed a resolution favoring equal
Lay representation with the ministers. 0. N. Maxson
was transferred to the Des Moines Conference, J. P.
112 History of Methodism
Smith to Indian Mission, W. R. Leigh to Kansas, G.
W. Tennant to Northwestern Iowa, W. H. Mahaffe to
Puget Sound, James Boicourt to Kansas, and W. T.
Robinson to Columbia River.
The Conference voted thanks to R. A. Hoffman for
efficient services as secretary for past ten years. The
claims on the Conference fund were $1,100. Paid on
the same, $1,068. Aggregate of benevolent collections
was $5,757.
The next, eleventh, session met at Belleville, March
22, 1893, and was presided over by Bishop J. F. Hurst.
Fifty-seven members and five probationers answered
to roll call. J. A. Bull led the devotional service and
the Bishop took charge of the Communion. T. J. H.
Taggart and W. L. Cannon were chosen assistant sec-
retaries, and J. C. Dana. J. W. Adams, W. E. Jenkins,
A. M. Lott, L. 0. Housel, L. A. Dugger, B. F. Rogers,
J. P. Allen, C. V. Perm, E. E. Goodrich and H. H.
Sheldon were the statistical secretaries; F. D. Baker,
treasurer.
The standing committees were chosen. " S. G. Dear-
born visited the Conference. H. H. Sheldon. E. E.
Damon, J. H. Laird, H. H. Bowen, M. L. Keer, M. J.
Mumford, W. H. Haupt, C. W. Talmadge, J. H. Hoff.
E. M. Evans, A. L. Hazlett, W. 0. Allen and J. A.
dinger were admitted on trial. J. F. Clark, J. W.
Adams and J. W. Blundon, F. A. Smith, J. A. Clinger,
A. L. Hazlett, F. C. Lockwood, J. H. Laird and J. E.
Brown were ordained Deacons. J. P. Allen. W. E.
Jenkins, J. F. Johnson, William Nash and F. N. Cox
were ordained Elders. Aggregate of benevolence,
$6,894. Claims on Conference fund, $1,123. The total
amount was disbursed.
The twelfth session convened at Goodland, March
28, 1894. Fifty-six full members and fourteen pro-
bationers were present the first morning session. This
was the first session of Conference ever held so far
In Northwest Kansas 113
west in the state. The accommodations were in a
measure primitive, but the minister and visitors were
well provided for, and the hospitality of the people
was greatly enjoyed. W. F. Mallien was the Bishop
in charge, and by his kindly Christian spirit and gra-
cious bearing greatly endeared himself to all.
The Conference was opened in the usual manner
and secretaries and treasurers were elected. Dr. S. A.
Keen was with us again, and his services were greatly
blessed. Dr. J. B. Young, editor of the Central Chris-
tian Advocate, was present and addressed the Confer-
ence, as did Dr. Earl Cranston also.
Dr. B. T. Vincent spoke in the interest of the Iliff
School of Theology. Chaplain C. C. McCabe repre-
sented World Wide Missions. The Conference trus-
tees were instructed to incorporate the Conference.
C. E. Line from Southeastern Indiana Conference, C.
A. Stevenson of Colorado, W. T. Cummings of Arkan-
sas, and E. L. Hutchins of West Nebraska were re-
ceived by transfer. J. C. Horn of Missouri and R. H.
McDade of Rock River Conference were readmitted.
J. V. Morris, a local Elder of the Protestant Methodist
Church, was received on his credentials. J. "V. Morris,
John Hogan, F. A. Colwell, C. A. Davis, E. E. Gunckel,
J. N. Clark, G. B. Warren, James Kerr, J. W. McPeek
and C. E. Trueblood were admitted on trial. L. M.
Johnson and John Johnson, local deacons, were or-
dained elders. J. C. Dana was placed in the retired
relation. The aggregate of benevolent collections was
$6,508. The claim of the Conference fund was $956.
A resolution was passed naming April 20th as a day
of prayer for 40,000 conversions in Kansas this year.
On April 3, 1895, the Conference convened in its
thirteenth session, in the Methodist Church in Lin-
coln, Kansas, at 9 o'clock a. m. Bishop D. A. Good-
sell of San Francisco, California, was in charge. He
announced Hymn 798, "And Are We Yet Alive and
114 History of Methodism
See Each Other's Face," after which he read a scrip-
ture lesson from the fortieth chapter of Isaiah and
the second chapter of Ephesians. Then, assisted by
his cabinet, he proceeded to the administration of the
Sacrament of the Lord's Supper. H. M. Mayo was
elected secretary. Fifty-eight members and twenty
probationers answered to their names. Transfers to
the Conference were announced as follows : Warren
Applebee, from Vermont, and Wiley T. Selby, from
Oklahoma. T. J. H. Taggart, A. J. Markley and R. A.
Hoffman were chosen assistant secretaries, W. R.
Allen statistician, P. Smith treasurer. A. B. Leonard
was present and represented the Missionary Society.
Lewis Curtis spoke for the Book Concern. A statis-
tical session was called for the afternoon, over which
A. N. See presided, and to which J. R. VanPelt of
Denver was introduced and spoke of the Iliff School of
Theology.
A grade of seventy on a scale of one hundred was
set as the minimum that would be accepted in the Con-
ference studies. President E. W. Mueller of the Kan-
sas Wesleyan was present and addressed the Confer-
ence.
The Conference requested the Bishops to hold their
fall meeting at Salina. Dr. H. A. Gobin of DePauw
University was present and spoke. W. S. Vandervort,
located from the West Virginia Conference, was re-
admitted. S. C. Elwell, W. B. Keeley, J. W. Snapp
and O. F. Jones were admitted on trial. F. L. Temp-
lin, C. W. Talmadge, W. C. Jordan, W. H. Haupt and
Beauchamp were ordained Deacons. J. F. Clark
ined Elder. F. C. Lockwood was transferred
to the Rock River Conference, J. M. Ryan to Kansas,
Penn to Southern Kansas, E. B. L. Elder to Ala-
bama, H. H. Sheldon to Southern Kansas, D. A. Allen
and A. D. Beckhart to Des Moines, and E. M. Evans
to Oklahoma.
In Northwest Kansas 115
The retired preachers are E. S. Arrington, L. V.
Morton, W. A. Matson, H. Dalton, B. W. Hollen, J. C.
Dana and B. F. Rogers. The aggregate benevolent
collection was $4,470. The claims on the Conference
fund was $1,006, which was paid.
On April 1, 1896, the Conference met in the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church in Salina, Kansas, at 9 o'clock,
for its fourteenth session. Bishop E. G. Andrews read
from Philippians 3d and Hebrew 9th and 10 chapters,
and announced Hymn 211, "When I Survey the Won-
drous Cross," after which a very impressive sacra-
mental service was held.
Brother Mayo having transferred to Colorado, T.
J. H. Taggart was elected secretary by acclamation.
He nominated as his assistants A. L. Hazlett, W. L.
Cannon and R. A. Hoffman. J. C. Walker was chosen
statistical secretary, and P. Smith treasurer. A com-
mittee was appointed on Bethany Hospital. A draft
was ordered on the Chartered fund for $22, and on
the Book Concern for $727. Don W. Nichols, mission-
ary to Central China, was introduced. The Bishops
were requested to change the time of the meeting of
the Conference from spring to fall, and if it is inex-
pedient to do that, that the time of meeting be not
later than the last week in March. The report sub-
mitted by the committee on the American Bible So-
ciety is worthy of wider circulation.
"Whereas, the American Bible Society, during the
seventy-nine years of its existence, has made a total
issue of 59,955,558 volumes of the Word of God, to all
nations and in many languages, 1,581,128 volumes hav-
ing been made during the year closing May 1895 ; and,
Whereas, the Methodist Church recognizes that this
Society is a very potent factor in helping fulfill the
command, 'Go ye into all the world and preach my
Gospel to every creature,' therefore, Resolved, that we
will at least devote one service to this cause, and take
116 History of Methodism
one collection in each congregation during the year.
Second, that we will recognize the efficiency of J. H.
Lockwood, state superintendent of the Society. We
will welcome him to our pulpits, and recommend that
the Bishop reappoint him to the office."
The aggregate of the benevolences were $4,314.
The claim on the Conference fund was $1,185, which
amount was disbursed.
Bishop C. C. McCabe presided over the fifteenth
session of the Conference, which was held at Beloit,
March 24, 1897. He had visited the Conference so
many times as secretary of the Board of Church Ex-
tension, and of the Missionary Society, that the mem-
bers felt better acquainted with him than with any
other Bishop who had ever presided over us; and he
was so universally loved that it is no disparity toward
others to say that McCabe was especially welcomed
among us.
The Conference was opened in the usual manner.
T. J. H. Taggart was re-elected secretary, A. L. Has-
lett and J. P. Allen were assistants, J. N. Clark was
statitician, and P. Smith treasurer. Dr. W. A. Spen-
cer spoke in the interest of the Church Extension So-
ciety. W. H. H. Rees represented the Freedmen s Aid
Society. Rev. Dr. McKaig conducted Pentecostal
service, to the profit and delight of the Conference.
There were two came into the Conference by trans-
fer, A. L. Norfleet, from St. Louis, and J. C. Helmick.
from the Oklahoma Conference. E. V. Allen. J. W.
Bates, W. E. Scott, W. W. Hurlbut, H. 0. Holter and
H. J. Lorenz were admitted on trial. ►
J. W. Snapp, M. O. Moyer and M. J. Mumford were
ordained Deacons. W. B. Keeley and W. 0. Allen
were admitted, having been ordained previously. C.
W. Talmadge, F. L. Templin, J. H. Laird and W. S.
Vandervort were ordained Elders. C. M. C. Thomp-
son, W. T. Selby, W. E. Scott, F. N. Willis and W. L.
In Northwest Kansas 117
Strange, having been ordained previously, were ad-
mitted. W. R. Pierce was transferred to the Genesse
Conference, G. W. Winterburn and E. E. Lamon to
Idaho, C. H. Stevenson to Northern Minnesota, J. V.
Morris to Central Tennessee. N. A. Walker and L. V.
Morton died. W. H. Haupt and T. A. Windsor with-
drew. S. A. Green, R. Bisbee, E. R. Zimmerman, B.
F. Rogers and I. S. Hall were added to the retired list.
The benevolent collections amounted to $5,150. The
claims on the Conference fund were $3,500; amount
to be applied on same, $934. Equal representation
carried, 67 to 69.
The sixteenth session of the Conference met at
Minneapolis on the 23d of March, 1898, and was
opened at 9 a. m. with a devotional service, led by J.
C. Helmick.
Bishop Cranston was in charge. He introduced
the sacramental service by reading the fifty-first chap-
ter of Isaiah. T. J. H. Taggart was re-elected secre-
tary, as he was also for the next year. The assistants
were J. P. Allen and F. N. Willis. J. N. Clark was
statistical secretary, and P. Smith was treasurer.
H. C. Jennings of the Book Concern, and J. L.
Hurlburt, secretary of the Sunday School Union, were
present and addressed the Conference. Two transfers
were announced, H. A. Cleveland, from the Minnesota
Conference, and J. A. Monroe of the Oklahoma. J. M.
Serton, R. E. Dunham and J. J. Ramsey were admitted
on trial. 0. F. Jones, S. C. Elwell and W. A. Mc-
Wright were discontinued. W. E. Green, W. E. Cox,
T. H. James, A. E. Smith and E. M. Evans were or-
dained Deacons. James Kerr and F. N. Willis, who
had been previously ordained, were admitted. B. F.
Rogers, C. E. Trueblood, E. E. Gunckel, J. N. Clark,
M. L. Kerr, C. Davis, A. L. Hazlett and J. M. Allen
were ordained Elders. C. E. Line transferred to Min-
nesota, J. W. Edgar to Idaho, W. A. Saville to Holston,
118 History of Methodism
J. H. Summer and W. B. Keeley located, and G. W.
Rich withdrew.
J. A. Bull and W. H. Sweet, having completed the
six years on the Beloit and Salina Districts, each re-
ceived from his district, through the Bishop, a gold
watch as a token of appreciation. Aggregate benevo-
lent collection, $7,123. Claims on Conference fund,
$3,950. Paid on these bills, $1,118.
Bishop J. N. Fitzgerald presided over the seven-
teenth session of the Conference at Downs, Kansas,
March 22, 1899. He announced Hymn 821, and after
it was sung called on E. W. Allen to lead in prayer.
He then read the twelfth chapter of Isaiah and the
second chapter of I. Timothy. Then, assisted by the
Presiding Elders, administered the Holy Communion.
The secretary called the roll. Sixty-six members
and eight probationers responded. E. L. Getty made
an address of welcome. The assistants were re-elected.
G. B. Warren was chosen statistician, and P. Smith
treasurer.
The Presiding Elders nominated a committee on
temperance and prohibition. The published program
of the Conference was adopted. J. W. Martindale was
introduced and addressed the Conference in the inter-
est of the Church Extension Board. An afternoon ses-
sion was ordered, and the Bishop appointed E. P.
Michener to preside.
C. M. Stuart of Garrett Biblical Institute was in-
troduced and addressed the Conference. Orders were
drawn on the Chartered fund and Book Concern for
$22 and $470, respectively.
The following were transferred into the Confer-
ence: Grey Amhert, from the Ohio; D. McGurk, from
South America; G. W. Morley, Missouri; C. A. Fal-
gren, from St. Louis, and F. Perry, from Missouri,
H. M. Templin, W. D. Schermerhorn, J. A. Arnett, H.
A. McKiddy, J. N. See, W. 0. Woolover, R. E. Dimond,
In Northwest Kansas 119
N. S. Ragel and H. A. Manker were admitted on trial.
H. 0. Holter, J. W. Bates, W. W. Hurlbut, W. E. Scott
and Frank Perry were elected to full membership.
Holter and Bates were ordained Deacons.
At 9 o'clock on March 14, 1900, Bishop H. W. War-
ren called, at Concordia, the eighteenth session of the
Northwest Kansas Annual Conference and read II
Timothy, fourth chapter, and announced the 798th
hymn. After singing, the Bishop led in prayer. As
Brother Taggart, the secretary of the last Conference,
had served a district and was therefore a member of
the cabinet, F. N. Willis was chosen secretary. H. 0.
Holter and W. D. Schermerhorn were assistants, W.
K. Loofbourrow statistician, and W. L. Cannon treas-
urer. Seventy-two members and fifteen probationers
were present. An address of welcome was delivered
by Hon. John Stewart and was responded to by the
Bishop.
Dr. Bushnell, pastor of the Presbyterian Church,
and Rev. McMann, pastor of the Baptist Church, were
introduced. An afternoon session was ordered and the
Bishop appointed W. H. Sweet to preside.
The Conference ordered that all benevolences be
reported. P. Smith, having surrendered his parch-
ments, was permitted to withdraw from the church.
On motion of Dr. Edwin Locke, the Conference voted
to join the other Kansas Conferences in requesting
the Book Committee to move the Book Depository and
Central Christian Advocate from St. Louis to Kansas
City, Mo.
Drafts were ordered on the Chartered fund and
Book Concern for $22 and $418, respectively. Dr.
Schell, secretary of the Epworth League, conducted
the devotional service the morning of the third day.
Dr. J. B. Young, editor of the Central Advocate, ad-
dressed the Conference. C. H. St. John, an Elder in
the Kansas Conference of the Methodist Protestant
120 History of Methodism
Church, was admitted into the Conference. Prof.
Briggs of the Iliff School of Theology represented that
institution.
A. B. Leonard spoke on the "Missionary Society."
H. P. Mann was readmitted on a certificate of location
from the Austin Conference and was granted the
superannuated relation. C. W. Wynant was trans-
ferred from the Southern Illinois Conference.
W. W. Dews, F. P. Raby, A. N. Smith, I. L. Clark,
Grant Mann, L. B. Tremain, C. W. Stevens, J. M.
Smith, D. Reese. L. A. McKeever, U. S. Brown and B.
F. Hutchins were admitted on trial. E. V. Allen, R.
E. Dunham and J. M. Sexton were ordained Deacons.
F. H. G. Perry had been admitted previouly. W. C.
Jordan, M. J. Mumford, W. E. Green, W. E. Cox. T.
H. James, F. N. Willis, J. A. Monroe, James Kerr and
F. A. Colwell were ordained Elders.
G. W. Rich surrendered his parchments. B. T.
Stauber and T. J. H. Taggart were the delegates to
the General Conference, and L. 0. Housel and I. Mc-
Dowell were the reserves. W. C. Winslow and E. L.
Getty were chosen Lay delegates, and L. H. Thompson
was a reserve. Brother Dana brought the greetings
of G. H. Breed, a charter member of the Conference.
The aggregate of benevolent collections was $11,341.
The claims on the Conference fund were $4,000. Paid
on these, $1,300.
Those who will take the trouble to review and com-
pare the benevolences as reported in these pages will
find abundant reasons for encouragements, that as the
work increases, the means and facilities for accom-
plishing it shall not fail.
The session of 1901 met in Ellsworth, April 3d.
Bishop John M. Walden presiding. Rev. S. E. Dunham
of Ohio led the devotional service. Fifty-nine mem-
bers and fifteen probationers were present. Fred N.
Willis was chosen secretary, who held the secretary-
In Northwest Kansas 121
ship five years. C. W. Wynant was chosen statistical
secretary, and W. L. Cannon treasurer, each of whom
was retained in his office till 1906.
Rev. J. R. Tracy, pastor of the Presbyterian
Church, delivered an address of welcome, which was
responded to by the Bishop. At the close of the first
session, the Bishop, assisted by the Presiding Elders
and W. H. Sweet, F. N. Cox, B. T. Stanber and W. R.
Allen, administered the Lord's Supper.
A session of the Conference was ordered on the
afternoon of the second day to hear the missionary
sermon delivered by A. N. See. The Bishop appointed
W. R. Allen to preside.
The Conference took action protesting against the
celebration of our national holiday in a manner that
endangers property and life, and recommending that
it be celebrated in a patriotic and Christian manner,
and in the interest of temperance.
W. J. Meredith was transferred from the Des
Moines Conference, Samuel Barber from the St. Louis,
C. H. Muse from the Indiana, A. J. Good from the
Iowa, and J. D. Shelton from the Oklahoma.
C. M. Snyder, E. H. Tannehill, A. J. Morton, W.
C. Brayeman, A. C. Northrop, A. L. Semans, C. H.
Cowman and M. G. Terry were admitted on trial.
R. E. Diamond, H. A. Mauker, J. M. Allen and C.
A. Falgren were discontinued.
J. A. Arnett, W. D. Schermerhorn, H. D. Wash-
burn and D. E. French were ordained Deacons.
J. W. Bates, H. 0. Holler, W. E. Scott and S. Bar-
ber were ordained Elders.
J. A. Monroe transferred to Southern Kansas, E.
H. Fleisher to Des Moines, W. S. Vandervor to Okla-
homa, J. P. Allen to Kansas, A. L. Hazlett to Colorado,
and A. L. Norfleet to Illinois Conference.
E. R. Zimmerman and E. S. Arrington had died.
W. T. Selby withdrew.
122 History of Method..-
G. H. Woodward and E. P. Michener retired.
The session of 1902 met in Osborne, April 2d.
Bishop W. F. Mallaliew presided. Hon. W. W. Par-
sons, mayor of the city, was introduced and delivered
an address of welcome, which was responded to by the
Bishop.
C. B. Spencer of the Central Christian Advocate,
L. H. Murlin, president of Baker University, and W.
E. O'Kane, manager of the Kausal City Depository;
S. E. Betts, superintendent of Bethany Hospital, and
R. A. Hoffman, representative of the Society for the
Friendless, addressed the Conference. Dr. Neeley
spoke concerning men's work for men.
On motion of B. T. Stauber, a communication was
addressed to the President in reference to abhorrent
diseases growing out of the immorality of officers and
soldiers, in some of our foreign possessions, and re-
questing that he exercise his authority to put a stop to
this shame, by prohibitory orders, with severe penal-
ties for their violation.
J. D. Harris was transferred from the Georgia
Conference.
J. A. Templin, S. F. Graham, J. O. Barton, J. S.
Davis, Oscar Gessell, L. M. Alexander, H. Fleisher, J.
B. Gilmore, H. W. Wolfe and W. T. Allison were ad-
mitted on trial.
N. S. Ragle, F. P. Raby, W. S. Brown, L. B. Tre-
main, H. H. Bowen, H. J. Lorenz, C. W. Stevens, W.
M. Dews and A. N. Smith were ordained Deacons.
R. E. Dunham, J. M. Sexton, C. H. Muse and A. H.
Shelton were ordained Elders.
J. A. Arnett was transferred to Missouri.
E. W. Allen, R. B. Beaty and W. E. Jenkins retired.
Total conference collections were $13,168.
Claims on Conference fund, $1,800; paid on same,
$805.
Bishop C. D. Foss held the twenty-first session of
In Northwest Kansas 123
the Conference in the city of Stockton, April 2, 1903.
Seventy-five members and sixteen probationers an-
swered to roll call. Judge C. W. Smith made an ad-
dress of welcome, to which the Bishop responded on
behalf of the Conference.
A. P. George, field secretary of the Sunday School
Union; W. E. Gross, representing the Book Concern;
S. E. Betts of Bethany Hospital, and E. A. Freden-
hagen, of the Society for the Friendless were present
and addressed the Conference.
H. D. Fisher made an address in the interest of
temperance.
The Board of Bishops were requested to hold the
Conference session in the month of March.
H. M. Templin was transferred in the Conference
from the Newark.
S. B. Wardrip was readmitted on a certificate from
the Kentucky Conference.
W. C. Brayman, C. H. Cowman, B. T. Hutchins,
A. J. Morton, A. C. Northrop, J. N. See, A. L. Semans,
E. H. Tannehill, M. G. Terry and C. M. Snyder were
ordained Deacons.
W. 0. Allen was transferred to Oklahoma, J. O.
Osman to Missouri, J. D. Harris to Arkansas, H. M.
Templin to Newark and, W. T. Allison to Oklahoma.
J. T. Shackelford, W. R. Allen, G. H. Cheney, M. L.
Kerr, and G. M. Glick retired.
W. C. Brayman, C. H. Cowman, B. F. Hutchins,
A. J. Morton, A. C. Northrop, J. N. See, C. M. Snyder,
A. L. Semans, E. H. Tannenhill and M. G. Terry were
ordained Deacons. N. W. Beauchamp was ordained
an Elder.
Total benevolences were $9,299. Claims on Con-
ference fund, $1,780; the whole of which was paid.
March 31, 1904, the Conference convened in its
twenty-second session in the city of Salina. Bishop
John W. Hamilton presiding. The Bishop with the
124 History of Methodism
assistance of the Presiding Elders, and the pastor of
the church, administered the Sacrament.
Seventy-seven members and twelve probationers
were present.
S. H. Pye, Dr. T. C. Iliff, C. B. Spencer, E. A.
Fredenhagen, W. E. O'Kane, G. M. Burnett, of West
Wisconsin Conference, R. V. Malony, Kansas Confer-
ence. Miss Doebler, deaconess, C. C. Woods, of the
S. W. Kansas, and M. E. Goodrich, of the West Vir-
ginia Conference were introduced.
A. P. George, J. A. Davis and F C. Fay, a commit-
tee on Conference boundary from the Southwest Kan-
sas Conference, were also introduced; and A. N. See,
F. L. Templin and C. W. Talmadge were appointed
to confer with the above committee.
The Conference ordered that pastors report all
benevolent collections, the amount paid on the Kan-
sas Wesleyan debt, and the net increase in member-
ship.
The term of office of three Presiding Elders closed
at this time, and each received a token of appreciation
from the District. J. H. Lockwood, a purse from the
Beloit District, by C. W. Wynant, L. 0. Housel, a
purse from Norton, by J. M. Miller, and M. M. Stolz,
a gold headed cane, by the Bishop, from Salina Dis-
trict.
The Conference passed a resolution requesting Con-
gress to submit a constitutional amendment prohibit-
ing poligamy in the States and Territories of the
United States.
Seven ballots were necessary before delegates were
chosen to the General Conference. L. 0. Housel was
elected on the third ballot, and T. J. H. Taggart on
the seventh. W. R. Allen and J. H. Lockwood were
the alternates. T. W. Roach and F. D. Kemble were
lay delegates and W. W. Walker and Maurice Brown,
alternates. The General Conference was memoralized
In Northwest Kansas 125
to devise a connectional plan for the better support of
retired preachers.
J. C. Dana, H. H. Bowen, W. R. Allen, F. L. Temp-
lin and L. B. Tremain were named a committee to
gather historical matter. J. O. Borton, Harry Fleish-
er, Oscar Gessell, J. B. Gilmore, L. M. Alexander, H.
W. Wolfe, B. D. Brooks, L. A. McKeever and J. R.
Thompson were ordained Deacons, and U. S. Brown,
W. M. Dews, H. J. Lorenz, F. P. Raby, N. S. Ragel,
A. N. Smith, C. W. Stevens and L. B. Tremain were
ordained Elders by John W. Hamilton, on April 4,
1904. The claims on the Conference were $2,425,
all of which was met.
The twenty-third session of the Conference was
held in Smith Center, April 5 to 10, 1905. Bishop
I. W. Joice assisted by the Presiding Elders and the
pastor of the charge, administered the Sacrament of
the Lords' Supper, after which Conference was called
to order, and the roll was called. Sixty-eight members
and twelve probationers responded.
Dr. H. C. Jennings, J. T. McFarland and E. M.
Randall were introduced. Dr. E. S. Dunham and Prof.
Miller were invited to conduct Pentacostal services.
An afternoon session was ordered and W. H. Sweet
was appointed to preside. S. E. Betts, superintendent
Old People's Home, addressed the Conference. J. S.
Schuler and W. K. Harris, of the Virginia Conference,
W. W. Hurlburt of the W. Wisconsin, J. M. Eldridge
of the Upper Iowa, M. F. Loomis of the Michigan,
D. W. Nichols, of Missouri, F. N. Stelson of S. Kansas,
C. H. Seidel of Wisconsin, W. E. Uncapher of W. Ne-
braska, and A. C. Koser of the Rock River Confer-
ence were received by transfer. J. H. Lockwood was
granted the Supernumerary relation. M. M. Stolz
was granted the superannuated relation. Wilkie
Clock, superintendent of Bethany Hospital, spoke in
its interest. J. L. King on behalf of the pastors of
126 History of Methodism
the Concordia District, presented T. J. H. Taggart,
the retiring Presiding Elder, a gold watch and a
purse. C. W. Wynant was appointed to preach the
Missionary sermon and W. D. Schermerhorn alternate.
A. C. F. Schmidt, D. E. French, W. A. Phillippe, J.
S. Davis, G. H. Christenbury, I. L. McKean, W. A.
Pierce, J. J. Mickey, W. S. Harper and J. A. Templin,
were ordained Deacons. W. D. Schermerhorn, C. H.
Cowman, E. H. Tannehill, W. C. Brayman, M. G.
Terry, Errol V. Allen, H. C. Seidell, H. M. Templin,
H. H. Bowen were ordained Elders by Bishop I. W.
Joice in Smith Center on Sunday, April 9, 1905.
A committee consisting of H. H. Bowen, T. J. H.
Taggart, W. D. Schermerhorn, R. S. Ruthledge and
C. C. Wood was appointed to formulate rules of order
for the government of the Conference session, and
submit them to the Conference at its next session.
E. H. Bailiff and T. H. James had died.
The total benevolences were $17,107. $2,499 were
received and disbursed to Conference claimants. G. W.
Morley, B. F. Rogers, J. W. Blundon and J. C. Walker
were placed in the retired list.
The session of 1906 met in Jewell City, March 14th.
Bishop Spellmyer was in charge, After the devotional
services, the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was ad-
ministered by the Bishop, assisted by the cabinet and
pastor of the church, W. H. Neil.
U. S. Brown was elected secretary on the nomina-
tion of F. D. Baker, L. A. McKeever, H. 0. Holter
and C. W. Stevens were chosen assistants, R. E. Dun-
ham was chosen Statistician and W. L. Cannon, Treas-
urer.
Seventy-five members and ten probationers were
present. The Committee on Rules reported and the
report was adopted. J. W. Berry welcomed the Con-
ference, to which the Bishop responded. A column
■rdered to be added to the statistical tables for
In Northwest Kansas 127
the debt of the college. H. H. Bowen was appointed
to preach the Conference Missionary Sermon. H. J.
Lorenz was appointed alternate, W. H. Neil of the
Illinois Conference, J. F. Dennis of the Kansas, J. W.
Snapp of the S. Kansas, and F. C. Johnson of the St.
Louis Conference were received by transfer. A. W.
Dorsey, J. H. Craven, R. J. Myers, W. W. Herrington,
B. F. Davis, G. Johnson, L. C. Hicks and W. A. Arm-
strong were admitted on trial. T. J. Nixson, J. A.
Green, J. T. Wilkes, W. H. Holland were ordained
Deacons. L. M. Alexander, H. Fleisher, B. D. Brooks,
R. S. Ruthledge, L. A. McKeever, C. M. Snyder, A. J.
Morton, J. B. Gilmore and H. W. Wolfe were ordained
Elders. F. N. Willis was transferred to the U. Iowa
Conference, G. H. Christenbury to Holston, C. W.
Talmadge to Kansas, L. W. Kemp to S. W. Kansas,
W. D. Schermerhorn to S. India, W. M. Sedore was
retired.
Total benevolences were $15,761. Claims on Con-
ference fund, $4,000. Paid on this, $2,957.
The 25th session of the Conference met in Norton,
March 13, 1907. L. B. Wilson was the Bishop in
charge. Secretary Brown and his several assistants
were re-elected.
Eighty members and nine probationers were pres-
ent. T. J. H. Taggart was elected Treasurer. Drafts
were ordered on the Chartered Fund and the Book
Concern for $22 and $1,029 respectively. E. M. Ran-
dall, Secretary of the Epworth League, and F. H.
Sheets, Assistant Secretary of the Foreign Mission-
ary Society, addressed the Conference. The Lord's
Supper was administered at the opening of the second
day. C. M. Boswell, of the Home Missions Society,
and M. S. Hughes, representing education, Freedmens'
Aid and Sunday Schools, were introduced. J. L. Mc-
Laughlin of Omaha, Nebraska, representing the Book
Concern, addressed the Conference. F. L. Hart spoke
128 History of Methodism
on Church Insurance. At the request of the Bishop,
C. B. Spencer addressed the Conference, in the inter-
est of San Francisco Methodism.
A collection amounting to $120 was taken to pur-
chase a horse for the use of the Kansas City Training
School. Transfers were announced as follows:
Oscar Gessell from Nebraska, J. R. Thomas, Cen-
tral Tenn., E. Turrentine from St. Louis, W. A. Van
Gundy from S. W. Kansas, W. J. Ward from Wiscon-
sin, J. A. Arnett and P. Evans from S. Kansas.
L. E. Cook, C. C. Jordan, L. E. Laybourne, J. A.
Planty, C. E. Tinker, W. R. Pierce, W. C. Harris and
M. R. Starbuck were admitted on trial.
W. C. Henslee, 0. A. Darnell and W. H. Hampton
were ordained Deacons, I. L. McKean, W. A. Pierce,
J. J. Mickey, W. S. Harper, J. A. Templin, J. N. See
and 0. Gessell were ordained Elders.
B. F. Davis was transferred to Kansas, W. H. Hol-
land to Missouri, A. A. Newman to Holston, A. C. F.
Schmidt to Kansas, R. H. McDade to Philadelphia,
J. S. Davis to W. Nebraska, J. A. Arnett to Oklahoma,
J. M. Eldredge to Colorado. George Nulton has died.
A. B. Conwell and I. McDowell were retired.
Total benevolence, $20,194. $3,348 disbursed to
retired men.
Bishop Warren was in charge of the 26th session
of the Conference held in Salina in 1908. It met at
8:30 o'clock, March 25th. S. A. Chappell conducted
the devotional service, after which the Bishop read a
scripture lesson and announced hymn 560, and then
proceeded to administer the Sacrament with the as-
sistance of the cabinet. L. A. McKeever was elected
secretary on the nomination of B. T. Stauber. H. H.
Bowen, H. O. Holter and C. W. Stevens were assist-
ants and R. E. Dunham was Statistical Secretary.
T. J. H. Taggart, Treasurer.
In Northwest Kansas 129
A resolution welcoming Bishop Warren to our Con-
ference for the third time was passed. C. W. Wy-
nant, W. J. Meredith and J. L. King were delegates
to General Conference, F. D. Baker and W. L. Cannon
reserves. C. G. Morrison, G. W. Stober and C. E.
Jewell were the lay delegates, and W. L. Nesmith,
W. W. Walker and L. J. Willetts were reserves.
The Laymen's Association organized and adopted
a Constitution to be. known as the Laymen's Asso-
ciation of the Northwest Kansas Conference of the
Methodist Episcopal Church. W. T. Roach was elect-
ed president.
There were received by transfer: W. T. Cummius
from Idaho, W. T. Carter, New England; J. B. Carder,
Oklahoma; S. A. Chappell, N. W. Nebraska; J. K.
Hunter, S. Illinois; L. E. Rockwell, S. California; J. H.
Kuhn and J. A. Kipple, Kansas; A. N. Smith, Colo-
rado ; L. Steere, N. Indiana ; A. W. James, W. Ne-
braska; E. C. Rath, C. W. Moorman, C. M. Corrie,
H. P. Basquin and A. W. Dick were received on trial.
H. W. Dorsey and J. R. Thompson were ordained
Deacons. A. L. Semans, T. J. Nixson, J. A. Green,
J. T. Wilkes were ordained Elders.
W. W. Herrington was transferred to the Kansas
Conference, J. A. Shular to the S. Kansas, W. A.
Phillippe to Illinois, G. M. Burnett to W. Nebraska,
S. B. Wardrip to Kentucky, W. W. Hurlbut to Cali-
fornia, C. C. Woods to S. California, J. B. Carder to
Kansas.
The total benevolences were $21,934. The claims
on the Conference fund was $4,000. Paid on the
same, $3,724.
Bishop E. H. Hughes presided over the 27th ses-
sion of Conference at Belleville, March 25, 1909. The
session was opened in the usual manner. Mr. J. C.
Dale made an address of welcome to which the Bishop
responded.
130 History of Methodism
The first assistant secretary of the last Conference,
H. H. Bowen, called the roll to which seventy-nine
members and twelve probationers responded.
Dr. S. 0. Benton, of the New England Southern Con-
ference representing- the Foreign Missions, J. W. Van
Cleve of the Illinois Conference, representing the
Board of Conference Claimants, J. F. St. Clair of the
Des Moines Conference, representing Bethany Hospi-
tal, and R. P. Smith, President of the Kansas Wesleyan
University were introduced.
H. H. Bowen was elected secretary, W. E. Scott,
C. W. Stevens and E. V. Allen were assistants, R. E.
Dunham, statistical secretary, N. S. Raegle, treasurer.
On the motion of W. H. Sweet, Dr. R. P. Smith of the
Montana Conference, was invited to transfer to this
Conference.
Drafts were drawn on the Book Concern and Char-
tered Fund for $1,147 and $22 respectively.
A resolution was passed endorsing the movement
to raise the $300,000 for the African Jubilee Fund and
pledging the co-operation of the Conference. A reso-
lution was passed approving the action of the last
General Conference in its endorsement of the Inter-
denominational Laymen's Missionary Movement, and
requesting District Superintendent to have represen-
tative laymen appointed in each charge, to serve on
the District Laymen's Committee. A committee was
appointed to ascertain whether the Conference is
properly incorporated.
The following were received by transfer: R. P.
Smith from Montana, A. D. Rice, Nebraska; G. W.
Martin, Oklahoma; C. Baker, St. Louis; S. Barber,
Austin ; B. F. Thomas, S. Kansas ; E. F. Sitterly, S. W.
Kansas; J. Morton, Miller, Idaho; D. S. Alexander,
St. Louis; J. O. Borton, S. Kansas; C. W. Talmadge,
Kansas, C. W. Muir, Missouri, and C. A. Fisher, S.
Illinois Conference. J. H. Summer was re-admitted.
In Northwest Kansas 131
M. E. Davis was received on credentials from the
Friend's church. G. Johnson, J. A. Plantz, C. E.
Tinker, L. E. Cook and M. R. Starbuck were ordained
Deacons.
0. A. Darnell and E. F. Sitterly were ordained
Elders. W. M. Dews was transferred to the Puget
Sound Conference. W. T. Cummins to the St. Louis,
R. S. Rutledge and R. J. Myers to the Southwest Kan-
sas, T. J. H. Taggart to the Okl., L. A. McKeever to
the S. Kansas, W. C. Brayman to the Nevada, F. P.
Raby to Oklahoma, W. C. Harris to N. W. Indiana.
J. C. Helmick, F. N. Cox, G. W. Hood and J. A.
Bull retired. A collection was taken for the benefit
of J. C. Helmick amounting to $505. The total Bene-
volent collections were $26,617. Claims on Confer-
ence Fund, $4,000. Received on these, $3,947.
The next, 28th session, met at Plainville, over
which W. F. McDowell presided. It was opened as
usual with the Sacrament administered by the Bishop
and cabinet.
Bowen was re-elected secretary. Scott, Stevens
and E. V. Allen were the assistant secretaries. G. L.
Rarick was statistical secretary and N. S. Ragel was
treasurer.
Rev. L. W. Mickey of Plainville made the welcome
address, to which the Bishop made response. Attree
Smith and F. R. Harding were transferred from the
Detroit Conference, C. R. Wade from Missouri, H. P.
Randall and G. T. Renner from the S. W. Kansas,
J. F. Johnson, J. M. Newton, F. W. Stafford and E. L.
Hutchins from the Kansas, G. C. Fort from N. W.
Iowa, and J. B. Sites from N. W. Indiana. V. V. Whit-
sitt, W. F. Hoyt, C. Kolsky, O. M. Freeman, F. L.
Courter, F. G. Medley were received on trial. E. C.
Rath, Clair Moorman, H. P. Basquin, A. W. Dick, C. A.
Fisher, C. N. Reed, J. H. Craven and W. E. Caldwell
were ordained Deacons. W. C. Henslee and R. R| Hard-
132 History of Methodism
ing were ordained Elders. Clark Baker was transferred
to Missouri Conference. W. T. Carter to Maine, H. 0.
Holter and A. C. Koser to Kansas, C. M. C. Thompson
to Oklahoma, W. A. Armstrong to California, C.
Moorman to S. Illinois, D. S. Alexander to Kansas,
C. W. Muir to Nebraska, W. H. Hampton to Oregon.
J. C. Helmick, C. W. Wynant, G. H. Woodward and
H. Dalton had died. R. E. Dunham withdrew from
the ministry and membership of the church. W. S.
Harper withdrew from the ministry. Total benevolent
collections were $28,140. Claims on Conference fund,
$4,000. Paid, $4,429. B. O. Peterson, representing
Foreign Missions. W. C. Barclay representing Sun-
day Schools. J. A. Motter representing Bethany Hos-
pital. T. J. Ream, Superintendent of Topeka District
and representing the Home for the Aged to be located
at Topeka, were introduced. L. O. Housel, W. H. Neil,
and M. J. Munford were appointed to confer with Dr.
Ream. W. J. Meredith reported his work as Sunday
school missionary.
A. N. See and Reuben Bisbee were retired, and W.
C. Littell was made effective. Miss Ella Watson, rep-
resenting the W. F. M. S. ; Miss Eva Rigg, represent-
ing the Kansas City National Training School, and S.
H. Kirkbride, representing the American Bible So-
ciety, were introduced and represented these several
interests.
The twenty-ninth Conference, of 1911, was pleas-
antly entertained at Hays, and the reports made at
the close show that all the work of the church had
been faithfully cared for, and successfully performed.
Dr. A. B. Leonard, secretary of the Board of Foreign
Missions, was present and assisted with the Sacra-
ment. This was his last visit to the Conference and
was enjoyed, as all his previous visits had been.
C. W. Stevens was elected secretary, and was con-
tinued in the office three years. G. L. Rarick was
In Northwest Kansas 133
chosen Statistical Secretary, and N. S. Ragle treasurer.
J. T. McFarland, editor of the Sunday school publica-
tions; Clarence T. Wilson, of the Church Temperance
Society; Thomas Nicholson, Secretary of the Board
of Education; H. F. Ralls, president of Ilift School of
Theology, and S. C. Bronson of Garrett Biblical Insti-
tute, were introduced. Devotionals were conducted
the second day by Dr. J. F. Harimon.
Drafts were ordered on the Book Concern for
$1,568, and the Chartered fund for $25. The deaths of
W. A. Matson and J. T. Wilkes were announced. W.
D. Schermerhorn of Hyderabad, India, was introduced.
J. A. Motter, superintendent of Bethany Hospital; J.
F. Harmon, representing the Book Committee, and M.
C. B. Mason of the Freedmens Aid Society addressed
the Conference.
T. W. Roach, president of the Laymen's Associa-
tion, addressed the Conference. G. W. Martin offered
a resolution in reference to Methodist students in state
institutions. D. C. Beltz of Alabama Conference; W.
K. Stahnaker, St. John's River; C. A. Sullivan, R. M.
Brown, N. Jones and G. R. Hall of Southern Illinois;
W. L. Fry, C. B. Allen and W. W. Hurlbut of Cali-
fornia; J. E. Wilson, Northwestern Indiana; E. Brid-
well and W. W. Hendrickson of St. Louis ; J. V. Wat-
son, Oklahoma, and 0. M. Misel of Eastern Ohio were
received by transfer. B. F. Rhodes was readmitted.
M. D. Ross, C. E. Hall, R. E. Morgan, W. B. Read. N.
W. Clark, A. C. Henslee, L. C. Cutler and F. Lathrop
were admitted on trial. J. E. M. Chambers, J. R.
Creamer, G. C. Casselman, A. L. Carlton, L. H. Grif-
fin, F. Lathrope, 0. M. Freedman and C. C. Jordan
were ordained Deacons. F. L. Templin was trans-
ferred to the Southwestern Kansas Conference, C. B.
Allen to California, F. C. Johnson to Colorado, and D.
Onstott to Kentucky. A. H. Shelton was located. H.
P. Randall and P. Evans were located at their own
134 History of Methodism
request. B. F. Rhodes' parchments were restored and
he was granted the retired relation. J. T. Bates, be-
cause of membership in an Illinois Conference and of
service as a supply, was reinstated and was retired.
W. L. Cannon and J. F. Clark were granted the retired
relation.
The aggregate of the benevolent collections was
$21,176. The claims on the Conference fund were
$5,039, which sum was disbursed and approved by the
Conference. Collections were taken at Conference and
reported by the secretary as follows :
For Tithing Evangelist $20
For Temperance Society 40
For Evangelistic Services 67
For Janitor 14
For Bros. Muxlow, Brown and Gruver 282
For Conference Claimants 59
For W. H. M. S 26
Total $508
J. L. Nuelson presided at the thirtieth session of
the Conference, held at Salina, March 20, 1912.
The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was adminis-
tered by the Bishop and district superintendents, L. O.
Housel and W. J. Meredith, and the pastor, G. C. Fort,
after which the Bishop addressed the Conference. G.
L. Rarick was re-elected statistical secretary, and N.
S. Ragle treasurer. T. C. Iliff of the Colorado Con-
ference, J. W. Summerville and H. C. Jennings of the
Book Concern were introduced. The session of the
first day adjourned with the benediction by C. B.
Spence. An assessment of twenty-five cents for each
hundred dollars salary for the publishing of the min-
utes was voted on each pastor.
A committee was appointed to equalize the carfare
of pastors attending the Conference. Dr. R. J. Cook,
book editor, was introduced. M. F. Loomis. R. P.
Smithe and J. W. Snapp were chosen delegates to the
In Northwest Kansas 135
General Conference. U. S. Brown and J. W. Bates
were reserve delegates. W. A. Matson, Harry Gray
and C. Eberhardt were the Lay delegates ; C. G. Mor-
rison, M. A. Alexander and J. C. Ellis were the re-
serves. H. J. Lorenz, D. H. Stafford and M. E. Pear-
son were chosen trustees of Bethany Hospital. G.
Johnson, J. W. Bates and C. E. Rarick were elected
trustees of the Home for the Aged. L. L. Brannon,
of the Arkansas Conference; J. D. Harris, Central
Tennessee; A. S. Hale, Cincinnati; C. E. Wood and
F. C. Brown, Southern Illinois; A. H. Christensen,
Wisconsin: J. A. Westerman, Missouri; C. M. Brown,
Oklahoma ; W. H. Smith, Northwestern Iowa, and F.
C. Johnson, of the Colorado Conference, were received
by transfer. L. Monro, P. R. Harbold, D. 0. Gunckle,
F. L. Munson, C. J. Semans, W. W. Strife, W. Glazier,
R. F. Pruitt, C. H. J. King, W. C. Green, A. Bryans,
C. R. Flowers, Thomas Muxlow, J. E. Brown and H.
R. Golden were admitted on trial. K. M. Freeman,
W. E. Caldwell, L. C. Cutter and A. Bryans were or-
dained Deacons. H. P. Basquin, C. A. Tinker, G. John-
son. L. E. Cook, E. Bridwell and A. W. Dick were
ordained Elders. J. D. Harris was transferred to the
Arkansas Conference ; R. N. Jones and M. J. Mumford,
Southern Illinois ; J. H. Summer, Southern Kansas ;
W. H. Dresh, Cincinnati; J. H. Craven, Northern Ne-
braska; C. C. Jordan, Northern Indiana; J. V. Wat-
son, Colorado; J. B. Gilmor, E. V. Allen and G. W.
Stafford, Kansas ; H. H. Bowen, St. John's River ; J. J.
Mickey, Oregon; B. F. Thomas, Northwestern Iowa,
and W. H. Neil, to Iowa Conference. S. L. Semans
and H. P. Mann had died. J. M. Sexton was located.
W. K. Stalnaker was permitted to withdraw under
complaints. F. N. Cox was granted the retired rela-
tion.
The trustees of the Kansas Wesleyan University
were authorized to sign a note of $25,000 for the en-
136 History of Methodism
dowment of the university, said note to draw four
per cent interest and to run for twenty-five years. All
moneys coming in for the educational collection over
six thousand dollars is to be applied to the payment
of the principal of the note.
J. C. Rupenthal was elected chairman of the Lay
Conference, and C. F. McAdams secretary.
The Lay Conference instructed its delegates to op-
pose any change in the discipline on the amusement
question. They requested that provision be made for
Lay representation in the annual Conference, and com-
mitted themselves to the Harvard plan of Conference
entertainment.
The thirty-first session of the Conference met in
Goodland, March 26, 1913. Bishop F. M. Bristol, who
was to have charge, was delayed in reaching the seat
of Conference, and on motion of Morton Miller, W. H.
Sweet was elected chairman.
Evangelist C. F. Barret conducted devotional serv-
ice, and the Conference organized by electing C. W.
Stevens secretary, G. L. Rarick statistician, and E. C.
Rath treasurer. P. J. Maveety was introduced and
spoke in the interest of the Freedmen Aid Society.
At 10:20 the Bishop took the chair and, with the
assistance of the district superintendents, adminis-
tered the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper.
Drafts were drawn on the Chartered fund for $30,
on the Book Concern for $2,070, and on the Board of
Conference Claimants for $150. Drs. Cissel and Kim-
ball of the Kansas Conference were introduced. U.
S. Brown's term on the Ellsworth District having ex-
pired, he was presented a gold watch. M. F. Loomis
received a Bible from the Colby District. His term
had not expired.
The district superintendents were instructed to
secure the appointment of a committee on church his-
In Northwest Kansas 137
tory in each Quarterly Conference, and to insist that
historical data be gathered from each charge. W. L.
Fry and J. A. Templin were appointed directors in
the Historical Society. G. R. Hall was appointed to
preach the missionary sermon, and D. B. Magee
alternate.
The Preachers' Aid Society was requested to re-
vise their charter and constitution, so their trustees
might hold an endowment fund of bequests and dona-
tions, the net interest of which is to be paid annually
to the Conference Board of Stewards for distribution
to Conference claimants.
The following transfers were announced: A. G.
Bennett, from Nebraska; T. M. Brimlow, Indiana; G.
A. Gibson, Colorado; T. E. Hoon, Illinois; C. W. Ivey,
M. B. VanLeer and G. Waggoner, Southern Illinois;
M. L. Wickman, Oklahoma; F. L. Provan, Eastern
Maine. Thomans Muxlow was received on credentials
from the M. E. Church South. G. Winters, F. B. Cun-
ningham, J. C. Dussair, L. C. Cobb, F. L. Farley and
W. H. Zook were admitted on trial.
C. E. Hall and F. L. Courter were ordained Dea-
cons.
J. E. M. Chambers, G. C. Casselman, T. E. Hoon,
E. C. Rath and C. M. Reed were ordained Elders.
Samuel Barber, H. P. Basquin and J. R. Creamer
were transferred to the Kansas Conference; F. C.
Brown, R. M. Brown, J. H. Sutton and A. Bryans, to
the Southern Kansas; C. M. Corie.and F. C. Lathrope,
to Illinois; G. C. Fort, to New York; E. P. R. Har-
bold and E. Turrentine, Missouri; F. R. Harding,
Northwestern Wisconsin, and D. C. Betz, to Alabama.
G. H. Cheney, J. A. Bull and J. E. Brown had died.
138 History of Methodism
The Preachers' Aid Society reported assets:
Mortgage Loans
Personal Notes not due 5,137
Personal Notes due 878.00
Cash in Bank Permanent Fund 233.00
Total $9,794.00
Beneficiary Fund.
Cash Interest $ 73.83
Interest due on notes 449.97
Interest due on mortgages "212.97
Total $ 736.77
Members who have given notes 65
Members paid in full . 46
Total membership Ill
The Total Disciplinary Benevolence $29,944.00
Claims on Conference Fund? 7.270.00
The Laymen's Association recommended that as
soon as practicable laymen be given a place in the
business sessions of the annual Conference. They also
suggested that more attention be given to the reading
of the discipline from the pulpit, and that Chapter 9,
pertaining to Sunday Schools, be read by the superin-
tendent or some one appointed by him twice a year.
The thirty-second session. Mankato was the seat
of the Conference of 1914. W. O. Shepard was the
presiding Bishop. The session was opened with the
Sacrament as usual, but instead of proceeding to the
organization at once, a memorial service was con-
ducted by Attree Smith, who had been appointed chair-
man of the Committee on Memoirs a year before.
Memoirs were read of Rev. G. A. Gibson, B. F.
Rhodes, Jsiah McDowell, J. T. Shackelford. Mrs. L. V.
Mattie O. Borton and Miss Mary B.
a child of six years. After the reading of the
an address was delivered by W. H. Sweet.
He said in part:
In Northwest Kansas 139
"Those in whose memory we linger a short time
were men chosen of God; for in the Christian min-
istry, as in the Jewish priesthood, no man taketh this
honor to himself, but such as are called of God, as
was Aaron. Then, too, they were men who sought
the guidance of God. They realized, as every one so
called must, that the task assigned them is too great
to be performed by mere human endeavor. They well
knew that only divine wisdom was sufficient to guide,
and only omnipotent power was able to uphold them.
So it may be safely affirmed that these were men
chosen of God and led by Him. It is, therefore, em-
inently proper that we tarry a moment at the opening
of our session to do honor to our brothers who have
fallen."
Several things characterize the minister's task that
can not be affirmed of any other vocation or calling.
First, he has a part in the greatest work ever projected
in this world. Great things have been undertaken by
men, and great tasks have been performed by them, but
all that has been done is purerile as compared with
the task to which the strong son of God calls His fol-
lowers.
Second, it is the privilege of the preacher to be
the follower of the greatest leader who ever called man
to service. In the past, men have prided themselves in
having been under the command of great generals.
There are those now living who rejoice in the fact that
they marched with Sherman, or Sheridan, or Grant.
But those who enter this service march at the com-
mand of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Third, it is the preacher's privilege to be the bearer
of a message that gladdens all hearts that receive it,
and brings blessings to all to whom it is carried.
Mr. Darwin thought the Patagonians were so low
in the scale of being that they could never be civilized ;
140 History of Methodism
but brave souls opened a mission among them, and
Bishop McCabe used to say, "That the next time the
great scientist touched at Patagonia, they were sing-
ing 'All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name,' and the
great scientist was so impressed with the improve-
ment they had made that he was frank enough to
acknowledge his mistake. It is said that he became a
contributor to Foreign Missions.
Fourth, it is the preacher's privilege to bear a mes-
sage that not only gladdens the hearts of men, but
also intensifies the joy of angels; for the Master de-
clared: "There is joy in the presence of the angels
of God over one sinner that repenteth."
Again God's messenger has assurance of a reward
that can not fail. Here men fail to receive benefit,
many times, because of conditions and circumstances
entirely beyond their control; but God's promise to
His workmen is, "Be thou faithful unto death, and I
will give thee a crown of life." Notwithstanding all
these incentives, there is yet much to discourage the
preacher. One of these discouragements is the
meager compensation he receives for his services as
compared with the salaries paid in the business world.
Another is the small recognition given a minister by
many people. Still another, and perhaps the greatest,
discouragement is the apparent fruitlessness of the
most earnest effort. The Master felt this most bit-
terly when He wept over the doomed city. Because
of the discouragements, some have turned aside to
other vocations, and some of you may be tempted to
do the same thing. Before you do, let me remind you
that the seven or eight hundred dollars that you re-
ceive is not your Only compensation. It is eight hun-
dred and a part in the greatest work God has under-
taken ; eight hundred and the leadership of the Son of
God. The Lord of Hosts, eight hundred, and the
In Northwest Kansas 141
privilege of being the bearer of a message that glad-
dens all hearts ; eight hundred and a service that kin-
dles new joy among the angels of God ; eight hundred
and a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the
Righteous Judge, will give you in that day." You
may turn aside, and by so doing increase your worldly
goods, may get a finer home, and have more luxuries
for your family, and possibly escape much criticism;
but think of what you will miss; your place in the
great work, your hold of the hand of the Great Leader,
your privilege of proclaiming the joyful message, and
the assurance of the rich reward. Oh, my brothers,
shall we not be faithful to our task, and assure our-
selves of the great reward?"
What shall I say to those who sit in sorrow, be-
cause of the loss of those who have gone? What can
I say? It has been said, "There are times when if
speech be silver, silence is gold. It is certainly true
that words are poor instruments for the assuaging of
grief. But, if words may not soothe the aching heart,
the thought of what your loved ones now behold, and
enjoy, may be a solace. They are no longer in the
shadows, but in the light of the city that has no need
of the sun.
The poet sang, "We know not, O we know not,
what social joys are there, what radiancy of glory,
what light beyond compare," but those whom you
mourn know. They have joined in "the song of them
that triumph, the shout of them that feast; and they
who with their leader have conquered in the fight for-
ever and forever are clothed in robes of white."
God grant that we all may finally join them among
the glad throng.
At the close of the address the Conference was
organized by electing C. M. Snyder secretary, G. L.
Rarick statistician, and U. S. Brown treasurer.
142 History of Methodism
Transfers were announced as follows : W. A. Allen
and J. A. Webb, from St. Louis; 0. E. Schaal, Wis-
consin; D. H. Colvin, North Dakota; W. D. Schermer-
horn, South India. Bethel Cook, L. M. Canfield, Rob-
ert Parker, M. E. Smith, A. W. G. Warren and C. C.
Cox were admitted on trial. V. V. Whitsitt and R. F.
Pruit were discontinued. C. J. Semans, C. H. King,
C. R. Flowers, R. E. Morgan, C. E. Spalding and J.
C- Dussair were ordained Deacons, and A. L. Carlton,
L. C. Cutler and 0. M. Freman were ordained Elders.
J. L. Mulfinger spoke in the interest of Conference
claimants, and W. F. Sheridan of the Epworth League.
Drafts were ordered on the Chartered fund for $30,
and on the Book Concern for $2,010. J. W. Waldron
brought fraternal greetings from the Kansas Confer-
ence. 0. N. Maxson and A. D. Beckhart of the Des
Moines Conference were introduced. J. A. Motter,
superintendent of Bethany Hospital, reported that in-
stitution, as did also the committee on Bethany. J.
W. Haucher of the Board of Education and D. W.
Howell of the Deaconess Board addressed the Confer-
ence. T. J. Ream, S. L. Buckner and C. 0. Kimball of
the Kansas Conference were introduced. The report
on education was made the order of the day for Satur-
day at ten o'clock. Prof. L. H. Hough of Garrett
spoke of the institute. E. R. Fulkerson spoke in the
interest of foreign missions, and H. McKane for the
Church Temperance Society. J. M. Porter, represent-
ing the State Temperance Union, was introduced and
addressed the Conference. The Bishop was authorized
to appoint three Conference evangelists. George Win-
ters was transferred to Illinois; F. L. Proven, C. A.
Sullivan, A. H. Christenson and Oscar Gessel, to Kan-
sas; L. L. Brannon and M. E. Davis, to Oklahoma; M.
D. Ross, to South India ; W. B. Read, to Colorado, and
D. W. Nichols, to West Virginia. I. McDowell, G. A.
In Northwest Kansas 143
Gibson, J. T. Shackelford and B. F. Rhodes have died.
Thomas Muxlow, L. A. Dugger, J. H. Laird and H. R.
Golden were granted the retired relation.
The aggregate of the benevolences was $25,325.
The claims on the Conference fund was $7,078, which
sum was disbursed to the several claimants, and $500
was apportioned to the charges for next year.
The Conference of 1915 met in Beloit March 24th.
Bishop Wilbur Thirkield was in charge. He announced
as the opening hymn, "Breathe on Me, Breath of
God." He then commented briefly but forcibly on
Paragraphs 137-8 of the Discipline, concerning the
profitable use of time and deportment at Conference.
This was the first of a series of talks at the opening
of the daily sessions, which were very impressive and
helpful. He then, with the aid of the cabinet, admin-
istered the Sacrament, which was followed by singing,
"Lord in the Strength of Grace." At 10 a. m. a memo-
rial service was conducted by E. L. Hutchins. Memoirs
were read of F. D. Baker, James Flowers, I. S. Hall,
B. W. Hollen, Mrs. B. F. Rhodes, Mrs. F. D. Funk,
Mrs. N. A. Walker, Mrs E. M. Bisbee, Mrs. W. E.
Graves, Mrs. W. C. Little and Liston McKean. C. M.
Snyder, the secretary of the last Conference, called the
roll. Ninety-four members and thirteen probationers
were present. The secretary was re-elected, and U. S.
Brown treasurer.
An afternoon session was held, at which R. P.
Smith presided. The mayor welcomed the Confer-
ence, to which the Bishop replied. Drafts were drawn
on the Chartered fund for $30, Book Concern for
$2,440, and on the Board of Conference Claimants for
$300. It was ordered that the report of the Commit-
tee on Education and of the president of the university
be made the order of the day Saturday at 10 a. m.
The consideration of the Preacher's Aid Society
144 History of Methodism
was set for Friday, following the reading of the jour-
nal. A resolution was voted endorsing the action of
the Preachers' Aid Society looking toward the raising
of an endowment fund of $200,000.
Resolutions of appreciation of Dr. R. P. Smith,
retiring president of the Kansas Wesleyan University,
were voted by the Conference. W. D. Schermerhorn,
of Garrett Biblical Institute ; E. C. Clemens, represent-
ing the Board of Conference Claimants; Miss Viola
Troutinan, associate secretary of the Topeka branch
of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society, and J. A.
Motter of Bethany Hospital were introduced. Former
Governor Hoch was introduced and addressed the Con-
ference. H. W. Hancher reported the plan adopted by
the commission to secure the endowment for the Kan-
sas Wesleyan. A. S. Hale was appointed on the Board
of Examiners in place of W. H. Sweet, retired.
A collection of $70 was taken for Charles Kolsky.
0. B. Allen of Missouri Conference; J. H. Bainford,
Genessee; J. B. Gilmore, Kansas; G. W. Hall, Oregon;
G. E. Spear and J. P. White, Southwest Kansas ; R. K.
Sutton, Nebraska, and W. R. Woodward, St. Louis,
were received by transfer. Grant Mann was received
on credentials from the Wesleyan Methodist Church.
E. O. Harbour, Lawrence I. Mickey and R. E. Law-
head were admitted on trial. F. B. Cunningham, L.
C. Cobb, F. L. Farley, D. O. Gunckel, G. W. Hall, L.
Monro, R. K. Sutton, R. E. Lawhead and J. P. White
were ordained Deacons. None were ordained Elders.
W. N. Clark was transferred to the Rock River Con-
ference, C. M. Reed to Erie, and J. A. Webb to Arkan-
sas. F. D. Baker, James Flowers, B. W. Hollen and
1. S. Hall have died. W \V. Hendrickson and Charles
Kolsky were discontinued. G. C. Casselman was lo-
cated at his own request. W. L. Fry was made effect-
ive. B. T. Stauber, L. O. Housel and W. H. Sweet
were granted the retired relation.
In Northwest Kansas 145
The Committee on Temperance presented a resolu-
tion petitioning the President to use his influence to
secure the adoption of an amendment to the Federal
Constitution prohibiting the manufacture and sale of
liquor. The Conference Boaid of Home Missions and
Church Extension reported that $5,714 had been raised
by the Conference for that cause.
Foreign Mission Board had received $8,821. The
total benevolences were $28,036. Apportioned to
charges for Conference claimants, $5,000. Paid, $7,785.
The session of 1916 met in Concordia March 22d.
Bishop Thirkield, the presiding officer of the last ses-
sion, was again in charge, and again spoke of Para-
graphs 137 and 138 of the Discipline. At first this
editor thought a lapse of memory must account for
this repetition, but possibly the good Bishop thought
those paragraphs are so important and so liable to be
forgotten and unheeded that it was worth while to
call attention to them the second time. He certainly
enforced the teaching on the minds of those who heard
him.
The sacrament was administered and the organiza-
tion effected. A memorial service was conducted by
E. L. Hutchins. Memoirs were read of E. F. Sitterly,
J. W. Blundon, H. R. Golden, J. H. Lockwood, S. A.
Green, Mrs. H. G. Miller, Mrs. A. L. Carlton, Charles
E. Hoffman, Thomas G. Brooks, John VanGundy and
Clair 0. Cook. Dan Brummit, editor of the Herald,
was introduced.
An afternoon session was ordered, to which Senator
A. B. Carney delivered an address of welcome, to
which the Bishop made response, after which he called
J. F. Harmon to the chair.
J. W. Snapp having served the Salina District as
superintendent for six years, J. L. King, on behalf of
the district, presented him with a sectional bookcase.
146 History of Methodism
C. W. Ivie. J. F. Dennis, S. Barber and A. W. Dick
were appointed a committee on the Asbury memorial
celebration. A draft was authorized on the Book Con-
cern for $2,444.
Mrs. Woodcock, secretary of the children's work
of the Woman's Home Missionary Society ; Miss South-
ard, representing the W. C. T. IL, and Louis Griffin of
the Gideorns were introduced. J. T. Bates conducted
the love feast at 9 a. m. Sunday, at which time a col-
lection of $108 was taken for the Conference Claim-
ants' fund.
The Bishop preached at 10 :30, and the ordination
services were held at 3 p. m. Those to be ordained
were addressed by Dr. J. A. Beebe, who had conducted
the morning devotions of the Conference. The fol-
lowing persons were ordained Deacons: L. M. Cam-
field, Bethel Cook, W. C. Green, O. E. Schaal, M. E.
Smith.
The following were ordained Elders: Charles M.
Brown, L. H. Griffin, C. H. King, E. Morgan, Thomas
Miller, C. J. Semans, C. E. Spalding, J. P. White.
The Conference treasurer reported the aggregate
benevolence $35,063; Foreign Missions, $8,547; Home
Missions and Church Extension, $6,063. Received by
transfer, S. Barber and F. E. Madden, from Kansas;
J. F. Harmon. Southern Illinois; Louis Hassel, St.
Louis; Thomas Miller, Northern Montana; W. H.
Mathiel, W. German, James Taylor, Montana; George
Winters, Southwestern Kansas. Received on trial:
M. H. Bisbee, H. C. Marston, E. S. Pangburn and L.
R. Templin.
The following were transferred out of the Confer-
ence: H. Bamford and R. P. Smith, to Montana; W.
E. Caldwell, Wyoming; O. M. Freeman, South Dakota;
C. A. Fisher, Rock River; F. Guanison, Nebraska; J.
A. Plants, Rock River; G. C. Spear, Southwestern Kan-
In Northwest Kansas 147
sas; W. W. Strite, Columbia River; M. B. VanLeer,
Central Illinois.
J. W. Blundon, H. R. Goldin, S. A. Green, J. H.
Lockwood and E. F. Sitterly had died. C. C. Cox and
W. E. Uncapher were located. G. W. Hall and J. M.
Newton were made effective. John F. Harmon, C. W.
Stevens and H. M. Templin were chosen delegates to
the General Conference. Attree Smith and M. F.
Loom is were reserves. D. H. Stafford, J. C. Rupen-
thal and C. S. Buckannan were the Lay delegates, and
H. H. Wooley, C. A. Kemp and C. C. Andrews were
the reserves.
The thirty-fifth session of the Conference met at
Ellsworth March 28, 1917, the resident Bishop, W. O.
Shepard, presiding. After the Sacrament a memorial
service was conducted by L. A. McKeever, at which
memoirs were presented of the following persons : G.
M. Glick, C. H. King, Thomas Muxlow, Mrs. D. E.
French, Mrs. V. C. Brown, Lester T. Courter, infant
son of Mrs. F. L. Courter; Mrs. John Stevens, William
G. Woodward, infant son of Rev. and Mrs. W. R. Wood-
ward. The Bishop also spoke of the decease of Dr. H.
J. Coker.
Samuel Bartlett, county attorney, made an address
of welcome, to which the Bishop responded. J. E.
Wilson was elected secretary, J. A. Westerman statis-
tical secretary, and U. S. Brown treasurer.
All assistant secretaries and treasurers were ex-
cused from committee. David G. Downey, book editor,
was introduced. A statistical session was held in the
afternoon, at which M. L. Wickman presided.
Dr. George Elliott of the Detroit Conference con-
ducted devotions Thursday, Friday and Saturday
morning.
Transfers into the Conference were announced as
follows: J. B. Cummins and Noah Douthit, from
148 History of Methodism
Southern Illinois; W. A. Fortney and T. H. Parrett,
St. Louis; B. C. Wolfe and 0. G. Brown, Oklahoma; R.
C. Myers, Illinois; C. A. Fisher, Rock River; A. E.
Faupell, Detroit. W. W. Strite was readmitted from
the Columbia River Conference. E. M. Bisbee, N.
Bussine, Vera Daniels, A. J. Glauy, E. K. Hilbrand,
C. M. Nutter, E. R. Shaw, M. E. Smith, H. C. Atkins,
R. Snyder and L. R. Houderick were admitted on trial.
L. I. Mickey was discontinued. E. 0. Harbour, Robert
Parker, W. H. Zook, C. E. Carpenter and H. C. Atkins
were ordained Deacons. F. L. Courter, F. B. Cun-
ningham, J. C. Dussair, F. L. Farley, C. R. Flowers,
C. E. Hall, R. E. Lawhead, R. K. Sutton and C. H.
Simpson were ordained Elders. Dr. B. Robbins, finan-
cial secretary of Bethany Hospital, was introduced.
A collection was taken to furnish the president's
office in the Kansas Wesleyan University, and $375
was received. C. M. Brown was transferred to Wyom-
ing, C. W. Ivie to Southern Illinois; E. H. Tipton,
Nebraska; A. D. Rice, Oklahoma; G. W. Hall, Des
Moines; T. E. Hoon, Western Iowa, and J. W. Bates,
to St. Louis. G. M. Glick, Thomas Muxlow and C. H.
King had died.
The total benevolent collections were $35,076; for
Foreign Missions, $10,232; Home Missions, $6,964.
Received on Conference funds : Book Concern, $2,382 ;
Conference investments, $600; from the charges,
$5,162 ; Board of Conference Claimants, $200. Total,
$8,344. Apportioned to charges for next year, $7,000.
As the Conference enters upon a new quadrenium.
it is gratifying that the Committee on the State of the
Church finds occasion for rejoicing from several con-
siderations.
Leaders recognize the difficulties and are striving
to wisely provide plans and means for their solution.
The work being done by the Sunday schools and Ep-
In Northwest Kansas 149
worth Leagues, brotherhoods and gospel teams is
highly encouraging. The active aggressive work of
the Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Societies
gives promise of an increased efficiency of these faith-
ful, devoted co-workers.
The recognition by the Laity of the magnitude and
importance of the work to be done, and of their own
responsibility for the doing of it, as seen in the organ-
ization of their association, is reason for devout grati-
tude.
The Conference met in its thirty-sixth annual ses-
sion in the church in Downs, Kansas, April 3, 1918.
The resident Bishop, W. 0. Shepard, was in charge.
At 8 :30 o'clock the Bishop, assisted by the district
superintendents and the resident pastor, administered
the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper.
At 9:30 a memorial service was conducted by E.
Bridwell, the chairman of the committee. Memoirs
were read of M. F. Loomis, R. E. Rockwell, J. M.
Miller, A. N. Wickman, son of Rev. and Mrs. M. L.
Wickman; Mrs. C. W. Stevens, Mrs. W. W. Hurlbut,
Mrs. Bertha Dubbs, daughter of F. D. Funk ; Kenneth
Earl and Katheryn Revena, infant son and daughter
of Rev. and Mrs. J. 0. Borton, were presented, and
the Bishop made a brief and appropriate address. The
service closed with prayer by J. B. Gilmore.
The Conference was welcomed by an address by
Dr. J. E. Hodgson, to which the Bishop made response.
In the absence of J. E. Wilson, the secretary of last
year, the roll was called by F. L. Farly, the first assist-
ant. Ninety-one members and eleven probationers an-
swered to their names. L. C. Hicks was elected secre-
tary, who named as his assistants J. C. Dussair, L. R.
Honderick, F. L. Larley and M. R. Starbuck.
U. S. Brown was elected treasurer, and nominated
as his assistants Fred Blanding, J. A. Plantz, W. H.
150 History of Methodism
Mathiel, Gordon Waggoner, C. E. Hall, V. V. Whitsitt,
T. H. Parrott, Bethel Cook and W. A. Pierce. J. A.
Westerman was chosen statistical secretary, and L. M.
Canfield, E. 0. Harbour, C. M. Nutter, L. V. Hassell,
W. H. Zook, Roy Plott, 0. G. Brown and A. D. Faupell
were named as his assistants.
S. A. Chappell transferred to the Southwestern
Kansas Conference, R. K. Sutton and C. E. Wood to
the Kansas, Attree Smith to the Central Illinois, J. B.
Cummins to the Southern Illinois, G. M. Ryder to the
Oklahoma, and H. W. Wolfe to the Northwestern Iowa.
Edward Hislop of the Oklahoma Conference, G. W.
Martin of the Central Illinois, C. E. Eardman and C.
P. Eklund of the West Swedish Conference were trans-
ferred into the Conference. The printed program was
made official. The bar of the Conference was fixed.
O. A. Darnell was appointed postmaster. A statistical
session was called for 1 :80 o'clock.
All assistant secretaries and treasurers were ex-
cused from committees. A. P. Jones, representing
the Anti-Saloon League ; A. F. Raggartz, D. D., of the
Bible Society ; J. R. Beard, pastor of the Downs Con-
gregational Church, and G. S. Manes, pastor of the
Baptist Church, were introduced. The session was
dismissed with the benediction by A. S. Hale.
The afternoon session was presided over by M. M.
Stolz. The secretary called the roll of charges for re-
ports, after which the session adjourned. The session
of the second day was opened by the Bishop, who gave
the first of a series of devotional talks, taking for his
theme "The Great Distraction of the World Today, and
Its Only Solution, Faith in Jesus Christ."
The journal of the first day's session was read and
approved. The secretary read the roll of the absentees
of the first day. Five members and two probationers
responded. The treasurer and statistical secretary
In Northwest Kansas 151
called the roll for delinquent reports. A draft for
$2,446 on the Book Concern was announced, and one
for SI, 400 from the Preacher's Aid Society. These
were turned to the Conference Board of Stewards.
I. L. McKean was appointed to solicit subscriptions
for the Methodist Review, and C. A. Fisher for the
World Outlook. The fourteenth question was taken
up. The names of the district superintendents, M. G.
Terry, C. W. Stevens, H. M. Templin and G. R. Hall,
were called, their characters passed, and they read
their reports.
John F Harmon presented his third annual report
of the Kansas Wesleyan University. J. R. Thomas
made his report as treasurer of the Preachers' Aid
Society. A. L. Carlton, on behalf of the preachers of
the Colby District, presented F. M. Witham and his
bride a token of their best wishes. D. B. Magee offered
a resolution discouraging the free distribution of ciga-
rettes to the soldiers. J. F. Harmon and U. S. Brown
were appointed a committee to communicate with the
Board of Education in reference to the twenty per
cent claim on the educational collection. The Confer-
ence gave an expression of appreciation of the labors
and success of Dr. John F. Harmon in his management
of the Kansas Wesleyan University.
At the request of the Conference, Mrs. Bishop
Shepard was introduced. Dr. Bascom Robbins, finan-
cial secretary of Bethany Hospital ; Dr. J. M. Moulder,
superintendent of Bethany Hospital; Oscar Huddle-
ston, returned missionary; A. E. Ayers of the South-
western Kansas Conference, M. N. Powers of the Okla-
homa Conference, and A. J. Benjamin, circulation
manager of the Central Christian Advocate, and his
wife were introduced.
Announcements were made and the benediction
was pronounced by C. P. Ecklund. Bishop Shepard
152 History of Methodism
led the devotions the third morning of the session. His
theme was "Forsaking All, I Follow Him."
The journal of the second day was read and ap-
proved. The fourteenth question was resumed, the
names of the pastors were called, and their characters
passed.
F. M. Loomis, J. M. Miller and L. E. Rockwell
had died.
The names of twenty-four retired ministers were
called. Sixteen thousand dollars was apportioned to
the charges for the support of these. H. M. Templin,
M. M. Stolz, Edward Hislop, A. S. Hale, G. W. Martin,
J. C. Rufenthal, T. W. Roach, J. L. Bristow, Ed
Mathews and J. S. Reed were elected trustees of the
Kansas Wesleyan University.
Dr. A. G. Bennett, camp pastor at Camp Funston;
Miss Eva Rigg, at the Kansas Training School for
Deaconesses, and Mrs. J. F. Boyes of the Woman's
Foreign Missionary Society were introduced and ad-
dressed the Conference.
A draft for $102 was presented from the Board
of Conference Claimants. The session was dismissed
with the benediction by Dr. Bascom Robbins. Satur-
day morning the Bishop gave the last of the series of
talks, choosing for the theme "Forsaking All. I Take
Tim."
The journal of the third day was read and ap-
proved. The supernumerary preachers were called.
L. M. Alexander, W. A. Allen, L. C. Cobb, J. H. Kuhn,
W. W. Horlbutt, W. G. Smith, E. C. Rath and J. P.
White were granted the supernumerary relation. J.
N. See was referred to a committee of five, who recom-
mended that he be requested to locate W. A. Van-
Gundy. C. R. Wade and A. M. Misel were placed in
the retired list. S. J. T. Fortner was received on cre-
dential from the Canadian Methodist Church and
In Northwest Kansas 153
recognized as an Elder. L. E. Cook and A. L. Carlton
were appointed to fill vacancies on the Board of Ex-
aminers. The committee appointed to ascertain
whether the Conference is incorporated reported that
it is. The Harvard plan for Conference entertain-
ment was adopted.
A resolution was adopted appealing to Congress
and the President for more drastic prosecution of all
slackers and impatriotic and traitorous characters.
R. D. Plott, F. G. Smith, J. H. Strayer, L. F. Arend,
R. W. Johnson, D. E. Railing and P. H. Smith were
admitted on trial, V. V. Whitsitt, Fred Blanding, T.
H. Parrott, J. T. Frazer and J. G. Roberts were elected
to Deacons' orders. L. M. Canfield, Bethel Cook, Noah
Douthit, W. C. Green, M. E. Smith, 0. E. Schaal, D.
Otis Gunckel and L. R. Honderick were elected to
Elders' orders.
The benevolent collections asked by the General
Conference amounted to $37,362. Those asked by the
annual Conference, to $17,884. The claims on the Con-
ference funds are $18,620 ; paid on these, $9,890. Two
hundred and forty-two dollars were paid by the Con-
ence treasurer to the treasurer of the Board of Con-
ference Claimants for Connectional Relief. Eight
thousand dollars were apportioned to the charges for
the support of our Conference Claimants next year.
The next Conference will be held at Lindsburg.
CHAPTER V.
KANSAS WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY.
The long stretch of territory of more than four
hundred miles reaching from the Missouri River on
the east to the Colorado line on the west, together with
inadequate railroad facilities, made it advisable to
divide the Kansas Conference in the early 80's. When
the Northwest Kansas Conference, after a division had
been made, convened at Beloit in March, 1883, the ques-
tion of establishing an educational institution was con-
sidered of vital importance to the conference and to
the Methodists of the northwest part of the state. The
'Methodist Episcopal Church has a history among the
various Protestant denominations of taking the lead
in providing educational facilities for her people.
Hence, at the first session of her annual conference
steps were taken to found a conference school.
Several cities within the bounds, of the conference
made flattering offers for the location of the institu-
tion. Salina proposed to donate a tract of fifteen acres
for a college campus and to erect a building at a cost
of $26,000, on condition that the conference maintain
a school of full collegiate grade. This most generous
offer was accepted by the conference and steps were
immediately taken to found an educational institution
making Salina the educational center of the Northwest
Kansas Conference.
Salina was then a city of only a few thousand
population, but becoming an important railroad center.
Being located near the center of the state in a rich
agricultural district and having railroads radiating
from it in almost every direction, the city soon be-
-*_.
■tt™
IJj^T^vTT^: .
,
GROUP OF BUILDINGS, KANSAS WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY.
(l)__Gymnasium.
(2) Administration Building.
(3) Science Hall.
In Northwest Kansas 155
came easy of access to all the northwest portion of the
state and a commercial center, facts which reflected
wisdom and foresight upon those who so wisely se-
lected it as a place to establish an educational institu-
tion.
A Board of Trustees composed of nine men, elected
by the conference, organized and in December, 1885,
secured a very liberal charter and became incorporated
under the laws of the state, with the name of Kansas
Wesleyan University.
The corner stone of the first building was laid early
in 1886, by the Rev. J. H. Lockwood, assisted by the
Hon. A. P. Collins and Rev. Dr. M. M. Stolz. In the
following March the building was dedicated by Bishop
Andrews, assisted by Dr. Bennett of Garrett Biblical
Institute and Dr. Gray of the Freedman's Aid Society.
The school was opened on the fifteenth of Septem-
ber, 1886, and the first year showed an enrollment of
one hundred and twenty-three. During the thirty-five
years that the school has been in existence there have
been more than three thousand enrolled in the college
and in the academy. Over two hundred and fifty have
been graduated from the college with a bachelor's
degree.
The first faculty of the college consisted of five
men: Rev. William F. Swahlen, Ph. D., acting pres-
ident, who was professor of Latin and the modern
languages; Thomas W. Cowgill, A. B., professor of
Greek; Rev. Aaron Schuyler, A. M., Ph. D., professor
of mathematics and astronomy ; Rev. W. H. Sweet, A.
M., D. D., professor of ethics and metaphysics ; Rev.
A. C. Hillman, A. M., dean of the normal department;
Amos T. Griffith, head of the commercial department ;
Clede H. Green, head of the school of music, and Daniel
McGurk, teacher of elocution.
156 History of Methodism
Dr. McGurk is the only surviving instructor of the
first faculty of the Kansas Wesleyan. Dr. Sweet
served the Northwest Kansas Conference in the ca-
pacity of pastor, district superintendent, and the col-
lege as a member of the Board of Trustees for many
years and later as financial secretary.
After graduation Dr. Daniel McGurk served the
institution for a short time as a teacher of elocution,
later becoming a member of the Northwest K
Conference, from which he took up work as a mission-
ary in South America. Later he returned to Kansas,
serving as pastor until he was transferred to an Iowa
conference. He followed Bishop Quayle as pastor of
the Grand Avenue Church, Kansas City, Missouri, and
has since filled some of the largest pulpits in Eastern
churches. At present he is occupying a pulpit in Cin-
cinnati, Ohio.
The commercial school has grown from a one-
teacher department to a great business college, per-
haps the largest in the central states. It has a faculty
of twenty-one teachers and an enrollment of several
hundred. Prof. T. W. Roach, who later took charge
of the commercial work, was responsible for the great
expansion and development of the business college.
The music school has become one of the leading
music colleges of the state, employing six teachers and
enrolling more than one hundred and fifty students.
Rev. William F. Swahlen, A. M., Ph. D., served as
acting president of the institution from 1886 to 1887.
Later he became professor of Greek in DePauw Uni-
versity, Greencastle, Indiana, which institution he
served until his death in the winter of 1915.
Aaron Schuyler, A. M., L. L. D., served the Kansas
Wesleyan as vice president and acting president from
1887 to 1890, when he became president, and continued
in that capacity until 1894. He devoted his life to the
In Northwest Kansas 157^
cause of Christian education and continued with the
Kansas Wesleyan as a teacher of mathematics and
philosophy until failing health compelled him to cease
active work in the college. Dr. Schuyler's name is
honored by the alumni above any other name connected
with the history of the school. As a mathematician,
the world has produced but few, if any, equals to Dr.
Schuyler, and as a philosopher he ranks with the
world's best. He was a writer of much note, his text
books having been used in every quarter of the globe.
He bequeathed to posterity a very valuable series of
text books on mathematics, complete from arithmetic
to calculus. Among his writing on the subject of
philosophy are text books on ethics, logic, psychology
and a critical history of philosophy.
Rev. Edwin W. Mueller. A. M., S. T. B., served as
president from 1894 to 1896, when he re-entered the
ministry, and is now serving the Congregational
Church as pastor of Whitneysville, Connecticut.
Prof. George J. Haggerty, A. M., was president
from 1899 to 1900, giving up educational work because
of ill health and moved to Riverside, California, where
he engaged in the orange business.
Rev. Milton E. Phillips, Ph. M., D. D., served the
institution as president from 1901 to 1902. Upon
severing his connection with the institution, he took
up Y. M. C. A. work and was located at New Haven,
Connecticut.
Thomas W. Roach, A. M., Ped. D., who had been
for many years in charge of the commercial depart-
ment, and who had made such a success of this work,
was elected to the presidency of the school in 1903,
and served the school in that capacity until he re-
quested to be released from the work, because of fail-
ing health, in 1897.
158 History of Methodism
When he took charge of the school it was in a
critical condition financially. Dr. Roach, if for no
other reason, deserves the everlasting applause of the
Northwest Kansas Conference for giving the school
a financial administration that relieved it from its em-
barrassment and planted it on a good sound business
basis.
He saw many improvements during his term as
president. One in which he probably takes the most
pride was the building the ladies' dormitory, concern-
ing which he still shows a very deep degree of interest,
having given it much personal as well as financial
assistance. The building has a rooming capacity for
one hundred girls. His efforts were rewarded with
the beginning of a third building. Science Hall, which
was made possible through a gift of Andrew Carnegie.
The addition of an athletic park, fenced with an eight-
foot board fence, was also secured through the untir-
ing zeal of President Roach. There were many im-
provements made on the old building, such as install-
ing an electric lighting system. The plotting of the
campus and beautifying the grounds with driveways
were done under his administration. A handsome be-
ginning of an endowment ($25,000) from Mr. Car-
negie was the result of Dr. Roach's work.
Rev. Robert P. Smith, A. M., D. D., was called
from the head of the Montana Wesleyan in 1907 to
assume charge of the Kansas Wesleyan. What Dr.
Roach did for the school financially, Dr. Smith did
for it educationally, viz.: He standardized it and
placed it on the educational map with other institu-
tions which now accept the work done in other similar
institutions.
There were many improvements made during Dr.
Smith's administration, viz. : the enlarging the faculty,
the completion of Science Hall, the building of a pres-
In Northwest Kansas 159
ident's home, the beginning of a gymnasium. Also
the endowment was greatly enlarged, making a total
of about $119,000 in actual endowment, with about
$40,000 more in good pledges.
Dr. Smith served the Kansas Wesleyan eight years
as president, and during that time it was elevated to
rank A among Methodist colleges. This ranking was
secured largely through the influence of President
Smith. His ability to inspire faith and loyalty among
young people made him an ideal college president.
Upon his resignation of the presidency he returned
to the ministry and located at Bozeman, Montana.
President John F. Harmon, D. D., came to Salina
in June, 1915, as Dr. Smith's successor, having served
McKendree College as president for several years,
where he made a remarkable record in giving McKen-
dree a new life and saving it from a death which con-
fronted it at that time. McKendree being the oldest
college in Methodism, there is something peculiarly
significant in the fact that the Kansas Wesleyan, one
of the youngest colleges in the church, should secure
the president from the oldest college in Methodism.
Dr. John F. Harmon was formally inaugurated
president of the Kansas Wesleyan University October
21, 1915, in connection with the laying of the corner
stone of the gymnasium. The inaugural ceremony was
in charge of Bishop W. O. Shepard, assisted by Pres-
ident A. W. Harris of the Northwestern University,
Evanston, Illinois. These exercises were attended by
many of the church officials and leaders of education
of the state and nation.
The financial history of the school shows many
difficult and trying problems which the board has had
to solve. An endowment was undertaken when the
school was organized by selling scholarships. Per-
petual scholarships were sold for $200 each, and many
160 History of Methodism
for a lesser sum were sold valid for three, five and
seven years. Only sixteen of the perpetual scholar-
ships are at the present time outstanding. Hence, but
little endowment was realized through the sale of
these scholarships. Other futile attempts were made
toward creating an endowment, but little headway was
made until 1905, when Dr. Don W. Nichols, a re-
turned missionary from China, was secured through
the efforts of President Thomas W. Roach in connec-
tion with the gift proposed by Andrew Carnegie. Mr.
Carnegie offered to build a $25,000 Science Hall if
the Board of Trustees would raise $25,000 endowment
and pay off an indebtedness, which was about $20,000.
The next endowment campaign was begun under
the leadership of President Smith in 1912. The cam-
paign proper had been preceded by the work of two
or three educational or financial secretaries. Rev. J.
W. Snapp was made educational secretary for the uni-
versity in 1909 for the purpose of securing students
and financial assistance. Dr. W. H. Sweet followed
him in 1910 in the same capacity. Both of these men
labored with untiring zeal and did much in laying a
foundation for the promotion of a future campaign,
and their efforts were crowned with victory in a very
few years. Rev. J. W. Bates was made financial secre-
tary in 1911, and with much enthusiasm undertook the
difficult task of creating an endowment. In the late
fall of 1911 President Smith, Rev. Bates as financial
secretary, Dr. J. W. Hancher of the Board of Educa-
tion and others launched a campaign in Salina for
$56,000, of which sum $25,000 was to be endowment.
This was completed after much heroic giving had been
done, particularly in the Wesleyan addition among the
members of the faculty and Board of Trustees.
Again in 1914 a forward movement campaign was
undertaken under the direction of President Smith
In Northwest Kansas 161
to complete the necessary $200,000 endowment as re-
quired by both the Methodist Senate and the State
Board of Education. During the summer of 1914 Dr.
Smith, almost single handed, secured pledges for about
$40,000. Later, when President Smith's relationship
with the college had been severed, the plan was reor-
ganized with Dr. Thomas W. Roach at the helm. He
had full charge and lined up the entire conference,
assigning a definite work for practically every man in
the conference. Assistance was secured through such
men as Dr. John W. Hancher of the Board of Educa-
tion, Dr. S. S. Murphey, Rev. H. A. Church and others.
The organization was so complete and carried out in
such detail as to come in close and vital touch with
practically every Methodist home in the conference.
When the smoke had cleared from the battle field the
books showed $130,000 had been pledged in this effort.
More than one-half of this sum has now been paid to
the auditor.
Mr. W. L. Nesmith, a merchant of Salina, but for-
merly of Wilson, Kansas, a man who has served the
university for many years as a member of the Board
of Trustees, as president of the board and as a mem-
ber of the Executive Committee, a man who has been
and who still is very deeply interested in the welfare
of the school, particularly in the religious life of the
school, donated $15,000 as part of a $25,000 endow-
ment for a chair of Bible. The first occupant of this
chair was an alumnus of the institution, Dr. W. D.
Schermerhorn, who after returning from the mission
field was engaged to give instruction in the Bible dur-
ing the year 1911 and 1912.
With only a little more than a quarter of a cen-
tury's history to the credit of the institution, it has a
plant and an endowment together amounting almost
to a half of a million dollars valuation. This has come
162 History of Methodism
almost entirely from and through the loyalty and de-
votion of the Methodists living within the bounds of
our conference territory.
During the quarter of a century since the college
was planted two hundred and forty-nine young people
have received degrees from it, many of whom are
occupying places of influence and importance devotedly
striving to further the interests of the kingdom and to
help mankind to a higher plane of living. The alumni
of the institution include such men as Dr. D. W. Scher-
merhorn, president of the Dakota Wesleyan, who
served in the mission field at Hyderabad, India, five
years, a year in the faculty of his alma mater and live
years in the faculty of Garrett Biblical Institute; Dr.
B. 0. Peterson, a leader of the church in the Philip-
pines ; Rev. W. H. Blair, another leader in the foreign
field, Korea. Also a score or more of men and women
scattered throughout the foreign field engaged in mis-
sionary work. Prof. B. J. Morris, who is a member
of the faculty of the University of the Pacific ; Prof.
W. G. Medcraft, who is serving the University of
Arizona, at Tucson, as . head of the department of
mathematics, and many others who are leaders in the
educational work in many of the states. In the legal
profession might be mentioned such men as C. W.
Bureh and F. D. Blundon of Salina, O. E. Collins of
Colorado and D. E. Blair of Joplin, Missouri, and
many others who have achieved prominence both in
legal matters and in constructive political work. In
the ministry the graduates of the Wesleyan may be
found occupying leading pulpits throughout the land,
but they have received attention in another portion of
this volume. In the medical fraternity and in the busi-
ness world there are many leading members who are
to be numbered among the alumni. This paragraph
should record a few additional names of men and
In Northwest Kansas 163
women who have done credit to the institution through
service as instructors in their alma mater, such as
Miss Caroline Matson, Miss Ida Bohannon, Rev. A. L.
Semans, Prof. W. G. Medcraft, Prof. A. W. Jones,
Prof. C. 0. Marietta. It would be a pleasure to the
writer and, I am sure, gratifying to all who love and
honor the Kansas Wesleyan University, if space would
permit a brief statement concerning the work of each
of the two hundred and forty-nine graduates who have
passed out into active service from the halls of Wesli.
Such a record is being made for another volume to
appear at a later date.
The institution has surely justified its establish-
ment and the efforts and sacrifices of its founders
through this long line of honored alumni.
The school began with one- building located on a
campus of about fifteen acres. This building now con-
tains the offices, seven recitation rooms, the chapel, two
large well furnished halls belonging to the four literary
societies, the Delphian, the Athenaeum, the Ionian
and the Zetagathean ; two rooms occupied by the art
department, one room occupied by the printing plant,
and a rest room fitted up by the Y. W. C. A. for the
girls.
The ladies' dormitory, built in 1903 and 1904, con-
tains rooms which will accommodate about one hun-
dred girls, offices, parlors, reception halls, and associa-
tion room where the Y. W. C. A. holds its meetings,
a large dining hall which will seat about two hundred
people, a laundry and a kitchen. The dining hall is
named in honor of the chief donor of the building, Mr.
F. D. Kimble of Long Island, Kansas, and the building
is named in honor of the beloved Dr. Aaron Schuyler.
Another building, known as Carnegie Science Hall,
contains the library, the museum, a lecture hall, now
occupied by the department of public speaking; the
164 History of Methodism
recitation and laboratory rooms for the department of
biology, the department of chemistry and the depart-
ment of household arts. This last department has one
of the best equipped kitchens in the state. There is
sufficient room for twenty girls to work, each having a
table fitted up with a tile top, a gas stove and an oven
and all the utensils needed in the kitchen of a well-
equipped modern home. There is also a very tastily
finished dining room for the use of those taking work
in domestic science. This department also has a large
room furnished with numerous individual lockers,
sewing machines, work tables and a fitting room where
the girls may make their own graduating gowns.
The president's residence is a very beautiful build-
ing located at the corner of Santa Fe and Claflin ave-
nues. It was the gift of Dr. and Mrs. Thomas W.
Roach and is known as the Roach Home. This build-
ing, situated as it does adjoining the campus, is very
conveniently located to serve the president of the
university as a residence. The donor of this building
again exercised wise judgment in erecting the home
with large and well arranged rooms suitable to accom-
modate the president of the institution in holding re-
ceptions.
The business college is housed in a large three-
story brick building located near the business section
of the city. It has a large chapel capable of seating
several hundred students, offices and a score of recita-
tion rooms.
The college of music occupies the second floor of a
business block in the heart of the city. The studio has
a small music hall where recitals are held, several
recitation and practice rooms, together with offices for
the dean and his assistants.
The gymnasium, which was completed in the spring
of 1916, has a large gymnasium floor 60 by 90 feet,
In Northwest Kansas 165
with a running track in the balcony of about eighteen
laps to the mile. This floor is said by various physical
and athletic directors who have seen it to be the best
lighted gymnasium floor found in the state. It has
two offices each for the women's and men's physical
directors, locker and shower bath rooms for both men
and women. The girls' shower bath room has twenty
private dressing rooms, each of which has a needle
shower bath in connection with the dressing room.
This gives the girls perfect privacy for taking a
shower bath and dressing. There is also a swimming-
pool 18 by 40 feet and eight feet deep located on the
first floor. Five hundred ladies make use of this swim-
ming pool during the summer months. On the second
floor is a large roo mfurnished for the use of the Y.
M. C. A., where they hold their mid-week meetings.
In the basement is located a central heating plant.
A fine cut-stone entrance gateway, the gift of the
class of 1912, faces Santa Fe avenue. This is the
most beautiful entrance gateway found on any campus
in the state of Kansas. The campus is covered with
a beautiful grove of maple and forest trees, plotted
out with a driveway circling the main building, in
front of which stands, on a circular lawn, a beautiful
fountain, the gift of the class of 1914. In the tower
on the gymnasium is a tower clock, electrically lighted
by night, the gift of the class of 1915. The gymnasium
floor is equipped with a thousand dollars worth of ap-
paratus, the gift of the class of 1916.
If to the plant were to be added the business college
and the music college buildings and equipment, to-
gether with the new church edifice recently erected on
a corner adjoining the campus, it would increase the
valuation of the plant to more than a half million dol-
lars, the accumulation of only a little more than a
quarter of a century.
166 History of Methodism
An institution having passed the quarter of a cen-
tury mark by only a few years, having an enthusiastic
student body loyally supporting every phase of educa-
tional work possible in a small college, a faculty de-
voting their lives to the cause of Christian education,
sacrificing much in order to aid in building up the
school, a president with a vision of the future and a
faith to attain the almost impossible, a Board of Trus-
tees devoting time and money and energy to make the
school become efficient to the highest degree possible,
a united ministry of the conference upholding the
cause of Christian education and the Christian col-
lege, a unanimity of opinion and effort of the entire
conference gives a background and a faith in the
future of an institution of learning so fortunate in
having such valuable assets. All these forces converg-
ing in the Kansas Wesleyan University as they do at
the present time should insure its fulfilling the dream
of its founders, and cause it to become a blessing to
humanity.
THE SUMMER SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY.
Until recent years the Summer School of the North-
west Kansas Conference was a unique thing in Meth-
odism. Indeed it is doubtful if, even at this time,
there is anything just like it in the church. The boards
of examiners in other conferences have meetings for
lectures and examinations, but this conference has a
school, with a program for recitations, with definite
hours. This is rigidly adhered to. The tap of the bell
indicates the close of the recitation, and all are gov-
erned by it. The purpose of the recitations is the re-
view of the books of the course. One rule of the school
is that no one shall attempt to pass examination on a
subject at the close of the school unless he has pre-
viously studied the subject.
In Northwest Kansas 167
This school developed from an Itinerants' Club
which was organized at the conference of 1891.
Since John Wesley, no man has contributed so
much to the culture of Methodists, both of the ministry
and laity, as Bishop John H. Vincent. During the
80's he was making much of Itinerant Clubs, with two
objects in view: First, to help the young preachers
to get more benefit from the conference course of
study; and second, to incite those who had completed
that course to further systematic effort for culture.
Up to that time no effort had been made to inspire
men to study, or to help them in their endeavor. Here
and there were men who took up the conference course
with a determination to master it, and having done
that, to go on to other attainments. By diligent and
persistent application, they came to be men of letters
in no mean degree. But those who did not thus re-
solve get little out of it, and scarcely attempted further
culture. Many times there was little in the examina-
tion to inspire the student to desire a knowledge of
that text, or to incite to general knowledge. The ex-
amination was oral, and if the examiner was a fluent
talker, many times he spent more time exploiting his
own knowledge of a subject than in finding out what
the student knew.
Years ago the writer, realizing that his own con-
ference examinations were largely a farce, and that he
himself had not gotten from the course of study what
he ought to have obtained, began to ask himself
whether some plan might not be devised whereby the
college graduates who came to us might be quickened
to continued effort, and the young men who enter the
ministry without proper literary qualifications might
be helped in their preparation for their life task.
The Itinerants' Club, organized and fostered by
Bishop Vincent, presented a method of solving the
problem.
168 History of Methodism
It so happened that in my journey to Norton, the
seat of the annual conference in 1891, I was delayed
nearly all day at a little station on the Rock Island,
waiting for their west-bound train. Being alone, it
was a good opportunity to concentrate my thought on
the question I had been pondering for some days:
What can be done to increase the efficiency of the
members of our conference? I determined to draw
up a constitution for the Itinerant Club, and, if oppor-
tunity offered, to present it to the conference for adop-
tion. The following constitution was prepared and
adopted by the conference without change. (See Ap-
pendix L.)
After the adoption of the constitution, officers were
elected and the writer was chosen president of the
club. At the next session he was appointed to a dis-
trict. Previous to that time a Presiding Elder was
never appointed on the Board of Examiners. The
writer having been so appointed, his name was omitted
from the board.
In the minutes of 1893 the following appears in
the proceedings of the first day: "On motion of L.
0. Housel, W. H. Sweet was added to the committee
on Itinerant Club, as chairman." At the close of the
session Sweet, feeling that, being in charge of a dis-
trict, he ought not to act as chairman of the Board of
Examiners, declined to serve longer in that capacity,
and L. O. Housel was elected chairman. Dr. Housel,
being in full sympathy with the aim of the organiza-
tion, took hold of the work with vigor and, through
four quadreniums, managed the school with diligence
and efficiency.
The founding of this school was, in a sense, a pre-
sumptuous thing to do. The Board of Bishops has
control of all matters pertaining to the course of study
and examinations. Annual conferences had been con-
In Northwest Kansas 169
tent to follow their directions. But here was a young:
conference, a mere stripling of eight summers, launch-
ing out for itself, directing how the Board of Exam-
iners should be chosen, and providing for their or-
ganization and procedure, for none of which was there
a shadow of authority. But the aim was so worthy
that it did not occur to any of us that we had no
authority for our action, or to any one else to find fault
with us.
Immediately following the General Conference of
1892, the bishops took action in reference to the course
of study and examinations which so fully accorded
with what we had mapped out for ourselves that we
did not need to change our plans in the least.
The constitution adopted aimed to accomplish four
things: First, to incite the students to earnest and
diligent study of the books of the course; second, to
lead examiners to fit themselves to give creditable ex-
aminations; third, to provide for the keeping of a
permanent record of grades ; fourth, to provide a
graduate course of study, which would tend to hold
young men to definite and continuous study after the
conference course had been completed. To accom-
plish these ends definite and strenuous requirements
were laid upon both students and examiners, require-
ments which could be met only by most diligent effort.
Failure to measure up to these requirements led the
committee on Itinerants' Club, at the Conference of
1892, to report as follows:
"The work undertaken by the Itinerants' Club a
year ago has been carried forward with a measurable
degree of success. * * * The examinations have
not been wholly satisfactory, but a change has been
made in the constitution which, it is believed, will
remedy the difficulty." They further say: "If some
arrangements could be made by which the members
170 History of Methodism
of the classes could be brought together to spend one
or two weeks in preparation and review of the studies
of the course, great benefit would be derived by them. ,,
One thing highly creditable to the conference was
that, while earnest effort was necessary to meet the
requirements of the constitution, no one ever proposed
going back to the old "slip-shod" methods. Instead of
seeking to evade the requirements, they sought ways
and methods by which they might better secure the
desired results. It was the requirements made by this
constitution that, in a sense, forced the organization
of the Conference School of Theology.
The Committee on Itinerants' Club in the Confer-
ence of 1893 reported as follows: "We recommend
that there be constituted a Conference School of
Theology, to be held at Salina, for the purpose of class
recitations, and lectures by examiners, and by invited
men of known proficiency in special departments."
Thus, without further reference to the constitution, the
Itinerants' Club glided into the Summer School, and
has since been known as such. Names are not essen-
tial, so the work is done.
While the methods have varied from those origin-
ally proposed, the object and general plans are the
same. There are two courses of study with competent
examiners, who prepare themselves for their work
and are continued from year to year. , Questions are
properly prepared and carefully answered in writing;
and a permanent record of grades is kept, running
back to 1892. This is probably the oldest record of
grades in Methodism. In addition to this, the school
accomplishes two other things, viz. : It affords an op-
portunity for the culture of the spiritual and social
natures. The first is found in the devotional hour, at
the opening of each day's session, and the second in
the general hour, at the close of each day, when special
In Northwest Kansas 171
topics are discussed^bearing on some phase of a preach-
er's task. The following are some of the topics that
have been discussed at the general hour: "The
Preacher as a Student," "How Far May a Preacher
Engage in Politics, (a) Ecclesiastical, (b) Civil,"
"Pastoral Functions of a Preacher," "Unconscious In-
fluence," "The Pastor and the Official Board," "How
to Reach and Hold Men," "How to Push Back the
Dead Line," "The Preacher's Private Devotions,"
"How to Prepare a Sermon," "Importance of Doctrinal
Preaching," "Importance of a Definite Plan for Study
and Visitation," "How to Conduct a Prayer Meeting,"
"How to Secure Bible Study," "Children and Relig-
ion," "The Culture and Refinement a Preacher Needs,"
"Why Some Preachers Succeed for Forty or Fifty
Years," "Why Some Go to the Junk Pile." These and
many other topics, covering a wide range, have been
discussed by the members of the school from time to
time, to the interest and edification of all. Many
esteem the general hour as one of the most helpful
features of the school. The open discussion of topics
of general interest affords an opportunity for young
men to avail themselves of the experience of their
seniors. In addition to the benefit derived from study
and recitation and general discussion of important
topics, the members of the school have been inspired
and helped by the messages that were brought by men
who came to us from other fields of service. The men-
tioning of the names of these will be sufficient guaran-
tee of the truth of this statement. The fact that
Thomas Nicholson, Frank Loveland, H. F. Rail, Naph-
tali Luckcock, F. N. Lynch, W. F. Sheridan, Harry F.
Ward, J. T. McFarland, W. D. Schermerhorn, R. P.
Smith and John F. Harmon, and others like them, ad-
dressed companies of men preparing themselves to be
172 History of Methodism
ministers of the gospel is sufficient evidence that those
who heard them heard something worth while.
That the undergraduates appreciate the advantages
afforded by the school is evidenced by such expressions
as the following:
WHAT YOUNG MEN THINK OF THE SCHOOL.
The Summer School has been of unquestionable value to me.
Without the help received at the School, one will not get the
best of the books of the Conference Course. Besides the help
in the studies, the association with and hearing the great men
who come to us, will broaden and give new inspiration to ?ny
preacher. I certainly feel that the undergraduates cannot
afford to miss the Summer School.
Arthur L. Carlton, of the First Year.
Last year, having transferred too late for the Summer
School, I could not attend. This year I attended, and had the
opportunity to contrast the good obtained from the Conference
studies wifli Last year. The contrast has made me an en-
thusiast for the Summer School.
The class work is a stimulant for study. The lessons were
of inestimable value. This alone would make the school profit-
able. The coming iu contact with them of suhc ability and
power gives us deeper devotion, larger vision and greater faith.
Carey A. Fisiif.r. Second Year.
It is difficult to express in words my appreciation for the
Summer School.
It is not simply a question of passing the examination, but
of mastering the subject in the Conference Course. Besides
this, we receive valuable suggestions during the "conversational
hour." Here we learn how other men have met and solved the
problems we have to face, and the inspiration gained from con-
tact with others, and especially, the great men of our church,
all tend to make the School of inestimable value to the young
men of the Conference. Yours with kind regards,
J. A. PLANTS, of Third Year.
Having spent five successive seasons at ''The Summer School
of Theology," I am pleased to express my appreciation cf the
same. The faculty cannot be too highly praised for having given
of their time and talents to make this school what it is. Nor
can too much be said in appreciation of opportunities they have
In Northwest Kansas 173
given us to listen to the talent they have : from year to year,
secured as lecturers. To me the devotional hour lias been a
season of spiritual uplift; the lecture? instructive, inspiring,
and highly beneficial; the general hour a season of pleasure
and profit. Those heart to heart talks are well calculated to
broaden and deepen our spiritual vision, and enable us to see
and correct our faults. L. C. HlCKS, Fourth Year.
My own life and ministry have been enriched by attending
from year to year the Summer School of Theology, at Salina.
Every session has been a great success, but especially was the last
one beneficial. No preacher within the bounds of our conference,
who expects to keep in the front ranks of the ministry, can af-
ford to absent himself from this school.
WHAT OTHERS THINK OF IT.
I was most favorably impressed with the work done by the
N. W. Kansas Conference Summer School of Theology. The
course of study, the high character of the faculty, the interest
and enthusiasm of the students, were especially worthy of note.
The high grade of lecturers secured by the management, is a
strong feature of this annual gathering of wide-awake preach-
ers. Also the social and spiritual life of the school is a source
of encouragement, strength and blessing to all connected with
the institution.
F. N. Lynch, Topeka.
I consider the Summer School for undergraduates, conducted
by the Northwest Kansas Conference, one of the most valuable
educational gatherings for preachers, that I am acquainted with
East or West. With the stimulation to scudy and introduction
to wider ranges of thought, there is combined also a spiritual
tone and inspiration that must constitute a re- enforcement to
the working power of any man who attends. The heart to
heart conferences are things vital to the preacher's life and
work. These remind one of what is told of Mr. Wesley's original
conferences with his preachers.
Wilbur F. Sheridan.
I was very much impressed with the personnel of the School,
both as to scholars and teachers.
The boys are in fine touch with the thinkers and leaders
of our time. There is a manifest advantage in coming to-
gether for contagion and enthusiasm. The truth is, you have
an ideal college in your Summer School, for the very best things
174 History of Methodism
a college training gives, is insight, impulse and direction. You
are on the right line and are working out the Ideal Summer
School. I wish every conference might follow in your path.
Bishop N. Luccock, Kansas City.
I visited with pleasure the Summer School of Theology of
the Northwest Kansas Conference. For eight years, I served
on the board of examiners of one of our large conferences and
know something of the difficulties of the young men mastering
the course of study. I regard the plan operated by the N. W.
Kansas Conference as of exceedingly great value. The review
of the books in the course of study cannot fail to be most help-
ful to the young men. The inspiring lectures and addresses
.which are furnished for them, are of great value; and it seems
to me, that the young men, without exception, should avail
themselves of the opportunity, and that ministers and laymen
alike in the conference should give hearty support and co-
operation to the plan. Very sincerely yours,
Thomas Nicholson,
Corresponding Sec. of the Board of Education.
Baldwin, Kan., September 15, 1905.
My Dear Brother Housel:
Accept hearty thanks for the program of your Summer
School of Theology. I wish I had some one down our way
to take enough interest in such work, to secure a similar school
for the young men of our territory. I think you are doing a
fine work Would you send me a dozen or so of these programs?
I would like to call the attention of our Presiding Elders to
the School, together with the Chairman of the Examining Com-
mittee. Faithfully yours,
L. H. Murlin,
Pres. Baker University.
150 5th Ave., New York City, Aug. 18, 1905.
Dear Brother Housel:
I have your program of your Summer School of Theology
for this season, which as usual is of very high order. You
have been doing a noble thing out in your Conference in that
direction, and I would like to see something like it done in every
Conference. Some one ought to give you a thorough writeup
in the church papers. I trust that the session will pass off
delightfully, and I wish for you all kinds of good things in every
way. Sincerely yours,
J. T. McFarland,
Sec'y of the S. S. Union.
In Northwest Kansas 175
In 1909 the Board of Examiners chose the writer
as chairman and for four years he went forward with
the work of the School much as it had been conducted
by Dr. Housel. At the close of the quadrenium, real-
izing that he had almost reached the age when he
should retire from the active ministry, and believing
it would be well to have a new man at the head of
the school, declined re-election. However, the Board,
judging it better to intrust the school, for another
quadrenium, to hands that had been thoroughly tried,
than to risk a new man, again elected Dr. Housel to be
its head. So that for twenty years he has managed
the School to the satisfaction of all concerned. The
session of 1915 is said to have been the most success-
ful ever held.
For some years the Graduate School did not accom-
plish what had been expected. The members of the
Conference did not fall in with it. Many said there
were other books than those named in the Graduate
Course, which they preferred to study. In the re-
cent years this has been corrected, and the Conference
members are now largely enlisted in the studies of the
course. Classes are maintained in the following sub-
jects: Bible, Religious Education, Theology, Litera-
ture, Sociology, The Rural Church, Beginning Greek,
and Greek Exegesis. These are good, but in the judg-
ment of this writer, two additional subjects should be
added; viz: Homiletics and Evangelism. These are
the most important themes for a preachers' consid-
eration. I have long been impressed that many
preachers do not make of the sermon what they should,
either for their own intellectual and spiritual develop-
ment, or for the edification of their hearers.
The address of Bishop Fowler to the class for
admission into the Kansas Conference in 1885, was
one, which, no one who heard it, can ever forget. He
176 History of Methodism
took as the theme for his address, Paul's injunction to
Timothy: "Preach the Word," Other duties of the
preacher are important, but his supreme task is to
preach. How the great Bishop did ring the changes
on the injunction, "As ye go preach." The conception
which some people have of proper qualification for
preaching, is like that of the lady who said, "Our
preacher is improving very much: at first, he could
not talk more than ten minutes, but now he can talk
for half an hour." Ability to talk for half an hour, is
to some people evidence of preaching ability, whether
the talk is logical or rambling. But no one who fully
appreciates the responsibility of the preacher, when
he stands at the sacred desk, will feel that he can afford
to fritter away his time with mere talk. But many are
not impressed with this responsibility, and so, may let
golden opportunities pass unimproved, which might
have been freighted with messages having eternal pos-
sibilities. This is so likely to be the case, that it seems
to me the School of Theology can do no more helpful
thing than include Homiletics in the curriculum. Then
put it under the instruction of the best sermonizer in
the Conference, and give him every opportunity to
amplify and enforce his subject.
As to Evangelism, that is the crowning object for
which the preacher labors. There are many more
valuable books written on the subject, to which the
young preachers may well be directed, and surely the
discussion of the subject in class cannot fail to be help-
ful to both young and old. Since this is the supreme
object sought, it surely ought to be in the Graduate
Course of Study.
Recently a department has been introduced for the
preacher's wife, which is likely to prove a popular fea-
ture of the institution. Thus this School which has
In Northwest Kansas 177
proven such a boon to the preacher, will lend a help-
ing hand to the Mistress of the Manse.
ACCOUNT OF THE FOUNDING OF KANSAS WESLEYAN
UNIVERSITY.
BY M. M. STOLZ.
In the early eighties the members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church of the Northwest Kansas Confer-
ence, began debating the question whether the State
of Kansas was not large enough to support more than
one Methodist College. Consequently at the first ses-
sion of the Northwestern Kansas Conference, held at
Beloit, March 15-19, 1883, Bishop Harris presiding:
On the second day of the Conference a motion was
made by Dr. R. A. Caruthers and seconded by M. M.
Stolz that an institution of higher learning be estab-
lished. The motion carried almost unanimously. A
special committee of six, consisting of R. A. Caruthers,
R. A. Hoffman, J. A. Antrim, D. D. Campbell, H. G.
Miller and F. D. Baker were appointed to consider and
report upon the propriety of establishing such a school
west of the sixth principal Meridian. Educational re-
ports were called for and President W. H. Sweet, of
Baker University, was introduced and addressed the
Conference in behalf of Baker University. The sum
of three hundred dollars was asked of the Conference,
also, that the educational funds now on hand be given
to Baker. After considerable debate it was so ordered,
and the proposed educational institution had a harder
financial struggle on account of the action. The special
committee appointed by the Conference made the fol-
lowing report, viz. :
Whereas : The growing necessities of the west are such as to
require at an early date, the location of an institution of higher
learning somewhere within its boundaries; and feeling assured
that that necessity will be supplied from some source, and be-
lieving it to be the duty of the Methodist Episcopal Church to
178 History of Methodism
accept the situation, we recommend, First: The location of such
an institution, Second: That this Conference elect a Board of
Trustees, to secure a charter for that purpose, Third: That
this board consist of nine persons, Five Ministers and four
laymen, including the following, viz: J. H. Lockwood, R. A.
Caruthers, H. H. Sudendorf and Martin Mohler, that this Con-
ference empower this Board of Trustees to entertain proposals
for the location of the institution.
This report was adopted and at the same time the
following five additional members were elected, viz:
J. S. Goodwin, C. E. Sweet, A. N. See, H. G. Breed
and M. M. Stolz. A very liberal charter was secured
and the trustees incorporated, according to the laws of
the state of Kansas under the name of the Kansas
Wesleyan University. A few years after a charter
for the name, Kansas Wesleyan Business College in
connection with the Kansas Wesleyan University, was
secured.
The Board of Trustees, organized by electing J. W.
Lockwood President; Rev. A. N. See, Secretary and
Rev. M. M. Stolz, Treasurer. The secretary was in-
structed by the Board of Trustees to advertise in the
county papers of the central and eastern part of the
Conference for bids for the location of the institution,
stating that the town offering the best inducements
would secure the College, other things being equal.
The bids to be opened by the Board of Trustees at the
close of the specified time, July 8. The Board met
at Solomon, July 8th. The towns of Ellsworth, Clyde
and Salina sent in bids. Salina offered fifteen acres of
beautiful land on the southern boundary of the city and
twenty-six thousand dollars in money to help erect
the first building. The Trustees after carefully consid-
ering all bids and examining the grounds, voted to ac-
cept Salina's offer and located the institution at Salina.
A stock company had established an independent
Normal University in the west end of the City, and had
accrued twenty-one thousand dollars in stock subscrip-
In Northwest Kansas 179
tions, cash and donations. - Many of the members of
the Methodist Episcopal Church were among the most
liberal subscribers and some of them thought it was
not a wise thing to attempt the building of two Col-
leges in so small a town. To satisfy this element and
secure an undivided interest in the proposed institu-
tion the Trustees planned to secure the Normal Uni-
versity. A committee consisting of Rev. A. N. See
and M. M. Stolz were appointed to secure all the Nor-
mal stock they could by donation and purchase. The
Presbyterians, Methodists and many others holding
about three-fourths of all the stock pledged, were will-
ing to sign over their stock to the newly named Kan-
sas Wesleyan University. The members of the Chris-
tian Church and a few others could not be persuaded
to donate or sell their stock. The matter was not fully
given up when the Conference met at Salina, March
19th, 1884, Bish Merrell presiding, but as the com-
mittee had nothing definite to report, the conference
took no action relative to the Salina Normal and in a
few years the College as such closed and was never
reopened. In September, 1904, the building burned.
At the third session of the Conference held at Clyde,
March 26-30, 1885, Bishop Ninde presiding, Rev. J. W.
Lockwood, President of the Board of Trustees, made
an impassioned speech in favor of establishing a Col-
lege of high grade, urging that immediate action be
taken. In a short time a subscription of four thousand
dollars was given, many of the preachers subscribing
one hundred dollars each, some of these men had to
borrow money to get to their appointments. Bishop
Ninde was requested by the trustees to appofnt Rev.
R. A. Hoffman, Conference Educational Agent.
Brother Hoffman entered upon the duties of his office
some months before the college was located. He had
faith in God that the work would succeed and his faith
180 History of Methodism
was not in vain. At the end of the Conference year
the subscriptions and collections amounted to over
thirteen thousand dollars. An encouraging beginning,
and an amount that looked mighty large to the lead-
ers of the movement, and nerved them for the con-
flict they were entering upon, and inspired them with
courage so much needed in a church enterprise of such
magnitude and far-reaching vision.
It was published in the daily papers that the
trustees of the Southwest Kansas Conference were to
meet in Wichita at a certain date for the purpose of
locating a college for the Southwest Kansas Confer-
ence. The Trustees of the Kansas Wesleyan felt that
it would be best to arrange with them if possible to
have one college for both Conference instead of two.
After full discussion of the matter in the trustee meet-
ing it was decided to send a committee of five to meet
with them at that time and unite on one college for
both Conferences if possible The trustees made the
following proposition, viz.: First, We will unite in the
support of one college for the two Conferences so lo-
cated that it shall be convenient to both Conferences,
so as to easily accomodate both. Second, We will lo-
cate it at the place that will furnish the best building
and grounds and be most convenient for both Confer-
ences according to proposition first, without regard to
which Conference it shall be in. Third, If the location
shall be within the bounds of the Northwest Kansas
Conference, we, as a Board of Trustees will agree
to use our influence to have it transferred to the South-
west Kansas Conference half the time, and if it shall
be located in the Southwest Kansas Conference your
Board of Trustees to agree to use your influence to
have it transferred to the Northwest Kansas Confer-
ence half the time. Matters further than this were
to be arranged as we could agree.
In Northwest Kansas 181
The committee consisted of M. M. Stolz, J. H. Lock-
wood, R. A, Hoffman, A. P. Collins and A. N. See. We
went to Wichita and engaged rooms at a hotel where
we could invite the trustees of the Southwest to meet
with us and consult our mutual interests. We sought
them wherever we could find one and invited them to
our rooms to discuss matters and talked with them on
the street, or dinner table, or wherever we could find
them and they each agreed with us that we ought to
unite on the institution but could not get an appoint-
ment for a meeting that day. Judge Peters from New-
ton said that our plan was a wise one for Methodism
but he was for Newton. Said they did not propose
to give the Methodist anything only in order to help
Newton and therefore he was opposed to the plan.
There were persons there from Wichita, Wellington,
Winfield, Newton and other places and all pulling for
the location for the same reason that Judge Peters
was, to benefit their town and were using their influ-
ence on the trustees not to unite with the Northwest
Kansas Conference. At night there was a public meet-
ing called for the citizens and visitors and trustees,
and we were invited to meet with them.
This action was taken before our committee had
been permitted to meet in session with them while the
trustees of the Southwest conference were holding a
secret session, they sent our committee an invitation
to meet with them, and invited us to state our busi-
ness, which the chairman of the committee did as
briefly as possible and then we were told we could
retire, which we did and waited for the appearing of
the trustees in the public meeting in which they re-
solved they would not unite with the Northwest Kan-
sas Conference. We were sick at heart for we believed
that the trustees had gone contrary to what they be-
lieved would be for the best interest of both Confer-
182 History of Methodism
ences. They did not locate their college at that time,
but left it open for bids. At a later meeting they
located at Winfield, in the extreme southeast corner
of their Conference. The committee returned to
Salina, sadder if not wiser and did not feel that the
Conference could build a college alone.
The Southwestern Conference locating their col-
lege in the extreme southeast corner of their Confer-
ence left all the central and western part of this state
without an institution of college grade. The Board
of Trustees felt compelled to make an effort at least
to locate a college.
Mr. A. M. Claflin, an old resident of Salina, and
a member of the Board of Trustees, was very much
interested in Salina taking speedy and positive action
to secure the college, and so were a number of other
prominent men and women. Among the women espe-
cially active was Mrs. Cyntha A. See, wife of the sec-
retary of the Board, Rev. A. N. See.
Plan conceived by Mr. A. M. Claflin and Mrs. See
to secure the fifteen acres of land and the Twenty-six
Thousand dollars.
One day Mr. Claflin conceived the plan of purchas-
ing a tract of land south of the city and laying it out
in city lots and selling them at $100.00 each, without
regard to location, payments were to be made of 10
per cent a month till paid for and when seven pay-
ments had been made, those buying were to be sum-
moned to meet, to select by lot the particular lots they
would have, and each one was to accept the lots that
he drew and be satisfied with them. Mr. Claflin se-
cured an option on the land at a certain price provided
it was taken within a specified time and then went to
his office in North Salina on Santa Fe Avenue, and
wrote out subscription lists for every pastor in the
Conference after consulting with Mrs. See about the
In Northwest Kansas 183
matter and they both approved the plan. Mr. Claflin
desired A. N. See as secretary, to send to each pastor
in the Conference, subscription lists with instructions
to rush them, as there was only a week to work in,
before the plan closed. He agreed to do it though he
had no hopes of success. He instructed the pastors
to send the papers to him, with what subscriptions
they could get, so that he could get them by the night
of July 7th, for the trustees would positively meet
the 8th, at Solomon City, if not prevented by sickness
or some other unavoidable cause, and that the matter
must be decided at that time or the plan would fail.
The trustees and friends went to work at Salina with
strong faith in the enterprise and had good success,
but could not secure enough to meet the demand with-
out outside help. This was sent in very freely for the
time, but when the trustees took the train at Salina
for their meeting there was lacking quite a consid-
erable sum to make the plan sure. The people of
Salina did not stop but worked all the harder and
finally after the Trustees had opened the meeting and
talked over some business matters they received a tele-
gram signed by H. H. Sudendorf, C. Eberhardt, F. D.
Baker, and C. M. Claflin, stating that the lots were
all sold, they assuming the balance unsold and invit-
ing the trustees to return and locate the college. It
was read to the trustees and there was a shouting time
and the board adjourned to meet at Salina as soon as
the train would take them there. They were met at
the depot with conveyances and taken out Santa Fe
to the south end of the townsite and there let down
a fence and crossed a potato patch and drove along
the side of a corn field and out onto the prairie one-
half mile south of the city limits, now Republic Ave-
nue, and on the highest part of the ground we located
the Kansas Wesleyan University. A Kansas Wesleyan
184 History of Methodism
University Addition Corporation was formed and the
trustees entered nto contract with them. They to have
the ground surveyed and plotted and shade trees set
on each lot and the building erected according to a
plan approved by the trustees and deeded to the
trustees entered into contract with them. They to have
debt. The trustees on their part to open and main-
tain an institution of full college grade perpetually
and to furnish a certain amount of endowment within
a certain time. I do not believe the trustees then
kept part of the contract in full, but Salina has for-
given them and helped them out of several tight places
and will help them more in the future and the college
will help Salina more than it ever has. Notice was
sent to all subscribers and notice of monthly payments
and when 70 per cent was paid in, the lor^ were
drawn and the members could have sold their lots
for the full amount in a very short time and there was
enough to put up the University after paying for the
land and all expenses. In other words, the trustees
bought a farm and sold it to themselves in lots and
had money enough to give fifteen acres for a campus
and pay for the farm and leave $26,000 for a college
administration building and every man's lot was worth
all it cost him.
Bishop Vincent, on one of his visits to the college
campus, hearing the account of how the money was
raised to buy the fifteen acres of land and build a
twenty-six thousand dollar Administration building,
said, that he had heard of a man lifting himself over
the fence by his bootstraps and he thought that the
committee in this cause had done it without a doubt.
The name Kansas Wesleyan University was sug-
gested by Hon. A. P. Collins, at one time president
of the board and adopted the 9th of Jury, 1885.
In Northwest Kansas 185
There was another scheme started to raise an en-
dowment on the same plan, east of the College grounds,
and Dr. Lockwood was to engineer the matter and
press the sales at $100.00 per lot and all over expenses
to become an endowment fund. Brother Lockwood be-
gan to be fearful that it was a sort of gambling and
wrote about it, and the trustees urged him to go on
as every man would get the worth of his money.
Bishop Ninde was consulted about the matter and he
said it was all right and urged the working of it, but
was delayed and finally an agent was appointed that
could make more in selling other lots and the College
did not make half out of it that could have been made,
if the first plan had been worked and the sale of the
lots kept out of the hands of an agent. Through the
assistance of T. H. Davis, A. M. Claflin and C. Eber-
hardt the trustees did make quite a sum in the trans-
actions, though they had to pay the agent double that
they ought to have paid and not getting half the serv-
ice they should have had. Instead of selling the lots
at $100.00 each and taking chances as to location, a
valuation was placed on each lot and each person
chose his lot at that price.
CHAPTER VI.
WOMAN'S WORK.
THE WOMAN'S HOME MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
I have iii mind this country in. the sixties, as I saw
it. When we were willing to drive the redman into
eternal darkness to gain for ourselves the homes we
desired. There were then but few log huts in all this
Northwest, and in what is now the center for Meth-
odist education there were four cabins, and one of them
was a hotel.
I went with my father and brother to a farm six
miles from Salina. Many times the few families con-
gregated together to protect themselves against the
redman. This was then the redman's country and we
were crowding him from his possession. They came
within twelve miles of us the time they captured the
white woman and killed so many. They killed all of
Mrs. Alterdice's children before her eyes, except her
babe, which they took with them three days' journey,
and then killed it, as it hindered their progress.
The people in the East were very sympathetic and
thoughtful for the few inhabitants here, and after we
got car service, they sent in a car load of second-hand
garments to be used by those who were in need. Later
they sent in car loads of wheat for seed, that the
farmers might sow and reap a harvest. £ i
this was at one time a missionary field and we were
the needy ones.
Then, as now, there were faithful men and women
looking to the comfort and well-being of those less
favored. Men of God came to us and preached Christ
in our homes and later in the school houses.
In Northwest Kansas 187
The first school house built in the country, outside
of Salina, was near my father's home. I boarded the
teacher in our dugout. I think there has been scarcely
a year up to the present time when help has not come
to some of our ministerial brethren through some mis-
sionary organization.
The organization of the Woman's Home Mission-
ary Society was in 1880, and so far as I can learn, the
first seed sowing in our Conference was in 1888, when
Mrs. Mary Griffith made a tour through this country
and reported at the next annual meeting that most of
it was missionary ground. She reported having organ-
ized some auxiliaries, but did not say where. She said
that our Conference sent one box to an Indian mission,
but that the need was so great in our own field we de-
cided to do what we could for those nearest to us.
There were many pathetic incidents in the lives of
sacrifice and service by the faithful pastors and their
wives.
Many homes have been brightened and many bur-
dens made lighter by the work of the societies in the
great new West. Mrs. Winterburn, who was then a
pastor's wife in our Conference, was elected president,
and Mrs. Meredith, who is still one of us, had active
part in the first annual meeting. Mrs. Griffith says:
"During my second visit to Indian Territory I per-
suaded some children of our own Sunday School in
Salina to give up the use of chewing gum and ciga-
rettes and save their money to purchase a cow for the
Tulsa Mission, where our missionary and his family
were denying themselves the ordinary comforts of life
that they might do more for the cause of Christ." The
boys and girls became enthused with the missionary
spirit and denied themselves many things for the love
of Christ and in His name. The missionary had tasted
no milk or butter or meat for six weeks at a time. The
188 History of Methodism
children were very proud of their beautiful white cow
and calf, and when the missionary goes to another
field, the new one will still have Romana, which will
be faithful in welcoming him and doing her part in
making his stay a joyous one, for Romana will not be
removed from the mission.
In 1890 the same Mrs. Griffith visited our Confer-
ence again, and this is what she said: "I have not
visited the Northwest Kansas Conference for more
than a year, but I organized it and have consented to
represent it that I may present a plea for sympathy
for our sisters of that part of our country. From let-
ters read I learn that the drouth of so many past years
has brought such poverty upon the people that the
magnificent crops of the past year have not yet enabled
them to recover their financial standing. Therefore,
the sisters of our Home Missionary Society there have
felt it their duty to give all the money raised to help
the worthy poor about them and on the frontiers. They
have done what they could in giving out supplies also.
Those ladies are loyal to our cause and will yet come
up with an organization doing much effective work."
I find nothing farther in regard to our work until
1896, and then Mrs. Belle Armstrong of Mankato was
president. I do not know who the corresponding secre-
tary was at that time. Mrs. Nash, whose husband was
at that time in active work in our Conference, was
corresponding secretary for 1897. So far as I can
learn, she made no report of the condition of the home
missionary work during her term of service.
In 1898 some of our women, who possibly were not
as wise as serpents, but were as harmless as doves,
besought me to take the place of corresponding secre-
tary, as my husband was then Presiding Elder of the
Ellsworth district, and we were settled in Salina.
In Northwest Kansas 189
I will give my first report sent in the summer I
was elected. "It is with gratitude to God, the Giver
of every perfect gift, that I make this, my first re-
port for the Northwest Kansas Conference. We have
at Mankato, Kansas, an auxiliary, the first organized
in the Conference. The membership of our Salina
Auxiliary is increasing, and they are doing good work
for the Master. We have organized since Conference
an auxiliary at Plainville, with twelve members; one
at Lincoln Center, with ten members. The Beloit,
Ellsworth and Salina districts are organized, and as
we learn more of the work, we hope we may be more
efficient. Our Conference anniversary at Minneapolis
was well attended and good interest in the work was
manifested.
I am not able to report the number of Home Mis-
sion papers taken in the Conference, but am certain
it is small compared to what it ought to be. We are
trusting in God for wisdom, and hope we may, by the
grace of God, push on the work with increasing
energy."
I will also give my report of 1899, showing a gain
of five auxiliaries. "Our cause is looking up, and we
feel encouraged. We are held back from doing some
things, because of expenses, that I believe would be
of profit to us. My heart is in the work, and I would
like to do more if I could. We have in our Conference
seven auxiliaries, with one hundred .and seventeen
members, sixteen honorary members among the min-
isters, and seventeen copies of Home Missions are
taken."
In the past fifteen years our Conference Women's
Home Missionary interests have been vascilating, and
there has been no steady holding of the reins, and go-
ing on to victory, as was our heart's desire. But I am
glad to report our forty-seven auxiliaries are alive and
190 History of Methodism
every one of them is trying to learn to do more ef-
ficient work.
In our convention in Russell I reported forty-eight
societies, and that included all of the young people's
work. Not so now, and I will leave the young people's
work for Mrs. Blanding to report. She has very
kindly consented to work in the interest of the young
people until Conference, and then we want to elect
her to this important place.
We have missed our dear Miss Benedict for the
past year. She was with us seven years and was loved
by all and was an inspiration to the inmates of the
homes wherever she went. Her heart is still with us
in interest. In a letter received only a few days ago
she asked to be remembered to all of the dear workers
of the Northwest Kansas Conference.
We have with us to take her place Miss Mattie
Gaines as Conference worker, who will be just as much
to us, and, if we co-operate with her, will accomplish
for us great things for Christ. We believe she will
reach the young people, and the time is at hand when
we must find young women who will be willing to take
responsibility and bear burdens for Christ's sake.
These are not positions of honor or pleasure to
which we call you, but of constant prayerful service,
that you may thus add many stars to your crown. Our
districts are well organized and each officer is filling
her place well. I have rejoiced in their efficiency.
Since Conference I have not been well and had to de-
pend on them almost wholly.
Dear sisters, my heart and prayers are for you, and
I love you ; and I trust that we will each pray much
for divine guidance and strive to do better work than
ever before. We are in the habit of paying our pledges
in full. Last year some of the auxiliaries failed us in
coming up to what we expected, but the Lord led others
In Northwest Kansas 191
to do a little more, so that none suffered because of
our neglect.
In 1913 we made a gain of two hundred and forty-
two dollars on the year previous. This year we have
sown seed in many fields and have scattered one thous-
and three hundred fifty-seven dollars and sixty-three
cents. Our general fund was something over one hun-
dred dollars above our pledge.
Our Japanese girl, Ikuyo Mendori, is cared for by
the Luray Auxiliary. She will be seventeen next May,
and is now in the eighth grade.
Evalyne Lahn, our Chinese girl, is cared for by
Salina at an expense of seventy dollars a year. St.
Frances is caring for a girl in Aiken Home, Olive Hill,
Kentucky, at an expense of fifty dollars. The auxiliary
and Queen Esther girls at Sylvan Grove are caring
for a girl in Rebecca McClesky Home. I am hoping
some one will take Vontrice Peters, who is in Ritter
Home, Athens, Tennessee. Then there is one in Ben-
nett Home to provide for, and I am also very anxious
to make our pledge for Adeline Smith Home fifty dol-
lars instead of twenty-five. There are many smaller
pledges that will be spoken of later that I hope will be
taken by the auxiliaries during the conventions.
Dear friends, I fear that I have taken too much of
your time, but the work is great, and the more we
know of it, the greater our interest and zeal, but, doing
our best, we can only reach a few among the millions
that are ignorant pertaining to things in this life and
know nothing of the Christ. Do you know there are
two hundred and thirty-seven thousand came to us
in one year who could not read or write a word. And
that there are six hundred thousand dark rooms in
New York where one ray of God's sunlight can not
enter, and these places are crowded with a mass of
humanity that have souls to be saved or lost. And do
192 History of Methodism
you know there are ten thousand children starve to
death in New York every year. Think of the money
that is squandered. There is one monument in the
South erected to a race horse at a cost of ten thousand
dollars, and in the shadow of it a log house where in-
nocent ones are trying to get an education.
The money that is spent in New York and other
cities by the so-called aristocrats on pet cats and poodle
dogs, I believe, would have kept the ten thousand chil-
dren happy for several years.
Let us look into one hall in New York where a
very brilliant millionaire social and ball was being
held. When two little dogs were trampled upon and
injured, one not so bad, but it was nursed back to
health and playfulness. But not so with the other.
It died, and many were those who mourned and sym-
pathized with the bereaved ones. A very costly coffin
was secured and his dear form was tenderly wrapped
in costly raiment. A hearse was secured, a preacher
employed to pass eulogies on the departed one, and all
arrangements were made regardless of expense. And
they wended their way to a fashionable cemetery, but
when there, the authorities refused admission, and per-
haps this dog was finally buried as many other dogs
are, but their memory will always live in the minds
of those who have nothing higher or more noble to
live for, in a land where bodies are perishing and souls
are dying, just for a little bit of love and care.
God pity such creatures that have no higher motive
in life than to fritter their time away and accomplish
nothing for God or the good of humanity. These con-
ditions are deplorable, but are here for us to face ; and
we will have to give an account in judgment for our
part in helping to solve these problems.
T am glad it is our privilege to be a part of the
great army of the Woman's Home Missionary Society
In Northwest Kansas 193
that now numbers 139,864 auxiliary members and
39,551 young people. There is a gain over last year
of 10,800. We are preparing workers from our schools
to go into the foreign field.
We have five from Thayer Home in Africa ; several
have gone from McClesky Home at different times to
the foreign field. Some have gone to India and Japan,
and some are now in training to take up work in India.
Our Queen Esther girls this last year have supported
forty-eight missionaries. We are not all required to
go, but we who stay at home must be faithful to the
trust committed to our hands.
May the Lord bless us in caring for those that are
coming to our shores, and may we never betray their
confidence in us. May we remember ever that the
King's business demands haste, and do with our might
what our hands find to do. Our God who seeth in
secret will reward us openly.
THE WOMAN'S FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
The history of Kansas Methodism has been the
history of missionary spirit and activity. In March,
1883, the first session of the Northwest Kansas Con-
ference was held in Beloit, and in November of the
same year the Topeka branch of the Woman's Foreign
Missionary Society was organized in Topeka, Kansas,
and included all the work of the organization in the
then new middle West. It has since grown to embrace
all the auxiliaries in Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado,
Utah, Wyoming, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas and
Sweden, and of this great Topeka branch the North-
west Kansas Conference has always been a part. Three
times during its history the Conference has had the
honor of entertaining the branch meetings, twice in
Salina and once in Concordia.
At the organization of the branch Mrs. A. N. See
was elected Conference secretary for the Northwest
194 History of Methodism
Kansas Conference and served very acceptably in this
capacity for one year, being succeeded in office in
November, 1884, by Mrs. F. D. Baker.
To Mrs. Baker belongs the credit of the organiza-
tion and development of the Woman's Foreign Mis-
sionary work in the Conference. For twenty-eight
years she was the Conference secretary, and during
this long period put the very best of her efforts into
the work she loved so well. For many years all auxil-
iary funds were remitted direct to the branch treas-
urer, but in 1902 the work had grown to such propor-
tions that a Conference treasurer was necessary, and
this additional work was given to Mrs. Baker, who
for six years was both Conference secretary and treas-
urer. For a number of years during this period she
was also editor of the Topeka Branch Quarterly of the
"Friend." It would be impossible in this brief history
of the work to pay proper tribute to this efficient
worker. No charge was too small for her to visit if in
doing so she could further the cause of missions. No
detailed work too exacting if in the doing of it she
could stimulate interest in or get another dollar for the
foreign field. Three times she was honored by elec-
tion as branch delegate to the General Executive,
which honor she bore with modest dignity, but never
failed to bring credit to the field she represented. From
the earliest struggles in the new Conference to the
time of her death, September 16, 1912, she never
missed a meeting of the Topeka branch nor a session
of the Northwest Kansas Conference. As a fitting
tribute of the esteem in which she was held, the aux-
iliaries of the Conference are maintaining, as a memo-
rial, a scholarship and supporting a Bible woman in
the Meerut District, Northwest India Conference, on
which her son, Benson Baker, is the district superin-
tendent.
In Northwest Kansas 195
Becaus of the increased duties devolving upon the
Conference treasurer, in 1908 Mrs. T. W. Hale of Be-
loit was elected to this office, and for eight years she
has filled this important position in a most acceptable
way. From the few dollars per year that were paid
in the early history of the work the contributions have
grown until in 1915 the treasurer's report showed re-
ceipts amounting to $3,148.80 for the year.
On the death of Mrs. Baker, in 1912, the present
Conference secretary, Mrs. U. S. Brown of Norton,
was elected, and under her leadership the work has
shown steady advancement each year, until now there
are forty-eight auxiliaries, with 1,353 members and
thirty young people, and children's organizations with
562 members.
Since the organization of the Conference the Wom-
an's Foreign Missionary Society has contributed a
little more than $34,000 for the evangelization of the
foreign fields. One of the most significant features
has been the growing interest in special work, until
at the present time there are being supported by spe-
cial gifts from this Conference one missionary teacher,
part support of a missionary evangelist, nineteen Bible
women and twenty scholarships. But the greatest gifts
have not been measured by dollars; daughters have
been given from the homes of the territory until seven
girls, the choicest of the land, have gone to the ends
of the earth: The Misses Livermore, Perrill, Boddv
and Porter are in India, Miss Pider in Japan, Miss
Lovejoy in South America, and Miss Vail in Maylasia.
Thus, by the gifts of money, prayers and daugh-
ters, the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society workers
of the Northwest Kansas Conference have had no
small part in sending the gospel message to the nations
across the seas.
CHAPTER VII.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCHES ON THE COLBY DISTRICT.
ALMENA.
When the class at Almena was organized is not
known. It was early a part of the Long Island Circuit,
which was organized in 1879. Almena appears in the
Conference appointments as the head of a charge in
1888. Colson, Fairview Center and Kinderhook have
at different times been attached to the circuit. The
Almena class was organized by G. W. Moxley, a local
preacher, and was composed of nine members, of whom
"Father" Cast and John F. Lisby, with their wives
and Mrs. Haskin, are remembered as having been
worthy of special mention. At present Calvert is the
only church outside of Almena. Here there are nine-
teen members and a Sunday School with an enrollment
of forty. J. W. Ballard is the class leader at Almena,
Mrs. Anna Hays and Mrs. Joseph Farland are stew-
ards. J. W. Ballard, Dr. C. E. Sabelins and Samuel
Combs are trustees.
Mrs. Neicewanger is Sunday School superintendent,
Mrs. Will Young president of the Epworth League,
Mrs. Farland president of the Ladies' Aid Society, and
Mrs. Elsie Vaight president of the Woman's Foreign
Missionary Society. The superintendent at Calvert
is R. J. Towne, and Thomas Beber is class leader. This
class was organized in 1910 by Rev. G. Johnson, as-
sisted by Rev. T. J. Furbes, a local preacher residing
on the charge.
The church was built during the pastorate of Rev.
A. C. Henslee in 1897; the parsonage was built in 1907.
during the pastorate of L. M. Alexander. The church
In Northwest Kansas 197
is valued at $2,000, and the parsonage at $1,800. The
charge paid in 1918 a salary of $1,000. The member-
ship of the charge is 126.
The following pastors have served the charge : G.
W. Moxley, 1888-9 ; W. S. Campbell, '90 ; S. A. Green,
'91; R. Tomlinson, J. W. McPeek, '92; J. P. Smith,
'93-'94 ; A. C. Henslee, '95-'98 ; G. W. Morley, '99 ; M.
J. Bailey, 1900-03 ; W. H. Hampton, '09 ; L. M. Alexan-
der, '07-'08; J. F. Clark, '09; G. Johnson, '10; F. D.
Funk, '11-12; L. Munro, '13-'14; B. Cook, '15-'16; W.
J. Ward, '17; C. H. Cowman, '18.
ATWOOD.
Like numerous other places in Western Kansas,
the founders of Atwood Methodism are unknown. The
name appears first in the list of Conference appoint-
ments in 1880. Atwood is a county seat and is near
the center of the county, and it is probable that it
became at once the head of a charge.
The first church was built in 1888, and a parsonage
in 1889. The church was valued at $1,500, and the
parsonage at $400. The church was built free of
debt, though the parsonage incurred a debt of $150.
The first statistics reported were for 1883, and that
year the pastor was allowed $250, though the amount
paid was but $82.50, and the total pastoral support
that year was $89.70. The number of members re-
ported were twenty-eight. Ten years later the mem-
bership had grown to thirty-five, and the salary, ex-
clusive of parsonage rent, was $335.
The present officials are Leaders Andrew Butcher
and Charles Brown. The stewards are A. T. Mill, E.
Mullen, A. Richards, D. S. Marietta, Nettie Chambers ;
trustees, A. G. Crist, J. H. Briney, D. S. Marietta, Mrs.
Sarah Burton; president of Epworth League, Paul
Brown; Sunday School superintendent, Mrs. J. H.
198 History of Methodism
Brainej ; president Ladies' Aid Society, Mrs. Charles
Brown.
The pastors who have served Atwood are: J. S.
Smith, 1880-81 ; J. E. Langley, '82 ; J. Connor, '83-' , 84 ;
W. D. Burt, '85 : W. C. Littell, '86; W. K. Loofbourrow,
'87; E. S. Freeman, '88; A. P. Hull, '89-'90; J. M.
Bell, '91; G. L. Tennant, '92; A. L. Hazlet, '93; T. A.
Winson, '94-'95 ; W. K. Loofbourrow, '96 ; J. 0. Osman,
'97 ; W. L. Strange, '98 ; M. J. Mumford, '99 ; W. W.
Hurlbut, '03-'04 ; W. S. Ragel, '05 ; R. S. Rutledge, '06 ;
J. S. Davis, '07-'08; W. H. Hampton, '09-'ll; L. C.
Hicks, '12-'14; A. D. Rice, '15-'17; J. B. Sites.
The statistics for 1917: Church, $3,500; parson-
age, $2,500; membership, 174; salary pastor, $1,130;
district superintendent, $76; bishops, $18; Conference
Claimants, $38; Foreign Missions, $50; Home Mis-
sions, $40 ; Sunday School enrollment, 234.
BIRD CITY.
The first pastor at Bird City was a local preacher,
D. F. Rodabaugh, though D. W. Burt's name appears
on the report for the year, but unfortunately no report
was made. The next pastor was George Nulton. He
reported 70 full members and 24 probationers and re-
ceived a salary of $305. David Harrison, the well
beloved local preacher of western Kansas, was the
next pastor and served Bird City three years. Another
wrote of his pastorate as follows: "On his arrival he
found the people greatly discouraged, owing to the re-
peated crop failures. Most of the first settlers had
proved upon their claims and had gone back to their
wive's relatives. The county had been organized but
three years, and the hard times made it a life and
death for the churches. Wo had no church
property at this time. Two other denominations had
been on the field, one had a church building. With his
saw and hatchel n built a parsonage alone. It
In Northwest Kansas 199
stands today as a part of the pleasant home of the
pastor. Later the church was purchased from a de-
nomination which abandoned the field. In 1891 a
church worth $200 was reported and a parsonage
worth $700. The church was probably of sod. In
1892 there were 62 full members and 7 probationers.
Today Bird City is a pleasant appointment with a
church property valued at $4,000. The value of church
property in 1901 was given at $1,200, and the parson-
age at $800. In 1908 other improvements were added
to the church properties. In 1914 the pastor's salary
was fixed at $1,000.
The pastors succeeding Harrison were J. N.
Clark, '92-3 ; C. C. Crandall, 94-5 ; J. E. Brown, '96-98 ;
H. A. McKiddy, 99 ; J. H. Summers, 1900 ; O. Gessell,
'01-02; O. A. Darnell, '03; J. B. Mickey, '04; A. C.
Coppage, '05-'06 ; W. R. Pierce, '07 ; James Swartwood,
'08; S. B. Russell, '09-'10; J. R. Creamer, '11; A. L.
Carlton, '12-'15 ; J. M. Miller, '16 ; G. Johnson, '17.
At present there are two churches on this appoint-
ment valued at $3,000; a parsonage valued at $1,000;
114 members; current expenses, $100; pastor's salary,
$1,320; District Superintendent, $76; Bishops, $18.
There are two Sunday schools with 20 officers and
teachers and an enrollment of 195.
BLAKEMAN.
This is a new appointment consisting of two school
houses, Blakeman and Beardsley. There is no church
property though the people are looking forward to
something better. They have elected trustees, con-
sisting of Mrs. Henderson, Mrs. Anderson and John
Steele. There are 22 members at Blakeman and 25
at Beardsley. The Stewards are, at Blakeman, Mrs.
Henderson, Mrs. McDougal, Mrs. Stevenson, John
Steele; at Beardsley, Mrs. Wm. Lorimer, Mrs. Per-
kins, Thomas Morton and C. White. A Sunday school
200 History of Methodism
is maintained at both places. At Blakeman John Steele
is Superintendent; at Beardsley, Mable Scarrow.
There is also an Epworth League at Blakeman. The
Sunday school enrollment at Blakeman is 60, at
Beardsley, 35.
BOGUE.
This charge has been in existence since 1906. J. W.
Leggott was the first pastor. At the close of the first
year he reported 42 members and 7 probationers and
a parsonage worth $500, while the charge paid $40 to
missions. In 1910 O. M. Freeman was pastor and a
church was built costing $1,800, and dedicated free of
debt. This year $144 was paid to missions, though
the membership was but 40. This year the pastor
reported 4 Sunday Schools with an enrollment of 175.
In 1913 another church was built at a cost of $3,000.
BOGUEARE.
The pastors who have served : J. W. Leggott, '06-07 ;
O. M. Freeman, '08-09; Charles Kolsky, '10-11; R. P.
Harbold, '12; J. R. McKosky, '13-15; H. C. Marston,
'16-17. During the first year of this charge the pas-
tor received $400 salary and there has been little
change in salary since. Due to scarcity of preachers
and crop failures this charge has not made great prog-
ress and there is still great need of real pioneer work
in various places in western Kansas.
BREWSTER.
The name Brewster has had a place in the list of
Conference appointments since 1889. The first re-
port made of the charge in 1890 gave one local preach-
er 60 full members and 3 probationers. Four Sunday
Schools were reported, having 244 officers and teach-
ers and 150 scholars. H. A. Kinley, a local preacher,
served the charge the first year. Local preachers con-
tinued to suppy Brewster for a number of years. In-
In Northwest Kansas 201
deed, this point, like a number of other places, in this
part of the state, has largely depended on local preach-
ers for preaching.
As one studies early conditions he is more and
more impressed with the thought, that the church is
indebted largely to the fidelity and constancy of the
local preachers, on the frontier for its success and
permanence.
In '98 J. T. Shackelford, a member of Conference,
was appointed to Brewster and served four years.
Following him were J. S. Davis, 1902-3; Harry
Fleisher, '04- J 05; W. R. Pierce, '06; 0. Gessell, '07;
F. C. Johnson, '08-'09 ; C. Kolsky, '10 ; W. W. Hendrick-
son, '11; O. N. Wiles, '12-'14; C. Williams, '16-'17.
Prairie Gem and New Hope are two other points
on the Brewster Circuit. There is a Sunday School
at each place. The three schools reported twenty-
five teachers and officers and 240 scholars. There are
two churches on the charge, the estimated value of
which is $6,400. The charge paid the pastor $744, of
which Brewster paid $337 ; Prairie Gem paid $242, and
New Hope, $165.
The parsonage is valued at $1,100. The charge
paid last year $3,800 on church and parsonage prop-
erty. The church at Brewster was built in 1907 and
that at Prairie Gem was built in 1916. Statistics
for 1917 show as follows: Two churches, $6,400,
parsonage, $1,100; members, 187; prep., 17; current
expenses, $75; salary, pastor, $864; District Superin-
tendent, $56 ; Bishops, $14 ; C. Cs., $28 ; Z. S. S. O.'s and
T.'s, 25; Enrl., 240; Av., 140; Exp., $20; W. H. M.
S., $11.
CEDAR.
The Cedar Class is one of the oldest in Central
Kansas, being organized in 1872 by G. A. Blackstock,
pastor of Cawker City Circuit. A. B-c. ] Mrs.
202 History of Methodism
Ella Morrison, still living at Cedar in 1916, were mem-
bers of that first class. Blackstock was a young man
having been admitted on trial into the Conference at
its recent session at Emporia. J. C. Dana was ap-
pointed to the Smith Center Circuit in 1873. In speak-
ing of his appointment Dana\ remarks that Smith
Center was the farthest west to which a member of
Conference had been sent at that time. Cedar, known
then as Cedarville, was one point on the Circuit. The
following persons constituted the class. Alexander
and Elizabeth Barron, Andrew and Martha J. Mar-
shall, Francis and Josephine Cannoright, Robert and
Mary A. Dallarhide and Eliza Dana. Alexander Bar-
ron was the first class leader. The services were held
in private houses and in the school house.
The Sunday School was organized in June, 1871.
F. Canwright was the Superintendent. In 1872 A.
Barron was chosen Superintendent and held the office
till 1894, when Mrs. Pilcher was chosen. The follow-
ing persons have successively held the office. Mrs.
Mary Fetrow, Mrs. Wise, Mrs. Ella Morrison and
J. W. Lea, the present encumbent. It was at first a
Union school, but has been a Methodist school since
1890.
Cedar first appears in the list of Conference ap-
pointments in 1882, when the Kansas Conference was
divided and the Northwest was formed. Cedar was
left to be supplied, which was done by Thomas Mux-
low. The outstanding event in the early history of
the church was the Boicourt-Wellman revival in 1875.
Wellman was a Congregational minister who joined
Boicourt in a union meeting in the school house which
lasted several weeks, with lively interest. At the close
of the services the preachers stood one on each side
of the platform and the people indicated their church
preference by giving their hand to one or the other.
In Northwest Kansas 203
In addition to those named by Brother Dana as
members of the first class, the following are mentioned
as being specially interested in the church: Mrs.
Clark, Jim Robinson, Isaac McCann, Sam Steele, Mr.
Sweetwood, Mr. Fleisher, whose sons E. H. and Harry,
became ministers.
In 1891-2 Cedar was connected with Agra. Then
for several years Cedar and Gaylord were together,
and for a time Cedar was simply one of the points on
the Gaylord circuit. In 1915 the name appears again
as the head of a charge. At present Cedar and Claudell
constitute a charge. There is a church building at
each place, estimated as worth $2,000. Rev. G. M.
Ryder, while pastor at Kirwin, built the church at
Claudell, though there was no church organization
there at the time.
There is a Sunday school at Cedar with 75 en-
rolled. At Claudell a class was organized in 1916
which now reports a membership of 70. The sum paid
the pastor was $700, while there are 3 Sunday Schools
with a membership of 146, with 23 officers and teach-
ers.
CEDAR BLUFFS.
The Cedar Bluffs class must have been organized
for years before it was known in the Conference. The
name is not found in the minutes till 1905. The first
report appeared the next year. There was 43 full
members and 30 probationers and they had a church
valued at $2,000 and a parsonage worth $800. There
were two Sunday Schools, having 15 officers and
teachers and 85 scholars; and they paid the pastor
$580.
Since that time the charge has been served by the
hollowing pastors: 1905, N. W. Beauchamp; '06, H.
Fleisher; '07, F. C. Johnson; '08-9, C. E. Tinker; '10,
204 History of Methodism
S. H. Steele; '12-13, A. W. Dick; '14-15, Dell Decker;
'16-17, F. M. Borton.
In 1907 another Sunday School had been added and
there was an enrollment in the three schools of 140.
Judging from the reports, the greatest prosperity was
enjoyed during the pastorate of A. W. Dick.
The first year he reported three churches, three
Sunday Schools, and three Leagues; 150 full members
of the church, 150 scholars enrolled, and 100 senior
members of the leagues.
The second year there were four churches valued
at $8,000; four S. S.s, 200 church members and an
enrollment of 200 scholars. But this high tide of
success soon ebbed. In 1914 there were but two
churches with 107 members. In 1915 there were 94
members. The 1917 statistics are not encouraging;
two churches, $4,000; parsonage, $800; members, 162;
prep., 6; support pastor, $452; D. S., $22; Bish., 00;
C. Cs., 00; two S. Ss.; Os. & Ts., 24; enrl., 120; Av.,
68; Ex., 00; grand total, $684. Two S. Ss., Os. & Ts.,
25; enrl., 196; Av., 105; Exp., $144; Ep. L. Sr., 79;
W. F. M. S., $81.
The charge consists of three appointments, Dres-
den, MacGraw, and Luster. The churches are at Dres-
den and MacGraw; Custer being a school house ap-
pointment. Last year Dresden paid the pastor $400;
MacGraw, $180, and Custer, $100.
CHARDON CIRCUIT.
This circuit takes the name of a countiy post office.
The charge consists of four preaching places; viz.:
Steven's Chapel, Midway, Bethel and Achilles. For
several years it was known as the Achilles charge.
The class at Steven's Chapel was organized in 1886.
Some of the charter members were James Stevens,
J. T. Wilmath and wife. Mrs. Taylor, N. M. Wilmath
and wife, Victoria Chance and James Ramy.
In Northwest Kansas 205
The church was built in '91-2; N. W. Beauchamp
was the pastor. On February 10, 1892, the Central
contained the statement that a stone church had been
finished and another would be begun. It seems the
other did not materialize; probably because the hard
times of the 90's prevented it. March 7, 1894, W. W.
Armstrong reported a revival at Stevens Chapel and
also at Highland. Twenty were converted at the lat-
ter place. In connection with this note, Armstrong
made mention of the fact that N. W. Beauchamp, a
local preacher, served the charge in former years. He
was one of that large class of men who did such val-
uable service in Kansas, for which little credit was
given. But the recording angel has made the record
on high.
The official members of the circuit are as follows:
Trustees at the Chapel, Orville Myers, Lizzie Windle,
C. L. McDougle, Levi Chance, H. M. Chance, W. E.
Friday and L. R. Baker. Stevens Chapel is Class (1)
Midaay, (2) Bethel (3) and Achiles (4). Stewards
(1), 0. C. Myers, Lizzie Windle, Hazel McDougal. (2)
Phillip Kesselring, W. E. Friday. (3) M. L. Wheeler,
Mrs. H. C. Sturgeon, Mary Beck, Mollie McCain. (4)
J. E. Foster, B. F. Morton. Class Leaders: (1) 0.
Myers, Mrs. H. M. Chance, (2) Phillip Kesselring, Mr.
W. E. Friday. (3) Mrs. B. C. Sturgeon, Mrs. M. L.
Wheeler. (4) B. F. Morton, Mrs. Amelia Foster,
S. S. Superintendents, (1) 0. C. Myers, (2) Mrs. Kes-
selring, (3) B. F. Brown, (4) J. E. Foster. President
Ladies' Aid Society, Lizzie Windell ; Pres. Home Mis-
sionary Society, Mrs. Windel.
Is no league or W. F. M. S. The church is valued
at $1,500. The number of members reported last year
is 84 with 17 non-resident and 22 on probation.
Four Sunday Schools are maintained having 31
206 History of Methodism
officers and teachers and an enrollment of 135, an av-
erage attendance of 93.
CODELL.
This is a three point circuit. It has been an
appointment in the Conference since 1909. At first
there were but two points, Codell and West Plainville.
but in 1911 Mt. Ayr was added.
Two Sunday Schools with 22 officers and teachers
and 151 scholars are reported. They have a church
worth $3,500 and a parsonage valued at $600. There
are 48 members and two probationers. They paid the
pastor last year $726, the D. S. $50, for Bishops $12,
and Conference Claimants, $31 ; and gave to the Dis-
ciplinary Benevolences $120, and to the other benevo-
lences $144, making a grand total of $407. The pas-
tors who have served the charge were 1909-10, D. M.
Ross; '11-13, F. L. Courter; '14, W. W. Hendrickson;
'15-16, Rob't Parker; '17, A. D. Hall.
COLBY.
Colby charge appears first in the Conference ap-
pointments, in 1886, and, as was most generally the
case with a new charge, was left to be supplied. B. R.
Turner, a faithful local preacher, was appointed to
the charge by the Presiding Elder, S. A. Green.
The following pastors have served the charge : '87,
S. R. Ferguson, '88, W. W. Armstrong; '90-91; J. T.
Shackelford; '92-4, F. N. Cox; '95-6; J. N. Clark;
'97-8, P. Smith; '99, A. B. Conwell ; 1900, J. C. Hel-
mick; 1901-4, F. L. Templin ; '05-8, A. C. Koser; '09-11,
I,. P.. Tremain; 12, E. L. Hutchins; '13-14, J. B. Sites;
'15-17, .
As M. F. Loomis, the District Superintendent was
formerly a pastor at Colby, and as he has now passed
on to his reward, a word for him will be appre-
ciated.
In Northwest Kansas 207
In February, 1913, he reported that there had been
revivals in the District. Atwood had raised $800 to
pay an old debt. A brother in another denomination
had said to him: "You Methodists have a system that
brings results. Our Church has but one pastor in
seven counties.
In 1914 he reported that the District Association
met in Colby. A devotional service was led by C. A.
Fellows, followed by a sermon by G. M. Ryder, who
also conducted a Pentacostal service. A strong lit-
erary program was rendered. Two resolutions were
passed : One requesting Congress to pass the Hob-
son Bill; and one to the State Legislature, favoring
the reading of the Bible in the Public Schools."
Wesley Chapel is the out appointment of the
charge. A neat commodious church was built by this
society recently, at a cost of $3,500. The building
is 26x36 with basement containing a social room,
kitchen and fuel room. A gasolene lighting plant fur-
nishes light for the whole building. Mrs. Gilmor?.
an ex-president of the Ladies Aid Society, presented a
large kitchen range which was installed. The seats
and inside wood work, are of fumed oak. Dr. John
F. Harmon, of the Kansas Wesleyan, dedicated the
building, on Sunday, October 29. $1,085 were need-
ed to free the improvement of debt. Within a quar-
ter of an hour a sufficient amount was pledged to meet
the obligations. Rev. O. N. Wiles and J. B. Sites, for-
mer pastors, assisted in the service. The site for the
church is an acre of land donated by Mr. H. C. Love-
lace on the corner of whose ranch the church stands.
Stewards: P. C. Pasell, Eva Warner, Mrs. Harry
Davis, Mrs. Jos. Redwood, Mrs. R. Denison. Class
Leaders: Geo. Frankfetter. Supt. Junior League:
J. B. Hamilton, S. S. Supt.
208 History of Methodism
At Wesley Chapel, C. M. Crawford, H. C. Love-
lace, L. N. Fannell, Geo. McGee and J. H. Jeffries,
Trustees; F. M. Close, D. R. Rymern, Stewards; Mrs.
F. M. Close. Class Leader, Mrs. R. N. Fannell. S. S.
Supt., Miss Kate Hood. Pres. Epworth League, Miss
Alice Bieber. Pres. W. F. M. S., Mrs. Samuel Sinks,
Jr. League Supt.
Two churches, $6,200; parsonage, $2,000; Exp.,
$130; members, 230; prep., 11; pastor, $1,425; D. S.,
$98; Bish., $24.
DRESDEN.
Dresden is a three point circuit in the Colby Dis-
trict. The class at Dresden was one of the earliest or-
ganized in that part of the state. It became the head
of a charge in 1897. J. W. Bates w r as appointed
pastor that year, and at the close of the year reported
45 full members and 21 probationers. Bates served the
charge two years and was followed by J. D. Baker,
a local preacher, who at the close of his first year,
reported a church valued at $650. In 1901 two S. S.s
were reported having 20 officers and teachers, and 140
scholars. The pastors were, 1901-4, L. M. Alexander;
'05, L. C. Hicks; '06, A. A. Newman, '07-08, J. M.
Miller, '09, W. H. Hampton, '10-12, L. Monroe, '13,
C. R. Carlin, '14-16, F. L. Courter, '17, M. H. Bisbee.
In 1904 Dresden had two churches valued at $2,200
and a parsonage worth $700. The report of 1909 re-
ported the churches worth $5,000 and the parsonage
$1,000. The 1917 statistics give the following: Two
churches, $3,500; parsonage $1,000; members, 188;
prep., 6; Exp., $75; pastor. $800; D. S., $56; Bish.,
$14; C. C, $35; F. M., $25; H. M., $25.
GEM.
This town was elevated to the dignity of a charge
in the Conference in 1901. The several societies which
In Northwest Kansas 209
now constitute the circuit are Gem, Rexford, Menlo
and Prairie Star. There is a church at each place,
which together are valued at $8,000, while there are
two parsonages valued at $2,500. There are four Sun-
day Schools, with 26 teachers and officers and 226
scholars. The pastor's salary is $650. The church
membership is 133. The pastors were: 1901, R. E.
Brown; '02, J. D. Baker; '03, A. T. Mitchell; '04-06;
J. A. Green ; '07 ; W. A. Phillippe ; '08-09, A. N. See ;
'10-11; G. C. Casselman; '12, W. J. Ward; Gem and
Rexford, '13-14, J K. Hunter; '15-17, O. N. Wiles.
During this pastorate Gem alone constituted the
charge.
GLADE.
The first settler, on what is now the Marvin charge,
was Thomas Scott, who came west in the fall of 1871.
The following March, N. W. Gibbs located near the
present site of Marvin, or Glade, as it is now called.
In June of that year a Sunday School was organized at
the home of Mr. Sheckler, of which he was chosen
Superintendent. It was composed mainly of the fami-
lies of Duncan Potts, W. O. Jarman, Jerry Taylor,
J. T. Jarman, Job Davis, and W. A. Pratt, who had
settled in the vicinity.
On Sunday, July 14, of that year, a remarkable
water spout visited the Solomon Valley, when three
of Mr. Pott's children were drowned. The remainder
of the family, three in number, were saved by climb-
ing trees, from which they were taken by Mr. Gibbs
and others.
In the fall of 1872 they met for Sunday School at
the log house of Duncan Potts, one-half miles East of
Marvin. At that time roving bands of Indians were
only a little way west, and were said to be unfriendly,
so the men carried their guns wherever they went.
On the Sunday mentioned, they had stacked their guns
210 History of Methodism
in a corner of the cabin, John K. Kidd, the Superin-
tendent, was arranging the classes for the day's les-
son, when the dogs began to bark, and the men got the
cabin door shut in time to keep a wounded buffalo out.
He went a time or two around the house, and turned
over everything he could get his horns under. He then
started across the prairie with the men and boys and
dogs after him. The lesson was omitted for that day.
The first class in the Solomon Valley circuit was
organized in Uncle Billey Ray's house, near what is
now known as the "Stonemill" in March, 1872. There
were eight members, viz. : Allen Ward and wife, John
Kilstead and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Ray and daughter and
Thomas Cox. It was called the Kill Deer Class.
In the fall of 1872, the settlers near the present
site of Marvin began a Sunday School in Mr. Pott's
log house.
In March, '73, they held a series of prayer meet-
ings which resulted in a revival. Having heard that
Allen Enyart had settled on Big Creek, they sent for
him. A number of persons were converted and at the
close of the meeting, the second class of the Solomon
Valley Circuit was formed and Duncan Potts was
chosen leader.
The members were Orpha Potts, W. 0. Jarman,
Rebecca Jarman, Sadie Jarman, J. W. Duncan. Allen
and Jane Enyart, J. W. and Anna Kidd, N. W. and
Mary E. Gibbs. John Kidd was Superintendent. The
school continued to meet in private houses, going from
house to house, till the school house was built, in dis-
trict No. 10, when the S. S. was taken to it, and N. W.
Gibbs was elected superintendent. W. O. Jarman was
class leader.
A camp meeting of remarkable power, was held
in Kelley's grove, on Deer Creek. At which about 75
persons were converted. Enyart did the preaching.
In Northwest Kansas 211
In the fall of '73, Henry Morley, a local preacher,
moved into the neighborhood and assisted in preaching
in different parts of the country.
In June, 1874, James Lawrence, Presiding Elder
on the Salina District, visited the Solomon Valley cir-
cuit, and organized the work and appointed Allen En-
yart pastor. It would seem that this circuit must have
been looked after by local preachers for some years,
as the name does not appear in the Conference min-
utes until 1879, where it is stated that it was supplied
by D. Inyart. That, however, must be a mistake in
the name, as it is probable that Allen Enyart is the
person meant.
During his pastorate, he organized a number of
classes. Among others Ash Creek and Rock Port. Of
the first, the Duncan and Calhoun families were
prominent members. They also organized at Long
Island, Almena, Norton and a class on the Sappy,
Cedar Bluffs, Spring City (now Lenora), Wolf Creek,
Logan and the Knowls class, at Wm. Ward's dugout,
five miles southwest of Kirwin. The circuit is said to
have been two hundred miles around and required
daily travel to reach the appointments.
In 1876 the Beloit District was formed and W. J.
Mitchell was the Presiding Elder. Mitchell was a
most dependable man. The drives he made, in order
to reach appointments, when streams were swollen,
have been spoken of elsewhere. He seems to have been
equal to any emergency. At one point on the Dis-
trict, the Immersionists were constantly harping on
their favorite theme. At one of his visits, to that point,
the people asked the "Elder" to preach on Baptism,
at his next quarterly meeting, which he promised to
do. The meeting was held in a dugout. Soon after
he began to preach it commenced raining, and it fell
in torrents. Soon the water began to pour down the
212 History of Methodism
cellar way. Mitchell, nothing daunted, stopped in his
sermon, and deliberately took off his shoes and socks,
and rolled up his trousers and resumed his discourse.
When he concluded his sermon, the rain had also
stopped and the preacher, picking up his Bible and
footwear, started for the door, singing: "Pull for the
Shore."
In 1879 the Kirwin District was formed and R. A.
Caruthers was placed over it. An examination of the
charges contained in the newly formed Kirwin Dis-
tricts, show that while Solomon Valley is still a cir-
cuit in the District, there were four points that were
included in that circuit originally that were made the
heads of charges in the Kirwin District.
In 1880 the R. R. was built, Marvin was located
and a charter was obtained for the church. The trus-
tees were Abraham Landreth, D. Copeland, N. W.
Gibbs, Henry Worley, M. May, E. Murry, W. 0. Jar-
man, I. W. Riggle and Jerry Taylor.
In 1881 the name of the circuit was changed to
Marvin and J. B. Orwig was appointed pastor.
In 1882 Phillipsburg and Marvin were united to
constitute one charge, and two men were appointed
to it, Jas. Boicourt and Valeda Biddison. The N. W.
Kansas Conference was formed that year. The next
year Reuben Bisbee was the pastor. The appoint-
ments were Marvin, Marlow, VanHorn, Knowls and
Skunk Creek.
The year 1882 was a trying year financially, but
gracious revivals were enjoyed at Marvin, Marlow and
Bethel. During Enyart's pastorate the church was
finished and dedicated by H. D. Fisher. In A. F. Cum-
bow's two-year pastorate, '87-88 good revivals were
held at all the appointments. He was greatly beloved
by the people. In 1889 G. W. Morley served the
charge and it was a pleasant year both for pastor and
In Northwest Kansas 213
people. In 1890 E. W. Allen was appointed to the
District and M. J. Bailey was sent to Marvin. Mrs,
Bailey's health was very poor, which greatly inter-
ferred with the pastor's labors. There was much sick-
ness in the country, and there had been three years
of crop failure, so that the outlook was very discourag-
ing. But there were some things that were heatering.
ing. But there were some things that were heartening
that were a great hindrance to the church. During the
hard years, most of these moved away, and a number
of earnest Christian workers came in their place.
In 1892 J. A. Bull was appointed to the Beloit Dis-
trict, and F. B. Rhodes became pastor at Marvin. The
third quarterly meeting was held at Marvin. A re-
vival service was begun which continued five weeks.
A number were converted or reclaimed, and 35 joined
the church. Similar services were held at Spring Hill,
Pleasant Valley and Lone Star. Eighty-six persons in
all were brought into the church, and the League and
Sunday School were cared for. The S. S. increased in
interest and attendance. Copious showers replenished
the earth, and a bountiful corn crop was harvested,
which greatly improved the financial conditions.
The Conference of 1897 was held at Beloit. Bishop
McCabe presided. The first quarterly meeting was
held at Lone Star, at which time it was decided to
sell the old parsonage, and buy another. That known
as the "Colby" property was bought for $396.
At the fourth quarterly Conference the Harmony
appointment was added to the circuit. In November,
a meeting was held at that point, and a class of 21
members was organized. J. W. Riggle and D. C.
Standard, two local preachers, took up different points
on Bow Creek, which resulted in the organization of
the Bow Creek circuit. Revival services were held at
Delmar, Sailor and Pleasant Valley School House,
which resulted in more than 100 conversions.
214 History of Methodism
The Conference of 1898 was held at Minneapolis,
Earl Cranston presiding-. J. H. Lockwood succeeded
Bull on the District, and H. H. Bowen was returned
to the Marvin Charge, for the third year. At the
first quarterly Conference, the Speed Class was an-
nexed to the Marvin Charge, in place of Pleasant Val-
ley. During the first quarter, the pastor devoted him-
self largely to the organization of Phillips County S. S.
Association. In October the association met at Mar-
vin. It was largely attended, and was a great inspi-
ration to the workers. Dr. Fisher, State Secretary
Engle, Supt. S. S. Missionary Kizer, and Mrs. Prues-
ner, Supt. of Primary Work, were present and con-
tributed largely to the success of the meeting.
The third quarterly meeting was at Spring Hill,
in October. In the afternoon of Sunday, the corner
stone was laid for the new church at Speed, and a col-
lection of $217 was taken, which assured the com-
pletion of the church, which was dedicated at the next
Quarterly Meeting, without debt. Between the fourth
Quarterly Meeting and the session of the Annual Con-
ference, revival services were held at all the points on
the circuit, which were a blessing to the church. The
ingathering for the year was 121.
J. A. Monroe was appointed pastor in 1900, and
served two years.
In addition to the pastors named the following
served the charge : R. Bisbee, 1883 ; H. Dalton, '84-85 ;
Allen Enyart, '86 ; A. F. Cumbow, '87-88 ; G. W. Mor-
al. J. Bailey, '90-91; B. F. Rhodes, 92-93;
R. Bisbee, '94-95; H. H. Bowen, '96; J. A. Monroe,
' . H. Sheton, 1901 ; S. B. Wardrip, '04; J. F.
Clark. '05; A. C. Henslee, '06.
hanged to Glade, F. N. Stelson, '09-10; J. V.
Watson, '11; F. C. Brown. '12; M. E. Smith, '13-14;
G. Mann, 15-16; A. E. Faupell, 1917.
In Northwest Kansas 215
Church property two churches, $3,500; parsonage,
; salaries, pastor, $800; District Superintendent,
$56 ; Bishop, $8 ; $14. Current Exp., $550 ; Con-
ference Cl's., $14; membership, full members, 120;
preparatory, 7; benevolences, total, $425; missions,
Home, $15; foreign, $25. Two Sunday Schools, total
enrollment, 164; expenses, $120; two Epworth
Leagues, members, Sr., 40 ; Jr., 10.
GOODLAND.
Goodland is the county seat of Sherman county,
and is located on the Rock Island railroad, twenty
miles east of the Colorado line. The first information
obtainable of the Methodist Church is from the report
of the Presiding Elder for 1888-1889. He says in his
report this year :
"Goodland is a new. live town on the frontier, the
end of a division on the Rock Island, and the county
seat of Sherman county. The church, so nearly com-
pleted last year, was finished and dedicated soon after
Conference." The previous year was the first time
Goodland had been in the list of Conference appoint-
ments. J. H. Stewart, a local preacher, had supplied
the charge. So Goodland built a church costing $2,800,
the first year they had Conference relations. W. A.
Saville was the second pastor.
The Presiding Elder reported that a Methodist
S. S. was organized against strong opposition, but at
the close of the year, it was the largest school in the
town.
Those who have since been stationed at Goodland
are as follows: '90, J. C. Dana; '91-3, E. Goodrich;
'94-95, H. N. Willis; '96-97, J. T. Shackelford; '98-
1900, G. H. Woodward; '01, A. J. Good; '02-03, G. P.
Miller; '04, C. H. Muse; '05-06, J. M. Eldridge; '07-11,
J. R. Thomas; '12-14, J. Morton Miller; '15-16, G. M.
Ryder; '17, O. B. Allen.
216 History of Methodism
Reports sent to the Central. J. T. Shackelford, who
was pastor '96-07, held revivals with assistance of
H. L. Powers, of the N. Nebraska Conference, in
which on one night there were 32 at the altar, led by
the testimony of a little girl.
J. A. Good, who was transferred from Iowa, re-
ported in November, 1904, that there had been several
accessions to the church, $250 had been expended on
the church and parsonage, fourteen new subscribers
had been secured for the Central, and twenty for the
Epworth Herald.
September 30, 1902, C. M. C. Thompson had held
a ten days' revival, with the assistance of W. J. Mere-
dith, Conference evangelist, resulting in 30 professed
conversions, and 16 accessions to the church. People
were pleased with the evangelist. In February, 1907,
J. M. Eldridge held a four weeks' meeting, assisted by
W. H. Iliff, and by L. M. Alexander for one week, in
which 35 united with the church, 20 on probation and
15 into full membership. An old debt of $750 "was
paid off in April.
December 25, 1907, J. R. Thomas had the assist-
ance of Dr. Brushingham two weeks. There were a
number of clear conversions and the meeting was
continued after the evangelist left.
J. Morton Miller was pastor, 1912-14. The Cen-
tral of February 12, 1913, stated that revival began
the 10th of the previous November and continued till
December 22d. There were 170 conversions and 140
accessions to the church.
Statistics for 1917. Church, $20,000; parsonage,
$2,800; members, 256; prep., — ; Cur. Exp., $550;
Pastor, $1,420; D. S., $104; Bish., $26; C. Cs., $52;
F. M., $100; H. M., 90; one S. S. Os. & Ts., 30; Enrl.,
478; Av., 223; Exp., $164; W. F. M. S., $120.
In Northwest Kansas 217
hill city.
Hill City is the county seat of Graham County. It
is situated on the Lincoln branch of the U. P. railway,
about half way between the sixth principal meridian,
which is the eastern boundary of the Conference and
Colorado.
It appeared in the list of Conference appointment
first, in 1890. M. J. Bailey was pastor. In 1890 he re-
ported 41 full members and 4 probationers. After
Bailey there were in '91, A. D. Beckhart; '92, R. A.
Hoffiman ; '93, R. B. Beaty ; '94, L. A. Dugger ; '95, Geo.
Nulton ; '96-97, C. W. Talmadge ; '98-99, W. M. Sedore :
1900, VV. E. Green; '01, VV. C. Jordan; '02-03, A. C.
Northrop ; '04-05, S. W. Taylor ; 'OG-07. J. A. Schuler ;
'08, W. T. Carter; '09, I. L. McKean; '10, J. B. Gil-
more; '11; J. M. Miller, 12, J. A. Green; '13-14, M. R.
Starbuck; '15, L. Munro; '16-17, A. L. Carlton.
The first church property was a parsonage worth
$800, reported in 1894. The membership at that time
was 77 full members and 7 probationers. In 1901
there was a church valued at $3,000. Where they
worshipped in the previous years the writer has not
been informed.
The first marked increase in membership was dur-
ing the pastorate of S. W. Taylor, 1904-05, when 123
full members were reported.
Statistics for the year 1917 show the following:
Church, $5,000; parsonage, $2,000; members, 94; ex-
penses, $118; F. M., $23; H. M„ $16; Gd. total, $495;
Pastor, $1,320; D. S., $96; Bishops, $15; C. Cs., 40;
S. S. Os, &Ts., 16; Enrl., 181; Av., 95; Exp., 100;
W. F. M. S., $73; W. H. M. S., $5; Ep. L,, Sr., 25;
Jr., 30.
218 History of Methodism
hoxie.
Hoxie, the county seat of Sheridan County, is an
important station on the Lincoln branch of the U. P.
Rairload, sixty miles east of the Colorado line.
Just when the Methodist class was first organized
at Hoxie is not known, but it was named as an ap-
pointment in the Conference in 1886. I. G. Morrill
was appointed pastor, but J. W. Baugher reported the
charge the next spring, and continued to serve it the
next two years. In 1889 it was left to be supplied, and
no supply seems to have been secured, as no report
was made the next year. G. H. Cheney was the next
pastor and served two years. In 1891 both a church
and parsonage were reported. The church was valued
at $400 and the parsonage at $600. The church was
probably of sod.
In '93-94, J. E. Langley supplied the work. Fol-
lowing him the pasters were '95-96, T. H. James; '97-
98, W. E. Cox; '99, W. E. Green; 1900, \V. M. Sedore;
'01-03, J. J. Mickey; '04, W. H. Holland; '05-06, W. C.
Jordan; '07-08, F. D. Funk; '09-10, E. F. Sitterly;
'11, E. V. Allen; '12-13, G. Winters; '14-15, F. N. Stel-
son; '15-17, F. G. Cox.
In 1904 Hoxie reported a church worth, $2,500;
and in 1907 they had a parsonage worth $1,500. In
the first report made, there were 62 members and
three Sunday Schools, having an enrollment of 120
scholars.
They paid the pastor that first year, $450. At
present Hoxie is a three point circuit, Hoxie, Sequin
and Beunavista.
There are two S. Ss. but only one church building.
The pastor is paid $800, of which Hoxies pays $550,
Sequin, $125, and Beunavista, $125.
These are the figures in the circuit report. It would
be interesting to know what part of the benevolences
In Northwest Kansas 219
each point paid, but the figures not having been given
the editor is not able to supply them.
Church, $3,500; parsonage, $3,250; members, 115;
expenses. $118; Supt. Pastor, $1050; D. S., $64;
Bishop, $16; C. Cs., $32; F. Ms., $52; H. Ms., $45; Gd.
Total, $354; Two S. S's. T's & O's., 30; Enrl, 307; Av.,
130; Exp., $66; W. H. Ms., $37.
JENNINGS.
The earliest record found of Jennings is given by
W. A. Saville, who was pastor on the Norton circuit
in 1878. He names Jennings as one of the seventeen
preaching places which he had added to his charge
during the year. He states further Jennings was a
large cattle ranch. Later in the year there was an In-
dian raid, and Jennings and his men had a skirmish
with the Indians. He gives the membership of a
number of classes which he formed, but unfortunately
Jennings class was not given.
This note is made: "Warren and H. L. Jennings
were transferred from the Slab City circuit, to the
Leota and Jennings charge, May 3, 1879. That year
the Conference Minutes give E. R. Zimmerman, pas-
tor of the Leota and Jennings charge. The next year
Oberlin and Jennings constitute a charge. After that
Jennings is not connected with the head of a circuit
till 1892, when it was supplied by W. O. Allen. Tra-
dition has it that down to '92 Jennings was served by
the following men: G. W. Mosley, A. M. Lott, J. L.
Daniels, Thomas Muxlow. Following Allen the Con-
ference Minutes name the folowing pastors: I. L.
Clark. However, a note in the Central of March 7,
1894, stated that Clark left the work in the middle of
the year, and his place was supplied by W. W. Whe-
Ian.
The church, which was begun under Clark's ad-
ministration, was completed and dedicated October 15,
220 History of Methodism
The church extension board contributed $250.
At that time, the church was said to be the best in the
district, though not the largest.
The next pastor was G. W. Winterburn. '94-95; E. E.
Damwn, '96; J. T. Bates, '97-03; C. H. Cowman, '03-
04 ; W. E. Caldwell, '05-07 ; J. A. Green, '07-08 ; L. C.
Hicks, '08-09; F. D. Funk, '09-10; E. F. Sitterly. '11-
13; H. W. Wolfe, '13-16; H. C. Marstoh, '17.
In the Central of December 19, 1906, W. E. Cald-
well acknowledged the receipt of a donation of $100 in
cash and provisions. The Clayton class was organ-
ized in 1900. The charge members were A. H. Her-
rick and wife, E. J. Powell, I. Powell, D. Hernatt,
Katie Hernatt, J. B. Garton, and Ellen Vessey.
The first stewards, D. Hernatt and E. J. Powell.
J. B. Gorton was recording steward. A. H. Herrick
was class leader. Trustees: A. G. Blackwell, J. Hogan,
Chas. Pease, Fred Garton, W. E. Glass, H. E. Strong,
and J. Hoover. The church was built in 1910. F. D.
Funk, pastor, M. F. Loomis, D. S., it cost $3,000 ; lot.
$300. The class has always been a part of Jennings
circuit. The Chicago class was organized by J. A.
Green; A. Jennings, pastor. It was attached to the
Morland charge and served by W. S. Harper for one
year. It was then changed to the Studly circuit and
served by A. W. Dick for two years, and by D. O.
Gunckel two years. In 1913 it was placed on the Jen-
nings charge.
The church was built in 1910 during the pastorate
of A. W. Dick. Cost, $1,800. The first Stewards
were Clara Given and E. F. Charles: Class Leader.
W. T. Lake ; the Trustees, W. T. Lake, C. S. Charles,
C. O. Miner, J. C. Sidesinger. J. M. French. First
Superintendent, J. C. Sidesinger; League President,
C. L. Charles ; President Ladies' Aid, Mrs. C. O. Miner.
This society has raised in the last four years $625.
In Northwest Kansas 221
In 1916 an addition was made to the church. A
furnace and electric light plant installed, bringing the
value of the property to $3,000. The church at Jen-
nings reports 97 members ; S. S., 120 ; League, 30 ; S. S.
Supt, Elmer Bartley, Pres. League, Clifford Rogers.
The Chicago church has 30 full members, 6 pro-
bationers, S. S., 35; League, 31. C. O. Miner is Supt.,
and Blanche Charles, Pres. of the League.
The report of the charge for 1917 is as follows:
Two churches, valued at $5,000; parsonage, $600; cur-
rent expenses of churches, $100; full members, 140;
preparatory, 5; salaries pastor, $760; D. S., $56;
Bishop, $14; C. C.'s, $28; benevolence F. M.'s, $67;
H. M.'s, $58. Grand total, $812, S. S.
KANONA.
Kanona is a circuit having two appointments, at
each of which there is a church building, which affords
good accommodations for the people of that com-
munity. That at Kanona is valued at $2,000, and the
Olive Chapel is worth $1,000. The pastor writes that
the latter is being reconstructed and will be improved,
so its value will be increased to $1,800.
The trustees at Kanona are G. A. Brown, John
Fawcett, Charles Orr, G. E. Cody, Adolph Johnson.
Stewards are A. Johnson, S. E. Cody, Mrs. Fawcett.
At Olive Chapel the class leader is J. E. Plotts. Sun-
day School superintendent, A. R. Castor. Trustees,
J. E. Plotts, V. R. Castor, Carl Miller, Jay Jordon, Roy
Plotts. Stewards, Mrs. Florence Cramer, Mrs. J. E.
Plotts, Mrs. Carl Miller.
It is not known just when either class was organ-
ized or who were charter members, but Kanona ap-
pears as the name of a charge in the Conference min-
utes of 1891.
The following men were appointed to the charge
since that date. In 1891 J. H. Hoff was appointed to
222 History of Methodism
the charge. From '91 to '96 no pastor was sent to
Kanona. In '96, W. W. Armstrong. From '96 to 1901
was another break. In the latter year J. A. Arnett
was appointed; '02, G. Johnson; '03, B. F. Hutchins;
'04. J. S. Davis; '05-'06. W. H. Hampton; '07; W. E.
Caldwell ; '08, W. H. Meredith. Another break has to
be noted at this time. From 1909 to 1915 no pastor
was appointed. From this viewpoint it is difficult to
see why this break should have come. The charge paid
the full amount apportioned to the pastor in 1909, and
he reported 154 full members and 35 probationers;
and two Sunday Schools, with an enrollment of 162.
There were two churches, valued at $5,000, and a par-
sonage worth $800. The pastor appointed in 1915 re-
ported the two churches and the parsonage. There
were 93 full members, and two Sunday Schools, with
an enrollment of 172.
Statistics given in 1917: Two churches, $4,500;
parsonage, $500 ; full members, 91 ; current expenses,
$40; support pastor, $660; D. S., $48; Bishop. $12;
C. C.'s, $24; F. M.'s, $16; H. M.'s, $144. Grand total,
$443. Two Sunday Schools: Officers and teachers,
26; enrollment, 159; average, 70. Epworth Leagues:
Senior, 27; Junior, 38.
KANORADO.
The Kanorado class was organized September 15,
1891, by Rev. J. W. McPeak, who served the charge a
part of that year. The first class leader was Kate
McNeal, who was also the first steward for the class.
The charter was secured in 1893. There were seven
members in the society, all of whose names were on
the charter as follows: H. S. Groves, E. D. Adams,
William Kincaid, Kate McNeal, Jennie Winn, Eva
Fade. J. B. McFarland.
The ii me appears in the Conference minutes that
same year as the head of a charge. We have no means
In Northwest Kansas 223
of knowing what other points helped constitute the
circuit. Minnie Jones was the first recording steward,
who left her name on the record. She was chosen in
1902. Hattie Hartstine was elected in 1904, and did
the work seven years. Jennie Winn was then elected
and served five years. Mrs. J. T. Bates was the first
Sunday School superintendent and served four years.
G. W. German was then elected to that office and hekl
it eighteen years. Since his time, Rev. J. D. Baker,
Hattie Hartstine and M. F. Williams have each held
the office one year.
The following ladies have been president of the
Aid Society: Mrs. Dormet, Mrs. Casselman, Mrs.
Hartstine, Mrs. Stelson. Mrs. Gunckel. The society
is said to be in fine working order.
An Epworth League was organized by Rev. G. C.
Casselman in 1909. The following pastors have served
the charge : J. W. McPeak, 1891 ; H. J. Lorenz, '92 ;
Clinger, '93, built parsonage of two rooms; E. E.
Damon, '94 ; J. T. Bates, '95-'06. He added a room to
the parsonage and built a barn. From '97 to 1904
Lamborn w r as head of the charge. In '97-'98 it was
served by B. F. Rogers; '99, by J. R. Thompson;
1900-'01, J. S. Davis; '02, C. W. Barr; '03-'04, Oscar
Gessell ; in 1905 no one was appointed at Conference,
but the place was supplied by W. M. Armstrong, and
the church was built that year; 1906, F. C. Johnson;
'07-'08, J. D. Baker; '09, G. C. Casselman; '10-'ll, E.
L. Hutchins. A good new parsonage was built In
'12-'13, F. N. Stelson; '14, Bethel Cook; '15-'17, E. E.
Gunckel. Has built a cave, coal shed and put in ce-
ment walks. During F. N. Stelson's pastorate Evan-
gelist Fitts and Miss Short assisted in revival efforts,
with some results. During the winter of '15-'16 the
Intermediate and Junior Leagues were specially inter-
ested in the work of the church and sixteen of them
were converted and brought into the church.
224 History of Methodism
The Ladies' Aid is a great help in financing the
church, as well as being very helpful in the spiritual
work. The faithful service of J. C. Boston, Mrs. Mc-
Ncal. Mrs. Winn, Mrs. McKenzie and Brother and
Sister German makes it possible for the church to
exist at Kanorado.
The 1917 report for Kanorado is as follows:
Church, $2,000; parsonage, $1,600; expenses, $101;
full members, 94; preparatory, 3; salaries pastor,
$1,150; D. S., $80; Bishop, $20; C. C.'s, $440; benevo-
lence F. M.'s, $50; H. M.'s, $40. Grand total, $403.
Sunday School : Officers and teachers, 25 ; enrollment,
157 ; average, 76 ; expenses, $54. Epworth Leagues :
Senior, 27 ; Junior, 38. W. H. M. S., $8.
LENORA.
This name is found in the list of Conference ap-
pointments first in 1892. J. H. Hoff was the pastor.
He reported at the close of his first year a membership
of 91 full members and 18 probationers. There were
three churches, valued at $2,200, and a parsonage, esti-
mated to be worth $200. The pastor had baptized
four children and six adults. There were two Sunday
Schools, having 15 officers and teachers, and 80
scholars. They paid the pastor $430. Those who suc-
ceeded Hoff as pastors were : In 1893-94, M. L. Kerr ;
'95-'96, C. A. Davis; '98-'99, M. O. Myers; 1900, E. H.
Tannehill; '01, I. L. Clark; '02, G. W. Hood; '04-'05,
Thomas Muxlow; '06-'08, A. W. Dorsey ; '09-'10, \V. C.
Littell; '11-'13, C. R. Flowers; '14, G. Mann; '15-'17,
F. Blanding.
As noted above, at the beginning the charge was a
circuit, in which there were three churches and two
Sunday Schools. In 1897 two of the churches had been
placed with other charges, leaving Lenora a station,
though two Sunday Schools were still reported. The
report for 1901, found in the minutes of 1902, shows
In Northwest Kansas 225
that the work had greatly declined in the charge. There
were but 37 full members of the church, and two pro-
bationers, one Sunday School, with an enrollment of
only 50 scholars. The parsonage was improved in
1905 by the expenditure of $500, raising its value to
$1,000. In 1909 the church was improved to the
amount of $1,500, bringing its valuation to $4,000.
Though Methodism has not flourished greatly at
Lenora, there are hopeful indications for the future.
The Sunday School is the largest in the history of the
charge, and there are 48 members of the Epworth
League, and 25 of the Junior. Another favorable in-
dication is that the contribution to the benevolences
is much increased, and the pastoral support is greatly
improved.
The last report shows as follows : Church, $2,500 ;
parsonage, $1,000; members, 174; current expenses,
$50; support pastor, $1,090; D. S., $72; Bishop, $18;
C. C.'s, $36; F. M.'s, $46; H. M.'s, $35. Grand total,
$403. Sunday School: Officers and teachers, 14; en-
rollment, 175; average, 70; expenses, $73. Epworth
League : Senior, 48 ; Junior, 25. W. F. M. S., $19.
LOGAN.
Allen Enyart was the first Methodist preacher to
proclaim the gospel in Logan. He had been invited
to preach at Phillipsburg. On his way to that place
from Kirwin, his home, he passed through Logan,
which was then a small village. Hearing that there
was a Sunday School there, he left an appointment
for a preaching service at his next visit. For two
years Logan was supplied irregularly by Enyart and
Rev. Horner. In 1876 Logan was made a regular
preaching place on the Norton Circuit.
In 1877 it was left to be supplied, and R. H. Sey-
mour was placed in charge, and Allen Enyart and
Ruben Bisbee were appointed junior preachers. Sey-
226 History of Methodism
mour and Enyart served the east end of the circuit,
and Bisbee the west. There being no public building
in Logan, the services were held for a time in Frenche's
blacksmith shop, corner of Main and Third Streets.
Later in Candys Hall, on Main Street, west of Wash-
ington.
In 1878 E. H. Fleisher was appointed to the Phil-
lipsburg Circuit, which included the entire western
half of Phillips County. In July of that year he organ-
ized the Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church at Logan,
with eleven members. By the end of the Conference
year the class numbered thirty-five.
At the fourth quarterly Conference, Henry Fer-
rett, John Blakely, J. W. Allen, Daniel W. Working,
William C. Bishop, William Davis and J. D. Smith
were approved as trustees, and Henry Ferrett, John
Blakely and John W. Allen were elected stewards.
There was a Union Sunday School, of which John
Blakely was the superintendent. At the session of the
Conference in 1879 Logan was made the head of the
circuit in the Kirwin District, and M. A. Castle v. a -
appointed pastor. He was from Maryland and soon
became dissatisfied with frontier life and returned to
his home. Rev. Brundridge served the charge the
remainder of the year.
A charter was secured by the Board of Trustees
this year, which is dated June 25, 1879. Two pieces
of 'real estate were deeded to the church during Brund-
ridge's pastorate. One acre of land, designed as a
site for a parsonage, given by John and Jane Blakely,
was at the north end of Douglas Street. Lots one to
six. in block seven of Ferrett's addition, were given
by Henry and Jane Ferrett.
E. G. Cary was appointed to the Logan charge in
1880. A two-room parsonage was built on the Blakely
site. It was partly of logs and part of sod, and was
In North avest Kansas 227
occupied by the pastor during the year. Henry Dalton
was the next pastor and served three years.
The first year a three-room frame house supplanted
the sod parsonage, and the next year a subscription
was started for a new church, which before the year
closed amounted to $1,600, but it was not thought to
be expedient to attempt the erection of a church until
more funds were in sight. So there was a lull in the
building enterprise till the spring of 1884. C. P. Stay-
ton, who was admitted into the Conference on trial
that year, was sent to Logan. He was a skilled me-
chanic, and being elated with the idea of a new church
for his charge, entered enthusiastically upon the un-
dertaking. Subscriptions were increased and stone
masons and laborers were set to work, so that on Octo-
ber 5, 1884, the corner stone was laid by Rev. J. H.
Lockwood. The church was finished at a cost of $6,000
and was dedicated by Bishop Walden, April 4, 1886.
Stayton was appointed to Logan for the third year,
but removed to another charge the middle of the year,
and the work was supplied by Truman Carter. Al-
though the term of his pastorate was brief, only six
months, yet the charge enjoyed a gracious revival.
Twenty were received by certificate and fifty-time
joined on probation. Of the fifty-three probationers',
twenty-eight came into full membership at Logan, and
five were transferred by letter to other charges.
J. T. Shackelford followed Carter, and stayed two
years. He added a room to the parsonage and reduced
the church debt $265. From 1889, Shackelford's last
year, to 1903 the charge had a peculiar experience in
having its pastor leave the work at some time during
the year, G. W. Hood being the only one whose term
of service began and ended with an annual Conference.
Those who served parts of years during this time
were W. C. Littell, A. F. Cumbow, J. H. Hoff, R. H.
228 History of Methodism
McDade and Reuben Bisbee. G. W. Hood remained at
Logan two years, and was followed by C. A. Davis in
1898, who remained till June, 1899, when he was suc-
ceeded by U. S. Brown, who, during the remaining
months of that Conference year, completed the pay-
ment of the church debt, amounting to $260, and re-
painted the church, and made other improvements at
a cost of $200. He continued with the charge till the
Conference of 1903.
C. M. Snyder came to Logan in 1903, and served
three years, and was succeeded by J. F. Clark, who
served two years. In the spring of 1908 F. L. Templin
was appointed pastor. On May 17 he preached the
baccalaureate sermon for the High School graduating
class, and on the evening of May 27 the League gave
a reception at the parsonage.
May 11, 1910, Templin reported that a furnace had
been put in the church, and also new pews, and electric
lights had been installed in both church and parsonage.
The ladies are spending $40 in beautifying the par-
sonage. A Mission Study Class of ten has been organ-
ized and the League is supporting a boy in school in
India. The pastor is to speak on temperance before
the lodges, is to preach the baccalaureate sermon for
the High School class, and the memorial sermon be-
fore the G. A. R., and is also to give the address on
Decoration day.
In the fall of 1910 Templin transferred to Okla-
homa, and J. V. Watson supplied the remainder of the
year. G. M. Ryder became pastor in 1911, and served
the charge three years. He was also superintendent
of the schools for two years, and was very active in
Kiting the violators of the prohibition law. He
• rong preacher and brought in other good speak-
id held some very profitable meetings, and re-
ceived numbers into the church, but failed to keep the
In Northwest Kansas 229
records, so that those who followed him could not cer-
tainly determine who or how many were members of
the church.
G. Johnson was appointed to the pastorate in 1914,
and served one year. He was succeeded by B. D.
Brooks, the present pastor. He reports his first year
to have been a pleasant one. They had a gracious re-
vival in the fall, but there are influences in the town
which make it difficult to shepherd the flock.
The minutes of 1917 give the statistics of the-
charge as follows : Property, church $3,000, parson-
age $1,500; full members, 142; preparatory, 5; ex-
penses, $224; salaries pastor, $1,150; D. S., $80;
Bishops, $20; C. C.'s, $40; F. M.'s, $131; H. M.'s, $61.
Grand total, $909. Sunday School: Officers and
teachers, 21; enrollment, 171; average, 80; expenses*
$88. W. F. M. S., $43 ; W. H. M. S., $8.
LONG ISLAND.
The class at Long Island was organized in 1878 and
was known as Class No. 2 on the Norton Circuit. W.
A. Saville was the pastor and gives the following list
of members of the Long Island class : D. P. and S. P.
Curl, Cynthia and Ellenor Caruahan, James and El-
lenor Horner, William and Mary McLane, Samuel and
Mary Mattison, Charles and Elizabeth Persinger,
Elizabeth Lyman, Helen and Mary Pickle, John and
Mattie Pool, Joseph and Mary Dean. John Pool was
the leader.
In 1879 Long Island was made the head of a cir-
cuit of which J. S. Homer was the pastor. The name
has been in the list of appointments ever since, though
one year Norton and Sappa were connected with it as
one charge. The pastors who have served the charge
were: Horner, one year; Bisbee, three; Arrington,
two; Burt, two; Willis, one; Scott, one; Tennant, two;
Nulton, one; Morrison, one; Mann, two; Allen, one;
230 History of Methodism
Miller, four; Reese, two; Cowman, one; Rogers, two;
rton, one; Johnson, two: Ward, two; Kipple, three;
Cox, two ; Hunter, two. G. L. Tennant, who served the
charge in 1889-90, reported March 12, '90, that his
fourth quarterly meeting held three weeks, W. K.
Loofbourrow assisting. There were seventeen acces-
sions. The church and parsonage had been repaired
at a cost of $100. One hundred dollars had been paid
on debt. December 24 of the same year A. F. Cumbow
had assisted in a three weeks' meeting. A number
were converted, twenty-five who joined last year and
had all proved faithful. H. P. Mann reported Novem-
ber 8, 1893, that a debt of $470 had been paid. A
revival had been held and fifty were converted. March
24, 1897, the pastor, J. M. Miller, reported as follows :
Twenty-one received into full membership, twelve by
letter, twenty-five on probation. Three Leagues had
been organized. A surprise on the pastor brought $30
and other presents to the parsonage. September 13,
1909, W. J. Ward reported a two weeks' meeting, con-
ducted by C. B. Allen and A. J. Fitt. It was a great
benefit to the Pleasant Hill Church.
The Pleasant Hill class was organized by G. L.
Tennant in February, 1891, with John Winter leader.
The members were John Winter and wife, Tilla Poyser,
C. W. Clara and Matilda Mousley, George and Sarah
Reece. C. W. Mousley was made steward and licensed
to preach.
Times were hard and we were not able to pay
on the pastor's salary. During the year 1892
he preached for us but three times. The appoint-
ment was dropped for a time, but services were con-
tinued by their own local preacher. In 1897 they were
attached to the Woodruff Circuit. Several good re-
have been held in the place. In 1910 it was
attached to the Long Island Circuit. There are
In Northwest Kansas 231
fifteen working members. Statistics for the year
1917 : Number of members, Long Island 62, Pleasant
Hill 42; Sunday Schools, Long Island 80, Pleasant
Hill 50; the stewards of the charge, William Conrad,
Mary Conrad, Paul Kipple, Lloyd Richardson, J. W.
Stump, J. P. Cox, Mrs. Cox, W. N. Poyser and C. W.
Mousley. The class leaders are Mrs. Yantis and J. P.
Cox.
F. D. Kemble, now 90 years old, though not an
official now, is deserving of mention. He is the oldest
man on the charge and is the wealthiest, and has done
more for the church than any other one, has been a
liberal contributor to the benevolences. Report of
charge for 1917: Two churches, $3,000; two parson-
ages, $1,800; full members, 102; two Sunday Schools,
total enrollment 100. average 50, officers and teachers
15, scholars except Home Department 85, ministerial
support, pastor $760, D. S. $54, Bishop $3, F. M. S.
$16, H. M. S. $15, Conference Claimants $25, W. H.
M. S. $2.
MORLAND.
Like most other classes in this section of the state,
the date of the organization at Morland is not known.
It first appears in the list of appointments in 1893. It
was left to be supplied, and J. A. Stone was sent as
the supply. At the next Conference he reported sixty-
five full members and forty-eight probationers. A. T.
Mitchell was the next pastor.
In 1896 Morland was connected with Hoxie. They
continued so connected till the year 1899, and during
those years the charge was served by W. E. Cox. Since
that time Morland has been served as follows : In '99,
F. G. Griffith ; 1900, J. B. Lewis ; '01-'02, L. H. Smith ;
'03-'04, W. M. Garner; '05, B. D. Brooks; '06-'08, W. S.
Harper; '09-'10, J. A. Templin ; '11-'12, M. R. Star-
buck; '13-'14, C. A. Davis; '15-'17, I. L. McKean.
232 History of Methodism
The first property reported was a parsonage valued
at $450 in 1901. In 1904 there was a church worth
$2,000, and $2,015 was paid that year for building and
improving church property. In 1906 $1,000 was added
to the value of the church, and in 1907 $400 had been
added to the value of the parsonage, bringing it to a
valuation of $1,000. In 1916 a second church had been
built on the charge, bringing the value of the churches
to $5,400.
The largest enrollment in both church and Sunday
School was in 1909, under the pastorate of W. S. Har-
per. There were 198 full members and 29 probation-
ers. Four Sunday Schools were reported, having 40
officers and teachers and 300 scholars. The most con-
tributed for missions was reported by M. R. Starbuck
in 1911, $130 for Foreign, and $51 for Home Missions.
Pastor's salary, $1,100; Morland pays $800, Sequin
$200, Penoka $100.
Statistics for 1917: Two churches, $6,000; par-
sonages, $1,000; fuli members, 154; preparatory, 200;
expenses, $200; support pastor, $1,250; D. S., $88;
Bishop, $22; C. C.'s, $44; F. M. S., $75; H. M. S.
$65. Grand total, $964. Two Sunday Schools: Of-
ficers and teachers, 37; enrollment, 267; average, 160;
expenses, $120. Epworth League: Senior, 30;
Junior, 18.
NATOMA.
Natoma Circuit when first organized was known as
the Medicine Circuit and consisted of the following
points: Pleasant Ridge, Stockton, East Medicine.
Rooks Center, Pleasant Plain and Floraville. The first
M. E. Quarterly Conference in Rooks County was held
in a grove near where Woodston is now located on
June 1, 1878.
E. G. McHenry was the pastor, and R. A. Caruthers
was the Presiding Elder. The first church building
In Northwest Kansas 233
was a sod structure at Pleasant Ridge, now Woodston.
It was 14x32 feet, with dirt floor and a sod roof. There
were twenty-six members. Thomas Hoar was the class
leader.
The church was dedicated February 16, 1879. A
collection was taken amounting to $1.95.
In July, 1878, a church was organized at East Medi-
cine, now Aurora, of twenty-one members. Wilson
McFadden was the class leader. In December of that
year a church was organized at Eagle Creek, which
is the present site of Natoma. Moran Gregory was
the class leader. On January 5, 1879, a class of nine-
teen members was organized at Pleasant Plain.
Stockton organized with four members, Aaron Wil-
son class leader, and Rooks Center with five members,
E. W. Brooner class leader. Is no class now.
Floraville, now Codel, organized with seven mem-
bers.
The original Natoma Circuit was composed of six
preaching places, which, together, now have a mem-
bership of 625, and church property valued at $58,000.
The present circuit consists of Natoma, Aurora and
Pleasant Plains. Natoma, the head of the circuit, has
a neat little church almost too small now. A comfort-
able two-story five-room parsonage, with bathroom
and closets, and a good barn.
Aurora has a neat, comfortable church, newly
painted and well seated with new pews. The district
superintendent says it is the most spiritual class on
the district. L. C. Worden, a soldier of the Cival war,
and his faithful wife were charter members of the
Pleasant Plains class and are now its senior members.
He has been class leader since the organization of the
charge and has a record of every pastor who has
served it. He has for a number of years kept a memo-
randum of texts used. "His Bible is marked from lid
234 History of Methodism
to lid, tracing the footsteps of God's messengers. These
faithful souls have together noted the developments
that the years have brought, and to them the historian
is indebted for the facts here set down."
John L. Emerick, another veteran, is also a charter
member, and as a steward has stood faithfully by the
work and the several pastors through all the years.
He is now ripening for eternity. Mrs. Jennie Erway
was also a charter member at Pleasant Plains, who
still lives to repeat history to her children and grand
children.
The historian, T. J. Nixon, writes: "Time would
the Halls, and many others, who wrought righteous-
fail me, and so would space, to tell of the Griffins, the
young Wordens, the Doris brothers, the McFaddens,
ness, fought drouths, battled with disease and still live
to bear the cross with joy."
The years of greatest success in revival work came
under the ministry of Morrison, Breed, Dugger, James,
Dews, Wilks, Bridwell and McKean. The records show
that each of these had baptisms ranging in number
from twelve to fifty-two.
All members of the Conference who have served
the charge have been moved by Conference action, ex-
cept T. H. James and J. T. Wilks.
James was translated to his heavenly inheritance
in 1903, and was succeeded on the charge by W. W.
Hurlbut. Wilks was removed by death in 1910 from
a people to whom he had endeared himself by faithful
service. These useful men, called thus early from their
earthly ministry, have their works to follow them.
Rev. I. L. McKean and wife suffered the loss of
their oldest son while they were on the charge. Thus,
this charge, like others in the Conference, has passed
through sad experiences. Extreme views of some of
the members have at different times caused agitation.
In Northwest Kansas 235
The Comeouters at one time occasioned some commo-
tion and drew a few from the church, but in due time
the error was made plain and the better class returned
to the fold.
At present the Pentecostal Church, or Tonguer
movement,' is the form of hypocrisy practiced here.
The Methodist doctrine of perfect love, as taught by
John Wesley, was not radical enough to suit them.
They claimed the gift of tongues as the zenith of their
attainment. Some good, conscientious persons have
been led to build a little church having zeal, but not
according to knowledge. At this time some who were
turned aside by the extreme emotionalists have seen
their folly and are coming back to their inheritance in
the church. Quite a number of the members are faith-
fully tithing their income. The pastor says: "I re-
gard this as a mark of established grace, wherever it
is followed in a Biblical manner." He adds: "There
is another feature of the work on this charge that I
desire to be noted in the historian's review of the Con-
ference. That is, that the class and prayer meetings
are recognized on this charge as necessary to spiritual
growth. During this Conference year, 1916, up to
August 1st, a prayer meeting has been held at each
of the three appointments on the charge, with an at-
tendance ranging from ten to forty. Even during har-
vest the attendance at the country churches were
twenty-four to thirty. I should be glad if the recital
of this bit of history of this charge might kindle a
desire for the best things and the greatest success of
the work in every charge in the Conference.
The one thing that will bring that result is prayer.
If the church were holding the ground God designed
it to occupy, many side doors which people are induced
to enter would never be opened."
$1,500
$1,500
48
26
$250
$250
60
54
50
50
236 History of Methodism
The following are the official members. To avoid
rewriting the names of the classes they are indicated
by number. Natoma is No. 1, Pleasant Plain 2, and
Aurora 3 :
Churches $2,500
No. members 97
Pay to Pastor . . . $500
F. & H. Missions . 500
Exp. of S. S 100
Officials— Trustees : (1) J. W. Boughner, M. C.
Brown, H. E. Hall, Andrew and Alonzo McFadden,
(2) D. Worden, C. and J. Griffin, S. Thornbery, J. E.
Buel, (3) H. G. Dorr, W. Adams, G. Brown, H. W.
Day. Stewards: (1) A. M. McFadden, J. Emerick,
(2) C. Griffin, D. Worden, (3) H. G. Dorr, G. Brown.
Class Leaders: (1) A. T. and A. McFadden, (2) L. C.
Worden, J. Griffin, (3) H. G. Dorr, W. Adams. Sun-
day School Superintendents: (1) W. H. Beeson, (2)
J. E. Buel, (3) G. Brown. President H. M. S., Mrs.
Pearl Seitz. President Aid, Mrs. Jennie Erway. Pres-
ident Epworth League, Clarence Griffin. Improve-
ments: (1) Electric lights installed, church painted
inside and out, cost $150; (2) new seats and other
improvements, $450; electric lights in parsonage, $75.
NORCATUR.
The Norcatur Methodist Episcopal Church was or-
ganized in September, 1885, at the home of Joseph
Reager, one and one-half miles east of the present
town, with a membership of thirteen, with Reuben Bis-
bee as pastor. The first Quarterly Conference was
held in the upper room of the store building belonging
to Clinton Worrol in the autumn of the same year.
The Sunday School was organized in the same room'
in the following spring. Later in the year, 1886, the
meetings were held in the new school building. The
first church was built in 1898, and dedicated in Sep-
In Northwest Kansas 237
tember of that year, under the pastorate of J. O.
Osman.
The Lyle class of the Norcatur charge was organ-
ized by Reuben Bisbee in 1877 in a dugout belonging
to Samuel Andrew, with eight or ten charter members,
including the Andrews, the Wickhams, George Fossler,
Sarah Shipton and Lizzie Sorrick. Later in the year a
log church was dedicated by the Presiding Elder, W.
J. Mitchell. In 1885 a Sunday School was organized.
Some of its early records read: "No Sunday School
today, owing to swarms of grasshoppers." And fur-
ther on, "No Sunday School today, owing to the Indian
raid."
In 1879 the pastor was E. G. Carey. He lived at
Oberiin, which at that time was the head of the cir-
cuit. The first parsonage was a dugout, though later
a small house was built for a parsonage. Following
Carey as pastor of the charge came J. L. Langley,
and he in turn by W. J. Meredith in 1881, who was a
young man and came direct from Baker University.
Under his pastorate a new sod church was built at
Lyle, which was described as "a gem for that day."
During the year Merideth received from the charge
$75 in money and a wife. In 1882 Lyle was without
a regular pastor, but in 1884 it again became a part
of the circuit under the pastorate of George Nulton
of the Oberiin charge. In 1887 Lyle was united with
Norcatur.
The Reager Church stands near the B. & M. Rail-
road, six miles east of Norcatur. In the year 1884
Reuben Bisbee heard that a Methodist family was liv-
ing in the community and went in search of them.
He found Joseph Reager, and nearby a brother, Wil-
liam Reager. William Reager was a bachelor and
rather objected to the plan of having his house used
for religious services, but Bisbee insisted and meetings
238 History of Methodism
were begun. Later a Sunday School was organized.
Henry M. Mayo was the first pastor regularly appoint-
ed for Reager, serving the charge from Norton. The
Norton, then to Norcatur, then to the Divises charge,
then back to Nortacur again.
In the spring of 1887 S. B. Lucas was appointed to
Norcatur with Lyle and Reager. He was a young man,
unmarried, and did good service for two years. He
was succeeded by George Nulton, who had so nobly
served the Oberlin charge, including Lyle, some years
before. After two years he was succeeded, in the
spring of 1891, by H. P. Mann for one year. M. W.
Whelan was appointed to the charge April 1, 1892.
During his time the sod church at Lyle was aban-
doned, and a store building bought and dedicated to
the service of God. Brother Whelan was followed in
the spring of 1894 by J. A. Clinger, who stayed only
a part of the year, and was followed by E. E. Damon,
who finished the work of that year and the next; then
W. 0. Allen served the charge one year. Rev. J. 0.
Osman was appointed in March, 1897. In 1898 a good
church building was erected at Norcature, under the
leadership of Brother Osmon. He did three years of
excellent work on the charge, and was succeeded in
March, 1900, by A. B. Conwell. He in turn was suc-
ceeded in the spring of 1902 by W. W. Hurlbut, who
served the charge one and one-half years, then trans-
ferred, September, 1903, to Wisconsin. He came back,
however, to Northwest Kansas Conference and is now
a supernumerary member, residing at Norcatur, and
is very helpful to the pastor and to all the work of the
church. When Brother Hurlbut went away, the charge
upplied at once by R. S. Rutledge, who filled out
thai year and the next. During his pastorate the old
parsonage, which was not very conveniently located,
old, and two lots, with a small house on them,
In Northwest Kansas 239
was bought in the same block with the church. The
next man to take up the work was N. S. Ragle. Brother
Ragle was quite a church builder. In 1906 he super-
vised the remodeling of the church at Norcatur. Two
good rooms and a pastor's study were added to it,
making it a large and commodious house of worship.
During the next year Brother Ragle supervised the
building of a new two-room church at Lyle, doing
much work with his own hands. The store building
that they had used for several years was sold and
moved away, and the new church built on the ground
where it stood.
In 1907 a splendid little church was built at Reager.
It was a part of the Divises Circuit at that time, and
Brother J. R. Thompson, a supply, was pastor. This
was the year before the "seven years of famine." The
Reager class was small, and when the hard years came
they were not able to pay their subscriptions; several
families moved away, and there is yet a small debt of
$240 on the building. We hope to lift that this year.
The Reager class is small now, but it is in a healthy
and growing condition. We have large hopes for its
future.
In the spring of 1908 the charge was divided. Nor-
catur became a station, and Lyle was made the head
of a circuit which included Reager. The old parson-
age at Divises was sold and the money put into a new
five-room house at Lyle. J. H. Brown was the pastor
appointed to the Lyle charge, and E. V. Allen took iv^
the work at Norcatur. In the spring of 1909 Brother
Allen was returned to Norcatur, and John E. Mum-
ford was appointed to the Lyle charge. He only stayed
six months, when he joined the Baptists and went
where there was more water.
There had been two crop failures, and it was very
hard for the people to support the church, so it was
240 History of Methodism
agreed that Lyle should again be united with Norcatur.
So Brother Allen took up the work of the entire charge
in January, 1910. The new parsonage at Lyle had not
been occupied, nor has it yet been occupied by any
pastor. In March, 1911, Brother Allen was succeeded
by Rev. M. G. Terry. He served the charge one and
one-half years, leaving in September, 1912, for better
pasture. There were still no crops. Rev. M. F. Loomis
was the district superintendent, and there was never
a more faithful man at his job. He felt that a new
man could not take up the work and get the necessary
support for the rest of the year, so he arranged for
the pastor at Jennings, Rev. Edwin F. Sitterly, to
serve both charges the rest of the year.
In the spring of 1913 T. J. Nixon was appointed to
the Norcatur charge, which was made to include what
had been the Kanona charge. It consisted of Kanona
and Olive Chapel. This made Brother Nixon a circuit
of five points, spread over a part of two counties. The
arrangement was very necessary, in order that the
burden of support might not be too heavy upon the
several points, and that the pastor might have an ade-
quate support. Brother Nixon served this united
charge two years. During his second year "the seven
years of famine," as the people call it, was broken by
a big wheat crop, and big prices, wheat being as much
as $1.50 per bushel. At the Conference of 1915 the
two charges were separate\ again, and C. H. Cow-
man was put in charge of the Norcatur work. He is
serving his second year at this writing.
The statistics for 1917 are as follows: Three
churches, worth $9,500; two parsonages, $1,800. .Mem-
bership, full members. 193; expenses. $281. Minis-
terial support: Pastor, $1,100; district superintend-
ent, $76; Bishop, $19; Conference claimants, $48.
Benevolences, $1,071. Three Sunday Schools: Enroll-
In Northwest Kansas 241
ment, 239; officers and teachers, 36. Three Epworth
Leagues, with a membership of 65. Woman's Home
and Foreign Missionary Societies.
FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, NORTON, KANSAS.
What is reported to have been the first Methodist
sermon in Norton was preached by Rev. Mr. Vance, a
superannuated minister, in 1874. Irregular services
followed this until in 1875, when Rev. R. H. Seymour
and others established a regular preaching appoint-
ment in the village. In March, 1876, the Norton
Methodist Episcopal Church was organized by Rev.
Seymour with the following charter members : David
Close, Ellen Close, Eli Dopps, Lizzie Dopps, D. M. Rob-
inson and Mrs. D. M. Robinson, and possibly others.
At the annual session of the Kanas Conference, held
in the same month, Norton was made the head of a
circuit, and Rev. R. H. Seymour was appointed
preacher in charge, and continued as pastor until July,
1878.
On October 9, 1879, the organization was duly in-
corporated, according to the laws of the State of Kan-
sas, as "The Norton Methodist Church and Parsonage
Association," with D. M. Robinson, David Close, Eli
Dopps, J. H. Phelps and J. R. Hamilton trustees. On
January 14, 1902, an amended charter was issued,
changing the official name to "The First Methodist
Episcopal Church of Norton, Kansas," and specifying
that the purposes for which the corporation was
formed were to buy, sell and lease real estate for
church, parsonage and library purposes, and to estab-
lish and maintain libraries and reading societies." The
number of trustees was increased to seven, and the
names of those serving for that year were D. M. Rob-
inson, David Close, F. M. Snow, J. G. Stapp, T. I.
Foster, M. P. Ward and L. J. Holcomb.
The first regular preaching place was in a log
building on the west side of State Street, north of
242 History of Methodism
Washington. This was followed with services in the
rear of the postoffice in a building owned by W. B.
Rogers. After the erection of the school house serv-
ices were held in it, until the Presbyterians built their
new church, on the corner oT Wabash and Lincoln
Streets. Through their kindness the Methodists shared
with them in the use of the splendid structure. In
1881 the need of a permanent church home was felt
by the membership, as well as the leaders of Norton
Methodism, and a site was secured on North Norton
Avenue. By the untiring efforts of all interested, "The
Stone Church" was finished and dedicated in 1882.
Rev. H. G. Breed, the Presiding Elder, and Rev. W. J.
Meredith, the pastor, officiated at the dedication. This
building served its purpose well for more than twenty
years, and not until 1905 were plans perfected for a
more modern and commodious structure. On July 1,
1904, lots were purchased on North State Street as a
site for a new church. In the spring of 1905 plans
were selected and arrangements made for a more mod-
ern building. Work progressed rapidly, and on August
10 the corner stone was laid, with appropriate cere-
monies by Rev. W. J. Meredith, Presiding Elder ; Rev.
H. J. Lorenz, pastor, and Hon. George E. Griffin,
mayor of the city of Norton, in charge of the service.
The building was hastened to completion, and on De-
cember 17, 1905, was dedicated to the service and wor-
ship of Almighty God. Mr. J. M. Powell of Buffalo,
N. Y., had been secured to manage the financial claims
of the day, and the building was dedicated by Rev. W.
J. Meredith and Rev. H. J. Lorenz, amid the rejoicings
of a happy people.
Since the organization of the charge the following
pastors have served the work: In 1876-1877, R. H.
Seymour; 1877-1878, Allen Enyart; 1878-1879, W. A.
Saville; 1879-1880, R. Bisbee and S. Crouch; 1880, for
In Northwest Kansas 243
three months, J. T. Britain ; 1880-1882, J. W. Graham ;
1882-1884, W. J. Meredith; 1884-1885, H. M. Mayo;
1885-1887, E. H. Fleisher; 1887-1889, L. 0. Housel;
1889-1891, W. R. Pierce; 1891-1896, J. L. King; 1896-
1898, A. N. See; 1898-1900, S. L. Semans; 1900-1906,
H. J. Lorenz; 1906-1908, L. A. McKeever; 1908-1912,
B. F. Thomas ; 1912-1913, W. G. Smith ; 1913-1914, W.
B. Read; 1914-1915, C. A. Fellows; 1915 to the pres-
ent, U. S. Brown. Many changes have been made in
district boundaries and Norton has been identified with
five districts and has had the following Presiding
Elders and district superintendents: 1876-1878, W.
J. Mitchell, Beloit District; 1878-1882, R. A. Caruth-
ers, Kirwin District; 1882-1886, H. G. Breed, Kirwin
District; 1886-1890, ,S. A. Green, Norton District;
1890-1896, E. W. Allen, Norton District; 1896-1898,
M. M. Stolz, Norton District ; 1898-1904, L. O. Housel,
Norton District; 1904-1909, W. J. Meredith, Norton
District ; 1909-1910, C. W. Wynant and L. E. Rockwell,
Belleville District; 1910-1916, M. F. Loomis, Colby
District; 1916 to the present time, M. G. Terry, Colby
District.
Norton charge has been well organized from its
early history, maintaining one of the best Sunday
Schools in Northwest Kansas. The organization of a
Methodist Sunday School was perfected in the early
eighties, and for years the superintendents were such
splendid church workers as C. D. Jones, Frank Baker,
L. H. Thompson and G. C. Wright. In 1907 John H.
Bailey was elected superintendent and served for eight
years, being succeeded by Guy H. Jaggard, who served
for one year and was succeeded by the present super-
intendent, Mrs. C. B. Walker. The school now num-
bers thirty officers and teachers and a total enroll-
ment of 415. The Epworth League was organized
October 3, 1893, and has a membership of forty-two.
244 History of Methodism
A well organized Junior Church is maintained and has
an enrolled membership of forty-seven boys and girls
between the ages of eight and sixteen years. Two
active Ladies' Aid Societies are doing splendid work.
The Ladies' Aid Society is composed of the older ladies
of the church and is under the presidency of Mrs. Alice
Campbell. This organization has contributed to the
various departments of church work an average of
about $150 per year. The Methodist Episcopal Guild
is composed of the younger ladies of the church and
has bean active in church and community interests.
Mrs. J. M. Scott is president, and the contributions of
this organization exceed those of the older society by
a small margin. For many years the church has main-
tained a strong Woman's Foreign Missionary Society,
the beneficial influences of which have reached to many
foreign lands. Mrs. C. D. Jones is the president and
the offerings of this society in 1916 amounted to $135.
One of the most helpful organizations of the church is
the Methodist Social Club, which is composed of all
the members of the church, and is in charge of one of
the regular prayer meetings each month. It is a thor-
oughly organized plan for the development of the social
life of the church and has been most helpful.
Norton has entertained the Northwest Kansas Con-
ference twice, in 1891, with Bishop S. M. Merrill pre-
siding, and in 1907, with Bishop Luther B. Wilson pre-
siding. The Conference session of 1891 is remembered
on account of the snow blockades, and the fact that
Bishop Merrill was detained at Mankato and did not
reach the seat of the Conference until Saturday eve-
ning. From the organization of the society to the
present time, Norton has been recognized as one of
the important churches in Northwest Kansas Meth-
odism. Her pulpits have been supplied by the strong-
est men of the Conference, her growth has been steady
In Northwest Kansas 245
and continuous, until with her present membership
of 330 her future is full of promise. The following-
notes are worthy of record :
April 3, 1895, J. L. King reported that he closed
his pastorate of four years. The year just closing had
been a good one ; seventy had joined the church during*
the year.
March 4, 1908, L. A. McKeever had enjoyed a good
revival. Presiding Elder Meredith preached three ser-
mons at the opening of the meeting, and J. P. Brush-
ingham spent two weeks on the charge, with gracious
results. Fifty-five members of the church took the
"win one" pledge. Eighty were converted or re-
claimed, and sixty-six united with the church. There
were sixteen men over forty years old.
The minutes of 1917 give the following church
property : Church, $8,000 ; parsonage, $2,000 ; current
expenses, $396 ; full members, 321 ; preparatory, 15 ;
salaries pastor, $1,500; D. S., $104; Bishop, $26; C.
C.'s, $65; benevolence F. M. S., $185; H. M. S., $92.
Grand total, $1,146. Sunday School: Officers and
teachers, 30; enrollment, 412; average, 161; expenses,
$274. Epworth League : Senior, 391 ; Junior, 46. W.
F. M. S., $135.
OBERLIN.
He was followed by W. J. Meredith, who for some
years had been a student in Baker University. He did
good work. A church was built at Lyle that summer.
It was built of sod, but was plastered inside and was
comfortable and commodious. It was dedicated by
Rev. C. W. Caseley, who said of the building, it is a
perfect gem.
Meredith had some peculiar experiences that year.
At his first wedding the bridegroom fainted. Still he
got the knot so securely tied that it did not slip. He
received but $75 for his year's work, but he got a wife,
246 History of Methodism
who has been a faithful and efficient helper through
all the years.
The Presbyterian Church was organized in Ober-
lin January 11, 1880, and the Baptist January 31 of
the same year.
Dr. Caruthers was followed on the district by H.
G. Breed, and I. L. Day was appointed pastor at Ober-
lin. This was in the spring of 1882, when the North-
west Kansas Conference was formed by the division of
the Kansas Conference. Brother day served the charge
but one year, and was followed by C. P. Stayton.
It has been said, "It takes all kinds of people to
make a world, but it would be a better world if there
were not some kinds." We had one of this kind at
Oberlin. He always took every possible opportunity to
make a speech. One night the pastor opened the doors
of the church and invited people to unite with it. This
man came forward and gave his hand to the preacher,
but before the pastor had time to say anything, the
candidate for membership waved his hand to the audi-
ence for silence and began to talk. His remarks were
designed as an explanation as to why he proposed to
unite with the Methodist Church. He said he did not
approve of some of her rules, and could not subscribe
to all of her doctrines, but he had decided to have his
name enrolled among the members. The pastor spoke
up and said : "Brother, I have no authority to receive
any one who does not believe our doctrines and will not
consent to be governed by our rules." The man again
waved his hand and was about to talk again, but the-
• pronounced the benediction and the service
closed.
In the spring of 1884 Rev. George Nulton was sent
to Oberlin. He was a devout and faithful servant of
God, and an ardent lover of his home. He habitually
drove from Oberlin to Lyle on Sunday morning, a dis-
In Northwest Kansas 247
tance of twenty-five miles, reaching there in time for
Sunday School at 9:30. Even at that time he was a
silent sufferer from the cancer that finally caused his
death.
The Presbyterian Church was built in '83, and the
Methodists held their services in it till they built their
own church, three years later. The corner stone was
laid August 8 by the Masons. Dr. Bariteau had charge
of the ceremonies, the pastor conducting the devotions.
Among the deposits in the stone was a Methodist
hymnal, with the name of Mrs. A. E. Bariteau en-
graved on the clasp.
The church was dedicated by Rev. H. D. Fisher De-
cember 19, 1886. The church cost over $5,000; $1,900
had been secured previous to the dedication, and $1,500
was pledged on that day, leaving $1,600 still unpro-
vided for. As is always the case, part of that which
was pledged was not paid, so that when everything
was cleared up, as far as it could be, July 9, 1887, the
society was in debt $2,000. This was borrowed from
the Board of Church Extension. Five hundred dollars
had been borrowed from that board previously, making
a total debt of $2,500. The church languished under
this burden for years.
W. K. Loofbourrow was the next pastor and re-
mained three years. Lyle was connected with Nor-
catur, thus leaving Oberlin a station. There were
classes, however, at Bethel, Cedar Bluffs and Faw-
cetts, which were served at times by the Oberlin pas-
tor. This year, 1887, the Ladies' Aid Society was
organized, with Mrs. Loofbourrow president. The
society has been maintained ever since, and has been
a great help to the church. Mrs. George Robinson,
who was president for many years, is deserving of
special praise. The old parsonage was sold this year
and a new one built. Mr. Loofbourrow was one of
248 History of Methodism
the best sermonizers Oberlin ever had. He was fol-
lowed by C. N. Cain, who came from the East, bring-
ing his Eastern ideas and usages with him, which
did not at all harmonize with our Western notions.
He stayed with us but four months. A. M. Lott filled
out that year and the next.
S. A. Green closed his term on the district and was
succeeded by E. W. Allen. G. W. Hood became pastor
in 1892. The Junior League was organized by him
soon after it had been endorsed by the General Con-
ference. Its life has been somewhat intermittent, but
is at present (1912) a decided success, under the lead-
ership of Mrs. Emma Huddle, who has been president
for five years. W. A. McWright came in '93, and re-
mained two years. He was followed by J. W. Snapp.
He either organized, or reorganized, the Epworth
League, and it has been kept up ever since, and has
been a real help to the young people. I. S. Hall came
to the charge in 1896. His sermons evidenced deep
thought, and it was a pleasure to hear him. He was
followed by J. N. Clark, who soon after disgraced him-
self and the church and withdrew from the ministry.
In the spring of '98 L. O. Housel became Presiding
Elder of Norton District, and Rev. A. N. See became
pastor at Oberlin. See and his estimable wife were
highly esteemed by the people, and did much to restore
to the church the prestige it had lost in recent years.
In September the church debt was readjusted. The
trustees at this time were I. G. Parker, W. H. An-
drews, Alonzo Smith, J. A. Hughes and D. S. Bryan.
The debt had been outlawed, but the trustees were not
willing that the church should be disgraced by the
society's fraudulently evading its responsibility. J. C.
Postlathwait of Jewell ' City was attorney for thfc
church Extension Society. That organization is bound
by its charter to preserve its loan fund sacred. By
In Northwest Kansas 249
donating any part of that to the church, the society
would forfeit its charter. It can donate interest. When
this was made plain to the board, they were quite will-
ing to adjust the debt. The interest was all donated,
and the loan was extended for five years at six per
cent.
In 1902 the sum of $55 was raised by contribu-
tions and placed in the hands of J. J. Jackson, James
Leak and W. H. Andrews, to be used in growing wheat
for the liquidation of the church debt. Mr. Leak was
entrusted with the whole matter, and in five years the
$55 had increased to $1,000.
In 1901 Rev. See was placed on the Ellsworth Dis-
trict and J. M. Miller became pastor at Oberlin. He
remained five years, and proved himself to be an earn-
est, faithful and wise preacher, and administrator.
In 1904 W. J. Meredith was made Elder. Soon
after taking charge of the district he arranged to have
Dr. W. A. Quayle come to Oberlin to assist in raising
the debt. He preached on a Sunday morning, and in
about twenty-five minutes secured enough pledges to
cover the indebtedness. There was great rejoicing
among the Methodists that night. However, the debt
was not all cancelled till 1910. On February 11th of
that year the Ladies' Aid Society paid the last $5 and
the burden was lifted. Owing to the floating popula-
tion, the average resident membership of the church
for sixteen years had not been more than fifty, and
the pastor's salary for twenty years had been $500,
with an addition from the Missionary Society of from
$75 to $150.
In 1903 the Herminston Union revival was held.
This was a great benefit to all the churches. G. L.
Rarick became pastor in 1906 and remained two years.
Since that time the average salary of the pastor has
been $800. M. J. Mumford became the pastor in 1908.
250 History of Methodism
In his first year the Oliver meetings were held. There
was a great religious awakening; 1,000 conversions
were reported. There were many accessions to all the
churches. The Methodist received 182.
C. W. Wynant took the district in 1905, and served
it a little over three years, when he was called to his
reward. L. E. Rockwell was appointed in his place.
The next year Oberlin was placed in the Norton Dis-
trict, and M. F. Loomis was the superintendent, and
W. E. Scott was pastor.
During these years there were five local preachers
living at Oberlin who are worthy of mention: Silas
Spear, Lewis Barr, W. R. Carlton, B. F. Hutchins and
James Leak. James Leak, J. W. Rea and Mrs. Amy
Huddle were the class leaders. Trustees were C. J.
Raymond, C. S. Maddox, C. Fowler, George McMullen,
G. H. Shaw and W. H. Andrews. Mrs. A. A. Grindle
was president of the Ladies' Aid, and L. E. Darrow
recording steward. In 1912 Scott was succeeded by
W. A. Dick, a very faithful successful pastor, who re-
mained till 1916. M. F. Loomis, a faithful and much
loved district superintendent, also closed his term of
service at the same time.
The present membership (1916) is 170, fifty of
whom are non-residents. The Sunday School enroll-
ment, including Home Department and Cradle Roll, is
152. Average attendance, 80. Expenses last year,
$100. O. E. Furman is superintendent. Have a nor-
mal class and use the graded lessons. Epworth League
has a membership of twenty-eight. Hazel Hurst is
president. OTie Home Missionary Society numbers
twenty-two, and Mrs. Abigal Maddox is the president.
Has been organized nine years. The Ladies' Aid So-
ciety was organized in 1887; Mrs. J. W. Rea is the
very efficient president. Present trustees, C. S. Mad-
dox, L. M. Parker, George McNullem, J. Corrall, C. J.
In Northwest Kansas 251
Raymond and George Shaw. Recording steward, J. W.
Rea. James Leak, local preacher and class leader.
Last year the charge pledged $600 to the Kansas
Wesleyan end wment fund. Statistical report for 1917
is as follows: Church, $3,000; parsonage, $1,250; ex-
penses, $100 ; members, 160 ; preparatory, 20 ; support
of pastor, $1,050; D. S., $80; Bishop, $23; C. C. S.,
$46; F. M. S., $28; H. M. S., $24. Grand total, $335.
Sunday School : Officers and teachers, 17 ; enrollment,
167; average, 90; expenses, $100. Epworth League,
Senior, $40; W. H. M. S., $43.
PLAINVILLE.
The Plain ville class was organized in the open air,
in front of the G. S. Slossons sod house, the people
sitting on boxes, trunks and the ground, on March 24,
1878, Rev. L. W. Mickey pastor. The members were
C. R. Durfee, leader; May E. Durfee, G. F. Slosson,
A. M. King, Sarah King, E. M. Gales, L. W. Mickey,
and S. L. Mickey. R. A. Caruthers was the Presiding
Elder and appointed L. W. Mickey, a local Elder, Pas-
tor of the Plainville circuit.
The pastor preached his first sermon on the charge,
April 23, 1876. The first class meeting was held
March 31. The members of the class were nearly all
from Vinton, Iowa, and had been members of the
church there. The first Quarterly meeting was held
in the Slosson home, May 5, 1878.
The Sunday School was organized with E. M. Gale
Superintendent and H. D. Lackore Secretary. H. C.
Miller, of Hays City, presided at the first Quarterly
Conference. The first funeral was of a boy named
Conger, who died from the bite of a rattle snake. The
first wedding was on March 29, 1879, R. M. Rouse
and Matilda McClay were the happy pair.
There were six appointments on the charge : Maple
Grove, Paradise, Pleasant Ridge, Eureka and Webster.
252 History of Methodism
The pastor's salary was fixed at $150.00, but it was not
paid. The first church was of sod and was on the cor-
ner now occupied by the First National Bank. It was
built in 1879. It was without a floor. The Trustees
permitted the School Board to use the room for school
purposes and the board put a floor in the house. Later
a frame school house was built, and as a reciprocal
favor, the church was permitted to use the school house
for sometime.
When Rev. Mickey quit the charge in the spring of
1880 there were 98 full members and 20 probationers.
E. G. Gray was the next pastor and served one
year, when he was succeeded by M. J. Bailey, who re-
mained two years, '82 and '83. The society was char-
tered in 1882 and in '83 lots were secured, on which
they attempted to build a parsonage, but did not suc-
ceed. In 1885 another effort to build was undertaken
but again it failed. In 1886 these lots were sold for
$500.
G. L. Rarick became pastor in 1887 and at once
applied himself to the task of building a parsonage.
A. M. King gave a site, and in due time the house was
erected at a cost of $700. In April of the next year,
the trustees determined to build a church. The con-
tract was let to Ashbury Evans for $1,040. The house
was finished and dedicated, December 25, 1887. The
estimated value of the property was $1,911. A dona-
tion of $300 was received through the Church Exten-
sion Society, from Mrs. Webster. A loan of $300 was
also granted by the Extension Society. Friends in
Ohio, contributed funds for the pulpit and chairs.
The dedication was followed by a gracious revival, in
which 100 souls were converted. A good subscription
list for the Central was also secured.
In 1894 a revival was held by the pastor, W. M.
Sedore, when 120 bowed at the altar, and at the Com-
In Northwest Kansas 253
mimion service shortly after, 100 partook of the ele-
ments.
In 1903-05, Rarick was again pastor. The charge
having outgrown its parsonage, he again applied him-
self to the building of a house, adequate to the needs
of the place, on another and better location, consisting
of a quarter of a block.
The present church was begun in 1906 during the
pastorate of R. E. Dunham, but was not completed
till 1908, when J. C. Helmick was pastor. The build-
ing is 60x84, with basement 30x60, and a furnace
room. The foundation is of native lime stone. The
walls are brick, faced with Chamute pressed brick.
The windows are Cathedral glass, of beautiful de-
sign. The building cost $20,000, and has a seating
capacity for 700. The parsonage is a well constructed,
ten room residence. The church was dedicated March
22, 1909, by Dr. T. C. Iliff. Two thousand five hun-
dred dollars were needed on the day of dedication, to
clear the building of indebtedness. Three thousand
dollars were pledged in a short time. Helmick was
succeeded by M. F. Loomis, on May 12. A warm re-
ception was given the new pastor.
A Ladies' Aid Society was organized in 1888. In
the early years, the society busied itself much, in do-
ing charity work, for the community; but since the
new church was built, the Aid has devoted itself, al-
most wholly, to work for the church. At first they
pledged $600, which was promptly paid. Then $50
were added for a memorial window. Later the base-
ment was finished, to which the Aid contributed $100.
When the church was completed, this Society furnished
carpet for the pulpit and aisles, and chairs for pulpit
and choir, and an individual communion set.
After the parsonage was built, a porch was put on
three sides of it, by the ladies, at a cost of $500.
254 History of Methodism
Since then, the Aid Society has looked after repairs,
and assisted on the pastor's salary.
In the last four years it has raised the following
sums: 1913, $109.75; '14. $89.36; '15, $286.92; '16,
$85.92, total, $571.95. Taken in all, this is one of
the best reports it has been this editors' privilege to
record. In recent years, the Society has contributed
to the pastor's salary, a most ecexllent feature of
this Society is, that its members pray, as well as pay,
so contributed to both the spiritual and material in-
terests of the church.
An Epworth League was organized in 1889, C. L.
Richmond, President. For years the League members
were largely elderly people, but at present young peo-
ple are in control, and they have an excellent League.
The W. F. M. S. was organized in 1901. Mrs. Joslyn
was President. Recently the society has taken on new
life. Eighteen new members have been added. Mrs.
C. Burroughs is President, and Mrs. A. Rexrote, Re-
cording Secretary.
The pastor, J. W. Snapp, says some years ago a
disaffection was started in the church, by unwise
teachings on the doctrine of Holiness. Thirty people
withdrew from the church, and organized a society of
the Nazarenes. For a time the break threatened to
disrupt the church, but better counsels prevailed*
among the disaffected, and the majority settled back
loyally to Methodism. The church is now in a flourish-
ing condition. He names the following persons as
worthy of special mention, as supporters of the
church : W. H. Bartlet, W. A. Green, C. N. Burroughs,
S. K. Wise, F. Reynolds, F. C. Barr, J. Solenberger,
R. R. Yeggy, E. Mead, J. W. Brison, Sarah Burk-
holder, M. McMichels, W. Parkhurts, H. S. Thomas,
J. Travis.
In addition to the pastors already mentioned, the
In Northwest Kansas 255
following men have served the charge: J. M. Miller,
'89-92 ; P. Smith, '92-94 ; W. M. Sedore, '94-96 ; J. W.
Blimdon, '98-01 ; M. J. Mumford, '01-02 ; G. L. Rarick,
'03-05; R. E. Dunham, '05-06; J. C. Helmick, '06-09;
M. F. Loomis, '09-10; L. Steere, '10-11; C. A. Fellows,
'11-14; C. M. Snyder, '14-16; J. W. Snapp, '16-18.
With its good buildings, and the loyal support
which the people give their pastor, Plainville has come
to be one of the most desirable churches in the Con-
ference. The present pastor says: "This has been a
great year for us. One of the best best of my minis-
try. I have held my own revival, and have received
75 into the church, and there are others who will come.
The 1917 report is as follows: Church, $20,000
parsonage, $3,000; F. members, 253; preparatory, 3
expenses, $485; Min. Sup. Pastor, $1,540; D. S., $96
Bishop, $24; C. Cs., $48; Benev. F. Ms., $130; Home
$80 ; Gd. total, $1,402 ; 1 S. S. Os. & Ts., 29 ; total en-
rollment, 468; average, 234; expenses, $192; Ep. L.,
Sr., 42; Jr., 49; W. F. M. S., $28; Aid Soc, in four
years, $572.
PALCO.
Palco charge consists of four appointments : Palco,
Asbury, Zurick and Mt. Pleasant.
Palco class was organized in 1890 by W. C. Jor-
dan. The charter members were Mr. and Mrs. F.
Ross and Mr. and Mrs. I. N. Carver. The first stew-
ards were Mrs. Carver and Mrs. Northup. I. N.
Carver was the class leader. The first Board of Trus-
tees were F. Ross, W. E. Meade, Chas. Meade, Dr.
Northup, I. N. Carver.
The church was built in 1904, John Solenberger,
a local preacher, supplied the charge this and the fol-
lowing year. The church cost about $1,500, and was
dedicated bv the Presiding Elder, Rev. A. N. See. It
256 History of Methodism
was quite a neat little church. It has been remodeled
and improved and is now a commodious building.
The present Board of Trustees are H. E. Meade,
Dr. Northup, J. W. C. Williams, James Tribbes and
J. E. Robeson. The first superintendent of the Sun-
day School was Charles Meade, the present one is
Elmer Meade.
The League was organized in 1906. They are a
class of good workers. Mrs. Minnie McElroy is presi-
dent. There were gracious revivals held by Jordon,
Stone, Mitchell, Nixon, Crippin, Plantz and Davis.
A Ladies' Aid was organized when Nixon was
pastor. Mrs. Nixon being president. A W. C. T. U.
was also organized during Nixon's pastorate, which
is said to have done much to further the cause of pro-
hibition in Rooks County.
In 1909 Plantz began the erection of a two-story
parsonage, which was completed later, with basement
for furnace. There are eight large rooms, a bath-
room and closets. It is said, that when full com-
pleted it will be the best parsonage in the District.
The Asbury class was organized by Brother Jor-
dan in 1888. Charter members were Mrs. Amanda
Hoyt, Mrs. James Morris, Mrs. Sarah King, Mrs.
Amelia Early, and Miss Susan Haupt. The last named
was the first steward. Frank Smith, the first class
leader, and Wm. Henderson, the first S. S. Superin-
tendent.
The class worshipped in the school house, until
1914, when under the leadership of L. C. Hicks, a
church was begun which was completed the next year,
by C. A. Davis, and dedicated free of debt, by J. F.
Harmon on August 15, 1915.
A remarkable thing is reported in connection with
this dedication. There was no collection on the day of
dedication, yet enough funds were in hand to pay all
In Northwest Kansas 257
bills with an overplus in bank of $75.00. Mrs. Hamby,
a worthy sister, made the society a present of an or-
gan. A remarkable statement is also made in refer-
ence to the Asbury Class; they have had regular
preaching service ever since the society was organized.
Other classes, all around, lost out entirely, during the
drouth stricken period. The church membership at
Asbury is 29, that of the Sunday School is 65.
The Zurick Class was organized by A. T. Mitchell
in 1882, in a sod school house, two miles east of Zu-
rich. The charter members were Geo. Stamm and
wife, grandpa Sunday and wife, Frank Hill and wife.
Mrs. Stamm was appointed class leader, elected Stew-
ard and S. S. Superintendent, which offices she held
for several years. The Sunday School was a Union
School for a while, but was made a Methodist school
during the pastorate of T. J. Nixon, with Ezra
Smee, Superintendent.
During the year of crop failure, and consequent
financial embarrassments, preaching service was dis-
continued, but the Sunday School was kept alive.
In 1899 Father Mickey, and a United Brethren
minister, and a pastor of the Church of God, held a
revival meeting which accomplished much good. Zu-
rick class took on new life, and the next year, the
church was built under the leadership of the pastor,
L. H. Smith, at a cost of $1,200.
The trustees were Ezra Smee, J. S. Sparks, Wm.
Paywell, Wm. Spark and Royal Meade. The Epworth
League was organized in 1906. A. W. Dick was the
first president. He has been for several years a wor-
thy member of the Conference ; but the League he or-
ganized and presided over for a time has died. The
membership of the church at Zurick is thirty. That
of the Sunday School is forty-five. The Mt. Pleasant
Class was organized by T. J. Nixon in 1902. For a
258 History of Methodism
time this class was a part of the Ellis circuit. The
charter members were Frank Eaton and wife, James
Samuel and wife, Mr. Pierce and a few others. The
trustees are: F. Eaton, Elmer Berrie, Minnie Burk,
Mrs. Fondoble ; class leader, Frank Eaton ; S. S. Super-
intendent Elmer Berrie. Stewards, Nellie Noah, Louis
Eaton, Mrs. Minnie Burk, Mrs. A. L. Hawkins. They
have no Epworth League. The church being set on a
hill can be seen for miles around, and is a joy to the
whole community. It was built when Rev. J. E. M.
Chambers was on the Ellis circuit, and was dedicated
by Rev. S. U. Brown, Presiding Elder of the Ellsworth
District.
The membership of the churches on the charge
is 143 full members and 23 probationers. The Ladies'
Aid Society at Palso has raised $400. Mrs. Hamilton
is president. That at Asbury of which Mrs. Belle
Sturgeon is president has raised $450, and that at
Mt. Pleasant, of which Mrs. A. L. Hawkins is presi-
dent, has raised $225.
Statistics of 1914 are as follows: Four churches,
$7,000; parsonage, $1,900; members, full, 129; pre-
paratory, 16; expenses, $150; support pastor, $1,278;
D. S., $80; Bishop, $23; C. Cs., $46; F. Ms., $55; H.,
$40 ; grand total benevolences, $490 ; four S. S. Os. &
Ts., 38 ; total enrollment, 275 ; four leagues, Srs., 20.
PRAIRIE VIEW.
This is a three point circuit. Prairie View, Birk-
\ ilk', and Belle Plain.
The church at Prairie View was organized some-
time previous to 1890. Services were first held in a
sod school house, where Reo's Schesser, Barnard Tur-
ner, Bisbee and Young proclaimed the gospel to the
people. Young was the Congregational pastor at Kir-
In Northwest Kansas 259
The church was built in 1890 by the Methodists
with the assistance of members of other churches. It
was dedicated by Rev. M. L. Burroughs. Rev. G. L.
Temnant was the pastor, on the Long Island and cir-
cuit. Prairie View was a point on that charge and
continued to be served by the Long Island preacher
until 1909. It is highly probable that Brother Ten-
ent performed a pastor's part in the building of the
Prairie View church.
The pastors in later years were '91, G. Nulton, '92,
W. S. Morrison, '93-94, H. P. Mann ; '95, W. 0. Allen ;
'96-1900, J. M. Miller; 1901, D. Reese, '02, C. H. Cow-
man; '03-04, B. F. Rogers; '05, A. J. Morton; '06-07,
G. Johnson ; '08-09, W. J. Ward ; '10, J. Morton Miller ;
'11-12, T. J. Nixon; '13-14, Robt. Parker; '15-17, C. R.
Flowers.
In 1909 a church was built at Birkville, the Con-
ference minutes of 1917 reports three churches valued,
at $4,000. In 1915 F. G. Cox, notwithstanding the
many short crops and other adverse circumstances,
started a parsonage and brought it well toward com-
pletion. The building is reinforced concrete and will
last for many years. The officials of the charge are at
Prairie View. Class leader, F. P. Gay; S. S. Supt..
John Van Diest; Stewards, Gay, VanDiest, A. Den-
man and B. Finch ; Trustees, Gay, VanDiest, B. Brown,
S. Roberts, A. Denman. President Aid Society, Mrs.
Flowers.
The Belle Plain class was organized by H. P. Mann,
in May, 1892. C. W. Bisbee and wife and L. C. Shewey
and wife were charter members. The church was
built by C. R. Flowers, costing $3,000, and was dedi-
cated by G. R. Hall, Superintendent of the Salina
District, June 24, 1917. This point was first served
by the Norton pastor. C. W. Bisbee and wife, the
pioneer Methodists of this region, are still active mem-
260 History of Methodism
bers of the Belle Plain Class. The trustees and stew-
ards are C. W. Bisbee, H. W. Curry, H. Pittaway, Mrs.
J. Stevens, C. I. Alexander. A parsonage was built at
Birkville in 1900, costing $500. A church was built
in 1906 costing $2,500. This was burned in 1917.
There was insurance on it of $1500. This is being
held, and the society proposes erecting a $4,000 build-
ing in the near future. The trustees and stewards are
J. R. Duff, D. A. Jorgan, H. Roeder, Mrs. L. Schesser,
Mrs. R. L. Dibble and John Schesser; S. S. superin-
tendent, Floyd Hays; Ep. L. president, C. L., Mrs.
Schesser; stewards, J. Duff, D. A. Morgan. Belle
Plain: C. L., C. W. Bisbee; stewards, C. W. Bisbee,
H. W. Curry, H. P. Pittaway, C. I. Alexander, Mrs.
J. Stevens; trustees, same as stewards. Supt. S. S.,
Mrs. Pittaway; president Ep. League, C. Bisbee.
Two pastors informed the public through the Cen-
tral of some things that occurred at Prairie View. G.
Johnson reported that a revival was held by the pas-
tor, assisted by R. S. Rutledge through which the
church membership was more than doubled. He tes-
tified that the membership is as loyal as can be found.
This was in December, 1906. On January 5, 1912,
T. J. Dixon closed a meeting held in the church of the
Hollanders, in which he was assisted by C. U. Ellis
and wife. There were 100 conversions and some
sought the fullness of the Spirit. In September, 1917,
a revival was conducted by E. O. Hobbs, of Illinois,
and H. S. Jenkins, of Kentucky. There were 53 con-
versions.
The amount of money to be raised at the several
points for the coming year is apportioned as follows:
Pastor
..P.
V.
$570
Birkville .
..$450
B.
P. $228
F. Missions
..P.
V.
47
Birkville .
. . 38
B.
P. 19
Members
..P.
V.
86
Birkville .
. . 40
B.
P. 27
S. S. Scholars
.P.
V.
115
Birkville .
. . 75
B.
P. 60
Cur. Exp. of Ch. ..
. 110
Birkville .
..$ 72
B.
P. 8 35
Our. Exp. of S. S.
. 65
Birkville .
.. 35
B.
P. 24
In Northwest Kansas 261
The statistics of the charge in 1917 follows:
Church, $4,000; parsonage, $1,500; full members,
160; preparatory, 23; expenses, $249; pastor, $920;
D. S., $64 ; Bishop, $14 ; C. Cs., $28 ; F. Ms., 50 ; H. Ms.,
$40; grand total, $1,068; three S. S. Os. & Ts., 39; en-
rollment, 214; average, 110; expenses, $48.
SELDEN.
The Selden Methodist Episcopal Church was or-
ganized by Rev. J. P. Smith, a local preacher, in 1888.
The Sunday School and church services were held in
the school house. J. W. McPeek was pastor, in 1889-
90, and held successful revival meetings, by which a
number of members were added to the class.
In the spring of '89 a board of trustees was chosen,
and a parsonage was built. In the winter of '91-92
a church was built. A. C. Henslee, who was then an
efficient local preacher, was appointed in '91, as pastor.
He was followed by U. M. Creath. The next year
Selden and Rexford were served by A. C. Henslee.
The charge was afterwards served by the following
pastors: '95, L. M. Hall; '96, G. H. Cheney; '97-98,
N. W. Beauchamp; '99, B. F. Rogers; 1900, J. O. Os-
man; '01, J. O. House; '02, J. O. Borton; '03, W. E.
Jenkins; '04-05, J. S. Davis; '06-07, L. C. Hicks; '08,
G. Johnson; '09, L. Munro; '10, H. F. Odel; '11, W. W.
Hulburt, '12-13, no pastor; '14-15, D. E. French; '16,
V. Daniels; '17, J. W. Oliver.
The following facts were gleaned from the Cen-
tral. In February, 1890, J. W. McPeek, pastor, was
assisted by Thos. Muxlow, in a revival, in which there
were 50 conversions. In March, '94, a correspondent
reported that the pastor, A. C. Henslee, was active and
successful. A good meeting was held at McGraw.
The country was sparsley settled, but there were 50
conversions. They were building a new church. In
July, '94, L. M. Hall was pastor at Rexford. The cor-
262 History of Methodism
respondent reported that the spiritual condition of the
charge was good, notwithstanding the adverse finan-
cial conditions.
J. O. Borton was the pastor in 1902. In February,
1903, a revival was held in which he was assisted by
J. R. Thompson and J. T. Bates. There were 13 con-
versions, the church revived and backsliders reclaimed.
The church was built in 1903. W. E. Jenkins, pas-
tor. It was dedicated November 22d, by L. O. Housel,
the District superintendent. The building is 32x48
■with vestibule 8x10, and cost $1,500. $950 were needed
to complete payment, which was secured.
In 1904 this church was destroyed by a cyclone,
while the funeral of Grandma Farmer was being con-
ducted, while friends, surrounded the corpse. The
church and congregation were moved several feet from
the foundation. There were 50 teams around the
church. All vehicles were damaged ; some entirely de-
stroyed. The parsonage was damaged, and the out-
buildings destroyed, but no one was killed.
The report for 1917 gives the following: Two
churches, $5,800; two parsonages, $1,200; full mem-
bership, 144; preparatory, 5; current expenses, $112;
Supt., pastor, $600; D. S., $35; Bishop, $2; C. Cs.,
$11; Benev. H. Ms., $23; grand total, $109; twoS. Ss.
Os. & Ts., 35 ; enrollment, 200 ; average, 125 ; expenses,
$102; Ep. L. Sr., 90; W. F. M. S., $11.
ST. FRANCIS.
This is the county seat of Cheyenne County, the
only county in the state, the writer has ever
visited, in which sage brush flourishes. Methodism
was early established at St. Francis. It was made the
head of a charge in the Conference of 1889. I. S. Hall
was appointed pastor and served five years.
In February, 1891, he reported a revival meeting
held in Cheyenne Valley, in which 30 persons were
In Northwest Kansas 263
converted and reclaimed, ten obtained the blessing
of sanctification, and 18 were united with the church.
The church building was painted and papered at a
cost of $100. The pastor reported that many people
in the county were destitute on account of hard times.
Twenty-three members of the church had left on ac-
count of this. The pastor had received a box of Aid
goods from Minneapolis. At the close of his five-year
pastorate, Hall reported 80 full members and 15 pro-
bationers; two Sunday Schools having an enrollment
of 160.
In 1893 Wm. Sedore was appointed pastor. In
March of the next year he reported a parsonage built
and paid for. He also mentions the fact that J. F.
Willetts, a state legislator, and a successful business
man, devotes much time to the interests of the church.
The Harrison brothers, sons of a faithful local
preacher, are also worthy of special mention in for-
warding the work of the church. The following pas-
tors subsequently served St. Francis: 1894, W. A.
McWright; '95, I. S. Hall; '96-07, F. N. Willis; '98-09,
J. W. Snapp; 1900, L. A. McKeever; '01-04, R. E. Dun-
ham ; '05-06 ; E. V. Allen ; '07, R. S. Rutledge ; '08-09,
N. S. Ragle; '10-12, W. B. Reed; '13-14, W. G. Smith;
'15-17, M. R. Starbuck.
The report for 1894 shows not only that a parson-
age was built but a church valued at $3,500 was also
erected.
In the Central of March 10, 1909, a reporter stated
that NN. S. Ragle has served St. Francis two years.
Two special services were held, the last of which closed
February 21. C. B. Allen assisted. The church had
been greatly strengthened. The people were anxious
for the return of the pastor. Three rooms, a pastor's
study, and two bed rooms had been added to the par-
sonage. At the fourth quarterly meeting, the super-
264 History of Methodism
intendent, C. W. Wynant, preached Sunday morning.
All departments were represented.
In January, 1910, a two weeks' meeting was held.
Evangelist S. A. French, of the St. Louis Conference,
assisted. The entire High School except two professed
conversion. Twenty-five united with the church. No
further change is recorded in the value of property
till 1917. The report for that year gives a church
valued at $30,000, and a parsonage worth $1,700.
The District Superintendent says in his report, con-
cerning this church: "The days of Miracles are not
passed. The beautiful little city of St. Francis built an
elegant $30,000 church and paid every cent of it, in
less than a year. This is one of the neatest, most
beautiful and convenient churches I have ever seen.
St. Francis always does the most gracious thing, and
at this time did not fail; for at the fourth quarterly
Conference, she requested the return of the pastor,
M. R. Starbuck, for another year, at a salary of $1,500,
and parsonage." The pastor served as architect and
overseer in the building of the church.
The statistics gives the following: Church, $30,-
000; parsonage, $1,700; current expenses, $216; mem-
bers, 189; support pastor, $1,450; D. S., $96; Bishop,
$24; C. Cs., $48; Benev. F. Ms., $100; H. Ms., $90;
grand total, $837 ; S. Ss. Os. & Ts., 19 ; enrollment, 245 ;
average, 120 ; expenses, $80 ; Ep. League, Sr. members,
72; Jrs., 41; W. H. M. S., $71.
ST. FRANCIS CIRCUIT.
This name appears of the first time in the appoint-
ments of the Conference in 1892. What points con-
stituted the circuit is not known. It was served in
'92 and 93, by David Harrison. It is doubtful if any
Conference, Brother Harrison remarks that within
of the points included in that circuit constitute a part
of the present one. In the sketch of his work in the
In Northwest Kansas 265
the territory then included in the St. Francis Circuit,
there are now six regular preaching places; and in-
stead of the sod shanties, there are three modern
schoolhouses, used for church services, and two good
churches worth $5,000, and paid for. At the close
of Harrison's second year this appointment was
dropped from the list and does not appear again till
1907, when A. L. Carlton was appointed pastor.
In his first report, 1808, he recorded that there
were 75 full members and 51 probationers, three Sun-
day Schools having 140 scholars enrolled. The next
year there were 100 members and five Sunday Schools
having 48 officers and teachers and two hundred schol-
ars. There was no church property, but they paid the
pastor the first year $540 and the second year $650.
No church property was reported till 1911. That
year there were two churches valued at $4,000; and
the charge paid for building and improving church
property, $1,700, and there was an indebtedness of
$500. No additional church has been built; the two
have been improved bringing the value to $7,000 ; but
the charge has no home for its pastor. The historian
has had no report of this charge and it does not ap-
pear in the circuit reports, the Central of March 7,
1894, contained this statement: "St. Francis Circuit
was organized by David Harrison and served by him
from serving longer."
December 26, 1907, Carlton reported a revival held
with the assistance of Charles Williams, in which 48
were converted and ten sought and found the blessing
of Perfect Love.
The membership at South Fork was more than dou-
bled. The pastors who followed Carlton were, 1911,
D. E. Beltz; 1912, H. W. Dolfe; '13-15, F. NN. With-
am ; '16 ; D. E. French ; '17, Rob't Parker.
266 History of Methodism
Report for 1917 is as follows: Two churches,
$7,000; members, 189; expenses, $250; support pas-
tor, $1,005; D. S., $44; five S. S. Os. & Ts., 50; en-
rollment, 260 ; average, 200 ; expenses, $250.
WOODRUFF APPOINTMENT.
Tradition has it that this class was organized in
1893 and was probably attached to the Long Island
circuit. No report has been made as to the number
of members or who they were. The name appears in
the list of Conference appointments first, in 1898.
The first statistical report appears the next year. J. A.
Arnett was the pastor and served the charge two years.
The first year he reported a church worth $800 and
a membership of 89 full members and 24 probationers.
The church was dedicated October 22, 1890. $187
were raised to complete the payment on the church.
The next year he reported a parsonage worth $400 and
115 full members and 26 probationers. There were
two S. Ss. having 18 officers and teachers, and 100
scholars, with an average attendance of 95. They
paid a cash salary of $285.
The point continued to be the head of a charge,
with varying success, like all other places in that sec-
tion, 1910, when from some cause it was dropped
from the list of appointments. From this point of
view it is not easy to discern why it did not continue
to be the head of a charge. The report for 1909 was
on the whole, the best that had been made since the
charge was organized. There were 113 full members
and 36 probationers, two S. Ss. with 20 officers and
teachers, and 90 scholars, with an average attendance
of 66. They provided a house and paid a cash salary
of $423. The parsonage and church had both been
improved. The church being valued at $1,200 and the
parsonage at $700. Probably there was something
In Northwest Kansas 267
that justified the change, which cannot be discerned
from the reports.
The writer is pleased to be informed that through
the efforts of the District Evangelist, J. Morton Miller,
the class has been revived and has taken on new life.
The pastors who served the charge following Ar-
nett were B. F. Rogers, 3 years ; Harry Fleisher, 1
year ; W. H. Haupt, 1 ; J. H. Summer, 1 ; W. A. Arm-
strong, 4.
ZURICH.
Previous to the present year Zurich has been a
point on the Palco charge. Desiring a pastor to live
among them and not being satisfied with but one serv-
ice on Sunday, at the urgent request of the people,
Zurich was made head of a charge. Mount Pleasant,
a country point 18 miles distant, is connected with it,
and the appointment bids fair to prove a real success.
The pastor, Rev. Roy Plott, writes that they have built
a parsonage valued at $1,700, and painted the church
inside and out. A revival has already been held, re-
sulting in the addition of 40 members to the church.
The trustees at Zurich are Frank Henry, presi-
dent ; Mrs. Foulk, secretary ; Mrs. F. Hayes, treasurer ;
Mrs. J. Stone and Mrs. Tipton, stewards ; Mrs. Sutor,
John Sutor, Mrs. Paywell. League president, Mrs.
Geo. Thompson; Sunday School superintendent, W.
Sparks.
The officers at Mt. Pleasant are trustees, Frank
Eaton, Mrs. Fondoble, Mrs. Noah, Mrs. Hawkins and
Mrs. Burk. The stewards are Mrs. Nellie Eaton, Mrs.
Lois Noah, the league president is Mrs. Nellie Eaton ;
Sunday School superintendent, Frank Eaton. The
pastor states that the work is progressing splendidly.
There is no report of last year, this being the first year
for the charge.
CHAPTER VIII.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCHES IN THE ELLSWORTH
DISTRICT.
Banner.
This class became the head of a charge in 1889. J.
C. Elliott, a local preacher, was appointed pastor. His
salary was fixed at $200, but a deficiency of $28 was
reported. There were 43 members of church and three
Sunday Schools, having an enrollment of 101. This
would seem to be a fair beginning for a country charge
in Western Kansas in that early day, and yet Banner
was dropped from the list of appointments and did not
again appear in that list till 1907. It is then found at
the head of a circuit having 120 members and 16 pro-
bationers. There were three Sunday schools with an
enrollment of 135, and two church buildings, valued
at $3,000. In 1910 the churches had been improved
and were valued at $4,500. But Banner evidently has
the wrong name, for it does not keep the banner wav-
ing. It can not say, "The flag never touched the
ground.
We found that it was visited in 1889 with promis-
ing omens; but in '90 it was lowered and not again
raised till 1907. How long it will wave remains to be
seen. The statistics for 1917 show as follows : Church,
$1,500; members; full, 70; preparatory, 12; foreign
missions, $11; home missions, $16.
Beverly Charge.
During the winter of 1874-5, Rev. I. McDowell con-
ducted several revival meetings in different school
houses in the vicinity of what is now the neighborhood
of Beverly. These meetings were very successful, re-
sulting in securing many converts. One hundred
In Northwest Kansas 269
joined at the three points, viz : Madison, Colorado and
No. 15 school house. These were attached to Lincoln
circuit.
Vesper and Sylvan Grove were two other points on
the circuit. However, this arrangement only con-
tinued for a short time. The last two points were
attached to Tescott and the Lincoln circuit lay west of
Beverly.
In 1887 the town of Beverly was started and the
several classes united to form one class at the village.
Services were held in the school house, then in the
Baptist church, later in a town hall owned by Mr.
Staats.
For a number of years, Tescott and Beverly were
conjoined to constitute a charge. When thus con-
joined, Beverly was at a disadvantage, Tescott having
a good large church, was regarded as the head of the
charge. In 1898 lots were secured at Beverly on Main
street, and a church was built during the pastorate of
M. J. Mumford. It was not reported to the Conference
till 1901. It was then given a valuation of $2,000.
Until recently there has been no parsonage and
consequently the pastor has not resided on the charge.
It has been served much of the time by students from
the Kansas Wesleyan. In 1916 the church was moved
to a more desirable location and a $2,000 parsonage
erected adjoining it. The church and parsonage are
valued at $4,500. They raised last year for church
property, $1,850.
The following are the names of some of the people
who were members of the church in the seventies and
eighties : Dora Webb, James Bell, Fred Skinner, Tom
Skinner, Mr. Lacy, George Ingham, George Hill, John
Bell, John Polley, Nathan Eddy, L. S. Ruggles, John
Savan, William Ricord, John Shaver, Ive Judd, Charles
Cullum, Bill Crosbv.
270 History of Methodism
Some of the pastors who have served the charge
were Isaiah McDowell, S. A. Green, J. W. Blundoii,
John Medcraft, Charles Robinson, J. M. Miller, D. Mc-
Gurk, J. H. Kuhn, and J. A. Plantz.
January 8, 1913, Plantz reported to the Central
that the pastor had received a donation of $7.00 cash,
a study chair and two boxes of groceries.
The church is now well organized and is doing suc-
cessful work. The membership is 85 and 5 probation-
ers. The Sunday school has a total enrollment of 138,
average attendance, 70. The Ladies' Aid is well at-
tended, as is also the Thursday night prayer meeting.
There is a good Gospel team and a live class of Camp
Fire Girls.
The officers are: F. N. Stelson, pastor; Dr. 0. E.
Wolfe, president Board of Trustees ; Mrs. H. Pagan,
president Ladies' Aid; J. H. Horry, superintendent
Sunday school ; Mrs. Maud Caassel, president Epworth
League; Marie Sperry, president Jr. League; Dr.
Albert Cassel, Captain Gospel Team. Stewards are
Mrs. Jennie Bell, Miss Lillian Shaver.
Statitics for 1917: Church, $2,000; parsonage,
$2,000 ; full members, 125 ; preparatory, 5 ; current ex-
penses, $150; salaries, pastor, $742; district superin-
tendent, $51 ; bishop, $73 ; C. C.'s, $26.
Benevolences: Foreign missions, $40; home mis-
sions, $40; grand total, $136; Sunday school officers
and teachers, 17; enrollment, 125; average, 65; ex-
penses, $70; Epworth League, Sr., 40; Junior, 30.
Broivnell.
Brownell, Dauby and Riverside are the three
societies, which together compose the Brownell ap-
pointment. The three points together have a member-
ship of but 72, and there is only one Sunday school,
having 11 teachers and officers and 61 scholars, with
an average attendance of 35. They have a church
In Northwest Kansas 271
valued at $3,000, the current expense of which is $82.
There is no parsonage, but there is a league report-
ing a membership of 31. The pastor was paid last
year, $690, of which Brownell paid $550, Danby $40,
and Riverside, $100. The charge paid on benevolences
was $95 and a grand total of $260.
Bunker Hill.
This is one of the older charges in the Conference,
being entered in the list in 1880, two years before the
Conference was organized. S. A. Green, who entered
the ministry in 1868 was the first pastor. The first year
there were 69 members, 7 probationers, and 1 local
preacher. There were five Sunday Schools having 36
officers and teachers and 140 scholars. Green served
the charge two years. The second year he reported
114 members and 46 probationers; 5 Sunday Schools
having 72 officers and teachers and 460 scholars. The
report for 1888 gives 2 churches valued at $3500 and
that for 1897 gives a parsonage worth $500.
The first pastor was allowed $500 but received only
$260.
The charge was a circuit from its first organization,
though how many, or what were the out appointments
is not now known. Judging from the number of Sun-
day Schools reported by the first pastor, it must have
covered quite a stretch of country.
At present, there are three points: Bunker Hill
Dorrence and Pioneer. The latter is a school house
appointment. There is a church at each of the other
places. The pastor received $1,000 and a house. Of
this sum, Bunker Hill pays $450, Dorrence $350 and
Pioneer $200.
The following pastors have served Bunker Hill:
'80-81, S. A. Green; '82-83, O. N. Maxon; '84, A. J.
McCracken; '85, J. W. Edgar; '86-90, J. N. Cox; '91-
92, Wm. Nash; '93-95, C. W. Talmadge; 96-97, J. F.
272 History of Methodism
Clark; 98, H. P. Colegrove; '99, L. A. Dugger; 1900,
M. J. Mumford; '01-03, W. E. Green; '04, W. R. Allen;
'05, B. F. Davis; '06-07, T. J. Nixon; '08-09, J. E.
Brown; '10, C. J. Semans; '11-12, B. D. Brooks; '13,
J. B. Kipple; 14-15, J. E. M. Chambers; 16-17, A. J.
Glenz.
Statistics for 1917.
Two churches, $3,000; parsonage, $1,500; mem-
bers, 74; prep., 43; current exp., $133. Pastor, $1,100;
D. S., $80; Bishop, $20; C. Cr., $50. F. Ms., $74; H.
Ms., $64. Gd. total, $521. Three Ss. O. & Ts., 30
Enrl., 231; Av., 117; Exp., $100; W. F. Ms., $26,
Ep. L. Sr., 60 ; Jr. 40.
Carneiro.
The society at Carneiro was organized by W. S.
Morrison in 1885, who was stationed at Kanapolis.
The first members were Geo. Adamson and wife, Mrs.
Jennie Cook, Mrs. Lizzie Dalgetty, Mrs. Jessie Mor-
gan.
The church was built in 1894 and dedicated the
first Sunday in January, 1895, by the Presiding Elder
of the District, W. A. Saville. John Hogan, the prince
of church builders, was the pastor at Kanapolis in
1894-05. So it is safe to say that he built the church
at Carneiro. No improvement has been made since
it was dedicated. This point was a part of the Kana-
polis circuit till 1913, since which time it has been a
separate charge, and has been served by the follow-
ing pastors: 1914 suppdied by W. H. Sweet; 15-17, D.
O. Gunckle. In 1915 there was a church valued at
$1500, 41 full members, a Sunday School having 10
officers and teachers and 62 scholars.
They paid the pastor $326 and a total for minister-
ial support of $367. They contributed for missions
$63 and for all benevolence $104. Ep. League Sr., 15.
In Northwest Kansas 273
In 1903 0. B. Smith moved into the neighborhood
with his family. This was very fortunate for the
Carneiro Church. Smith and his wife were earnest
Christians, and devoted to the interest of the church.
Their home was always open for the entertainment of
the pastor. Their three sons Ralph, Paul and Mark
and daughter Ethel, all united with the church in
childhood, and like their parents were devout Chris-
tians. The daughter married Mr. John Ulricson, who
is also a Methodist. So the Smith family constituted
a very important part of the Carneiro Church.
The Conference of 1917 combined Carneiro and
Langby, so the statistics give the figures for both
churches. Report for 1917 follows: Two churches
$3,800; full members, 139; current expenses, $206;
support pastor, $667; D. S., $48; bishops, $11 ; C. C's.,
$25; F. M's., $57; H. M's., $28; grand total, $387; two
S. Ss. Ow's. & T's. 25; Enrjut, 263; A v., 89; Exp.,
$117.
Culver.
The Culver Class was organized in the year 1871.
The members were Captain Morberly and wife, R. H.
Lesley and wife, Mrs. Clark, Mrs. Bell and Mrs. Lewis.
It is not known where this class met, but in 1872,
meetings were held at Lockard, and in 1873 a service
was held in the Cox school house.
Rev. H. R. Golden was the preacher. He had an
appointment also at Faulin and at the Norton school
house. He held services at these several places every
three weeks. In '74 he organized a class of 30 mem-
bers at the Cox school house. Only two of the 30 were
living in 1913. These were Jonas McCullick, and Mrs.
Suenberger.
In 1885 Father Phillips was class leader. The
classes at Crown Point, Pleasant Hill and Lockard
w r ere consolidated.
274 History of Methodism
The charter for the Culver Church was filed Oc-
tober 1st, 1886. The name was The First Methodist
Church of Culver, Ottawa County, Kansas. The char-
ter members were C. E. Whitney, A. H. Fisher, G.
Brunei", R. H. Lesley, A. J. Lyple C. B. Brisco, J. A.
Mayes. These were the trustees and were qualified,
September 15, 1886, before R. C. Stanley, J. P., Cul-
ver, first appears in the last of Conference appoint-
ments in 1887.
The local church has a record of those who served
the charge previous to that time. This writer has no
way to vertify that record, so cannot vouch for it, but
assuming that is correct, he gives it as it was given to
him.
H. R. Golden, 1874 to '77 ; '77 to '80, J. M. Miller ;
O. N. Maxon, '80-81; J. W. Nlundon, '81-83; R. P.
Howe, '83-84 ; W. R. Leigh, '84-85 ; S. L. Semans, '85-
89; J. H. Ruhn, '89-90; J. W. Edgar, '91-92; M. 0.
Moyer, '92-93; B. F. Rogers, '93-94; S. W. Welty. '94-
95; J. W. Snapp, '96-April to September, '96; W. D.
Schermerhorn, '96-97 ; M. G. Terry, '98-99 ; H. 0. Hol-
ter 1900-01; C. W. Stevens, '01-04; L. A. McKeever,
'04-05 ; James Flowers, '05-07 ; J. T. Bates, '07 ; J. B.
Kipple, '08-09; I. L. McKeah, '10-'12; J. F. Johnson,
'13; L. C. Cobb, '14-16; W. E. Scott, '17.
Two young men now serving as pastors in the Con-
ference, started from this charge; O. A. Darnel and
W. C. Brayman.
February 3, 1892, Edgar reported that a three
weeks' meeting was held at Lockard School House.
The church was revived. With the assistance of E.
H. Bailiff a meeting was held at Culver, 31 joined the
Methodist and Presbyterian Churches. The fourth
Quarterly Meeting was held on a Monday; one infant
and one adult were baptized.
The Central of January 29, 1902 contained a re-
port from C. W. Stevens, of a revival at Culver in
In Northwest Kansas 275
which twelve were converted, and fifteen joined the
church. The issue of February 25, 1903, had another
report stating that the parsonage had been improved
by the addition of four rooms and two porches at a
cost of $525. All benevolences were full and he hoped
to double the amount for missions. Two revival meet-
ings had been held in which thirty were converted and
joined the church.
March 2, 1904, gasoline lamps had been put in
the church and a coal house had been built. The
church and community surprised the pastor. A pleas-
ant evening was spent.
Statistics for 1917 are as follows : Church, $3,000 ;
parsonage, $1,500; members full, 195; Prep., 14;
Exps., $56; pastor $1,050; D. S., $80; bishop, $20; C.
C, 50; benevolence F. Mis., $50; H. Ms., $40; Gd.
total, $612; three S. S. & T's. & Ofs, 33; Enrl., 283;,
Av., 136; Exp., $107; Ep. L. Sr., 40; WHMS, $71.
Claflin.
The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized at
Claflin in the year 1888 by E. H. Rubicon. The names
of the charter members were not preserved on the rec-
ords. The society was first connected with the Hol-
rood Circuit of which C. M. C. Thompson was pastor.
He served the charge three years and was succeeded
by W. K. Haupt who was paster but one year, but dur-
ing that year a church was built which was dedicated
in June, 1893.
The trustees were G. W. Morris, G. A. Palsket,
Sarah M. Grizzel, John Dunston and M. C. Elmove.
Haupt was followed by J. W. Blundon who made his
home in Claflin and lived in a one room house which
stood where the present parsonage stands. Blundon
served the charge five years and was succeeded by C.
W. Talmadge.
276 History of Methodism
He made an addition of three rooms to the parson-
age and served the charge three years.
A. T. Mitchell, a local preacher was pastor 1901-
1902 and was followed by F. D. Funk. During
his pastorate the parsonage was remodeled and
two more rooms added. S. L. Semans came to the
charge in 1907 and served two years. During
his stay the church was remodeled and improved by
the expenditure of $1900. Opera chairs took the
place of the old pews and a furnace was in-
stalled. The church was rededicated, and sufficient
funds were pledged to complete the payment for the
improvements. W. H. Sweet preached the dedicatory
sermon. J. O. Borton succeeded Semans in the pas-
torate, in the spring of 1909, and remained on the
charge till August 1910, when he was lifted from Claf-
lin by the Presiding Elder, and placed at Ellsworth;
and J. E. Wilson of the Northwest Indiana Conference
was transferred to the Northwest Kansas Conference
and stationed at Claflin. He remained two years. He
was his own evangelist and during his first year there
were sixteen accessions to the church, and ten the
second. U. S. Hardton was his Sunday School super-
intendent, and held the place four years. In 1914 C.
E. Wood was appointed to Claflin. The record shows
thirteen accessions during the year.
Wood was followed by L. M. Canfield, the present
pastor. The Sunday School and congregation have
both improved very materially. A revival was held
in November, with the assistance of C. A. Kemp and
wife of Winona, Kansas, in singing and work with
the children resulting in forty-two conversions and
accessions to the church.
Both church and parsonage were painted and plans
are being laid for a new church. The League num-
bers thirty. Harry West is president, Ethel Matthews,
In Northwest Kansas 277
Luce Hiff, Pearl Matthew, and P. H. Surcher are
vice-presidents, Elsie Ruch is secretary-treasurer.
The League is not as active as it should be; but a
few years ago they purchased and paid for a piano
for the church. This year they have assumed pay-
ment of $25 toward the church budget.
A Junior League was organized in 1892 — W. H.
Haupt, pastor.
Church, $3,000; parsonage, $1,500; full members,
113; preparatory, 5; pastor, $1,200; D. Supt., $80;
bishop, $20; C. C's., $50; F. Mis., $80; H. Mis., $13;
total, $560.
S. S. O's. & T's., 24; total enrollment, 215; ex-
penses, $156; Ep. L. Sen., 30; W. F. M., $55.
Ellis.
The Ellis Class was organized in 1877. The
charter members were Wm. and Fannie Patient, A. B.
and Martha Norcross, E. S. Perigo, Mrs. C. I. Perigo,
A. A. Bowen, E. M. Bowen, G. G. Lee, and Allen Red-
ding.
The name first appears in the statistical report of
1879 where Hays City and Ellis appear together
though there really is no report made for the year. In
the appointments J. Webb was appointed pastor. How-
ever, in the statistical tables of the next year, N. A.
MaKeeney is conjoined with Ellis; and the charge
thus constituted gave an account of itself.
In the Minutes of 1880 that charge reported 104
members two local preachers, a church worth $1,500;
there were three S. S.'s having 18 officers and teachers
and 158 scholars ; and they paid the pastor $475 ; but
in the appointments for that year, Hays and Ellis are
again put together.
Eighteen hundred eighty-two is the first report in
which Ellis stands alone. That year there were two
S. S's. reported, having eleven officers and teachers
278 History of Methodism
and 100 scholars, a church worth $1,500 and they paid
the pastor $484 and $2 for Missions.
The pastors who have served the charge were as
follows: 77-78, R. B. Turner; 1879-80, J. Webb; '81,
J. W. Graham ; '82-83, W. T. Robinson ; '84, J. Pittin-
ger; '85, E. B. L. Elder; '86-87, B. F. Hewitt ; '87-88, J.
N. Moore ; '89, O. N. Maxon ; '90-92, W. A. Saville, '93-
95, G. H. Woodward; '96-7, W. R. Allen; '98, R. H.
McDade; 99-02, J. F. Johnson; 1903-05. J. C. Helmick;
'06-10, H. H. Bowen; '11, W. K. Stalnaker; '12-13, L.
B. Tremain; '14-17, J. A. Westerman.
W. A. Saville who was at Ellis during the years
'90-1-2 gives such a pleasing report of his work he is
permitted to tell his own story. He says : "On coming
to the charge, I was very cordially received. Each
year of our stay, the Lord blessed us with good re-
vivals. We put into operation some new things, which
was a great help to the young people. I think the most
important thing I did was giving to the church the
ministry of Brother C. W. Talmadge.
"He was converted in our meetings, and received
on probation, and later into full membership. A. Y.
M. C. A. was organized, and he was put in charge of
it. He did a most excellent work among the R. R. men.
He has an excellent wife, through whose influence he
was led to Christ, and later into the ministry. There
were many colored people living in the north part of
town, who had no service of their own, and did not
attend ours. I visited them, and started a Sunday
School, and then they invited me to preach for them,
which I did in the afternoon on Sundays. In the course
of time they became anxious for a church, and a sub-
scription was started for that purpose. Quite a little
sum had been pledged, and about fifty dollars had been
collected and deposited in one of the banks.
"The town was startled one morning, to learn that
that bank had closed, and the banker had absconded.
In Northwest Kansas 279
Not only had the church lost the money they had de-
posited, but I and many others had lost all our sav-
ings. So that spoiled our prospects for a church for
our colored friends.
"I attended two golden weddings while living at
Ellis. The first was a unique affair. The youngest
daughter in the family, had arranged to be married
on the day that the Golden Wedding would occur ; and
I had been engaged to perform the ceremony. When
the aged couple came on the floor, they were accom-
panied by the young bride and groom elect. When I
had closed my little speech to the old folks, they step-
ped aside and the young people took their places, and
to the astonishment of the entire company began to
repeat the marriage ceremony. The whole thing pass-
ed off very pleasantly, and to the delight of all con-
cerned.
"The other Golden Wedding was that of the parents
of Dr. Norcross of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. The old
people lived five miles in the country but notwith-
standing that a very large company gathered at their
home, and a most delightful time was enjoyed.
April 21, 1893, G. W. Woodward reported to the
Central that the charge had been left in good condition
by the previous pastor. All financial claims had been
met; congregations good, 50 to 70 at Prayer Meeting.
Y. M. C. A. doing good work among R. R. men.
July 28 of same year Children's Day collection
amounted to $20.
January 3, 1894, the R. R. men surprised the pastor.
He was invited to the church where one of their num-
ber in a neat speech presented him a set of furniture
and a purse with which to purchase portiers. The
Christmas exercises were good and well attended.
April 21, 1897, W. R. Allen reported that on his
return for the second year he had been invited to give
the Memorial Address at Russell.
280 History of Methodism
February 9, 1910, H. H. Bowmen had paid $800 on
the church debt, and had provided for entire debt. A
1300 lb. bell had been placed in the belfry.
At present the S. S. superintendent is D. C. Gug-
ler, League president Miss Grace Hourton; president
of Ladies' Aid Mrs. H. W. Griffith; president W. F.
Missions Mrs. J. A. Westerman. Report for 1917
follows :
Church, $6000; parsonage, $1200; Exp., $231; F.
member, 118; prep., 3; pastor, $1300; D. S., $80;
bishop, $20; C. C's., $50; F. Mis. $162.
Ellsworth.
This charge was organized in 1872. James Con-
ner was the pastor and James Lawrence the presiding
elder. Ellsworth was a cattle town and was the
rendezvous for cow boys and did not boast of an ideal
city government.
The following persons were charter members of
the Ellsworth Church : Mary Allen, J. Arnold, Hannah
Cole, George Cole, Lyman Cole, George Enoch, Persie
Enoch, B. T. Loomis, J. C. Loomis H. M.
Lee, Ledonia Lee, John McDonald, Dr. E. G.
Minnick, Mary Minnick, Edward A. Vermillia,
E. O. Vermilla, and Eliza Vermilla. The first
Stewards were E. W. Patterson, E. H. Moberly,
H. H. Whaley, S. R. Farr. The Trustees were Dr. E.
G. Minnick, B. T. Loomis, J. Beebe, H. W. George, Wil-
liam Ashmead. B. T. Loomis was also class leader.
There were six local preachers: John Shackelford, S.
R. Farr, J. Conner, D. C. Osborne, H. C. Williams,
and M. T. Gatlin.
Plum Creek was an out-point twelve miles south
with three Stewards, F. F. Frantz, H. M. Lee, and
Isreal Pornick.
A Ladies' Aid Society was organized in the early
years of the charge and has rendered valuable service
In Northwest Kansas 281
throughout the years. In 1896 an Epworth League
was begun with 26 active members and 22 associate.
In June 1908 a Woman's Foreign Missionary Society
was organized with Mrs. J. W. Bates the first presi-
dent.
Galatia.
This is one of the oldest charges of Western Kan-
sas. It is a four point circuit composed of the follow-
ing classes: Pleasant Dale, Olivet, Winterset, and
Galatia. Pleasant Dale is the oldest organization of
the charge the class having been formed in 1889. There
is now a membership of thirteen. They have a church
valued at $2,000; and pay the pastor $175 and for
current expenses, $40. G. W. Hopkins and Mrs. B.'S.
Minnick are trustees.
The Galatia class was organized in 1891. They
have a membership of 31.
There is a church valued at $2000 and a parsonage
and barn worth $1300.
They pay the pastor $375 and pay for current ex-
penses, $100.
The trustees are C. W. Gustin, Ben Myers, and J.
P. Rishel. The stewards are Mrs. F. F. Harmon, Mrs.
H. Dumler, and J. P. Rishelon a steward, and also S.
S. superintendant.
The Olivet class was organized in 1894. It is a
small class of but 10 members; but they have a church
reckoned to be worth $2000, and they pay $200 on
pastors salary, and $40 a year for current expenses.
The trustees are A. W. L. Larkins and Mrs. Margaret
Shields.
Wintersett is likewise a class of but 10 members,
who meet in a school house. Dora Cromwell and
Joseph Krause are the stewards. They pay the pas-
tor $150, and pay $25 current expenses. The class
was organized in 1894.
282 History of Methodism
The statistics given for the charge are as follows:
2 churches, $6000; parsonage, $1000; members, 70;
expenses $165; suppt. pastor, $950; D. S., $64; bis-
hop, $16; C. C's., $40; F. Ms. H. Ms., 0-0; grand
total, $539 ; S. S. officers & teachers, 13 ; Enrl., 64 ;
average, 30; Exp., $25.
The Elmdale class of 17 members was formerly
a part of this charge, but was transferred to the
Hoising charge in 1916.
Gram field.
This charge is situated in the northern part of
Gove County on the Union Pacific. It is not known
when the class was organized. The name appears in
the list of Appointments, first in 1886. M. M. Stolz,
the presiding elder says: "The circuit was organized
that year. It consisted of four points on the railroad :
Grainfield, Grinnell, Buffalo Park and Quinter." The
elder remarks that each point will be the center of a
good charge when the country develops. This heroic
faith may possible be realized sometime, but that time
is still future.
The first pastor was L. A. Dugger. He reported a
church worth $600, with a debt of $200. No Sunday
School was reported, probably it was a Union school.
Ten dollars were paid for missions and $445 for min-
isterial support.
Those who were afterward appointed to Grain-
field were as follows: F. M. Culp (a Supply) '87; T. J.
H. Taggart, '88; H. S. Plummer, '89; H. Dalton, '90;
John Hogan, '91-3; J. A. Colwell, '94 ; J. F. Clark, '95;
W. E. Scott, '96-8; H. P. Colegrove, '99-00; W. M.
Dews, '01-04 ; J. J. Mickey, '04-05 ; R. Bisbee, '06 ; J. H.
Solenberger, '07-8; C. J. Barner, '09-10; W. J. Ward,
'11; O. M. Freeman, '12-14; R. E. Lawhead, '15; Kip-
ple, '16-17. Having had no report from the charge,
In Northwest Kansas 283
this historian can only recite what these men have re-
ported to the Central from time to time.
T. J. H. Taggart says of his pastorate: "My first
experience at Grainfield was the facing of situation
growing out of a trouble between the pastor and one
of his officials. The altercation had almost culminated
in blows. Then the preacher gave up his charge but
remained in the town and tried to act as a horse train-
er. So the church had been without a pastor for a
time before I went to it. W. W. Stocking had been
placed at Gove City. The Grainfield Circuit was to
consist of Grainfield, Grinnell, and other points that
could be picked up.
"Brother Stocking soon left Gove, and went back
to the shops at Ellis. So Gove was annexed to Grain-
field, and I had the only big circuit, of my pastorate.
I had taken up a school house north of Grainfield and
one northwest of Grinnell. These, with Indian Creek
and Gove made a charge of six appointments, and I
preached eight times in making the circuit every three
weeks.
October 11, 1893, F. A. Colwell reported that a
two weeks meeting had been held in a sod schoolhouse.
Room was crowded. Twenty had joined the church.
The crop was a total failure. January 2, '95, he re-
ported that 164 had joined since he took charge.
W. F. Scott reported in November, 1897, that by
removals the class had faded out, but by a house to
house canvass a debt of $106, had been raised, and
thus the reputation of the church had been saved.
In the Central of December 24, 1902, W. M. Dews
reported that a successful meeting had been held with
the assistance of Mrs. P. J. Eperson. A number were
converted and sanctified, and quite a number joined
the church.
Statistics of 1917: 2 churches, $3000; parsonage,
$2300 ; members, 65 ; Prep., 9 ; Cur. Exp., $60 ; pastor,
284 History of Methodism
$910; D. S., $58; bishop, $14; C. C's., $35; 2 S. S. O's.
& T's., 21; Enrl, 186; Av., 130; Exp., $70; F. Ms.,
$15; H. Ms., $15; Gd., total, $190; Ep. L. Sr., 45.
Gove.
The Gove Circuit was organized in 1887, and ap-
pears in the statistical reports, first in 1888. Two
Sunday Schools were reported having ten officers and
teachers, and forty-five scholars. Sixty-two full mem-
bers and seven probationers were reported, and they
paid the pastor $226 and $14 for Missions.
W. W. Stocking was the pastor who was returned
for another year, but for some reason he soon gave
up his charge, and returned to the R. R. shops at Ellis.
Gove was then annexed to Grainfield Circuit, and was
continued in that circuit for a number of years. It
was not the head of a charge again, until 1905. At
that time two churches and two Sunday Schools were
reported. The churches were valued at $1600. There
were also two parsonages valued at $1000. There were
171 full members and 22 probationers. J. J. Mickey
was the pastor and they paid him $610.
In the Fall of 1904, the pastor, W. W. Dews as-
sisted by J. C. Helmic, held a successful meeting, in
which 60 professed conversion. An Epworth League
of 31 members was organized ; twelve subscribers
were obtained for the Epworth Herald and three for
the Advocate.
Twenty-eight united with the church. In Septem-
ber 1906, R. Bisbee was pastor. He held a ten days'
meeting, in which 50 persons were converted.
That year only one church was reported which was
valued at $1,500 and the parsonage was estimated to
be worth $1,000. There were 113 full members and
25 probationers. The Sunday School reported 19 of-
ficers and teachers, and 107 scholars. There were 50
members of the Senior League, and 25 of the Junior.
In Northwest Kansas 285
The following men have been the pastors of Gove:
1908-09, A. D. Kiee; '10-12, J. B. Siter; '13-14, D. 0.
Sunckel; '15-16, E. S. Pangburn ; '17 N. W. Weaver.
Every church organization is dependent upon the
faithfulness and fidelity of individual men and women,
and the history of no church can be fully written with-
out giving the names of at least some of these people.
It would be a pleasure to give the names of those who
were the mainstay of every church, but unfortunate-
ly, the writer has not such names at his command.
Statistics for 1917 give the following: 2 Churches,
$3000; parsonage, $1000; members, 91; current ex-
penses, $110; F. Mis., $10; H. Ms., $9; Gd. total, $290;
2 S. S.; 23 officers and teachers; 460 scholars; aver-
age, 251 ; Exp., $62 ; Ep. L. Sr. 46.
Hays.
Leonard Bell was the first Methodist to hold a serv-
ice in Hayes. He was a local preacher, and the meet-
ing was held in a vacant building on South Main
Street, south of the depot. The date of the service is
not known, but it was between 1873 and '76.
Hayes appears in the Conference minutes in 1878,
when B. R. Turner was appointed pastor. He is said
to have organized a class but left no records. In '79
Ellis and Hays together constituted a charge, but in
1879, H. G. Miller was appointed to Hays. It is prob-
able there were out appointments, but like those who
preceded him, he left no records. In 1880, Ellis and
Hays together constituted a charge, and J. Webb was
appointed pastor. He left the charge in June, and
there is no record of services during the remainder
of the year.
In 1881, A. C. Pattee was appointed to Hays, and
Smoky Hill Valley. He remained on the charge till
1884, when Ellis and Hays were again put together,
and J. Pittinger was made the pastor. There is a rec-
286 History of Methodism
ord that on September 7, 1884, A. N. See, baptized
two persons, and on November 14 of that year A. W.
J. Best received two on probation.
At the conference of 1885, Hays was omitted from
the list of appointments, and in 1886, it was left to be
supplied. J. W. Blundon was appointed as the supply,
and remained two years.
In march 1888, A. W. J. Best was appointed to the
charge, but in July, he left. He was followed by J.
Wilkinson, who remained till October, when he also
left. From this time till March 30, 1889, Hays was
without a pastor when T. J. H. Taggart took charge.
Brother Taggart says of his experience here: "When
I went to Hays, I found a church with a mortgage on
it, and a subscription list of one page. All other rec-
ords were missing. During the years I was there,
nothing was done to provide for financial obligations.
Removals and drought worked havoc, until it was with
effort that existence was maintained. The first signs
of returning spiritual consciousness came during a
three weeks' meeting, held just before the close of the
last year of the pastorate.
"Good meetings were held at Lookout, and a new
class was organized at Good Hope, and school house
southwest of Hays."
Since Taggart's pastorate, Hays has been served
by the following men: '92, G. Nulton ; '93-5, J. F.
Clark; '95-7, L. A. Dugger; '97-1901, W. C. Jordon ;
'01-03, J. W. Blundon; Oct. '05 to April '06, J. N. See;
'06-08, M. J. Mumford; '08-11, A. N. Smith; '11-17,
A. S. Hale.
In May, 1886, Mr. Hill P. Wilson donated lots on
the N. E. Comer of Oak and Floyd Jones Streets. The
lot is 100 ft. front, and 125 ft. deep. Upon this site,
a frame church was erected during the pastorate of
J. W. Blundon, and dedicated March 20, 1887.
In Northwest Kansas 287
The trustees were: L. H. Boyd, Chas. M. Chase,
Thos. E. Fulgum, S. B. Kidder, H. S. Hancuff, Jas.
Reeder, F. R. Buzzard, W. T. Moorman. The same
names are on the charter of the society. The building
was erected by Mr. Gager and painted by M. J. Bell.
Trees were planted on the lots and cared for by the
pastor, J. F. Clark, in 1893-4.
The Kansas winds were too strong for the house,
and it was strengthened with poles on the outside.
In 1898, under the pastorate of W. C. Jordon, the
poles were removed, and the house was remodeled,
ceiled with corrugated steel, repainted, and rededicat-
ed February 26, 1899. The trustees at this time were:
F. W. Kraus, H. H. Pierce, Frank Bice, Jerry Feller,
W. S. Harrison.
In 1908, Mrs. Gottlieb Riedell made a contribution
of $25 for a new church, with a promise that more
would be given when the church should be built, and
it should be a memorial to her husband.
In 1909, the new building was begun. The old
church was divided, and the two parts used for the
north and south extension of the new building, which
is a frame with brick veneer. The corner stone was
laid by Bishop McDowell in a fearful dust storm, on
the 29th of March, 1910; A. N. Smith, the pastor, as-
sisting in the service. The church was dedicated, July
31, 1910, by Dr. T. C. Cliff.
On March 22, 1911, the Annual Conference met in
the church presided over by Bishop D. H. Moore.
While the church was building, the services were held
in the G. A. R. hall.
A parsonage was built in 1905, on a lot adjoining
the church lot, purchased from Harry Freese, and
wife, for $125.
When the first church was built, the church Ex-
tension Society made a donation of $250.
288 History of Methodism
This data for this history was collected in 1912.
The original records of 1878 give the names of but
three persons: Amanda J. Bell, David Scoville and
wife. Nineteen more names had been added, in 1882.
At the time of this writing, 1912, not one of those re-
mains in the church. From 1882, to '92 one hundred
seventy-three names were added. Of these, six re-
main. In the next decade 98 names were added; of
these 22 are still members. It would be interesting
to know the facts in reference to the next decade, but
the historian failed to gather them.
In October, 1911, the Hays Sunday Schools enter-
ed into a contest with the schools of the District, in at-
tendance, and collection, and won first place on both
points. George R. Telford was the superintendent.
In 1904 a young people's class for both men and
women was organized to provide a class for the Nor-
mal students. From 1902 to 1909, 70 per cent, of the
total enrollment of the Normal, were enrolled in this
class. It grew to such proportions that the lesson
study period was removed to a separate room. In
September 1909, the class was divided and organized
into a Young Men's and Young Women's Adult Bible
Classes. The young ladies' class is named "The Glean-
ers." Its first president was Lulu Rice, the first teach-
er was Anna Keller. Two hundred twenty-six young
women have been enrolled in it in the two and a half
years since its organization. The present teacher,
1912, is Mrs. Josiah Main, who took the class in June,
1911. The first president of the young men's class
was Joe Irwin, and the first teacher was S. H. Beach.
C. J. Smith was elected teacher in September, 1910.
Seventy young men have been enrolled in the class.
January 1, 1906, M. J. Munford reported to the
Central that union revival services were held for 19
nights by the Methodists, Lutherans, and Presbyter-
ians. Preparatory for the work, the Epworth League
In Northwest Kansas 289
had studied personal evangelism and the pastor had
given lists of unsaved people to members, and insisted
that each one hold himself responsible for the names
on his list.
A spirit of unity and brotherly love prevailed. Stu-
dents of the Normal came in large numbers. One
hundred and sixty made a start in the Christian life.
Twenty-seven joined the Methodist Church.
Reported 1917: Church, $15,000; parsonage, $2,-
500 ; members, 263 ; current Exp., $250 ; support pas-
tor, $1700; D. S., $112; bishop, $28; C. C's., $60; S.
S. T's. & Of's., 29; Enrl., 460; Av., 250; Exp., $160;
W. F. M. S., $82 ; Ep. L. Sr., 60.
Hollyrood.
Hollyrood first appears in the list of appointments
in the Conference Minutes of 1889. In the report of
the charge made the next year, we find there was then
a membership of 82 full members, and 33 probation-
ers. There was a church building valued at $1,000, a
Sunday School with 9 officers and teachers, and 70
scholars. The pastor in that year received a salary of
$250, and the sum of $25 was given to missions. This
was certainly a fair beginning for that time and place.
In 1891 another church valued at $1200, and three
additional Sunday Schools were reported, swelling the
enrollment of scholars for the charge to 140. In 1894
a third church valued at $1650 had been erected,
bringing the estimated value of the three churches to
$3,899.
Notwithstanding the promising beginning of this
charge it drops from the list of appointments in 1894
and is not again found there until 1909.
The following pastors have served the charge : '89-
91, C. M. C. Thompson; '92, W. H. Haupt; '93, J. W.
Blundon; 1910, G. H. Cheney; '11-12, W. W. Strife;
290 History of Methodism
'13, C. J. Body; '14, W. H. Zook; '15, J. A. Plantz ; '16,
L. A. Branson ; '17, William Laybourne.
Hollyrood does not seem to have greatly prospered.
In 1917 there were but 37 members and two Sunday
Schools with 17 officers and teachers and 175 scholars.
There are two churches valued at $3,000. The pastor's
salary was reported at $600.
Kanapolis.
This is probably the youngest town of any impor-
tance in Central Kansas. It claims to be the geo-
graphical center of the state, and was given some-
thing of a boost in the start, on that score.
Its chief industry is mining salt. Good wells were
sunk and in a comparatively short time, Kanapolis
came to be quite a shipping point for that commodity.
This contributed quite considerably to the growth of
the town, and to the prosperity of the church which
was soon organized. The town was founded in 1886.
The next year it appeared in the Conference Minutes
as the head of a charge. The statistics of 1888 show
that there were 69 full members and 48 probationers ;
and there were two churches worth $3500, and a par-
sonage worth $300. There were $2000 paid that year
for church property. Two Sunday Schools were re-
ported having 14 officers and teachers and 104 schol-
ars.
The boom for the town did not last. Being at the
center of the state, did not have the attractive power
which the founders of the town had hoped ; so that in
ten years the Kanapolis charge had fallen oif in im-
portance. In 1898 it reported only 66 full members and
35 probationers. An additional church had been built,
but the three churches were valued at only $4000.
They still had but two Sunday Schools, with 18 offi-
cers and teachers and 120 scholars.
In Northwest Kansas 291
In 1906, there was no marked improvement in the
prosperity of the charge. There were then 121 full
members and there were but two congregations on the
charge, and they reported but two Sunday Schools,
having an enrollment of only 100 scholars. There
were two churches valued at $2000.
It is encouraging to note that in recent, year's
Methodism has prospered better, in that vicinity.
Kanapolis has come to be a station. It now reports
one church worth $2000 and parsonage valued at $1,-
500. There is one S. S. with an enrollment of 259, and
a League of 24 Sr. members, and a church member-
ship of 121. The pastors were: '86, J. W. Edgar; '88-
91, J. W. Blundon; '92-3, E. A. Dugger; '94-5, J. Ho-
gan; '96, H. P. Colegrove; '97-99, A. E. Smith; 1900-
03, G. F. Graham; '04-05, T. J. Nixon; '06-10, J. J.
Mickey; '11, R N. Jones; '12-13, C. M. Brown; '14-17,
L. F. Laybourne.
Those who had previously served this territory as
the Venango and Ellsworth Circuits were: T. J. Ream,
W. R. Leigh, E. G. Tozier, O. N. Maxon, R. P. Howe.
James Phillips, and W. S. Morrison.
This section of the country was formerly included
in the Venango Circuit which was organized by T. J.
Ream in 1878. That was previous to the founding of
Kanapolis. The circuit was a three point charge,
Venango, Ash Creek and Buckeye. The pastor's labors
were greatly blessed and a gracious revival attended
the organizing of the circuit. The present pastor L.
F. Laybourne, who has served Kanapolis since 1914,
says, "A number of our members who have passed to
their reward since we came to Kanapolis, or are now
tottering on the brink of the grave, were converted at
that time." He also notes that the Central Advocate
of February 27, of the present year, 1918, contains as
obituary notice of the man who conducted that re-
292 History of Methodism
vival; from the fruits of which both Kanapolis, and
Carniero sprang.
A long delayed report from the pastor brings
knowledge of some facts of interest to those who re-
member the early history of this charge. Instead of
rewriting the whole story, I append them here.
Some of the first members were W. F. Kline and
wife, Wm. Livingston, Charles Livingston and wife,
Mrs. Ackermen, Mrs. J. F. Crawford, Dr. Griffith and
wife, W. H. Reed and wife, J. W. Huder and wife.
The trustees at Kanapolis at present are : W. F.
Kline, G. F. W. Miller, F. C. Griffith and S. S. Shaver.
The stewards are: C. F. Ackerman, V. K. Hartmen,
Mrs. A. M. Snead and Hattie Kline. Mrs. Belle Razell
is class leader, Eva Reaves is League president, Mrs.
A. M. Snead is S. S. Supt. She is also president of the
Ladies' Aid. Bertha Reed is president of the W. F.
M. S. and George Reeves, of the Standard Bearers.
W. F. Kline is leader of the Gospel Team.
This charge now consists of two appointments
Kanapolis and Buckeye.
The officials at Buckeye are: W. L. Reed, C. L.; C.
E. Reed, Albert Birch er and H. E. Kline, stewards.
They have a Union Sunday School superintendent by a
Methodist, C. E. Reed. Most of the officers are Meth-
odists.
The pastor receives $920, of which Kanapolis pays
$632, and Buckeye, $288. The charge pays for Home
and Foreign Missions, $111 ; of which Kanapolis pays
$75 and Buckeye $36.
The statistical report for 1917 gives the following:
Church, $2000; parsonage, $1500; expenses, $175;
members, 121 ; preparatory, 9 ; support pastor, $950 ;
D. S., $64; bishop, $16; C. C's., $40; F. Ms., $45; H.
Ms., $35; Gd. total, $354; S. S. O's. & T's., 17; Enrl.,
259; Aver., 99; Exp., $170; Ep. L. Sr., 24; W. F. M.
S., $68.
In Northwest Kansas 293
La Cross.
When the Kansas Conference was first divided the
sixteenth parallel of latitude was designated the divi-
sion line between the Conferences. This placed Mar-
quette, LaCross, McCracken and other points west in
the Southwest Kansas Conference. The Northwest
Kansas Conference realizing that their territory was
the most unpromising in the state, succeeded in having
a committee on Conference boundaries appointed from
both the Southwest and Northwest Conferences. These
committees were to confer in the interim of the Gen-
eral Conference and if possible agree on a more equit-
able line of division and one more satisfactory to the
Northwest. This committee recommended that the
division line be six miles farther south than that first
fixed. This was done making the seventeenth parallel
the dividing line instead of the sixteenth. The Gener-
al Conference of 1888 made the desired change so at
the Conference of 1889 La Cross was in the North-
west Kansas Conference for the first time and the first
report showed 73 members, a church valued at $1800,
and a parsonage worth $900.
The first year McCracken was connected with La
Cross. G. W. Wheat was the first pastor. The class
at La Cross had been organized in 1886 by Rev. F. F.
Bernstorf, who was living at Winfield. He says of his
work: "We built a two room parsonage 16x24 and dedi-
cated the church January 7, 1887. We also organized
at McCracken, had a board of trustees qualified and a
church site donated December 31, 1886. At the ses-
sion of the Conference of 1887 I was succeeded by C,
H. Gramby and at the next Conference he was suc-
ceeded by J. E. Hopkins."
The following men have served La Cross: '90-92,
G. W. Winterburn; '93, G. Nulton ; '94, J. N. Clark;
'95, W. Applebee; '96, F. L. Templin; '97, A. L. Nor-
294 History of Methodism
fleet; '98, J. F. Johnson; '99-1900, F. L. Templin;
'01-02, C. M. Thompson; '03-04, W. E. Cox; '05, J.
E. Wilson; '06-10, L. E. Layborne; '11-12, E. Turren-
tine; 13, F. L. Proven; '14-16, A. M. Perrill; '17, J.
B. Gilmore.
In 1898 La Cross reported an additional church
valued at $1400. The full amount was paid that year.
There were three Sunday Schools having an enrollment
of 130. There were 75 members and 11 probationers.
In 1905 the church at La Cross was improved bring-
ing its value to $2100. In 1910 additional improve-
ments were made bringing the value of the churches
to $4000.
The labors of E. Layborne seem to have been fruit-
ful of results. He served the charge from 1906 to
1910. When he took charge the membership was 69
full members and 6 probationers ; there were two Sun-
day Schools with an enrollment of 72 ; the two churches
were valued at $3500 and the pastors salary was $650.
Laybourne's last report shows 102 full members, 10
probationers, two churches valued at $4000; three
Sunday Schools with 176 scholars, pastor's salary
$820. The contributions for missions also showed a
corresponding increase, being $29 in 1906 and $168 in
1910.
In 1914 the second church was disconnected, leav-
ing La Cross a station. This of course caused a de-
crease in the statistics for the charge, though there
seems to have been an effort to keep the figures where
they had formerly been.
The report for 1917 gives the following: Church.
$1600; parsonage, $1100; full members, 80; current ex-
penses, $95: pastor's support, $950; district superin-
tendent, $68; bishop, $17; conference claiments, $34;
Foreign Missions, S28 ; Home Missions, $28. Sunday
School enrollment 103, officers and teachers 14.
In Northwest Kansas 295
Lincoln.
December 18, 1870 F. A. Matthews read one of
Bishop Morris's sermons to a congregation of 28 peo-
ple in his own house. This was the first Methodist
service held in the vicinity where Lincoln was after-
wards built. Matthews continued to read sermons on
the Sabbath, most of the time until April following.
On January 16, 1871 J. N. Bartels of Salina preached
the first Methodist sermon in the county in the Scher-
merhorn store on the Elkhorn. About forty people
were present. On January 22, Matthews and his wife
attended a Quarterly meeting at Salina. As there was
no organized class any nearer Lincoln, they united
with the church at Salina.
In March 1871, J. N. Bartels was appointed to the
Salina Circuit which included Salina, McPherson, Lin-
coln and Ellsworth counties. The pastor preached his
first sermon as preacher in charge, on Sunday, April
2, at the house of Herman Kingsley. In the
afternoon of the same day he preached at the Abram
town site where he organized the first Methodist class
of thirteen members. T. A. Matthews was appointed
leader and J. C. Parker was chosen steward. On the
same day a Sunday school was organized with T. A.
Matthews as superintendent. April 16, J. Medcraft,
who had just moved into the neighborhood, preached in
the store at Abram. March 7, John Connor, who had
been appointed junior preacher on the charge preached
at the new store and at Schermerhorn's. May 14,
Bartells preached the funeral of Walter Buzick in the
Schermerhorn barn.
The first sacramental service was held in the store
at Abram's, July 23, 1871, J. Boynton, of Salina,
officiating. Medcraft and Matthews held services on
alternate Sabbath's until October. The minutes for
the Quarterly Conference for this first year of the Lin-
296 History of Methodism
coin charge are in the hands of the keeper of the
records. This is highly commendable and is quite in
contrast with the condition of records in most charges.
The Quarterly Conferences were held as follows : First,
at Monroe school house, June 22, 1872 ; second, at Val-
ley school house, September 18, 1872; third, at the
house of T. A. Matthews, December 4, 1872 and the
fourth at Monroe school house, March 8, 1873. The
report on pastors' salary at each of the Quarterly Con-
ferences was as follows: $5.00 reported at the first,
nothing at the second, $87.90 at the third and $121.65
at the fourth. Total, $214.55. The general rules had
been read each quarter except at two appointments.
In 1890 there was a large revival resulting in 48
additions to the church. In January, 1912. twenty-six
members united with the church and the Sunday school
had grown to such extent that an additional building
had been constructed for the primary department. The
enrollment of the Sunday school in 1912 was 450 with
an average attendance of 361.
The first church in Lincoln was built in 1885, W. T.
Robinson being pastor. In a few years a larger was
erected on the same site. For the building of this a
loan was obtained from the Building and Loan Associa-
tion. In 1900 during the pastorate of A. J. Schermer-
horn, the church was again rebuilt. While C. W.
Stevens was pastor the room was built for the primary
department which was mentioned above. In 1913,
Stevens was appointed to the Ellsworth District and
G. R. Hall was sent to Lincoln as pastor. The Sunday
School continued to grow. During Hall's third year a
modern brick church was planned and on the 13th of
December, 1915, the corner stone was laid. At the Con-
ference of 1916, Hall was appointed to the Salina Dis-
trict and J. R. Thomas was appointed to Lincoln. The
church was completed and was dedicated September
10, 1916. The cost was $26,000. $9,000 was needed
In Northwest Kansas 297
on dedication day to clear the building of debt. J. F.
Harmon, President of Kansas Wesleyan University,
was in charge of the service and in a short time $11,000
was pledged and the building was dedicated to the
services of Almighty God.
Statistics for the year 1917: Church, $26,500;
parsonage, $3,000; current expenses, $300; pastor's
salary, $1,800; district superintendent, $120; bishop,
$30 ; conference claimants, $75 ; membership, 345 ; pro-
bationers, 24; Sunday school, 487; officers and teach-
ers, 41.
Lucas.
The early history of this charge has been recorded
in the history of the old Delhi circuit. It will be re-
membered that this circuit included within its bound-
aries points which afterwards came to be the heads of
several charges. In 1888, Delhi, Brighton, Prospect,
Luray and Lucas constituted a circuit. In 1889 Luray
became the head of a charge and in 1900 Lucas was
made the head of another. At that time there were
two Sunday schools with 22 officers and teachers and
115 scholars, a church valued at $1,600, and a member-
ship of 79 full members and 20 probationers, while the
pastor was paid $300 and a house.
Five years later there were two churches valued at
$4,800 and a parsonage worth $700 and the pastor re-
ceived $600 and a house. The charge gradually en-
larged in membership and in every respect. In 1911
there were 104 members and 17 probationers. Another
Sunday school had been organized which brought the
enrolment to 200, while the parsonage had been im-
proved by the expenditure of $1,300.
The pastors who have served the charge are : 1900-
01, J. T. Wilks; '02, M. L. Kerr; '03, J. C. Dana; '04-
'05, J. T. Wilks; '06, W. C. Henslee; '07, C. E. Tinker;
'08-'09, O. A. Darnell; '10, J. A. Templin; '11-'12, G. L.
298 History of Methodism
Rarick; '13, B. D. Brooks; '14-'15, J. B. Ripple; '16-'17,
H. C. Atkins.
The report for 1917 gives the following: 2
churches, $5,300; parsonage, $2,050; members, 137;
preparatory, 15; expenses, $120; pastor's salary, $1,-
150; district superintendent, $80; bishop, $20; confer-
ence claimants, $50; Sunday school enrollment, 285;
officers and teachers, 30 ; Epworth League, senior, 42 ;
junior, 36.
Luray.
The first Methodist service held within the bounds
of what is now the Luray circuit was conducted at the
Woodbridge place, May, 1875. The service was con-
ducted by W. T. Brown, a local preacher, who had
moved into Kansas from Page County, Iowa, and set-
tled three miles northeast of Delhi. There were twenty
persons present at this first service, some of them hav-
ing come seven miles. Shortly after this a protracted
meeting was held lasting three weeks in the same place.
It resulted in quite a religious awakening and the
organization of a class of eighteen members followed.
This is the present East Wolfe class.
The next March, W. J. Mitchell, presiding elder of
the Beloit district, appointed W. T. Brown pastor of
the charge to be organized which was called the Delhi
circuit and consisted of Delhi, East Wolfe, Potters-
burg, Cedron, Shockley and Pittsburg. Delhi charge
is named in the list of appointments in 1877, but it was
left to be supplied and there was no statistical report
made to the next conference. The name does not ap-
pear in the minutes of 1878, but J. H. Lord was ap-
pointed to the Pottersburg circuit and he was also the
preacher at Delhi. In 1879 S. Barton was appointed
to Delhi. He labored as long as he was able and in the
month of August was called to his reward.
In Northwest Kansas 299
Meanwhile, J. H. Lord was still at Pottersburg and
Brown was appointed that year to Pittsburg. After
Barton's death, Lord looked after the east end of Delhi
circuit while Brown traveled the west end. In Febru-
ary, Brown organized a class on the south side of his
circuit of eleven members and another on Coon creek
of eight members. In September a protracted meeting
was held on Coon creek and the membership was in-
creased to 24.
In the winter of '79 and '80, Lord and his wife held
a meeting at East Wolfe resulting in a number of con-
versions. C. W. Casely was assigned to this work in
1880. He supplied the several classes with class books
and arranged a record of the membership and added
Luray to the circuit. At this time there were 5G full
members and 10 probationers. In June, he organized
the Pleasant Valley class of 9 members and commenced
preaching at Cheyenne, West Wolfe, Grand Centre and
Fairview.
The two seasons following are remembered for the
almost total failure of crops. A protracted meeting
was held at Coon Creek in which a number were added
to the church, but the drought of the next year caused
them to scatter very widely. The South side class was
moved to Cheyenne and the Wolfe Creek met at Harris'
house. The Delhi class was dropped because of failure
to give support. During these years there was much
distress and destitution, both of preachers and people,
but when the year closed the class was nearly as strong
as at the beginning.
In 1887 the Prospect class was organized and a new
charge was projected with but the one appointment.
During the year the Brighton class was organized and
the year closed with two appointments and the Pros-
pect charge. The Delhi circuit now consisted of Delhi,
Coon Creek, Pleasant Run (now Waldo), and East
View (now Lucas).
300 History of Methodism
There have been frequent changes in the arrange-
ment of the appointment on the circuits in this part of
the conference. At one time Lucas, Luray and Pros-
pect formed a circuit. Waldo, Coon Creek (Vincent)
Paradise and Pleasant Hill were at one time the Waldo
circuit. The Luray circuit was formed in 1889 and
included Luray, Delhi, Brighton, Prospect and
Cheyenne.
In March, 1890, the pastor, J. E. Brown, reported
a four weeks' meeting at Prospect, resulting in
doubling the membership. In 1906 the pastor, W. C.
Brayman, received twenty into the church. Again
during this same pastorate in 1908 a great revival
stirred the whole community resulting in forty addi-
tions to the church.
At the present time three appointments make up
the circuit, Luray, Vincent and Prospect. Again in
1915 there were fifty conversions and fifty accessions
to the church and in 1916 again a revival resulting in
43 conversions.
Marquette.
Between the years 1867 and 1875 a little band of
sturdy pioneers pushed their way westward, with the
ever swelling tide of immigration, in search of a home,
and settled in the rich valley of the Smoky river. The
settlement extended southwestward from Salina along
the Smoky valley, to within fifteen miles, northwest of
the present site of Marquette. Most of these early set-
tlers were of Swedish descent and were colonized by a
Chicago colonization society. A few English speaking
settlers gradually found their way into the valley and
its fertile soil appealed to them as an ideal place to
build a home.
The Swedish settlers formed a Lutheran church of
their fatherland. The English speaking families scat-
tered along the valley, formed a society out of which
In Northwest Kansas 301
grew the Methodist Episcopal Church of Marquette.
It did not spring up like a mushroom, but its organiza-
tion was the result of earnest Christian effort on the
part of these widely separated pioneers and home-
builders. The society met with many discouragements
but the efforts of these early pioneers with the love of
God in their hearts kept the church alive until it was
well able to stand alone with God's help.
The first preaching services were held in a private
home. A log house on the Underwood ranch probably
bears the distinction of being the first place where
preaching services were held. It is four miles north-
west of Marquette. The first public meeting place was
a log school house, one mile south of Marquette. Here
a union Sunday school was organized and regular
services held. A stone school house was afterwards
built in Marquette where preaching services were then
held. Here the first organization was effected. It was
supplied from the Salina charge. The meeting places
where services had been previously held were aband-
oned.
On the 22nd of May, 1880, an application for a
charter was made to the Secretary of State and in four
days it was granted. The names of the incorporators
are Stephen R. Green, J. Y. Parker, James Waller,
Cornelius Kramer and H. S. Bacon. Of these J. Y.
Parker alone is still a member of the church and a
trustee which he has been since its organization.
Lindsberg was at first included in the charge but in
1892 a church was built at Langley and Lindsberg was
then taken off.
In 1886, during the pastorate of I. W. Miller, a new
church building was erected at Marquette. The
trustees at this time were J. Y. Parker, W. A. Hoff-
hines, D. A. Ansell, J. C. Norton and B. McMurphy.
The cost of the building was $2,100.
302 History of Methodism
On the night of May 8, 1905, a terrible cyclone
swept over the city in which thirty people were killed
and a number injured. The church and parsonage
were razed to the ground, being completely destroyed.
The minister, Rev. A. N. Smith and family, were
miraculously saved from death. The church sent out
appeals all over Kansas for help and the pastor toured
the state to secure funds for a new church and parson-
age. As a result a splendid new church was dedicated
on the last Sunday in December, 1905. A nice eight
room parsonage was erected about the same time.
Marquette has now one of the best church and parson-
age properties in the district.
Marquette charge was formally in the Southwest
Kansas Conference, Newton District. Its first presid-
ing elder was W. H. Cline. N. S. Buckner, T. C. Miller
and H. Wait were presiding elders during the time the
charge remained in the Southwest Kansas Conference.
It was transferred to the Northwest Kansas Confer-
ence in 1889 and placed in the Salina District under
J. H. Lockwood as presiding elder. Following J. H.
Lockwood as presiding elder came W. H. Sweet, then
M. M. Stolz. B. F. Stauber, U. S. Brown in order and
at present the superintendent is C. W. Stevens.
The first pastor who served the charge was prob-
ably Rev. Mitchell who preached at irregular intervals
from 1876 to 1877. He was followed by Rev. Mathes
who served from 1877 to 1879 or 1880. These pastors
were sent from the Salina and Brookville charges. The
first pastor of whom any definite record can be found
was J. M. Archer who served the charge from 1882 to
1884. Following are the names and length of service
of pastors since 1884 :
B. F. Wonder, 1884-1885; N. A. Porter, 1885-1886;
I. W. Miller, 1886-1887; C. V. Penn, 1887-1890; J. P.
Allen, 1890-1891; S. L. Seamans, 1891-1896; W. A.
Saville, 1896-1897; F. N. Willis, 1898 to January, 1902;
In Northwest Kansas 303
J. F. Ekey, January, 1902 to April, 1902; G. L. Rarick,
1902 to December, 1902; Rev. Dana. December, 1902,
to April, 1903; A. N. Smith, 1903-1906; W. H. Sweet,
1906-1909; B. D. Brooks, 1909-1911 ; J. H. Kuhn, 1911-
1912; J. C. Dussair, 1912-1915; C. W. Ivie, 1916—.
At the Annual Conference in 1915, Langley was
taken off the charge and Marquette was made a station.
The present trustees are J. Y. Parker, T. J. Collier, J.
K. Stinson, Oscar Hoffines and Emanuel Gustafson.
J. Y. Parker is chairman of the board. An Epworth
League has been organized for a number of years but
I have been unable to obtain a complete record of its
activities. Mrs. C. W. Ivie was elected president in
May, 1915 and was re-elected the following year. In
1915 and 1916 the League made a considerable growth,
the membership increasing from only a few to almost
a hundred. A Junior League had been organized and
maintained a part of the time but had gone down. It
was soon reorganized with over thirty members and is
flourishing. Miss Mabel Ford is superintendent.
Marshall Roney is now superintendent of the Sun-
day school and the school is doing excellent work.
Oscar Hoffines has been recording steward for some
time. Mrs. Hattie Peterson is president of the Ladies'
Aid. Mrs. C. W. Ivie is president of the Woman's
Home Missionary Society. The charge is making sub-
stantial progress along all lines of work. A good re-
vival in the winter of 1916 and 1917 resulted in several
accessions to the church.
Prominent in all the good work done at Marquette
have been J. Y. Parker and his good wife. He was a
member of the first board of trustees and has been on
the board through all the years. His wife was gen-
erally president of the Ladies Aid Society which dur-
ing the years has been the main financial stay of the
church. The Society always paid liberally on the pas-
tor's salary and helped on the moving expenses, insur-
304 History of Methodism
ance, repairs, coal bills, etc. In the past eight years it
raised $2,982.63. Without the support of this society
it is very doubtful whether the Marquette charge could
have survived the trying ordeals through which it has
passed ; and two or three women have the credit for a
large share of the maintaining of the society. God
bless the faithful women who through storm and trial
and discouragement stand faithful to His cause.
Two clippings from the Central Christian Advo-
cate will be of interest to the readers of this history.
March 2, 1894, S. L. Semans reported that a three
weeks' meeting held at a school house resulted in thirty
conversions. On December 5th of the same year he
reported that a church had been built at Langley and
dedicated by the Presiding Elder, W. H. Sweet, assisted
by William Nash, A. L. Hazlett and H. R. Gouldin. The
church is 26 by 40 feet and cost $1,400.
The Central for March 25, 1896 reported that Se-
mans was closing his fifth year as pastor at Marquette ;
that he was greatly beloved by the church and the com-
munity. In evidence of this a surprise supper was
made in his honor, a musical and literary program was
rendered and a donation of $54 was presented to him
by R. A. Thompson, pastor of the Lutheran church and
$40, the proceeds of the supper, was added to the
donation.
The statistics of the Marquette church for 1917
were : Valuation of church, $9,000 ; parsonage, $2,500 ;
expenses, $135; full members, 88; Sunday school
officers and teachers, 16; enrollment, 195; average at-
tendance, 112; expenses, $100; pastor's salary, $1,200;
district superintendent, $80; bishops, $20; conference
claimants, $40. Benevolences: Foreign missions, $30;
home missions, $30; total benevolences, $487. Ep-
worth League, senior members, 51 ; junior, 85.
In Northwest Kansas 305
McCracken.
The McCracken class was organized in 1887, prob-
ably by Rev. Granley, who was evidently a local
preacher, as his name does not appear in the Confer-
ence Minutes. McCracken is found in the minutes of
1889 and at that time LaCross and McCracken was
supplied by G. W. Wheat. In 1890 the name is omitted
though the church was doubtless served by the LaCross
pastor, for the next year it was of sufficient importance
to be made the head of a charge, and has retained that
dignity ever since.
D. W. Dutton, E. S. Chenoweth, John Edwards and
S. E. Hall with their wives were among those who
helped plant Methodism on this prairie. In 1891 the
charge is supplied by J. M. Bell who remained three
years. At the close of Bell's second year he reported
75 full members and 20 probationers. There is no
record as to how many preaching places he had but he
reported two Sunday schools and 90 scholars.
The pastors who have since served the charge are:
I. S. Hall, '93-'94 ; S. Hazlet, '95-'97 ; W. W. Hurlbut,
'98 ; W. E. Cox, '99-'02 ; A. J. Morton, '03 ; R. Bisbee,
'04-05; supplied by Matthew Bunker, '07-'08 ; W. T.
Cummins, 09; C. Baker, '10; C. R. Wade, '11; J. D.
Harris, '12-'13; L. Brannon, '14; J. A. Webb, '15; W.
T. Cummins, '16-17; J. P. White.
At first the services were held in the school house
alternating with other denominations. In 1891 a
church building enterprise was set on foot, but the
church was not reported until the conference of '93.
Its value was placed at $3,500 with a debt of $800. A
parsonage was reported in 1898 valued at $300 which
was improved in 1902, raising its value to $600. The
final cancelling of the church debt was accomplished
in 1904.
306 History of Methodism
MeCracken now has a beautiful brick church with
full basement, two furnaces, kitchen, dining room,
social rooms, Sunday school rooms and a fine audi-
torium and the plant is valued at $12,000. Revivals
have been reported from time to time. In February,
'94 the pastor wrote the Central: "In April, 1893,
there were but 42 members at MeCracken with 14 at a
point in the country. Up to this time 156 have united
with the church and the meeting is still in progress."
In 1907, the pastor, W. T. Cummins, recently trans-
ferred from the Idaho conference had haptized thirteen
persons and received 24 into the church. A seven room
parsonage was under construction worth $1,500. In
1909 the pastor, Clark Baker, received 13 into the
church and $250 was paid toward the parsonage debt.
The statistics for 1917 are as follows: Church,
$14,000; parsonage, $2,500; members, 178; pastor's
salary, $1,350; district superintendent, $96; bishop,
$24; total benevolences, $573; Sunday school enroll-
ment, 200 ; officers and teachers, 25 ; Epworth League,
25.
Monument.
The first reference to Monument as a meeting place
was made by T. J. Taggart who was the pastor at Oak-
ley 1886-'87. He says: "I went to Monument, later
known as Old Monument on May 23, 1886 and held my
first service. Soon after this we moved the preaching
to Ennis Siding, now Monument. The first Methodist
class was composed of Phil Caywood and family, Mark
Lyons and family and Samuel Richey and family."
During Taggart's second year at Oakley he preached
on alternate Sunday mornings at Monument and at
one time held a revival service for three weeks, result-
ing in 56 conversions.
Although Monument began its career as a class in
1ZP6 yet it does not appear in the minutes until twenty
In Northwest Kansas 307
years later, in I9C6. The report that year shows two
churches valued at $3,000 and 79 full members and 15
probationers. The next year there was a parsonage
valued at $850 and two Sunday schools with 20 officers
and teachers and 115 scholars, while the charge paid a
pastor's salary of $610.
The pastors who have served at Monument were
F. C. Griffith, 1906-7; C. M. Reed, '08-09; A. D. Rice,
'10-'ll; F. B. Cunningham, '12-'13; J. W. Vanderlip,
'14-'15; E. M. Bisbee, 16-'17. There are four preach-
ing places on the circuit: Monument, Bell Prairie,
Pleasant Hill and High Point.
The statistics for 1917 are: 3 churches, $7,400 r
parsonage, $800; members, 88; pastor's salary, $650;
district superintendent, $49 ; bishop, $12 ; total benevol-
ences, $503; Sunday school enrollment, 165; Ep worth
League, Sr., 50 ; Jr., 27.
Oakley.
T. J. H. Taggart for twenty-three years a member
of the Northwest Kansas Conference was the first pas-
tor at Oakley. He says : "I came from Ohio to Ells-
worth in April, 1886. and stopped at the parsonage
into which the Rev. G. W. Grabe had moved at the
time of conference. After spending Easter Sunday
there in company with Brother Grabe, I went to Wil-
son, W. H. Williams, pastor, and met the Rev. M. M.
Stolz, the presiding elder. I presented my church cer-
tificate to Brother Williams and was received into the
church. Then I presented a recommendation from the
quarterly conference of Jerusalem, Ohio, and upon
that recommendation, license was issued by the Wilson
Quarterly Conference and Brother Stolz appointed me
to Oakley
I reached Oakley, April 27th and found lodging at
the home of George Kaler, senior, who was operating
a boarding house in a two roomed affair on the east
308 History of Methodism
side of town. The town being about six months old
and many people coming in to settle upon lands, there
were many transients and it was not uncommon for
the little car roof to cover as many as twenty people.
I think Mrs. Kaler said that twenty-six was the largest
number they had sheltered at any one time. But Mrs.
Kaler never turned any away. When any one came
and asked for meals or lodging she always replied, "We
are pretty full, but we'll do the best we can."
James Stalons, then living upon a claim two miles
south of town, was the first Methodist I found and
James Higgins was the next one. John T. Bates lived
twelve miles north, at what afterwards became known
as Sunny Side. I think it was on the Saturday follow-
ing my arrival, that I met him. He introduced me to
John Cruff and Simon McBride, all of whom became
charter members of the class we organized in the sod
house on the Bates' claim and the first society of the
Oakley charge. This society was organized May 16,
1886 with seventeen members. The society in Oakley
was organized a week before with nine members. The
first quarterly meeting was held in the school house at
Oakley on Monday night, Tuesday and Tuesday night,
May 10 and 11, 1886.
At the Quarterly Conference Tuesday morning a
subscription was started to buy lots upon which to
build a church. A committee was appointed to select
the site and make purchase of the lots. Work w r as
begun by the committee, May 14th.
I went to Monument, later known as Old Monu-
ment and held my first service there May 23d. Soon
after this we moved the preaching service to Ennis
siding, now Monument. Phil Caywood and family,
Samuel Richey and family, and Mark Lyons and family
were the first Methodists to meet at Monument.
Early in the summer I was sent for to go to
Winona, then called Gopher. Here I met John Negley
In Northwest Kansas 309
and his family. The first service was held in the hay-
mow over a livery barn. Another time we held service
in the lumber yard. At another time we held the meet-
ing in the front of a hardware store. Once we held
meeting in a newly finished drug store.
The church charter for Oakley was taken out May
27, 1886. The building was completed and dedicated
the second Sunday in November of that year. It might
be of interest to state that Pollard Wisdom and I dug
the holes for the foundation posts of the church. I
helped to upt the rafters upon the building. After
Mr. Wisdom had helped to make the scaffolding, I put
on all the lath. The contractors' settlement showed
that there were 430 yards of lathing for which he al-
lowed the church $18. I attended Jeff. H. Clark who
built the chimney for the church. Brother G. W.
Grabe, then pastor at Ellsworth, came with Brother
Stolz. The pews were not put in until later in the
winter.
My family did not come out from Ohio until in
September. By that time I had secured a lot and built
a house 14 x 22 which cost me $115 besides the lot.
This was divided into two rooms and we had dug out
the basement. The following spring I secured some
native lime and sand and plastered the entire basement
which we used for a kitchen all the year. After we
moved away I sold the house to Dave Ringwalt for $10
and I think he moved it out to a claim.
During the two years of my pastorate about 150
members were taken into the churchs on the circuit
and enough were left afterwards to leave the net mem-
bership of the charge 122.
During the second year, Winona and Russell Springs
had been taken as the start for a new circuit. For
some reason the pastor then living on a claim near
Wallace gave up the work and I was sent down to Rus-
sell Springs to organize the society. During the earlier
310 History of Methodism
part of the spring Logansport had been started as a
county seat aspirant. This town was a few miles east
of Russell Springs and its rival for the county seat.
1 took this place as a regular appointment and made
effort to organize a society, but with only partial suc-
cess. When the county seat election went against
Logansport, it soon began to decline and I ceased to
make it a regular preaching place. During the second
year, I took up a school house on the way between
Russell Springs and Monument and preached there in
the afternoon on my way to Russell Springs for the
evening service. But I did not organize a class there.
I had been engaged a few days before to go Christ-
mas to marry a couple on a claim seventeen miles
southwest of Oakley. The evening before a heavy snow
storm and blizzard set in. The storm raged all day
and I feared to start upon so long a trip without a
trail broken. About four o'clock it cleared and I set
out, though the wedding was set for high noon. As
soon as the snow storm ceased the people started out to
look for another preacher who lived on a claim some
distance east. Following a long ridge east they saw a
buggy cross the divide and thinking that I might be
the occupant of the buggy they returned home to await
developments. I reached the homestead at supper time.
So after supper the ceremony was said and a very
pleasant wedding occasion was enjoyed by a goodly
company who had been there almost all day. I reached
home at noon the next day and by that time the heavy
snow fall had almost all disappeared.
G. W. Glick followed Taggart at Oakley in 1888.
He was a transfer from the Kansas Conference. He
says : "I followed T. J. H. Taggart. I had my books
and a bed in his house and my wife and children were
on our homestead in Wallace county." Oakley was a
three point circuit — Oakley, Sunny Side and Monu-
ment. J. T. Bates, a local preacher, lived on a home-
In Northwest Kansas 311
stead near Sunny Side and his leadership made the
Sunny Side class a wide awake and spiritual organ-
ization. Monument was a village on the Union Pacific.
Its leader was Phil Caywood, a veteran of the Civil
War, who on account of a missing limb was unable to
attend service regularly.
Click served the charge three years through
drought and hot winds. One day he drove fifty miles
to a funeral closing the service at sunset and drove
home that night to avoid the excessive heat, for the
temperature had registered 117 in the middle of the
day. The last year he served the charge he received
but $120. He was a harness maker by trade and got
work in a shop and thus was able to support his family.
Burials were sometimes held at night on account of
the heat. Glick says : "As I review the work I recall
the names of some choice souls — L. A. Fisher, J. H.
Clark, Dr. Winslow, A. Blossom and J. Higginas at
Oakley; Bates, McBride and Cruff at Sunny Side;
Holder and wife at Holder school house."
In 1895, the pastor, W. C. Jordan, held a successful
meeting at which there were 67 conversions and ac-
cessions to the church. In 1906 another revival result-
ing in fifteen conversions, while in 1910 the pastor,
E. E. Gunckel, reported another such meeting of far
reaching results.
The report for 1917 follows: 2 churches, $3,000;
parsonage, $2,000 ; full members, 131 ; preparatory
members, 13; salaries pastor, $1,150; district superin-
tendent, $80 ; bishops, $20. Total benevolences, $624 ;
Sunday schools, 2; enrollment, 294; Epworth League,
40 ; Junior League, 40.
Quinter.
The Quinter class was organized by Rev. W. E.
Scott, February 17, 1898. There were 21 charter
members. Scott was the pastor of the Grainfield
312 History of Methodism
charge that year, so Quinter was reported with that
charge.
The next year it was put on the Colyer circuit with
James Vanderlip, pastor. A Sunday school was organ-
ized the next year. This editor is not informed
whether it was a Union or Methodist school.
The next year, 1901, Quinter was made the head of
a circuit, with James Vanderlip the pastor for two
years.
In 1902, a church was built and dedicated March
1, 1903. A league was also organized that year. B.
D. Brooks was assigned to Quinter and remained two
years. J. A. Plantz came to the charge in 1905 and
served it one year.
The statistical reports show that the membership
increased 32 during Brook's pastorate.
Quinter was supplied by J. H. Solenberger in 1906
and the next year it was put back again on the Grain-
field charge of which Solenberger was pastor. He was
returned the next year, but served only a part of the
year and J. M. Barnes supplied the remainder.
The next year, 1909, C. J. Barnes supplied the
charge. During this year a subscription was started
for a church. The next year W. J. Ward was pastor
and a church was built at a cost of about $3,000.
In 1912, Quinter was again made a station and J.
R. Creamer was appointed pastor. Good interest was
taken in all classes of work. A revival was held and
a number united with the church. The Sunday school
increased both in interest and attendance. A new
piano was purchased and some repairing was done on
the church.
Oscar Gessell was appointed to Quinter in 1913 and
remained until September, when owing to crop failure
and the consequent inability of the charge to support
the pastor the Quarterly Conference voted to discon-
tinue preaching service.
In Northwest Kansas 313
The pastor went into the Salina district. The
people of Quinter very much regretted the necessity of
his leaving; the best wishes of all the people followed
him.
The Sunday school and league continued with con-
siderable interest. The membership at this time was
62. The next year Quinter was placed in the Wa
Keeney charge and was served by C. M. Reed.
The next year the name was dropped from the
minutes, though it was probably continued with Wa
Keeney as it is found there in 1916 and '17. However,
it is no longer known as a charge and therefore no
statistics can be given, except the portion of the pas-
tor's salary apportioned to it in '16 was $356 ; that in
'17 was $450 ; both were paid in full. This is all this
historian can give of the work.
Pleasant Dale Appointment.
This class took the name of the township in which
it is located. It is in the northeast corner of Rush
county.
The first preaching services held in the neighbor-
hood was at the home of Francis Pearson in the sum-
mer of 1878. The preacher's name was Homer New-
berry. It is not known what church he was affiliated
with. The next summer a Union Sunday school was
organized and a Methodist preacher named Green
preached a number of times. The meetings were held
in an old stone barn belonging to N. A. Andrese.
The barn had previously been fumigated and used
as a school house. This was the meeting place till a
sod school house was built on section 25. Here the first
Methodist class was organized. It was known as Mt.
Zion. A pile of dirt overgrown with grass now marks
the spot.
In 1881 another sod house was built on section 11
and the Sunday school was held here for two seasons.
314 History of Methodism
The roof was supported by a heavy ridge pole, on
which rafters were laid. They were covered with
brush and this overlaid with sod. It was not plastered
and had a dirt floor. The windows were small, only
one small sash to each window. The door was made of
six inch flooring- boards. There were no seats. Each
family brought their own seats or used the wagon seats.
The roof leaked when it rained and continued to leak
for some time after the rain was over. The grass
grew nicely on the inside and the mice held high
carnival through the week and gazed in wonder upon
the congregation on Sunday.
Rev. Bernstorf, pastor at La Cross, was the next
man to preach regularly at Pleasant Dale. The Sun-
day school was now changed from a Union to a Meth-
odist school. H. P. Colegrave, pastor of the Galatia
charge, was the next to preach at the school house. B.
F. Rogers, of the Walker charge, was the next. He
was followed by C. A. Davis, who was with us one
year. The school house was changed from one charge
to another so frequently that the conference minutes
do not indicate the pastors at Pleasant Dale. It is
remembered that A. L. Norfleet was the pastor in '97
and it was then that the church was built, but it was
not dedicated till the spring of '98. The Church Ex-
tension Society donated $250 to the church.
The first board of trustees were S. Stansbury,
George Wallace, S. F. Pearson, C. C. Christmas, John
Linn. James Linn and George Hopkins.
Pleasant Dale continued to be a part of the La
Cross charge for a number of years. The writer has
not been informed when it was attached to another
charge.
Ransom.
It is not known when the church at Ransom was
organized and nothing has been learned as to the early
In Northwest Kansas 315
membership or officials. The name first appears in the
Conference Minutes as the head of a charge in 1890 and
was supplied during that and the following years by
G. W. McBride. In 1891 the pastor reported three
Sunday schools with an enrollment of 100, and $153
salary.
In 1892 E. E. Gunckel was appointed to supply Ran-
som. For his first year's services he received $279
and a parsonage was built valued at $210 and he re-
ported 55 members with 75 probationers. He served
the charge five years at the close of which he reported
258 members and 17 probationers and received $576
salary. During his pastorate here, Gunckel reported
more than 800 conversions and twelve societies organ-
ized in the territory over which he traveled. Of these
conversions 14 went into the ministry.
Gunckel relates one experience which is illustrative
of the difficulties which the pioneer preacher often con-
fronted. In the afternoon of a cold winter day he had
driven 13 miles from the afternoon appointment to the
preaching place at night. When he reached the place
there was no one there and the nearest member where
he might be entertained over night, was a mile on the
other side of the river. There was ice ten or twelve
feet from the shore on each side of the stream, but the
middle of the stream was still open. Nevertheless the
preacher determined to ford the stream and started in.
As the horse neared the running water the ice broke
and he fell. Fortunately he was gentle and lay quiet
till he was loosened from the buggy and told to get up.
In his struggle to rise he struck the preacher in the
breast with his head and knocked him backward into
the water. Finally horse, man and buggy got out, but
they were on the same side from which they had gone
in. There was nothing for them to do but to retrace
their steps nine miles to find a stopping place. This
was done, but when the house was reached the people
316 History of Methodism
were not at home and the preacher's clothes were
frozen on him. However he managed to get into the
house, build a fire and thaw out without serious re-
sults. Gunckel generally baptized others by sprinkling
but acknowledged that he himself had been immersed.
C. M. Thompson was the next pastor. During his
pastorate the parsonage was greatly improved by the
addition of several rooms. The church was also built
during Thompson's pastorate at a cost of $1,500 be-
sides much labor which was donated.
Of the pastors who have served the charge Thomp-
son, Funk, See, Terry and Laybourne had fruitful re-
vivals.
Russell.
The first Methodist class formed at Russell was
organized December 19, 1872, with fourteen charter
members. John Connor, a local preacher of Ellsworth,
was the first pastor on the circuit which included not
only Russell but also Wilson and Great Bend. The first
Quarterly Conference was held on March 2, 1873, at
which the pastor presided. Edwin Yoxall was the
superintendent of the first Sunday school which was
organized March 15, 1873. The first parsonage was
built in 1878, while W. H. Zimmerman was the pastor
and the following year the church was begun. The
building was completed with a debt of $600 which was
finally wiped out during the hard years from 1881 to
1886. After the church was built the United Brethren
and the Presbyterians shared its use. This building
served the church until 1908 when it was torn down to
make way for the fine modern structure which now
serves the Russell congregation.
Following Zimmerman the pastors who served Rus-
sell were as follows : Kahler Ream (three months) ;
Cannon, Dana and Saville. W. A. Saville served the
charge three years and was a successful pastor. The
In Northwest Kansas 317
presiding elder commented on the success of Saville at
Russell in his reports each year, stating that Russell
was the banner charge in the district in the activity of
the Woman's Foreign Misionary Society, as it was also
in the benevolent collections.
L. O. Housel succeeded Saville and gave the fol-
lowing report of his work. Russell had had a year
of prosperity, (1889-1890) under the careful man-
agement of L. 0. Housel." A successful revival was
conducted and the benevolences and pastoral support
were reported in full. Housel remained three years
at Russell and was succeeded by the following who
served in the order named: W. R. Allen, J. P. Allen,
G. H. Moulton, (six months), F. H. Perry, W. P.
Rutledge, (part year), E. S. Hutchens, A. L. Semans,
H. C. Seidel, (nine months). During this pastorate
the parsonage was improved at a cost of over $600;
L. A. McKeever, R. E. Dunham, and C. W. Stevens.
During Stevens first year arrangements were
made for the building of a new church. He first
secured the use of the Court House for the church
services, while the church was under construction.
The work was begun on September 23, and the church
was dedicated the following July, 1909, T. C. Iliff
preaching the sermon and U. S. Brown, the district
superintendent, conducting the dedicatory service.
$3,815 was needed and over $5000 was subscribed.
Statistics for 1917: Church, $12,000; parsonage,
$2,500; members 225, Prep. 46; pastoral support,
pastor, $1640; district seperintendent, $112; bishop,
$28; benevolences, $2,066; Sunday School enroll-
ment, 275; Epworth League, 40; Woman's Foreign
Missionary Society, $28; Home Missionary Society,
$125.
Russell Springs.
Russell Springs appears in the list of appoint-
ments in 1887 as the head of a charge. A local
318 History of Methodism
preacher living on a claim near Wallace was appoint-
ed to supply the charge, but from some cause he fail-
ed to do so. T. J. H. Taggart who was the pastor at
Oakley was sent down to organize the work. He
says: "During the early spring Longansport was
started as a county seat aspirant. I preached there a
few times and tried to organize a society without suc-
cess. When the place lost the county seat it began to
decline and was soon given up as a preaching place.
I continued to preach at the Springs throughout the
year as a night appointment." The next year H. S.
Plummer was appointed to the charge and at the
close of the year reported four Sunday Schools hav-
ing 37 officers and teachers and 190 scholars, with
66 full members and 15 probationers, and they paid
the pastor $450 and the presiding elder $30.
The next year Wm. Nash was the pastor. He re-
ported but three Sunday Schools, 21 officers and
teachers and 115 scholars, while the pastor was paid
but $315. J. F. Clark was appointed pastor in 1891
and served two years. There seemed to be a steady
decline in the charge for the next report gave the
pastoral support at but $225 while the church mem-
bership also declined. Russell Springs was dropped
from the list of appointments in 1892 and does not
again appear until 1907 when Reuben Bisbee was ap-
pointed pastor. During the intervening years Rus-
sell Springs must have been attached to another
charge and the class maintained, for when it again
appears in the minutes there is a church valued at
$2000. Bisbee was continued on the work till 1909
when J. F. Clark was again appointed pastor and re-
mained one year. Again Russell Springs disappears
from the lists and does not reappear until 1917. The
charge evidently contains many loyal souls who have
grieved because of the reverses. When it appears in
the appointment in 1917 it contributed $588 for minis-
In Northwest Kansas 319
terial support and there were 64 full members and 22
probationers. The charge has three preaching places,
Russell Springs, McAlister and the Hopper school
house, and at the last two points there is a Union Sun-
day School.
The church is now valued at $4000 and the pastor's
salary is fixed at $900.
Sharon Springs.
W. M. Sedore was appointed pastor at Sharon
Springs in 1887. The name had not been in the list
of appointments though it is probable the class had
been previously organized and the community must
have been ripe for the organization for at the end of
the first year's pastorate a church worth $500 was re-
ported, and also a class of 25 full members and three
probationers, and two Sunday Schools with 125 schol-
ars. R. B. Beatty was the next pastor and he served
three years. At the close of his pastorate he reported
61 full members and a church worth $1800. After
Beatty's pastorate the charge was served by the fol-
lowing men: 1890-91, W. R. Leigh: '92-3, J. F. John-
son ; '94, C. A. Davis ; '95, A. W. Richardson ; '96-7, W.
W. Hurlbut; '98, W. E. Green; '99, Wm. Nash; 1900-
01, F. P. Raby; '02, R. A. LeMaster; '03-04, J. D.
Baker; '05, F. C. Griffith; '06-09, H. F. Odell; '10, W.
W. Hendrickson; '11-12 C. A. Davis; '1314, E. L. Hut-
chins; '15-16, C. M. Brown; '17, Noah Douthit.
In November 1893 the pastor J. F. Johnson reported
that the third Quarterly meeting continued four weeks
and resulted in 35 conversions and 25 accessions to
the church. Again in 1895 the pastor C. A. Davis con-
ducted a revival meeting resulting in 36 conversions,
and 16 accessions to the church, and a Junior League
of 23 members was organized.
The charge has experienced no remarkable pros-
perity but it has held its own in the face of numerous
320 History of Methodism
reverses. The greatest advance in church property
was in 1906 when the church was rebuilt bringing its
value to $3600. This was accomplished during the
pastorate of F. C. Griffith. The next year the parson-
age was improved at a cost of $500.
The report for 1917 gives the following: Church,
$2100; parsonage, $1200; full membership, 102; pas-
tor's salary, $900; Dist. Supt, $60; bishop, $15; Sun-
day School enrollment, 144.
Sylvan Grove.
It was in 1888 that the name Sylvan Grove first
appears among the list of appointments, supplied by
H. F. Odell. Nothing is known as to what other points
were connected with it to constitute a circuit, except
that they were located in Lincoln, Ellsworth, Russell
and Osborne counties. The next year, 1889, Sylvan
Grove and Lucas were served by L. A. Dugger who re-
mained on the charge during '90 and '91. J. W. Blun-
don was the pastor in '92 ; A. C. Frick supplied in '93
and George Nulton was appointed in '94. Following
him were A. T. Mitchell, '95-97; W. O. Woolever, '98.
Woolever was reappointed in '99 but remained only a
short time and H. F. Tole, a student at Kansas Wes-
leyan supplied the remainder of the year; 1900, A. N.
See; 1901, L. A. McKeever. In September McKeever
was relieved to attend school and E. P. Raby was ap-
pointed and served the charge until the Conference of
1904. 1904, J. O. Barton; '05, George Graham sup-
plied until September when M. R. Starbuck was ap-
pointed and he remained with the charge until 1910.
C. A. Sullivan, '10-11 ; James Kerr, '12-13; J. A. Temp-
lin, '14-15 ; W. E. Scott, '16 ; V. V. Whiteit, '17.
The church was built in 1892 during the pastorate
of J. W. Blundon on lots donated by H. S. Busick. In
1900 Lucas became a separate charge and Sylvan and
Excelsior constituted the circuit. Revivals from time
In Northwest Kansas 321
to time have been conducted on the circuit. In 1891 a
special meeting resulted in 17 conversions and 13 ac-
cessions to the church.
The church at Excelsior was built in 1901 and the
dedicatory sermon preached by M. E. Phillips the
president of Kansas Wesleyan University. The cost
of the church was $2300.
At present the charge has three points : Sylvan, Or-
bitello, and Old Vesper.
Statistics for 1917: Church, $2500; parsonage,
$1200; members, 66; with 4 preparatory; pastor's
salary, $1100; Dist. Supt, $68; bishop, $17; benevo-
lences, $481 ; Sunday Schools, 2 ; enrollment, 184 ; Ep.
League, 20 ; Junior League, 25 ; W. F. M. S., $8 ; W. H.
M. S., $49.
Tescott.
Tescott and Beverly appear in the Conference ap-
pointments first in 1887, with I. McDowell as pastor.
Tescott got its name differently from any other town in
the land. T. E. Scott was a worthy farmer in Lincoln
county whose home was just outside the town corpora-
tion. The citizens desired to honor Mr. Scott by nam-
ing the town after him, but there was already a Scott
City and Scottsville in the state, so it seemed there was
no way to use the name Scott, again for a town, till
some one suggested the use of the whole name, T. E.
Scott.
Just when the Methodist class was formed is not
known, nor have the names of the charter members
been preserved, nor the name of the organizer.
The following men have served the Tescott ap-
pointment: '87, I. McDowell; '88, B. F. Rhodes; '89-
90, D. McGurk; '91, M. T. Brown; '92-94, J. M. Miller;
'95-96, J. H. Kuhn; '97-98, M. J. Mumford. Up to this
time Beverly and Tescott churches were one charge,
from '96 on Tescott has been separated from Beverly.
322 History of Methodism
'98-1900, H. J. Lorenz; '01, S L. Semans; '02-04, J. F.
Clark and H. C. Sawyer; '05, W. A. Pratt; '06, G. W.
Hood; '07-08, G. L. Rarick; 10, L. Steer; '11, C. A.
Sullivan; '12-13, C. M. Brown; '14-15, James Kerr;
'16-17, C. E. Wood.
In 1889 and 1890 the Pastor D. McGurk held a re-
vival at a school house at which 50 were converted
and the same winter another meeting was held in Tes-
cott where 62 professed conversion. At the beginning
of this year the membership had consisted of seven
women and children only. Another large meeting was
held in 1893 under the pastorate of J. M. Miller at
which 57 professed conversion while previously that
year 25 had united with the church so the year was
especially fruitful in accessions. During Miller's pas-
torate of three years 140 people joined the church. In
1908 another great revival swept the community at
which 75 were converted and 40 united with the
church. In that same year the new church was dedi-
cated, costing $5,200.
Statistics for 1917: Church, $7000; parsonage,
$1800; members, 150; probationers, 6; pastor's salary,
$950; Dist. Supt, $64; bishop, $16; benevolence, $296;
Sunday School enrollment, 254; Ep. League, 25.
Utica.
Utica charge appears in the list of appointments
first in 1910; but previously it had been a part of the
Ransom charge. E. E. Gunckel was the pastor at Ran-
som in 1891 at which time Utica was a point on the
circuit. It was situated 13 miles west of Ransom. At
that time there were but two members and no organi-
zation. The Utica charge now consists of three ap-
pointments, Utica, St. Elizabeth and Arnold. The two
former places have church buildings, the former
valued at $2500, while the latter is placed at $1500.
The class at Arnold was engaged in building a church
In Northwest Kansas 323
which is now doubtless completed, and will have a val-
uation of about $7000.
Statistics for 1917 : Churches, $4000; parsonage,
$1500; membership, 156; probationers, 6; salary of
pastor, $870; Dist. Supt, $60; bishop, $15; benevo-
lences, $999; 3 Sunday Schools; enrollment, 215; Ep.
League, 15.
WaKeeney.
This appointment was organized in 1879 but it was
some years before WaKeeney became the head of a
circuit. The first year it was left to be supplied but
the next year, 1880 it was connected with Colyer with
J. A. Hoyt as pastor. At the close of that year Wa-
Keeney and Ellis are reported together and there are
three Sunday Schools on the charge with an enroll-
ment of 155, and the pastor received $425 though his
salary had been fixed at $675.
J. A. Stoyt was pastor during the year '81-82;
1883, S. C. Tenney; '84, A. M. Morse; 85, T. W. Mil-
ler; '86, J. A. Stayt; '87-88, W. H. Mahaffee; '89, Mc-
Coy; '90-91, O. N. Maxson; '92, G. W. Rich; '93, G. W.
Winterburn; '94-95, J. F. Johnson; '96, R. B. Beatty;
'97-03, E. E. Gunckel; '04, F. N. Cox; '05-09, W. E.
Scott; 10-11, J. A. Green; '12-14, C. N. Reed; '15-16,
W. H. Woodward; '17, J. K. Sutton.
A church building was first reported in 1888 with
a valuation of $4500, while a parsonage was reported
for the first time in 1900 valued at $500.
The longest pastorate was that of E. E. Gunckel.
When he returned from Conference for his sixth year
he was met at the station by a large company of young
people and escorted to the parsonage where a large
company had gathered to greet him. The Baptist pas-
tor of the town was present and took part in the re-
joicing. On leaving the company left a substantial
purse and a quantity of provisions to cheer the pastor
and his family.
324 History of Methodism
Today WaKeeney is a circuit of three points; the
others being Qunter and Ogallah.
Statistics for 1917: 3 Churches, $9700; parsonage,
$2000; members, 320; pastor's salary, $1280; Dist.
Supt., $88 ; bishop, $22 ; benevolences, $618 ; Sunday
Schools, 3 ; enrollment, 295 ; Ep. League, 155.
Waldo.
This church was organized in 1885 and the name
appears first in the Conference minutes at the head of
a circuit in 1888. S. P. Lantz organized the society,
and he was elected superintendent of the Sunday
School, which place he continued to hold, with the ex-
ception of one year until 1904. A few of the charter
members of the church were still living when this
sketch was written in June 1916. At present Waldo
has one out appointment, Paradise.
The pastors who have served through the years
are: 1888-89, I. Booth; in 1890 Luray was included,
J. F. Johnson was the pastor and served two years.
1892, C. M. C. Thompson; '93, W. H. Houpt; '94-6, T.
A. Windson; '97, H. J. Lorenz; '98-9, O. Gessell; 1900,
T. J. Nixon; '01, A. L. Semans; '02, J. T. Shackelford;
'93-4, J. W. Blundon; '05, W. H. Holland; '06-7, W. M.
Garner; '08, F. N. Stelson; '09-10, J. W. Legott; '11,
H. W. Wolfe; '12-13, J. W. Vanderlip; '14, C. W. Ivie;
'15-16, R. K. Sutton; '17, W. W. Strike.
The church building was begun in 1905 and fin-
ished in 1907 while W. M. Garner was the pastor. The
dedicatory services were conducted by Presiding Elder
Stauber. The Ladies' Aid Society was organized in
1888; the Epworth League in 1891; the Woman's
Home Missionary Society in 1912.
Successful revivals were held in 1897 resulting in
forty-seven conversions; and again in 1909 another
revival brought in over thirty converts.
In Northwest Kansas 325
Statistics for 1917: Two churchs, $4000; parson-
age, $2000; membership, 143; pastor's salary, $1200;
Dist. Supt., $80; bishop, $17; benevolences, $1033; 2
Sunday Schools, enrollment, 267; Ep. League, 47.
Paradise.
The first mention of the Paradise class is found in
1878 in connection with the Plainville circuit. The
next year Russell and Paradise appear in the list of
appointments with O. N. Maxson, pastor. The name
does not again appear until 1883 when A. J. McCraek-
en was appointed to supply Paradise. In 1880 S. J.
Kahler was the pastor at Russell and it is remember-
ed that Kahler followed Maxson as pastor of Paradise,
so it is probable that though the name does not appear
in the minutes, Paradise continued to be a part of the
Russell charge. In 1886 the name again appears, sup-
plied by J. G. Balsom. Again the name disappears
from the list of appointments and is not found again
until 1894, when it is supplied by H. W. Wolfe who
served two years. At the Conference of 1896 W. E.
Cox was appointed to Paradise, and of his experience
there he has given this account: "I was then a married
man of but a week's experience having secured my
license at Salina, and taking the happy vows immedi-
ately after returning from Conference. My predeces-
sor had received $75 from the charge but I was more
fortunate receiving $118 and $80 from the Mission
board.
"The circuit consisted of six appointments: Para-
dise, Fairview, Success, Baswell, Homewood, and
Green. During the winter a revival was held at each
appointment resulting in more than 200 conversions.
The most sweeping revival was the Homewood, where
nearly the entire community turned to the Lord. This
meeting closed just before Conference. We were
moved from the circuit and a supply sent who spent
326 History of Methodism
most of his time playing checkers and chewing tobacco,
and this large body of young converts went into the
Evangelical Church which had an organization in the
community."
After 1897 Paradise ceased to be the head of a
charge and has not since been restored to that dignity.
The church was begun during the pastorate of W.
E. Holland and completed in 1907. Since Seman's
pastorate Paradise had been connected with Waldo,
and the present statistics are included with that
charge.
Wallace.
This is the county seat of the county of the same
name which borders on Colorado. The town is 24
miles east of the Colorado line. In the late '60's, it
was commonly thought that civilization would never
reach beyond Manhattan, but the immigrants attracted
by the great plains pushed west until by the middle of
the 80's they touched the Western counties.
Wallace became an appointment in the Conference
in 1886. The first year, Wallace and Sharon Springs
were joined and together formed a charge. W. M.
Sedore was the pastor. There were 20 members and a
Sunday school having an enrollment of 35. There was
a church valued at $300. Two hundred were paid on
it leaving a debt of $100. The building was probably
of sod. The pastor received $172 for the year's work.
The next year Wallace was alone and R. B. Beaty
was the pastor. There were 27 members at the one
point but no Sunday school was reported.
The pastor was allowed $300 at the first of the year
but only $200 was paid. The men who afterward
served this church were as follows : '89, J. W. Jack-
son. At this time Wallace drops from the list of ap-
pointments and does not appear again until 1911,
when it was served by J. F. Gruver, who remained
In Northwest Kansas 327
with them two years. '13, J. F. Clark; '14, J. R. Week-
ley. Here Wallace disappears again from the appoint-
ments and is not found until 1917, when it again ap-
pears, but is left to be supplied.
Evidently Methodism did not nourish at Wallace.
It does not follow that because it ceased to be the head
of a charge the class was disbanded. So far from this
the class organized in 1886 has preserved its identity
to the present; but the pastor has lived at some other
place and Wallace has been a part of some other
charge, probably of Sharon Springs. It would be
gratifying to the writer if he could definitely state
where it had connection. But not having been in-
formed, he can not state. He can only state definitely
what he is able to gather from the statistical tables.
In 1889, there were 64 full members and 35 probation-
ers, but no Sunday school was reported and there was
no church property. The next figures that are avail-
able are those of 1912, at which time there was a
church valued at $1,200 and a parsonage worth $60.
There were two Sunday schools, but only 36 members
and one probationer. The pastor was paid $415.
The last report made was that of 1914. J. F. Clark
was pastor. There was one Sunday school with an
enrollment of 40 and 22 church members and one pro-
bationer. The pastor was allowed $150, but even that
was not all paid. The church had been improved and
was valued at $2,000.
Statistics for 1917: Church, $1,800; parsonage,
$800; full members, 173; probationers, 5; salaries,
pastor's, $927; district superintendent, $64; bishop,
$16; benevolences, $1,802; Sunday schools enrollment,
248; Epworth League, 40.
Wilson.
The first account of Methodism at Wilson is from
a statement of M. M. Stolz ; he says : "In October 1878
328 History of Methodism
I was appointed by G. S. Dearborn, presiding elder of
the Salina District as preacher in charge of a circuit
I was to organize in the western part of Ellsworth and
the eastern part of Russell and the southeastern part
of Lincoln counties with headquarters at Boaz, now
Wilson. That fall I organized a class at Wilson con-
sisting of W. L. Nesmith and wife, N. Hood and wife,
W. H. Cargart and wife, Mrs. Stolz and Jennie Stolz.
Services were held in a school house south of the rail-
road and we lived in two rooms of the Brocker house.
I served Wilson for three and a half years and report-
ed 200 members. The railroad donated an acre of land
for a parsonage."
In 1882 E. Locke was sent to Wilson; J. M. Mil-
ler was appointed pastor in 1883 and remained
three years who in turn was followed by W. H. Wil-
liams. Williams says of his stay there : "This charge
of three appointments has a membership of 262 in-
cluding probationers. The pastotf and his devoted
wife have labored faithfully and the Lord has bless-
ed their labors, in the conversion of many souls; 85
have joined the church on probation and 38 by let-
ter." Williams also succeeded well with the finances
and collected $1000 for debts and improvements.
Williams went from Wilson into missionary work in
New Mexico. J. C. Dana succeeded Williams at Wil-
son and the work moved successfully forward.
The following men served the charge: Dana, '89-
90; R. B. Beatty, '91-93; R. A. Hoffman, '93-5; F. N.
Cox, '95-98 ; W. R. Allen, '98-03 ; J. H. Kuhn, '03-04 ;
W. D. Schermerhorn, '04-05 ; J. W. Snapp, '05-07 ; M.
F. Loomis, '07-9; W. L. Cannon, '09-10; H. Roisy, '10-
11; C. R. Wade, '11-13; M. G. Terry, '14-15; C. M.
Snyder, 15-17.
Successful revivals have been held at various
times; in 1891 R. B. Beatty conducted a ten weeks'
meeting resulting in 70 conversions and 32 united with
In Northwest Kansas 329
the church; the next year a union meeting was held
and 20 professed conversion; in 1894, in 1895, and in
1904 successful revivals were held. That in 1904 was
held in connection with members of the Salvation
Army and resulted in 60 conversions. J. W. Snapp
the pastor in 1906 reported the church in a flourishing
condition; the attendance at Prayer meeting had
doubled and all the meetings of the church were large-
ly attended, including Epworth League and the Sun-
day School. The church averaged $2.50 per member
for missions for the year.
The report for 1917 is : Church, $4200 ; parsonage,
$3200; benevolences, $897; Sunday School enrollment,
310.
Winona.
The Rev. Guy Hamilton was the first Methodist
pastor at Winona. He supplied the charge in 1887,
though he did not organize the class. This was done
by H. S. Plummer in 1888. In 1889 the society bought
a building of the school board and remodeled it for a
church. During the same year a parsonage was built
by William York and was occupied as late as 1912. In
1902 the church was removed to another location and
again remodeled entirely free from indebtedness.
William Nash was pastor in 1890 and the next year
he reported three Sunday Schools, having 15 officers
and 70 scholars, while the pastor received $250. The
next year Winona and Monument constituted a charge
with F. N. Cox as pastor. He received a salary of $425
but reported one Sunday School and 55 scholars. In
1893 J. F. Clark was pastor and the salary was fixed
at $500 but only $375 was paid. In J 94 it was fixed at
$300 of which the entire amount was paid. Pastoral
support continued about the same until '98 when
Winona and Sharon Springs were joined, but for the
next three years the support was not improved over
330 History of Methodism
that which had been paid by Winona alone. In 1901
Winona was dropped from the list of appointments.
It does not seem, however, that there was any inten-
tion of giving up the work, but possibly with the de-
sign of impressing the people with the necessity of
greater diligence and more self-sacrificing devotion to
the cause. It seems to have had that effect at any rate,
for the next year A. C. Northrop was pastor and the
salary was fixed at $600, $100 more than had ever
been allowed before and it was all paid. Besides this
$115 were paid on the benevolences. The membership
was more than doubled over that of the last report.
The next year 1902 W. S. Harper was pastor. He
served the charge four years, and it was during this
pastorate that the church was moved and remodeled
for the second time. The pastors who followed Har-
per were: A. W. Dick, 1906-08; C. A. Davis, '09-10;
N. S. Ragle, '11-12; E. S. Sitterly, '13-14; J. P. Lane,
'15; L. V. Hassell, '16-17.
At present the Page Church is connected with
Winona and reports a more valuable church than that
at the head of the charge.
CHAPTER IX.
History of the Churches in the Mankato District.
Agra.
This charge consists of two preaching places, Agra
and a school house, Mattison twelve miles distant from
Agra. The name first appears in the Conference Min-
utes as the head of a charge in 1900, though previous
to this Agra had been a part of the Kirwin circuit.
Since 1900 the charge has been served by A. C. Hens-
lee, 1900-02; Grant Mann, '03; E. H. Tannehill, '04;
A. C. Henslee, '05 ; Thos. Muxlow, '06-07 ; L. E. Cook,
'08-10; R. T. Pruit, '11; W. W. Hurlbut, '12; G. H.
Cowman, '13-14; G. Johnson, '15-17.
The church was built in 1890 while R. Bisbee was
the pastor of the circuit. The church at Agra had been
destroyed by a storm and the Presiding Elder James
Boicourt appealed for outside help, stating that the
people were not able to rebuild. The church, however
was erected and enclosed. The support being meager
the pastor moved to his farm in Norton county, but
continued to serve the circuit. In 1891 he moved back
to the charge where the people gave him a royal wel-
come.
The present status of the charge is as follows:
Church, $2000; parsonage, $2000; full members, 70;
probationers, 2; pastor's salary, $1050; Dist. Supt.,
$72; bishops, $18; Sunday School enrollment 235 in
two Sunday Schools, with 30 officers and teachers.
Aurora.
This is a small station on the branch of the Santa
Fe railroad leading from Abilene to Concordia. It is
the first station south of Concordia. The first Metho-
dist class organized in that vicinity was at Sulpur
332 History of Methodism
Springs, the next station south, five or six miles dis-
tant; this was made a point on the Rice charge and
with Enterprise constituted the circuit. From some
cause the people at the Springs failed to support the
church and some years ago the building was moved to
Aurora. It continued to be a part of the Rice charge
till 1912 when Aurora was made the head of a circuit
and with Heber Church constituted a charge.
The following men served Aurora: 1912, P. 0.
Rice '13, I. E. Lutz; '14, G. A. Jackson; '15-16, Mark
E. Smith; in 1917 E. C. Allen was appointed but fail-
ed to report on the work and the charge was without
a pastor till in the Fall, when a young Brother Fish,
a student at the Wesleyan, was sent as a supply. There
had formerly been a Presbyterian society at Aurora.
Some of the members still adhered to that church,
though a number had united with the Methodist so-
ciety; but when the Methodist pastor failed to put in
his appearance, the Presbyterians invited their pastor
at Miltonvale to give them a service which he had been
doing for some time before the student from Salina
came. The Presbyterian minister having begun serv-
ices at Aurora, when there was no other being held in
the place was not disposed to surrender the hold he
had gained. So at this time the Aurora church is ser-
ved by a Presbyterian pastor, and Fish the young man,
from Salina devotes himself to the Heber appointment.
The first report of Aurora charge appeared in the
Conference Minutes of 1913. There were two church-
es valued at $2400, and a parsonage worth $600. There
were 30 full members and two probationers. They
paid the pastor $465, and the sums asked for district
superintendent, support of bishops and conference
claimants. There were two S. S. having an enroll-
ment of 90 scholars. No report was made for benevo-
lences. In the 1916 report, there was the same num-
ber of churches and Sunday Schools and the enrollment
In Northwest Kansas 333
had reached but 110. There were 35 members. They
paid the pastor but $400 and gave nothing for support
of the bishops or conference claimants.
March 19, 1913 the following note appeared in the
Central: Last year the church had but one member.
W. A. Allen undertook its resuscitation and has so far
succeeded that the circuit has raised $1000 for repairs
and pastoral support. The edition of March 18, 1914
stated that two years ago the church had but one mem-
ber but recently eighty persons met the superintendent
to plan for the coming year.
Belaire.
This name is found first in the list of Conference
appointments in 1893 and the work was supplied by G.
W. Sage. In '94 Cora was associated with Bellaire and
the work was supplied by Rev. Elwell, who served also
in 1885 ; '96-7, Grant Mann ; '98, N. S. Ragel ; '99-1900,
Thos. Muxlow; '01-2, W. T. Allison; '03-4, W. A.
Pierce; '05, C. A. Whippo; '06-7, L. E. Cook; '08, J. S.
Weir; '09-10, F. L. Courter; '11, W. Glazier; '12-13, B.
Cook; '14-15, J. D. Baker; '16-17, F. D. Funk.
There is a church valued at $4000 and a parsonage
worth $1200. N. S. Ragel seems to have had quite a
successful pastorate. The church property was im-
proved by the expenditure of $300, thirteen were add-
ed to the membership and a second Sunday School was
organized this adding eight officers and teachers and
thirty scholars to the Sunday School attendance. L.
E. Cook was another pastor who left evidence of suc-
cess. He came to Belaire in 1906. The church was
valued at $600. Cook remained two years. At the
close of hiiTsecond year the church was valued at
$3800, and $3019 were paid that year. The parsonage
was improved by different pastors. Its original value
was $400. In 1912 it was worth $1000.
334 History of Methodism
Statistics for 1917 give the following figures:
Church, $4000; parsonage, $1200; membership, 71;
Prep., 20; pastor, $531 ; D. S., $40; bishops, $8; C. C's.,
$25; F. Ms., $20; H. Ms., $15; Gd. total, $233; S. S.
Ow's. & T's., 12; Enrl., 62; Av., 30; Exp., $25.
Belleville.
According to the earliest record it was early in the
year 1870 that R. P. Cheney, J. F. Wells, J. S. Price,
W. F. Compton, H. B. Buck, Ezra Ball, J. D. Ball, John
Fulcomer and their several wives and a few others
met at the old log Court House to listen to a sermon,
by J. W. Reynolds of the United Brethren Church. A
week later R. P. West, the Methodist pioneer in these
parts, preached at the same place. That year West
was pastor of the Lake Sibly Circuit. The next year
the name was changed to Lake Sibly and Concordia,
and was left to be supplied. Rev. Freeman and G. E.
Nichols each supplied a part of the year. In 1872 J. J.
Walters was appointed to the Belleville charge.
The first quarterly Conference held was on May
27, 1871. G. S. Dearborn was the presiding elder, and
Rev. Freem was the pastor. A building committee
was appointed consisting of J. F. Wells, R. P. West, S.
K. Waterson and J. S. Price. They requested that a
young man be sent them as pastor. Another quarter-
ly Conference was held in March 1872, at which time
Rev. Nicholson was pastor. A committee was then ap-
pointed to secure a charter for a church. A parson-
age was built in the summer of '72 costing $400. A
charter was obtained May 2, 1873, signed by W. N.
Smallwood, secretary of state. J. T. Shackelford was
appointed pastor, in the spring of 1873. Under his
leadership a church was projected, but was not dedi-
cated till October 1874, when George Winterbourne
was pastor. The church cost $2000 and was dedicated
by Rev. Calvin Holman.
In Northwest Kansas 335
The Methodist Sunday School was organized in
1875. John Fulcomer was superintendent. The first
organization of ladies was effected in the Fall of this
year. It was known as a mite society. Belleville was
continued as the head of a circuit consisting of Fair-
view, Union Valley, Beauchamp and Springfield, un-
til 1886, when Belleville became a station. The other
points having been attached to other charges.
The Epworth League was organized in June 1890.
The present church was built in 1892. It was dedi-
cated January 15, 1893 by bishop Warren, E. P.
Michener was the P. E. and D. A. Allen the pastor.
The charge has been served by the following pas-
tors in addition to those already named. T. B. Gray,
C. G. Chrysler, B. W. Hollen, R. A. Hoffman, C. L.
Shackelford, W. R. Pierce, D. A. Allen, D. McGurk, L.
0. Housel, W. L. Cannon, E. L. Hutchins, J. L. King,
H. 0. Holter, A. L. Semans, U. S. Brown, J. 0. Borton.
July 27, 1892 D. A. Allen reported that the corner
stone for the church was laid on July 12. E. P. Mich-
ener had charge of the service. G. L. Rarick, A. J.
Markley, M. J. Bailey, B. T. Stauber and Judge Post-
lethwait were present. Stauber made the address.
January 25, 1893 Allen reported that the church was
dedicated by Bishop Warren. It cost $7250 and $2800
were raised on the day of dedication.
A revival followed the dedication. The pastor was
assisted by E. M. Randall. Sixty-two united with the
church; 20 on Conference Sunday. The pastor re-
ceived donations amounting to $75 during the year.
Bishop Bowman spent Sunday July 2, with the pas-
tor at Belleville, preached in the morning, addressed
the Junior League in the afternoon, and gave the obser-
vations in India at night. In August a league rally
was held at Belleville. In January 1909 H. O. Holter
reported a union revival service, in which 100 joined
our church.
336 History of Methodism
In December 1912 A. L. Semans reported that
Belleville will raise about $1300 for benevolent causes.
The Epworth League will raise $80 for home work and
$120 to support a pastor in the foreign field. Nearly
the entire church and Sunday School are engaged in
some activity outside of the Sunday School. This
year the W. F. M. S., the Queen Esther Circle, the
Home Guards and the Junior League have been en-
listed in some active work. Various boys' clubs have
been organized and the Epworth League has a large
mission study class, and two bible study classes. A
men's banquet was held. Toasts were responded to
as follows: "Fishing for men," "Hunting for boys,"
"Why a young man should be religious," "Why the
church needs young men," "Why men need the
church," "Men and the Sunday School."
In November 1910 the pastor A. L. Semans, with
the assistance of C. E. Carpenter, held revival services
for two weeks. Twenty-five joined the church and it
was greatly strengthened. A Bible class of fifty was
organized. February 18, 1914 the pastor U. S. Brown
reported that a three weeks' meeting had been held,
during which 21 bowed at the altar as seekers. The
pastor was his own evangelist. Twenty joined the
church. That year the Belleville League received the
district banner for allround excellence.
The Conference Minutes for 1917 give the statistics
of Belleville as follows:
Church property, church, $9000; parsonage, $4,-
000; membership, Prep, 130; received this year, 127,'
full members, 537; non resident, 16; deaths, 3; sup-
port pastor, $1700; D. S., $112; bishops, $30; confer-
ence C's., $70; total, $1912; total Benevo., $1224; Sun-
day School total Enrl., 572; Ep. L. Sr., 56; Jr., 27.
Burr Oak.
The class at Burr Oak was organized in the early
In Northwest Kansas 337
70's. At first it was an appointment on the Jewell
City Circuit. James Lawrence was on the Salina Dis-
trict, which at that time included this territory. H.
G. Breed was the pastor of Jewell City Circuit.
On June 12, 1873 Mrs. Mary Carpenter, wife of
T. B. Carpenter, died. Having learned that a Metho-
dist preacher was living at Jewell, Mr. Carpenter se-
cured E. Mandlin to go to Jewell and get the pastor
to come to Burr Oak, and conduct the funeral service.
This was the first Methodist service held in this vicin-
ity. Two weeks latter Breed returned, and preached
in the second story of Carpenter's store. On January
28, 1874 the Methodist Church of Burr Oak was or-
ganized. The charter members were E. Modlin and
wife, H. B. Oneal and wife, W. H. Mahony, R. R.
Skeels and Susan Skeels, T. B. Carpenter, Susan Mc-
Donald, W. C. Huntington, Catherine Bennett, Thom-
as Lewis.
Services were continued in the Wm. Riner neigh-
borhood, one mile east of the townsite before the town
was located. Breed was pastor in 1873-4. On July 10,
1874 the pastor was preaching in the Carpenter hall,
when the grasshoppers lit on the town, coming down
like a gentle snow storm. Those who did not witness
it can scarcely credit the reports that were made by
some concerning these pests. Some affirmed that in
places they were so thick, that they darkened the sun.
The church was built in 1881. It was a frame
structure, 30x50 feet, with foundation of native stone,
and a vestibule and tower, costing $2400. It was dedi-
cated in June 1881 by H. D. Fisher. A short time be-
fore the dedication, T. B. Carpenter stood responsible
for $1800 of the whole cost.
This building was replaced by the present brick
structure, during the pastorate of C. E. Woods; and
was dedicated Dec. 2, 1912 by T. C. Iliff R. R. Skeels,
J. N. Hotchkiss and G. R. Wellman were the building
338 History of Methodism
committee. It cost $16,000. The men who have served
the church as pastors were: 1884, A. C. Pattee; '85-6,
G. W. Wood ; '87-, E. H. Fleisher ; '89, J. C. Walker; '94,
J. W. Adams ; '96-7, J. M. Willis ; '98-9, W. Hood ; 1900,
W. S. Vandervort; '01-2, S. Barber; '03, J. O. Borton;
'04, J. M. Willis; '05, W. Uncaphor; '07, W. A. Van-
gundy; '10, J. M. Mumford; '12, C. E. Woods; '14-17,
H. J. Lorenz.
October 31, 1894 J. W. Adams reported revival
services held for four weeks, with the assistance of
G. L. Glasscock of Cincinnati, in which 30 persons
were converted and 25 united with the church.
January 14, 1914, C. E. Wood reported that the
Sunday School was being recruited through athletics.
March 24, 1915, a Gospel Team of 40 had been active,
through whose efforts fifty had been added to the
church. J. H. Lorenz was the pastor.
Statistics for 1917 are as follows: Church, $18,000;
parsonage, $2,500; Exp., $468; members, 261; Prep.,
1, support pastor, $1400 ; D. S., $96 ; bishops, $25 ; C.
C's., $60; Benev. F. Ms., $159; H. Ms., $96; Gd. total,
$1366; S. S. Of's. & T's., 26; Enrl., 298; Av., 129;
Exp., $251; Ep. League Sr., 16; W. F. M. S., $101.
Clyde.
Clyde being one of the first places in this part of
the state to be honored by its name appearing in the
Conference Minutes, and the preacher, E. R. Brown,
being the first Conference man to be appointed in this
part of the state, the early history has been recited,
largely already.
Mrs. Rockwell says : "The first Fourth of July cele-
bration in the Republican valley, an affair of no mean
proportions boasted R. P. West as the orator of the
day." Another early settler was Moses Hiller a man
sixty years old. He and his son David built, what was
for that time, a fine house. He was the typical host of
In Northwest Kansas 339
the frontier, renowned in song and story. His hospital-
ity knew no limit and he was the friend of everybody.
For two years he walked to Clay Center every week,
a distance of twenty-five miles, getting the mail which
was brought there. A group of anxious settlers always
awaited his return. This service was voluntary and
without remuneration. When Cloud county attained
the dignity of a post office, Uncle Moses received the
appointment of post master and held it about fifteen
years. He was not a church member but had a high
regard for Christianity, and for those who preached it.
Of course, Brother West soon found him, and his doors
were opened wide and in his house was preached the
first sermon ever preached in Cloud county.
In March 1866 Frank Rupe, his wife and brother
came to Kansas and took a homestead near Clyde. The
first Sunday the brothers walked five miles to the home
of Ben Morely on Dry Creek, to hear West preach.
They were the sons of an Indiana Methodist preacher,
and had brought their church letters with them. Soon
a Sunday School was organized in the Keller home and
J. B. Rupe was the Superintendent. This was the first
Sunday School organized in the county. In the sum-
mer of 1916 at a meeting of the Cloud County Sunday
School Association two members of that school of more
than 50 years ago, were present, having held a con-
tinuous membership throughout the years.
A Quarterly meeting was held in the Heller home
in November 1866 and the Methodist Episcopal church
was organized and R. P. West was appointed preacher
in charge. Frank Rupe and wife, John Rupe, Mr. and
Mrs. B. B. Honey, Mrs. Ben Morley, Mrs. Jackson and
Mrs. Andrew Smith were charter members of the
class, at Clyde. Andrew Smith had fallen a victim to
Indian treachery. Mrs. Smith afterward married
John Rupe. Of these Frank Rupe and Mrs. Mary
340 History of Methodism
(Smith) Rupe have held continuous membership in
the society to the present time.
In the fall of 1868, following a revival service, a
Young People's Meeting was organized led by Frank
Rupe. It was held on Sunday evening and was the
forerunner of the present Epworth League. Brother
Rupe thinks that the special young people's service
has had a continuous existence ever since.
During the pastorate of George Winterbourne,
1879 a parsonage was built costing $400. The first
Methodist house of worship was a hall which was
owned by a stock company, and afterward bought by
the church. The building is still standing.
The minutes of 1872 give Clyde and Saltmarsh as
one charge having two churches valued at $3000.
Those of 1873 have Clyde only as name of the charge
but still reported two churches. The minutes of 1874
report but one church valued at $700. These figures
continue to be reported till 1883, when the Clyde
Church is given a value of $7000, and $5500 is report-
ed as paid on church property.
This however must have been made in payments
for a church debt continued to be reported till 1891.
In 1890 G. W. Woodward was pastor and the following
appeared in the "Central": "The Sunday School is
prospering and the congregation is increasing. The
league has 33 members. The pastor received a dona-
tion of $25." E. P. Michener was pastor in 1895. Feb-
ruary 14 of that year, a revival was reported at Clyde
under the leadership of Jesse Underwood, in which 90
had been converted. Three weeks later a second re-
port stated that 200 had been converted.
In July of that year a league convention was re-
ported in which A. P. George conducted a Normal
class. A. J. Markley had charge of the convention
and was pronounced a success. A Ladies' Aid Society
has been an important factor in the working forces of
In Northwest Kansas 341
the charge for a number of years. The historian great-
ly regrets that he is not able to give a full report of
what they have done. A Woman's Foreign Missionary
Society was organized by Mrs. Baker during one of
their pastorates. While Koser was pastor, it was
changed to a home Society but this lived only a short
time. The president of the Mankato District of the
W. F. M. S. later reorganized that society. It now has
a membership of ten and is doing good work. The
Sunday School has organized classes with modern
methods and is doing well. It has an enrollment of
118.
In November 1916 a jubilee service was held com-
memorating the founding of Methodism in Clyde.
Pastors who helped make it what it is, were welcomed
to this service.
The pastors who have served Clyde are: 1866, R. B.
West; '69, E. R. Brown; '72, E. C. Chilson; '74, L. A.
Hibbard; '76, R. B. Turner; '77, A. B. Cowell; '78, J.
W. Scott; '79, George Winterbourne ; '81, R J. Walker;
'82, G. W. Grabe; '84, E. H. Fleisher; '85, F. D. Baker;
'87, B. W. Hollen ; '88, I. McDowell ; 90, G. W. Wood-
ward; '93, E. P. Michner; '94, A. J. Markley; '96, G.
L. Rarick; '97, G. H. Moulton; '98, J. P. Allen; 1900,
F. D. Baker; '02, E. L. Hutchens; '94, M. E. Goodrich;
'06, C. W. Stevens; '08, G. L. Rarick; '09, A. C. Koser;
'10, G. W. Stafford; '11, C. J. Semans; '13, S. Barker;
'14-17, L. E. Rockwell.
Statistics of 1917: Church, $6000; parsonage, $2,-
000; expense, $72; full members, 96; Prep., 15; sup-
port pastor, $1000 ; D. S., $64 ; bishop, $14 ; C. C's., $40 ;
F. Ms., $48 ; H. Ms., $40 ; total Benev., $321 ; S. S. Of's.
& T's., 16; Enrl., 236; Av., 89; Exp., $72; W. F. M.
S., $30; W. H. M. S., $2.
Concordia.
This was one of the first classes organized in the
342 History of Methodism
bounds of what afterwards came to be the N. W. Kan-
sas Conference. As nearly as can now be determined
by the study of the Conference Minutes, the following
was the order of the several organizations. 1869, Sa-
lina; 1870, Solomon; 1871, Clyde, Concordia, Jewell,
Republic, Beloit; 1872, Belleville, Cawker, Osborne,
Minneapolis, Lincoln, Rice.
The first reference I can find as to church matters
at Concordia is in the report of the district by James
Lawrence in 1874. He said of Concordia, "The breth-
ren here got the material together for a parsonage,
but some misunderstanding between them and the
town company about the lots on which the parsonage
was to be built delayed its erection.
The first statistics of the charge were published in
1877. There were then 102 full members and 41 pro-
bationers. Two Sunday Schools having eight officers
and teachers and 41 scholars.
No property was reported till 1879 when both a
church and parsonage were reported, the church
valued at $2000 and the parsonage at $1000. At that
time there were 190 members and 83 probationers.
Only one Sunday School was reported and there were
11 officers and teachers and 90 scholars. The charge
paid for ministerial support $750.
In 1890 Methodism in Concordia had made quite
an advance. The report for that year shows a mem-
bership of 212 full members and 35 probationers. The
church property had been much improved, so much so
that the church was then valued at $6000 and the par-
sonage at $3000. The enrollment in the Sunday School
was 219. The next marked advance in the work of
the charge was in 1908. T. J. H. Taggart was ap-
pointed pastor in 1905; at that time the membership
was 281 full members, and 33 probationers; the Sun-
day School enrollment was 180, average attendance
135. In 1909 the membership was 300 and the Sun-
In Northwest Kansas 343
day School enrollment 314. In 1905 the church was
valued at $4500 ; in 1909 it was appraised at $28,000.
The value of the parsonage was also increased $1000 ;
so that Taggart's pastorate at Concordia was one of the
most successful in the history of the church.
Statistics for 1917: Church, $30,000; parsonage,
$5,000 ; members, 372 ; Prep., 28 ; Ch. Exp., $880 ; sal-
aries, pastor's, $1900 ; D. S. $128 ; bishop, $31 ; C. C's.,
$80; F. Ms., $176; H. Ms., $156; Gd. total, $1407; 2
S. S. Ofs. & T's, 26; Enrl., 380; Av., 236; Exp., $186;
Ep. L. Sr., 55 ; Jr., 38 ; W. F. M. S., $218.
Courtland.
The first Methodist class organized in Courtland
was by Rev. James Flowers on the 25th of November
1888. This was done in a school house one mile south
and one east of the town. The first sermon preached
was by Rev. G. L. Rarick. The class was small but
the members were faithful. Mr. Arnett, the father
of Rev. J. A. Arnett was the class leader in the town
and a very faithful, devoted man. The first leader at
the school house was Nathan Pilcher.
The church was begun during the pastrate of G.
L. Rarick and completed under that of W. M. Sedore.
It was dedicated by Rev. E. P. Michener, presiding
elder of the district. The first services were held in
the upper room of a brick store building, and later in
the second story of the school house. In winter it was
often very uncomfortable but they were cheered on by
the faithful brothers and sisters, especially by Brother
Arnett.
In November 1893 the pastor Rev. S. A. Green
held a successful revival resulting in forty conversions.
In March 1894 at the close of his second year Green
reported that he had enjoyed a good year and received
a donation.
344 History of Methodism
M. J. Baily was the next pastor. In the "Central"
of March 3, 1895 he reported 14 baptisms, 13 received
into full membership and 3 on probation. J. T. Bates
was the pastor from 1903 to 1905. In September 1903
he reported that the floating debt had been paid, the
parsonage painted and a brick walk laid in front of
the church. The Lincoln Class had long felt the need
of a church, but were not able to build. This year sev-
eral families moved in, and united with the church,
and thus brought such reenforcement that they deter-
mined to build what they had long desired.
A building 28x40 was planned and erected at a
cost of $1825. On the day of dedication $350 were
needed to complete payment. In a short time $483
were raised and the church dedicated free of debt. W.
A. Pierce served the Courtland charge in 1907-8. The
Central of November 11, 1908 contained the following
report of the work: "A tabernacle 70x100 was erected
for the French E. Oliver meetings, which began Oc-
tober 14, and lasted four weeks. Four hundred per-
sons were converted. Some lives were literally trans-
formed. A company of people were in town for but one
night, and seven of them were converted. Of those
who took a stand for Christ 325 gave their church
preference, some were already members and 49 were
undecided."
Courtland has been served by the following pas-
tors. For four years it was connected with Formoso
and served by G. L. Rarick three years, and by W.
M. Sedore one year; '89 to '93; '93, S. A. Green; '94-5,
M. J. Bailey; '96, Jas. Flowers; '7, A. D. Wright; '98,
B. F. Hutchins; '99-1900, J. H. Brown; '01-02, D. R.
Laport; '03-05, J. T. Bates; '06, W. W. Herrington;
'07-08, W. A. Pierce; C. H. Cowman, '09-12; A. C.
Henslee, '13; C. E. Tinker, '14-15; L. R. Hondrick,
'16-17.
In Northwest Kansas 345
Report for 1917: Church, $4000; parsonage, $1,-
000; Exp., $120; members, 120; Prep., 56; support
pastor, $913 ; D. S., $48 ; bishop, $5 ; C. C's., $5 ; F. M.,
$38; H. Ms., $28; Gd. total, $411; 2 S. S. Ofs. & T's.,
28 Enrl., 188; Av., 139; Exp., $87; Ep. L. Sr., 20; W.
F. M. S., $5; W. H. M. S. $3.
Cuba.
The class at Cuba was organized by D. A. Allen in
1890 and he served as pastor till October, 1891, when
the presiding elder appointed him to Belleville and E.
G. Alderman was appointed to Cuba, for the rest of
the year. Those who followed were : G. L. Rarick '92-
'93; E. R. Price, '94; W. E. Jenkins, '95-6; L. B. Tre-
main, '97-1900; N. S. Ragel, '01-02; G. R. Pierce, '03;
W. C. Brayman, '04; H. L. McKean, '05-7; E. C. Rath,
'08-9; L. M. Martin, '10-11; H. Roisy, '12; C. E. Car-
penter, '13-14; W. L. Allen, '15; L. R. Templin, '16-17.
During the pastorate of D. A. Allen a lot was pur-
chased and a parsonage was built. In January, '92, un-
der the pastorate of E. G. Alderman, E. P. Michener,
the presiding elder, preached on tithing and presented
thoughts well calculated to arouse Christians to the
importance of this Bible doctrine. In March of the
same year, J. H. Worley, a returned missionary living
at Lincoln, Nebraska, spoke on China and took the col-
lection for missions.
I. L. McKean was the pastor in 1905 to 1907. He
found it to be a very difficult charge, the population
being largely foreign, and many of them sceptical on
religion. These were organized for the purpose of
more effectually opposing Christianity. Notwith-
standing this the pastor, with the assistance of D. Otis
Gunckel, as singer, held a five weeks' meeting, which
reulted in a great awakening. Ninty-six professed
conversion and eight sought and came into the enjoy-
ment of the higher state in grace. C. E. Carpenter
346 History of Methodism
served the charge 1913-14. It consisted of Cuba and
Agenda. He held a revival at each place, the two last-
ing almost eight weeks. The churches were greatly
blessed and the membership was almost doubled.
Esbon.
When this point first appeared in the Conference
apointment it read Salem and Esbon. That was in
1895. It was so published again in '96, but in '97 and
'98 a pastor was sent to each place. In 1900 it was
made Esbon and Salem and continued so till 1904,
when Salem was dropped from the list. Whether it con-
tinued to be a silent partner in the charge, the writer
is not informed; it is probable, however, that it was
so continued, as three churches were reported, and
the membership of the churches and S. S. continued as
it had been. In 1909 a pastor was appointed to both
places and each pastor reported two churches. In
1911 three churches were reported at Esbon, valued
at $8500, but only one S. S. with an enrollment of
252; but 1912 they reported one church worth $9,-
000, and one S. S. with enrollment of 252.
There are some things very puzzling in the statis-
tics of this charge. The next year 1913 three churches
are reported, but only one S. S. with enrollment of
300, and the three churches were valued at $9,000, the
value of the one as reported the previous year. Surely
a mistake was made by someone, but subsequent re-
ports continued to give three churches valued at $9,-
000 ; and three S. S. and the enrollment in the three is
but little in excess of that given of the one in 1913. It
was smaller than that of '13. The writer has long
suspected that Conference statistical reports do not al-
ways give accurate information in reference to church
affairs. The above figures tend strongly to confirm
that suspicion.
In Northwest Kansas 347
Esborn charge has as a rule reported a fair mem-
bership. The first report in '98 gave 104 full mem-
bers and twenty probationers. The smallest number
reported was in 1908 following the pastorate of J. E.
Goins, a supply pastor. Those who, apparently were
successful in building up the charge were W. C. Har-
ris, J. O. Borton, W. J. Meredith and L. C. Hicks.
Meredith baptized 98 adults the first year of his pas-
torate. J. O. Borton did more for missions than any
other pastor, reporting in 1913, $60 for the foreign
work and $50 for the home.
The Epworth League was first reported in 1910 r
C. A. Fished, pastor. There were 30 members. It
continued to be reported year after year with varying
numbers of members. It became very popular during
the pastorate of W. J. Meredith. The first year there
were 65 members, the next year 110. 1916 L. C.
Hicks, pastor, organized a junior league of 25 mem-
bers. There were 95 members of the Senior class.
In the matter of pastoral support Esbon ranked
with charges of like grade in that part of the state.
The first pastor received less than $300. In 1905 the
pastor was allowed $500 and a house, but there was a
deficiency reported at the close of the year of $30.
1908 the salary was fixed at $650, which was paid.
That was the largest amount that had been paid up to
that time; but in 1911 C. A. Fisher was allowed $1,-
000 and it was paid in full.
The next two years J. O. Borton was pastor and
received $1400 each year. This is the largest sum any
pastor has received up to this time. The report for
1917 shows the following: three churches, $9000; par-
sonage, — ; members, 253 ; Exp., $75 ; support pastor,
$1250; D. S., $88; bishop, $19; C. C's., $46; F. Ms.,
$38; H. Ms., $30; Gd. total, $601; 3 S. S. officers and
teachers, 34; Enrl., 282; Av., 140; Exp., $120; Ep. L.
Sr., 25; Jr., 40; W. F. M. S., $12.
348 History of Methodism
Formoso.
Formoso is found in the list of Conference appoint-
ments for the first time in 1889. It stood in connec-
tion with Courtland until 1893 when each was made
the head of a charge. The pastors up to this time were :
'89-91, G. L. Rarick; '92, W. M. Sedore; '93-4, E. R.
Zimmerman; '95-6, W. W. Wells, '97, W. B. Keeley;
'98, Thos. Muxlow ; N. S. Ragle, '99-1900 ; J. A. Temp-
lin, '01 ; A. B. Comwell, '02 ; A. D. Wright, '03 ; H. C.
Lawyer, '04; G. H. Christenberry, '05; H. M. Temp-
lin, '06 ; A. L. Semans, '07-9 ; C. M. Snyder, '10 ; A. M.
Misel, '11-12; D. B. Magee, '13-14; W. J. Meredith, '15-
16; G. Waggoner, '17.
G. L. Rarick reported in October '91 that his third
quarterly meeting continued five weeks. Thirty-three
united with the church. E. R. Zimmerman served the
charge in '93-4. February 22, '93, he reported that a
new church was dedicated January 22; B. T. Stauber
preached and raised $860. The church cost $2500.
On October 18th of that year A. J. Markly organ-
ized a league of 38 members. In 1894 E. R. Zimmer-
man reported 150 conversions, resulting from three re-
vivals lasting twelve weeks, 85 joined the church. In
October 1904, H. C. Sawyer reported that 12 were re-
ceived into full membership. In December 1905 the
Junior League, of which Miss Orpha Daniels was
superintendent, had a cellar made under the church
and the Ladies' Aid had a furnace installed. In Feb-
ruary 1909 A. L. Semans had held a revival meeting
assisted by H. O. Holter and C. A. Fisher. The mem-
bership of the charge had been increased 200 per cent,
in two years. January 14, 1904 D. B. Magee, said:
"The charge has reached a high degree of success.
Every bill is paid, the salary is full and the S. S. and
League are flourishing."
In Northwest Kansas 349
Report for 1917: Church, $2000; 2 parsonages,
$2500; members, 225; Prep., 5; pastor, $1180; D. S.
$80; bishop, $19; C. C's., $50; F. M. S., $114; H. Ms.,
$89; Gd. total, $767; S. S. Of's. & T's., 20; Enrl., 302;
Av., 136; Exp., $116; Ep. L. Sr., 35, Jr., 15; W. H. M.
S., $66.
Hollis.
The Hollis class is one of the first that was organ-
ized within the bounds of the N. W. Kansas Confer-
ence ; having been started by the pioneer local preacher
of this section of the state, R. P. West. The first
Methodist meeting held in this vicinity was at the
home of W. J. Christie on Lower Salt Creek.
In 1866 West settled on a homestead on Salt Creek,
8 miles S. E. of Belleville. From his homestead he
visited the surrounding neighborhoods, preaching and
organizing societies. E. R. Brown of the Kansas Con-
ference was the first regularly appointed pastor in this
section. This was in 1869 ; so from '66 to '69 the peo-
ple in this territory were dependent on local preachers
for the gospel. Not much is known of the success of
the work, other than, that Christie's (Hollis) and
Fairview (Wayne) continued to be regular appoint-
ments on the circuit.
In 1873 Peter Sarre, a little German supplied the
circuit which he traveled on horse back ; and is said to
have been one of the most able preachers that ever
preached in this section of the country.
In '74 L. A. Tallman was the pastor of the Seapo
charge which included Prairie Home, upper West
Creek, Seapo, Elk Creek, Lawrenceburg, and Salt
Creek (Hollis). W. Bennett, G. B. Bassett, T. Durant
and Rev. W. Garrett were members of the quarterly
Conference. The next year the charge was supplied
by Wm. Garrett, While he was not an educated man
was a good exhorter and singer and did much good.
350 History of Methodism
In 1880 and '81 the work was supplied by E. R. Price,
and the appointments were Seapo, Bethel, Fairview
(Wayne), Liberty (Hollis), Zion and Pleasant View.
The first year the salary was $315, the second it was
$365. Rev. Price had bought a farm just east of the
townsite. He built a little house on the farm and oc-
cupied that during the remainder of his pastorate.
Down to this time the pastors were : '73, Sarre ; '74,
Tallman; '75, Garret; '76, Conwell; '77, Turner; '78,
Levan; '79, Phillips; '80, Price; '82-84, W. H. Wil-
liams. He was active as an evangelist and did much
good on the charge. He now devotes himself wholly
to evangelistic work and is very successful. While on
this charge, Williams superintended the building of a
small parsonage at Seapo.
In 1885 a small church was planned for Hollis. It
was built in 1889, a half mile north of the present
town site under the leadership of A. J. Markley. The
trustees were W. J. Christie, E. R. Price, A. W. Mil-
ler, E. H. Stewart, S. P. Price, H. Roszell and J. A.
Jacobs. In 1907 it was moved to Hollis. May 14,
1909 a cyclone struck the town and destroyed the
church and several other buildings. The church was
a total loss; but the people rallied to the pastor and
pledged the money and the church was rebuilt. The
pastor, A. D. Wright, being a skilled mechanic, did
most of the work and the people paid him. The church
cost $2200 and was dedicated by Dr. R. P. Smith, pres-
ident of the Kansas Wesleyan University.
Those who followed Williams were: 1895, W. A.
Matson; '86-7, G. H. Cheney; '88-9, A. J. Markley;
'90-2, F. D. Funk; '93-4, E. H. Bailiff; '95, J. M. Mil-
ler; '96-9, J. H. Laird. During Laird's pastorate Rev.
Caradine conducted a successful revival at Hollis.
1900-2, G. Mann. Late in the spring of 1903 W. A.
Phillippe of Tennessee was appointed to Hollis, E. R.
Price supplied until his arrival. Price also supplied
In Northwest Kansas 351
for a time in 1904, 1905-6, M. G. Terry; '07-8, C. W.
Moorman. In 1909 there was an other change in the
sircuit. Talmo, Wayne and Providence Chapel were
constituted a circuit, leaving Hollis and Fortney to
form another pastoral charge.
As has already been stated A. D. Wright was pas-
tor 1909-10 and built the church. The old arrange-
ments was again restored and Hollis, Wayne, Talmo
and Fortneys formed the circuit. 1911 E. Turren-
tine; '12-13, J. A. Templin; '14-15, C. R. Carbin and
B. H. Horton; '15-17, C. E. Carpenter. The trustees
of 1916 are T. W. Ekstrom, president; W. E. Price,
secretary ; A. N. Melson, treasurer ; S. W. Clark, S. A.
Christie, A. Shaler, C. L. ; W. E. Price, superintendent.
Sunday School is organized into a missionary society.
Collection last Children's Day was $27. There is a
Ladies' Aid Society of which Mrs. A. N. Nelson is
president. In the last four years the treasurer reports
$121.71 have been made by the society. The funds are
used for church building, improving parsonage, buying
a piano and assisting in paying salaries.
A few reports reached the Central. In March 1890
A. J. Markley reported that $1850 had been used in
improving the church and parsonage. In March '94
E. H. Bailiff stated that his 61st birthday was January
20th and that Wayne and Hollis observed it by sur-
prising them at the parsonage. December 26, 1906
M. G. Terry reported the dedication of the Talmo
Church. It cost $2300. It has a furnace and gasoline
lights. C. W. Wynant preached and obtained pledges
for $1100, the sum needed to pay for the church. In
March 1914 J. A. Templin reported special services
held at Wayne and Talmo and a revival in progress at
Hollis. Statistics for 1917 report: Church, $2000;
parsonage, $1100; Ch. Exp., $210; F. Ms., 62; Prep.,
5; pastor, $900: D. S. $64, bishop, $14; C. C, 40; F.
352 History of Methodism
Ms., $38 ; H. Ms., 19 ; Gd. total, $264 ; 1 S. S. O.'s & T's.,
12; Enrl., 105; Av., 57; Exp., $40.
Ionia and McCabe Chapel.
The Ionia class is one of the oldest in this part of
the state. The Sunday School was organized in 1872.
J. A. Severs was superintendent. Mr. and Mrs.
Reimerchender, Mr. and Mrs. Scott and two daugh-
ters, Lute Coal, Mrs. and Mr. Webster and their chil-
dren constituted the school. They at first met in pri-
vate houses till the school house was built.
The first class was organized in 1874 by Rev. H. G.
Bree. The members of the class were the same as the
adults of the S. S. together with Mr. and Mrs. Lumas
and some of their children. Other points were added
of which McCabe Chapel was one. It is still a point on
the charge. The parsonage was built soon after.
Ionia and McCabe Chapel appear in the Confer-
ence appointments in 1881. A the close of the year
100 members were reported and they paid their pas-
tor, L. V. Morton $398. The charge has since been
served as follows: '82, L. V. Morton; '83, B. F. Hew-
lett; '84, J. F. Hill; '85, H. E. Pickle; '86-7, G. H.
Woodward; '88-9, H. G. Breed; '90-2, E. R. Zimmer-
man; '93-5, Jas. Flowers; '96-8, Jas. Kerr; '99-1900,
F. A. Colwell ; '01-03, L. B. Tremain ; '04, M. E. Moyer,
'05, W. W. Herrington ; '06-7, C. H. Cowman ; '08-10,
E. Turrentine; '11, W. A. Vangudy; '12 O. Gessell;
'13, W. W. Hurlbut; '14-15, F. D. Funk; '16, E. H.
Tipton; '17, D. R. Laport.
A new church was built on the charge in 1892,
which added to the value of the property $1600. An-
other was built the next year which added $2900. This
was probably McCabe Chapel. Chaplain McCabe was
very highly esteemed by Brother Breed, and the
church was built on land donated by Breed. He also
contributed liberally for the building; and it was in
In Northwest Kansas 353
deference to his wishes that the church was no named.
Ionia was a three point circuit: Ionia, McCabe
Chapel and Bethel ; and was so reported till 1914. They
paid a salary of $900, of which Ionia paid $380, Mc-
Cabe $400 and Bethel $120.
Bethel has now been attached to another charge,
leaving Ionia and McCabe to constitute this charge.
Statistics for 1917 give the following: 2 Churches,
$4000; parsonage, $800; members, 152; Exp., $125;
support pastor, $1000; D. S., $72; bishops, $18; C. C,
$40; F. Ms., $70; H. Ms., $40; Gd. total, $1431; 3 S.
5. O's. T's., 34; Enrl., 216; Av., 122; Exp., $124.
Jamestown.
In 1881 J. A. Bull was appointed to the charge.
During his pastorate of three years the first church
was built and dedicated.
In 1884 B. F. Hewlett came to the work, and served
one year, and succeeded in building the main room of
the parsonage. S. A. Green served the charge in 1885-
6. From this date to 1906 the charge was served by the
following pastors : W. T. Robinson, J. C. Walker, G. H.
Cheney, James Flowers, W. E. Jenkins, W. B. Keeley,
W. S. Vanderwort, C. E. Trueblood, H. A. Manker, F.
D. Funk, F. A. Colwell, C. A. Davis and J. M. Sexton.
F. D. Funk remodeled the parsonage. The Sun-
day School superintendents have been P. S. Jones, C.
O. Clark, Mrs. Finney, John Palmer, C. H. Palmer,
John Kiggins, Wm. Clark, Joseph Morley, Mrs. Mary
Burton, W. H. Robinson, Ida Ansbell, W. I. Eeinker-
binder, E. E. Keifer, C. I. Gould, Carl Hitchcox and B.
A. McGaugh.
During Vanderwort's ministry at the second quar-
terly meeting, in 1894, F. D. Baker, the presiding
Elder, preached two good sermons, three united with
the church on probation, five were baptized and thir-
teen were received into full membership. March 27,
354 History of Methodism
1895 W. S. Vandervort reported that 44 united with
the church, 25 of them being heads of families. Rev.
Gunn and his wife assisted the pastor, J. M. Sexton,
in a series of meetings in which 93 professed conver-
sion and 46 united with the church. The evangelists
were found to be good safe helpers. She was especial-
ly successful with the young people. A Junior League
of 40 members was organized.
Report of 1917: Church, $11,000; parsonage, $1,-
000; F. members, 219; Prep., 5; current Exp., $172;
ministerial support pastor, $900; D. S., $72; bishops,
$17; C. (7s., $45; Benev. F. Ms., $47; Home, $33; S. S.
T's. & O's., 26; Enrl., 236; Exp., $150; Ep. L. Sr., 55.
Jewell.
With the exception of items gleaned from the
"Central" and notes, as to present conditions sent by
the 1916 pastor, J. W. Bates, the historian is indebted
wholly to a conference program prepared and publish-
ed by J. C. Postlethwait, in 1906, when the Conference
met at Jewell.
The first public gathering held in Jewell County
was a Fourth of July celebration, held under an arbor
of boughs, July 4, 1870. The first load of lumber had
arrived the day previous. Shortly after this another
congregation assembled under an elm tree near the
southeast comer of the town site, and a local preacher
named Rose, conducted a religious service. Services
were conducted at intervals until the coming of the
first pastor H. G. Breed, appointed by the Kansas Con-
ference. He will tell his own story. He says: "At
the session of the Missouri Conference in 1872, I was
transferred to the Kansas Conference, and appointed
to Jewell City, the county seat of Jewell Co. I arrived
here on the first day of April and found the people
busy building business houses and places for their own
habitation.
In Northwest Kansas 355
My first appointment was announced for April 14,
1872. There was no church in which to hold service,
but the unoccupied business houses were open, and a
goodly number of attentive listeners were present. The
first Quarterly meeting was held in a little building
near where the Republican is now printed. James
Lawrence was the presiding elder. I asked him how
far my work extended west. He said, "Go until you
strike another man." I soon found there was no work
in the west, nearer than Denver. It seems however
that Rev. G. S. Dearborn, presiding elder of the Man-
hattan District, had previously held, what had been
called a quarterly meeting, in the home of R. R. Mc-
Clung near the close of 1870. This could hardly have
been a quarterly meeting for there had been no organ-
ization effected, and could therefore have been no offi-
cers. Suppose, since it was held by a presiding elder,
it must have been a quarterly meeting.
E. D. Heinecke tells of the organization of the
society. He says, "The first service for worship which
I attended, was near East Buffalo Creek on Brother
John Hoffer's claim. The services were conducted by
H. G. Breed, the second Sunday in July 1871. There
was no organization as yet in Jewell county. Services
were held in various places, round the town site, in
the open air, when the weather was favorable; some-
times in Brother H. C. Jenning's "red front" building.
The first M. E. Church, of Jewell City, was organized
April 29, 1874. The board of trustees were J. W.
George, president; E. T. Byram, secretary; B. F. Wal-
lace, treasurer; A. H. Mead, P. H. Early and E. D.
Heinecke. The charter was granted June 6 of that
year. A donation of $200 and a loan of $400 was ob-
tained from the Church Extension Society. Two hun-
dred dollars were borrowed from the Marshall County
Bank of Waterville for 90 days, at two and a half per
cent, per month. Later $250 were borrowed from
356 History of Methodism
Mrs. Leland, for six months at twelve per cent, per
annum. H. G. Breed made out the bill for the mater-
ial.
Native timber for the frame was purchased from
Mr. Mahon, on White Rock. Pine lumber, shingles,
doors and windows were brought from Waterville, a
distance of one hundred twenty miles. This was
hauled by men who volunteered to do the hauling with-
out charge.
The church was built by P. H. Early at $2.50 per
day. A. H. Mead did the plastering and made a liberal
donation. In his report to the Conference of 1874 the
presiding elder had the following to say concerning
Jewell : "A combination of adverse circumstances pre-
vented the brethren from going on with the church,
in Jewell City, which was commenced last year, but,
by revivals, the circuit almost doubled its membership,
reporting 88 members and 71 probationers. The
charge also reports $12 for missions, the only collec-
tion taken."
The report for 1875 shows that $1000 were raised
for church building and $520 for pastor's salary. One
of the adverse conditions referred to above, was the
grasshopper raid in July. Breed says of it: "After
we had the house up and nearly enclosed, we were met
by hot winds and clouds of grasshoppers. While I was
helping put on the roof, I had to pull down the rim of
my hat to keep the hoppers out of my eyes, and the
wind was so hot, I had to do the same thing to keep
it from burning my neck." In 1875 the report shows
$1000 raised for church building and $520 for the
pastor's salary.
In the Central of March 18, 1891, A. B. Comwell
reported that A. J. Markley assisted him in a series of
meetings at which the church was quickened and a
number converted. October 1893 H. M. Mayo report-
ed special services in which he was assisted by B. E.
In Northwest Kansas 357
Shawhan, great congregations came from the sur-
rounding country. Noon-day prayer meetings were
well attended. Fifty-three united with our church,
and a number went into the other churches. Two-
thirds of these converted were men.
March 1904 F. N. Willis reported that the par-
sonage had been remodeled at a cost of $1550, and the
Q. C. had requested his return. November of the same
year, special services were held with the assistance of
J. M. Iliff of the E. Ohio Conference. Twenty-three
joined the church. W. H. Neill held a four weeks'
meeting in December 1906, in which more than 20
were converted and backsliders were reclaimed. Other
local pastors assisted in the services. More than
$1000 were raised for church purposes ; a furnace was
installed, a cement walk built and an old debt paid.
In February 1910 during the pastorate of L. O.
Housel, the church, having been remodeled at a cost
of $2700, was rededicated. J. M. Iliff preached in the
morning and L. E. Rockwell at night. The evangeli-
cal and Christian congregations attended in the even-
ing, and their pastors extended hearty greetings. The
local paper reported that the day was a great success.
January 14, 1914, J. R. Thomas, pastor, reported
congregations large and growing in interest. The Sun-
day School well attended. The Graded Lessons are
improving the conditions. Reports of the S. S. Mis-
sionary Society is the best in its history. Last month's
collection was $12.00. Condition of the charge in 1916
was as follows :
Membership of church, 235; non resident mem-
bers, 20; number in all departments of S. S., 213; No.
in Epworth League, 38 ; No. in Junior League, 42 ; No.
in W. F. M. S., 53. Official board : Trustees L. S.
Grumm, W. J. Carpenter, W. A. Matson, A. L. Stan-
ley, C. W. Mecalf, C. F. Glick, W. C. Palmer, A. C.
Ely, W. W. Nixon; S. S. Supt., W. A. Matson;
358 History of Methodism
Stewards: N. Kramer, Pearl Cluster, Irma Nixon, W.
W. Nixon, A. C. Ely; Pres. Epworth League, Kather-
ine Zipse; Pres. W. F. M. S., Mrs. W. C. Calmer; Supt.
Junior League, Mrs. A. C. Ely; Pres. Ladies' Aid,
Mrs. Alice Ruggles ; first officers of W. F. M. S. were :
Pres. Mrs. Baker; Effie Peters, Sec; Mrs. Frank Rug-
gles, Treas. The Sunday School uses the Graded Les-
sons except the Juniors and adult classes.
There are three organized classes. Most interest
is shown by the one called "The Country Club."
Church, $10,000; parsonage, $3500; Exp., $375; full
members, 231 ; Prep., 4 ; salaries, pastor, $1700 ; D. S.,
$113 ; bishop, $25 ; C. C's., $71 ; Benev. F. Ms., $223 ;
H. Ms., $150; Gd. total, $1747; S. S. O's. & T's., 29;
Enrl., 273; Av., 141; Exp., $325; Ep. L. Sr., 52; Jr.,
46; W. F. M. S., $118; W. H. M. S., $12.
Kensington.
In 1893 G. W. Hood was appointed to Kensington
that being the first time this name appeared in the
list of appointments. The charge has since been serv-
ed as follows : '94, G. W. Hood ; '95, F. D. Funk ; '96-7,
B. W. Hollen; '98-9, M. J. Bailey; 1900, D. Reese;
1901-2, C. A. Davis; '03-5, A. C. Henslee; '06, I. L.
Clark; '07, W. M. Shular; '08, A. W. James; '09, J. M.
Sexton; '10, L. E. Cook; '11, G. M. Callaway; '12, A.
H. Christensen; '13-14, T. M. Brimlow; '15-16, A. D.
Rice : '17, B. C. Wolfe.
The minutes of 1894 reported both a church and
parsonage. The church was valued at $2000 and the
parsonage at $500. There were 121 full members and
11 probationers and two local preachers. In '95 there
were three Sunday Schools having 27 teachers and of-
ficers and 210 scholars. In 1908 the parsonage was
improved bringing the valuation to $1600; and in 1912
it was further improved increasing the value $400. In
1910 both an Epworth and Junior League were organ-
In Northwest Kansas 359
ized. The former reported 20 members and the Jun-
iors 19. There is a school house appointment, Cedar
Valley, which paid last year $225 on the salary. In
May 1910 L. E. Cook, pastor, reported that the good
people of Kensington surprised the pastor and his
family with a Pound Party which was a very pleasant
affair. In October 1912, the pastor, A. E. Christen-
sen, assisted by C. A. Fisher held a two weeks' meet-
ing; 15 were converted or reclaimed. The pastor, in
his report noted that the preaching of Fisher and the
presence and help of Thomas Muxlow were very help-
ful in the services.
The present pastor led the church and community
in a very worthy building enterprise which resulted in
providing the Methodists of Kensington with a neat
attractive commodious church. It is built of light
gray brick laid in black mortar, trimmed with red
brick; and provides on the main floor an auditorium
40x40 and four class rooms, a pastor's study, mother's
room and vestibule. The gallery contains four class
rooms and a Sunday School secretary's room. In the
basement there are two furnace rooms, a class room,
and a commodious banquet hall. The pews and fur-
nishings are of mission oak.
A $4000 pipe organ is the gift of Mr. Henry Water-
man, a member of the building committee. The gift
is a memorial to his wife.
The church was dedicated Oct. 7, 1917 by President
J. F. Harmon. A number of former pastors were
present and assisted in the services. The Lovefeast
was led by M. J. Bailey who was pastor when the first
church was built. L. E. Cook, C. A. Davis and T. M.
Brimlow were present and took part in the services.
There was no subscription taken, the funds having
been fully provided. Basket collections were taken
morning and evening amounting to $247.77.
360 History of Methodism
Statistics for 1917 show as follows: Church, $2000;
parsonages, $2000; members, 126; Cur. Exp., $400;
pastor, $1350; D. S., $88; bishop, $20; C. C's., $55; F.
Ms., $60; H. Ms., $60; Gd. total, $887. Two Sunday
Schools O's. & T's., 32; Enrl, 282; Av., 160; Ep. L.
Sr., 20; W. F. Ms., $61.
Lebanon.
The first Methodist service held in the vicinity of
Lebanon was in the dugout of G. W. Peer, a half mile
N. W. of the present site of the town. Rev. J. T.
Stones was the preacher. It was in the fall of 1875.
B. G. Andrews furnished the inspiration for this
meeting. Having heard there was a preacher living
in the north part of the county he and a Brother
Sweem started out in a lumber wagon to find him.
They finally reached his dugout and brought him to
the Andrews home that night. The next morning a
number of persons started out to inform the settlers
there would be meetings at the Peer home, that night.
The house was crowded and the meetings were con-
tinued from night to night for two weeks, when a
class of nearly forty persons was organized. Follow-
ing this another meeting was held and the Mt. Hope
class was formed. Soon after another class was organ-
ized at the home of W. Porter who kept the post office,
and shortly after another was formed at the Allen
school house, and still another at Highland.
Stones and Bonnett continued to preach at these
several points, until the next session of the annual
conference, when J. T. Stones was appointed to the Mt.
Hope Circuit. B. G. Andrews furnishes the following
list, as a part of the charter members of the first class
that was organized at the Peer home. G. W. Peer and
wife, Emma, May and Myrtle Peer, Clark Welden and
wife, G. H. and Ida Welden, Ed. Williams and wife,
Ed. and Susan Sweem, B. G. Martha and M. D. An-
In Northwest Kansas 361
drews, Minnie Andrews, J. E. Andrews and wife, Mr.
and Mrs. Rice.
The first church was erected in 1890 at a cost of
$1500. F. D. Funk was the pastor. The trustees were
Clark Welden, Nathan Smith, W. E. Strever, R. G.
Hunter and G. A. Tomlinson.
The first parsonage was erected in 1893. Lebanon
appears in the Conference Minutes first in 1886. H.
E. Pickel pastor. The following men served the charge
in order. Milton Allen (supply) supply name not given,
F. D. Funk, C. R. Flowers, G. H. Moulton, S. L. Se-
mans, J. M. Willis, J. P. Allen, C. H. Muse, G. H.
Christenbury, L. B. Tremain, W. M. Carter, Onstott,
C. A. Fisher, C. E. Hall, T. M. Brinlaw, C. E. Spauld-
ing.
E. V. Allen, son of W. R. Allen, who was one of
the early pioneers of Western Kansas relates a bit of
his own experience which was of vital importance in
the early organization of the Lebanon charge. He re-
lates his part in the event as follows: "In the village
of Old Lebanon, which was four miles south of the
present town, there was an unoccupied mill building
owned by Mr. Frank Hall. In June 1886, I, a youth
of seventeen, leased this building and fitted it up for
a Sunday School room. Twenty persons soon enroll-
ed in the school. Later, the number increased to forty.
J. F. Johnson who was just entering the ministry,
took up the work and organized a class. A house was
bought for the pastor, and Lebanon was the head of
the charge. About a year later the Rock Island R.
R. gave the town a new location; and the old village
began mobilization. The parsonage was in the van,
but the new town school house became the meeting
place for the S. S. and church services. F. D. Funk
was one of the first to preach in the new town."
As might be expected, the young man who was the
chief actor in the above enterprise a few years later,
362 History of Methodism
became a member of the N. W. Kansas Conference. In
1911 he transferred to the Kansas Conference, and is
now stationed at Morganville in that Conference. In
1889 F. D. Funk was pastor. He served the charge
two years ; and reported a four weeks' meeting at Mt.
Zion, in which there were twenty accessions. The
first service in the new church was held March 9, 1899.
He reported 100 accessions during the year, twelve by
letter.
Funk was followed by James Flowers who also re-
mained two years; and was succeeded by G. H. Moul-
ton. He reported a Children's Day collection, June
21, 1893 amounting to $21.85; and he received a gold
enameled league watch chain. The old church was
sold to the Campbellites. The parsonage was also
sold, and a new one is to be built. March 28, 1894, he
reported that 143 had joined during the year just clos-
ing. A new church and parsonage had been built. The
church was wrecked by a storm but had been repaired.
Three thousand eight hundred forty-five dollars had
been raised and expended, on church and parsonage;
and $148 had been raised for benevolences. The league
had a membership of 56 and the Junior League of 58.
Lebanon has frequently enjoyed very gracious seasons
of revival. Of one of these Rev. L. B. Tremain gives
the following account :
In the fall of 1907, the greatest revival of my min-
istry occured in Lebanon. That was my fourth year
on the charge, and I felt that I could not even under-
take to be my own evangelist ; so the official board gave
me the privilege of employing an evangelist. Twice
I had a partial promise of help, but both times some-
thing occured to thwart the plans ; and I was ready to
give up in despair. Finally I determined to announce
on a Sunday morning, that there would be special serv-
ices on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights for the
good of the church. The interest was so great I was
In Northwest Kansas 363
encouraged to announce meetings for Thursday and
Fright nights. On Friday night one of the faithful
Sunday School workers, Mrs. George Porter, brought
a young girl, a member of her class, to the altar, and
she was prayed into the kingdom. The following Sun-
day morning, a Mr. Weaver, the proprietor and man-
ager of one of the best hotels that Lebanon ever had,
was reclaimed by the power of God. His reclamation
made some very interesting changes in his place of
business. That Sunday night, a prominent stockman
(Mr. Andy Lull), who subsequently became president
of the First National Bank with much fear and trem-
bling, brought a splendid young man to the altar. This
seemed to be the final stroke that made possible a far-
reaching and most glorious revival. Others came that
same night and were converted. The meetings were
announced to continue for a few nights longer. This
plan was repeated several times.
There was deep, conviction almost from the begin-
ning. The Holy Spirit seemed to grapple with men,
and reproved them of sin, of righteousness and of
judgment. One business man was converted while rid-
ing alone in his buggy, while out trying to collect store
bills. As soon as he returned home he came to the
parsonage and with deep emotion told his pastor of
his wonderful experience.
One woman who had rebelled against God was com-
pelled to get out of her bed, after she had retired for
the night, and pray until she was saved. Then she
woke her husband and had him join in celebrating her
deliverance from the power of sin. The following
night her companion was wonderfully saved.
At another time four old people, between the ages
of sixty and seventy-five were kneeling at the altar at
the same time. All were saved that same night. Two
of them have since gone on to receive their crown.
364 History of Methodism
The pastor did all the preaching, and the music was
furnished by faithful members of the church. Brother
Van Bell, a member of the local church, having charge
of the music. Before this meeting came to a close
one hundred and fifteen persons had bowed at the altar
and confessed their faith in Jesus Christ. Among
them were some of the leading business men of Leb-
anon. Seventy-five of these were finally received into
full membership in the church. Glory to the Father,
Son and Holy Spirit.
Other pastors also had great success in revivals,
and reported converts as follows: Stones, 40; Funk,
80; Fisher, 40; Brimlow, 20; these were all numbers
furnished, but other pastors had seals to their min-
istry.
The present church was built during the pastorate
of Tremain and dedicated by T. C. Iliff in the winter
of 1906-7. The church is 46-60, brick veneer; has au-
dience room, class rooms and study with folding doors
between, art glass windows, three memorial, one large,
two small. Ladies' Aid put in large one, others in
memory of former workers. By cooperation of pas-
tor and people, the church was built in nine months
and paid for.
The trustees were Nathan Smith, Andy Lull, S.
Bell, H. F. Nichols, and Geo. Snow. The present offi-
cials are as follows: Trustees, Andrews, Lull, Van
Bell, George Snow, George Welden, Martin May;
Stewards, A. Lull, Van Bell, Mrs. Lull, Mrs. Snow,
Mrs. Weldon, Mrs. Nicholas; Mrs. Weldon, president
Ladies' Aid ; Mrs. John Adams, president of \V. H. M.
S.; Mrs. George Gordon, Sunday School superintend-
ent; Miss Marvel Bell, president Epworth League.
Ladies' Aid numbers 15, W. H. M. S. 25.
Statistics for 1917 are as follows: Value of church,
$8000; parsonage, $3000; Exp., $240: full members,
175 ; Prep., 2 salaries, pastor, $1400 ; D. S., $96 ; bishop,
In Northwest Kansas 365
$23; C. C's. $60; Benev. F. Ms., $107; H. Ms., $44; Gd.
total, $778 ; S. S. O's. & T's, 21 ; Enrl., 215 ; Av., 90 ;
Exp., $130; Ep. L. Sr., 15; W. H. M. S., 25; Ladies
Aid, 15.
Mankato.
The first religious services in Mankato were held
by C. G. Chrysler of White Rock, in the spring of
1873. In the fall of the same year Rev. B. W. Hollen
preached twice and Rev. Peason of Sepo, Kansas
preached three times and organized the first Methodist
class; D. J. Vance, leader.
Rev. Pucket was the next preacher and the serv-
ices were held in the school house recently finished.
Jewell Center appears in the Conference appoint-
ments first in 1877 and G. W. Woodward was named
as the pastor. He was not at that time a member of
Conference but served this charge three years under
the presiding elder, W. J. Mitchell.
In 1880 J. H. Lockwood was appointed to the dis-
trict and J. R. Shultz to Jewell Center. During his
pastorate a charter was obtained for the church and
W. S. Chapman, N. G. Chilcott, H. B. White, P. B.
Hulse and D. J. Vance were named as trustees.
Mankato Circuit.
This name appears in the Conference appointments
in 1889 and was repeated in 1890 and '91. A Ells, a
local preacher, supplied it the first two years. The
first year he did not report statistics, except that he
received a salary of $260. The second year, he re-
ported a membership of 67 full members and 19 pro-
bationers, and a Sunday School with an enrollment of
forty. They paid $6 for missions and the same sum
for the other benevolences ; and paid the pastor $262.
Joseph Adams was the pastor in 1891. He was a
worthy promising young man, but the membership re-
366 History of Methodism
ported was fifteen short of the previous year, but
there were nine more probationers. The Sunday
School enrollment was the same as the previous year.
They paid the pastor $294 and gave $26 for missions
and $23 to the other benevolences. A very creditable
showing for so small a charge.
Mankato Circuit now drops from the list of ap-
pointments and does not appear again until 1914,
when D. H. Colvin was appointed pastor. Whether
the charge consists of the same points as those which
constituted the circuit in 1889 the writer is unable to
say. They may be the same or they may be entirely
different. Mankato circuit has not been once named
in the reports of circuit charges, in the Conference
Minutes, and although he has made frequent appeals
for information none has come, either from the pastor
or the district superintendent. All he can learn con-
cerning the work must be gathered from the Confer-
ence Minutes.
Colvin's first report states there were three Sun-
day Schools having 24 officers and teachers and an en-
rollment of 374 and an average attendance of 225.
There were 92 full members and they paid the pastor
$815 and contributed for missions $12. There were
three churches valued at $4000. The report for 1917
is as follows:
Three churches, $5000; no parsonage; expense not
given; full members, 83; support pastor, $455; D. S.,
$28; bishop, $5; C. C's., $17; F. Ms., $15; H. Ms., $12;
Gd. total, $100; 3 S. S. O's. & Vs., 22; Enrl., 164; Av.,
104; Exp. not given; no W. F. M. S. or W. H. M. S. ;
no Ep. L.
Miltonvale.
Miltonvale became a pastoral charge in 1882, at
the organization of the N. W. Kansas Conference. It
was supplied the first year by J. M. Hoober. The name
In Northwest Kansas 367
has been retained in the records of the conference with
the following assignments : '83-4, W. S. Morrison ;
'85-6, S. L. Semans ; '87, G. W. Winterburn ; '88-90, H.
M. Mayo; '91-2, C. V. Penn. ; '93-5, J. H. Laird; '96-7,
G. B. Warren ; '98-1900, R. E. Dunham; '01, A. S. War-
riner; '02, A. N. Smith; '03-7, M. J. Bailey; '08-9, M.
E. Davis; H. P. Basquin, '10-12; W. C. Littell, '13-16;
C. R. Wade, '17.
The society was chartered in 1883 . Those who
signed the charter were R. S. Phelps, L. E. Phelps, H.
I. Olmstead, J. T. Jentry, J. W. Matthews, and E. F.
Brown. The official members w r ere: J. M. Wilkins,
steward; J. Kirby, class leader; services were held in
the school house. The church was built in 1885, S. L.
Semans, pastor. The building committee were R. S.
Phelps and Rev. W. S. Morrison, I. W. Taylor and H.
I. Armitstead. The lot was purchased in '84 for $50.
The society first bought a small house which served for
a parsonage for some years. In 1909 they built the
present well arranged seven room house for $1626.
The league was organized during the pastorate of H.
M. Mayo '88-90. As is generally the case, the Sunday
School was first organized and has been an important
factor, through all the years.
A Ladies' Aid Society was organized more than
thirty years ago and as their habit is, have proved
themselves faithful and efficient helpers.
In June '97 G. B. Warren reported that the church
had been improved by doors and window screens and
window curtains. The church had been painted
through the efforts of the Epworth and Junior League.
In January of that year, a successful revival was held
with the assistance of S. C. Elwell.
In March 1913 H. P. Basquin stated that the
church had progressed since the debts were paid. The
every member canvass and the duplex envelops had
l>een a success. W. C. Littell reported in March 1914,
368 History of Methodism
that there had been steady growth in all departments.
This was attested by good congregations and large at-
tendance on prayer and class meetings. At the last
quarterly meeting the Love Feast was well attended.
Statistics for 1917 give the following: Church, $2,-
300; parsonage $2000; Exp., $170; full members, 74;
Prep., — ; pastor, $750; D. S., $48; bishop, $12; C.
C's., $30; F. Ms., $21; H. Ms., 19; Gd. total, $251; 1
S. S. O's. & T's., 19; Enrl., 144; Av., 75; Exp., $87; Ep.
L. Sr., 22; Jr., 15.
Mt. Hope.
Nothing is known of this charge save what has
been gathered from the minutes of the Conference. It
first became a charge in the spring of 1911. The re-
port made the next year shows that there was a church
valued at $3500, a membership of 40 and a Sunday
School in which there were 12 officers and teachers
and 60 scholars, and they paid the pastor $200.
The membership gradually increased. The second
year there were 44 members and 13 probationers, the
third year there were 59 members and 10 probation-
ers, the next year there were reported 66 full mem-
bers and 16 probationers, the next year the number of
members was not recorded, but in 1917 there were 67
members. The report shows a like improvement in
other respects. The enrollment in the Sunday School
for the several years is 60, 75, 108, 120, 120 and 178.
It should be noted, however, that two schools were re-
ported the last year.
In the matter of ministerial support there was a
corresponding increase excepting one year, when there
was quite a falling down. The first two years the al-
lowance was $200, the third year it was $225, the
fourth it was $231. The next year for some unexplain-
ed reason there was quite a slump. The pastor was
paid only $42; but in 1917 he was paid $356.
In Northwest Kansas 369
It is gratifying to note that although the charge
was so weak financially they did not neglect the bene-
volences, but were quite liberal with them considering
the feebleness of the work. The first year the total
paid for benevolence was $50. The next year they paid
but $3; but the next year they redeemed themselves
in a measure, paying $55. The next year they paid
$44; but the next year there was no report of bene-
volence.
1917 the charge is Mt. Hope and Mt. Zion and it
reports two churches, $3000; current Exp., $20; sup-
port pastor, $356 ; D. S., $12 ; bishop, $7 ; C. C's., $5 ;
F. Ms., $7; H. Ms., $7; Gd. total, $68; 2 S. S. O's. &
T's., 16; Enrl., 178; Av., 100; Exp., $44; Ep. L. Sr.,
20.
Munden.
The first gospel sermon preached in Republic Coun-
ty was by a Methodist named Harshberger, in March
1862. In October of the same year R. P. West also
preached in the community. In the summer of 1870
E. R. Brown who had been regularly appointed to the
work, organized the Bethel class, in the home of
Joseph Northrop. It consisted of Jos. Northrop and
wife, Sophrona, Amy, Sweedland and Martha North-
rop. (The girls afterward married Messrs. McNeil,
Munson and Thompson) Mr. and Mrs. Robert Calvert,
Reuben and Hester Templin, Grandma See ; Phila and
Mary See, Adrian and Amanda Canfield. Robert Cal-
vert was the first leader. He served two years when
R. T. Templin was appointed and served till his death
in 1889.
The pastors who served the charge were Levan,
Ford, Winterbourne, Price and See. See baptized and
received into the church a class of young men, five of
whom later entered the ministry, viz.; A. C. North-
370 History of Methodism
rap, J. N. See, F. L., H. M. and J. A. Templin. Fol-
lowing A. N. See were S. Brooks, G. W. Winterbourne,
W. H. Williams, D. A. Allen, Ryan, Rhodes, Bailey.
During Bailey's pastorate the parsonage was built at
Munden and the churches at Pleasant View and Spring
Hill. He was followed by Burch. Vandervort, Mayer,
Sexton, W. A. Phillippee, McKean and Samuel Bar-
ber, who served the charge three years and built the
present church. Following him were Semans, Misel
and A. C. Henslee. No pastor was appointed in 1915.
C. C. Cox, the evangelist, served the church during the
summer and S. Barber finished the year. D. H. Colvin
was appointed in 1916-17.
The name of the charge has been changed many
times, and the points that have been grouped together
to constitute the charge, have been changed as well
as the name.
The faithful historian has followed up the changes
and given the names as well as named the different
places where services have been held, with marked
fidelity. To those who have been connected with this
work, at different times, all of this would have a de-
gree of interest, but this editor does not believe it will
hold enough interest for the general reader, to justify
the repeating of these names, some of which appear
but once, and some are no longer known. Munden does
not appear in the list of appointments till 1889. That
year the appointments were Munden, Star, Ida, and
Albian. At the first quarterly Conference held at Ida
in 1891 the appointments were Munden, Spring Hill,
Beucamp, Eureaka, Ida and Star. Eureka was drop-
ped in 1892 and Star and Beucamp united that year
and built a church, naming it Pleasant View. In 1906
Ida was placed with Narka and Munden, Spring Hill
and Pleasant View constituted the charge, as it is to-
day.
i In Northwest Kansas 371
The first property owned by the church on this
charge, was in 1881 when a good house was purchased
at Ida, for a parsonage. The next was the Bethel
church. The services at Bethel continued to be held
in the home of Joseph Northrop till the school house
was built near by, when they were taken to it. The
thing that gave the initial impetus for the building of
the Bethel church may be taken as an illustration of
how "God may make the wrath of man to praise Him."
When the people assembled at the school house one
Sunday morning for Sunday School, they found it
locked and a notice on the door, that it could not be
used anymore for church purposes, signed by one
Blockinger, director. The notice was published in the
Belleville Telegram the next week and the order was
revoked by the county superintendent, and the services
continued in the school house. But the desire for a
church had been quickened to new life. J. Northrop
gave the site and under the leadership of Winter-
bourne, the pastor, $2000 were raised and a neat
church built 28x45 feet, with a 20 foot ceiling which
was dedicated by H. D. Fisher, assisted by C. L.
Shackelford and J. H. Lockwood.
In 1888 the Bethel church was moved to Munden
and served the community till 1910, when it was torn
down and the new church built at a cost of $10,000. It
is 56x68 feet with basement complete. It was dedi-
cated Oct. 9, 1910 by Dr. T. C. Iliff, assisted by L. E.
Rockwell, D. S., S. Barber, pastor, S. A. French Evan-
gelist, and E. C. Rath and Narka.
The Sunday School record has not been faithfully
kept, but as far as known the superintendents have
been Joseph Northrop, F. P. McNeal, B. IT. Elliott,
Charles Parks, H. M. Templin, R. T. Templin, O. R.
Morey, C. E. Stephens, Mrs. Ramsbottom, Miss Luella
Stevens, Mrs. Josie McNeal, A. E. Striker, Susie Grif-
fin. Some of these were reelected time and again.
372 History of Methodism
In 1909 the Graded Lessons were introduced and
Blanche Kfnnison, a deaconess, secured, who continued
with the school for a year and thoroughly organized it.
She gave the Graded Lessons a good start, and they
have been successfully used ever since. Mr. Ona Mil-
likin was elected in 1915 and is the present superin-
tendent. The charge has three Sunday Schools which
report 36 officers and teachers and 225 pupils.
A Ladies' Aid was organized in 1900 of which Mrs.
H. M. Stevens was elected, president; and has been
continued in the office ever since and has been the in-
spiration of the society. Since 1905 they have raised
and expended for the church $1400. The Epworth
League was organized in 1893 and was given the char-
ter number 11250. W. Canfield was the first presi-
dent. The society maintained its existence through
the years with varying success.
The presidents have been as follows: C. E. Step-
hens, Arthur Canfield, J. A. Templin, F. D. Vanden-
burg, Emma Adamson, May Stephens, Florence
Throne, Lois McCall, Mrs. Willian Hill, Miss Nora
Mulch. The league was very active in its support of
the pastor while the church was building; and raised
$500 for it.
In 1911 they won the District Banner and in 1912
entertained the convention ; but the league became neg-
ligent and for several years there is no report. They
reorganized with W. H. Strand, president with 20
members and are doing good work.
Pleasant View and Spring Hill each had a league
for a number of years, but both have died. A. J.
Wilks, Myrtle Canfield, Mark Bernell, Lynn Canfield,
David Dury and Albert Northrup were some of their
presidents.
The recording stewards of the charge have, been :
G. T. Mclntire, C. A. Northrup, J. W. Taylor. M. L.
Stephens was elected recorder in 1884 and was re-
i In Northwest Kansas 373
elected year by year, till his death in 1907. His son
H. M. Stephens was then chosen to the place, thus
putting the records of the society in the hands of this
faithful father and son for 32 years.
Unquestionably the faithfulness and fidelity of
these two men, in keeping and preserving the records
of the society, through all these years, has made it
possible for the historian to submit this, the most
complete report that has come into this editor's hands.
Since the wife and mother has been set down as the
inspiration of the Aid Society, it is easy to guess what
family constituted a large portion of the bone and
sinew of the Munden charge. Another family named
in these pages, evidently deserves special mention, is
that of Joseph Northrup, in whose home the first class
was organized.
Once when the Bethel church was in great financial
straights Northrup mortgaged 80 acres of land to
save the church. When so many are indifferent to-
ward the cause of God, and the work of the church, it
is refreshing to find such as the Stevens and North-
rups who, like the Corinthians of old, first give them-
selves to the Lord "and unto the church by the will of
God." If such do not realize the hundred fold in this
life, in the world to come, they shall not miss the ever-
lasting life.
Some items gathered from the Central through the
years may be of interest. July 20, 1892 M. J. Bailey
reported Children's Day observed at Spring Hill, Ida
and Munden. Every one was pleased. Collections
$9.00. March 22, 1893 he reported the dedication of
the church at Pleasant View on February 26. G. H.
Woodward preaching the sermon. The church cost
$2400; $550 were needed to clear the building. Six
hundred and twenty-two dollars pledged. E. P. Mich-
ener had charge of the collection. This was the second
church built on the charge that year. A parsonage
374 History of Methodism
was also built at a cost of $650. The charge now has
four churches.
May 3rd the pastor reported six additions since
Conference. Sixty people spent a day at the parson-
age, grading the lots and building a walk. They left
gifts for the pastor.
November 15 of the same year a meeting lasting
more than a month was held by pastor, Henry Wil-
liams, of the U. B. Church assisting. There were 37
conversions. A meeting was also held at Pleasant
View in which 44 were converted and 36 joined the
church, most of them were young men and boys, from
15 to 30 years old.
The paper of September 25, 1901 reported a meet-
ing during which 18 joined by letter and 8 on proba-
tion. The pastor and evangelist, W. H. Williams,
visited every family within 3 or 4 miles of the church.
H. M. Templin contributes this incident; "At the
Gleason school house, near Munden, before it had been
seated, and people had to use boards and wagon seats
the best they could, Tom Maxfield, a man who seldom
came to church brought in a flat stone and put it down
in the corner of the house and sat on it. After a while
he went to sleep. The preacher that day was Father
Marks, an eccentric Free Will Baptist preacher, who
had a habit of speaking in a moderate tone for some-
time, then suddenly roar out and fairly make the
shingles rattle. That day his subject was "Doubting
Thomas". In a moderate tone he followed Thomas
through his doubts and into his triumphant faith, then
suddenly he roared out in a tremendous voice:
"Thomas, where art thou now?" Maxfield awakened
from his sleep, rose from his seat and opening his
sleepy eyes said, "What?" At the laughter which fol-
lowed, he slumped down on his rock cushion. It was
with difficulty that he was ever induced to come to
another service. The laugh produced may, possibly,
In Northwest Kansas 375
have given the preacher some satisfaction, but, if the
"Great Day" shall reveal that, that laugh was a pebble
that turned the current of Maxfield's life into the
wrong channel, how awful was the consequences.
It is a serious thing to make sport of sacred things
at any time. Three churches, $12,500; parsonage,
$750; expenses, ; full members, 113; prepara-
tory, ; salaries, pastor, $880; district secretary,
$64; bishop, $15; Conference claimants, $40; benevol-
ences foreign missions, $61 ; home missions, $40 ; total,
$588; 3 Sunday schools, officers and teachers, 36; en-
rollment, 221 ; average, 160.
Narka.
Narka was named as a charge first in 1889. How
long .the class had been organized, this writer is not
able to say, nor is he able to name any of the charter
members, or of the other points that were associated
with Narka to constitute a circuit. In absence of a
report of a work the Conference Minutes give
the only information which this writer has at his com-
mand. By studying these year by year it has been
ascertained that the following have served Narka since
it was made the head of a charge. Who may have
been pastor when it was a part of another circuit he
has no means of knowing.
1889, D. A. Allen; '90, J. B. Lewis; '91, W. M.
Sedore ; '92-3, J. W. Adams ; '94, G. B. Warren ; '95-6,
W. B. Keeley; '97-1901, G. P. Miller; '02, C. H. Muse;
'03, S. Barber; '04, G. H. Christenberry ; '05, W. M.
Shuler; '06, R. J. Myers; '07, E. Turrentine; '08-09, J.
H. Craven; '10-11, E. C. Rath; 12, W. N. Clark; '13,
C. W. Ivie; '14-15, J. F. Johnson; '16-17, C. E. Tinker.
Church, $4,000; parsonage, $1,500; members, 64;
expenses, $100; pastor, $950; district secretary, $64;
bishops, $14; conference claimants, $40; foreign mis-
sions, ; Sunday school officers and teachers, 16;
376 History of Methodism
enrollment, 100; average, 75; expenses, $60; Epworth
League, Sr., 60.
Otego.
In 1889, Rev. J. C. Walker, pastor of Burr Oak
charge at the request of a committee consisting of Mrs.
A. T. Jordan and Mrs. E. T. Shirtcliff, established
regular preaching appointment at the Presbyterian
church in Otego. This was continued till 1892, when
it was discontinued.
In 1894, Burr Oak was made a station and the
Burr Oak circuit was organized and Walker was ap-
pointed pastor. At the request of the same committee
a service was again arranged for in the Presbyterian
church. In the fall of that year a Methodist society
was organized consisting of J. M. and Eva Burt, Mary
Butts, Sarah Totten, Phebe Lewis, Allen and Martha
Cummings, Melvin and Viva Pangburn, Jerome and
Mrs. Day, and Mary Belsford. J. M. Burt was ap-
pointed class leader and Mary Butts, steward.
In May, 1897, the services were changed from the
Presbyterian church to the school house and were con-
tinued there for sixteen months. In October a Board
of Trustees was elected and plans were made for build-
ing a church the next spring. The trustees were S. S.
Bennett, A. H. Butts, D. J. Riser, I. N. Modlin, S. K.
Lamb, Melvin Pangborn, Alvin Cummings, Jerome
Day, Thomas Buffington. The first three named were
made the building committee. The church was styled
the Otego chapel, and cost $2,200. It was dedicated
October 2, 1898.
The name Otego does not appear in the list of ap-
pointments till 1906. L. A. Dugger was the pastor.
A parsonage was built that year at a cost of a thousand
dollars. A Ladies' Aid was organized in 1898. Mrs.
Mary Butts was the first president. The organization
has been kept up through the years and has been the
In Northwest Kansas 377
means of doing much good. Mrs. Alice Fogo is the
president this year, 1916 and the society is doing well
under her leadership.
In the fall of 1914 a class of young people was
organized as the Otego Teacher Training Class. They
are now completing Barclay's First Manual of Teachers
Training. January 14, 1914 C. E. Tinker reported
through the Central that the parsonage had been re-
paired and a good list of subscribers secured for the
Herald ; that an every member canvas was in progress
and that the Sunday school and League were growing.
In July, 1915, W. S. Chandler was given license as
an exhorter by his pastor, A. M. Misel. The young
man is looking forward to the ministry. This is as it
should be. It is from such classes that the ministers
of the future are to come.
List of pastors, date of appointment and years of
service: 1889, J. C. Walker, 3 years; 1892-3, no ap-
pointment; 1894, J. C. Walker, 5 years; 1899, W. T.
Allison, 1 year; 1900, J. M. Willis, 4 years; 1904, Guy
Winslow, one-half year; 1904, W. C. Whippo, one and
one-half years; 1905, W. C. Green, one-half year;
1906, L. A. Dugger, 3 years; 1909, Harry Fleisher, one
year; 1910, A. L. Carlton, 2 years; 1912, C. E. Tinker,
2 years; 1914, A. M. Misel; 1916, W. A. VanGundy.
Statistics for 1917: Church, $1,700; parsonage,
$800 ; expenses, $110 ; foreign mission, 64 ; preparatory,
2 ; salaries pastor, $800 ; district secretary, $56 ; bishop,
$14; conference claimants, $40; benevolences, foreign
missions, $45 ; home missions, $40 ; total benevolences,
$272; Sunday school officers and teachers, 22; enroll-
ment, 138 ; average, 80 ; expenses, $80.
Phillipsburg.
The Methodist Episcopal church was organized in
Phillipsburg in July, 1874. The first quarterly confer-
ence was held in August of the same year in a dugout
378 History of Methodism
on the banks of Big Creek. Rev. W. J. Mitchell was
the presiding elder. The class at Phillipsburg at first
consisted of seven members: Mrs. Lucinda Albaugh,
Mr. and Mrs. William Bissell, Mrs. W. B. Booze, Mrs.
William Mcllvain and Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Boughton.
The two last named were the only ones living in 1916.
Allen Enyart, the eilicient local preacher, who organ-
ized so many societies in N. W. Kansas was the first
pastor at Phillipsburg. His circuit included the fol-
lowing points: Big Creek, Marvin, Bethel, Woodruff
and Phillipsburg. He served two years, 1874-6. J. S.
Horner succeeded him, serving 1877-8.
The first member of conference to serve in Phillips-
burg was E. H. Fleisher. He was appointed in March,
'77 and remained three years. During his pastorate
three rooms of the parsonage were built. James Boi-
court was the next pastor and served till '83. The
church was built during his pastorate and was dedi-
cated in 1882, free of debt, by Rev. H. D. Fisher.
The successive pastors were as follows: W. R.
Allen, '83-6; 0. J. McFadden, 85-7; I. S. Hall, 88-9;
A. D. Beckhart, 90; E. H. Fleisher, 91 ; in a second
pastorate, J. P. Allen, 91-3 ; D. J. Strving supplied from
June, '93 till conference in '94. A. N. See, 94-96 ; dur-
ing See's pastorate there were forty additions to the
church. G. L. Rarick, 96-9; P. Smith, W. K. Loof-
borrow and H. P. Mann served the charge from '99 to
1901. Brother Mann had his home in Phillipsburg,
where he resided till his death in 1912. He was a man
after God's own heart. Was beloved by all. His widow,
now well advanced in years, lives in this town, and is
an honored member of this church. Their son. Grant,
is pastor of the Glade church. J. O. Osman, 1901-2 ;
W. H. Woodward, '02-04 ; L. W. Kemp, '04 to Septem-
ber, '05. He was succeeded by R. S. Rutledge, till
March, 1907. E. V. Allen succeeded him. He organ-
ized a class at Gretna which was added to the charge.
In Northwest Kansas 379
Special services were held by evangelist, E. F. Miller.
J. A. Green was appointed pastor in March, 1908 and
served two years. He reorganized the league with 20
members. 74 members were received into the church
during the two years of Green's pastorate. At the first
quarterly conference of Green's second year, Gretna
was transferred to the circuit, since which time
Phillipsburg has been a station. F. N. Cox was ap-
pointed in 1910 and was reappointed the next spring,
but owing to failing health gave up the charge in May
and Harry Glazier was secured to supply till the close
of the year. He was reappointed in 1912, but for some
unknown reason did not return. W. J. Ward was
secured by the presiding elder to take charge of the
work and was reappointed the next year and remained
in the work three years. A. W. Dick was appointed
in 1916 and W. J. Meredith in 1917.
Phillipsburg has been served by 23 different pas-
tors. Five served three years each; one, three and a
half ; three stayed two years ; four, one year and three
remained less than a year.
The trustees at present are A. F. Walker, E. C.
Whitten, T. N. Keeten, J. J. Stoneman and George
Stormfels. The property is free from encumbrance
and $1,200 are pledged for a basement. A new church
is being agitated. A. D. Beckhart reported a revival
in 1889 with good results. Pastor was assisted by a
number of the brethren; E. Goodrich, W. R. Pierce,
E. H. Fleisher, G. W. Morley, G. L. Tennant, S. A.
Green and W. J. Meredith each helped in the meeting.
Twenty subscribers were secured for the Central.
In the fall of 1893, the Sunday school undertook to
answer the question : How may evenings be spent
profitably? A course of lectures was arranged. D.
McGurk, E. H. Fleisher, Hon. C. D. Jones and J. C.
Horn lectured and Rev. Mayor gave a concert, all of
which was well received. March 11, 1893, A. N. See
380 History of Methodism
reported that he had received 16 on probation and Pw.
L. McNabb had delivered a lecture on Missions which
helped the cause. An Epworth and Junior League had
been organized which were proving helpful. The
county treasurer was superintendent of the Sunday
school and was making it a success. D. E. French re-
ported in December, 1901, that revival services began
at Labell, October 3 and had continued almost con-
stantly since. Thirty had been converted. Two socials
had been held at country appointments which netted
$43. June 15, 1904, a tabernacle meeting of 26 days
closed resulting in 20 conversions. L. W. Kemp, pas-
tor. James Kerr, conference evangelist, assisted in
the meeting.
Statistics of 1917 give the following: Church,
$1,500; parsonage, $1,500; full members, 120; prepara-
tory, 1 ; expenses, $150 ; support pastor, $1,020 ; dis-
trict superintendent, $72; bishop, $18; conference
claimants, $36; benevolences, foreign missions, $57;
home missions, $40; grand total, $546; Sunday school
officers and teachers, 20 ; enrollment, 120 ; average, 80 ;
expenses, $60 ; Epworth League, Sr., 20 ; Jr., 25.
Phittipsburg Circuit.
At present this charge consists of but two appoint-
ments, Labelle and the Iowa Union school house.
Spring Creek and New Bethel were formerly attached
to it, but have recently been discontinued. B. C.
Wherry is the class leader at Labelle and T. W. Ellis is
the leader at Iowa Union. The stewards at the former
are B. D. Fogleman and G. C. Goddard. At the other
point they are Harry Drake and Wilbur Ellis.
The first class was organized in 1885. The charter
members were Mrs. Zella Fogleman, Mrs. Lizzie God-
dard, Jewell and Mary Higley, John and Ethel Ham,
Martin and Maiy Kemper, James and Mary Murphy,
Mary McFall, Kate Morgan, M. M. and Rhoda Phillips,
In Northwest Kansas 381
Milton, Martha and E. Latta, M. and Mara Phillips,
Alma and Fannie Whitney, Kate and Harry Whitney,
T. W. and Julia Ellis, Albert and Emily Hillard.
The Sunday school superintendent at Labelle is
Howard Vanderwater, at Iowa Union is S. A. Hapson.
The enrollment in the former school is 90, in the other
it is 100. The church membership at Labelle is 58 and
at Iowa Union it is 45.
Phillipsburg circuit appears in the list of appoint-
ments first, in 1888 and Thomas Muxlow was appointed
pastor. Since that date the following men have been
appointed: '89, E. Goodrich; '90, no pastor; '91-3, J.
H. Hoff; '94, W. 0. Allen; '95-99, H. P. Mann; '99, D.
E. French; 1900-01, J. A. Green; '02-3, W. C. Henslee;
'04, J. D. Baker; '05-6, P. R. Harbold ; '07-8, J. H.
Summer; '09-10, J. K. Hunter; '12, F. D. Funk; '13, C.
Kolsky; '14, W. W. Hurlbut; '15, F. W. Withany; '16,
F. D. Funk; 17.
J. H. Hoff reported that the four classes held a
Union service. The pastor preached and baptized five
adults and two children and received eight into full
membership. This report was in the Central of
November 18, 1893. The third quarterly meeting was
held November 18-19 of that year at Hillside. Presid-
ing elder E. W. Allen preached three times and pre-
sented the claim for mission. Eleven had joined the
church during the quarter. December 20th of the same
year the Bethel class surprised the pastor and left the
larder well supplied. March 28, '94, the pastor re-
ported that 25 had been received into the church. All
probationers came into full membership except three.
The church was repainted in 1916 and the parsonage
the next year.
Report for 1917 as follows: Church, $2,000; par-
sonage, $1,000; expense, $80; members, 108; superin-
tending pastor, $544; district secretary, $40; bishop,
$9; conference claimants, $19; benevolences, foreign
382 History of Methodism
missions, $10; home missions, $8; grand total, $179;
three Sunday schools, officers and teachers, 22 ; enroll-
ment, 236; average, 175; expenses, $85.
Randall.
Like many other classes the early history of Ran-
dall is not known, either when the class was organized
or who were the charter members. There was no
regular meeting place, consequently the services were
held in a store building at one time, at another in a hall
until the school house was built. The first record of
services was in 1885. G. H. Woodward who was pas-
tor of the Scottsville charge at the time. Randall was
served for a time by the pastor at Scottsville when it
was changed to the Jamestown circuit and remained
so connected till it became the head of a charge in
1894. H. G. Breed was the first pastor to live at Ran-
dall. He was succeeded by the following pastors: E.
R. Price, 1895; Thomas Muxlow, 96-7; Grant Mann,
'9S-9; H. A. Manker, 1900-01; J. M. Rush, '01-02; G.
J. Winslow, '03; G. S. R. Pierce, '04: W. A. Pierce,
'05-6 ; W. W. Herrington, '07 ; C. E. Carpenter, 08-12 ;
E. E. Gunckel, '13-14 ; D. H. Colvin, '15 ; J. F. Johnson,
'16 ; E. O. Harbour, '17.
The church was built in 1897. Thomas Muxlow
was the pastor. The early records of the charge were
deposited in the corner stone, but unfortunately the
receptacle was not carefully closed, so when it was
opened they were found to be illegible. This accounts
for the absence of the early history in this sketch.
There have been several good revivals in the church
which helped to advance the cause. When B. T.
Stauber was pastor at Jewell he held a revival in the
spring of 1895 which resulted in great good to the
society at Randall. Sixty-five were added to the
church and a Sunday school was organized of which
Dr. L. A. Fairchild was chosen superintendent, W T il-
In Northwest Kansas 333
liam Mclntyre, assistant; Miles Billings, treasurer;
Earl Kendall, secretary, and Bertha Morris, librarian.
The society was chartered March 10, 1897. In the
central of September 9, 1896 was an appeal from F. D.
Baker, presiding elder of the Concordia district for
help to build a church at Randall, to which Bishop
Vincent added a note.
The edition of December 12, 1897 stated that the
church at Randall had been dedicated November 28,
B. T. Stauber preaching at 11 and the elder at night
$600 were raised to pay the debt. James Kerr and E.
R. Zummerman assisted in raising the money and in
the dedication. The trustees were John Lorimer, J. F.
Trueblood, V. Vance, Jr., W. F. Morris, W. S. Taylor,
William Mclntire and A. Easter, Sr. From later
editions of the Central the following notes were
gathered.
In December 1904, G. C. R. Pierce, pastor, a revival
was held with the assistance of V. A. Nanna of the W.
Virginia conference. Thirty were converted and 28
united with the church. Rev. Jeffries of the Baptist
church and Breed of the Texas conference assisted at
the beginning of the meeting. W. E. Gross and T. J.
H. Taggart each spent a day on the charge. On Mon-
day night following the meeting a class of 18 pro-
bationers was baptized. In January, 1913, C. E. Car-
penter, pastor, reported a successful revival held with
the assistance of I. N. Parvin and C. A. Kempsinger.
In March, E. E. Gunckel reported a successful four
weeks' meeting.
In 1909 a parsonage was bought, one block north
and one west of the church. Twenty years later the
church was remodeled, a basement constructed, a fur-
nace installed and other improvements made at a cost
of $2,000.
The trustees at present are A. O. Smith, A. E. Shoe-
maker, G. Barrett, and Charles Zimmer. These with
384 History of Methodism
the pastor, E. 0. Harbour, constituted the building
committee.
The Sunday school superintendent is A. 0. Smith ;
recording steward, G. A. Bruch ; president Ladies' Aid,
Mrs. A. 0. Smith.
Statistics for 1917 give the following: Church,
$2,000; parsonage, $1,200; members, 145; current ex-
pense, $95; pastor, $1,000; district superintendent,
$60; bishops, $11; conference claimants, $33; foreign
missions, $28; home missions, $26; grand total, $272;
Sunday school officers and teachers, 22; enrollment,
238 ; average, 89 ; expenses, $141.
Reamsville.
Reamsville, like most of the charges in western
Kansas is an example of the survival of the fittest.
Smith Center was the head of a circuit which at
first included the greater part of the county. This
name first appeared in the Conference Minutes in 1880
and E. H. Fleisher was pastor.
Allen Enyart and other local preachers had pre-
viously established classes at different places through
the county. There was a good class at Brocouis school
house, two miles east of Reamsville. Another was at
Mt. Hope in the home of Mr. Hutchives, the father of
E. H. Hutchives of our conference. This was a sod
house with a dirt floor. Within a short time a sod
school house was built with only a dirt floor and a scant
supply of benches. The Sunday school met each Sun-
day and they had a preaching service once in four
weeks, usually by W. R. Bennett, a local preacher, who
lived on a homestead not far from Brown's school
house.
In 1881 H. G. Miller was the pastor. He preached
at Mt. Hope every two weeks. In the fall he held
special services in the home of brother and sister
Wiley. This was a two roomed sod house. The meet-
In Northwest Kansas 385
ing lasted six weeks. Night after night, the house was
crowded. The entire community felt the influence. A
young man reported to his teacher that they could not
get up a dance any more. Another said swearing had
been largely stopped, even among those who seldom
attended church. The class was greatly strengthened.
Two whole families were added to it.
In 1885, Reamsville was made the head of a circuit.
The Brown's class was moved to Reamsville and Mt.
Hope was changed to the Tyner class.
Thomas Muxlow was the pastor who lived on a
farm near Cedar.
The record of the members shows that it was evi-
dently made up from different classes for more than
100 names have no statement as to when or where or
by whom they were received. Following up the record
from 1892 it is found that of 100 members, 14 have
died, 52 removed by letter, 25 withdrew or removed
without letter or joined another church. The Tojner
class met at the Wiley house for a while, then built a
small school house, and later built a sod church with a
floor and full sized windows and benches with backs,
in which they took no little satisfaction. This was one
and a half miles south of the Tyner school house.
Unfortunately for the class, a tract of land was
fenced by the owners throwing travel on the section
line which was in such condition that it caused a divi-
sion, some going to the Sawyer class.
In the meantime, Reamsville had built a sod church
and a frame parsonage 16 x 24, without the aid of
other appointments. The Germantown and Tyner
classes united and formed the Middle Cedar class.
It prospered for a time but finally went down.
Reamsville being a village ten miles or more from a
railroad, it was not subject to the changes of the places
of meeting as other points were. In 1896 they began
the erection of a frame church which was dedicated
386 History of Methodism
the next year. Later a kitchen and pantry were added
to the parsonage which contributed much to the com-
fort and convenience of the pastor's family, E. V.
Allen.
In 1901 the Ohio and Prairie Center classes united
and built the Beulah church. Since that time Reams-
ville has been a two point charge, Kernz having been
dropped. The results of the work of the several pas-
tors was as follows: Thomas Muxlow received 10 on
probation, 3 into full membership, baptized 5 ; B. R.
Prather, 1886-87 received 41 on probation, 12 into full
membership, baptized 13, married two couples; E. Zim-
merman, 1888-9 received 103 on probation, 51 into full
membership, baptized 22; M. 0. Mayer, 1890-91, 24 on
probation, 10 into full membership. W. R. Bennett,
1892-96, 57 on probation, 36 into full membership,
baptized 42, married 83 couples; J. H. Hoff received 5
on probation, 1 into full membership, baptized 2. E.
V. Allen, 1897 to October, 1900, on probation 51, into
full membership 31, baptized 1, married 2 couples. C.
H. Cowman, October, 1900 to April, 1902. On proba-
tion 31, full membership 27, married 2 couples. D. E.
French, 1902-03 on probation 20, into full membership
9, baptized 27, married 1 couple. J. E. Brown, 1904-07
on probation 6, into full membership 5, baptized 1. mar-
ried 10 couples; H. J. Kernz, 1907-08. With the aid
of an evangelist held revival services, 35 on probation,
16 into full membership. In 1805-06-07-08, Camp
Meetings were held in the Beulah neighborhood. Three
of them were under the leadership of a man who be-
longed to the National Holiness Association. While
much of the teaching was good, harsh and unwise
criticism did harm and the next pastor, H. C. Harris,
remained on the charge only till January. Received
on probation 2, whom he also brought into full mem-
bership, baptized 2 and married 2 couples.
In Northwest Kansas 387
J. R. McCrosby, 1909. His health failed and he
stayed but six months, recording only his own name
and one marriage.
C. E. Tinker, 1910. Found hard work to which he
applied himself faithfully and prayerfully for two
years. He received 4 by letter, 2 on probation, 1 into
full membership. Nine withdrew or took letters to
another church and 3 died during his pastorate.
W. J. Meredith 1912-13: On confession of faith
and by letter 12. Married one couple. W. W. Hend-
rickson, on probation 5, into full membership two, long
time probationers, baptized 7. William Michels, 1914-
15 received 2 into full membership, married two
couples. R. Bisbee 1915, on probation 5, by letter 9,
one has been received into full membership. The
other four are ready to be.
Since 1902, 8 have died, 12 withdrew, 59 moved
away, 52 have joined other churches.
The Conference Minutes of 1917 give statistics of
the charge as follows : Two churches valued at $3,200 ;
parsonage, $600. Two Sunday schools total enroll-
ment, 146 ; officers and teachers, 25 ; membership, full
members, 66 ; probationers, 5 ; children under instruc-
tion, 7 ; ministerial support, pastor, $722 ; bishops, $12 ;
district superintendent, $55; conference claimants*.
$30. The pastor is U. S. G. Chandler.
Republic City.
This city has the distinction of occupying the site
where Zebulon Pike camped before he crossed the river
to the camping grounds of the Pawnee Indians when he
was on his way to the famous peak which bears his
name. Today a park with flagpole and monument be-
longing to the state of Kansas, marks the immediate
site of this camp. This was ceded to the state by Mrs.
George Johnson.
388 History of Methodism
In 1883 a Methodist class was organized here by J.
W. Manners, consisting of the following persons : Mr.
and Mrs. Cronkilton, Mr. Noyers, Mr. Mosher, Mrs.
Charles Elliott, J. S. Price, Miss Kate Price and Mr.
and Mrs. G. W. Brumbaugh. This organization was
short lived. Rev. Moore succeeded Manners as pastor
and at the close of his pastorate the class was dis-
continued. Mrs. Cronkilton went into the United
Brethren Church when the Methodist Class broke up.
They are the only members of the Methodist organ-
ization now living at Republic.
Two points, Prairie Dell and Washington united
for a time with Byron and was known as Warwick
charge. Byron being on the state line was drawn
into a charge in the Nebraska Conference; but War-
wick continued to be a charge in this Conference,
though there was left to it, but the two school house
appointments. The name was retained in the Min-
utes till 1900, and during those years was served by
the following pastors: '91 and '92, James Kerr; '93,
J. M. Steeley; '94, W. E. Jenkins; '95, E. R. Zimmer-
man; '96, E. V. Allen; '97, A. A. Nichols; '98-99, A.
C. Finch; 1900, W. Drajman. The post office was
Republic. The statistical report for '99 is 3 Sunday
Schools, 28 officers and teachers and 150 scholars; a
parsonage worth $323, and $67, paid for improve-
ments; $430 salary and $25 for Missions.
Brother Moore was appointed to Warwich in 1900
but he was afflicted with consumption and remained
on the work but a short time, and died before the
year closed. Drayman finished the year.
In 1901 W. A. Pierce was appointed pastor and re-
mained two years. The class was reorganized with
nine members. D. E. Foristall was the Class Reader
and O. A. Thropp was Superintendent. Services
were held in the school house. In due time a board
of trustees was elected and steps taken for building
In Northwest Kansas 389
a church. The trustees were J. W. Boughner, presi-
dent; 0. A. Throop, secretary; D. E. Foristall, treas-
urer; J. A. Hall and J. W. Albertson.
A. B. Con well was pastor, who at the close of the
year took the Superanuate relation. G. M. Burnett
was the next pastor, 1904. On the 21st of the month
of August the church was dedicated by Dr. C. B.
Spencer, editor of the Central Christian Advocate.
The following items appeared in the Central. In
the issue of November 21, 1892 : the church at White
Rock was dedicated by E. P. Michener, assisted by
James Floibers, G. K. Rarick and S. J. Gossard. Was
a debt of $475. Five hundred and forty-six dollars
were raised, three joined the church. December 3,
1902, W. A. Pierce reported a revival that stirred the
community. There were 10 conversions. In 18
months a newly organized class had grown to 25
members. A League had been organized.
The historian, Dr. Foristall, reports that during
E. C. Rath's second year, a basement was put under
the entire church, it being raised several feet for
that purpose. It was partitioned thus affording
rooms for S. S. classes and a kitchen and a dining
room for church socials.
An electric light plant was installed thus making
it a very convenient and commodious church for a
small town.
The following pastors have served the charge in
recent years: 1905, J. A. Shular; 1906-7, C. E. Jor-
dan; 1908, A. J. Neil; 1909-11, O. Gessell; 1912a-13,
E. C. Rath; 1914, W. W. Hurlbut; 1915-16, G. W.
Hall, 1917, A. M. Misel.
Church, $5000, Exp., $95; F. members, 77; Prep.,
10 ; salaries, pastor, $772 ; D. S., $55 ; bishop, $16 ; C.
C's., $45 ; Benev. F. Ms., $26 ; H. Ms., $15 ; Gd. total,
$261; S. S. O's. & T's., 32; Enrl., 215; Av., 90; Exp.,
$131.
390 History of Methodism
Rice.
Rice became a charge in the Conference in 1885.
J. W. Sligair was appointed pastor; but James Flow-
ers reported the work at the next session of the Con-
ference. He reported a church worth $1200 and a
parsonage valued at $300. It would be of interest to
know what became of the church, but having had
no report of the charge, this writer has no means of
knowing; but infers that it must have been destroy-
ed either by fire or storm, as no church was reported
from 1887 to 1899. In the latter year, a building was
reported worth $1600. In 1907 an additional church
was reported, valued at $1100. In 1913 only one
church was reported, which was estimated to be
worth $1600.
The first pastor was allowed a salary of $400, but
only $235 were paid. The salary of the last pastor
was $675 and a house, all of which was paid. During
the years the charge has paid salaries ranging be-
tween these extremes. The membership has fluctu-
ated, even more than the salaries paid. In 1902 a
membership of 120 with 10 probationers was re-
ported, while in 1906 there were only 50 members
and two probationers.
Two Sunday Schools were reported part of the
time, but for the greater portion of the time, there
was but one, having an enrollment varying from 50
to 100. There has been an effort to maintain an Ep-
worth League. Some pastors reported a league,
others did not. Some years there were but ten mem-
•>:'
5.
bers in it, while one pastor reported
The following men have been pastors: '86-7, A.
J. Marley; '88, J. W. Edgar; '89-90, W. A. Watson;
'91-2, J. B. Lewis ; '93-5, Ja's Kerr ; '96, M. J. Bailey ;
'97-8, F. A. Colwell; '99-1900, D. R. Laport; 1901,
H. A. McKiddy; '02, J. A. Templin: '03. W. O. Bray-
In Northwest Kansas 391
man; '04, I. L. McKean; '05, L. A. Bugger; '06-7, D. R.
La-port, '08-9, 0. N. Wiles; '10-11, J. K. Hunter; '12-
13, W. C. Greene; '14, M. L. Kerr; '15-16, D. R. La-
port; '17, P. H. Smith.
Two rooms were built on the parsonage last year
and it was painted inside and out. The church has
also been papered and varnished and painted through-
out. A concrete walk has been built in front of the
church and steps built. A new pulpit and carpet grace
the platform, and a new heater warms the building.
The choir has been gladdened by a new piano and the
pastor has been cheered by the building of a new gar-
age.
The charge consists of three preaching appoint-
ments, Rice, Fortney and Enterprise. The pastor is
paid $675, of which Rice pays $250, Fortney $250 and
Enterprise $175.
Enterprise has adopted the financial plan recom-
mended by the discipline. The official members are as
follows: Rice: trustees, A. J. Hadley, Martin Copper,
Samuel McGraw, David Delforge, Leon Legasse.
Stewards: Martin Copper, Wm. McCarthy, J. D.
Garlow, E. E. Moberly, David Delforge, Mrs. A. J.
Hadley; S. S. Supt., Martin Copper; Class Leader,
Leon Legasse; President Epworth League, Nellie
Henry; President Ladies' Association, Mrs. Hadley.
Fortney: Stewards, Thos. Day, Harrison Cook,
S. S. Supt. Theodore Oliver, Class Leader Wm. Mor-
gen.
Enterprise: Stewards: Mrs. H. E. Pearse, Sim-
mon Vignery; S. S. Supt., A. B. Reyell. Report for
1917 gives the following figures: Church, $1000;
parsonage, $800; members, 139; current Exp., $125;
pastor, $735; D. S., $54; bishop, $11; C. C's., $24; F.
Ms., $240; H. Ms., $21; Gd. total, $990; 2 S. S. O's.
& T's., 21; Enrl., 173; Av., 86; Exp., $74.
392 History of Methodism
Scandia.
The date of the organization of the first Metho-
dist Society in Scandia is not known. The name ap-
pears first in the Conference appointments in 1881,
at which time Scandia and Republic City tog-ether
constituted one charge. The next year Scandia and
Onia were put together. In 1881 C. D. Day was ap-
pointed pastor. The next two years G. H. Woodward
was the pastor; but in 1883 Scandia is alone, and it
has retained that dignity. In the history of Repub-
lic county Rev. J. H. Lockwood furnished the fol-
lowing notes. "It would be impossible for me to write
a correct history of the Scandia Church. It has been
too long ago and I have no record to refer to. I was
presiding elder of the Beloit District when the ap-
pointment was established. I have a very distinct
recollection of Brother Albro who was on the street
with his dray. He stopped me as I was driving
through from Beloit to Bellevill; and holding my
horses by the bits said when are you going to send
us a preacher. The church was bought from old
Father Marks of Reynold Nebraska.
I met him on my way to Bellevill. We were not
acquainted, but introduced ourselves, and I bought
the church before we parted ; and Brother Woodward
completed the contract."
Rev. J. M. Ream an early settler in this part of
the state says, Marks was a Free Will Baptist, he
built this church with his own funds for the use of
his denomination; but when the Baptists failed to
use the building, Marks advertised it for sale. It
was purchased by Rev. Woodward the Methodist
pastor and reported in the 1884 Minutes as worth
$1000, though that must have been a misprint, as the
value was put at $500, the next year.
In Northwest Kansas 393
Brother Ryan relates an incident in connection
with this purchase, which shows that those who de-
vote themselves to the interests of the church, some-
times have reverses themselves. As Dr. Lockwood
was nearing Scandia he missed his way, turning on
a by road, his buggy was upset, and the team took
fright and ran away, smashing the buggy and bruis-
ing the Dr. A lady seeing his predicament came to
him and asked if she should not go for a doctor. The
elder replied that he was not much hurt. What he
needed most was a wagon maker.
H. E. Pickle was the next pastor at Scandia, and
a parsonage was built which was reported the next
year as worth $300. G. W. Winterburn was the pas-
tor in 1885-6 ; W. A. Watson, 1887-8 ; Stratford, '89 ;
Wheat, '90; Ryan, '91-2; Jenkins, '93; Osman, '94-5;
Ellvell, '96; Vanderwort, '97; Nichols, '98; J. Kerr,
'99; Moyer, '02; Raby, '04-5; Semsus, '96; Craven,
'07; Jordan, '08, '09, '10; Clark, '11; Van Gundy, '12,
'13, '14; Rarick, 15-16; L. C. Hicks, '17.
In 1890 G. W. Wheat reported Children's Day
observed June 15 and a program at night. The 22nd,
three county appointments observed G. A. R. day in
the forenoon and had own program at night. Col-
lection was $5.40. In 1894, October 4th, J. O. Osman
reported the church repaired at a cost of $1200. De-
cember 23, 1896 Elwell held revival with the help of
G. H. Moulton resulting in a revived church and num-
bers converted and reclaimed.
James Kerr at the close of his third year, report-
ed a five weeks' meeting with the assistance of W.
H. Kane a superanuated member of the Illinois Con-
ference. Twelve joined the church.
The Central of September 22, 1909 stated that at
the close of prayer meeting, church members and
other friends surprised the pastor, W. C. Jordan by
callmg at the parsonage on the night of his birth-
394 History of Methodism
day and presenting him with a sectional bookcase.
The presentation was made by Rev. Nichols, of the
United Brethren Church. The spiritual condition of
the charge was good. The S. S. Epworth and Ju-
venile League were all in good condition.
In 1917 the church was remodeled and enlarged,
the seating capacity being increased 140. There are
three fine class rooms on the main floor. The base-
ment is well fitted up to meet the social needs of the
church. There is a reception room 16x24 and a din-
ing room 24 x 40, which is light and airy. The kitch-
en 14x20 is equipped with range, cupboards, shelves
and drawers, and is connected with the dining room
by double doors. There are also a furnace room, two
fuel rooms, and a cloak room.
The cost of the improvement was $3000. The
amount needed on day of dedication was $1400. The
day was very stormy and the congregation conse-
quently small but Doctor J. F. Harmon, who was in
charge proved himself equal to the occasion. With
only 62 present in the morning he raised $1203 in 17
minutes.
The 1917 statistics give the following: 2 churches,
$5100; parsonage, $1200; full members, 117; Prep.,
8; Exp., $200; Supt. pastor, $1000; D. S., $72; bis-
hops, $16; C. C's., $45; F. Ms., $29; H. Ms., $28; Gd.
total, $420 ; 2 S. S's. O's. & T's., 37 ; Enrl., 286 ; Av.,
158; Ep., $125; Ep., S. Sr., 50.
Scottsville.
The first religious service in the territory now
included in the Scottsville charge was a S. S. in a
dugout, with stone walls, a dirt covered roof, and a
floor, with a considerable pool of water in the middle
of it. The historian remarks it was no wonder that
many of the pupils became Baptists. J. H. Morrison
was the superintendent of the school. People came
In Northwest Kansas 395
on foot, in farm wagons and on horse back, some
coming 8 and 10 miles. This was a Union Summer
School, running only in the warmer months.
There was preaching in the neighborhood at the
home of Mandred Cliner, about one and one-half
miles from where the Meeville Church stands. This
was in 1876.
Scottsville like many other communities was in-
debted to local preachers for its early church priv-
ileges.
G. W. Scowton was the first man to maintain
regular services. He served the people from 1876 to
1879. He preached at three school houses, West
Hope, Rosedale and Cross Roads. Prayer meetings
were held at private houses. Some of the people who
have been prominent in helping on the interests of
the community were Mrs. Goodrich, Mrs. Loop,
Thucis Brant, Mr. and Mrs. Pierce, Mr. and Mrs.
Neswender, Mr. and Mrs. Winterburn, Wm. Winter-
burn, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Shook, Wesley McPeek, R.
Sellers, W. Bower, M. Motes, H. Moe, J. Shum, Mr.
and Mrs. J. McCauley, R. Sellers, J. Gardonier, A.
Sherk. Pastors who served the charge from 1876 to
1889 were G. W. Scowton, B. B. Newell, J. S. Harner,
H. E. Pickle, G. H. Woodward, 1889-91 Jamestown
and Scottsville were united, W. E. Jenkins pastor
1891-93. Scottsville and Solomon Rapids were to-
gether '93-95, J. B. Lewis pastor.
Left without pastor till 1899. F. D. Funk pastor
at Jamestown took up Scottsville, '99 to 1901; F. A.
Colwell pastor 1901-02. C. A. Davis 1903-04, C. E.
Carpenter 1904-07. While Carpenter was pastor
Meevill was brought into the Scottsville Circuit,
since that time the charge has been served by the
following pastors: Carpenter, '03-05; Gessell, '05-08;
Hunter, '08-09; Johnson, one-half year; Porter, one-
396 History of Methodism
half year, '09-10; Williams, '10-11; Rarick, '11-13;
Van Gundy, '13-17.
During Van Gundy's pastorate a very successful
revival was held at the Maeville Church during
which there were 30 conversions and 25 accessions
to the church. Following A. H. Montgomery the
following persons have superintended the Maeville
Sunday School.
Maeville Church.
This church now a point on the Scottsville work
was organized in 1893 by W. B. Keeley with persons
who had been members of Old Highland, a stone
church two and one-half miles west of Maeville and
others who had belonged at the Range Line school
house, two miles south of Maeville, some of the mem-
bers were A. Wilson and wife, A. S. Wilson and wife,
G. W. Lasley, Sr. and wife, Mandred Cline and wife, W.
H. Riley and wife, Windfield Luft, A. H. Montgom-
ery and wife, A. F. Macy and wife, Chas. Key and
wife, Thos. Vass and wife, Mrs. Mary E. Moore,
Stewart Key and wife, R. J. Wilson and wife, Erving
Key and wife, Jas. Key and wife.
The services were held for a time at the home of
G. W. Macy on the present site of Macyville. A Sun-
day School was organized here and a United Breth-
ren preacher held services.
The present church building was erected that
year. The first board of trustees were: A. H. Mont-
gomery, A. S. Wilson, G. W. Lasley, Thos. Vass, R.
J. Wilson, Winfield, Lust and Mandred Cline.
Thos. Vass was the class leader. He held the of-
fice many years; passed to his reward December 18,
1915 aged 82.
The first stewards were A. H. Montgomery and
A. S. Wilson.
The class was then a part of the Jamestown Cir-
In Northwest Kansas 397
cuit and so remained till 1906 when it was attached
to the Scottsville. Erving Key, Jas. Key, Mrs. M. E.
Moore, Laura Macy, A. F. Macy, Al. Moore, Harry
Moore, Harry Riley.
An Epworth League was organized sometime in
the 90's but it was shortlived. Another was organ-
ized in March 1914, with Harry Riley president and
Nolan Cline secretary-treasurer; it still flourishes,
Ruby Ceder is president and Gladis Montgomery
secretary. There are forty members.
A Ladies' Aid Society was organized in 1893 with
15 members. Mrs. Mince Wilson president and she
holds the office in 1916. Others who have been presi-
dent are Clara Macy, Laura Key, Huldah Taylor,
Laura Macy and Susan Ledbetter. There are 30
members.
The statistics of the charge are: Church property,
2 churches, $4000; parsonage, $1000; full members,
111; Prob's., 12; expenses, $146; support pastor,
$875; D. S., 58; bishop, $14; C. C's., $37; Benev. F.
Ms., $20; H. Ms., $10; total benevolence, $363; 2 S.
S. O's. & T's., 32; Enrl., 214; Av., 105; Exp., $130;
Ep. 2 Sr., 62.
Smith Center.
Smith Center was the first point in this part of
the state, to be favored with a Conference man, as
their first pastor. The gospel had been preached but
it has been done by local talent. Until April 1873,
there had been but one Conference in Kansas. That
year it held its session in Ottawa Franklin County;
and by Conference action the state was divided into
two Conferences, the Kansas and the South Kansas.
Bishop Thomas Bowman presided. In the adjust-
ment of the appointments, Rev. J. C. Dana, a cul-
tured gentlemen and a good preacher, was appoint-
ed at Smith Center.
398 History of Methodism
Ke says of the charge: "This was the farthest
point west in the state to which any member of the
Conference had been appointed up to that time.
Earlier than that some active local preachers had
been on the ground preparing the way. The follow-
ing persons constituted the class which he organized:
James Walker leader, Mary Walker, J. T. Duckworth,
local preacher, D. E. Walker, Mrs. Nancy Hasker,
Mrs. Nancy Robinson, Mary Zinn, William Andrews,
Hattie Andrews, Levi Reed, Stewart Hite.
Steward.
The circuit organized and served by the pastor
was consisted of the following appointments, Smith
Center, Cedarville, Kirwin, Gaylord and East Beaver.
The first Quarterly Conference was held at Smith
Center June 15, 1873. The pastor's report follows:
"As this is the first Quarterly Conference of the M.
E. Church ever held on this charge, I take pleasure
in presenting the following items.
Appointed by Bishop Thomas Bowman to this
charge on April 2, 1873. I came as promptly as cir-
cumstances would permit, and after a journey of 230
miles by buggy I reached the circuit on Saturday May
third.
The next day I preached at Cedarville and at
Kirwin. There are now classes formed at these two
points also at Smith Center, Gaylord and East Bea-
ver." Signed J. C. Dana pastor. Dana was return-
ed to the charge for another year 1874, it continued
to be served, as follows: '75, L. M. Burnett; '76,
Smith Center was left to be supplied; '77-79, J. Boy-
court: '80, E. H. Fleisher; '81-3, H. G. Miller; '84-5,
W. J. Meredith; '86-88, W. R. Allen; '89-91, R. A.
Hoffman. Up to this pastorate no facts were glean-
ed from the Central, but Brother Hoffman thought
it worth while to report quite a few items. April 2,
In Northwest Kansas 399
'90 he had received 12 by certificate and 21 into full
membership.
The church and parsonage had been improved to
the value of $160, and the Ladies' Aid had raised
$100 with which a barn had been built and some im-
provement made on the church. In March 1891 a 24
days' meeting - had been held which closed with a
quarterly meeting- service. Sixteen had been convert-
ed and joined the church. Fleisher, Pierce and Mor-
ton assisted in the services. The deficiency in the
pastor's salary had been provided for.
In March '92 Mrs. Hoffman was recovering from
a severe illness. The pastor had received 60 from
probation in a three years' pastorate and baptized
50. In May the church was not harmonious but were
praying for a revival. Prayer and class meeting
were good, and the S. S. had a growing interest in
Missions.
In October '97 Fleisher had received 15 into the
church since Conference. Miss Livermore sailed for
India in November of that year.
In December 1902 W. J. Meredith held a good re-
vival with the assistance of A. H. Shelton.
U. S. Brown was pastor from 1903 to 1906. In
February, 1904 he reported three weeks' revival with
the assistance of M. J. Mumford of Glen Elder in
which 19 were converted and 13 joined the church.
In March 1904 the pastor and C. W. Woynant, the D.
S. held a meeting less than three weeks and 27 were
received into the church on Sunday morning.
In 1907 H. M. Templin pastor. Five churches
united in a service in charge of W. E. Biederworfle.
The tent used would seat 2000 people and the congre-
gations ranged from one to two thousand. The
meeting held three weeks and 600 people confessed
Christ. 140 joined the M. E. Church. Templin re-
mained on the charge till 1910 when he was succeed-
400 History of Methodism
ed by L. 0. Housel who held Smith Center till 1913,
when J. 0. Burton became pastor. He reported that
in October, their brotherhood gave the first banquet.
Sixty-four were present. The S. S. and League were
flourishing. Burton held the charge till 1915 when
he was succeed by L. C. Cutler who is still pastor and
kindly favored the historian with the names of the
present.
Official board: D. H. Hildebrand, H. G. Moberly,
H. W. Mackey, E. E. Matson, C. S. Buchanan, Frank
Cole, Dr. V. E. Watts, Charles Cameron, D. N. Kirk-
endall, Asa Tucker and Newton Morrison; S. Shine-
man, Epworth League president; Prof. Wm. McMul-
len, S. S. Supt. ; Mrs. Thomas Cameron, president
Ladies Aid ; Mrs. Edith Gilson, W. F. M. S.
Statistics for 1917 give the following report:
Church, $12,000; parsonage, $35,000; full members,
347; Prep., 15; current expense, $350; pastor, $1600;
D. S., $104; bishops, $26; C. C, $65; F. Ms., $226; H.
Ms., $148; Gd. total, $448; S. S. O's. & T's., 27; Enrl.,
337; average, 160; expense, $160; Ep. L. Sr., 40.
Star and Brcnvn's Creek.
This charge appears under this double name for
the first time in the Minutes of this year, 1917.
Whether the two appointments have been so associ-
ated previously, is not known. Star is a country
church a few miles from Jewell which, in 1914 was
given as a charge; but two churches were reported;
and in the report gave a very creditable account of
itself. There were 182 full members and 155 senior
members of the League. They paid their pastor
$800, the D. S. $64, the bishops $14 and Conference
claimants $40. Contributed $46 for Foreign Mis-
sions and $32 for Home Missions. There were two
Sunday Schools with 36 officers and teachers and en-
rollment of 295, and average attendance of 120. The
In Northwest Kansas 401
Sunday Schools alone gave $44 for Missions. All
things considered it seems highly probable that these
are the banner schools of the Conference.
There are two churches which are valued at $4,-
500. There is no parsonage. The pastors who have
served these churches were 1914-15, W. A. Pierce;
'16-17, Thomas Miller.
The statistics for 1917 report 2 churches $4500,
current expenses $60, members 120, supply pastor
$850, D. S. $64, bishop $13, Conference Cls. $40, F.
Ms. $79, H. Ms. $28, Gd. total $408, 2 S. S's, O's. &
T's. 40, Enrl. 290, Av. 170, Exp. $110, Ep. L. Srs. 81,
W. H. Ms. $18.
Wayne.
The society known at the present time as the
Wayne M. E. Church, was organized in 1866 by Rev.
R. P. West, the faithful local preacher who organized
so many churches in this part of the country. At
the time of organization the class worshipped in a
log school house, dirt floor and roof, which stood one
mile south of Wayne, in the S. W. corner of property
now owned by the Wayne Union Cemetery. This was
used until 1871.
Rev. Edwin R. Brown, the first regular pastor,
came to the work in 1869. He remained for three
years. During the last year of his ministry, 1871,
the society built a church. This was chartered in
1876, under the name of "The Methodist Episcopal
Church of Fairview." The lumber for the building
was hauled from Waterville, a distance of forty
miles, and the pastor helped to haul it. The church
was not completed in '71, however, but was merely
enclosed. It was finished and dedicated under the
pastorate of Rev. T. B. Gray, who came to the work
in 1873.
The Fairview Church was the first of any denomi-
402 History of Methodism
nation to be built in Republic county. It is still stand-
ing (1918) being now used as a barn. It was aban-
doned about the year 1885 or 1886, at which time the
Evangelical Association of North America came in
and built a church nearer to the present town of
Wayne. The Methodists of the community contrib-
uted to the building of this, with the understanding
that they should use it jointly with the members of
the Evangelical Association, and while it was dedi-
cated as an Evangelical Church, this arrangement
was effectively and harmoniously carried out. The
decreasing membership of the Evangelical Society
made it necessary to dispose of their rights in the
building and it was purchased by the Methodists in
1897.
The society was officially known as the M. E.
Church of Fairview until 1915, when, the name of
the town having been changed some years before
from Fairview to Wayne, and the original charter
having expired, a renewal of the charter was secured
under the name of the Wayne M. E. Church.
Until the organization of the Northwest Kansas
Conference (1883), the society was a part of the
Kansas Conference. It has also had a changing his-
tory in its relationship with other societies, being at
first connected with what was known as the Clyde
Circuit, later the Belleville Circuit, Seapo Circuit, and
finally the Hollis and Wayne Circuit. It remained a
part of this circuit until the spring of 1915, when,
under the pastorate of Rev. B. H. Horton, who had
served the circuit for six months preceeding, it be-
came a station.
This sketch has been prepared with almost no
records on which to base it. Many interesting items
might have been added but for the fact that the ac-
curacy of fact or date could not be verified by the
writer. He has set down only such as there is little
In Northwest Kansas 403
or no doubt concerning. As a result of not having
an accurate record, it is necessary to omit the names
of ministers serving the work from 1872 to 1880.
This is due to the fact that the writer cannot ascer-
tain with what circuit this work was connected during
these years. Except for these years the names are
as follows : List of ministers serving the Wayne M.
E. Church, and the first board of Trustees: E. R.
Brown, 1869-71; E. C. Chilson, 1872 (probably re-
mained 3 years) ; E. R. Price, 1880-81 ; W. H. Wil-
liams, '82-84; W. A. Matson, '85; G. H. Cheney, '86-
87; A. J. Markley, '88-Sept. '90; F. D. Funk, '90-92;
E. H. Bailiff, '93-94; J. M. Miller, '95; J. H. Laird,
'96-99; Grant Mann, 1900-Sept. '02; W. C. Brayman,
'02; W. A. Phillipe, '03-04; M. G. Terry, '05-06; C.
M. Corrie, '07-08; J. M. Barnes, '09 (English Lu-
theran minister) ; B. Turrentine, '10 ; J. A. Templin,
'11-13; C. R. Carlin, '14-Sept. same year; B. H. Hor-
ton, '14-15.
Charter board of trustees: Noah Kunkle, Hiram
Roszell, J. M. Campbell, C. A. Campbell, Philo P.
Way, David Lawrence, C. B. Williamson, Isaac Cor-
bett, Isaac Walton.
(Sketch written by Bertram H. Horton, pastor
Wayne M. E. Church.)
Statistics : Church, $2000 ; members, 89 ; Prep., 5 ;
pastor, $800; D. S., $64; bishops, $14; C. C's., $40; F.
Ms., $20; H. Ms., $10; Gd. total, $372; S. S. O's. &
T's., 17; Enrl., 216; Av., 81; Exp., $110; Ep. L. Sr.,
54; Jr., 26.
Webber.
This is one of the older charges in the northeast
part of the Conference. It was at first in the Con-
curdia District. E. P. Michener was the presiding
elder and Isaac Booth was pastor. He was appoint-
ed in 1892 and served two years. In 1893 a church
404 History of Methodism
was built costing $1600, which was all paid that
year. Forty members and two probationers were re-
ported, and one Sunday School with 45 scholars. In
1898, a second church was built. The two were val-
ued at $3000. In 1900 a parsonage was reported
worth $600.
The following pastors served the charge: '92-3, I.
Booth; '94, W. B. Keeley; '95, M. J. Bailey; '96, A.
D. Wright; '97-8, Jas. Flowers; '99-01, C. W. Ste-
vens; '02, J. B. Morris; '03, I. L. McKean; '04, W. K.
Harris; '05, C. H. Cowman; '06, C. M. C. Thompson;
'07-8, J. K. Hunter; '09-10, E. H. Wilson; '11-15, R.
E. Morgan; '16, C. R. Wade; '17, Mark E. Smith.
In 1915 the pastor, R. E. Morgan, made a thor-
ough canvass of the charge for the Advocate, and put
63 Centrals in the homes, which was more than
double the number of families in the charge.
In 1904 a second church was reported the two be-
ing valued at $3100. In 1907 they were improved
bringing the valuation to $4450. In 1909 they were
farther improved increasing the value $1000. The
parsonage was also improved that year bringing its
value to $1000. The two points which constitute the
charge are Webber and Henderson. The pastor re-
ceives $900, each church paying the same amount.
The two churches have a membership of 96 and
the Sunday Schools have an enrollment of 151 with
an average attendance of 82. They paid last year on
benevolences $119 and a grand total of $465. The
historian would be glad to report what each church
did but not having received the figures he is unable
to do it.
Statistics for 1917: 2 churches, $5100; parson-
age, $1000; members, 96; pastor, $900; D. S., $72;
bishops, $16 ; expense, $70 ; C. C's., $45 ; F. Ms., $35 ;
H. Ms., $30; Gd., Total, $465; 2 S. S's. O's. & T's.,
$27; Enrl., 151; Av., 82; Ep. L. Sr., 10.
CHAPTER X.
History of the Churches in the Salina District.
Ada-.
Ada is named as a charge first in the first copy
of Minutes published by the N. W. Kansas Confer-
ence.
The class had been organized some years previous
and had been served by pastors living elsewhere.
The first man named as pastor was H. R. Golden,
the faithful local preacher, who lived not far away,
and who for some years previous had dispensed the
gospel to people of Ada and at other points in the
vicinity. He served the charge three years. In his
first report there were 55 full members and 20 pro-
bationers, in the next, 85 full members and same
number of probationers ; and in the next 96 full mem-
bers and 26 probationers.
A. M. Lott was the next pastor and served but one
year. He was followed by W. R. Leigh who also
served one year. Then came E. B. L. Elder, '88 ; J. 0.
Osman, '89; M. T. Brown, '92; E. E. Damon, '93; H.
J. Lorenz, '94; W. T. Shelby, '95-96; H. 0. Holter,
'97-8; R. B. Beaty, 1900-1; James Kerr, '02-3; C. M.
C. Thompson, '04; J. B. Gilmore, '06-8; W. S. Price,
'09-10; W. A. Pierce, '11-12; L. M. Alexander, '13-15;
J. M. Newton, '16-17.
The church and parsonage were both built during
the pastorate of J. O. Osman, '89-91. The parsonage
was built first, and cost $600. The church, costing
$2,000, was built the next year. $1,500 was paid
that year, leaving a debt of $500; four hundred of
which was paid the next year, and the remainder was
paid the next year.
406 History of Methodism
In '98 the charge reported two churches valued at
$6,000, one having been built in the country. For
several years no parsonage was reported. In 1903 a
house was reported valued at $1,000, and in 1905,
$500 was added to the value of the parsonage. In
1907 the charge reported one church valued at $3,400.
No other change in the value of property is noted,
till 1916, when the church is valued at $6,000 and the
parsonage at $3,000. The next year the church was
appraised at $9,000 and the parsonage at $2,500. The
writer would be glad to present the facts in a more
satisfactory form, but being compelled to collect data,
wholly from the Conference Minutes this is the best
he can do.
Statistics for 1917 give the following: Church,
$9,000; parsonage, $2,500; members, 83; expenses,
$250; pastor, $1,300; district superintendent, $80;
bishop, $16; conference claimants, $32; foreign mis-
sions, $54 ; home missions, $47 ; grand total, $625.
Alton.
This place was originally known as Bull City, so
named in honor of H. C. Bull, the first settler of the
place. For a time he kept a store in a wagon. After-
ward he built a log cabin and moved the store into
that where he also kept the post office. He was a
man of generous impulses, always ready to help those
who were in need. He was therefore highly esteemed
by the early settlers who strongly opposed the change
of name which was agitated by the newer settlers
who came in after the completion of the railroad. The
change was finally effected by a fraudulent petition
sent to Washington, D. C, by a man who kept a store
in the village. A petition for some popular object
had been numerously signed by the people of the
place. When it had accomplished its purpose, it was
left at this man's store. The store keeper who before
In Northwest Kansas 407
had opposed the change of name was persuaded to
change his mind. He wrote a petition requesting
the change and addressed it to Representative Han-
back, and attached to it the names which had been
signed to the other petition. In a short time a tele-
gram was received stating that the name of the post
office was changed from Bull City to Alton. This was
in 1884. It was years before the people knew how it
had been effected. Many of those whose names were
on the document were opposed to the change.
The Methodist class at this place was organized
by W. A. Saville in 1880. Some of the prominent
members were T. 0. Bickell and wife, A. J. Runyan,
a local preacher and wife. The meetings were held
in the school house. This class was attached to the
Cedarville circuit, where W. A. Saville was the pastor.
In 1882 the Bull City charge was organized,
Hawkeye and Spring Branch, two country points
being connected with the village. E. G. Casey was
the pastor. At the first Quarterly Conference, Isaac
Kurtz, of the Spring Branch appointment, was
granted a local preacher's license. He proved to be
quite an efficient worker. Though he was never ad-
mitted to the conference, he was instrumental in
organizing many classes in neighborhoods where there
had been no religious services and in having them at-
tached to an organized circuit. He often said he
wanted to die in the Lord's work. His desire was
granted for on July 19, 1914, while in a layman's
Gospel team meeting, he was standing giving his testi-
mony as to the joy and blessedness of the Lord's
service, he stopped in the middle of a sentence and
dropping back was dead from heart failure.
In 1882 the corner stone was laid for the Bull
City church but owing to the lack of funds was not
completed until 1885. Ruben Bisbee was the pastor
in 1884. In 1885 H. M. Mayo was appointed to Alton.
408 History of Methodism
This was his first charge. At first the outlook was
very discouraging. He says of it: "So little did the
people of the place believe in our cause, that not one
man could be found who would give so much as five
dollars to put the building in shape for the plasterers,
whose bill the Ladies' Aid was willing to pay if the
building could be put in fit condition. The pastor
was young and had no money and supposedly no
credit, but soon a lumberman and a carpenter were
found who were willing to furnish all needed material
and charge them to the pastor's account. As soon as
the work was fairly under way and the people saw
that something was going to be done, sufficient
financial and moral support was enlisted to carry the
enterprise to completion. The church was dedicated
in May by Rev. H. D. Fisher.
Brother Mayo says further of his experiences on
this charge : "One of the greatest revivals took place
at the Hawkeye appointment that I ever witnessed.
The sainted Isaac Kurtz was the pastor's constant
helper. He was a local preacher on the charge and
certainly no young preacher could ask for a better
standby and helper. The mud was deep and frequent
rains added to the discomfort but the house was
packed to the doors every night. Practically the whole
community was converted." Mayo was returned to
the charge in 1886 but left the work in the fall to
attend school. Isaac Kurtz filled out the year.
M. J. Bailey was the pastor at Alton in 1887-1888.
In the winter of this year the pastor in conjunction
with a band of the Salvation Army held a meeting of
remarkable power at Alton. About 125 were con-
verted. Many who came to make sport remained to
pray.
During the summer of 1889 the first Methodist
Sunday school was organized at Alton with LeRoy
Rhodes superintendent. In 1892 H. E. Kurtz was
In Northwest Kansas 409
made superintendent and served nine years. George
Winterburn, G. W. Morley and B. W. Hollen served
as pastor, each for a few months in 1889 and 1890.
In 1891, W. 0. Allen was appointed to Alton, but
left in the fall to attend school. Again Isaac Kurtz
filled out the year. The following pastors served the
charge from 1891 to 1905 : W. C. Littell, M. J. Mum-
ford, C. H. Stevenson, J. G. H. Armstead, M. L. Kerr, I.
L. Clark, C. M. Medlin, J. H. Laird, E. H. Tannehill,
H. D. Washburn. James Kerr was appointed and
served four years. The people remember Kerr as a
strong preacher and temperance worker. Two re-t
vivals were held during his four years, he being his
own evangelist.
At that time there was a man in town named Han-
son who ran a joint in quite a bold way, but was a
regular attendant at church and contributed liberally
to its support. People came to regard his contribu-
tions as a sop to the church to induce it to keep still.
On a Sunday morning the pastor preached a strong
temperance sermon hitting the jointists right and left.
Hanson grew very uneasy and restless and was evi-
dently glad when the sermon closed. Shortly after-
ward detective work was undertaken and the jointist
left in high dudgeon.
In 1909, J. M. Miller was sent to Alton and re-
mained four years. In the winter of 1910 a most
gracious revival was held lasting six weeks. Little
was done the first two weeks, then the interest deep-
ened and for four weeks the house was crowded. The
people were greatly stirred and deep conviction took
hold of them. The evangelist, Charles R. Mathis, was
a good preacher and singer and especially good in
lining up the church for work. One hundred were
converted and fifty united with the Methodist church.
V. V. Whitset was the pastor in 1912 and C. S.
Spalding was appointed in 1913. In 1916 he was
410 History of Methodism
returned for the fourth year. In 1913 it was decided
to build a new church. J. W. Tucker, Melvin May-
field and H. H. Hall were appointed a building com-
mittee. The corner stone was laid December 18 and
on May 21, 1914, the church was dedicated by Dr.
T. C. Iliff. The main auditorium is 34 x 44, the pulpit
platform 6 x 16, the lecture room 24 x 30, the vesti-
bule 9 x 16. A ten foot basement is under the whole
building nicely furnished. The cost was about $7,000
in addition to $500 worth of material used from the
old church.
The membership of the charge is 112. The Sunday
school numbers 142 with 12 in the home department
and 31 on the cradle roll. Expended for supplies,
$95; paid for missions, $38. Dale DeFord is presi-
dent of the league. Mrs. Nannie Peach is president
of the Ladies' Aid Society. There are 33 members of
this society and in the last four years they have)
raised $658. The church is valued at $7,000 ; parson-
age, $1,000; number of full members, 111; prepara-
tory members, 3; expenses, $125; pastor's salary,
$1,145; district superintendent, $80; bishops, $16;
conference claimants, $36; foreign missions, $92;
home missions, $46 ; Sunday school officers and teach-
ers, 24 ; enrolment, 254 ; average attendance, 136 : cur-
rent expense, $110; Epworth League membership, 21.
Barnard.
This name appears first in the list of conference
appointments in 1888. The first pastor was G. P.
Miller who served the charge two years. At the close
of the first year he reported a church worth $740, 75
full members and 35 probationers, a Sunday school
having 8 officers and teachers and 100 scholars. In
'90 there were two schools with 20 officers and teach-
ers and 100 scholars. But the charge did not grow.
In Northwest Kansas 411
In '92 it had gone back to one school with about the
original attendance.
The following pastors served the charge: '90-91,
J. H. Kuhn, '92, L. E. Baldwin ; '93-4, A. Richardson ;
'95-6, H. R. Goulden; '97-8, D. R. Laport; '99-1900, M.
L. Kerr; '01, J. N. See; '02-05, H. W. Wolf; '06, J. A.
Schooley; '07, H. W. Wolf; '08, C. W. Muir; '10, B. C.
McDonald; '11-13, G. Johnson; '14, B. D. Brooks; '15,
F. Gunson; '16-17, O. E. Schaal.
The charge showed little sign of growth till near
the close of the century. The report of 1899 gives
one church valued at $800 and a parsonage worth
$200. With the opening of the new century there
was indications of new life. In 1901 two churches
were reported, which were valued at $2,200 ; and $1,520
were raised and paid that year. In 1906 a third
church was reported, valued at $2,300 and in 1909 the
parsonage had been improved by the expenditure of
$810. The next year Barnard was reported as a
station, there being but one church and it was im-
proved by the expenditure of $1,500. But in 1911 a
second church was reported, the two being valued at
$3,000. In 1912 the value was placed at $4,000.
The membership has fluctuated in numbers be-
tween 70 in 1889 and 180 in 1914. Statistics for 1917
give the following figures: Two churches, $6,000;
parsonage, $2,000 ; membership, 125 ; preparatory, 12 ;
expenses, $125; pastor, $1,000; district superintend-
ent, $68; bishops, $16; conference claimants, $34; for-
eign missions, $20; home missions, $15; grand total,
$475; Sunday school officers and teachers, 16; enroll-
ment, 273; average, 90; expenses, $120; Epworth
League, Sr., 40; Women's Foreign Mission, $11;
Women's Home Mission, $7.
412 History of Methodism
Beloit.
The session of the Kansas Conference of 1871 was
presided over by Bishop E. R. Ames and was held at
Paola, March 15.
There were few classes organized at that time
west of the sixth principal meridian. In the list of
appointments James Phillips was announced for
Beloit, though it is doubtful if any organization had
yet been expected there.
The pastor held the first services in a shanty built
of cottonwood boards, put on vertically with daylight
visible through every crack ; it also served as the first
school building. It stood on the west side of Mill
street where the harness shop now stands.
The county seat was established the same year
and Mr. Hersey who came from Beloit, Wisconsin, was
permitted to name the town. He at once began the
erection of the old stone court house. It was sold to
the county and became Mitchell county court house.
The church services were then taken to the court room
upstairs. The first choir was there organized.
The schoolhouse was begun in 1872, the brick for
it were burned by John Norris on the lots back of
where the Blue store stands. When the building was
completed the church services were taken to the school
house.
In 1874, W. J. Mitchell was appointed to the Beloit
charge. He obtained class books and a church record.
The circuit consisted of seven appointments, viz.:
Beloit, Solomon Rapids, Laban Creek, Honey Creek,
South Salt Creek, Newbanks and Springfield. This
was grasshopper year but the pastor says : "Notwith-
standing the devastation we more than held our own.'*
At the close of Mitchell's pastorate the circuit was
divided after which the Beloit charge consisted of
Beloit, Solomon Rapids and Newbanks school house.
In Northwest Kansas 413
James Lawrence was appointed to the Beloit charge
and served it three years. The Beloit district was
formed and W. J. Mitchell was appointed presiding
elder. The pastor's salary was fixed at $500. Up to
this time there had been a Union Sunday school. A
Methodist school was now organized and J. S. Mc-
Grath was elected superintendent. In 1878 Mr.
Decker was chosen superintendent and J. H. Lock-
wood was appointed pastor. At the close of the year,
Lockwood was placed on the district and J. M. David-
son succeeded to the pastorate.
In March, 1883, the Northwest Kansas Conference
met in its first session in Beloit. Bishop W. A. Harris
presided. C. L. Shackelford was appointed to the
pastorate and served one year, when he was made
presiding elder of the district and J. H. Lockwood
was made pastor. He served two years and was suc-
ceded by E. P. Michener, who also served two years
and was then appointed to the district and J. S. King
became pastor. He remained in charge three years
and was succeeded by I. McDowell in the spring of
1891.
During his pastorate the old stone church which
was of sacred memory to many people, was sold and
the new church was erected and the basement finished
so as to be used for church purposes. It was valued
at $10,000. L. O. Housel followed McDowell. The
church was completed in 1897, and dedicated by
Bishop Earl Cranston. Housel was returned to Beloit
for the third year. In 1898 W. H. Sweet was ap-
pointed pastor and served the church four years. Dur-
ing his pastorate a great union meeting was held in
the Methodist church led by Lincoln McConnell and
his singer, Mr. Curry. McConnell is a great preacher
and Mr. Curry is a good chorus leader and personal
worker. Beloit was stirred religiously as it perhaps
never had been before.
414 History of Methodism
Sweet was followed by F. D. Baker two years and
he by J. A. Bull, who also served two years. H. J.
Lorenz came to this church in 1906. June 20th of
that year he reported through the Central, that the
presiding elder, F. D. Baker, at his first quarterly
meeting preached a sermon of unusual tenderness and
more people than was usual partook of the sacrament.
There had been 115 accessions since conference.
In June, 1907, a union meeting in which six
churches united under the leadership of W. E. Bieder-
wolfe was reported. It was held in a tent seating
2,000 people. On the first Monday night 20 persons
were at the altar. Following Lorenz, S. A. Chappie
served Beloit two years and was succeeded by Attree
Smith. The first year of his pastorate he was assisted
in evangelistic services by three of his brothers: R.
P. Smith, president of the Kansas Wesleyan Uni-
versity, The Rev. Edward Smith, pastor of the Meth-
odist church at Billings, Montana, and S. C. Smith,
of West Jefferson, Ohio. The church was greatly
quickened and 18 united with it.
A Ladies' Aid Society which is now known as the
Queen Esthers, was organized in 1876. For several
years it had feeble existence, but for more than thirty
years it has been very active and has been a great
blessing to the church.
A Women's Foreign Mission Society was organized
in 1885. Like the aid society it did not do much for
a number of years, but recently has been quite active.
It now supports a trained Bible woman in India,
paying $25 annually.
The membership at present is 130. Last year $271
was sent to the branch treasurer. The society has
vouchers for $1,650, paid to the branch treasurer since
the organization was begun. There is a King's
Herald Society of 50 members.
In Northwest Kansas 415
The Sunday school is organized into eight depart-
ments, viz.: Cradle roll, primary, beginners, juniors,
intermediate, senior, home department, and teacher
training.
The following was clipped from the Central of
March 14, 1894: Two hundred people of Beloit and
vicinity surprised the pastor, Rev. I. McDowell, by
gathering at the parsonage on the night of his sixtieth
birthday and leaving the handsome sum of $100 as a
birthday present.
This sketch must have closed here but in July,
1916, Sister Hale wrote me as follows: There is not
much of church history since March, 1912. We have
the same pastor who at this date, June, 1917, has been
returned to them for the 7th year.
Earl N. Kendal was confirmed Sunday school
superintendent and served until November, 1915, when
Mrs. J. E. Tice was confirmed in that office.
The Junior League has been discontinued and an
Intermediate League has taken its place.
The Queen Esther Society is still at work. It
pledged $1,000 toward enlarging and improving the
church two years ago, besides refurnishing the base-
ment and kitchen.
The following list of the first trustees was taken
from the 4th Quarterly Conference record of March
1, 1880. S. G. Guard, A. D. Leach, A. Reeder, E.
Valentine and George Campbell.
The official board, April, 1896: Trustees, J. F.
Robinson, G. H. Goudy, J. E. Tice, J. K. Gise, N. A.
Wilson, W. J. Coburn, B. F. Cook, Joseph Morrell.
Stewards : W. J. Coburn, B. F. Cook, Joseph Mor-
rel, W. H. Creitz, R. R. Roder, F. E. Shook.
Statistics for 1917 give the following: Church,
$20,000; parsonage, $4,000; expenses, $5,000; mem-
mers, 517; preparatory, 85; salaries pastor, $1,900;
district superintendent, $136; bishops, $30; confer-
416 History of Methodism
ence claimants, $62; benevolences, foreign missions,
$357; home missions, $60; grand total, $2,269; Sun-
day school officers and teachers, 57; enrollment, 687;
average, 375; expenses, $783; Women's Foreign Mis-
sions, $289; Women's Home Missions, $310; Epworth
League, Sr., 100.
Beloit Circuit.
Beloit circuit began its development along with the
Beloit charge in 1871. The work was served by Rev.
James Phillips until 1874, when he reported a mem-
bership of 63 and 70 probationers. At this time W.
J. Mitchell came to Beloit as has already been recited.
In the meantime B. F. McMillen, a teacher and
Christian worker had organized a Sunday school at
district 65 (Shiloh). At the close of Mitchell's pas-
torate at Beloit, this Sunday school and several of the
appointments on the Beloit charge were made to con-
stitute a charge which was named the Saltville charge
and J. S. Kirkpatrick was appointed pastor. The
name Saltville was retained but one year. The next
year the work served by Kirkpatrick was called Round
Springs. The records do not give the names of the
appointments. The next year there was a Beloit cir-
cuit of which Kirkpatrick was pastor and a Round
Springs circuit of which W. A. Matson was pastor.
Shiloh class was a part of the Round Springs circuit.
In the year 1800 the church was built. It still
stands unchanged in outward appearance but is not
large enough for the present need and must soon be
enlarged. The original trustees were J. F. Trout-
man, J. C. Houts, W. R. Vassell, J. R. Lowe and T. J.
Morgan. In 1883, L. V. Morton was appointed to the
circuit and under his leadership the trustees at Pleas-
ant View were induced to renew the effort that had
been begun some years before for a church building.
A donation of $250 was secured from the Board of
In Northwest Kansas 417
Church Extension and a church costing $1,676 was
erected and dedicated by H. D. Fisher, November 23,
1884.
The trustees were John Brecken, A. L. Cooke,
William Ketler, R. Kinslow and Anson L. Cooke. The
following year with the leadership of G. L. Rarick,
pastor, a parsonage was built half a mile south of the
Pleasant View Chapel. The different points on the
charge contributed as follows: Shiloh, $41.50; Pleas-
ant Valley, $35.25 ; Pleasant View, $238.
It is becoming that the historian notes the fact
that in the year 1886 occurred the death of Rev. J. S.
Kirkpatrick. For it was largely through his efforts
that the foundations of Methodism were laid in these
several communities and his interest in the work per-
sisted to the day of his death.
Following the pastorate of Rarick, H. E. Pickel,
J. H. Laird and G. H. Cheney traveled the circuit suc-
cessively; Pickel and Laird six months each and
Cheney a year. In that year the league was organ-
ized and proved a great blessing to the cause. J. C.
Braimard of Beloit supplied the charge in 1890 and
1891.
He was followed by E. M. Evans. February 8,
1893, Evans reported to the Central that a two weeks'
meeting had been held resulting in 91 conversions.
July 5, he reported that Children's Day had been ob-
served. Collections, $17.20. There had been 102 con-
versions in past six months and a league of 30 had
been organized at Shiloh.
Following Evans, J. V. Morris served the charge
one year, followed by E. P. Michener two years. De-
cember 1, 1897, Helimick reported a five weeks' meet-
ing resulting in forty conversions.
The church at both Shiloh and Pleasant View had
been improved. G. W. Hood became pastor in 1900.
January 1, 1902, the pastor was pleasantly surprised
418 History of Methodism
at which time E. P. Michener spoke pleasantly of the
pastor. March 18, 1903, the pastor, H. H. Bowen,
reported that ten had been converted at the regular
service at Pleasant View and a three weeks' meeting
at Shiloh had resulted in thirteen conversions.
Benington.
The Methodist Episcopal church of Benington was
organized by Rev. S. J. Kahler, of Solomon, at the
home of Captain Spitzer two miles north of town.
The class consisted of the families of C. J. Spitzer
and W. W. Walker, Sr., the latter being the leader.
At first the meeting was held at the house either of
Daniel Struble or W. W. Walker. After the Stanton
school house was built the services were held there.
Benington was at first connected with Solomon.
While so connected it was served in 1872-3-4 by J. R.
Madison. In 1875, 6, 7, by William Whitney and in
1898 and 9 by J. W. Denning. In 1880 it was made
the head of a charge with M. Wolperfert, pastor. J.
Pittinger was appointed to the charge in 1881 and
served two years. The church was quite prosperous
during his pastorate. The membership was increased
to more than fifty and a neat frame church was built
at a cost of $2,200.
Up to this time the Sunday school had been Union,
but was now changed to a Methodist school. In 1883
Benington became a two men's circuit, W. S. R. Ben-
net being appointed with Pittinger. He remained
with the work till September, when he returned to
Iowa and W. H. Doner was appointed in his place.
He served the remainder of that year and was ap-
pointed in charge of the work the following year. In
1884 successful revival meetings were held and 49
persons were received on trial, 31 of them came into
full membership, 12 at Benington and 19 at Fairview.
In 1885, B. F. Hewlit became pastor. He was assisted
In Northwest Kansas 419
in revival meetings by Rev. E. P. Michener. Forty-
one were received on probation, 27 of whom came into
full membership. 0. N. Maxson was sent to Bening-
ton in 1886 and served the charge three years. The
visible results of his work was 35 received on proba-
tion and 12 became full members. B. F. Rhodes was
pastor in 1889. S. B. Lucas was appointed in 1890
and remained two years. He organized the Epworth
League and the organization is still maintained. It
has been a great help to the work. J. W. Edgar was
pastor in 1892-3 and J. V. Morris in 1894. During
these two pastorates, the membership increased eleven.
During 1895-6 the charge was served by H. J. Lorenze,
who is remembered by the people as a spiritually
minded man and a successful pastor evangelist.
Seventy-five persons were converted in his revival
meetings and united with the church on probation.
Thirty-six were received into full membership.
W. T. Selby and R. B. Beaty served the church as
pastors from 1897 to 1900. The Methodists of Ben-
ington remember these years as a season of dearth in
the church. Had Selby been removed at the close of
his second year, the conditions might have been differ-
ent, but the presiding bishop took the case into his
own hands and sent Selby back for the third year,,
contrary to the judgment of his presiding elder..
Shortly after conference conditions were such that it.
seemed best for all concerned that he resign the
charge. His elder, M. M. Stolz gave his consent and
appointed R. B. Beaty to supply it.
J. H. Laird served the charge during the year 1900
and J. F. Ekey, a local preacher at Salina, supplied it
in 1901. Both did their work faithfully, but owing
to conditions existing in the charge neither succeeded
in building it up. In 1902, J. T. Wilks came to Ben-
ington. Under his wise and faithful ministry, the
church began to regain what it had lost.
420 History of Methodism
With the assistance of Revs. A. N. Smith and F.
P. Raby, successful revivals were held in which 27
were brought into the church on probation, 18 of
whom became full members.
J. A. Templin served the charge from 1904 to '09.
This was the longest and on the whole, the most suc-
cessful pastorate, the church has enjoyed. During
the years 1904 and 5 a neat six room parsonage was
built at a cost of $1,000. Within the five years there
were thirty-one received on probation and twenty-one
admitted into full membership.
John J. Mickey was pastor 1909 to 1911. At that
time a commodious room was added to the church for
the primary department of the Sunday school and a
furnace was installed at a cost of $1,200. Fourteen
were received on probation and all became full mem-
bers.
Rev. J. T. Bates, one of the veterans of the cross,
was sent to Benington in 1911.
Blue Hill.
This charge is found in the list of conference ap-
pointments first in 1891 and the first report to the
conference is found in the minutes of 1892.
The charge has raised $196 for missions. $1.25
per member. Improvements had been made on the
parsonage, to the amount of $500. In 1904 J. H.
Lockwood became pastor for one year, followed by W.
C. Brayman who also served one year. J. M. Miller
became pastor in 1906 and remained three years.
The historian says of him : "He was true and faithful
and kept the fires burning and all departments of the
church at work." He was followed by W. A. Pierce,
who held a very successful revival at Shiloh and, dur-
ing his pastorate the church at Pleasant View was in
a measure rebuilt and modernized. A basement was
In Northwest Kansas 421
put under it and a furnace installed, a pulpit recess
put in one side and a large room on the other side
which opens into the main room, also a vestibule and
tower. It was rededicated February 19, 1910 by J.
W. Snapp the district superintendent. The trustees
at this time were T. A. Broadbent, I. B. Shultz, O. C.
Creitz, E. C. Tilton and A. L. Cooke, who, with the
pastor, were the building committee. The improve-
ment cost about $4,000.
The day of dedication was stormy and there was
only a small attendance. $1,292 were needed to meet
the indebtedness, yet notwithstanding the unfavorable
conditions, $1,614 were pledged and enough came in
later to bring it up to $1,700. Since that time the
circuit has been served by L. E. Cooke, a grandson of
J. S. Kirkpatrick, who served a year and a half, then
went to Garrett Biblical Institute to seek better equip-
ment for the work. M. G. Terry finished Cooke's year
and stayed another year, when he was succeeded by
T. E. Hoon, who has shown himself to be a workman
that needeth not to be ashamed.
Statistics for 1917: Two churches, $6,000; par-
sonage, $2,000; expenses, $190; members, $180;
preparatory, 7; superintendent, pastor, $1,120; dis-
trict superintendent, $80; bishop, $19; conference
claimants, $41 ; benevolences, foreign missions, $212 ;
home missions, $94; total, $847; 2 Sunday schools,
officers and teachers, 39; enrollment, 416; expenses,
$153; Epworth League, Sr., 52; Jr., 22; Women's
Home Mission Society, $10; foreign mission society,
$98.
Bow Creek Circuit.
Methodist services were held by local preachers at
various school houses within the present bounds of
this charge as early as 1885 and on until the late '90's.
At the Delmar school house a class was organized and
422 History of Methodism
maintained for a time, but the interest waned till the
few remaining members moved their membership to
Kirwin.
However, in justice to the early settlers, whose
names are no longer available, it should be stated that
a Sunday school was organized in 1873 at the Sailor
school house, which was later moved to the Delmar
school house and the organization has been kept up
ever since. William Knowls was the first superin-
tendent. The first class leader was William Ward and
the first local preacher was a brother Cummings.
Early in 1898 a successful revival was held by D.
E. Standard, a local preacher, and the class was re-
organized with a reported membership of 65. Soon
after Standard held another meeting at the Sailor
school house in the adjoining district and a class of
45 members was organized.
Standard reported another meeting in March of
the same year, at Pleasant Valley, in Rooks county,
at which there were a number of conversions and
reclamations. The circuit as reported by Standard,
consisted of four school house appointments, namely,
Class No. 1, Delmar; No. 2, Sailor; No. 3, Pleasant
Valley; No. 4, Blue Mound. The last had previously
belonged to the Stockton charge.
In 1899 Standard was followed by H. E. Pickel.
He was succeded as follows: 1900, C. A. Falgren;
'01-04, Thomas Muxlow; '04-05, L. E. Cook; '06, W.
C. Green; '07, C. W. Reed; '08, E. H. Wilson; '09, R.
Bisbee; '10-11, F. N. Stelson; '12, G. M. Ryder; '13-14,
C. J. King; '15, L. I. Mickey; '16-17, W. A. Pierce;
from 1908 to 1912, Bow Creek was served by the Kir-
win pastor.
At sometime in the past the classes at Sailor,
Pleasant Valley, and Blue Mound were dropped. At
Delmar services were held in school house till 1908.
At that time the teacher, one A. E. Dodds, made a stir
In Northwest Kansas 423
about the meetings being so held. The pastor, E. H.
Wilson, started a subscription for a church, which,
after a long struggle was successfully carried through
and during the pastorate of F. N. Stelson the church
was dedicated. An illustration of the truth of the
words of the Psalmist: "He maketh the wrath of
man to praise him."
For some years a Presbyterian church held
services at the Mt. Lebanon school house. During
the pastorate of L. E. Cook this society decided to
sever its connection with the Presbyterian church and
invited Cook to come and organize a Methodist class.
This was done and the Bow Creek circuit now con-
sists of the two points Delmar and Mt. Lebanon.
At the present the official members are at the Del-
mar appointment, class leader, F. J. Fuller; trustee,
A. Knowls, J. L. Martin, F. J. Fuller and wife, J. L.
Martin and Mrs. Knowls; Sunday school superintend-
ent, J. L. Martin. At Mt. Lebanon: Stewards, Floyd
Bartholomew, Isabel Miller and Mrs. Ed. Bartholo-
mew; Sunday school superintendent, F. J. Southward.
Statistics for 1917 give the following: Church,
$2,000; parsonage, $1,000; members, 111; expenses,
$19 ; pastor $656 ; district superintendent, $41 ; bishop,
$8 ; conference claimants, $21 ; foreign missions, $2 ;
home missions, $2; grand total, $302; Sunday school
officers and teachers, 10 ; enrollment, 65 ; average 55 ;
expenses, $16; Epworth League, Sr., 34; Women's
Foreign Missions, $17.
Covert.
The Osborne Mission was organized at the session
of the Kansas Conference held at Emporia in March,
1872, and first appears as an appointment in the.
Salina district with Rev. James Lawrence presiding
elder. The mission was supplied by Rev. Jared Cope-
land who in spite of poor health organized classes at
424 History of Methodism
Osborne, Emily and Pleasant Valley. The number
enrolled in these classes was twenty-five.
The year previous, 1871, at the funeral of Tom
Ritter, one of the early settlers which was preached
by an exhorter in the Methodist church, Griffeth
Jones, steps were taken to organize a Sunday school.
The following Sunday a Sunday school was begun in
a log house a little south of where the Bristow church
now stands. Griffeth Jones preached for the people
in the neighborhood until the following spring. In
the meantime the location of the school was changed
to Emily City.
At the Conference of 1873, the appointment was
left to be supplied and J. C. Ayres, an old minister
from the Upper Iowa Conference was employed. He
remained two years and added to the circuit Corinth,
Lawrence Creek, Indian Creek, Delhi, Wolf Creek and
Covert. This year then marked the beginning of the
Covert charge which is the subject of this account.
In 1875 the Beloit district was organized with W.
J. Mitchell as the presiding elder. Osborne was placed
in this district and left to be supplied, which was done
by A. B. Conwell of Ohio. During this pastorate it
was decided to build a church. Up to this time the
people had been worshiping in one of the store rooms
at Emily City. Rev. J. C. Ayers was chosen to solicit
help from the Upper Iowa Conference, securing $325.
The sum of $200 was obtained from the Church Ex-
tension Society. A site of more than an acre was
donated by T. J. Gossett and the church was built cost-
ing $1,088. In 1876, H. G. Breed was sent by the
conference as pastor and remained two years. He
was the first regularly appointed preacher on the cir-
cuit.
Two years following in 1878, the Kirwin district
was formed and Osborne circuit was attached to this
new district, while J. B. Orwig became pastor. At
In Northwest Kansas 425
this time, C. W. Casely, a local preacher, living at
Bristow was preaching in a dugout owned by J. S.
McMillan. Casely was instrumental in having a
preaching point established at Bristow and Orwig
organized a class with G. W. Dawes the first class
leader.
In 1882, Osborne circuit was divided and Bristow
circuit was formed. Bristow circuit now consisted of
four appointments, Bristow, Buelah, Covert and Enter-
prise.
A class had been formed at Covert by Rev. J. C.
Ayers in the log house of Joseph Morris, which is still
standing. The class consisted of seven members and
Morris was the leader. During the summer services
were held in a grove near the house while later
services were conducted in the Covert sod school house
near the present church building. The first church
erected on this charge was a joint affair erected by
the Presbyterians while the Methodists assisted with
the understanding that they were to have the use of
it when it was not used by the Presbyterians. Joseph
Morris gave the site for the building.
Enterprise class was organized as a result of a
revival meeting which began in 1881 in a sod school
house of District 101. The meeting lasted six weeks,
being conducted largely under the direction of the
presiding elder, Dr. Carruthers, assisted by Rev.
Crumley of Iago. There were fifty conversions and
at the close of the meetings in April, a class and Sun-
day school was organized. Two of the charter mem-
bers were daughters of Dr. Carruthers. Enterprise
was soon made a part of the Bristow circuit of which
Dr. Carruthers was the pastor.
The pastors who served the circuit during the lat-
ter eighties and early nineties were Adolphus Pharo,
E. R. Zimmerman, W. C. Littell, Joseph Baker, B. W.
Hollen, W. R. Allen, A. E. Smith. During the pastor-
426 History of Methodism
ate of Smith an Epworth League was formed, in
November, 1893. H. H. Bowen was pastor in 1894,
and he was followed by M. L. Kerr, and he in turn
by J. V. Morris. Morris was the first pastor to live
at Covert. The pastors following in the. late nineties
were R. W. Brown, a supply pastor, H. D. Washburn,
a local preacher who served the circuit part of the
year 1898, while in 1899, J. L. Daniels supplied the
charge. In 1900, E. H. Tannehill was appointed pas-
tor and during his pastorate special meetings were
instrumental in adding many new members to the
several classes at Buelah, Enterprise and Bristow,
while in 1902 Alton was added to the circuit. Dur-
ing much of the time the charge was supplied by local
preachers.
In the winter of 1903-04 a successful revival meet-
ing was conducted at Enterprise and about the same
time the Methodists bought the church at Covert from
the Presbyterians for $330, and in 1905 the people at
Enterprise built a church costing $2,000.
In 1906 the name of the circuit was changed to
Covert Creek circuit and Rev. B. D. Brooks was ap-
pointed pastor. That year the Enterprise church was
dedicated and in September of the same year a church
at Buelah was completed at a cost of $3,500. The
circuit now had four churches and a fair parsonage.
Brooks served two years and was succeeded by C. L.
Harrington in 1908. During this pastorate a great
camp meeting was held at Covert conducted by Herb-
ert Buffum and wife and Clay Ingalls at which nearly
150 people confessed conversion. Another meeting
was held at Bristow and Buelah. At Covert a Holi-
ness Association was organized under the leadership
of a Nazarene preacher, which resulted in division of
the Covert church.
In 1910, Covert charge was placed in the Salina
district and L. A. Dugger became the pastor. In 1913
In Northwest Kansas 427
G. C. Casselman became pastor to be followed at the
end of the year by W. C. Green, who served the charge
for several years.
In 1918, the Covert charge reported two churches,
valued at $8,000; a parsonage valued at $1,000; three
Sunday schools with 27 teachers and 192 scholars;
pastor's salary, $955.
Cawker City.
The Methodist Episcopal church of Cawker City,
Kansas, has had an unusual record of trials, vicissi-
tudes and victories, but is today one of the strongest
classes in the Northwest Kansas Conference.
On the 29th day of April, 1870, E. H. Cawker, J.
A. Segar and R. G. Kahinka with four wagons loaded
with lumber and supplies halted and made camp on
the present site of Cawker City, on what is now the
southeast corner of Wisconsin street and Pennsyl-
vania avenue.
The first building was a hotel built by William
Spears in January, 1870, and N. E. Hendricks de-
livered the first sermon preached in Cawker in the
dining room of this hotel in December, 1870. Rev.
George Balcom, a Baptist minister was the first regu-
lar preacher in Cawker beginning his labors in the
winter of 1871.
A Sabbath school was organized by W. Barr and
was also held in the dining room of the Spears hotel
until the school house was built.
The Congregational church was dedicated in the
spring of 1873, and was the pioneer church of north-
west Kansas.
This is a brief summary of the religious services
in Cawker City prior to the organization of the Meth-
odist Episcopal church.
In 1872, just forty-five years ago, elder Dearborn,
of Manhattan, visited Cawker to make preparatory
428 History of Methodism
arrangements and Rev. G. A. Blackstock organized
the church March, 1872, becoming its first minister.
Three years later in 1875, Rev. H. G. Breed made the
first effort to erect a church building, laying the cor-
ner stone on Thanksgiving Day, 1875, but only the
foundation was finished. Rev. E. R. Brown com-
pleted and dedicated the frame building in 1879, which
was destroyed by fire in May, 1884, Rev. A. B. Con-
well being pastor at the time.
Six months later, on October 30, 1884, it was de-
cided to erect a stone building; the corner stone was
laid in December, 1884 and dedication services were
held August, 1885, under the pastorate of Rev. A. B.
Conwell, Dr. H. D. Fisher preaching the dedication
sermon. The property was valued at $3,500.
While Dr. C. W. Wynant was pastor, the building
was remodeled throughout and rededicated.
This second structure was also destroyed by fire
Sunday, February 26, 1911, the fire being discovered
just as district superintendent J. W. Snapp was clos-
ing a sermon, preparatory to the communion service.
The large congregation passed out quietly and though
the fire company rendered the best possible aid, the
roof, belfry and interior were soon burned, leaving
the stone wall standing. The organ, pews and other
furniture were saved. Part of the early records of
the church were burned. Rev. C. W. Talmadge was
pastor at that time.
The evening previous at the Quarterly Conference
the mortgage on the new $4,000 parsonage was burned
and the church and Ladies' Aid Society were out of
debt for the first time in several years. Later in the
evening, an informal reception was held in honor of
the district superintendent and there was general re-
joicing over the spiritual, social and financial condi-
tion of the church.
In Northwest Kansas 429
Only two days elapsed after the fire before a meet-
ing was held at the parsonage and the members
unanimously voted to rebuild the church at once. A
building committee composed of J. W. Higgins, John
Domino and Charles Vasterling was elected and the
work of rebuilding and enlarging the church was com-
menced. The members were undaunted by misfor-
tune and went to work enthusiastically with courage,
faith and prayer.
The manager of the opera house kindly offered
the use of that building for church services as long
as it was needed and the offer was gladly accepted.
Additions to the original structure were built of
the same stone and the church as it now stands con-
tains besides the main auditorium, a pastor's study,
choir loft, a choir room, large class room and the ladies'
parlor, with galleries above the class room and the
parlor, giving a total seating capacity of about 500.
The basement may be used for class rooms also. The
building is nicely furnished throughout, with new
pews in auditorium and is valued at $12,000.
The first service held in the new church was the
funeral of Sister Eliza Clingman, December 4, 1911.
In January, 1912, the pastor, Dr. G. R. Hall ob-
tained subscriptions for the $2,000 indebtedness on
the building at the close of the Sunday morning ser-
vices and on February 18, 1912, the church was dedi-
cated. Dr. Smith of Salina Wesleyan, delivered the
sermon and all the pastors of the city assisted in the
union services throughout the day.
Under the leadership of Dr. G. R. Hall, the present
pastor, the work of the church is being strengthened
in every department and has an active membership of
one hundred and sixty-two members. Of this num-
ber, one, William Belk, was a member when the church
was organized and four, Joseph Jackson and wife and
430 History of Methodism
J. W. Higgins and wife, were members when the first
church burned.
During all these years the Ladies' Aid Society has
been a powerful help, having bought the first parson-
age and helped pay for the present parsonage which
was built in 1907 while Rev. J. A. Bull was pastor.
With the lots, it is valued at $4,000. They have also
subscribed over $400 toward furnishing the new
church and for many years have paid $100 annually
on the minister's salary as well as meeting minor
financial claims. The present membership is 65
active and 5 honorary.
J. W. Tucker is superintendent of the Sunday
school which is in a prosperous growing condition
with a membership of 244. Several of the classes
are organized and have pledged large subscriptions
to the building fund.
The following ministers have served this charge
since it was organized in 1872 : G. A. Blaekstock, H.
G. Breed, E. R. Brown, C. L. Shackelford, A. B. Con-
well. J. C. Walker, G. W. Winterburn, Joseph Baker
(with Episcopal church), S. A. Greene, J. C. Dana.
W. C. Littell, C. E. Trueblood, W. A. McWright, J. A.
Monroe, C. W. Wynant, A. J. Good, E. V. Allen, G. L.
Rarick, J. A. Bull, C. W. Talmadge, G. R. Hall.
The satistical report for 1917 gives the following:
Church, $8,000; parsonage, $2,000; expenses, $324;
full members, 160; preparatory, 7; support pastor,
$1,400; district superintendent, $96; bishop, $22;
conference claims, $60; benevolences, foreign mission,
$101; home missions, $79; total benevolences, $631;
Sunday school officers and teachers. 27; enrollment,
227; average 125; expenses, $122; Epworth League,
Sr.. 32; Women's Foreign Mission Society, $30.
In Northwest Kansas 431
Downs.
The first service in the vicinity of Downs was held
on April 21, 1872 in the home of E. Courter on his
claim in Ross township. Rev. George Blackstock,
pastor at Cawker City, was the preacher.
A class of five persons was organized who were
E. Courter and wife, F. D. Young and wife, and Mrs.
Laurinda Cox. Later the services were taken to the
home of F. D. Young and continued there till the
summer of 1873, when it was moved to the home of
Mr. Bennett, Mrs. Courter's father. In the following
winter the place of meeting was again changed to a
bank school house on the farm of A. M. Blunt and
continued to be held there till the spring of 1876. In
1873 a revival service was held which resulted in
much good. G. A. Blackstock pastor.
H. G. Breed served the charge from 1874 to 1877
and E. R. Brown from 1877 to 1880. In 1876 the
Oakdale schoolhouse was built and services were
changed to it and continued there till 1880, when they
were taken to Downs.
In 1880, A. T. Riley a transfer from Illinois, be-
came the pastor at Downs. In 1876 a school house
was built in district No. 2, known as Oakdale. The
services were moved there and were continued at that
place till 1880, when the members of Oakdale, 25 in
number, transferred their membership to Downs. The
services were held in the Congregational church for
two and a half years. Those who removed their
membership to Downs from the school house were
Henry and Celia Asper, Thomas and Mary Bartholo-
mew, Emmons and Sarah Courter, John and Laur-
inda Cox, Lucy Christianson, W. W. and Susan
Diamond, Joseph and Mary Delay, H. Elsie, Lucy
Getty, Sarah Greenman, William and Sarah Garner,
Hannah Garner, W. A. and Laura Hopper, Maria
432 History of Methodism
Getty, Franklin and Ellen Hull, Alice Hull, Lydia
Merryfield, Sarah Pitt, Isaac and Nancy Williams, F.
D. and Alice Young, George Elizabeth and Margaret
Oldson.
F. D. Young was the class leader. The Sunday
school was organized in the home of E. Courter, May
6, 1872; E. Courter, superintendnt, and Sidney Pitt,
chorister; and was continued there in summer time
till the school house was built. A parsonage home was
built for the pastor in 1882 on the corner of F. D.
Young's farm at a cost of $300. The church was built
in 1882, during Riley's pastorate. Its dimensions
were 28x46 and cost $1400. The second parsonage was
the home, afterwards owned and occupied by George
McConnell, just east of the old church ; and was built
during the pastorate of J. C. Walker. It was ex-
changed for the present parsonage property during the
pastorate of W. L. Cannon.
At the session of Conference held at Salina in 1888,
R. A. Hoffman was appointed to Downs. He reports
that in the fall of that year a revival was held, with
the assistance of a band of the Salvation Army, in
charge of Lieutenant Colonel White, in which 90 per-
sons were converted or reclaimed. Sixty-two united
with our church. On a Sunday afternoon soon after
the meeting closed, the pastor baptized 24 persons.
During the winter a semi-weekly prayer meeting was
maintained, with an attendance of from 65 to 90.
In December 1889 a revival was held by a pastor
G. H. Woodward, assisted by Rev. Aura Smith of
Illinois in which 40 persons were converted. January
1990, $100 was raised for benevolences. I. McDowell
succeeded Woodward, who was followed by E. H.
Fleisher. He addressed letters to the business men of
the community asking why business men do not attend
church ; and made the replies received the basis of his
sermons for the next three Sunday nights. It was
In Northwest Kansas 433
made plain that most of the reasons assigned were
the merest excuses. A. D. Beckhardt was pastor from
March to September '94 and E. L. Hutchins succeeded
him, and served till '97. During his pastorate re-
vivals were held in which a number of persons were
converted.
The church was enlarged by the addition of the
East and West wings and the vestibule, the last year
of the pastorate of E. L. Hutchins, at a cost of $1700.
It was rededicated March 16, 1897 by Dr. now Bishop
W. A. Quayle. Four hundred and forty-five dollars
were needed to clear the church. It was pledged. Feb-
ruary 5, 1896 E. L. Hutchins reported in the Central,
the results of a revival recently held, 60 conversions
and 47 accessions to the church. July 7, 1897, W. L.
Cannon reported that the church had been painted, and
money pledged for inside work, and adds, "When fin-
ished it will be one of the neatest churches in the west-
ern part of Kansas. December 1st of that year he re-
ported church painted inside, and new pews put in.
March 26, 1902 he reported 15 converted during the
year, 10 joined on probation and 15 by letter. A debt
on the parsonage of $336 was paid. This was the fifth
and last year of Cannon's pastorate. He was followed
by W. H. Sweet. The next winter three churches, the
Christian, Congregational and Methodist, united for a
revival to be held in the opera house, by Rev. John E.
Brown, evangelist. It began January 4, and continued
23 days. More than 200 professed conversion, and 78
joined the Methodist Church. Another revival worthy
of note was held during the pastorate of Sweet, con-
ducted in the church by evangelist L. P. Law. Thirty-
two persons united with the church on probation and
eleven came into full membership later. A revival of
considerable proportions was reported by J. L. King
in November and December 1909. C. B. Allen was
with the pastor 16 days ; but the revival had begun be-
434 History of Methodism
fore Allen came and continued after he left. Many
bowed at the altar, some for pardon, some for restora-
tion and some for full salvation.
Personal History.
E. Courter and wife moved to Kansas from Iowa.
They lived in the old blockhouse at Waconda during
the winter of 1871-2, and moved to their homestead,
March 20, 1872. The winter had been very severe.
They saw hundreds of cattle perish around them. E.
Courter was born, in Patterson, N. J. but was brought
up near Sunbury, O. where he enlisted in the 96 0. V.
I. and served till he was discharged on account of sick-
ness.
In the fall of 1908 he and his wife made a trip to
Sunbury to attend the reunion of his regiment. While
there he died very suddenly. The remains were
brought to Downs for interment. He was a strong
supporter of the church. His death was the first to
occur of the original class of 1872. Sarah Courter was
born in Clark county, Ohio. When seven years old,
her parents moved to Winfield, Ohio where she was
married in June 1866. Nine children were born to
them, F. E. Courter of the N. W. Kansas Conference,
and Mrs. Minnie Summers, a former deaconess were
two of them. Mrs. Wm. Hopper was born and raised in
N. Y. She and her family came to Kansas from Colo-
rado, in 1872, where they were a part of the Greely
Colony. F. D. Young was born in N. Y. and brought
up in Ohio where he enlisted in 1861, in the 125 regi-
ment 0. V. I. In 1864 he was discharged on account
of wounds. He came to Kansas in 1871. The next
year he returned to New York and married. They
came to Kansas and settled permanently in Ross Town-
ship in 1872. One child was bom to them, Mrs. Hattie
Foot who for years was the dependable and efficient
organist in the Downs M. E. Church.
In Northwest Kansas 435
For a number of years the Methodists of Downs
had talked and dreamed of a new church but it did not
take definite form till October 1914, during the pas-
torate of L. A. McKeever. In the fall of that year
definite plans were laid which being wrought out gave
them a very excellent church. The building in 64x82.
The exterior is of light grey brick, with Bedford stone
trimmings and columns. Main room is oak. The art
glass windows are especially fine in design and color-
ing. The two large windows show the Resurrection
scene of the Women at the Sepulcher and the Good
Shepherd.
The ordinary seating capacity of the audience room
is 375 including balcony and choir. This can be in-
creased to 650 by opening the main Sunday School
rooms and balcony. There are twelve class rooms be-
sides the primary and beginners' rooms.
The church was dedicated Sunday March 19, 1916
by John F. Harmon, president of the Kansas Wesleyan
University, Salina, Kansas. It is located on a corner
lot on Main Street, not far from the center of the
town. The church with its site and furnishings cost
$22,000. The sum needed to meet the obligation was
$6555. To meet this the Sunday School and Ladies'
Aid each pledged $1000. Dr. Harmon proved himself
a money getter, for in a little more than half an hour,
the pledges given amounted to $7000.
Services were held in the afternoon, in charge of
J. W. Snapp, district superintendent; at which ad-
dresses were delivered by the pastor, L. A. McKeever,
and by former pastors J. C. Walker and W. L. Can-
non. Interesting reminiscences were related, as to the
struggles made years ago to gain a foot hold for the
church. When Walker was pastor the church was im-
proved, he doing the carpenter work. At the night
service Dr. Harmon preached another great sermon.
436 History of Methodism
Taken all in all it was unquestionably the greatest day,
that Downs Methodists had ever experienced.
March 21, 1917 the pastor, L. A. McKeever, wrote,
"We are closing- a very good year. We had a banquet
in the basement of the new church last Monday night,
the first anniversary of the dedication. In the early
summer the church began to grow in all departments.
The League had declined in interest till the attendance
was only 15 to 20, in the spring. In the fall the aver-
age was 70 ; and they organized a Gospel Team which
has done splendid work. The average in the S. S. for
five years was from 148 to 155. In 1915-16 it was 176.
It increased so that for the past six months it was over
300, and for the last quarter was 320. We were in a
four months efficiency S. S. contest with Stockton and
Alton, governed by fixed rules. Downs won, on all
points, by a comfortable majority.
The enrollment has increased from 340 to 520 ; and
the average attendance is a little more than 82 per
cent, of the enrolled scholars. We began the year with
a debt of $7100. During the 8 months preceding dedi-
cation we paid on the new building $1450, and during
the year $4100 on the debt, and $600 for other im-
provements. In November we had Rose Potter Crist
with us for three weeks. It was a good spiritual meet-
ing, which left "a good taste." There were 60 conver-
sions and 40 accessions to our church, and a number
to other churches.
The Baptist Church began a meeting in January.
Frank Schusler was the evangelist. The Methodists
were active in the meeting, and soon the crowds out-
grew their church, and they accepted an invitation to
come to the Methodist Church. The meetings lasted
nearly six weeks. Two hundred and eighty were con-
verted and reclaimed. Eighty-one joined our church,
70 the Baptist, and several united with other churches.
In Northwest Kansas 437
This meeting also left a hearty good fellowship
among the churches and Christians. One good result
of the Crist meeting was the organization of two
country prayer meetings, which have an attendance
of 25 to 50. Our mid-week meeting is attended by 70
to 100.
The Conference Minutes for 1917 report: Church,
$24,000 ; parsonage, $2000 ; full members, 380 ; Prep.,
8; expense, $895; salaries, pastor, $1400; D. S., $96;
bishops, $24 ; C. C, $50 ; Benev. F. Ms., $125 ; H. Ms.,
$102; Gd. total, $1404; S. S. O's. & T's., 36; Enrl., 520;
Av., 230; Exp., $287; Ep. L. Sr., 65; Jr., 65; W. F. M.
S., $143; W. H. M. S., $194.
Delphos.
The early history of the Methodist Episcopal
Church of Delphos is not unlike that of the typical
frontier church. The first religious service we can
get any account of was a Sabbath School held in the
Yockey school house northw r est of town, on what is
now H. P. Dean's farm. This was in 1870, when Del-
phos consisted of Geo. W. Stickler's 12x24 store, a
harness shop, blacksmith shop and three small resi-
dences, and when the nearest railroad was the Union
Pacific at Salina, forty miles away.
A Methodist preacher, Rev. Mr. Adams, was the
first to hold regular services in the community. He
and a Baptist brother, Rev. Mr. Balcom, who came
now and then from Cawker City preached in the log
school house or the "soddy" or the cabin of some set-
tler. Rev. Adams was a typical circuit-rider, going on
horse back with saddle-bags behind him, up and down
the sparely settled Solomon Valley seeking the strate-
gic points where he might lay the foundations of the
kingdom of his Master. He came west for his health.
He told the people that they ought to have some place
for the burial of their dead, and some say he started
438 History of Methodism
the movement to secure the present cemetery site. He
died and was buried two miies east of town but some
years later his remains were removed to this cemetery.
In 1871 preaching services were held in a vacant
store-room at the northwest corner of the public
square. After the death of Mr. Adams the work was
carried forward by Rev. J. N. Bartells who was suc-
ceeded by Rev. L. D. Winder. We have no authentic
record and have been unable to learn just how long
these men served the church. Rev. Winder was a very
frail man and died soon after leaving this community.
In 1873 Rev. James Phillips took up the work and
traveled a circuit composed of Delphos, Glasco, Bethel
and Pipe Creek. The one room parsonage was built
in 1874, the rear room of the old parsonage which still
stands across the street south of the church. The Rev.
Phillips did much of the labor in securing this the first
parsonage. He aided in cutting the timber, had the
logs sawed into lumber and floated it across the river
near Glasco and it was then hauled to Delphos by
friends and members of the church. Rev. L. A. Tall-
man followed Rev. Phillips in March 1875 and was
pastor for two years.
The first Methodist Church building was erected
on the site occupied by the present building in 1879.
W. C. Davis, a member of the church, who has a furni-
ture business in Delphos, built both this and the old
parsonage. Rev. C. K. Jones was the pastor. He him-
self w r orked hard on this building.
Dr. T. J. Reams, who was appointed district super-
intendent of the Topeka District a few years ago, suc-
ceeded Rev. Jones in the spring of 1879. He was not
here long until a Kansas cyclone passed through Del-
phos and twisted the new church building on its foun-
dation. It was soon replaced and during his pastorate
of one year the spiritual life of the church was at high
tide.
In Northwest Kansas 439
The church records show that Rev. D. D. Camp-
bell came in March 1880 and Rev. B. W. Hollen in
March 1882. The Northwest Kansas Conference was
organized in the spring of 1883 and B. W. Hollen was
reappointed to Delphos charge. Since that time the
following pastors have served the church : W. L. Can-
non, 1884-87; Job Ingram, 1887-89; W. L. Cannon,
1889-91; H. M. Mayo, 1891-92; W. R. Allen, 1892-94;
Parmenis Smith, 1894-96; E. W. Allen, 1896-99; J. F.
Clark, 1899-02; S. L. Semans, 1902-06; C. M. Snyder,
1906-10; J. M. New-ton, 1910-13; L. A. McKeever,
1913-14; L. B. Tremain, 1914-16.
The names of Drs. Dearborn, See, Lockwood, Sweet,
Stoltz, Stauber and Snapp, the past presiding elders,
whose wise counsels and inspiring messages encour-
aged the people in their Christian efforts, must not be
overlooked in a review of the growth of Methodism
in Delphos.
In the Central of July 2, 1890 W. L. Cannon re-
ported that Children's Day was observed at both Del-
phos and Bethel. Collection at Delphos, $7.66, at
Bethel, $4.50. Rockwood preached, and 7 united with
the church by letter and 3 on probation.
The Sunday School at Mt. Pleasant had been reor-
ganized and a District Camp Meeting is to be held at
Delphos August 20th.
July 1, 1891 there were six conversions at Bethel.
The pastor received a donation of $25 from Bethel and
$50 from Delphos.
June 6, 1897, E. W. Allen reported an increase in
the Sunday School, and the League doing well. New
ceiling had been put in the Bethel Church and the
church painted and papered at a cost of $40. It may
be well to say that since the organization of the church
some of the records have been lost, and those that have
been preserved have been so imperfectly kept that we
440 History of Methodism
can give only a fragmentary report of its work and
of its official members.
Trustees: B. F. Billingesley, E. Lynch, J. D. Stel-
ter, J. M. Basnett W. G. Perry, Joseph, Courtney, W.
C. Davis, Owen Swope, A. D. Geren, A. L. Burr, W.
H. Clendinen, Israel Miller, Geo. W. Strickler, Cyrus
Courtney, J. E. Ferguson, J. G. Caull, Otis Courtney,
B. M. Parks, Clark Myers, M. A. Phillipson and B. S.
Chance.
Class leaders: J. M. Basnett, John Stelter, M. 0.
Deloplaine, Delia Knowles, Willis Jones, Flora Miller,
M. L. Burr, Wilson Bigbee, W. R. Inschoe, Kate Davis,
Carrie Perry, Dr. W. B. Davis, Chas. Davis, J. E. Fer-
guson, Cyrus Courtney and John Miller.
Sunday School.
For a great many years the Sunday School was
conducted as a union school. Just when it was organ-
ized into a Methodist school cannot be known from the
records. On one of the old records we find these names
among those who served as superintendents: H. M.
Goodell, W. H. Clendinen, Delia Knowles and W. M.
Chapen. The present school has an enrollment of
nearly three hundred, including the home department
and the cradle roll. The average attendance is about
one hundred and fifty. There are several organized
classes all doing excellent work. Miss Delta Arheart
is superintendent of the primary department and
Charley Clark is the superintendent of the school.
Epworth League.
The Epworth League has moved along for quite a
number of years with its usual up and down career.
At times it has been a real asset to the church and at
other times its spiritual life has been at a very low
ebb. We have been unable to find when it was organ-
ized or who have served as its presidents. At the pres-
In Northwest Kansas 441
ent time there is a membership of about forty. The
cabinet is composed of B. S. Chance, Lulu Simmons,
Delta Areheart, Lorna Raub, Katherine Myers, Alva
Adams, Allen Sargent and Mrs. Fred Geren. Just
previous to the presidency of B. S. Chance, Otis Court-
ney whom everybody loves, was its president.
Ladies' Aid Society.
From a very early day the Ladies' Aid Society has
been an important factor in the social and material
life of the church. There were times when it would
have been almost impossible to have maintained the
work of the church had it not been for the untiring
zeal of its members. Frequently Mrs. Alice Nichols
who a brief spell ago passed on to her heavenly corona-
tion, would loan the society money for six months or
more, taking no interest. The money was then used
by the society to keep the finances of the church in-
tact. Following is a list of names of those who have
served as the presidents of this splendid organization.
Perhaps there are other names that ought to appear
here, but do not because of our imperfect data.
Mrs. Estell Burr, Catherine Carmon, Anna White,
Lottie Perry, Matilda Ferguson, Mary Wright, M. E.
Duvall, Lydia Barker, Alice Nichols, Mrs. Clingen-
peel, Anna Stanley and Nellie Barker.
Foreign and Home Missionary Societies.
From what some have told us we are constrained
to believe that the Woman's Foreign Missionary So-
ciety had an organization here as early as 1895. But
we can get hold of nothing tangeable until the pas-
torate of Rev. C. M. Snyder, when his faithful wife
organized both the Foreign and Home Missionary So-
cieties and until 1915 they met as one but studied the
work of both. The work of the two societies became
so complicated that it was thought best to drop the
foreign and make the home stronger and more aggres-
442 History of Methodism
sive. This was done and at present they have a splen-
did organization with a large membership. Those
who have served as presidents are : Corrie Snyder
(wife of Rev. C. M. Snyder) Carrie May Newton,
(wife of Rev. J. M. Newton), H. M. Copping, Bertha
McKeever (wife of Rev. L. A. McKeever), Mrs. A. B.
Morris and again Mrs. H. M. Copping. Splendid work
and gratifying results are the record of some of these
years, the hardships and uncertainties of the newly
settled country brought sacrifices and loss in other
years. Until 1905 the Delphos Church was part of a
circuit. Since that time it has been a station. The
two pastorates of W. L. Cannon give him the longest
service here. During his first pastorate in 1896, the
old parsonage was enlarged into a comfortable home.
This property was sold in 1908 while brother Snyder
was pastor, and a modern parsonage was built.
The old church edifice built in 1879 was used till
1905, when Brother S. L. Semans led the people in the
then difficult enterprise, of building a substantial
structure, which was again enlarged and otherwise im-
proved in 1914 under the pastorate of Brother L. A.
McKeever. The old church was a comparatively new
building, but the growth of the Sunday School and
congregation made pressing the need for more room
on the main floor, a good basement and other conven-
iences. Through the hearty cooperation of all and as-
sisted by a $1000 by Mrs. Alice Nichols, additions and
improvements costing nearly $4600 were made. The
present church edifice should answer the needs of Del-
phos Methodism for many years.
Statistics for 1917: Church, $10,000; parsonage,
$4,000; expense, $230; members, 210; support pastor,
$1440; D. S., $96; bishops, $24; C. C's., $50; Benev.,
F. Ms., $125; H. Ms., $102; total, $1792; S. S. O's. &
T's., 23; Enrl., 259; A v., 130; Exp., $140; Ep. L. Sr.,
33; W. H. M., — ; W. H., $24.
In Northwest Kansas 443
Glasco.
The first Methodist service in Glasco was held un-
der a cottonwood tree, in March 1870. Rev. E. C.
Chilson was the preacher. In May of that year a
class was organized at Glasco, by Rev. James Jeffrey,
a local preacher, who lived at Manhattan. Mr. Abbott,
Mrs. Newell, Susannah, Sarah, Nathan and John Bond
were charter members of the class.
It is not known how long Jeffrey served the class,
or with what pastoral charge it was first connected,
but tradition has it that he was succeeded by James
Phillips, who, in 1871 was the pastor at Beloit, wheth-
er he served Glasco from that distant point is not
known, but it is possible he did, for there were local
preachers in those days, who did heroic service for the
Master.
Phillips is said to have been followed by L. D. Win-
der, who in 1872 was the pastor on the Salina Circuit,
and in 1873 he was at Delphos. It seems most probable
that from this date forward, Glasco was a point on
the Delphos Circuit. We shall assume that this was
the case and give the Delphos pastor as the preacher
at Glasco. This will differ from the traditional re-
port, but cold type is more reliable than people's
memory.
The following is the order of succession of the Del-
phos pastors down to 1882, when Glasco was made the
head of a charge. 1874 Phillips, Tallman, Jones, Ream,
Campbell, King, Semans, Ryan, Rhodes, Walker,
Bailiff, Lucas, Sheldon, Edgar, McNair, Kuhn, Flow-
ers, Dugger, Laport, Bates, Wolf, Harding, VanLeer,
Taylor.
The first church was built in 1884. S. L. Semans
was the pastor. The first sermon in it was preached
by J. H. Lockwood. It was dedicated by a Dr. Barnes.
The first load of rock for the foundation was hauled
444 History of Methodism
by Owen Rogers for Mr. Abbott. Prior to this, serv-
ices were held in the old stone school house. This
church was burned April 11, 1890. A number of
other houses were burned at the same time. There
was an insurance of $960, and a subscription was
taken at once, to the amount of $2000 and another
church was built. It was a frame building and served
the purposes of the society till it was replaced by a
modern brick structure 30x50 feet with a wing 26x30.
It has a basement, well adapted for athletics, S. S.
classes and entertainments. There are several Mem-
orial Windows, one to the memory of Susannah
Bond, a charter member, one for Mr. and Mrs. Newell
by their son Seth and four daughters; one for the
Ladies' Aid, the Epworth and Junior Leagues, and the
W. C. T. U. Friends of the church contributed for
these windows.
The building committee was J. T. Sheffield, Noah
Harper J. H. Cleaver, Gaylord King and Mrs. Erne
Young. Rev. M. B. VanLeer was the pastor.
It was dedicated December 27, 1914 by Dr. T. C.
Iliff of Denver, assisted by the pastor and J. W. Snapp,
district superintendent. The property is valued at
$9000. Three thousand three and twenty-eight dollars
were needed on the day of dedication. Two thousand
two hundred dollars were pledged at the morning serv-
ice, $700 in the afternoon and the balance at night.
The building was presented by the trustees and
formally dedicated by Dr. Iliff for the worship of Al-
mighty God.
Statistics for 1917 are as follows: Church, $9000;
parsonage, $4000; current Exp., $200; full members,
125; Prep., 5; salaries, pastor, $1200; D. S., $80; bis-
hops, $24 ; C. C's., $48 ; Benevolences, F. Ms., $45 ; H.
Ms., $40; Gd. total, $446; S. S. O's. & T's., 22; Enrl,
262; Av. 108; Exp., $115; W. H. M. S., $3; Ep. L. Sr.,
10; Jr., 15.
In Northwest Kansas 445
Gayloi'd.
The Gaylord class was organized in the late 70's,
but who effected the organization is not known. W.
A. Saville was the pastor at Cedarville in 1880. He
records that he had four appointments, Cedarville,
Martinas, Gaylord and Germantown. On his previous
charge he had 17; and he wondered how he would
spend his time ; but soon found a task that was quite
sufficient to occupy him. At Gaylord there was an un-
finished church. It was a stone building, the walls
of which were up but that was all.
The society was small and the people were poor,
but were all willing to work. So they got busy and
had it enclosed and ready for the seats before the year
closed.
Gaylord was transferred to another circuit. The
next year Saville did not complete the church, but he
did what no other pastor in the Conference did, left a
list of the members of the class. It being so rare I ap-
pend it. H. Abercorbie, Mary Abercrombie, Charles
and Alice Bronk, Catharine Cartmail, J. B. M. and
Ella Connelly, L. and Martha Dareing, Jno. and Nellie
Hart, Justice and Frank Henderson, T. H. Harriet and
C. H. Eden, Henry and Clara Kress, Irma Lawrence,
J. W. and Sarah McBride, W. Miller and Amanda Mc-
Hall, J. M. and Mary Painter, W. B. and M. Strana-
than, Peter and Margaret Van Alstein, F. M. and M.
Westlake, S. A. Nancy and Parker Wilson, S. F. and
Rebecca Wiser.
This record was made in 1880. It would be inter-
esting to know how many of these people are still
members of the church at Gaylord or in that vicinity.
The following men served this charge as pastors:
1882, Allen Crumly; '83-4, Jas. Boicourt; '85-6, E.
Goodrich; '87, J. F. Ekey; '88-9, J. P. Allen; '90, J. G.
H. Armitstead; '91, J. M. Allen; '92, J. G. H. Armit-
446 History of Methodism
stead ; '93-4, J. M. Allen ; '95, M. J. Mumford ; '96-7, J.
G. H. Armitstead; '98-1900, R. E. Diamond; '01, J. M.
Smith ; '02-3, J. H. Laird ; '04-6, J. H. Craven ; '07 no
pastor; '08, Thos. Muxlow; '09-10, C. R. Flowers; '11,
W. C. Littell; '13-14, A. W. G. Warren; '15-17, M. E.
Smith.
The church, which was built in 1880-81 served the
society for a number of years. In the year 1899 one
church was reported worth $300. In 1900 two were
reported worth $2300, $1575 having been paid that
year. No parsonage was reported till 1910. In that
year a dwelling valued at $800 is accredited to the
charge. No further improvements in church are noted
till 1912, when the two churches were valued at $3200
and the parsonage at $1000. In 1915 but one church
and one Sunday School are reported and the church is
valued at $1500.
Statistics for 1917 give the following: Church,
$3800; parsonage, $1200; members, 125; Prep., 86;
current Exp., $200 ; support pastor, $900 ; D. S., $64 ;
bishop, $15; C. C's., $34; F. Ms., $38; H. Ms., $31;
Gd. total, $364; S. S. O's. & T's., 20; Enrl, 152; Av.,
45; Exp., $66; Ep. L. Sr., 40; W. F. M. S., $25; W. H.
M. S., $6.
Glen Elder.
No information is available as to the early organ-
ization of the Glen Elder class. The name appears
first in the minutes of 1879 in connection with Solo-
mon Rapids in which the record is, Glen Elder and
Solomon Rapids. R. A. Hoffman one to be supplied —
W. C. Day. The same was repeated in the minutes of
'80 and '81. Hoffman was ordained elder by Bishop
Wiley at Leavenworth, in March of that year, and Day
was his father-in-law. The charge consisted of eight
appointments, four in Mitchell, and four in Jewell
county. There was neither church nor parsonage on
In Northwest Kansas 447
the circuit, nor a house for rent; so the preachers had
to live as best they could till they could collect money
and build a parsonage. There was no money for the
purchase of fuel so trees were obtained at the river,
cut in wagon length, hauled home and there worked
into stove wood, and being green had to be dried in
the oven. Two hundred members were enrolled at the
beginning of the year, and the success of revival
efforts was such that 400 were reported at the next
Conference.
McCabe chapel was the first church built on the
circuit. This was done largely through the efforts of
Rev. H. G. Breed who donated the lot, on which it
stands, and contributed liberally for the building. The
Church Extension Society gave them $250. Daniel
Pruit, a local preacher, was a very efficient helper in
the revival services. He afterward moved to Clarinda,
la. He has two sons who are now in the ministry. G.
L. Rarick and J. F. Johnson are products of these
meetings.
A church worth $1500 and a parsonage valued at
$500 were reported in the minutes of 1880. Twenty
dollars for missions and $28 for other benevolences.
The lot on which the church was built was purchased
in 1882. The first board of trustees were : A. A. Brad-
ford, John Scott, Mrs. Emma Vallette, John Brice, T.
J. Porter, Wm. Flint, C. C. Granger, Mayo Rouse, Mrs.
Wilcox. The stewards at that time were John Brice,
Mary Rouse, Josiah Price, Irene Detwiler. Class
leaders were John Brice, J. S. Paine, E. Dean, John
Casey and C. J. Johnson. Mrs. L. H. Vallette was
chosen chairman of the board of trustees in 1899 and
held the office sixteen years. H. F. Vallette is the only
charter member now connected with the society. He
is still in business there.
The church was built in 1883 during the pastorate
of James Flowers at a cost of $1400.
448 History of Methodism
The following pastors have served the charge:
Hoffman and Day, 1879-82; Flowers, '83; Green, '84;
Morton, '85 ; Elder, '86-7 ; English, '88-9 ; Walker, '90 ;
Breed, '91; Bailiff, '92; Lott, '93; Glick, '94-5; Funk,
'96-8 ; Bowen, '99-01 ; Helmick, '02 ; Mumford, '03-04 ;
Templin, '05-07; Alexander, '08-10; Westerman, '11-
12; Renner, '13; Wade, '14-15; Barber, '16-17.
September 8, 1891 H. G. Breed reported that Chil-
dren's Day had been observed and a collection taken
amounting to $10. E. H. Bailiff was the next pastor.
July 7, 1892 the parsonage had been improved at a
cost of $400. The first Quarterly meeting was June
13, the pastor had been well received and was having
large congregations. There were four appointments
on the circuit and a S. S. at each place. Children's
Day was observed — collection $4.45. The pastor
preached the memorial sermon. He is to deliver a
Fourth of July oration at Cawker City.
In 1893 the pastor, E. H. Bailiff reported to the
Central, that he had traveled 3009 miles, had made
402 calls, had preached 168 sermons, and received into
the church by letter and on probation, 60 persons and
baptized 17. The collections were all full with an ex-
cess of $56. Three hundred and eighty dollars had
been expended in improvements. The Walnut Creek
class had bought the U. B. church for $650 cash.
Brown's Creek Church had bought an organ.
J. C. Helmick was the next pastor. December 17,
1902 he reported a revival at Brown's Creek. Souls
were saved and the church strengthened. January 17,
1912 J. A. Westerman reported that on November 11
the members of the W. H. M. S. with their busbands
met at the parsonage on Mrs. Westerman's birthday,
and enjoyed a big dinner. A revival spirit has pre-
vailed throughout the year. There were 80 conver-
sions and 75 accessions. Brown's Creek gave the pas-
tor a donation of $35, for the purchase of an overcoat.
In Northwest Kansas 449
For years faithful souls in and around Glen Elder,
have longed for a new church.
In 1916, through the inspiration and leadership of
the pastor, Samuel Barber, this longing desire took
definite shape and a very commendable building en-
terprise was projected, which resulted in the erection
of a neat, commodious church at a cost of $15,000,
which was dedicated by Dr. John F. Harmon Septem-
ber 30, 1917. There is an auditorium 36 feet square
with gallery on two sides, the whole affording a seat-
ing capacity for 500 people. In addition to the audi-
torium there are eight class rooms, vestibule, chair
room, pastor's study, and a room behind the pulpit that
may be utilized for a class room or more platform
space. A basement under the entire building, provides
furnace and coal rooms, dining room and kitchen, class
rooms and a banquet hall. The building is of tile and
red brick, trimmed with gray brick. The pews and
furniture are mission oak. A subscription was taken
before the dedication to complete payment on the
building. This was cheerfully given amounting to $7,-
000, which was more than was asked. C. R. Wade a
former pastor and several neighboring pastors were
present and assisted in the services.
The site for the church was donated by Mr. J. I.
Vantis, who was also the largest giver for the build-
ing. Reports for 1917 is as follows:
Two Churches, $6000; parsonage, $2500; F. Ms.,
180; Prep., 8; current Exp., $155; support pastor,
$1225; D. S., $80; bishop, $15; C. C, $20; Benev. F.
Ms., $40 ; H. Ms., $37 ; Gd. total, $408 ; 2 S. S. O's. &
T's., 30; Enrl., 220; Av., 135; Exp., $175; Ep. L. Sr.,
20; W. H. M. S. $10.
Gypsum.
The Gypsum charge has an outstanding distinction
that no other charge in the Conference can boast. The
450 History of Methodism
class in the circuit was organized by Dr. J. H. Lock-
wood of precious memory. In the early 70's he took
a homestead in the Gypsum valley, about five miles from
where Gypsum City now stands. In 1873 he organized
a class of thirty members at the Pliny school house.
W. Amos was the class leader, and Wm. Jones and
Richard Spencer and Otto Tresine were stewards. The
latter is still a member of the Gypsum Class.
Lockwood served the charge for a time, when the
preaching places were Pliny school house, Hobbs Creek
and Summit. No service at either place now.
The name appears in the Conference appointments
first in 1877, when H. R. Golden was appointed pas-
tor. Following him were L. A. Tallman '78-80 ; W. R.
Leight, 81-2; I. McDowell, '83-5; J. M. Miller, '86-8;
E. B. L. Elder, '89-92; Wm. Nash, '93-5; G. M. Glick,
'96-7; B. W. Hollen, '98; J. H. Kuhn, '99-01; G. H.
Cheney, '02; C. M. C. Thompson, '03; G. W. Hood,
'04-5 ; J. T. Wilks, '06 ; J. A. Plantz, '07-9 ; G. T. Ren-
ner, '10-12; E. Bridwell, '13-16; B. D. Brooks, '17.
During the pastorate of McDowell a parsonage was
built two miles north of Gypsum. This was moved
to town during Elder's pastorate.
The Epworth League was organized in 1889. Mrs.
A. D. Elder, president, C. M. Kingman first vice-presi-
dent; Ella Amos, second vice-president; Ida Sikking,
third vice-president; Florence Sikking, fourth; Ida
Sikking, secretary; Mabel Lamb, treasurer. There
were thirty-five members. The first trustees were
James Mortimer. Otto Tresine, Richard Spencer, Wm.
Jones, and Mr. Spellman.
In 1896 Roxbury and Hope were detached from
Mentor and annexed to Gypsum ; and remained so till
1915, when Roxbury was made the head of a charge.
During the pastorate of J. T. Wilks a $4000 church
was built. This was made possible by the liberality of
Thomas Lawson who contributed more than half the
In Northwest Kansas 451
necessary amount. In 1915 a good parsonage was
built at Roxbury, which was also a gift from Brother
Lawson, he having made a bequest in his will of $2,-
100 for this purpose. In 1915-16 the old parsonage
was moved on to the lot back of the church, and a new
parsonage was built. Later the old parsonage was
sold and moved away. The new one consists of a
double parlor, dining room, kitchen and pantry, bath-
room, sewing room, four bed rooms, each having a
good closet, hall, sleeping porch and furnace. It cost
$2400.
The Hope Church was built in 1881. It was owned
by Harry Tolle. In 1914 it was deeded to the church,
and in June of that year, a jubilee service was held,
and Rev. N. A. Porter, who was the first pastor to
preach in the church was present, and preached. A
full day's service was enjoyed. On that day, God laid
the call to the work of the ministry on H. C. Marston,
who is now the pastor at Jennings. J. H. Bishop, an
honored member of the Kansas Conference, and Harry
Tolle now in Mississippi, are ministers who were mem-
bers of the Gypsum Church. Pliny Keys, now the suc-
cessful, district superintendent of the Cambinni Dis-
trict in Portuguese, East Africa, was also a product of
the Gypsum Church, as was also E. E. Tolle, a sing-
ing evangelist, of Roxbury. A number of young
ladies from this church have taken training as nurses,
in Bethany Hospital. Among these are Mrs. R. O.
Keys and Mrs. A. B. Gillum, now living in Gypsum,
and Miss Grace Snoddy, an active nurse in Bethany,
and for a time, the night superintendent. Lucretia
Keys is now pastor of the U. B. Church at Solomon.
Gypsum does not seem ever to have been stirred
with revival fire as some communities have been ; still
there have been revivals.
E. B. L. Elder reported 33 accessions on probation ;
twenty-five of whom came into full membership. July
452 History of Methodism
6, 1904, G. W. Hood reported that 16 had joined since
Conference, and 12 had come into the League. Jan-
uary 31, 1906 Hood reported that on Thanksgiving
Day, the pastor and his family received a donation
of $25 ; and on December 29th there was an other sur-
prise, at which they received $25, and a morris chair.
The trustees at present are C. G. Bennett, J. A.
Pease, D. W. Bishop, C. H. Gaumer, and J. H. Mason.
The stewards are C. H. Gaumer, Martha Keyes, Mrs.
J. Pease and J. H. Mason. Superintendent, A. F.
Ochse; League president, Edna Reynolds; president
of the W. F. M. S., Martha Keyes ; president W. H. M.
S., Mrs. J. S. Goodwin.
Minutes of 1917 give the following: Church, $3,-
500 ; parsonage, $2500 ; Exp., $225 ; full members, 183 ;
Prep., 2; pastor, $1416; D. S., $96; bishop, $24; C.
C's. $48; F. Ms., $81; H. M. S., $57; Gd. total, $745;
S. S. O's. & T's., 32; Enrl., 289; Av., Ill; Exp., $124;
Ep. L. Sr., 40 ; W. F. M. S., $22 ; W. H. M. S., $45.
Lamar.
Methodism at Lamar and vicinity is much in-
debted to Dr. B. D. Hutchinson, a pioneer physician,
and local preacher, who settled at Lamar in an early
day. In 1883 A. N. See, presiding elder of the Salina
district, appointed Dr. Hutchinson to look after the in-
terests of the church throughout the neighborhood. He
was a man of no mean ability. In early life, he was
intimately acquainted with R. S. Foster, who later
became a distinguished bishop of the church. Being
thus early associated with one who became so distin-
guished it was to be expected that he would be thor-
oughly grounded in Methodism. He did not disap-
point this expectation, and as he had opportunity,
sought to plant his chosen church on the frontier. He
preached at North Lamar (District 41) and at the
Grover school house. In 1886 a class was organized
In Northwest Kansas 453
at North Lamar consisting of Levi Christ and wife,
Mr. More and wife, Jacob Kirby and wife, Sylvia and
Hattie Christ, Mr. Halenbach, Mrs. Sickenger, Caro-
line and Mamie Sickenger.
At the Conference of 1887 J. H. Kuhn was appoint-
ed to the Lamar charge, which consisted of the fol-
lowing appointments: Lamar, North Lamar, Slough
Hole, Lone Star, Fairview and Vine Creek. A class
had previously been organized at North Lamar. The
new pastor organized classes at each of the other
points and Jacob Kirby was licensed to exhort. Kuhn
served the charge two years. Following him were H.
Dalton, H. R. Golden and Parmenas Smith, each serv-
ing one year.
In 1891 the building of a church was agitated,
chiefly by Kirby, Austin, Hutchinson, Baggerly and
Christ. November 27, 1891, a charter was filed in the
office of the secretary of state, havng the names of
Enos Wines, Wm. Williams, B. Bowman, R. P. Blain,
and W. A. Austin, trustees. A building committee
consisting of Kirby, Williams and Austin was appoint-
ed, and the new church was begun. M. 0. Moyer was
appointed to the charge, but being a young man, and
desiring to make his home at Salian to attend school,
the quarterly conference declined to receive him. In
June Rev. H. H. Sheldon, a young man from Indiana
was secured for the charge and the church was push-
ed to completion. It cost $1500 and was dedicated free
of debt, August 21, 1892 by Rev. J. H. Lockwood. The
Lamar and North Lamar classes were consolidated,
and the services were held at the church.
The society now felt the need of a house for the
preacher, and at once began an agitation for the build-
ing of a parsonage. It resulted in the erection of a
house that cost $600 free of debt. J. W. Edgar was
pastor in 1894 and was followed by E. A. Smith in
1895. The circuit was changed several times after its
454 History of Methodism
organization. In 1895 it consisted of Lamar, Heber
and Woodsdale. During- Smith's first year a gracious
revival was held. Sixty conversions were reported.
At the Quarterly Conference at Woodsdale January
13, 1896 B. F. Brummert was licensed to exhort. R.
B. Beaty came to Lamar in the spring of 1897 and
served one year. The Central of July 7th of that year
said: Congregations are large as the church will ac-
commodate. The S. S. is flourishing. The missionary
collection was $40. Ten per cent, in advance of last
year.
G. B. Warren followed Beaty. He served the charge
a year and nine months and transferred to the N.
Nebraska Conference. Rev. Cooper of the Wesleyan
Church filled out the year. L. A. Duggar entered upon
a three year pastorate in the spring of 1900. The
Central of December 25, 1901 reported a revival on
the Lamar charge, conducted by the pastor, assisted
by J. A. Williams. Twenty-five were converted and
nearly as many had sought Full Salvation.
In 1903 D. R. Laport became pastor, and served
two years. Wells now became a point on the circuit.
F. N. Stelson followed Laport, and remained three
years. The appointments were Lamar, Heber and
Bethel. In 1908 Lamar was left to be supplied which
was done by C. H. Gramby. Wells was again attached
to the circuit in place of Bethel. In 1909 L. C. Cobb,
entered on a three years' pastorate. G. C. Casselman
was appointed in 1912 and served one year. Follow-
ing him, Lamar was again served by a supply, W. L.
Allen, who served it two years. The Central of March
1914 reported that a tent had been used for evangel-
istic services on the Lamar Circuit, for six weeks, in
different communities. A new point had been added
to the circuit. Wm. Nickels was sent to this charge
in 1916.
In Northwest Kansas 455
1917 statistics: 2 churches, $4000; parsonage, $1,-
000; Exp., $67; full members, 53; Prep., 2; salaries,
pastor, $700; D. S., $53; bishops, $9; C. C's., $20;
Benev. F. Ms., $10; H. Ms., $9; total Benev., $225;
2 S. S. O's. & T's., 20; total Enrl., 167; Av., 93; Exp.,
$65.
Bethel.
This society was for some years a part of the La-
mar charge. It is one of the oldest church organiza-
tions in this part of the state, the church being built
in 1880. The trustees at present are C. F. Willars, W.
E. Keil, Loyal Everly, Golden Everly, G. R. King.
Stewards: Mrs. G. R. King, Mrs. C. F. Willars, (Dist.
St.) Mrs. E. E. King. Superintendent W. F. Keil.
There was no organization except the church and
Sunday School. A few years ago Bethel was dis-
connected from Lamar since which time it has been
served by a student from the Kansas Wesleyan ; until
the Conference of 1916, when for some reason, not
explained, it was left without a pastor, so the Sunday
School is all that remained at Bethel. It may be said,
however, to the credit of the community, that an Ever-
green Sunday School is maintained which is the larg-
est country school in the vicinity, the enrollment be-
ing 210. The students who served Bethel while it re-
mained a separate charge were 1912-14 J. G. Roberts;
in 1915 it was left to be supplied, but it appears that
no supply was found, as there was no report presented
at the next session of Conference.
There were 27 members, a Sunday School with 35
scholars and they paid the pastor $190, and contrib-
uted $21 for missions and for other benevolences $32,
a grand total of $73. Each pays for upkeep, together
with contributions for benevolences and salaries, but
not having been favored with any report he must ^on-
456 History of Methodism
tent himself with what he can gather from the Con-
ference ministers.
The following men served Blue Hill as pastors:
1891, W. C. Archer; '92, L. F. Golden ; '93-4, J. W. Mc-
Peek; '95-6, M. 0. Moyer; '97-8, M. L. Kerr; '99, L.
A. McKeever; 1900-02, A. D. Wright; '03, S. B. Ward-
rip; '04-5, J. H. Laird; '06, W. H. Holland; '07, O. A.
Darnell; '08, E. H. Tetwiler; '09-10, Wm. Michels; '11,
J. N. See; '12-13, L. C. Cobb; '14-15, O. E. Schaal; '16,
Chase J. Kina ; '17, F. L. Courter.
The statistics for 1917 give the following: Proper-
ty 4 churches, $11,000; parsonage, $1300; members,
103; preparatory 5; expenses, $100; support pastor,
$825 ; D. S., $56 ; bishops, $6 ; C. C's., $28 ; Benev. F.
Ms., $55 ; H. Ms., $55 ; Gd. total, $407 ; 4 S. S's. O's. &
T's., 28; Enrl., 270; A v., 120; Exp., $107; Ep. L. Sr.,
30.
A vigorous effort is being made to provide a salary
that will support a good man. They greatly desire a
pastor who will live among them and devote himself to
the building up of the church and League and Sunday
School.
Lindsborg.
The historical data of the Lindsborg M. E. Church
is as follows: Rev. George H. Mathis preached for
three months in the public school house in 1879. The
said school house was later a part of the Art building
of Bethany College.
In the year 1880 Rev. Guy Hamilton organized the
society and preached till the ensuing annual confer-
ence.
In 1881 J. M. Archer was appointed pastor. The
services were moved to the Swedish M. E. Church in
the autumn of this year, and remained there until the
present church was built. Rev. Archer served until
1884.
In Northwest Kansas 457
In 1884-5, B. F. Wonder was the pastor. The year
1885-6 N. A. Porter served the charge. In 1886-7,
Kev. W. I. Miller was appointed as pastor. The church
was built and dedicated under his pastorate.
The following is a list of the other pastors: Rev.
J. P. Allen, A. N. See, Henry Dalton, A. N. Hazlette,
W. A. Saville, J. M. Archer, A. N. Smith, Artemus
Ward, J. W. Bates, M. A. Good, G. W. Hood, Phillip
Evans, J. C. Dana, R. E. Dunham, Geo. Renner, M. D.
Ross, G. A. Gibson, E. 0. Schall and John P. White
the present pastor.
The first trustees were N. H. Amos, Thomas Fish-
er, A. Amos, M. J. Williams, Mary Amos and Carrie
Dudley.
Rev. Smith reports in the Historical Records a
glorious revival in the winter of January 1900. Dur-
ing the summer of 1901 the church was extensively
repaired and all debts cancelled.
In 1903 a parsonage was built and other improve-
ments made. These lines were taken from the annual
report of the M. E. Church furnished by J. W. Bates
in 1903.
In 1905 the first Ladies' Aid Society was organized,
which has proved a valuable asset to the church.
In 1908 the membership was greatly increased and
improvement made in the church building.
In 1911 the church was remodeled and furnished
with all modern conveniences. This was during the
pastorate of Geo. Renner.
The history of the church of Lindsborg has been
one of struggle. For many years the only church in
a small town of many churches where the English
language was used, having a very small membership,
the burden has rested on a few. In later years the
increase in interest and membership has been gradual,
the growth gratifying, until we now have a beautiful
little church with convenient Sunday school rooms.
458 History of Methodism
Much of the success of the church is due to a good
live Sunday school under the able superintendency of
Miss Anna Carlson, a woman thoroughly consecrated
to this great work.
Rev. Renner was succeeded by Rev. Ross, who was
the pastor for about eighteen months when he was
called to India as a missionary. In July, 1912 and for
some months the pulpit was filled by Prof. Fisher of
the Salina Wesleyan until G. A. Gibson was sent to
fill the vacancy. He was our beloved pastor for about
six months. He had just been returned by the Con-
ference for a second year, when he was taken suddenly
sick and was called to a better home after only a few
days of severe illness. Prof. Fisher again filled the
pulpit for a short time until the arrival of 0. E. Schall
in June of the same year. When Schall was sent to
another charge in the spring of 1914, W. C. Hensley
filled our pulpit until the arrival of Rev. J. P. White,
who came from Chicago in September, 1914. White
has proved a strong man not only in the church but in
the community as well. Through his endeavors many
young men and women have been attending church
regularly, a large young peoples' class organized, a
number of whom have joined the church.
Our membership has increased from 57 to 73 during
his 18 months stay here. The present officers of the
church are: Trustees, R. B. Hendron, F. Hauschildt,
J. T. S. Reid, J. W. Bishop, G. A. Robinson, Ed. 0.
Johnson and C. A. Nelson.
President Epworth League, Joe Levin; member-
ship, 85.
President Ladies' Aid Society, Mrs. Phil Zimmer-
man.
Sunday school superintendent, Ralph Anderson.
Statistics of 1917: Church, $4,000; parsonage,
$800; expense, $200; full members, 73; preparatory,
; salaries, pastor, $920; district superintendent,
In Northwest Kansas 459
$64; bishop, $18; conference claimants, $36; benevol-
ences, foreign missions, $20 ; home missions, $15 ; total,
$257; Sunday school officers and teachers, 16; enroll-
ment 155; average, 100; expenses, $65; Epworth
League, Sr., 24 ; Women's Foreign Mission Society, 8.
Mentor.
This vicinity was originally known as Pleasant
Ridge and retained that name till the railroad was
built, when the superintendent of the road refused to
adopt that name for the station. The church officials
then chose the name Mentor after the name of Gar-
field's farm, he then being prominently before the pub-
lic. It is said that H. R. Golden, of blessed memory,
was the first to hold religious services in this neighbor-
hood; though E. C. Chilson was the first by conference
appointment. James Phillips followed him. The next
pastor was J. N. Bartels, who was transferred from
the Central Illinois Conference and stationed at Salina.
He says of his charge : "Salina was a station with one
additional appointment at the Joel Maltby school house,
seven miles south of Salina, where there was a small
society." The next year this work was called the Salina
circuit, and Bartles continued to be the pastor.
J. H. Lockwood had taken a homestead between
Mentor and Gypsum, and was invited to hold a revival
at Mentor. This he did with such success that before
the meeting closed, a desire for a church building had
grown so strong that the revivalist and brother Malt-
by were able not only to inaugurate it but to carry it
forward to completion. W. A. Maxwell, Joel Maltby,
August Bondi and James Bacon were trustees.
The parsonage was built during the pastorate of
M. Woolpert '78-9. Since that time little had been
done for the improvement of church property until
recent years. At present the charge consists of three
societies Mentor, Assaria and Bridgeport. These are
460 History of Methodism
stations on the McPherson branch of the Union Pacific
railroad running south from Salina. Mentor is five
miles from Salina, Assaria four miles farther south
and Bridgeport four miles still farther south. All lie
in the fertile valley of the Smoky Hill, than which
there is not a more fertile or better cultivated section
in the state. So that from material considerations, it
would be difficult to find a country charge more favor-
ably situated. Notwithstanding this, neither society
had any real prosperity for years. At all of the points
on the charge they were content to move on quietly,
satisfied if they maintained a church service and a
Sunday school of fair respectability.
In the spring of 1915, C. J. Semans was appointed
to the Mentor charge. By his genial personality he
succeeded in winning the confidence and respect of the
people, then by wise and tactful management tied them
to him for the purpose of building up the Master's
Kingdom. His success at Mentor was achieved largely
by working on the community plan. When he saw
that the people were not especially interested in the
Methodist church he determined to show them that the
Methodist preacher was interested in them whether
they were Methodists or not. The church services
began to be more generally attended. It was soon ob-
served that if all the people in the community were
going to attend church they must have a larger build-
ing. With the idea of a church came the thought and
desire of a better and more modern one. When a de-
sire has been kindled in the minds of people for a thing
they evidently need and have the ability to procure, it
is easy to incite them to action. So almost to his own
surprise, this popular young pastor found himself in
the lead of an enterprise which fair minded people
could not but approve. The board of trustees were C.
D. Miller, W. 0. Tinkler, John Muir, L. 0. Baber and
W. F. Green. Being men of generous impulses, it was
In Northwest Kansas 461
a comparatively easy task to induce them to erect a
building the cost of which was $6,500. It was dedi-
cated May 13, 1917, by Dr. C. C. Hall, superintendent
of East St. Louis district, Illinois Conference, assisted
by M. M. Stolz, G. R. Hall, superintendent of the Salina
district and by Prof. F. L. Farley, professor in Greek,
Kansas Wesleyan University. The building fund had
been provided so that no collection was needed.
A service was held at 3 P. M. at which Rev. A. L.
Semans, pastor of the University church, preached and
the service closed with prayer by Professor Farley. A
rally service at 8 P. M. was presided over by Dr. C. G.
Hall and Rev. G. R. Hall delivered an address. Elton
R. Shaw, dean of School of Oratory in Kansas Wes-
leyan University offered prayer.
Up to this time there had not been a Methodist
church at Assaria, though they had long felt the need
of one. The church building project which had been
undertaken at Mentor was progressing so favorably,
that the Assaria people caught inspiration and entered
upon a like undertaking and pushed it with such zeal
that it was ready for dedication June 6. This prop-
erty is valued at $5,500. The dedication took place on
the date named, Dr. J. F. Harmon, president of the
Kansas Wesleyan University, preaching the sermon
and taking pledges for money needed to meet the
obligations. Eight hundred were needed, but pledges
were obtained for a thousand in a short time. At
Bridgeport there was formerly a Presbyterian society
which built a church that was used alternately by them
and the Methodists for a number of years. Their
church dwindled and finally disintegrated and they sold
the church building to the Methodists, who still occupy
it. They are contemplating raising it and putting in
a basement story and otherwise changing and improv-
ing it. When this shall be done, all of the churches on
this charge will be well equipped and with such pas-
462 History of Methodism
toral oversight as they have had the past three years,
will give a good account of themselves. Semans has
not only shown himself a master in church building but
faithful and efficient in building up the church. June
25, he wrote, "I have received 27 into the church at
Mentor and 30 at Assaria since Conference."
All the societies are well organized as the report for
the several congregations shows for efficient work. At
Mentor the trustees have been named. The stewards
are same as trustees. No class leader. Having said
so many complimentary things of this pastor, the
writer may be indulged in this criticism : the failure to
appoint and effectively employ a class leader is a mis-
take which no young Methodist pastor, who aspires to
be the most efficient worker possible, should excuse in
himself. Sunday school superintendent, Mrs. W. F.
Fulton ; league president, H. Stephenson ; Ladies' Aid,
president, Mrs. A. V. Kline; number enrolled in Sun-
day school, 75 ; number in league, 20.
At Assaria the trustees are A. F. Weeks, J. C. Short,
C. A. Wadsworth, B. Sickler, C. C. Moore, John Fulton
and Nannie Reed. Sunday school superintendent, J.
C. Short; class leader, Mrs. D. C. Wadsworth; league
president, Charlotte Sickler ; aid president, Mrs. George
Chelis; stewards, Kate I. Wadsworth, C. C. Moore,
Nannie Reed, John Fulton, C. A. Wadsworth, J. C.
Short. Number in Sunday school, 70 ; in league, 25.
At Bridgeport, trustees: H. T. Perrill, Arthur
Lingren, C. E. Mooney, A. T. Wilson, H. C. Douglas;
class leader, H. T. Perril ; president Ladies' Aid, Mrs.
C. A. Peterson; president Women's Foreign Mission
Society, Miss Elsie Perrill ; enrolled in Sunday school,
90.
Recent improvements : Church at Bridgeport wired
for lights and a piano purchased and a platform put at
church door, a back porch built at the parsonage, a
In Northwest Kansas 463
cement walk built around the house and two rooms
painted and papered.
Report of the charge for the year 1917 : Three
churches, value $13,500; parsonage, $900; full mem-
bership, 80; preparatory, 4; current expense, $200;
salaries, pastor, Menton, $400 ; Assaria, $150 ; Bridge-
port, $300 ; district superintendent, $64 ; bishops, $15 ;
conference claimants, $32 ; foreign missions, $70 ; home
missions, $48 ; grand total, $894 ; three Sunday schools,
officers and teachers, 36; enrollment, 276; average,
155; expense, $150. The charge has been served by
the following: Name of charge, Mentor circuit (first
called Salina circuit.) Date of organization, 1866.
Pastors who have served charge: E. C. Chilson,
1866-8; J. Phillips, '68-70; J. N. Bartells, '70-72; J.
Conner, '71 ; L. D. Winder, '72-3 ; H. R. Golden, '72-3 ;
J. H. Lockwood, '73-6 ; Rev. Jackson, '73-4 ; E. F. Hill,
'76-8; M. Woolpert, '78-9; C. K. Jones, '79-80 (resigned
June 27, 1880) ; Thomas G. Condell, '80-1 ; J. Tre-
wartha, '81 ; S. A. Greene, '82-4 ; O. N. Maxon, '84-6 ;
J. C. Dana, '86-7; H. M. Mayo, '87; D. McGurk, Jr.,
'88-9; S. B. Lucas, '89-90; George P. Miller, '90-2; J.
O. Osman, '92-3 (resigned); Wiley T. Selby, '93-5;
George B. Warren, '95-6; J. B. Lewis, '96-8; R. B.
Beaty, '98 ; J. M. Allen, '99-01 ; M. L. Kerr, '01-02 ; John
F. Ekey ,'02 ; C. W. Stevens, '04-Sept., '04 ; J. W. Bates,
Nov. 7, '04-5 ; J. A. Arnett, '05-Dec, 1906 ; M. D. Ross,
Dec, '06-'07 ; F. P. Raby, '07-08 ; William Mikels, Nov.,
'08-9; O. M. Mitchell, March, '09-Oct. 1, 1909; J. E.
M. Chambers, '09-12 ; F. L. Provan, '12 ; W. H. Sweet,
'13; James Kerr, '14; Cecil J. Semans, '15-18.
Minneapolis.
The Minneapolis class is supposed to have been
organized by B. W. Hollen, about the year 1865, though
there is no authentic record for some time after that
date. It was at first connected with the Salina circuit.
464 History of Methodism
A Sunday school was organized at Lindsey three miles
from the present site of Minneapolis on the above date
and was known as the Fort Solomon Sunday school.
S. B. Chapman was superintendent and I. E. Carson
was the assistant. The names of only ten of the
charter members of the society have been preserved.
These were five men and their wives, viz: S. B. and
Lovina Chapman, I. E. and Jane Carson, Seymour and
Margaret Ayers, Jesse and Amanda Richards, Martin
and Jane Jones. Mrs. Chapman is still a member of
the class. June 20, 1917 she was 82 years old.
Minneapolis appears as the head of a charge first in
1872, when J. N. Bartels was appointed to the circuit.
Brother Bartels is living at Boon, Colorado and a re-
markable coincidence is that he is of exactly the same
age as sister Chapman, born June 20, 1835. This
editor received a letter from him soon after brother
Tremain's letter appeared in the Central a year ago.
If others of the veterans had done the same thing they
might have added quite a little to the interest of these
pages.
Something of the condition of the country at that
time may be judged from the appointments included in
Bartel's circuit. The following are some of them:
Lincoln Center, Vesper, Holland Creek, Gypsum, Galve,
Canton, Bennington, Delphos, Glasco, Merideth,
Minneapolis. He says that toward the close of the
year, his health broke and he was confined to his room
the remainder of the year. Is it any wonder?
It is not clear from the minutes of 1873, who served
Minneapolis charge. The appointments read: Minne-
apolis, supplied by H. R. Golden; Delphos L. D. Win-
der; but in presiding elder Lawrence's report at the
close of the year, he said the Salina circuit was served
by brothers Golden and Winder. So it would seem
that the elder had exercised his prerogative and
arranged the work to suit himself. So the conference
In Northwest Kansas 465
minutes are not an absolute guide as to who served a
charge, but these are the only guide this editor has,
and on the whole the record found in the minutes is
more likely to be correct than tradition, so the list given
here will be taken from the Conference Minutes.
It is as follows: 74, 0. N. Maxon, H. R. Golden;
75, J. Forest; 76, J. Curtis; 77, S. A. Green; 78, H.
Mayes; 79-80, W. Whitney; '81-2, F. D. Baker; 84-6,
C. W. Caseley ; '86-7, A. B. Conwell ; '88, D. D. Camp-
bell; '89, B. T. Stauber; '90-91, W. H. Sweet; '92-3, T.
J. H. Taggart; '94-6, E. H. Fleisher; '97-1900, J. L.
King; '10, I. McDowell; '02-3, H. G. Amherst; '04-6, L.
O. Housel; '07-8, W. L. Cannon; '09-11, H. J. Lorenz;
'12-14, S. A. Chapell; '15-17, L. E. Cook.
The circuit began early to accumulate property.
The first reported was in 1876, a parsonage valued at
$200. J. Curtis was the pastor. In 1877 it had been
improved $100. The first church was of stone built
during the pastorate of H. Mays. It was reported in
1879, value $2,800. The parsonage was valued at $450
that year. The church stood seven years and was so
wrecked by a storm that it was unsafe. The present
church was first reported in 1888, value $10,500. The
parsonage had also been improved, value $900. It is
very deplorable that values placed on church property
are so variable and therefore unreliable. We have an
illustration in this church. In 1888 it was valued at
$10,500. In 1895 it was placed at $5,000. In 1896 it
was $6,000. In 1902 the valuation was placed at
$11,000, that without any important improvement or
change. During the pastorate of G. H. Amherst the
building was in a sense remodeled and improved. The
basement was finished and the building otherwise im-
proved. In 1903 the valuation was $14,000 ; the next
year it dropped to $12,000.
It is not my prerogative nor is this the place for
criticism, but surely it would be well for a conference
466 History of Methodism
to place authority some place to so guard the reports
as to prevent them from appearing ridiculous in the
eyes of those who might be disposed to be critical.
The charge now has an excellent parsonage built
this year, 1917, at a cost of $6,000.
The Board of Trustees are Dr. E. G. Ganoung, C. C.
Davis, F. L. Galpin, J. E. Hart, Peter Baggerly, F. S.
Pierce, W. M. Truitt, W. W. Walker and A. A. Johnson.
A few notes have been gathered from the Central
through the years. January, 1894, brother Taggart
reported that the Sunday school filled a Christmas boat
with clothing for the poor valued at $50. January 29,
1896, brother Fleisher reported a revival held by Rev.
and Mrs. Coe in which 87 bowed at the altar. 67
joined our church, others joined other churches. 19
were baptized.
April 2, 1902, I. McDowell reported that the
churches of the city arranged to hold meetings con-
tinuously. This continued for three weeks. Some
were converted and reclaimed and the church quick-
ened.
Frank Pierce is superintendent of the Sunday
school, which position he has held for twelve years.
He is a brother of W. A. Pierce, a member of the An-
nual Conference. The 1917 Annual Conference Min-
utes give the following: Value of church, $18,000;
parsonage, $6,000 ; full members, 312 ; preparatory, 15 ;
expenses, $475; pastor, $1,760; district superintendent,
$112; bishop, $26; conference claimants, $60; foreign
missions, $228; home missions, $36; grand total,
$1,747; Sunday school officers and teachers, 44; enroll-
ment, 464 ; average, 231 ; expenses, $249 ; Epworth
League, Sr., 60; Jr., 33; Women's Foreign Mission
Society.
In Northwest Kansas 467
Osborne.
A cyclone in 1875 destroyed the home of the record-
ing steward, L. A. Weeks, and with it the earliest
records of the church, but W. H. Mize learned the facts
from the early settlers and has so faithfully recorded
them in connection with the subsequent history of the
charge that it is a pleasure to peruse the history and
to transcribe the facts.
The first class at Osborne was organized by Rev.
Atkin early in the year 1872.
Atkin was a local preacher, who served the charge
for a short time on his own initiative and responsi-
bility, but not even his initials have come down to us.
Osborne was reported to the conference at Emporia
in March of that year and one hundred dollars of mis-
sionary money were appropriated to the charge, but in
the making of appointments Osborne was left to be
supplied. Jared Copeland was appointed by the pre-
siding elder and served the charge till December, when
he was relieved by death. From December to March,
1874, the charge was served by A. B. Conwell, R. S.
Osborne and W. N. Kenyon, but the time of service of
each is unknown. James Lawrence was the presiding
elder in charge. *t\
From 1874 to 1876 the work was supplied by Rev.
J. C. Ayers, a superannuate member of the Upper Iowa
Conference. Several classes were organized in the
country around Osborne about the same time, so that
at its first appearance in the Conferene Minutes it was
the head of a circuit. During the pastorate of Rev.
Ayers several new appointments were added. I^hese
were Corinth, Lawrence Creek, Indian Creek, Delhi,
Wolf Creek and Covert.
The society was incorporated as the First Meth-
odist Episcopal Church of Osborne, Kansas, October
first, 1878. The first board of trustees was composed
468 History of Methodism
of the following persons: Josiah Brobst, J. W. Mc-
Intyre, R. C. Joy, H. C. Noland, L. C. Barton, L. D.
Honn, Henry Roerig, J. W. Addison and S. L. Walrond.
They qualified and held their first meeting as a chart-
ered body October 12, 1878.
The parsonage was purchased in 1882 during the
pastorate of Rev. E. H. Fleisher. At the time the
society felt quite elated that they had a home for their
pastor, though, if standing now, it would appear quite
in contrast with the elegant home which the present
pastor enjoys. It cost $350 and consisted of a single
room sixteen feet square. The church services were
first held in the school house until the congregational
church was built, after which they were held in it,
jointly with the Congregational and Baptist societies,
till 1882, when the court house was secured and was
occupied by the Methodists till the church was built.
The three societies had maintained a Union Sunday
school while they occupied the same building, but on
moving into the court house, the Methodists at the
earnest suggestion of Mrs. W. H. Mize organized their
own school, with L. A. Weeks superintendent and W.
H. Mize assistant and teacher of the Bible class. Mrs.
L. A. Weeks, Mrs. Mize, T. E. Fultz, Miss Alice Fultz,
Mr. and Mrs. D. J. Rice were other teachers. The Bap-
tists united with the Methodists and once a month held
a service. Soon after the Congregationalists organ-
ized their own school. Osborne was a circuit until
1884, when under the pastorate of R. A. Caruthers, D.
D., it was made a station. During that year the move-
ment was set on foot for the building of a church,
though it was not done till the next year during the
pastorate of M. S. McCoy. The building was 28 x 54
feet and cost $2,200. It was dedicated by Rev. H. D.
Fisher of Topeka. The opening prayer on this occasion
was offered by Rev. J. C. Ayers. It is remembered by
those who heard it as one of the most eloquent that
In Northwest Kansas 469
was ever heard in Osborne. The amount of money
needed to clear the church of debt was $600.
Dr. Fisher first asked for fifty dollar subscriptions,
but not receiving any response, quickly dropped to $25.
A number of these were given, then dropped to smaller
figures till $5 was reached, when he remarked, "Any-
body can give five dollars." But he added, "Wait, I
must tell you a little story. Once I knew a schoolma'am
who was soon to be married. Her school was out and
her money all spent, but five dollars, which she had
saved for ribbons and gloves and such little things as
all young ladies think they must have when they get
married. One day she attended a missionary meeting
and was made to feel that she ought to give that five
dollars; but if she did, how could she get married?
She could not get away from the thought that the call
was from God and she could trust Him. So the mis-
sionary society got the five dollars. On her way home
she met a member of the school board and stopping he
said to her, 'the board had a meeting yesterday and in
view of the faithfulness and efficiency with which you
had served us, we voted you an additional five dollars
and here is the money'." So the Doctor added, "She
got married after all, and best of all was, she married
me."
In a very short time enough $5.00 pledges were
given to bring the amount to over $600 and the church
was dedicated in due form. Notable revivals were en-
joyed in the Osborne church in the years 1886 and '88,
the first during the pastorate of L. V. Morton and the
second during that of O. J. McFadden. Sixty-six pro-
fessed conversion at the first and one hundred eighty-
five at the second. In 1886 Osborne was greatly stirred
by a camp meeting held by the Seventh Day Advent-
ists. They came from far and near and their tents
covered one city block. Not only were they present in
great numbers, but their strongest men from all over
470 History of Methodism
the country were present. Every text in both the Old
and New Testament bearing on the Sabbath they had
knowledge of and put them before the people in the
most plausible way to prove their point. Two preach-
ers, one Presbyterian and the other Methodist, de-
livered discourses in reply to the argument that had
been presented, but in the judgment of the people both
failed entirely to meet the case. Many honest laymen
began to question very seriously : "Are the Adventists
right and have we been violating God's law all these
years?"
One Sunday morning it was announced that on next
Sababth morning Dr. Caruthers will preach in this
house on "The Christian Sabbath." As might be ex-
pected, the house was packed. The discourse was two
hours long ; a hundred or more stood through the whole
of it. The Adventists were there with note books.
When the Doctor saw them begin to take notes, he said
to them : "That is right, take all the notes you want
and I'll promise to give you all you need before I am
through with you." He surely did.
He made it clear that there have been three Sab-
baths : Creation Sabbath, the Jewish Sabbath, fixed on
Sinai, and the Christian Sabbath. His closing flight
of oratory was superlatively sublime. I have often
wished I could give it in full. The following will give
an idea of it, but falls very far short of the summit
reached. "The last Jewish Sabbath was the darkest,
saddest, most dismal the world ever knew for on that
day, Jesus lay in Joseph's tomb ; but the first Christian
Sabbath was the brightest, grandest, most glorious day
that ever dawned on the world, for on that day Jesus
the crucified one burst the bands of death, brought life
and immortality to light and became the first fruits of
them that slept."
That sermon did up the Adventists in Osborne.
The next morning W. W. Watson, then a merchant and
In Northwest Kansas 471
banker, in Osborne, now and for years past, a whole-
sale merchant in Salina, was standing in his store door
and noticed Dr. Caruthers across the street when an
Advent preacher passed by with his Bible under his
arm as was his want. Watson said to him, "Do you
see that old man across the street?" The preacher re-
plied: "Yes, what about him?" Watson replied:
"That's that man that spiked your cannon last night."
After that sermon they could not get a corporal's
guard out to hear them. In a few days they struck
their tens and have never "tried out" Osborne since.
The church which was dedicated this year, 1886,
was damaged by a wind storm in December and was
repaired the next summer by an outlay of $250.
In 1897 the old parsonage was sold and the pastor,
E. P. Michener, purchased a property consisting of a
story and a half house and four and a half lots at a
bargain for $1,100, the property having sold at one
time for $2,200. Concerning this deal, Rev. Michener
made the following note in the record: "In Novem-
ber, 1897, we took steps to secure our present elegant
parsonage which was all paid for in a few weeks' time.
We now have one of the best, if not the best, parson-
age in the conference."
Near the close of the pastorate of Rev. C. W. Wyn-
ant, steps were taken for the erection of a larger and
more modern church. Work was begun in the sum-
mer of 1905 and the corner stone was laid November
22d of that year. The trustees pushed the work as
rapidly as possible. It was completed early in October
and a series of dedicatory services was planned, be-
ginning October 9th and continuing till Sunday the
14th. W. L. Cannon was the pastor. T. C. Iliff had
been secured for the occasion. The sermon as might
be expected was one of the greatest ever heard by an
Osborne audience.
472 History of Methodism
$5,000 were needed to clear the property of debt
which was pledged in about half an hour. Those pres-
ent on this occasion who had witnessed the similar
service in 1885 could not but note the contrast between
the two. The first building cost about $2,200, this
more than $14,000. The sum needed then on the day
of dedication was $600, that needed at the second was
$6,000. The largest subscription given then was $25.
Three $500 pledges were given for this, four for $250
each and about twenty for $100 each ; so that less time
was required to raise the larger amount than had been
needed to secure the smaller sum in 1885. Then the
pastor was living in a parsonage that cost $360, now he
occupies a palatial dwelling costing $6,000. Well many
the members of this church say : "The Lord hath done
great things for us whereof we are glad."
W. H. Neil followed W. L. Cannon, 1907. In the
Central of January 1, 1908, the following may be
found: "Revival meetings were held by the pastor.
103 conversions and reclamations were reported. 60
united with the church. Women's Home Mission states
reported the meeting and added this statement: "I
have been connected In a humble way with every re-
vival in Osborne for the past 25 years and have never
seen a deeper work of grace."
Report of Osborne in 1917 : Church, $16,000 ; par-
sonage, $6,000; expense, $419; full members, 228;
preparatory, ; salaries: pastor, $1,500; district
superintendent, $96; bishop, $22; conference claim-
ants, $44 ; benevolences, foreign missions, $300 ; home
missions, $152; grand total, $1,789; Sunday school
officers and teachers, 27 ; enrollment, 287 ; average, 150 ;
expenses, $115; Epworth League, Sr., 30; Women's
Foreign Mission Society, $50; Women's Home Mission
Society, $131.
In Northwest Kansas 473
Portis.
The Portis M. E. church was organized in the
Portis hotel by A. T. Riley, in 1881. The charter
members were J. Cross and wife, J. Pain and wife,
Frank Judson and wife, W. E. McDowell and wife,
James McDowell and wife, J. W. McDowell.
James Cross was the class leader. The hotel was
the first building used as a house of worship and this
was used till the school house was built which was re-
tained as the place of meeting till the church was built
in 1886.
Uncle Jimmie Cross as he was familiarly called,
often expressed a desire to see a new Methodist church
in Portis before he died and his wish was gratified.
The Sunday school was organized soon after the
church was founded and has been maintained ever
since. W. C. Smith was the Sunday school superin-
tendent from 1885 to 1916. The class leaders have
been James Cross, W. C. Smith, Daniel Wadsworth, C.
E. Cramer, Mrs. M. L. Smith.
Portis did not become the head of a charge until
1893; the historian is therefore dependent on the
record of the local church for the names of pastors up
to that date. The following is the list: '81, A. T.
Riley; '83, J. M. Allen; '91, J. H. Armitstead: '92, J.
M. Allen; March, '92-Dec, '92, E. Mathews; Dec. '92
to Aug., '93 ; Sept., '93 to April, '95, Charles Trueblood ;
'95, J. M. Allen; '97, C. A. Davis; '98, B. F. Rogers;
'99, C. A. Davis ; 1901, J. D. Harris ; '02, W. C. Harris ;
'04, M. G. Terry; '05, F. N. Cox; '09, A. C. Henslee;
'13, J. L. King; '17, J. Winters.
In 1884 a church 28 x 40 was built. Times were
hard but with the aid of a loan of $250 from the
Church Extension Society, a building costing $1,400
was erected free of debt, other than that to the Church
Extension Society.
474 History of Methodism
In 1895 this building was removed from its founda-
tion by a cyclone. It was then moved to a better loca-
tion one block south of the original site and repaired ;
but it always bore the marks of the cyclone. However,
it served as a house of worship till 1914. On Novem-
ber 23, 1914 ground was broken for the new church.
It was finished in about a year from that date. It was
28 x 40 feet with an annex 20 x 26, and an alcove 6 x 14
for pulpit and choir, with a ten foot basement under
the entire building. This was finished in good style
and the building equipped with furnace and electric
lights. The auditorium seats 300 ; the cost of the
structure was $5,500. It was dedicated January 30,
1915. $1,688 were needed on the day of dedication.
John F. Harmon, president of the Kansas Wesleyan
University, had charge of the service. After the ser-
mon he stated the amount necessary to clear the in-
debtedness and in a few minutes nearly $200 more than
was needed were pledged. The church was dedicated,
L. A. McKeever of Downs and J. L. King, pastor at
Portis, assisting in the service. Dr. Harmon preached
both in the afternoon and evening. The singing of the
day was led by a large chorus choir directed by Pro-
fessor Curtis, superintendent of the schools of the
town. The trustees at the time were S. Palmer, J. G.
Rube, A. H. Bartlett, T. W. King and A. Tingley. The
building committee were W. C. Smith, T. W. King, J.
G. Rube, G. H. Lattin and Arch Tingley.
An Epworth League was organized years ago and
has been maintained through the years. It has been a
great benefit to the young people of the town and sur-
rounding country.
In 1905, M. G. Terry, the pastor, reported that the
church had been improved by an expenditure of $225.
Ninety dollars had been raised for missions and in the
canvas for 25 cents per member for the Kansas Wes-
leyan, $32 had been raised. A mission library of 29
In Northwest Kansas 475
volumes had been purchased and used. A band of 13
Epworth Guards had been formed and were studying
the Life of Christ. The next year Terry reported that
gas lights had been put in the church and a side walk
had been put around.
In 1911, A. C. Henslee reported a three weeks' re-
vival. A. J. Fitt assisting resulted in 23 conversions
and 12 accessions to the church. In January, 1915, J.
L. King reported a good addition had been made to the
parsonage and the new church would be completed by
Conference time. The following are the official mem-
bers at present: Stewards: T. W. King, Mrs. W. C.
Smith, C. H. Lattin, W. E. Kaup, J. Rube, Arthur
Jones, Charles Hammond. Mrs. T. W. King, president
Ladies' Aid; Mrs. C. H. Lattin, president Women's
Foreign Mission Society ; J. E. Kissell, president Board
Stewards ; George Frank, recording steward ; J. E. Kis-
sell, president Epworth League.
The 1917 statistics give the following: Church,
$5,000; parsonage, $1,000; expense, $177; membership,
•)
182; pastor, $1,000; district superintendent, $7
bishop, $14 ; conference claimants, $30 ; foreign mis-
sions, $73 ; home missions, $63 ; grand total, $503.
Roxbury.
The date of the organization of this class is not
known, neither have the names of any of the charter
members been given. The appointment was served by
the Mentor pastor for a time. In 1896, both Roxbury
and Hope were detached from the Mentor circuit and
attached to the Roxbury charge.
For a number of years the Methodist society occu-
pied the Presbyterian church on alternate Sundays.
In 1910 the church was built at a cost of $4,000 during
the pastorate of E. W. Bridwell. The Hope church
on this charge was built by brother Harry Tolle. It
was dedicated as a Methodist church, but the deed was
476 History of Methodism
in Tolle's name. He was a good man and doubtless
meant to do good things for the community ; but it was
known as Harry Tolle's church and the society never
prospered as it doubtless would have done if the build-
ing had been owned and controlled by trustees chosen
by the members. In 1914 through the influence of the
pastor, E. W. Bridwell, the property was deeded to the
church. In the winter of 1914 a revival was held in
which eight persons were converted and joined the
church. One of these, H. C. Marston, is now preach-
ing and is a member of the Annual Conference.
Changes in the community and the use of auto-
mobiles have so affected the church attendance at Hope
that the services were discontinued. The church build-
ing still stands but it is unoccupied. There were four-
teen names on the roll when the services were discon-
tinued.
The Roxbury charge was formed in 1915, consisting
of the two points, Roxbury and Hope. W. H. Mathie
was the first pastor. His salary was fixed at $800, of
which Roxbury paid $650. Hope was to have paid
$150, but fell short $12.
James Lawrence, an old resident at Roxbury, had
long desired to see a Methodist church built there. In
1910 this was done, he contributing $3,000 and the
society paid $1,000. In his will he made provision that
$2,000 should go to the society for the purpose of build-
ing a parsonage. This has been built and provides
the pastor a home.
In September, 1917, a Union revival service was
held, at the close of which 39 members were received
into the Methodist church. There are three organized
classes in the Sunday school. The Wee Brothers with
22 members, the Forward Class, 28 members and the
"Advance Guards," 14 young men. There is also a
Standard Bearers Society of 22 members and a Junior
League of 18 and an Epworth League of 25.
In Northwest Kansas 477
The statistics of 1917 give the following: 2
churches, $5,000; parsonage, $1,800; membership, 101;
preparatory, 6; expense, $125; support pastor, $950;
district superintendent, $64; bishops, $15; conference
claimants, $32; benevolences, foreign missions, $60;
home missions, $30 ; grand total, $423 ; Sunday school
officers and teachers, 18; enrollment, 143; expense,
$74; Epworth League, 15; Jr., 18; Women's Foreign
Mission Society, $12.
Grand Avenue (Salina.)
The Grand Avenue M. E. church was organized in
the spring of 1917 and was made a pastoral charge and
W. C. Green was appointed pastor. The trustees
chosen were T. W. Roach, president of board, Erve Sey-
mour, secretary, F. C. York, C. E. White, W. L.
Nesmith, J. L. Sherwood. Erve Seymour was class
leader. The stewards, Mrs. Emma Shipe and Mrs.
Nellie Shipe, Mrs. C. B. Hull; J. L. Sherwood, Sunday
school superintendent; Mrs. C. B. Hull, president of
the Ladies' Aid.
Prayer meetings were held three years ago in a cot-
tage on North 10th street and a Sunday school was
begun about the same time. Two years ago Rev. M. L.
Kerr took charge of the work. He held his first service
in June, 1915. In the fall of 1916, the old Baptist
church was purchased and moved to its present site,
306 W. Grand avenue. The people were encouraged
and the Sunday school grew. Teachers came from the
Wesleyan for some of the classes. Misses Vesta Jones,
Lora Smith, Mildred Glendhill and Edna Kirk were
faithful helpers. Mrs. J. L. Sherwood was appointed
Cradle roll superintendent and has done excellent work.
W. C. Greene was appointed pastor in 1917. The
Sunday school increased both in interest and attend-
ance. Special efforts were made for the boys. As a
result, the attendance of boys from 8 to 15 increased
478 History of Methodism
from 5 to 40. A similar effort for the girls brought
like results. On December 23, the attendance was 113,
of whom 102 were children under 15. The attendance
at the church service has increased but is still small.
There are 19 full members, eleven officers and teachers
and a Sunday school enrollment of 225. There are 81
on the Cradle roll.
James Kerr assisted four weeks in revival services,
in October and November. There were twelve children
and two adults took a stand for Christ.
Oakdale Church (Salina.)
At the session of the W. Kansas Conference held at
Ellsworth, 1917, Rev. Edward L. Hutchins was ap-
pointed to take charge of a mission to be organized in
East Salina, known as East Chapel. There was no
organized church or Sunday school and no church
building ; but there was a community of two thousand
people and through the efforts of Drs. A. G. Bennett,
J. F. Harmon and the district superintendent, G. R.
Hall, a lot had been secured in a good location.
There being no organization, the pastor occupied
himself the first three or four weeks calling on the
people and getting acquainted. The first service was
held in a rented cottage on May 14th. There were
eight persons including the pastor's family. The at-
tendance increased from Sunday to Sunday. In three
months it had reached thirty-five or forty. The furni-
ture for the use of the school including organ, song
books, chairs, table and blackboard, were loaned by the
other M. E. churches of the city. The pastor acted as
superintendent and Bible class teacher; his wife was
organist and teacher and their daughter, Bessie, taught
the primary class. Others who came and assisted in
the work and took charge of classes as the attendance
increased were Mrs. E. B. Lewis, Mrs. L. E. Ginder,
Vernon Spear, John Hutchins, A. P. Stafford, Mrs.
In Northwest Kansas 479
Frank Blaylock and Mrs. Armstrong. Services had
been held but a short time when this cottage was sold.
Fortunately another vacant cottage was near by and
the services were transferred to it, which was used for
a few Sundays, when it too was sold and notice was
served that the house must be vacated the next morn-
ing. There being no other vacant house near and none
could be secured, so the furniture was stored in a store
building near by. It was a serious question what could
then be done, but the people had become interested and
were not willing that the services should be discon-
tinued, so an invitation was extended to the pastor to
bring the services to their homes. The invitation was
gladly accepted and from that time until the church
was completed services were held in the homes of
Edgar Miller, H. E. Woods, L. E. Ginder, Mrs. John
Province and Mrs. Grace Walker.
The church was formally organized in September,
at the home of C. E. Ginder. The following persons
were charter members : E. L. Hutchins, pastor, Mrs.
Hutchins, Berniee Hutchins, Raymond Hutchins, John
W. Hutchins, Hattie Hutchins, Lucille Hutchins, L. E.
Ginder and wife, H. E. Woods and wife, Mrs. B. F.
Cobum, Emmet Coburn, Delia Coburn, Edgar Miller,
Fern Bennet, Cecil Miller, Irene Miller, Mrs. John
Province, Mrs. Grace Walker, Loene Simmons, Lurella
Knowls, Vernon Spear.
On motion, the name East Chapel, which had been
given the charge was changed to Oakdale M. E. Church.
Plans for building were immediately set on foot and
late in September the new building was begun. This
was put on the parsonage lots and built bungalow style,
the thought being that when the society is able to build
a church this building will be remodeled and serve as
the parsonage. It is a frame structure with concrete
basement and is equipped with water and lights.. The
total cost of building and lots was $4,000.
480 History of Methodism
It was ready for occupancy at Thanksgiving. The
occasion was celebrated by a Rally Day program. The
growth of the organization has been remarkable under
the circumstances. At the close of the Conference
year, 150 had been enrolled in the Sunday school with
an average attendance of 75 and a church membership
of 31. The trustees are T. W. Roach, J. C. Wakefield,
Edgar Miller, A. P. Stafford and H. E. Woods. The
Sunday school was organized the second Sunday in
May, 1918. There were twelve present. We were
cheered by the injunction: "Despise not the day of
small things."
Salina First Church.
This is one of the oldest Methodist organizations in
the bounds of the Northwest Kansas Conference, but
probably is not the oldest since it is known that a Meth-
odist service was held in the vicinity of Clyde as early
as 1862, while the oldest member of the Salina class,
Mrs. Elizabeth Conrad, came to the state in 1866. She
says they attended services in a small room over a
blacksmith shop, between Iron avenue and Ash street.
The blacksmith was so industrious that many times
his noisy anvil interfered with their Sunday devotions.
Mrs. Bryce Muir and Royal Calkins were also members
of that early organization.
E. C. Chilson was the first pastor. He was in
charge in 1866 and was succeeded by James Phillips in
the spring of '67. He w T as followed by J. N. Bartells,
he by J. Boynton and he by M. N. Powers. Bartells is
now living in Boon, Colorado and Powers in Kansas
City, Mo. When they learned through the Central
that a history of the Conference was to be written,
each thought enough of us to write to the editor and
express his interest and good will in the undertaking.
A small frame church now occupied by the A. M. E.
church was built in '67 and '68. C. Eberhardt landed
In Northwest Kansas 481
in Salina in 1867. He says when he came the frame of
the church was up and they were putting on the
weatherboarding and shingles. (It may be said here,
that since that time Eberhardt has been a part of
whatever has been done by Methodism in Salina.) The
church stood in an unfinished condition till spring at
which time Dr. A. B. Leonard, who was then the pastor
at Leavenworth, since the great missionary secretary
and father of the bishop was in Salina and being moved
by the need of the struggling society, went back to
Leavenworth and collected funds sufficient to purchase
seats for the new church. Eberhardt was then in the
employ of General Bull, a wealthy lumber dealer in
Leavenworth. In selecting lumber for the church, the
employee did not hesitate to select from different piles
the pieces best suited to his purpose. The old General,
being -in the yard one day, saw what was being done
and objected to it strenuously. When Eberhardt told
him what the lumber was for, he readily gave his ap-
proval. Being a man of such generous impulses, it
was not strange that early settlers in a small western
town determined to honor him by naming their village
for him. Their purpose was afterward defeated by
fastidious people, who through a fraudulent petition
succeeded in having the name changed.
The new church in Salina was completed and paid
for as was also a parsonage, but in 1871, J. Boynton,
an enthusiast from Michigan was appointed to Salina.
He succeeded in persuading the trustees to sell their
church and parsonage and build a ten thousand dollar
church. This proved to be a most inopportune move.
A brick church was begun and the walls built to the
square. They stood in this condition for months and
finally the south wall blew down. It came down with
a crash which is said to have been heard two miles
away.
482 History of Methodism
Methodism, in Salina, was in a most deplorable con-
dition. They had had a neat little church and parson-
age which would have served them well till they were
able to build larger and better and had no debt. Now
church and parsonage both were gone and the money
spent and nothing to show for it but a pile of brick and
a burdensome debt.
The Church Extension Society had made them a
loan of $1,000 which they insisted must be paid. The
trustees, like many other trustees, thought that because
the Board of Church Extension is a church organiza-
tion it ought not exact payment from a local board that
was hard pressed, but the charter of the Extension
Board obligates it to sacredly preserve its loan fund,
and if it failed to do it in a single instance, it would
forfeit its charter and thus disqualify itself for the task
it had in hand. Of course the Church Extension
Society was compelled to insist on the payment of its
loan. Brother Powers who was pastor then says of
the conditions : "The old frame church had been sold
and possession had to be given, so the work of building
had to be resumed. It was completed and seated with
temporary seats in the middle of my second year. I
preached in it once and returned to my Conference in
southern Illinois. At that time there was a population
of about 1,500 in Salina. The church cost $10,000 and
the only debt I left on it was the Church Extension
loan of $1,000." Eberhardt says as soon as the
roof was on, the church was used for services and he
personally carried lumber and arranged the temporary
seats.
In due time comfortable seats were provided and
the debts paid. The building was a rectangle which
seated about 350 people. It served the congregation
till the pastorate of D. D. Campbell, 1884-87. At that
time the north side was taken out of the rectangular
structure and an addition, projecting thirty-five or
In Northwest Kansas 483
forty feet, built in. A gallery seating fifty or seventy-
five people was built in the addition, over a lecture room
of like size. There was thus provided an audience
room seating six hundred persons or more. Thus far
the congregation was well provided for, but for many
years the Sunday School felt the need of more room.
For some time the trustees debated among themselves
what they should do. The old church did not afford
sufficient room, but was too good to be torn down. Ef-
fort was made to secure another location, but failing
in this, it was finally decided to demolish the old build-
ings, which held blessed memories for many people.
It, therefore, gave place to the noble structure which
has since risen on the site.
The true history of this society can not be written
without the names of two men, who for years after
the church was founded, constituted its financial head.
These were H. H. Sudendorf and C. Eberhardt. They
were German Methodists and like most of them, thor-
oughly loyal to the church. In the early settlement
of the town, there was a number of German families,
the old people of which, were not sufficiently familiar
with the English, to understand and appreciate an
English sermon. For the benefit of these elderly peo-
ple, a German Methodist Church was built on the cor-
ner of Eight and South Streets. These two men,
Sudendorf and Eberhardt, did what was perhaps
never known done elsewhere. They took membership
in both the English and German churches, and held
official positions in both, and for a time were the finan-
cial head of both. Sudendorf, the older of the two,
went to his reward a number of years ago. Eberhardt
has passed his seventy seventh year, but is still inter-
ested in the church.
Revivals have been reported from time to time by
different pastors together with items of interest to the
church and community. In March, 1914, C. E. Line re-
484 History of Methodism
ported that Dr. Curts of the Book Concern, preached
on a Sunday morning, and took a subscription to pay
the debt on the church, to the amount of $3200. In
July of the next year, he reported that six persons had
joined the church in July, thirteen were baptized and
fifty-nine had been received into full membership. In
March 1897 a revival was held with the assistance of
evangelist W. H. Lee, resulting in forty conversions,
and fifty-nine accessions to the church. In September
of the same year the correspondent to the "Central"
reported that H. A. Cleveland was preaching to a full
house to the delight of all; and that a reception was
held on a Tuesday night, at which addresses were made
by representatives of the Sunday School and of the
Ministerial Association, welcoming the new pastor.
In December 1901, B. T. Stauber reported that 100
had joined the church since Conference and a parson-
age worth $3000 had been built. A Sunday School had
been organized at the University and preaching had
been begun there, in the afternoon. The last of Jan-
nary 1906 C. C. Woods reported that he and E. L. Hyde
of Phil, began a meeting January 21 ; and there were
twenty at the altar the first night. It would be sat-
isfying to know the outcome of a meeting so auspici-
ously begun, but the Central did not have the informa-
tion. In October 1907 Dr. Woods reported the church
too small for the congregation and teachers and pupils
of the Sunday School were calling for more room. Miss
McCrory, the deaconess was proving very efficient.
Fifteen hundred calls had been made and many deeds
of mercy and help performed. Seventy persons had
been received into the church by letter, ninety-five
from probation and one hundred thirty on probation.
In February 1908, L. E. Rockwell reported a revival
in which he was assisted by Joel A. Smith which re-
sulted in a general quickening. Twenty-six joined on
probation and fourteen by certificate. The present pas-
In Northwest Kansas 485
tor is Rev. A. G. Bennett who was transferred into the
Conference six years ago from York, Nebraska. The
church has prospered from the first. Under his lead-
ership and inspiration, the trustees were led to under-
take the erection of a magnificent church on the site
of the old church, built in the early 70's. That un-
dertaking has been carried forward to completion, and
the church now has a building of which both it and
the city may well be proud. The building in its ex-
treme dimensions is 108x114 feet. A summary of the
rooms is as follows: "A beautiful sanctuary, seating
1000; a large assembly room for Sunday School and
entertainments seating 1000, kitchen and serving
room, six closets; five toilets; and thirty-four other
rooms for Sunday School classes, parlors, office and
reception rooms." Of the type of building a descrip-
tive circular says : "The type of the church interior is
the very latest in American Ecclesiastical Architec-
ture, said by experts to be the type which will prevail
in the future in American church building."
The structure cost about $60,000. The old church
was in the middle of the block. When they had de-
cided to built a new church, the trustees wanted to
purchase the southwest corner of the block, but
thought the price greater than they could afford to
pay. Now that the church is built, and a more costly
one than they at first thought they could attempt, they
find they are able to purchase the corner, which they
have done, and will beautify it as a rest park. This
is an admirable thing to do. It gives the church the
fourth of a block on two popular streets, and taken
as a whole, is the most desirable site they could have
found in the city. The park will be a lovely place for
summer evening services and festivals. The most
liberal contributors to this splendid improvement
were C .Eberhardt family, C. E. Robinson, the Sun-
day School, T. W. Roach and wife each $2000, Z. C.
486 History of Methodism
Millikin, H. H. F. Sudendorf, W. A. Austin each $1000,
C. F. McAdams $700. My informant adds, these gave
most in amount, but not most in sacrifice. Many who
gave smaller amounts did it by actual self denial.
The architect was Wm. T. Schmidt of Oklahoma
City. The trustees are C. Eberhardt, John S. Gates,
T. W. Roach, C. F. McAdams, Dr. J. W. Neptune, W.
H. Myers, C. E. Robinson, Z. C. Millikin and W. A.
Austin. The building committee were Dr. J. W. Nep-
tune, Prof. T. W. Roach, C. F. McAdams, F. D. Blun-
don, J. H. Bell, Frank Eberhardt, J. E. Meader, J. E.
Wyatt. The church was dedicated July 1, 1917 with
all money provided for. Report of charge church $60,-
000; parsonage, $5000; Exp., $1700; membership,
803; Prep., 34; pastor, $2900; D. S., $200; bishops,
$50; C. C's., $104; F. Ms., $501; H. Ms., $365; Gd.
total, $7536; 2 S. S's. O's. & T's., 70; Enrl., 1093; Av.,
410; Ep. L. Sr., 24; W. F. M. S., $313; W. H. M. S.,
$431.
Simpson.
The class at Simpson was reported at the first
quarterly Conference held at Glasco in 1882, by A. N.
See, presiding elder of the Salina District. It was
attached to the Glasco charge and continued on that
charge until 1905. The services were first held in the
school house ; but when the Baptists built their church,
the Methodists were permitted to use it, on alternate
Sabbaths till 1908.
A parsonage was built in 1883 during the pastorate
of S. L. Semans, at a cost of $500, including the lot.
In consequence of this, the pastor of the charge often
lived at Simpson. In 1905, this became a separate
charge, having Corson's Grove school house, as an
afternoon appointment. Up to this time Glasco had
been served by the following pastors. The Conference
Minutes show that W. W. King was appointed in 1882 ;
In Northwest Kansas 487
but according to tradition A. Stackhouse served the
charge that year. In '83-5, S. L. Semans ; '85-7, J. M.
Ryan; '87-8, B. F. Rhodes; '88-90, S. B. Lucas; '93-4
H. H. Sheldon ; '94-5, M. W. Whelan ; '95-6, J. W. Ed-
gar; '96-7, A. L. McNair; '97-9, J. H. Kuhn; '99-1903,
James Flowers ; '03-05, L. A. Dugger.
In 1908 H. P. Randall, pastor, the church at Simp-
son determined to build a church for themselves. Oc-
tober 25th of that year the corner stone was laid by
B. T. Stauber, the district superintendent. The build-
ing of the new church, or some favorable circumstance
put new inspiration into Methodism. The pastor re-
ported to the Central that the membership increased
fifty per cent, the last quarter. Previous to this the
parsonage had been improved, raising its valuation
from $600 to $1000.
The church when built was valued at $2500. It
has since been improved with basement and furnace
to the amount of $1500. October 1st last, Dr. Harmon
was with them, and so presented the claims of the
church, that within fifteen minutes time, pledges to the
amount of $1375 were secured.
In 1906 the Corson's Grove society built a church
valued at $1400 and changed the name to Euraka. In
1905 G. C. R. Pierce was appointed to Simpson, but
left in the middle of the year, and H. R. Golden com-
pleted the year. 1906, C. E. Tinker; '07, supplied by
J. B. Carder; '08-11, H. P. Randall; '11-14, O. A.
Darnell ; '14-16, H. J. Bamford ; '16-17, J. A. Templin.
J. W. Shanks and wife were charter members of the
class, and are still active workers. Have both been
official members most of the time. He was superin-
tendent of the Union School, till the denominational
school was organized, when he was elected to the same
office in that.
The church is in a prosperous condition. They
united with the Baptists in a revival effort last year
488 History of Methodism
which resulted in great good to the churches and com-
munity. There is an active Epworth League and a
Queen Esther Society which reports receipts last year
of $271. The Home Guards and Mother's Jewells re-
port funds raised by each.
Statistics of 1917: Two churches, $5500; parson-
age, $1000; F. members, 100; Prep., 3; current Exp.,
$70; salaries, pastor, $1120; D. S., $80; B's., $18; C.
C's., $40; Benev's. F. Ms., $20; H. Ms., $20; Gd. total,
$355, 2 S. S. O's. & T's., 24; Enrl, 210; Av.K, 100;
Exp., $92; Ep. L. Sr., 2.
University Church.
University Methodist Episcopal Church was or-
ganized in April 1809 by U. S. Brown, district super-
intendent of the Ellsworth District. A Sunday School
had been organized previously, under the direction and
control of the quarterly Conference of the first church
of Salina.
The organization was effected at the request of
eighty members of First Church that a separate so-
ciety be formed. The following persons were chosen
trustees : M. M. Stolz, R. P. Smith, A. H. King, L. M.
Morris, W. P. Seeley, A. B. Huffman, W. L. Nesmith,
L. E. Eaton and W. H. Sweet.
The officers were M. M. Stolz, chairman; A. H.
King, secretary, W. F. Hoyt and Miss Caroline Mat-
son, class leaders, W. C. Henslee Sunday School su-
perintendent. The stewards were W. F. Hoyt, H. A.
Swift, W. C. Henslee, A. H. King, Dr. D. E. Foristall,
J. H. Buyer, L. M. Morris, M. M. Alford, Mrs. M. R.
Day, Mrs. U. S. Brown, U. S. Ladd, W. P. Seeley and
Frank Brendle.
Rev. James M. Newton was the first pastor. He
was transferred from the Kansas Conference and en-
tered upon the work in June 1909. During the winter
of that year the family was sorely afflicted with
In Northwest Kansas 489
typhoid fever. A little son died, which was a great
trial to the bereaved parents. A good eight room par-
sonage was built during Newton's pastorate, at a cost
of about $2800.
The next spring at the pastor's request, he was sent
to Delphos, and W. H. Sweet was appointed to Uni-
versity Church. A. L. Semans succeeded Sweet.
Solo m on.
Solomon City is a place of considerable importance
near the center of the state, and not far from the junc-
tion of the Solomon and Smoky Hill Rivers. It is
therefore surrounded by a broad valley of very fertile
land. Being thus favorably located settlers early saw
the advantage of the location and it was one of the
earliest settled localities in Central Kansas. Salina
alone preceded it in having the name on the map, in
this part of the state. Salina was named in the Con-
ference appointments in 1868 and Solomon in 1870.
The first Methodist services held in Solomon was
in 1870. It was called the Solomon and Smoky Hill
charge. James Phillips was appointed the pastor at
the session of the Kansas Conference held at Topeka.
The next year the session was held at Paola and S. J.
Kahler was apointed to Solomon City. W. K. Mar-
shall was the presiding elder in 1870 and '71. In 73
G. S. Dearborn was assigned to the district. The pas-
tors who since that early day, have served Solomon,
were '72 D. D. Baird; '73-75, J. R. Madison; '76-8,
W. Whitney; '79-80, J. W. Denning; '81, W. W. Wells;
'82, W. A. Saville; '83-4, A. T. Riley; '85, M. M. Stolz;
'86-7, C. W. Caseley; '88, B. W. Hollen; '89, E. H. Bail-
iff; '90, C. V. Penn; '91-2, W. A. Matson; '93-4, J. H.
Kuhn ; '95, R. A. Hoffman ; '96-7, W. Nash ; '98-9, J. F.
Clark; 1900-1, E. W. Allen; '02, J. H. Kuhn; '03-4, J.
F. Johnson ; '05-7, J. W. Bates; '08, R. S. Rutledge; '09,
A. Bryans; '10, Attree Smith; '11-12, J. L. King; '13,
490 History of Methodism
W. A. Allen; '14-16, 0. B. Allen; '17, L. B. Tremain.
The class at Solomon organized by Brother Phil-
lips consisted of the following persons, I. H. Thomp-
son, Sarah Thompson, Isaac Smith and wife and Alice
Smith, Uriah, Ann and Theodore Foster, Joseph, Elle-
nor and Nettie Burkhardt, Mr. Huling and wife, Ashel
Carson, E. Collins and wife, and Win. Collins, Elisha
Dresner, Newton F. Follett, Wm. Campbell, W. G.
Lewis, 0. N. Maxson, Wm. Akerman, Samuel and
Rachel McCord, Marguaret Baird.
Wm. Akerman is still a member of the class, and
living in Solomon. S. J. Kahler held a successful
meeting at each appointment on the circuit. Seventy-
nine joined the church at the several points. Twenty-
nine of these came into the Solomon class. D. D. Baird
was pastor in 1872. The records state that he labored
hard on the charge, but received only $75 as his salary
for the year.
J. R. Madison was pastor '73 to '75. 1874 was
grasshopper year. Like every other place in this part
of the state, Solomon charge had a hard struggle dur-
ing that year. But there were good revivals at all
points on the charge, during the following year.
Twenty-six united with the church at Solomon. In
1875 the society purchased the Thompson hall and fit-
ted it up for a church. Wm. Whitney had a successful
pastorate. A number of persons came into the church
during his term of service. A parsonage was built
in 1879 under the inspiration and leadership of the
pastor, J. W. Denning. This served as a home for
the preachers until the pastorate of J. W. Bates, when
it was sold and the present building a six room house
was erected near the church.
Sunny Side Church, which is still a part of the
Solomon charge, was organized in 1882. In '88 they
obtained a charter and began preparations for build-
ing a church which was dedicated in June '84. This
In Northwest Kansas 491
building which was 28x45 has since been repaired and
is a beautiful country church, heated with a furnace.
The Solomon Church was dedicated Nov. 16, 1885
by Dr. W. H. H. Adams, of Bloomington, 111. It cost
$6500. The Thompson hall referred to was sold for
S1000.
Many in the Conference know the struggle of this
church to pay off the large debt. J. W. Bates did the
job. He got the Extension Society to throw off all the
interest, then succeeded in raising the balance and
had a great time burning the mortgage.
Under O. B. Allen the church was raised and a new
basement was dug, and a furnace put in. This cost
about $1000.
The parsonage has been improved by placing a cel-
lar under it and putting in a furnace. This cost $300.
This last was done by the present pastor.
I find that the W. F. M. S. was organized in Oct.
1883 at the request of the pastor. Mrs. See (wife of
our brother See) came and perfected the organization.
There is no record of the officers. The present offi-
cers are Mrs. Lettie Kibler, president; Mrs. Gertrude
Higgins, vice-president; Mrs. E. O. Neelye, secretary;
Mrs. L. C. Porter, treasurer; Mrs. H. A. Bannon,
"Mite Box" president; Trustees: Marion Wright,
chairman; Frank Henderson, secretary; L. C. Porter,
Eph. Rasher, Henry Rasher, Fred Hall, Geo. Spauld-
ing. Stewards: L. C. Porter, Frank Henderson, Mrs.
H. A. Bannon, Mrs. Ed. Dunnett, Mrs. Geo. Spauld-
ing, Mrs. G. W. Lee, Mrs. Lettie Kibler, Mrs. L. C.
Peterson, Ethan King, P. R. Toepfer. Epworth
League: Mrs. Elizabeth Berry, president; Mary Lock-
hart, first vice-president; Rena Rasher, second vice-
president; Pearl Walker, third vice-president; Elsie
Gatchet, fourth vice-president; Francis Kanehl, sec-
retary; Roy Bickmore, treasurer. Sunday School:
Ephraim Rasher, superintendent; Frank Henderson,
492 History of Methodism
secretary-treasurer; Mary Lockhart, superintendent
Primary Department. Mrs. Jessie Neil, superintend-
ent Cradle Roll; Mrs. L. C. Porter, superintendent,
Home Department. Sunny Side trustees: Lee Cor-
mack, W. R. Stone, Ola Collins, G. N. Knisle, Henry
Flagle; Sunny Side stewards: F. B. Thompson, Mrs.
Marrietta Collins, Lee Cormack, W. R. Stone, Henry
Klover.
Statistics for 1917: Two churches, $8000; parson-
age, $2000; full members, 187; Prep., 10; current
Exp., $144; F. Ms., $105; H. Ms., $65; Gd. total, — ;
support pastor, $1300; D. S., $88; bishops, $18; C.
C's., $— ; 2 S. S. O's. & T's., 34; Enrl., 364; Av., 169;
Exps., $156; W. F. M. S., $103; Ep. L. St., 15; Jr., 20.
Sunny Side Appointment.
This class was organized by J. W. Preshaw, at the
Sunny Side school house. The charter members were
J. C. Seaton and wife, W. E. Collins and wife, Lucy
Cormack. A retired Baptist preacher held service at
irregular intervals until the class became a part of the
Solomon charge.
A. T. Riley was the pastor in 1883. He had talked
church to the Sunny Side people till they were fully
enthused with the idea of building. A meeting was
called February 12, 1883 to take steps preparatory to
the erection of a church.
The following persons were chosen: Trustees, J.
H. CarkpufF, H. A. Carter, W. E. Collins, Silas Cham-
bers, A. J. Kerby, B. C. McCollough and J. C. Seaton.
J. H. Carkhuff was chosen president, J. C. Seaton, sec-
retary and A. J. Kirby, treasurer.
Sunny Side is not a separate charge but an oppoint-
ment on the Solomon charge.
A subscription amounting to $270, was taken, and
the trustees were instructed to purchase a site for the
church. At a meeting of the board held at the home
In Northwest Kansas 493
of the president August 14, '83, it was decided to build
the church on a three acre lot on the N. E. corner of
Section 9, T. 14, R 1, E. of the Sixth Principal Meri-
dian. A. J. Kirby was instructed to purchase stone
for the foundation ; these must be hauled 12 miles. At
another meeting held at the school house Oct. 27, '83
papers were signed and obligations entered into to se-
cure money from the Church Extension Society. That
society donated to the trustees $250 and made a loan
of $250 for the church. The pastor, A. T. Riley was
instructed to purchase the lumber for the building.
April 16, '84 the treasurer reported $1127.87. The
plastering was let to J. F. Bolster. April 17th was
fixed as Arbor Day for planting trees on the church
lot. On the day of dedication $711 were raised.
By action of the trustees, an insurance policy of
$1300 was placed on the church, and a resolution was
passed requesting the Sunny Side class be transferred
from the Kansas to the N. W. Kansas Conference in
connection with Solomon.
In harmony with this resolution the officials at
Sunny Side at once secured the services of the pastor
at Solomon and thus were virtually transferred into
the N. W. Kansas Conference.
In February 1898 the church was repaired, iron
ceiling having been procured from the World's Fair
building at Chicago. Repairs cost $142.65.
The board of trustees was reelected, except Mr.
Meek who declined to serve longer. His wife was
chosen in his place. J. W. Bates was pastor 1908-09.
During his pastorate the church was repainted; the
work being donated by Henry Clover. Twenty-four
dollars were paid for paint beside donations made by
other persons.
In March 1916 O. B. Allen, pastor, the church was
thoroughly repaired ; new seats, acetylene lights and
furnace heat were installed. Credit for these improve-
494 History of Methodism
ments is due the pastor and building committee; R.
Stone, H. Clover, F. Thompson and W. J. Hopewood.
The improvements cost $665 in cash and $135 in labor
donated.
The membership of the class is 41 and the enroll-
ment in the Sunday School is 90 with a regular at-
tendance of from 40 to 60.
Stockton.
The First Methodist Episcopal Church of Stockton
was chartered May 17, 1882. Those named in the
charter as trustees were J. C. Denney, N. D. Griffith,
J. H. Mitchell, E. A. Pomroy and Nancy McNelley.
When organized it was a point on the Medicine Cir-
cuit. No list of members has been preserved.
Stockton appears in the appointments as the head
of a charge first in 1879, at which time J. W. Scott was
appointed pastor. Following him were F. A. Piper,
A. Crumley, E. S. Arrington and J. P. Hill, each serv-
ed the charge one year. The next year it was left to
be supplied which was done by B. R. Prather.
In 1885 W. George was appointed but the Minutes
show that H. Dalton reported the work in 1886, hence
must have served it the latter part of the year.
The following were pastors as indicated : W. A. J.
Best, '86-7 ; A. B. Comwell, '88-90 ; G. W. Hood, '91-2 ;
J. P. Allen, '93 ; J. C. Horn, '94-5 ; E. M. Evans, '96 ;
M. J. Bailey '97 ; J. N. Clark, '98 ; J. M. Allen, '99 ; J.
M. Smith, 1900; C. W. Talmadge, '01-05; J. F. Dennis,
'06-10; C. M. Snyder, '11-12; F. E. Madden, '13-17.
The church is a commodious building of red press-
ed brick, built in 1912, during the pastorate of C. M.
Snyder. It contains 22 rooms and is thoroughly
equipped throughout. When all partitions are open the
auditorium will seat eleven hundred people. It cost
$24,000. On the day of dedication $12,000 were
In Northwest Kansas 495
pledged in notes running three to five years. This
was followed by two years of crop failure.
In 1914 W. A. Allen was appointed to the charge
and served it till July 1915, when F. E. Madden was
transferred from the Kansas Conference, and appoint-
ed to Stockton. He found a debt on the church of $8,-
300. Four thousand of the notes in hand were judged
to be good, leaving $4300 to be raised. On January 1,
1917 J. F. Harmon was with the pastor in a debt rais-
ing campaign. Four thousand eight hundred dollars
were pledged. These pledges are being paid, so the
debt does not bore the pastor. As the years have
passed, pastors have reported through the Central
from time to time. In March 1891, G. W. Hood who
had recently transferred from the Little Rock Con-
ference, reported that he had been warmly received
and was being loyally supported. The Ladies' Aid and
Young People cooperated to extend him welcome. By
a slip his report to the Conference failed to appear
in the minutes, so he asked that a summary might ap-
pear in the Central. It was as follows : "Sunday School
paid on expenses $87, church had paid on insurance
and improvements $70; fuel, light and furniture $189,
salary $550, presiding elder $45, bishop $7, benevo-
lences $43, Children's Day collection $10.
E. M. Evans reported December 1895, that since
coming to Stockton, July 1st the church membership
had increased 15 per cent, the League 12^ per cent.,
Junior League 36 per cent, and subscribers to the Cen-
tral 70 per cent. December '96 he reported that a
recent revival resulted in 26 conversions and four
reclamations, that attendance at League had increased
and church attendance was good. A Reading Circle
had been organized and the people appreciated it.
March 3, 1897 M. J. Baily reported a four weeks' meet-
ing in which eleven had been converted, making 39
496 History of Methodism
for the year. Sixty had joined by letter and on pro-
bation in 18 months.
A good parsonage had been purchased at a reason-
able price. C. W. Talmage reported in 1902 that a
furnace had been put in the church. The membership
of the church is .365; average attendance at Sunday
School is 210. They have a strong Ladies' Aid which
has paid $500 a year for five years on the church debt.
The Home Missionary Society has 20 members and the
Foreign 15.
The League has 100 members and the pastor says:
"They are hustlers." They took 22 delegates to the
Central Kansas League Institute at Salina, and broke
the record for the Institute attendance. The League
pledged $100 on the church debt and have paid most
of it this year. H. G. Eads is the president and has
held the office for seven years. A. K. Colburn is the
S. S. Supt. and is faithful and efficient. A. K. Wright,
the mayor of the city, is chairman of the board of
stewards, a good man. J. A. Marshall is chairman of
the board of trustees. N. F. Hill is secretary and Ed.
Biggs, treasurer. Fred Look, Sr., C. W. Jackson are
trustees. With another crop the debt will be paid off
and Stockton should be one of the best charges in the
Conference. The charge needs a new parsonage, and
will have it in the near future. Quite a number of the
leading business men of the city are among the mem-
bership of the church.
The report of the charge for last year was as fol-
lows: Value of church, $30,000; parsonage, $1500;
current Exp., $1118; F. members, 324; salaries, pas-
tor, $1600; D. S. $112; bishop, $23; C. C, $50; F. Ms.,
$162; H. Ms., $141; Gd., total, $887; S. S. O's. & T's.,
33 ; Enrl, 409 ; Av., 207 ; Exp. of school, $248 ; Ep. L.
Sr., 79 ; W. F. M. S., $72.
In Northwest Kansas 497
Webster.
Webster is a three point circuit: Webster, Mt.
Pleasant and Liberty. There are two churches valued
at $8000 and a parsonage worth $450. Four Sunday
Schools having 24 teachers with an enrollment of 174
and an average attendance of 80.
The church was reported first in 1906 and was
valued at $500. The parsonage was reported in 1905,
valued at $500. A second church was reported in
1912, both being valued at $7800. The charge reported
that $5800 were paid the previous year for buildings
and improvements and still there was an indebtedness
of $3000. The membership reported was 128 full
members and 18 probationers. There were two Sun-
day Schools having an enrollment of 190 with an aver-
age attendance of 120.
The following pastors have served Webster circuit :
1887, W. H. Stamp; '88-9, J. F. Johnson; '90, J. P.
Smith; '92-93, H. H. Bowen; '94, J. H. Hoff; '95. J.
W. McPeek; '96, M. J. Mumford; '97-8, Geo. Nulton;
'99, B. F. Rhodes; 1900-2, A. J. Morton; '03, J. H.
Cravens; '04-6, O. A. Darnell; '07-9, E. H. Wilson;
'10-12, R. M. Brown; '13, D. H. Brunner; '14-15, L. M.
Canneld; '16, J. W. Vanderslip; '17, Roy Arend.
The first year four Sunday Schools were reported
with an enrollment of 250; and there were 103 full
members and 80 probationers. In 1902 both a church
and parsonage were reported. The church was valued
at $250 and the parsonage at $400. In 1907 both
church and parsonage had been improved by the ex-
penditure of $400. In 1912 two churches were report-
ed having an appraised value of $7800, five thousand
eight hundred dollars of which were paid that year.
Statistics show as follows in 1917: Two churches,
$8000; parsonage, $450; Exp., $125; members, 135;
Prep., 14; support pastor, $825; D. S., $58; bishops,
498 History of Methodism
$14; C. C's., $28; F. Ms., $35; H. Ms., $30; Gd. total,
$435; 4 S. S. O's. & T's., 24; Enrl., 409; Av., 207;
Exp., $50; Ep. L. Sr., 40; Jr., 15.
Webster was known through the Central years be-
fore it came to be the head of a charge. In March '92
H. H. Brown reported a 20 days' meeting at Slate
which resulted in 32 conversions and 15 accessions to
the church. In May '94 J. H. Hoff had started a
preaching service at Portage, the Sunday School pray-
er and class meeting and league were well attended,
13 had been baptized and ten received into full mem-
bership, five by letter and two on probation. In Oc-
tober of the same year the pastor received a donation.
March 18, 1903 J. H. Craven had held a revival in
which 21 were converted. A league of 41 members
had been organized. E. H. Wilson served Webster
1907-8. January 15, 1908 he had held a four weeks'
meeting with the assistance of James Kerr, in which
time 73 bowed at the altar as seekers. On December
29 the pastor preached to parents, young people and
children. Twenty-five bowed at the altar. In the fall
of 1911 Mrs. Julia Short of Jersyville, 111. assisted
the pastor, R. M. Brown in a revival in which there
were 36 conversions and reclamations.
Wells.
Wells is a station on the Santa Fe R. R. north of
Minneapolis. The class was organized in the depot,
that being the only building other than a private
house in the vicinity. The ticket agent being a Chris-
tian man, and living in the station invited the service
to his home, which was accepted. The writer was the
presiding elder of the district at the time, and organ-
ized this class in 1895, which with another school
house appointment constituted a charge and in 1896,
Levi Crist, a faithful local preacher, living on a farm
not far away was appointed pastor.
In Northwest Kansas 499
The first year he reported 41 members and 13 pro-
bationers with two S. S. having fifteen officers and
teachers and an enrollment of 60 and an average at-
tendance of 40. He served the charge five years. The
last year he reported 63 members and 35 probationers.
Crist was succeeded by O. A. Darnell, who reported
as the result of his first year's work four S. S., 14 of-
ficers and teachers, 150 scholars enrolled with an
average attendance of 100. A church valued at $1500
was built and paid for. In 1903, Darnell was succeed-
ed by E. S. Ashcraft. Then for some reason not ex-
plained, Wells drops from the list of appointments. In
1906 H. W. Wolf was appointed pastor but there was
no report of the work the next year.
The charge now consists of two appointments,
Wells and Vine Creek. The pastor receives $550, of
which Wells pays $400 and Vine Creek $150.
The official members of the charge are Wells : Cris
Kuhlman, class leader ; Otis Palmer, S. S. superintend-
ent; Mrs. J. Schur, president Ladies' Aid. Stewards:
Jessie Palmer, George Sanderson, Cris Kulhman, John
Schur. Trustees: J. Palmer, G. Sanderson, J. S. Sil-
ver, C. J. Crawford, John Schur. Vine Creek:
Stewards: Frank McCresky Frank Riley, Mrs. Deni-
son, S. S. Supt. F. Riley.
Statistics of 1917: Church, $1200; parsonage, $1,-
200 ; members, 55 ; Prep., 55 ; Exp., $50 ; support pas-
tor $550; D. S., $44; bishop, $4; C. C's., $4; F. Ms.,.
$4; Gd. total, $97; 2 S. S. officers and teachers, 19;:
Enrl., 131 ; Av., 70.
Woodston.
The Woodston Circuit of the Methodist Episcopal
Church was first organized in the A. S. Avery grove
four miles southwest of what is now the village of
Woodston during the District Camp Meeting, in the
year 1878, on June 1st. The first quarterly Confer-
500 History of Methodism
ence was held at that time, Rev. R. A. Carruthers,
presiding elder, presiding, with Rev. F. G. McHenry
as pastor in charge. Rev. McHenry was the first
itinerant preacher in Rooks county.
At that time and following the charge was com-
prised of several preaching places, viz., Pleasant Ridge
(New Stockton), East Medicine (Now Aurora),
Pleasant Plain, Flora ville (Now Codell), and Rooks
Center (Now Woodston). After the charge was or-
ganized the first sermon was preached by Rev. Mc-
Henry in a log house on what is now the L. C. Smith
farm southwest of town. There were five members
present, and E. W. Brown, who later moved to Wood-
ston, was class leader.
Rev. L. C. York of Bull City (Now Alton, Kan.)
was the first Methodist preacher to preach in the town
of Woodston. In the winter of 1886-7 he held a re-
vival in the G. A. hall, resulting in 23 conversions.
Subsequent to this in the year 1889, Rev. Issac Kurtz,
organized the first class in town, and for some time
the services were in the hall, but later they moved to
the new school house where they remained until 1892.
The United Brethren had built a new church in the
town and they together with the Methodists and Bap-
tists agreed to hold union services, each congregation
or denomination supporting its own pastor. This con-
tinued until the year 1896, at which time the Baptists
and Methodists withdrew to the Free Methodist
Church where services were held until the Union
Chapel was built in 1898. Here the services alternated
between the Methodists and Baptists while the Sun-
day School was conducted as a Union School.
In 1911 the Methodists decided to build, so having
sold their interest in the Union Chapel to the Baptists,
they purchased property on Main Street one block
south of the depot. On the property was an old livery
stable which was removed and the building begun.
In Northwest Kansas 501
Here a very beautiful edifice was erected at a cost of
$6000. The church was dedicated free of debt in one
of the county's hardest years. Dr. Iliff preached the
dedicatory sermon. Rev. F. N. Stelson was the pastor
at the time, and he with R. Bisbee, B. F. Williams, H.
B, Nye, W. H. Dennis, and D. C. Worden comprised
the building committee.
The parsonage was built in the year 1914 at a cost
of approximately $1000. Rev. J. A. Westerman was
the pastor.
During these years different charges grew out of
this charge. Stockton, now the county seat has a large
and flourishing congregation; Aurora belongs to the
Natoma charge, as also does Pleasant Plains; Codell
is the head of a circuit. But for many years the point
in the Medicine Valley known as Survey was attached
to the Woodston charge. The class at this point was
organized about the same time that the Woodston class
proper was organized, and about the same time as the
Woodston class, and by the same pastor, Rev. Isaac
Kurtz. The organization took place at a Camp Meet-
ing in the Avery grove. Services were held in the old
log house Grange Hall on the Big Medicine. There
were 12 or 15 members in the class and H. Crunk-
shank was the class leader. Prior to the organization
Rev. York had preached at the Grange a few times.
Shortly after the organization as the result of a re-
vival effort several probationers were received into the
church. From the Grange Hall the society went to the
Evangelical Church nearby to worship, and when the
new school house was built the class went there where
it has remained until the present time. Some of the
class leaders following H. Crunkshank have been C.
D. Howard and W. L. Shepard. The Sunday School
was not organized until 1890. Up to this time they
had associated themselves with the Evangelical Sun-
day School.
502 History of Methodism
In the Spring of 1917 Woodston was made a station
and Survey was to be supplied by Rev. J. F. Dennis.
The charge had been gradually decreasing in member-
ship for some time, and in the middle of the year 1917
it ceased its services altogether.
Several facts of interest group themselves about
the Woodston charge. The different denominations in
the town have seemingly prospered more since they
have had their separate work; they have prospered
spiritually, financially, and in membership. All of
these churches are free of debt and are supporting a
resident pastor.
Rev. Kurtz, the father of Methodism at Woodston
and Survey, gave most of his services free of charge.
He was a farmer, and so made his way. During those
hard years it was a good thing for the charge.
Rev. R. Bisbee one of the Woodston pastors was
once preaching at the Parker school house east of
town and the rowdies tried to run him out. Later,
the leader of the gang, a cowboy, was killed by the
sheriff while resisting arrest.
At one time after the organization there was not a
Methodist family living in town. Now the majority
of the membership consists of town residents. The
first Gospel Team service held by Woodston men was
held at the Spring Branch Church, and at that time
Rev. Isaac Kurtz, the Father of Woodston Methodism,
died while giving his testimony. Recently the church
was redecorated outside and in at a cost of $150.00.
At the present the officials are: Trustees, H. Reeves,
W. Dunlap, A. Still, B. S. Williams, C. Minnick;
League president, A. Hollen; president Ladies' Aid,
Mrs. Emma Peacock; president W. H. M. S., Mrs. R.
C. Meyers.
The pastors who have served the charge were: I.
Kurtz, 1889-90 ; W. S. Morrison, '90-92 ; W. C. Littell,
'93; E. M. Evans, '94; J. H. Hoff, '95; M. L. Kerr, '96;
In Northwest Kansas 503
I. L. Clark, '97-99; J. Minney, 1900; A. Modlin, '01;
J. H. Laird, '02 ; A. W. Dorsey, '03 ; H. D. Nashburn,
'04-5; Jas. Kerr, '06-9; R. Bisbee, '10; F. N. Stelson,
'11-12; Alex Bryans, '13; J. A. Westerman, '14; C. R.
Flowers '15-16; R. C. Myers, '17.
The statistics for 1917 give the following: Church,
$6000; parsonage, $1000; expenses, $236; full mem-
bers, 112; preparatory, 27; support, pastor, $1120; D.
S., $80; bishops, $15; C. C's., $40; F. M. S., $35; H.
M. S., $15; Gd. total, $580; 2 S. S's. O's. & T's., 29;
enrollment, 256; Av., 127; Exp., $104; Ep. L. Sr., 60.
504 History of Methodism
appendix.
A. Conference Roll.
B. Those Admitted on Trial.
C. Members, Probationers, Local Preachers.
D. Local Preachers Ordained.
E. Benevolent Collections.
F. Districts, with Presiding Elders or District Su :
perintendents in Charge.
G. Pastoral Charges and Dates of Organization.
H. Pastoral Support from 1872 to 1883.
I. Salaries of Pastors.
J. Special Sermons.
K. Church Property.
L. Constitution of Itinerants' Club.
M. Members of Faculty Kansas Wesleyan University,
1886-1918.
APPENDIX A.
CONFERENCE ROLL.
Roll of Conference Members. — The date on the left
of the name indicates when connection with the Con-
ference began, that on the right shows when it ceased.
Those enrolled in 1883 were charter members. The
letter 1 following a name indicates that he located
that year; d, that he died; t, that he transferred; e,
that he was expelled ; w, that he withdrew. If no date
is on the right the brother is still a member of the
conference. R, that he removed and the manner of re-
moval is not stated in Minutes. Ret, that he was
placed on the retired list.
CHARTER MEMBERS OF
THE NORTHWEST KANSAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
1883 Allen, W. R. (r) 1903
1883 Antrim, J. A. (w) 1886
In Northwest Kansas 505
1883 Bailey, M. J. (r) 190a
1883 Baker, F. D. (r) 1915
1883 Bisbee, R. (r) 1910
1883 Boicourt, J. (t Kans. Conf.) 1892
1883 Breed, H. G. (t Tex.) 1895
1883 Bull, J. A. (d) 1913
1883 Campbell, D. D. (t Puget Sd.) 1889
1883 Caseley, C. W. (t Mo. Conf.) 1890
1883 Davidson, J. M. (t N. Neb.) 1884
1883 Dalton, H. (d) 1910
1883 Dana J. C. (r) 1912
1883 Fleisher, E. H. (t Des M.) 1901
1883 Grabe, S. W. (t Mo.) 1889
1883 Green, S. A. (d) 1916
1883 Hoffman, R. A.
1883 Hollen, B. W. (d) 1915
1883 Leigh, W. R. (t Kans. Conf.) 1892
1883 Lockwood, J. H. (d) 1916
1883 Maxon, O. N. (t Des. M. Conf.) 1892
1883 McDowell, J. (d) 1914
1883 Miller, H. G. (d) 1887
1883 Morrill, I. G. (1) 1887
1883 Morrison, W. S. (d) , 1893
1883 Morton, L. V. (d) 1897
1883 Pattee, A. C. (1) 1890
1883 Pittinger, J. (t N. J. Conf.) 1880
1883 Riley, A. T. (t Kans.) 1885
1883 Saville, W. A. (t Holston) 1898
1883 See, A. N.
1883 Shackeeford, C. L. (d) 1899
1883 Stayt, J. A. (w) 1888
1883 Stolz, M. M.
1883 Tuttle, F. L. (t S. Cal.) 1887
1883 Walker, J. C.
1883 Zimmerman, E. R. (d) 1901
1884 Goodrich, E. E. (t Des M.) 1884
506 History of Methodism
1884 Meredith, W. J.
1884 Robinson, W. T. (t Col. R.) 1892
1884 Winterburn, G. W. (t Ida. C.) 1897
1885 Cannon, W. L.
1885 Ekey, J. F. (1) 1888
1885 Flowers, Jas (d) 1915
1885 Hewlett, B. F. (S. Cal.) 1888
1885 Manners, J. W. (1) 1893
1885 McCoy, M. S. (t Cent'l 111.) 1890
1885 Michener, E. P.
1885 Matson, W. A. (d) 1907
1885 Pickle, H. E. (1) 1893
1885 Rarick, G. L.
1885 Scott, J. W. (1) 1887
1885 Semans, S. L. (d) 1912
1885 Shackelford, J. T. (d) 1914
1885 Walker, N. A. (d) 1897
1885 Williams, W. H. (t Col.) 1889
1885 Wood, G. W. (t Des M.) 1889
1885 Woodward, G. H. (d) 1910
1885 Osman, J. 0. (t Mo. Con.) 1903
1886 McFadden, 0. J. R. 1889
1886 Best, A. W. J. (t St. Jn. R.) 1889
1886 Elder E. B. L. (t Ala.) 1905
1886 Loofbourow W. K. (Rock R.) 1905
1886 Sedore, W. M
1886 Staton, C. P. (t Puget Sd.) 1886
1887 Presby, J. W. (t N. Eng. S.) 1888
1887 Ferguson, S. R. (t Up. la.) 1890
1887 Housel, L. 0.
1887 Rhodes, B. F. (d) 1914
1887 Schuyler Aron (d) 1913
1887 Sweet, W. H. (d) 1919
1887 Cumbow, A. F. (N. W. Neb.) 1894
1887 Hall, I. S. (d) 1915
1887 Mahaffie, W. H. (t Pug. Sd.) 1892
In Northwest Kansas 507
1887 Ryan, J. M. (t Kans.) 1895
1887 Littell, W. C.
1887 Allen, Don A. (t Des M.) 1895
1887 Smith, J. P. (t Ind. Mis.) 1892
1887 Mayo, H. M. (t Colo.) 1895
1888 Moore, F. N. (t Ark.) 1891
1888 Moore, F. N. (w) 1889
1888 Glick, G. M. (d) 1917
1888 Edgar, J. W. (t Ida.) 1888
1888 Dugger, L. A.
1888 Orwig, J. B. (1) 1888
1888 Beckhart, A. D. (t Des Mo.) 1895
1889 Markley, A. J. (r) 1896
1889 Cheney, G. H. (d) 1913
1889 English, C. J. (t Des M.) 1890
1889 Taggart, T. J. G. (t Okl.) 1909
1889 Lucas, S. B. (w) 1898
1889 Robt. A. M. (t Des M.) 1894
1889 Perris C. V. (t S. Kans.) 1895
1889 King, J. L.
1889 Pierce, W. R. (t Genesee) 1897
1889 Bailiff, E. H. (d) 1905
1890 Murray, D. G. (t Ills.) 1891
1890 Stauber, B. T. (r) 1915
1890 Kuhn, J. H.
1890 Baker, Joseph (w) 1892
1890 McGurk D. (t Mo. Conf.) 1901
1890 Clark, J. F. (r) 1911
1891 Hood, G. W.
1891 Allen, J. P. (t Kans.) 1901
1891 Tennant, G. L. (t N. W. la.) 1892
1891 Miller, G. P. (t St. L. C.) 1905
1891 Jenkins, W. E. (t W. Neb.) 1905
1891 Johnson, J. F.
1891 Cox, F. N.
1891 Nash, Wm. (1) 1900
508 History of Methodism
1891 Morley, G. W. (t Mo.) 1891
1891 Baker, Jos. D. (r) 1891
1891 Kerr, Jas.
1891 Thompson, C. M. C. (t Okla.) 1910
1892 Brown, M. T. (t Des Mo.) 1894
1892 Alderman, E. J.
1892 Rogers, B. F.
1892 Smith, P. (w) 1900
1892 Rich, G. W. (w) 1898
1893 Windsor, T. A. (w) 1897
1893 Clark, J. F.
1893 Adams, J. W. (1) 1896
1893 Blundon, J. W. (d) 1915
1894 Line, C. E. (t Minn.) 1898
1894 Hutchins, E. L.
1894 McDade, R. H. (t Phil.) 1907
1894 Horn, J. C. (r) 1896
1895 Selby, W. T. (w) 1901
1895 Applebee, W. (1) 1899
1895 Templin, F. L. (t Sw. Kans.) 1911
1895 Talmadge, C. W. (r) 1915
1895 Jordan, W. C.
1895 Haupt, W. H. (w) 1897
1895 Hoff, J. H. (1) 1900
1895 Laird, J. H.
1896 Trueblood, C. E. (t Kans) 1899
1896 Davis, C. A.
1896 Gunckel, E. E.
1896 Clark, J. N. (1) 1899
1896 Warren, G. B. (t b. Neb.) ___ 1900
1896 Moulton, G. H. (w) 1900
1896 Kerr, M. L.
1896 Hazlett, A. L. (t Col.) 1901
1897 Allen, W. O. (t Okl. C.) 1903
1898 Cleveland, H. A. (t N. Minn.) 1905
1898 Monroe, J. A. (t S. Kans.) 1901
In Northwest Kansas 509
1898 Greene, W. E. (N. Neb. Conf. T.) 1905
1898 Cox, W. E. (t Pug. Sd.) 1904
1898 James, T. H. (d) 1905
1898 Smith, A. E. (w) 1900
1898 Willis, F. N. (t Upper la.) 1906
1898 Amherst, H. G. (t N. W. la 1904
1898 Morley, G. W. (r) 1891
1899 Perry, Frank H. (1) 1901
1899 Holter, H. O. (t Kans. C.) 1910
1899 Bates, J. W. (t Mo.) 1916
1899 Hulbert, W. W. (t Cal.) 1911
1899 Scott, W. E.
1899 Wynant, C. W. (d) 1910
1899 Mann, H. P. (d) 1912
1899 Allen, E. V. (t Kans.) 1901
1899 Dunham, R. E. (w) 1910
1899 Sexton, J. M. (1) 1912
1900 St. John, C. H. (d) 1904
1901 Barber, S. (t Kans. C.) 1904
1901 Muse, C. H. (t Ky. C.) 1905
1901 Shelton, A. H. (1) 1911
1901 Arnett, J. A. (t Mo.) 1902
1901 Schermerhorn, W. D. (t S. Dak.)
1902 Harris, J. D. (t Ark. C.) 1903
1902 Ragle, N. S.
1902 Brown, U. S.
1902 Raby, F. P. (t Okla.) 1909
1902 Raby, F. P. (t Okl.) 1909
1902 Freemain, L. B.
1902 Bowen, H. H. (t St. Jn's R.) 1912
1902 Lorenz, H. J.
1902 Stevens, C. W.
1902 Dews, W. M. (t Puget Sd.) 1909
1902 Smith, A. N.
1903 Templin, H. M.
1903 Wardrip, S. B. (t Ky.) 1908
510 History of Methodism
1903 Brayman, W. E. (t Neb.) 1909
1903 Cowman, C. H.
1903 Hutchins, B. F. (t Neb. C.) 1904
1903 Morton, A. J. (t S. Kans. C.) 1906
1903 Northrop, A. C. (t N. W. Ind.) 1904
1903 See, J. N. (Sup.)
1903 Semans, A. S. (t S. Dak.) 1918
1903 Tannehill, E. H. (t S. W. Kans.) 1905
1903 Terry, M. G.
1903 Snyder, C. M.
1904 Goodrich, M. E. (t W. Va.) 1905
1904 Woods, C. C . (t S . Cal.) 1908
1904 Burnett, G. M. (t W. Neb.) 1908
1904 Rutledge, R. S. (t S .W . Kans.) 1909
1904 Kemp, L. W. (t S. Kans.) 1906
1904 Alexander, L. M.
1904 Fleisher, Harry (r) 1911
1904 Gessell, O. (t Kans.) 1914
1904 Gilmore, J. B.
1904 Wolfe, H. W .
1904 Brooks, B. D.
1904 McKeeve, L. A. 1906
1904 Borton, J. O.
1905 Eldridge, J. M. (t Col. C.) 1907
1905 Loomis, M. F. (d) 1917
1905 Nichols, Don W. (t W. Va.) 1914
1905 Stelson, F. D.
1905 Seidel, H. C. (t Neb. C.) 1905
1905 Uncapher, W. E.
1905 Koser, A. C. (t Kans.) 1910
1905 Bruner, A. J. (t Kans. C.) 1905
1905 Davis, J. S. (t W. Neb.)
1905 Christenburg, G. H. (t. Holston 1906
1905 McKean, I. L.
1905 Pierce, W. A.
1905 Mickey, J. J. (t Ore.) 1912
In Northwest Kansas 511
1905 Harper, W. S. (w) 1910
1905 Templin, J. A.
1906 Neil, W. H. (t la. C.) 1912
1906 Dennis, J. F.
1906 Johnson, F. C. (t Col.) 1911
1906 Newman, A. A. (t Holston) 1907
1906 Nixon, T. J.
1906 Green, J. A.
1906 Wilks, J. T. (d) 1911
1906 Holland, W. H. (t Mo. C.) 1907
1906 Shuler Jas. (t S. Kans.) 1908
1906 Thomas, J. R.
1907 Turrentine, E. T. (Mo. Conf.) 1913
1907 Van Gundy, W. A.
1907 Lockwood, F. C. (t Rock R.) 1895
1907 Ward, W. J.
1907 Evans, P. (1) 1911
1907 Henslee, W. C. (t Nw. Ind.) 1918
1907 Darnell, O. A.
1907 Hampton, W. H. (t Ore. C.) 1910
1907 Phillipe, W. A. (t 111.) 1908
1907 Cummins, W. T. (t St. L.) 1909
1908 Carter, W. T. (t Mo. C.) 1910
1908 Carder, J. B. (t Kans.) 1308
1908 Chappell, S. A.
1908 Hunter, J. K.
19G£ Rockwell, L. E.
1908 Kippell, J. A.
1908 Steere, L.
1908 James, A. W. (r) 1909
1908 Ryder, G. M.
1908 Dorsey, A. W. (1) 1909
1908 Hicks, L. C.
1909 Smith, R. P. (t Mont.) 1916
1909 Rice, A. D.
1909 Martin, G. W. (t Okl.) 1913
512 History of Methodism
1909 Baker, C. (t Mo. C.) 1910
1909 Thomas, B. F. (t Nw. la.) 1912
1909 Sitterley, E. F. (d) 1916
1909 Miller, J. Morton
1909 Muir, C. W. (t Neb. C.) 1910
1909 Davis, M. E. (t Okl.)
1909 Johnson, G.
1£99 Plantz, J. A. (t R. R.) 1916
1909 Tinker, C. E.
1909 Starbuck, M. R.
1909 Labourn, L. E.
1910 Smith, Atlree
1910 Wade, C. R.
1910 Randall, H. P. (1) 1912
1910 Newton, J. M.
1910 Harding, F. N. (t N. Wis.) 1913
1910 Stafford, G. W. (t Kans. C.) 1912
1910 Fort, Geo. C. (t N. Y. E.) 1913
1910 Onstott, D. (t Ky. C.) 1911
1910 Sites, J. B.
1910 Renner, G. T.
1910 Rath, E. C.
1910 Moorman, C. W. (T. S. 111.)
1910 Basquin, H. P. (T. Kans.) 1913
1910 Dick, A. W. 1910
1910 Fisher, C. A. (r R. R.) 1916
1910 Cook, L. E.
1910 Beltz, D. C. (t Ala.) 1913
1910 Stalnaker, W. K. W. 1912
1910 Sullivan, C. A. (T. Kans.) 1913
1911 Brown, R. M. (t S. 111.) 1913
1911 Fry, W. S.
1911 Allen, C. B. (t Cal. C.) 1911
1911 Hurbut, W. W.
1911 Wilson, J. E.
1911 Bridwell, E.
In Northwest Kansas 513
1911 Ross, M. D. (t S. Ind.) 1913
1911 Jones, R. N. (t S. 111. C.) 1912
1911 Fellows, C. A.
1911 Hall, G. R.
1911 Watson, J. B. (t Colo. C.) 1912
1911 Misel, O. M.
1911 Chambers, J. W. M.
1911 Creamer, J. R. (t Kans.) 1913
1911 Casselman, G. C. (1) 1915
1911 Carlton, A. L.
1911 Reed, C. N. (r)
1912 Brannon, L. L. (t Okl.) 1914
1912 Harris, J. D. (t Ark. C.) 1912
1912 Hale, A. S.
1912 Wood, C. E.
1912 Magee, D. B.
1912 Brown, F. C. (t S. 111.) 1913
1912 Christensen, A. H. (t Kans.) 1914
1912 Johnson, F. C. (t Colo.) 1911
1912 Westerman, J. A.
1912 Smith, W. G.
1912 Freeman, 0. M. (t S. Da.) 1916
1912 Caldwell, W. E. (t Wy.) 1916
1912 Bennett, A. G.
1913 Brimlow, T. M.
1913 Gibson, G. A. (1 d) 1917
1913 Irie, C. W.
1913 Van Leer, M. B. (t Centl. I.) 1916
1913 Wickman, M. L.
1913 Proven, F. R. (t Kans.) 1914
1913 Hoon, T. E.
1913 Waggoner, G.
1913 Wall, C. E.
1913 Courter, F. L.
1913 Cutler, L. C.
1913 Brown, C. M.
514 History of Methodism
1913 Muxlow, Thos. (d) 1917
1913 Allen, W. A.
1914 Colvin, D. H.
1914 Webb, J. A.
1914 Sernans, C. J.
1914 Kind, C. H.
1914 Flowers, C. R.
1914 Morgan, R. E.
1915 Allen, 0. B.
1915 Wall, G. W.
1915 Sutton, R. K.
1915 Woodward, W. R.
1915 White, J. P.
1915 Cunningham, F. B.
1915 Cobb, L. C.
1915 F. L. Farley 1917
1915 Gunckel, D. O. 1917
1915 Mourve, L. 1917
1915 King, C. J. H. (d) 1916
1915 Dussair, J. C. 1917
1915 Mann, G. P. 1917
1915 Hall, C. E. 1917
1916 Barber, Samuel 1917
1916 John, F. Harmon
1916 Louis Hassel
1916 F. E. Madden
1916 Thomas Miller
1916 M. H. Mathisl
1916 James Taylor
1916 Geo. Winters
1916 E. H. Fidton
1916 L. M. Canfield
1916 Bethel Cook
1916 W. Carle Green
1916 0. E. Shaal
1916 Milton E. Smith
In Northwest Kansas 515
1916 Spalding, C. E.
1916 John P. White
1917 J. B. Cummins (S. 111.)
1917 Noah Dunthit (S. 111.)
1917 W. A. Fortner
1917 B. C. Wolfe
1917 0. G. Brown
1917 R. C. Myers
1918 E. Hislop 1918
1918 G. W. Martin 1918
1918 C. A. Erdman 1918
1918 C. P. Eklund 1918
1918 W. I. Torbit 1918
APPENDIX B.
THOSE ADMITTED ON TRIAL.
Those who were received on trial, date on left in-
dicates when received, on right when relation was
changed. A means admitted into Conference, dis. dis-
continued, w withdrawn, d died, t transferred, r re-
moved from Conference without record as to where or
in what way.
1883 Cannon, W. L. (a) 1884
1883 Cary, E. G. (dis.) 1885
1883 Flowers, James (a) 1885
1883 Goodrich, E. (a) 1884
1883 Hewlett, B. F. (a) 1885
1883 Manners, J. W. (a) 1885
1883 Meredith, W. J. (a) 1884
1883 Pickel, H. E. (a) 1885
1884 Donor, W. H. (a) 1885
1884 Pharo, A. (dis.) 1886
1884 Stayton, C. P. (a) 1886
1883 Price, E. R. (d) 1884
1883 Rarick, G. L. (a) 1885
1883 Robinson, W. T. (a) 1884
516 History of Methodism
1883 Semans, S. L. (a) 1885
1883 Williams, W. H. (a) 1885
1883 Winterburn, G. W. (a) 1884,
1883 Woodward, G. H. (a) 1885
1884 Allen, Don A. (a) 1887
1884 Burt, D. W. (t Colo.) 1888
1884 Crumley, A. (dis.) 1887
1884 Littel, W. C. (a) 1887
1884 Mayo, H. M. (a) 1887
1884 Morse, A. M. (dis.) 1887
1885 Ryan, J. M. (a) 1887
1885 Smith, J. P. (a) 1887
1885 Stayton, C. P. (a) 1886
1886 Edgar, J. W. (a) 1888
1886 Dugger, L. A. (a) 1888
1886 Orwig, J. B. (a) 1888
1886 Cheney, G. H. (a) 1889
1887 English, C. J. (a) 1889
1887 Lott, A. M. (a) 1889
1887 Lucas, S. B. (a) 1889
1887 Markley, A. J. (a) 1889
1887 Taggart, T. J. H. (a) 1889
1887 Stocking, William (dis.) 1889
1887 Swahlen, W. F. (dis.) 1891
1888 Plummer, H. S. (dis.) 1890
1888 Cox, F. T. (a) r 1891
1888 Morley, G. W. (a) 1891
1888 Johnson, J. F. (a) 1891
1888 Baker, Joseph (a) 1890
1888 Tennant, G. L. (a) 1891
1888 Murray, D. G. (a) 1890
1888 Kuhn, J. H. (a) 1890
1888 McGurk, D. (a) 1890
1889 Jenkins, W. E. (a) 1890
1889 Allen, J. P. (a) 1891
1889 Miller, G. P. (a) 1891
In Northwest Kansas 517
1889 Nash, William (a) 1891
1890 Lockwood, F. C. (a) 1894
1890 Wheat, G. W. (a) 1891
1890 Thompson, C. M. C. (a) 1894
1890 Rogers, B. F. (a) 1892
1890 Clark, J. F. (a) 1893
1891 Adams, J. W. (a) 1893
1891 Blundon, J. W. (a) 1893
1891 Quinn, R. A. (t Iowa) 1893
1892 Moyer, M. O. (a) 1897
1892 Allen, J. M. (dis.) 1901
1892 Gouldin, L. F. (dis.) 1895
1892 Jordan, W. C. (a) 1895
1892 Templin, F. L. (a) 1895
1893 Sheldon, H. H. (t S. Kans.) 1895
1893 Damon, E. E. (t Ida. C.) 1897
1893 Bowen, H. H. (a) 1902
1893 Laird, J. H. (a) 1895
1893 Kerr, M. L. (a) 1896
]893 Mumford, M. J. (a) 1897
1893 Haupt, W. H. (a) 1895
1893 Talmadge, C. W. (a) 1895
1893 Hoff, H. (a) 1895
1893 Evause, M. T. (a) 1898
1893 Hazlett, A. L. (a) 1896
1893 Allen, W. O. (a) 1897
1893 Clinger, J. A. (dis.) 1896
1894 Morris, J. V. (t Central Tenn.) 1897
1894 Hogan, John (t Okl.) 1896
1894 Colwell, F. A. (t Okl.) 1900
1894 Davis, C. A. (a) 1896
1894 Gunckell, E. E. (a) 1896
1894 Clark, J. N. (a) 1896
1894 Warren, G. B. (a) 1896
1894 Kerr, James (a) 1898
1894 McPeek, J. W. (dis.) 1896
518 History of Methodism
1894 Trueblood, C. E. (a) 1896
1894 Cummings, W. T. (d) 1894
L895 Elwell, S. C. (dis.) 1898
1895 Kelley, W. B. (a) 1897
1895 Suapp, J. W. (a) 1897
1895 Jones, O. F. (d) 1898
1896 Vandervort, W. S. (a) 1895
1896 Selby, W. T. (a) 1895
1898 Green, W. E. (a) 1898
1896 James, T. H. (a) 1898
1896 Cox, W. E. (a) 1898
1896 Willis, F. N. (a) 1898
1896 Smith, A. E. (w) 1900
1896 McWright, W. A. (dis.) 1898
1896 Stevenson, C. H. (t N. Minn.) 1897
1897 Allen, E. V. (a) 1900
1897 Bates, J. W. (a) 1899
1897 Scott, W. E. (a) 1899
1897 Hurlbut, W. W. (a) 1899
1897 Holter, H. 0. (a) 1899
1897 Lorenz, H. J. (a) 1902
1898 Sexton, J. M. (a) 1900
1898 Dunham, R. E. (a) 1900
1898 Ramsey, J. J. (dis.) 1899
1899 Templin, H. M. (t New Ark.) 1902
1899 Schermerhorn, W. D. (a) 1901
1899 Arnett, J. A. (a) 1900
1899 McKiddy, H. A. (dis.) 1902
1899 See, J. N. (a) 1903
1899 Woolever, W. O. (t) 1899
1899 Dimond, R. A. (t) 1900
1899 Ragle, N. S. (a) 1902
1899 Manker, H. A. (w) 1900
1899 Falgren, C. A. (w) 1900
1899 Perry, F. H. G. (a) 1900
1900 Dews, W. M. (a) 1902
In Northwest Kansas 519
1000 Raby, F. P. (a) 1902
1900 Clark, I. L. (dis.) 1902
1900 Mann, Grant (dis.) 1904
1900 Tremain, L. B. (a) 1902
1900 Stevens, C. W. (a) 1902
1900 Smith, J. M. (dis.) 1902
1900 Snyder, C. M. (a) 1903
1900 Tanneyhill, E. H. (a) 1903
1900 Morton, A. J. (a) 1903
1900 Brayman, W. E. (a) 1903
1900 Northrop, A. E. (a) 1903
1900 Semans, A. L. (a) 1903
1900 Cowman, C. H. (a) 1903
1900 Terry, M. H. (a) 1903
1900 Gilmore, J. B. (a) 1904
1900 Wolfe, H. W. (a) 1904
1900 Allison, W. T. (t Ok.) 1903
1903 Christenberry, G. H. (a) 1905
1903 McKean, I. L. (a) 1905
1903 Pierce, W. A. (a) 1905
1903 Harper, W. S. (a) 1905
1903 Mickey, J. J. (a) 1905
1903 Nixon, T. J. (a) 1906
1904 Green, J. A. (a) 1906
1904 Wilks, J. T. (a) 1906
1904 Holland, W. H. (a) 1906
1904 Winslow, G. J. (dis.) 1905
1904 Lawyer, H. C. (dis.) 1907
1905 Darnell, O. A. (a) 1907
1905 Schmidt, A. C. (t Kans.) 1907
1905 Henslee, W. C. (a) 1907
1905 Hampton, W. H. (a) 1907
1905 Phillippe, W. A. (a) 1907
1906 Dorsey, A. W. (a) 1908
1906 Craven, J. H. (t N. Neb.) 1912
1906 Myers, R. J. (t S. W. Kans.) 1908
520 History of Methodism
1906 Herrington, W. W. (t Kans.) 1908
1906 Davis, B. F. (t Kans.) 1907
1906 Johnson, G. (a) 1909
1906 Hicks, L. C. (a) 1908
1906 Armstrong, W. A. (t Cal.) 1910
1907 Cook, L. E. (a) 1908
1907 Jordan, C. C. (t N. Ind.) 1912
1907 Laybourne, L. E. (a) 1909
1907 Plantz, J. A. (a) 1909
1907 Tinker, C. E. (a) 1909
1907 Pierce, W. N. (dis.) 1910
1907 Harris, W. C. (r) 1908
1907 Starbuck, M. R. (a) 1909
1908 Rath, E. C. (a) 1910
1908 Moorman, C. W. (t S. 111.) 1910
1908 Corrie, C. M. (t Ills.) 1910
1908 Basquin, H. P. (a) 1910
1908 Dick, A. W. (a) 1910
1909 Chambers, J. E. M. (a) 1911
1909 Creamer, J. R. (t a Kans.) 1911
1909 Casselman, G. C. (a) 1911
1909 Reed, C. M. (a) 1911
1909 Fisher, C. A. (a) 1910
1909 Carlton, A. L. (a) 1911
1910 Whittsitt, V. V. (a) 1918
1910 Hoyt, W. F. (dis.) 1912
1910 Kolsky, C. (d) 1915
1910 Freeman, O. M. (a) 1912
1910 Courter, F. L. (a) 1914
1910 Medley, F. G. (dis.) 1912
1911 Ross, M. D. (t So. Ind.) 1914
1911 Hall, C. E. (a) 1913
1911 Hendrickson, W. W. (dis. w) 1915
1911 Morgan, R. E. (a) 1914
1911 Lathrop, Frank (a HI.) 1913
1911 Read, W. B. (t Colo.) 1914
In Northwest Kansas 521
1911 Clark, W. N. (t Rock R.) 1915
1910 Henslee, A. C. (a) 1913
1910 Cutler, L. C. (a) 1913
1912 Monroe, L. (a) 1915
1912 Harbold, P. R. (t Mo.) 1913
1912 Gunckel, D. 0. (a) 1915
1912 Munson, F. L. (t Ida.) 1913
1912 Sernans, C. J. (a) 1914
1912 Strite, W. W. (t Col. R.) 1916
1912 Glazier, W. (r) 1912
1912 Pruit, R. F. (dis.) 1914
1912 King, C. H. (a) 1914
1912 Green, W. C. (a) 1916
1912 Bryans, Alex, (t S. Kans.) 1913
1912 Flowers, C. R. (a) 1914
1912 Muxlow, Thos. (a) 1912
1912 Brown, J. E. (d) 1913
1912 Goldin, H. R. (d) 1915
1912 Brown, C. M.
1913 Waggoner, G. (a) 1913
1913 Winters, Geo. (t 111.) 1914
1913 Cunningham, F. B. (a) 1915
1913 Dussair, J. C.
1913 Cobb, L. C. (a) 1915
1913 Farley, F. L. (a) 1915
1913 Zook, W. H. (a) 1917
1914 Schaal, 0. E. (a) 1916
1914 Cook, Bethel (a) 1916
1914 Canfield, L. M. (a) 1916
1914 Parker, Robert (a) 1917
1914 Smith, M. E. (a) 1916
1914 Warren, A. W. G
1914 Cox, C. C. (dis.) 1916
1914 Spalding, C. E.
1915 Harbour, E. 0. (a) 1917
1915 Mickey, L. I. (dis.) 1917
522 History of Methodism
1915 Lowhcad, R. E. (a) 1917
1915 Armstrong, W. A. (d) 1916
1915 White, J. P. (a) 1916
1916 Fred Blanding (a) 1918
1916 M. H. Bisbee (a) 1918
1916 H. C. Marston
1916 E. S. Pangburn
1916 L. N. Templin
1917 E. M. Bisbee
1917 Nelson, S. Bossing
1917 Vera Daniels
1917 A. J. Glanz
1917 E. K. Hillbrand
1917 C. Merle Nutter
1917 H. C. Atkins
1917 Mark E. Smith
1917 Ralph Snyder
1918 Roy D. Plott
1918 F. G. Smith
1918 J. H. Strayer
1918 LeRoy F. Arend
1918 R. W. Johnson
1918 D. E. Railing
1918 P. H. Smith
1918 John T. Frazer
1918 James Roberts
In Northwest Kansas 523
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History of Methodism
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In Northwest Kansas
525
APPENDIX D.
LOCAL PREACHERS ORDAINED.
DEACONS.
1883 McRacken, A. J.
1891 McPeek, J. W.
1883 Medcraft, John
1891 Hoff, J. H.
1883 Core, E. G.
1891 Quinn, R. A.
1883 Mitchell, H.
1891 Allen, J. M.
1884 Blundon, J. W.
1891 Bennett, W. R.
1884 Staton, C. P.
1892 Allen, W. 0.
1884 Flowers, Jas.
1893 Smith, F. A.
1884 Williams, W. H.
1893 Clinger, Jas. A.
1884 Edgar, J. W.
1893 Hazlett, A. L.
1884 Crumley, A.
1893 Lockwood, F. C.
1886 Kurtz, I.
1893 Laird, J. H.
1886 Markley, A. J.
1893 Brown, J. E.
1886 Burt, D. W.
1894 Hall, L. M.
1886 Harper, B. F.
1894 Johnson, J.
1886 Horton, J.
1895 Beauchamp, N. W.
1886 Morley, G. W.
1896 Keeley, W. B.
1886 Enyart, A.
1896 Henslee, A. C.
1886 English, C. J.
1896 Mueller, E. W.
1889 Day, W. C.
1896 Colwell, F. A.
1889 York, F. C.
1897 Sage, G. W.
1889 Ellis, A.
1897 Leake, J. S.
1889 Booth, I.
1898 Washburn, H. D.
1889 Bell, J. M.
1898 French, D. E.
1889 Armstrong, W. A.
1904 Thompson, J. R.
1890 Wheat, G. W.
1905 Schmidt, C. F.
1890 Colegrove, H. P.
1905 Phillippe, W. A.
1891 Adams, J. W.
1908 Brown, Maurice
L891 Baker, J. D.
1911 Griffin, L. H.
1891 Kerr, Jas.
1917 Simpson, Chas. H.
1891 Mitchel, A. T.
526
History of Methodism
LOCAL ELDERS.
1888 Blundon, J. W.
1897 Allen, J. M.
1890 Kurtz, Isaac
1903 Beauchamp, N. W.
1890 Armitstead, J. G.
H.
1905 Frencn, D. E.
1891 Harrison, D.
1907 Wilson, E. H.
1893 Lewis, J. B.
1907 Hicks, L. C.
1893 Booth, Isaac
1908 Thompson, J. R.
1896 Bates, J. T.
1916 Griffin, L. H.
1896 Hurlbut, W. W.
1917 Carpenter, C. E.
1897 Strange, W. L.
1918 Henderick, R. R.
1897 Allen, W. 0.
In Northwest Kansas 527
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In Northwest Kansas 529
APPENDIX F.
DISTRICTS AND PRESIDING ELDER IN CHARGE.
1883 Beloit J. H. Lockwood
1883 Kirwin H. G. Breed
1883 Salina A. N. See
1884 Beloit C. S. Shackelford
1885 Kirwin H. G. Breed
1886 Ellsworth M. M. Stolz
1886 Norton S. A. Green
1886 Osborne J. Boicourt
1886 Salina J. H. Lockwood
1887 Salina J. H. Lockwood
1888 Beloit E. P. Michener
1889 Beloit E. P. Michener
1890 Beloit E. P. Michener
1891 Norton E.W.Allen
1892 Ellsworth A. N. See
1892 Beloit J. A. Bull
1892 Salina W. H. Sweet
1893 Concordia F. D. Baker
1893 Ellsworth W. A. Saville
1893 Norton E. W. Allen
1893 Salina W. H. Sweet
1894 Salina W. H. Sweet
1895 Ellsworth I. McDowell
1896 Norton M. M. Stolz
1897 Norfon M. M. Stolz
1898 Beloit J. H. Lockwood
1898 Norton L. 0. Housel
1898 Salina M. M. Stolz
1899 Concordia T. J. H. Taggart
1900 Concordia T. J. H. Taggart
1901 Ellsworth A. N. See
1902 Ellsworth A. N. See
1903 Ellsworth A. N. See
530 History of Methodism
1904 Beloit F.D.Baker
1905 Norton W. J. Meredith
1905 Salina B. T. Stauber
1905 Concordia C. W. Wynant
1906 Concordia C. W. Wynant
1907 Ellsworth U.S.Brown
1908 Ellsworth U. S. Brown
1909 Ellsworth U. S. Brown
1910 Colby _M. F. Loomis
1910 Mankato *L. E. Rockwell
1910 Salina J. W. Snapp
1911 Salina J. W. Snapp
1912 Salina J. W. Snapp
1913 Ellsworth C. W. Stevens
1914 Ellsworth C. W. Stevens
1915 Mankato H. M. Templin'
1916 Salina G.R.Hall
1916 Colby M. G. Terry
APPENDIX G.
PASTORAL CHARGES AND DATES OF ORGANIZATION.
Districts and Pastoral Charges, with date when
first appearing in minutes:
1868 Salina, Smoky Hill, Manhattan District.
1870 Solomon, Concordia.
1871 Clyde and Salt Marsh, Lake Sibley and Con-
cordia, Beloit, Salina Circuit, Jewell.
1872 Belleville, Cawker, Osborne, Minneapolis, Rice.
1873 Scipio, Smith Center, Delphos, Ellsworth, Rus-
sell, Smoky Hill.
1874 White Rock, Marsh Valley, Kirwin.
1875 Seapo.
1876 Saline River Circuit, Salt Creek, Gypsum Creek,.
Beloit Circuit, Phillipsburg, Norton Center.
1877 Brookville, Saltville, Delhi, Jewell Center, Mt.
Hope.
In Northwest Kansas 531
1878 Venaugo, Round Springs, Lime Stone, German-
town, Pottersburg, Rooks, Decatur, Hays
City, Ellis, Russell.
1879 Wilson, Scottville, Solomon Rapids, Downs,
Glen Elder, N. Plum Creek, Cedarville, Long
Island, Logan, Solomon Valley, Spring City,
Oberlin, Letta, Jennings, Graham Center,
Sugar Loaf, Alcona, Stockton, Bull City,
Medicine Creek, Plainville, Bristow, Wa-
Keeney.
1880 Gorham, Vesper, Bennington, Mellville and
Ellsworth Center, Oak Hill, Lenora, Atwood,
Jamestown, Burr Oak, Nelson Center and
Enterprise, Brown's Creek, Scandia, Oak
Creek, Republic City, Greenleaf, Bunker Hill,
North Plum Creek, Deer Creek, N. Beaver r
Cobyer, Lenora, Sheridan, Atwood and
Beaver.
1881 Ionia and McCabe Chapel, Mankato, Ellis, Gra-
ham, Marvin, Cora.
1882 Conference is organized. The districts are Be-
loit, Kirwin and Salina.
1882 Bunker Hill Circuit, Coursens Grove, Glasco,
Scandia, Omio, Oberlin, Roscoe, Plainville.
1883 Ada, Mentor, Monroe, Paradise, Highland and
Harrison, Cedarville, Pleasant Plain, State.
1884 Minneapolis Circuit, Salina Second Church,
Reubens, Twelve Mile, Judson, Clayton.
1885 Devizis, Kirwin Circuit, Kenneth, Portis, At-
wood.
1886 Two new districts are formed. They are now
Beloit, Ellsworth, Norton, Osborne and Sa-
lina. Reamsville, Alton, Cumberland, Salem,
Grover, Victor, Burr Oak Circuit, Wayne,
Hollis, Golden Belt, Grainfield, WaKeeney
Circuit, Wallace, Lebanon, Achilies, Bird
532 History of Methodism
City, Dickeyville, Jackson, Norcatur, Voltair,
Oakley, Milbrook, Hoxie, Colby.
1887 Belleville Circuit, Ida, Gorham, Gove City,
Densmore, Atwood Circuit, Herndon, Loyle,
Norton Circuit, Prairie View, Sherman Cen-
ter and Eustis, Shiboleth, Webster, Woodruff,
Prospect, Wormer, Woodston, Beverly and
Tescott, Culver, Lamar, Kanapolis, Sharon
Springs, Sylvan Grove, Russell Circuit, Rus-
sell Springs, Milo, Victor.
1888 Elkadore, Fremont, Goodland, Alma, Hoxie,
Lawnridge, Phillipsburg Circuit, Mattison,
Blakeman, Waldo, Vine Creek, Agra, Barn-
ard, Lindsburg, Marquette.
1889 Courtland, Formoso, Mankato Circuit, Ogallah,
Narka, Cuba, Augustine Springs, Brewster,
Banner, Grainfield, Hollyrood, Hill City,
Palco, Lucas, Utica, Shields, Walker, Webb,
Oronoque, Rexford, St. Francis, Luray, Mun-
den, Densmore.
1890 Beloit District becomes the Concordia District.
Codell, LaBlanche, Galatia, Goodland Circuit,
LaCross, Penoka, Ransom Winona, Kanona,
Selden.
1891 Warwick, Griswold, Monument, Lebanon, Ys-
Cracken.
1892 Beloit District takes its former place and Os-
borne drops out. Maryville, Webber, Skel-
ton, Ruleton, St. Francis Circuit, Natoma,
Dana, Burr Oak Circuit.
1893 Kensington, Pierce City, Verbeck, Edson, Kano-
rado, Levant, Bellair.
1894 Randall, Morland, Claflin, Hays City Circuit,
WaKeeney Circuit, Oberlin Circuit, Paradise.
1895 Esbon, Linda.
1896 Wells.
In Northwest Kansas 533
1897 Deviger, Dresden, Lamburn, Bloomington.
1898 Bow Creek, Woodruff.
1900 Walnut, Lorain, Agra.
1901 Quinter, Riverside, Birkville, Gem, Lucas.
1903 Beaver Valley, Ransom Circuit.
1904 Orion.
1905 Bohemian Church, Cuba, Simpson, Cedar Bluffs.
1907 Covert, Bassettville, St. Francis Circuit, Mont-
rose, Talmo, Brownville.
1908 Morland Circuit, Bethel.
1909 Districts are rearranged. Norton drops out.
Mankato takes place of Belleville and Con-
cordia. Blue Hill, Traer, Glade, John Huss,
University Church, Studley.
1910 Loyle, Lucas Circuit, Utica, Speed.
1911 Codell, New Cambria, Mt. Hope.
1912 Dorrence.
1914 Excelsior, Cedar, Star, Carneiro, Agenda.
1915 Roxbury.
1916 Ruleton.
1917 Survey, Hill City Circuit, Wheeler, Zurich,
Grand Avenue, Salina, Oakdale.
534 History of Methodism
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In Northwest Kansas
APPENDIX I.
535
SALARIES OF PASTORS.
Totals by Decades.
Year High Low Aver. Def.
1883 $1200 $ 82 $380 $5249
1884 1150 80 480 4754
1885 1200 105 437 5196
1886 1200 42 468 4958
1887 1350 112 483 5143
1888 1350 58 449 11626
1889 1350 30 424 13766
1890 1350 38 430 10626
1891 1350 31 368 16369
1892 1350 25 422 10350
12650 583 434.1 10037
1893 1350 50 446 8065
1894 1544 26 445 11851
1895 1500 37 376 16294
1896 1350 105 351 18137
1897 1265 50 396 14218
1898 1200 45 454 8265
1898 1200 45 454 8265
1899 1550 72 465 8034
1900 1200 100 470 5316
190-1 1200 50 492 6999
1902 1200 80 512 6055
1455.9 66.0 486.1 1049
1903 1340 60 515 5894
1904 1500 50 570 3149
1905 2100 100 596 4103
1906 2100 172 615 3428
1907 2300 284 775 2476
1908 2300 347 749 4418
1909 2400 261 870 4185
1910 2433 163 810 5188
536
History of Methodism
Year
High
Low-
Aver.
Def.
1911
2900
380
888 5672
1912
2900
200
811 10812
2227.3
211.7
719.09 2932.5
1913
3900
190
910 9772
1914
2900
144
903 6922
1915
2900
120
817 3983
1916
2900
42
935 3533
1917
Av. 6052
APPENDIX J.
SPECIAL SERMONS.
The General Conference of 1852 ordered the
Bishops to appoint at each Annual Conference one of
its members to preach a missionary sermon at its next
session.
This table shows the appointee each year:
1883 Strange Brooks
1884 C. L. Shackelford
1885 F. D. Baker
1886 D. D. Campbell
1887 R. A. Caruthers
1888 C. W. Caseley
1889 W. H. Mahaffie
1890 W. K. Loofbourrow
1891 W. K. Loofbourrow
1892 C. L. Shackelford
1893 A. D. Beckhart
1894 A. D. Beckhart
1895 A. D. Beckhart
1896 R. H. McDade
1897 R. B. Beaty
1898 A. L. Hazlett
1899 H. A. Cleveland
1900 B. T. Stauber
1901 A. N. See
1902 W. H. Sweet
1903 E. L. Hutchins
1904 J. M. Miller
1905 C. W. Wynant
1906 C. W. Wynant
1907 H. G. Bowen
1908 H. J. Lorenz
1909 H. O. Holter
1910 H. O. Holter
1911 J. L. King
1912 C. M. Snyder
1913 Attree Smith
1914 G. R. Hall
1915 D. B. McGee
1916 G. M. Ryder
This list is not accurate. It shows the man who-
was appointed, but the sermon was sometimes de-
livered by the alternate, who is not known.
In Northwest Kansas 537
APPENDIX K.
CHURCH PROPERTY.
Totals by Decades.
Year No. Churches Val. No. Parsonages Value
1883 48 $50,360 33 $17,525
1884 49 67,802 37 20,865
1885 54 109,841 43 25,850
1886 63 132,815 50 31,900
1887 77 182,986 54 39,300
1888 87 202,401 55 43,500
1889 88 183,133 56 39,610
1890 99 211,975 61 41,520
1891 98 207,500 63 41,700
1892 97 210,550 63 43,100
1,559,263 344,860
1893 110 240,200 68 45,600
1894 123 237,946 76 45,585
1895 123 242,430 76 46,060
1896 120 228,100 75 39,900
1897 121 229,000 74 41,550
1898 134 250,293 80 44,523
1899 138 268,650 81 46,323
1890 143 276,900 88 54,400
1901 151 293,300 93 57,480
1902 155 314,150 96 72,952
2,580,969 494,393
1903 161 321,450 97 74,725
1904 167 330,705 101 87,875
1905 171 367,200 108 97,610
1906 182 411,555 111 114,015
1907 189 488,923 114 136,960
1908 191 532,825 118 158,050
1909 199 580,025 117 168,450
1910 207 713,002 122 194,000
1911 216 712,000 124 209,460
538 History of Methodism
Year
No. Churches Val. No.
Parsonages Value
1912 _
212
712,100
5,168,850
124
207,810
1,597,550
1913 _
220
807,228
126
208.660
1914 _
214
790,433
125
207,250
1915 _
213
770,340
123
206,310
1916 _
212
736,650
3,109,651
APPENDIX L.
127
227,744
2,499,640
CONSTITUTION OF ITINERANTS' CLUB.
Article 1. This organization shall be known as the
Itinerants' Club of the Northwest Kansas Confer-
ence.
Article 2. Object. The object of this organization
shall be the spiritual, intellectual and social improve-
ment of its members.
Article 3. Membership. Any member or probation-
er of this Conference, or any local preacher within the
bounds of the Conference, may become a member of
this organization by signing the constitution.
Article 4. Sec. 1. Officers. The officers of this so-
ciety shall be a president, a vice-president for each
Presiding Elder's district, a treasurer and a secre-
tary.
Sec. 2. The president, secretary and treasurer shall
be elected by ballot on the Thursday P. M. of each
Conference session. The vice-president shall be chosen
by the members of the several districts, at the first
district meeting of each Conference year.
Article 5. Duties of Officers. The president, secre-
tary and treasurer shall discharge the duties usually
devolving upon such officers, and such other duties as
may be specified in the Constitution or bylaws of the
Society. In the absence of the president, the vice-
president shall preside ; the order of seniority being
In Northwest Kansas 539
determined by the alphabetical order of the districts.
Each vice-president shall have charge of all meetings
and all other interests of the club within the bounds
of his district.
Article 6. Executive Committee. The president, sec-
retary and treasurer shall constitute an executive
committee, which shall have charge of the business
management of the club.
Article 7. Sec. 1. Courses of Study. For the intel-
lectual improvement of the members, two courses of
study shall be provided.
Sec. 2. Conference Studies. The first shall consist
of the regular Conference studies and shall be ar-
ranged in five divisions, viz: (1) Preparatory; (2)
Historical Theology; (3) Exegetical and Practical
Theology; (4) Systematic Theology ; (5) Philosophical
and Scientific.
Sec. 3. The second shall be a graduate course com-
prised under four heads, viz : Theology and Religion ;
Philosophy and Science ; History and Economics ; Mis-
cellaneous Reading.
Article 8. Sec. 1. There shall be a Board of Exam-
iners for each course.
Sec. 2. The Board for the first course shall consist
of three persons for each division of the course, who
shall be nominated by the club, subject to appointment
by the bishop.
Sec. 3. The board for the graduate course shall con-
sist of the president and the several vice-presidents.
Article 9. Sec. 1. Duties of Examiners. The ex-
aminers of the first course shall elect from their num-
ber a chairman and registrar.
Sec. 2. For their guidance in study each examiner
shall not later than May of each year, send to each
member of the class, a list of at least fifty questions
on each book assigned him sufficient to cover the en-
tire range of the book.
540 History of Methodism
Sec. 3. For the final examination, each examiner
shall select ten questions from the list he had previ-
ously submitted and shall forward the same to a mem-
ber of the board in each Presiding Elder's district, not
later than October.
Article 10. Sec. 1. The examinations shall be writ-
ten and shall be held in the several districts before one
or more members of the examining board.
Sec. 2. The paper of each student, together with a
sealed envelope containing the name of the student,
shall be sent to the examiner having charge of that
branch of study. The examiner shall grade the paper
and mark the grade on the sealed envelope, and send
the same to the registrar of the board, who shall break
the seal and enter the name and grade in a suitable
book which shall be carefully preserved.
Article 11. This constitution may be changed or
amended at any annual or regularly fixed meeting of
the board, by a vote of two thirds of the members
present.
APPENDIX M.
MEMBERS OF THE FACULTY.
Kansas Wesleyan University, 1886-1918.
W. F. Swahlen, A.M., Ph. D., Acting President, La-
tin and German, '86-87.
Aaron Schuyler, A.M., Ph.D., Mathematics and As-
tronomy, '86-89 ; Vice-President, '87-90 ; President, '90-
94; Mathematics and Philosophy, '89-07; Professor
Emeritus, '07-13.
Wm. H. Sweet, A.M., D.D., Ethics and Metaphysics,
'86-88; Dean of Non-Resident and Graduate Depart-
ment, '91-96; Financial Secretary.
Thos. W. Cowgill, A.B., Greek and English Litera-
ture; '86-91.
In Northwest Kansas 541
A. C. Hillman, A.M., Dean of Normal School, '86-
88.
0. B. Campbell, M.D., Anatomy and Physiology,
'86-87.
Amos T. Griffith, Commercial Department. '86-90.
Daniel McGurk, Jr., Elocution, '86-88.
Bedle Swearingen, Art, '86-88.
Mary E. Delaney, Art, '86-87.
Mary Barton, A.B., Training Department, '86-87.
Rev. R. A. Hoffman, Financial Secretary, '85-86.
F. A. Cook, A.M., Ph.D., Latin Language and Litera-
ture, '87-91; Vice-President, Latin and Greek, '90-91.
A. S. M. Anderson, M.D., Chemistry, Botany and
Physiology, '87-88.
Rev. A. N. See, Financial Secretary, '87-89.
W. B. Johnson, A. M., Natural Sciences, '88-89.
Hiram B. Scott, A.M., Normal Department, Elocu-
tion, and English Literature, '88-92.
G. J. Mueller, German, '88-89.
John 0. Wilson, LL.B., Commercial Law, '88-90.
A. J. Guile, Jr., Director School of Music, '88-90.
Wm. B. Payne, Ph.D., Natural Science, '89-90.
Mattie H. Russell, A.M., German and French, '89-92.
J. Domegeze, Violin and Ensemble Playing, '89-91.
Ernestine A. Cotton, Voice Culture, '89-95.
M. R. Sanford, M.S., Natural Sciences, '90-91.
George J. Hagerty, A.M., Greek and Latin, '91-99;
Vice-President, '95-99; President with leave of ab-
sence, '99-00.
W. K. Loofbourrow, M.S., Natural Sciences, '91-93.
A. W. Jones, M. S., Assistant in Natural Sciences,
'91-93; Natural Sciences, '93-00, '01-09.
F. H. Jones, A. M., Dean Normal School, Elocution,
and English Literature, '92-94.
Lizzie M. Stolz, German and French, '92-94.
M. M. Stolz, D.D., Financial Secretary, '92-96.
542 History of Methodism
E. B. L. Elder, A.M., B.D., Assistant Latin and
Greek, Art, Assistant Normal Department, '93-95.
T. W. Roach, A. M., Principal Commercial Depart-
ment, '92-02 ; President, '02-08.
I. F. Bull, A.M., Academic Latin and Greek, '93-95.
Edw. W. Mueller, A.M., S.T.B., President, Moral
and Religious Philosophy and Social Science, '94-96.
B. F. Nihart, A. M., Dean Normal Department,
Pedagogics and English Literature, '94-95.
Harriette M. Thompson, A.B., German and French,
'94-99.
V. A. Austin, B. D., Elocution and Oratory, '94-98,
'02-04.
A. R. Bell, A.B., History and Constitution, '94-95.
Hermon Holmes, Wind and String Instruments, '94-
99.
Ansel Gridley, A.M., B.Ped., Dean Normal Depart-
ment, History, Pedagogics, '95-02; Acting President,
'02-03.
J. R. Bickerdyke, Principal Academic Department,
Rhetoric, Algebra, '95-96.
Maud Frick, Elocution and Physical Culture, '95-99.
Marion Belle Daily, Voice Culture, '95-97.
Catherine Eberhardt, Director School of Music, '97-
01 ; Piano, '01-03.
Anna Viola Perrill, Assistant Professor of English,
'98-99.
Hallie Hubbard, Art, '98-99.
F. D. Tubbs, A.M., S.T.D., Acting President, '99-00;
Prof, of Physical Sciences, '00-01.
R. T. Stephenson, A.B., Latin and Greek, '99-02.
W. G. Medcraft, Associate Professor, Mathematics,
'99-02; Mathematics, '02-05.
Rogene A. Scott, A.B., German and French, '99-02.
H. A. Cleveland, D.D.Litt.D., English, '99-02.
In Northwest Kansas 543
A. L. Semans, Wind and Stringed Instruments,
'99-00.
T. M. Crawford, M.O., Elocution and Oratory,
'99-02, '04-06.
Milton E. Phillips, Ph.M., D.D., President, Political
Sciences, '01-02.
James Edward Tuthill, A.B., History and Latin,
'01-02.
Euphemia Tubbs, B.Ped., Critic Teacher, '01-02.
Mark E. Wright, Director School of Music, '01-02.
Wesley N. Speckman, A.M., Ph.D., Modern Lan-
guages, '01-09.
Artemus Ward, A.M., Physical Sciences, '01-03.
W. F. Hoyt, A.M., Natural Sciences, '01-11; Acting
President, '02-03; Dean Graduate Department, '08-09.
Rachel M. Rogers, A.B., Ancient Languages, '01-03.
Claude Rossignel, Director of Music, '01-03.
Grace E. Phillips, Piano, '01-02.
O. B. Reddick, B. O.. Elocution, '01-02.
Mrs. G. J. Hagerty, Art, '01-02.
Howard N. Moses, B.S., M.D., Physiology, '02-03.
C. H. St. John, Ph.B., M.D., Lecturer on Temper-
ance, Physiology, Narcotics and Heredity, '02-03.
V. A. Austin, B.D., Elocution and Oratory, '02-04.
Mrs. Viola Pen-ill Snapp, A.B., History, '02-03.
Edith Forristal Blundon, B.M., Piano, '02-06.
Albert H. King, M.Ped., Vice-President, Dean of
Normal Department, Education, '03 — .
Ruth Belle Branham, A.M., Ancient Languages,
'03-06.
Myrtle Rose, A.B., Registrar, English and History,
'03-06.
James E. Carnal, B.M., Dean of Musical Depart-
ment, '03-13.
Clyde C. Marietta, A.P., Principal Academic Depart-
ment., Mathematics and English, '05-07.
544 History of Methodism
M. M. Stolz, D.D., Sacred History, '05-06 ; Librarian,
'13—.
Genevieve Rice, Voice, '04-05.
W. H. Packard, Piano and Band Instruments, '04-06.
Grace Wellington, Piano, '04-06.
Sara Sheppard, B.C., Elocution and Physical Cul-
ture, '04-05.
H. C. Bernhardt, Violin and Band Instruments,
'05-07, '15—.
Linette Branham, B. S., Librarian, '05-06.
Mrs. Don W. Nichols, Preceptress Schuyler Hall,
'05-07.
Charlotte Waterbury, A.M., English, '06—.
Caroline R. Matson, A.M., Latin, '06 — ; Registrar,
'06-08.
Howard A. Hubbard, A.M., History, Economics and
Greek, '06-11; Librarian, '06-08.
Lome G. Huffman, B.O., Oratory, '06-16.
Ruth Johnson, B.M., Piano, '06-11.
Arthur B. Jackson, Ph.B., Philosophy, '07-08.
Louise Perrill, A.B., Mathematics, '07-08.
Grace Nason King, Voice, and Public School Music,
'07—.
Rose French Brooks, Violin, '07-11.
Geo. R. Crissman, A.M., Financial Secretary, '07-08.
Mrs. F. D. Baker, Preceptress Schuyler Hall, '07.
Mrs. D. F. Foristall, Preceptress Schuyler Hall,
'07-08.
Robert P. Smith, A.M., D.D., President, Philosophy
and Bible, '08-15.
George Edward King, M.S., Principal Academy,
'08 — ; Mathematics and Astronomy, '08 — ; Registrar,
'08.
Rev. J. W. Snapp, A.B., Financial Secretary, '08-09.
Ida Bohannon, B.S., Preceptress Schuyler Hall,
'08-15; History and Spanish, '11.
In Northwest Kansas. 545
Fred L. Farley, A.M., History and Greek, '10—.
George N. Knight, B S., Biology and Physics, '10 — .
Frederick C. Peters, A.M., German and French,
'10 ; Secretary of Faculty, '10 — .
J. H. Bun-ess, Voice, '10-12.
Cecil Semans, Stringed Instruments, '10-12.
A. K. Boyles, Taxidermy, '10-16.
Jennie Smith, B.Ped., Librarian, '10-12; Director
Physical Culture, '11-12.
James A. Campbell, Piano, '11-12.
Nora Neal, Piano and Organ, '11-14.
Katherine Anderson, Piano, '11-14.
Mildred Young, Piano, '11-12.
Wm. D. Schermerhorn, A.B., D.D., Bible, '12-12.
Laurette Bennett Peters, A.M., Director of Art,
'12—.
Ruth Sweet, B.S., Librarian, '12-13.
Rev. J. W. Bates, A.M., Financial Secretary, '11-14.
Jesse C. Fisher, A.B., Bible, '13-14.
Albert W. Giles, B.S., Chemistry and Geology,
'14-15.
Adelbert L. Semans, A.B., Bible, '14-17.
Rose French Brooks, Violin, '12-14.
Paul R. Utt, Dean, College of Music, '13-17.
Mrs. Paul R. Utt, Piano, '13-17.
L. L. Tucker, President, College of Commerce,
'13-17.
L. S. Weller, Vice-President, College of Commerce,
'13-17.
Mrs. L. L. Tucker, Secretary, College of Commerce,
'18—; President College of Commerce, '17—.
John F. Harmon, D.D., President, Philosophy and
Ethics, '15—.
O. L. Lovan, Ph.D., Chemistry and Geology, '16-17.
Clara R. Brian, B. S., Household Arts, '15-18.
546 History of Methodism
Mrs. C. W. Wynant, Preceptress Schuyler Hall,
'15-17.
E. F. Walker, A.M., Chemistry and Geology, '16-18.
Elton R. Shaw, M.A., Public Speaking, '17—.
George R. Edwards, Physical Director, '16 —
Ida Sackett, Preceptress Schuyler Hall, '17 — .
E. K. Foster, B.S., B.M., Piano, '17—.
E. L. Fox, B.M., Dean of College of Music, '17—.
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