m 
 
 
 UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 
 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 SAN DIEGO 
 Donated in memory of 
 
 
 His Son and Daughter 

 
 '
 
 A HISTORY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 Evangelical Luthera'n 
 
 Synod of Kansas 
 
 (General Synod) 
 
 Together with a Sketch of the Augustana Synod 
 
 Churches and a Brief Presentation 
 
 of Other Lutheran Bodies 
 
 Located in Kansas 
 
 BY 
 
 REV. H. A. OTT, D. D. 
 
 PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHORITY OF KANSAS SYNOD 
 1907
 
 PRESS OF 
 
 F. M. STEVES & SONS 
 TOPEKA, KAN.
 
 Table of Contents 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 FOREWORD 4 
 
 THE PIONEER DAYS . .*. 7 
 
 EARLY CONFERENCES 26 
 
 ORGANIZATION OF KANSAS SYNOD 30 
 
 CHARTER MEMBERS 33, 34 
 
 TRAVELLING SYNODICAL SECRETARIES 36 
 
 KANSAS HOME MISSIONS AND THE WESTERN SECRETARIES 43 
 
 HISTORY OF CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS 51 
 
 GERMAN SYNOD OF NEBRASKA CHURCHES IN KANSAS 181 
 
 CHURCHES NO LONGER EXISTING, OR DISMISSED TO OTHER SYNODS 189 
 
 CHANGE OF NAME OF KANSAS SYNOD AND INCORPORATION 215 
 
 KANSAS SYNOD AND THE GROWTH OF HER BENEVOLENCES 217 
 
 THE WOMAN'S HOME AND FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY 219 
 
 THE YOUNG PEOPLE'S SOCIETY MOVEMENT 225 
 
 KANSAS SYNOD AND PROHIBITORY TEMPERANCE LEGISLATION. . . 227 
 
 CARTHAGE COLLEGE AS RELATED TO KANSAS SYNOD 229 
 
 MIDLAND COLLEGE 230 
 
 BETHANY COLLEGE 239 
 
 ST. JOHN'S COLLEGE 244 
 
 THE WESTERN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY 246 
 
 THE Ev. LUTHERAN CHILDREN'S FRIEND SOCIETY OF KANSAS. . . 255 
 
 HISTORY OF KANSAS CONFERENCE OF AUGUSTANA SYNOD 258 
 
 ORPHAN'S HOME AT MARIADAHL, (AUGUSTANA) 274 
 
 YOUNG PEOPtE's ORGANIZATIONS, AUGUSTANA SYNOD 276 
 
 AUGUSTANA SYNOD WOMAN'S AID AND MISSIONARY SOCIETY. . . . 278 
 BIOGRAPHICAL CHARTER MEMBERS, PIONEER, AND PRESENT 
 
 MEMBERS 280 
 
 SUMMARY BY SYNODS 290 
 
 FIRST PAROCHIAL REPORT, KANSAS SYNOD 291 
 
 STATISTICAL TABLES, THE LUTHERAN CHURCH IN KANSAS. .292-301 
 
 THIRTY-NINE CONVENTIONS, OF KANSAS SYNOD 301 
 
 CLERICAL MEMBERS, KANSAS SYNOD, 1868-1907 302-5 
 
 INDEX. . .307-9
 
 FOREWORD. 
 
 In the earlier days of Kansas Synod historians were appointed 
 to collect data especially covering its pioneer history. This collec- 
 tion of documents was deposited in St. John's church at Welling- 
 ton when the terriffic cyclone of May 27th, 1892, swept over that 
 unfortunate city, tearing down the church and scattering these pre- 
 cious papers to the winds, a loss over which the writer has mourned 
 as an irretrievable one. At a later period other matter had been 
 gathered by Rev. J. B. McAfee, and this likewise perished in the 
 burning of his home at Prospect Farm near Topeka. After this 
 Revs. David Earhart and J. B. McAfee prepared brief statements 
 of their earlier experiences. Shortly before his death the former 
 sent out statistical blanks all over the state and gathered consider- 
 able congregational data. This he was unable to edit owing to 
 the infirmities of old age. In 1901 the Synod appointed a Histor- 
 ical Committee composed of Revs. H. A. Ott, J. B. McAfee, David 
 Earhart, Holmes Dysinger, D. D., J. W. Ball and R. B. Wolf, and 
 instructed it to prepare a manuscript history of Kansas Synod. 
 This committee outlined such a work and apportioned its several 
 parts among its members. At the convention of the Synod at 
 Salina in 1902, the writer read an extended sketch of the pioneer 
 history preceding the organization of Kansas Synod. Aside from 
 this nothing was done for the two following years save to gather 
 material. The removal of Dr. Dysinger and Rev. Ball, and the 
 death of Father Earhart, resulted in adding to the committee, Drs. 
 H. L. Yarger and M. F. Troxell and Rev. E. E. Stauffer. 
 
 The committee agreed that the work of writing the History could 
 be done satisfactorily only by delegating the entire labor to one 
 man. The writer was chosen editor and instructed to enlarge the 
 scope of the work taking in other Kansas Lutheran bodies as large- 
 ly as possible. The Synod authorized its publication. Thus given 
 free rein the author set himself to the task. The preparation not
 
 only involved the careful reading of the minutes, both general and 
 synodical, covering a period of forty years, and cataloguing the 
 information, but also the tedious and laborious reading of the 
 Lutheran Observer from 1854 to the present time, as well as the 
 Missionary Journal from 1885 to the present date. The sketches 
 necessarily had to be abbreviated owing to the financial risk in- 
 volved in the publication of a work the sale of which would natural- 
 ly be limited, and much interesting detail had to be stricken out. 
 The book is far from being complete and satisfies no one so little 
 as its author. However in its preparation no pains or effort has 
 been spared to make it touch upon all the important events which 
 have gone to make our history. Practically every line has been 
 the result of careful investigation and verification. The author 
 wishes to acknowledge with gratitude the assistance of the various 
 members of the committee in critically reviewing the manuscript, 
 and of Rev. R. B. Wolf, who prepared the statistical tables, and of 
 the writer's old parishioner and friend Mr. William G. Reinoehl of 
 Quincy, Illinois, who designed and contributed the gold side-stamp 
 of the cover. All told, it has been a labor of love, occupying prac- 
 tically all of the author's spare time during the years of its prepara- 
 tion, but given gladly with the pleasing thought that it would add 
 to the welfare of our beloved church in Kansas. 
 
 With the prayer that God may use this little volume in stimulat- 
 ing the glorious work of extending His Kingdom, it is sent forth 
 on its mission. 
 
 H. A. OTT, 
 
 R. B. WOLF, 
 
 J. B. MCAFEE, 
 
 E. E. STAUFFER, > Historical Committee. 
 
 H. I<. YARGER, 
 M. F. TROXELL,
 
 A PIONEER SOD PRAIRIE HOME SUCH AS SHELTERED MANY 
 EARLY PIONEERS.
 
 LUTHERANISM IN KANSAS 
 A History of Kansas Synod 
 
 THE PIONEER DAYS. 
 
 The history of Lutheranism in Kansas is very closely allied to 
 the history of the state itself. In all the struggles and hardships 
 through which the early settlers passed the Kansas Lutheran parti- 
 cipated. The noble prairies and the finely wooded valleys along the 
 winding creeks of Eastern Kansas, as locations for future homes, 
 appealed to the sturdy' Lutheran of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and 
 Virginia, as strongly as they appealed to the Puritan of New Eng- 
 land. The time had gone by when Kansas was considered by the 
 East as "The Great American Desert." However very few settlers 
 had crossed the Missouri river to live upon Kansas soil, owing to 
 the governmental restrictions. It was not until the passage of the 
 famous Kansas-Nebraska Bill May 30th, 1854, that immigration 
 turned its tide toward this fair land. According to this bill Kansas 
 was outlined as a Territory 408 miles long and 208 miles broad, 
 containing 82,080 square miles. The burning question of slavery 
 or no slavery, a slave state or a free state, was left to be decided 
 by the incoming settlers thereon. The effect of the bill was to 
 tremendously quicken the flood of immigration into the new terri- 
 tory. The pro-slavery people of the South, quick to see the ad- 
 vantage of a residence near the new Territory, hastened to send 
 into it across the Missouri and Arkansas borders thousands of 
 slavery sympathizers. The ardent abolitionists of New England, 
 none behind in a keen insight into the prevailing conditions, pro- 
 ceeded to send whole colonies into Kansas. In this they, were
 
 8 EARLY RELIGIOUS CONDITIONS. 
 
 greatly hampered by the pro-slavery Missourians, who hindered 
 them from freely crossing Missouri. However thousands poured 
 into the country by the way of Iowa and Nebraska. From 1854 to 
 1860 one hundred thousand people entered Eastern Kansas, and 
 homesteaded large tracts of land, so that in the short space of six 
 years after Kansas had been organized as a territory, it was ready 
 to be admitted into the Union as a state, and was regularly received 
 on January 29th, 1861. 
 
 The early settlers were poor, very poor, but appeals were made 
 to their friends in the East, and help came. The Methodist church 
 was early on the field and the Presbyterian closely followed. Of 
 the latter denomination, Rev. Dr. T. Hill, says, "Of the whole num- 
 ber of the Presbyterian church in Kansas up to 1882, only two were 
 founded without aid from the mission boards." This was the experi- 
 ence of other denominations working in Kansas. Those who en- 
 tered the field early are the ones who have kept the lead ever since. 
 It is impossible to gather any reliable religious statistics of church 
 membership in the Territory up to the time it became a state. At 
 most churches were really few in number, as the first years were 
 devoted to anything save planting the Church of Jesus Christ. 
 
 It was no easy matter to establish churches in the new Territory 
 owing to the real poverty of the people, who were unable to either 
 support a ministry or to build churches, as well as to the almost 
 universal eagerness of the population to make money; so much so 
 that people religious in their former homes in the East seemed to 
 neglect every religious instinct, sacrificing them to the god of mam- 
 mon. Then the reign of terror which prevailed in the Territory, 
 because of continuous outrages perpetrated by the border ruffians, 
 had a tendency to un-Christianize the populace. In the midst of 
 such environment religion could not flourish. The heart of the peo- 
 ple became callous, and the moral soil was a thorny soil indeed in 
 which to sow the seed of the Word. While a large contingent of 
 those who entered the Territory were rough and lawless, it must 
 be said that a much larger number were intelligent, earnest and 
 honest men and women, who had emigrated from churchly and 
 pious communities in the East. 
 
 In telling the story of the beginnings of the church in Kansas, 
 it might be well to state that no railroads had penetrated Kansas 
 prior to its becoming a state. Railroads had reached the eastern 
 border line; St. Joseph, Mo., and Atchison, Kan., had been con- 
 nected with an iron highway on Missouri soil. Many railroads had 
 been projected during the war; however, little was done in the real
 
 EARLY TRAILS AND RAILROADS. 9 
 
 building until the war was ever. By the time the Synod of Kansas 
 was organized in 1868, the Central Branch -had been completed as 
 far west as Waterville; the Union Pacific had been finished to a 
 point within thirt-five miles of the Colorado line; a railway con- 
 nected Leavenworth, Lawrence, and Ottawa; and the great Santa 
 Fe System was mainly on paper, having only a short stub from 
 Topeka to a point thirty-five miles southwest. 
 
 Travel in those days was necessarily slow and painful. The 
 hardships and deprivations in carrying personal effects into the 
 West, and grain products from the West to the Missouri river on 
 the East, with nearly all water ways without bridges, were such 
 that few of us of a later generation are prepared to appreciate the 
 pioneer conditions. In the earlier days the travel westward into 
 the Territory, was along two principal trails or highways. Lead- 
 ing out of Missouri at Independence and Westport, towns in Jack- 
 son county, near where Kansas City is now located, a main road 
 entered Kansas branching into two trails. One of these bent slight- 
 ly to the southwest, and was the noted "Santa Fe Trail," which 
 after striking the Arkansas river followed it for some distance and 
 then struck across the country to the old Spanish settlement at 
 Santa Fe, New Mexico. The other, after crossing the Shawnee 
 Reservation, ran up between the Kaw and Wakarusha rivers, cross- 
 ing the former below Ft. Riley, then led out toward Ft. Laramie. 
 This latter was the famed "California Road" along which in the 
 early fifties streams of gold-seekers plodded westward to win for- 
 tunes in the Pacific gold fields, or to miserably perish on the way. 
 Besides these two great highways there were two other main roads 
 or trails starting westward from Leavenworth, which in those early 
 days was a more promising town than Kansas City. One of these 
 trails went toward Fort Laramie, and the other traversed the rich 
 country by Fort Riley in the direction of the great Santa Fe Trail. 
 It is interesting to note that these trails hovered near the Forts 
 which afforded the traveller protection from the Indians who often 
 massacred whole colonies. Along these trails the first settlers 
 located, and here were established the earliest white churches. 
 
 In the Fall of 1854, among the young men who had been licensed 
 to preach the Gospel by the Maryland Synod, was a bright young 
 man, an undergraduate of Gettysburg College, who had taken a 
 private course in theology under the tutorship of Rev. Fr. Anspach. 
 His health was poor and a change of climate was absolutely nec- 
 essary, and he chose the new country which that same year had 
 been thrown open for settlement. On the first of April, 1855, with
 
 10 REV. J. B. MCAFEE STARTS TO KANSAS. 
 
 his wife and little daughter, he started on his long journey. The 
 Baltimore and Ohio railroad carried him as far as Wheeling, Vir- 
 ginia. Here he boarded an Ohio river steamer for Cincinnati, as in 
 those early days few railroads existed west of Pittsburgh. At Cin- 
 cinnati he changed boats, taking another bound for St. Louis down 
 the Ohio and up the Mississippi rivers. At the latter point he took 
 another steamer which plied between St. Louis and Leavenworth, 
 on the eastern line of the State of Kansas which was to be his 
 future home. 
 
 The journey upon the bosoms of these mighty rivers, of over fif- 
 teen hundred miles, occupying fourteen days enroute, was full of 
 interest to the young preacher. The magnificence of the scenery 
 was all that the heart could desire. The streams flowed full at this 
 spring-tide and dangers from stranding were very slight. In the 
 warmth of his heart he held a series of religious services on the 
 boat enroute. In the earlier portion of his journey his fellow trav- 
 ellers were people largely of his own sympathies; however when 
 he entered the waters of the Missouri he began to come into contact 
 with the disagreeable snags of slavery. An aged man on board the 
 boat desired to have religious services held, but found several 
 elderly clergymen on the boat unwilling to conduct them, and learn- 
 ing that this young man from Maryland had held services on the 
 Ohio river asked him to take the helm, which he did. After an- 
 nouncing the hymn, 
 
 "Am I a soldier of the cross, 
 A follower of the Lamb," 
 
 he preached from the text, "Ye are my witnesses," taking advantage 
 of the occasion to exhort all believers to fidelity to Christ and His 
 Gospel. 
 
 On the fifteenth of April, 1855, his boat moored at a rude wharf 
 at Leavenworth, a small pro-slavery settlement on the banks of 
 the river near the fort of the same name which had been laid-out 
 only a few months previous. At this time the town had only a few 
 buildings, and it was known as the home of a rank pro-slavery 
 paper called the Leavenworth Herald. Every passenger almost as 
 soon as he had alighted was interviewed as to his position upon 
 the subject of slavery. A man could not honestly state his con- 
 victions if they were anti-slavery without having a torrent of per- 
 sonal abuse poured out upon his head, and every possible effort 
 was made to brow-beat him, even threatening his life, finally telling 
 him to get out of the country and right quick at that. Our friend 
 shortly after this was waited on by a committee and asked to
 
 FIRST LUTHERAN ORGANIZATION IN THE STATE. 11 
 
 preach a sermon on the subject, "Slavery is a divine institution 
 and ordained of God." He replied respectfully that he could not 
 do that because he did not believe it. They insisted and argued 
 and finally he said he would as soon undertake to prove that his 
 satanic majesty was still an angel of light as to prove that slavery 
 was a divine institution. Then they peremptorily notified him to 
 "leave or hang." 
 
 This was certainly a very uninviting field for a young, out-spoken 
 abolitionist in which to establish a home, and begin life with a wife 
 and family, and especially as a preacher of the Gospel. However, 
 on Sunday one week after his arrival, we find our young hero mani- 
 festing a zeal worthy of the calling to the office of which he had 
 been set apart. A room was secured, a service announced, and the 
 Gospel preached, and this he kept up, preaching twice every Sun- 
 day as long as he made Leavenworth his home. In his work his 
 labors were shared by two ministers of another denomination, and 
 between them they kept the Gospel fires burning in what was then 
 regarded as the most wicked settlement in the new Territory. On 
 May 13th he assisted in organizing the first Sunday school in the 
 Territory aside from those established at Government posts or 
 Indian schools. That young pioneer of the Gospel, as preached by 
 the Lutheran church, was Rev. Josiah B. McAfee, now residing at 
 Topeka. 
 
 On May 14th, 1855, he opened a small private school, in a small 
 wooden building which he%rected through a generous loan of $200 
 made him by Judge S. N. Latta, which he called the Leavenworth 
 Collegiate Institute. This school doubtless was the first opened 
 on Kansas soil aside from the mission Indian schools. The enter- 
 prise was humble enough, the room being 16 by 16 feet, and par- 
 tioned off from it was another 10 by 16 feet in which he and his 
 wife and child resided. It was a day of small beginnings but the 
 room was soon filled and afforded him enough of an income to sup- 
 port his family. While conducting this school he continued to 
 preach every Sunday, and for this service he refused any com- 
 pensation, a rule to which he adhered all his life, even refusing 
 wedding fees. 
 
 In August, 1855, he organized the first Lutheran church in the 
 Territory. Among the charter members of this church were a Mrs. 
 Garno and daughter, a Mrs. Grant, John W. Barber and daughter, 
 Miss Jennie Lyon, and Mr. and Mrs. Elbert, the pastor and wife 
 and one other, thirteen all told. During the same month he suc- 
 ceeded in erecting a small union church building by selling shares
 
 12 LOSS OF THE LEAVENWORTH CHURCH. 
 
 to various residents, the building costing about $1500. In July the 
 following year he turned his school over to a Professor Strong. 
 About that time the pro-slavery people made existence about as mis- 
 erable as could be to him, and at times he felt that his very life was 
 in jeopardy. Leaving the settlement he went to Ohio to interview 
 Gov. Salmon P. Chase about the Kansas troubles, afterward pro- 
 ceeding to Maryland, where he was ordained to the ministry. Upon 
 his return in November, he found his home in possession of a stal- 
 wart Georgian, and his church and school house occupied by gov- 
 ernment stores, the school closed and Professor Strong a fugitive 
 from the anger of the pro-slavery people. Unfortunately for the 
 church, the deeds for the land on which the school and church 
 stood were not finally executed. The lots had been donated by the 
 Town Site Association, but as later some lots were needed for a 
 public school site the Association cancelled the donation, and pre- 
 sented the lots to the town, which resulted in the removal of both 
 the school building and the church, and the selling of the latter and 
 the returning of the money to the share holders. A Rev. A. Reuter 
 served the congregation for a short time, but after his removal the 
 congregation disbanded, the German portion in later years uniting 
 with a Missouri Lutheran church which had been organized in 1862, 
 and which possibly was the first Lutheran church of that Synod in 
 the state, a congregation which remains to this day in Leavenworth, 
 a healthy congregation of over four hundred communicants. 
 
 Thus began and ended, in the most promising and populous 
 center in the new Territory, the first Lutheran church organized 
 west of the Missouri river, which certainly would have remained to 
 this day, a monument to the zeal and self-sacrifice of its founder, 
 had it been backed up with sustaining help from a home mission 
 and church erection board. Unfortunately at that early date the 
 General Synod was doing very little home mission work and had 
 very little mission money to spend on the West. In fact at that 
 time we did not have a Home Mission Board to administer the 
 money the church might have raised. Thus our opportunities for 
 the planting of our beloved church at an early date in this splendid 
 territory were lost because we were poor and also because we failed 
 to appreciate fully our responsibilities as a church in caring for 
 our common Lutheran heritage. 
 
 The next effort to establish a church was at Grasshopper Falls, 
 now Valley Falls, a small settlement thirty-five miles west of Leav- 
 enworth, to which Rev. McAfee had removed and where he had 
 purchased 290 acres of land and proceeded to till the soil for a liv-
 
 FIRST PERMANENT LUTHERAN CHURCH BUILDING. 13 
 
 ing. Here he organized a Sunday school on the 7th of June, 1857, 
 of which Mr. Samuel Shirck became the superintendent. Encour- 
 aged with his success he at once advocated the organization of a 
 church, which was accomplished one week later in the dining room 
 of a rude hotel in the village, as the English Lutheran church of 
 Grasshopper Falls. Services were held in this dining room for a 
 few months but the quarters were both undesirable and inadequate. 
 Lots were secured in a central location and that fall steps were 
 taken for the erection of a church building. A little frame church 
 was planned, 24 by 30 feet, to cost about $1,000, and pastor and 
 people set themselves to the task with a will in the erection of the 
 first permanent Lutheran church building on Kansas soil. The logs 
 were hauled from the woods to a neighboring saw mill with the 
 pastor's ox team, and the stone to the church from the quarry. The 
 lime for the foundation and the plastering wa's burned by the pastor 
 
 FIRST (G. S.) LUTHERAN CHURCH WEST OF THE MISSOURI RIVER 
 LOCATED AT VALLEY FALLS, KANSAS. 
 
 in an improvised kiln in the ground upon a hill side. For three 
 days and nights he sat by that home-made kiln and fed the fires 
 with dry wood gathered from the creek bottoms. He hauled the 
 sand and carried every pound of the mortar for the mason and the 
 plasterer. In the absence of lath he nailed thin boards to the stud-
 
 14 THE GRASSHOPPER FALLS CHURCH. 
 
 ding and joists, then splitting them made cracks to receive the 
 plastering, and in many ways aided in the carpenter work, showing 
 in himself the true elements of a loyal missionary. Before the 
 winter set in the happy congregation was worshipping in their own 
 building. The first building has been supplanted at Valley Falls 
 by another, and the old structure is now owned and used by a 
 negro M. E. congregation. 
 
 While Rev. McAfee was preaching at Grasshopper Falls he was 
 waited on by Mr. S. J. H. Snyder and Mr. John Helwig, two earnest 
 Lutheran laymen, living at Monrovia, a small settlement located 
 about fifteen miles to the north-east. These brethren invited him 
 to preach in their village which he consented to do once in every 
 two weeks. On the 16th of January, 1858, he organized there a 
 Lutheran church. In this itineracy he established preaching points 
 at Pardee in Atchison county and Crooked Creek in Jefferson 
 county, and in June, 1858, he organized a Lutheran church in the. 
 former place, and in July, one in the latter place. To this charge 
 of four churches he preached for three years, and to serve it "he 
 was obliged to travel on horse-back a circuit of forty-five miles on 
 every other Sunday. A little later he became financially able to 
 invest in a rude two wheel' springless sulky in which he and his 
 wife would often make the round. At one time one of his congre- 
 gations raised fifty dollars for their salary-less, pastor and offered 
 it to him as compensation for his services. He positively declined 
 to receive it. His wife not sharing his peculiar views about a sal- 
 aried minister though sharing his hardships, pleaded with him to 
 take the money, and use it for the purchase of a more comfortable 
 conveyance, even with tears, still he refused. After a continuous 
 service at Grasshopper Falls of five years he resigned his charge 
 in 1862 and entered the army as a lieutenant, and this ended his 
 work as a pastor, as thereafter he devoted his life mostly to secular 
 pursuits. During his later years he greatly prospered in material 
 things, and out of his earnings has given most liberally to the sup- 
 port and extension of the Lutheran church in Kansas. There are 
 very few Lutheran churches of the General Synod erected in Kan- 
 sas in which he has not some money. His hand was open as day 
 to every appeal. His gifts to the Topeka church alone amounted to 
 over $5,000. It was a common thing for him to send his check 
 for $100 when appealed to for aid in the erection of a new church. 
 His total gifts including the increased value of property purchased 
 by him for church purposes exceed $10,000, and possibly reach 
 $15,000. Pastors likewise have had occasion to remember him with
 
 SOLOMON J. H. SNYDER. 
 
 15 
 
 gratitude for substantial help while passing through the seasons of 
 drouth and plague in later years. 
 
 Allusion has been made to Mr. Solomon J. H. Snyder, of Mon- 
 rovia. Mr Snyder was without doubt the first Lutheran to enter 
 the new Territory or to pre-empt a homestead there. His entrance 
 and that of Mr. John Helwig of Canal Dover, Ohio, antedates, 
 that of Rev. McAfee by nearly a year. The records of the Effing- 
 ham church tell the story of Mr. Snyder's trip west, written by Mr. 
 Snyder himself. In it he tells how he emigrated from Wells county 
 
 MR. JOHN HELWIG. 
 
 HON. SOLOMON J. H. SNYDER. 
 
 Indiana on account of the prevailing ague and fever. Leaving his 
 family there he began his journey to Kansas on foot, in April 1854, 
 traversing through Illinois, Southern Wisconsin, Iowa and into the 
 then Indian Reservation at Council Bluffs. Thence he journeyed 
 southward where the whole country was wild, where the wigwam 
 of the Indian could be seen, and not a dwelling house in all the 
 prairie wilderness. When the night came he would build a fire 
 under the shelter of a friendly tree, and after he had made supper 
 upon some crackers which he carried with him, he would pull off
 
 16 THE FIRST LUTHERAN TO PRE-EMPT LAND. 
 
 his boots using them for a pillow, and there all alone, after com- 
 mitting his soul to the care of his Heavenly Father, would lay him- 
 self down to sleep, while the wild animals of the forest and prairie 
 were howling about him. Morning coming he would again resume 
 his journey, over-hills and through valleys, across prairies and 
 through woodlands, and thus day after day he pursued his course 
 covering the nearly two hundred miles which lay between Council 
 Bluffs and Fort Leavenworth. Arriving at the Fort he was permit- 
 ted to lodge with the soldiers. Here he was directed to a mission- 
 ary among the Indians located about three miles from the Fort. 
 The missionary received him kindly and together they examined the 
 land in that section and Mr. Snyder selected some of the most val- 
 uable land known to the missionary. All this was before the Kan- 
 sas-Nebraska act had been finally promulgated. That bill was 
 passed by Congress on the 27th of May and was signed by Presi- 
 dent Pierce on the 30th, and the day before it went into effect Mr. 
 Snyder made his selection of land. At the same time he purchased 
 another quarter section from an Indian by the name of Killbuck. 
 Having complied with what he understood to be the requirements 
 of a squatter he requested the missionary to watch his claims while 
 he returned to Indiana for his family, and this the missionary 
 agreed to do. Then he resumed his painful journey homeward ar- 
 riving in due time after a journey of over 2,000 miles on foot. Then 
 in company with his wife and two children, Mr. and Mrs John Hel- 
 wig of Canal Dover, Ohio, and Mr. and Mrs. H. S. Stauffer and 
 three children, with three wagons, he returned overland to Kansas, 
 arriving on the 24th of November. Alas! He returned only to 
 have his hopes blasted, and his cup of bitterness filled to the brim. 
 All the labors of his two thousand mile journey on foot were lost. 
 His missionary friend had departed with his Indians for Texas, and 
 pro-slavery ruffians had jumped his claims, and knowing him and 
 his friends to be "free state" men these fellows of the baser sort 
 proceeded to make their lives miserable, even threatening to kill 
 them. So they abandoned their claims and proceeded up Stranger 
 creek following an old Indian trail until near its head. Here ihey 
 took up claims where Monrovia now stands. However they were 
 "singled out to be destroyed." Scarcely had they become located 
 when a terrible internecine war broke out over the slavery question 
 and the newly settled trio were ordered out of the country- But 
 amid trials hard for us to apprciate now, they stood their ground. 
 Snyder's two children died, his wife lay at the point of death from 
 dropsy, and he himself was almost helpless for a while with a di-
 
 BORDER RUFFIANISM. 17 
 
 sease jf the hip. For weeks they were obliged to live on grated 
 green corn. Stauffer died suddenly with "billious colic," which 
 left a widow and three children as an additional care to the two 
 remaining devoted men, Snyder and Helwig. These men had been 
 loyal and earnest members of the Lutheran church in the East and 
 very naturally now hungered for the Gospel. Hearing of the ar- 
 rival in Leavenworth of a Lutheran minister they concluded to try 
 to get him to come to Monrovia and preach occasionally. Late in 
 the fall of 1855, Mr. Snyder journeyed down "Stranger creek to 
 Leavenworth City" for his man. He was kindly met by Rev. Mc- 
 Afee. As Mr. Snyder was a "marked" man it was thought best to 
 keep him out of sight. He was concealed in Rev. McAfee's school 
 room, given a blanket and locked up for the night with the bene- 
 diction, "God preserve you." Rev. McAfee agreed to give them a 
 service every two weeks, "God willing." However unforseen events 
 made it impossible, owing to the stirring times and opposition by the 
 border ruffians. Divine services were however held at the Monrovia 
 settlement several times by a Methodist minister by the name of 
 Knox and by "Pardee Butler" a noted local character. Finally 
 Messrs Snyder and Helwig appointed prayer meetings to be held 
 in Mr. Snyder's cabin; but few attended "amidst the increasing 
 troubles, pillage and murder, and religious meetings were danger- 
 ous as they were accounted 'abolition meetings,' and were at last 
 forbidden under penalty of death." After Rev. McAfee had settled 
 in Grasshopper Falls these two loyal men again visited him to ask 
 his services in breaking the bread of life to them, and this time 
 with success as related here-after. Mr. Snyder came manfully out 
 of these tribulations, and in later years was honored with various 
 public offices, having twice been elected to a seat in the State Legis- 
 lature and once to its Senate. He was one of God's true laymen, 
 a most intelligent and upright Christian man. His literary produc- 
 tions embrace a Sunday school work, "Lost Children," and "Scenes 
 in the West," the latter book being issued by the Lutheran Publica- 
 tion Society. At the time of his death, November, 1873, he 
 had almost completed the manuscript of a work on "Infidelity" 
 written in dialogue style, in which he figured the meek and lowly 
 Christian fighting against the infidel. Mr. Snyder died at the age 
 of 62, November, 1873. 
 
 The second Lutheran clergyman who came to Kansas with the 
 thought of making his future home there was Rev. David Earhart. 
 This earnest and loyal Lutheran labored incessantly for thirteen 
 years in the pioneer days of Kansas, preaching the Gospel and
 
 18 REV. DAVID EARHART. 
 
 seeking to establish the Lutheran church in this new country. 
 Eleven years of the thirteen were years prior to the organization 
 of Kansas Synod. He should be styled the Nestor among our 
 sturdy pioneers. None labored so long as he in this pioneer work, 
 and none endured such trials, hardships and privations, none sacri- 
 ficed as freely in time and physical labor, and none left such per- 
 manent results of his labors as he. He arrived in Kansas in June 
 1857, two years after the arrival of Rev. McAfee. His trip from 
 Pennsylvania was largely by steamboat. His objective point was 
 Ozakee, in Jefferson county, where a land sale had been advertised, 
 and he was very desirous to get a good farm upon which to live 
 while he was doing mission work in the Territory. He came also 
 as the special agent of the Pittsburg Synod, to which he belonged, 
 and was authorized to secure lots for churches and parsonages in 
 the promising towns. He was successful in securing a number 
 upon certain conditions, but owing to the terrible drouth of 1860, 
 and the Civil War following, and the discouraging grasshopper 
 plague following the latter, the conditions could not be complied 
 with, and the lot enterprise failed. 
 
 In April, 1860, Rev. Earhart with his family located at Sumner, 
 a small town three miles south of Atchison, where he preached for 
 one year, effecting a partial organization of a Lutheran church. In 
 the summer of the following year one of the cyclones so common 
 in Kansas in those early days, struck the town and destroyed it in- 
 cluding the building in which the congregation worshipped, and 
 this calamity sealed the doom of the church. In the month of May, 
 1860, he was elected pastor, at the request of Rev. McAfee, of the 
 churches at Pardee and Monrovia, which the latter had organized. 
 Finding them rather loosely organized from a doctrinal standpoint, 
 he at once proceeded to re-organize them under a constitution which 
 recognized the Augsburg Confession as the doctrinal basis. In his 
 memoirs Rev. Earhart tells of the opposition he met to this re-or- 
 ganization, and that the people thought him decidedly too much of 
 "the old measure" type to suit them and had him on the rack sev- 
 eral times. However they soon found that he was planted on the 
 universally received confession of the Lutheran church, and that 
 they were standing on nothing, and accordingly rallied to his sup- 
 port in a most loyal manner, and his long popularity with this peo- 
 ple showed that his strict teaching was most timely and effective. 
 
 In May, 1860, he organized Christ's Ev. Lutheran church with 
 twenty-four charter members, in the home of Father Joseph Eber- 
 hard, now known as Vineland, in Douglas county, located nine miles
 
 REV. DAVID EARHART'S CHURCHES. 19 
 
 south of Lawrence. This church was far to the south of Monrovia 
 with a whole county lying between. He served these two charges 
 for a number of years. In 1861 he organized another church of 
 twenty charter members at Brush creek, in Doniphan county, seven 
 miles from Moray, and twenty miles from St. Joseph, Missouri, and 
 this congregation he served for seven years. However owing to 
 removals it went to pieces before the organization of Kansas Synod. 
 As early as 1862 he began preaching in the home of Osel Nelson, 
 a loyal Lutheran living in Doniphan county, where off and on he 
 held services for a number of years, later transferring the services 
 to the Prairie school house, where on the 24th of May, 1866, he 
 organized a Lutheran church, which is now known as East Norway, 
 or Moray. Here he preached until 1871. While preaching here he 
 also held services at different points in Brown county, just west of 
 Doniphan county. Here on the 23d of December, 1866, he organ- 
 ized a church of fifteen members, which he served until 1871. This 
 church is now a Norwegian church and is in a flourishing condition. 
 
 While this intrepid pioneer was preaching for the churches in 
 Doniphan and Brown counties adjoining the Nebraska line, he 
 began to hold services in the city of St. Joseph, Missouri, and after 
 a time perfected an organization with twenty members. After 
 preaching there two years, for want of a building the services were 
 transferred to a school house in the country, a short distance from 
 the city. This was a grave mistake, as the attendance fell off and 
 the services finally were given up and the congregation became ex- 
 tinct. 
 
 The territory covered by this undaunted and tireless preacher of 
 the Gospel in his itineracy over Northeastern Kansas, is such as to 
 amaze one of the present generation. To illustrate this one need 
 but note that while he was preaching at these points in Doniphan, 
 Brown and Atchison counties, the three Northeastern counties of 
 the state, and also in St. Joseph, Missouri, he was filling a contin- 
 uous engagement as pastor at Vineland in Douglas county, and 
 largely from 1860 to 1868. These widely separated charges com- 
 pelled him to travel from these northernmost counties, across Atch- 
 ison and Jefferson counties, and almost across Douglas county in 
 order to reach Vineland, a distance as the crow flies of almost sev- 
 enty miles, and taking a side trip via Topeka or Stranger creek as 
 he now and then did, required a circuit ride of about one hundred 
 and fifty miles, and this he did for a long time every three weeks. 
 These trips he took in a two wheeled springless cart drawn by a 
 tough wiry pony. Many of the old settlers still remember this
 
 20 REV. DAVID EARHART. 
 
 grand pioneer missionary, whose figure became quite familiar to 
 the settlers enroute as he made his weary rounds. In fact Father 
 Earhart's labors from 1860 to 1873 were full of severe toil which 
 was borne cheerfully for the Gospel's sake. Often did his friends 
 remonstrate with him over taking such long drives when the 
 weather was stormy, but the courageous missionary would reply, 
 "When I get there it will be fine weather and the service will then 
 
 REV. DAVID EARHART. REV. J. B. MCAFEE. 
 
 go on." In order to fill an appointment on Sunday he would usual- 
 ly have to start on Friday previous, and so he could not anticipate 
 the weather at the end of his journey. It. is a pleasure to note that 
 such labors have not been in vain. Churches to this day abide to 
 testify to the value of his efforts. Rev. J. B. McAfee, in his mem- 
 oranda on early Lutheranism in Kansas says, "To good Brother 
 Earhart is due the credit of re-organizing on a strictly Lutheran 
 basis, as well as keep together the early Lutheran churches of Kan- 
 sas." In the Lutheran Era for July 1893 the same writer says, 
 "Brother Earhart was not only a most excellent preacher but an 
 indefatiguable worker. His work was always well and systemat- 
 ically done and thoroughly organized." In another issue of the 
 same paper he again writes, "Although Brother Earhart was the
 
 REV. DAVID EARHART. 21 
 
 second Lutheran minister to locate permanently in Kansas, he was 
 second to none in faithful, efficient, self-sacrificing labors for the 
 Master and His church, and when he shall cease from his labors 
 his good works will follow him." It is related that on one of his 
 long weary itinerant trips over the pathless prairie and through 
 deeply wooded valleys, with only here and there a settler along the 
 way, he took seriously ill, and tethering his horse, lay down on the 
 prairie and for a time was unconscious. Upon coming to himself 
 he again hitched in his pony and strapping himself to his cart let 
 him go home, where after a long ride, loving hands helped him out 
 and cared for him as he passed through a hard attack of billious 
 fever. For a number of years Rev. Earhart was one of the regents 
 of the Kansas State Agricultural college located at Manhattan,' dis- 
 tant from his home eighty or ninety miles, yet he was one of the 
 most punctual in his attendance and in the discharge of his duties, 
 and in those early days of no railroads he was compelled to travel 
 by horse-back or in his springless gig. Rev. Earhart also preached 
 at Holton in Jackson county, Highlands in Doniphan county, Mc- 
 Kelvy's in Jefferson county, and at the home of Mr. Ernest and Mrs. 
 Collins in Atchison county, for a while, but the work did not seem 
 to justify organizations. In 1870 he organized a church on Stran- 
 ger creek in Atchison county, to which he ministered for a season 
 and which came into Kansas Synod but which did not live long 
 owing to some feuds which arose among the members. During 
 these years of severe toil this pioneer missionary received very 
 small compensation for his services. It was in the day of begin- 
 nings, when the people were very poor and he was not backed up 
 by mission boards. Aside from what the people paid him he re- 
 ceived at one time SI 00 from Dr. Passavant in 1860-1, and Si 50 
 per year from the old Home Mission Society during 1862-3. Other 
 than this he supported himself in a way by tilling the soil, when 
 time would permit, giving him a scanty support for his fami'.y of 
 eight souls. 
 
 Before speaking of the organization of Kansas Synod it will be 
 necessary to give an account of the churches and pastors entering 
 into its organization, of which as yet no mention has been made. 
 At this early day the missionary interests were poorly organized 
 and inadequately supported. The society known as the "Home 
 Mission Society" had been in existence since 1845, but as yet it 
 was a society separate from the General Synod, and not officially 
 under its direction, and most of the district synods declined to 
 pledge definite support for it. It could not therefore gather much
 
 22 THE HOME MISSION SOCIETY. 
 
 money. Indeed most of the district synods preferred to carry on 
 missionary operations of their own, and largely on their own terri- 
 tory. In 1866 the Home Missionary Society was re-organized on 
 a new basis which brought it in a nearer relation to the General 
 Synod; however it was not as yet the child of the latter as many 
 synods neglected to send it contributions. It was not until 1869 
 that the Home Mission Society was merged into the Board of Home 
 Missions, under the appointment and direction of the General 
 Synod. 
 
 Although hampered by its loose organization the old society was 
 able to accomplish much good. In the Fall of 1864, feeling the 
 need of someone in the field to direct its work in founding missions 
 and collecting funds, it secured Rev. Morris Officer, late returned 
 Missionary from Liberia, Africa, as its field secretary. He at once 
 took up the work and throwing into it his whole soul, began the 
 canvass of the field with an activity and earnestness rarely equalled 
 in the annals of missionary work. In May and June of the follow- 
 ing year he came to Missouri, and spent six weeks in personally 
 canvassing St. Louis. Under the date of May 22, 1865, in the 
 Lutheran Observer he writes, "A great deal has been recently said 
 and written on the importance and necessity of planting missions 
 in the large cities of the great West . . . but our experience 
 has taught us that such a work is a serious undertaking requiring 
 years of the most efficient and faithful labor and a large expendi- 
 ture of money." Upon his first glimpse of St. Louis he writes, 
 "About noon May 10th I stood on the upper deck of the ferry boat 
 and gazed upon the great city stretching several miles along the 
 opposite bank and reflected that we had no English or German 
 church in the city." While here he secured a pass from the 
 "Pacific Railway" and penetrated the west almost to Kansas City 
 visiting Sedalia and Pilot Knob in the hopes of finding a point where 
 he might establish a Lutheran mission. Returning to St. Louis he 
 assiduously sought for a suitable hall where he might open ser- 
 vices but found none. 
 
 In the spring of 1866 he made a second visit to St. Louis, but 
 finding an epidemic of cholera along the wharf he again deferred 
 action and took his way to points further west including St. Joseph. 
 In August he again went west. At Tipton, Missouri, his canvass 
 resulted in his finding sixteen Lutheran people willing to enter 
 an organization. Not having a man at hand he deferred organiza- 
 tion till a later date. At Kansas City he had a similar experience. 
 During the first week in September he entered Kansas, visiting
 
 REV. MORRIS OFFICER IN KANSAS. 23 
 
 Lawrence, Topeka, Atchison, St. Joseph, Mo., and Grasshopper 
 Falls. At the latter place he attended the Second Conference of 
 Lutheran ministers, to which allustion will be made later. Besides 
 these trips he made several other journeys riding in a pony rig. 
 Dr. Imhoff in his "Life of Morris Officer" touches on this trip, ob- 
 serving : 
 
 "The opportunity and importance of at once occupying these im- 
 portant cities so exercised his earnest soul that he could not rest. 
 He would betake himself to prayer and letter writing until, exhaust- 
 ed, he would break down. He wrote letters to all of the synods 
 which were in session during his tour, to leading men in the 
 church, and to such pastors as he deemed eminently qualified to 
 occupy these important centers of growing wealth and power. . . 
 . . He had all along felt the necessity of having good and suit- 
 able men in the missionary charges. But now, more than ever, there 
 was an imperative demand for men of experience and large influ- 
 ence. ... He came home on the 5th of October all alive with 
 interest in his work. Its magnitude had opened anew his mind and 
 baptized him with fresh zeal. He applied himself earnestly to 
 secure services of men who had been successful as pastors and 
 were known in the church at large. But when he failed here, he 
 went to the theological seminaries, and found good and promising 
 young men, but they were untried, unknown, and inexperienced, 
 and his heart sank within him. He knew and felt that the most 
 important missions in western cities would after all be regarded as 
 experiments, and though the mission and missionary might be well 
 enough, the contributions would be too small to carry on the work 
 in any way to equal the demands." 
 
 Pastor after pastor refused to give up his charge and go west 
 into the mission field. Could these have read the journals of Offic- 
 er they would hardly but feel reproved for their want of courage 
 and self denial. One such pastor, located in a fine eastern church, 
 wrote the secretary as follows: 
 
 "I do not remember that I informed you that we collected in my 
 church last Fall $143 for one of the missions of which you spoke. 
 The money is at your disposal. . . . The difficulty you have 
 in getting a suitable man for one of those missions in Missouri and 
 Kansas has been weighing on my mind. It seems to me that the 
 only solution is that some of us young men cut loose and go there. 
 I feel as concerns myself in this way, if I am fit for this kind of 
 work, a point I sometimes question, and you think I would do, I 
 am ready to go. There are plenty of men who would jump at the 
 chance of getting my church here. They pay me $1800, . . . 
 If no one else will go into the breech, why then some of us easy 
 berthed fellows must lead the forlorn hope. I am ready to go." 
 
 The fact remains that this brother did not go. There were many 
 like him. When the time came for them to make the needed sacri- 
 fice., they were not willing to make it. Then the rough conditions
 
 24 A RIPE HARVEST AND FEW LABORERS. 
 
 in Kansas were not conducive to persuading men in the East to 
 come into the new state. Rev. S. P. Harrington, writing in the 
 Observer, under date of March 8, 1865, says, 
 
 "There is a prevailing idea in the East, that the people of this 
 state are a set of cut-throats and horse thieves, but there are more 
 good citizens here than we have credit for. That there are bad 
 men here, and that they are dealt with severely, are two facts. But 
 the severe policy adopted is rapidly cleaning out the hard material. 
 . . . We have here representatives from almost every Northern 
 state and a large proportion of them are men of the most sturdy 
 habits." 
 
 The compensation at that time in the mission field was discour- 
 aging. The men who had been on the field received but a pittance 
 for their labors. If in those times of beginnings more men of ex- 
 perience had taken the helm and been backed up with sufficient 
 support from the established East, Kansas Synod might have had 
 a much better start. It is easy to see how the lack of both men 
 and means confronted this earnest Secretary, enough to appall the 
 bravest heart. It is no wonder that his heart ached for the oppor- 
 tunities which were passing by unimproved because the frontier 
 was raw, and willing men and adequate means were lacking. After 
 many rebuffs and refusals among the eastern established pastors, 
 Rev. Officer turned to the theological seminaries and naturally 
 enough looked first to the one farthest west, Wittenberg. Here he 
 found two young men, about to graduate in the spring of 1867, will- 
 ing to listen to his offers, in the persons of Rev. A. W. Wagenhals 
 and Rev. E. J. Keplinger, both licentiates of the Synod of Central 
 Pennsylvania. These two young men agreed to take missions in the 
 West as soon as the term closed. 
 
 After this he set himself to the task of securing pledges and rais- 
 ing money for the purpose of establishing two or three extra mis- 
 sions. In Baltimore he found one man willing to give $600 for 
 the support of a missionary in Kansas City. In some places he 
 succeeded in persuading a single congregation to undertake the 
 support of a western mission. It taxed his ingenuity to devise ways 
 and means and success began to come as a result of his concen- 
 trated efforts. In February, 1867, he started west again and arrived 
 in St. Louis on the 13th and spent several days looking up people 
 with whom he had been keeping in close touch through the mails. 
 Finding conditions there not ready for organization he proceeded 
 to Tipton and Versailles, Mo., at which places he organized church- 
 es, comprising a pastoral charge with, churches eighteen miles 
 apart. Here in April he located Rev. E. J. Keplinger, as mission-
 
 REV. MORRIS OFFICER. 25 
 
 ary. From Tipton he went back to St. Louis, where he finally ef- 
 fected an organization, took a subscription for a church lot and 
 promised them $600 per year in support of a pastor and $1000 to- 
 ward the erection of a chapel. Early in March he arrived in Kansas 
 City, and preached in the Congregational church on a Sunday morn- 
 ing and lectured on "African Missions" in the evening. Here he 
 met Rev. Wagenhals, and a service was arranged for, and the young 
 missionary preached, a sort of trial sermon. The Secretary gave 
 him the hint not to say anything about slavery or the late Civil 
 War, as the people were sensitive on those points. The committee 
 who heard him praised his discretion telling him that he preached 
 about "love and did not refer to politics." On the 4th of April they 
 together organized a church, adopted a constiution, elected officers, 
 and cast about for ways and means for the purchase of a church 
 lot. 
 
 During this time Rev. Officer made a number of side trips to 
 Lawrence, and Topeka, Kansas, where he canvassed the Scandi- 
 navian population finding at both places enough people to justify 
 the organization of churches. On March 19th he organized a con- 
 gregation at Lawrence of twenty-seven members. In his Journal 
 he says, "I recorded the proceeding. May God bless this infant." 
 On the 7th of April he organized a congregation at Topeka of fifteen 
 members. This was effected in the office of the Governor of the 
 state, as the Private Secretary of the Governor at that time was 
 Rev. J. B. McAfee. He promised to send them a missionary soon 
 and to encourage them to go ahead in the purchase of a church 
 site, he agreed to raise for them $100 toward the lots and $2000 
 toward the erection of a building. Rev. A. J. Hesson, a young man 
 then just entering the ministry, was commissioned as missionary, 
 taking charge in August following. Ten months later a church was 
 erected and dedicated. In May that year he succeeded in complet- 
 ing the organization at St. Louis, in the home of Mr. J. A. J. 
 Schultz, renewing his promise to them of $600 toward the support 
 of a pastor and $1000 toward the erection of a chapel. In October 
 that year Rev. S. W. Harkey, D. D., took charge as missionary. 
 The skies were beginning to look brighter. The Synod of Central 
 Pennsylvania agreed to look after Kansas City, Tipton, and Ver- 
 sailles; West Pennsylvania Synod, after Topeka and Lawrence; and 
 Maryland Synod after St. Louis. 
 
 Lutheranism at Atchison was being fostered with jealous care 
 by a warm hearted layman, Mr. J. H. Talbott, in whom a strong 
 love burned for the church of the Reformation. This Brother had
 
 26 THE FIRST CONFERENCE. 
 
 sent to the Home Mission Society a strong request for a mission- 
 ary. Rev. Officer made several visits to Atchison while he was in 
 Kansas but was unable to secure a man for the place. However 
 at the convention of the General Synod at Harrisburg in the spring 
 of 1868, he induced Rev. M. G. Boyer, of Marklesburg, Pa., a li- 
 centiate of Allegheny Synod, to take up the work at Atchison. On 
 the 30th of July he and his young bride landed at Atchison, and 
 after holding services for three months in Price's Hall, he organ- 
 ized with twenty-three members. This was the last church organ- 
 ized prior to the organization of Kansas Synod. 
 
 EARLY CONFERENCES. 
 
 The ministers and pastors residing in Kansas and Western Mis- 
 souri retained their membership in various Eastern synods as this 
 portion of the country was not regarded as being on the territory 
 of any particular synod. They were serving congregations which 
 were widely separated, and it was very natural that they should 
 hunger for that mutual fellowship and kindred feeling which binds 
 so closely together the ministers of a synod. Some of them held 
 their membership in synods a thousand miles away and distance 
 made it impossible for them to meet with their brethren at the an- 
 nual conventions. Now and then they would meet each other in the 
 exchange of pulpits and in their travels over the field. The great 
 need of a closer union was felt on every hand. Accordingly a few 
 of them got together and planned a conference to be held in the 
 newly erected church at Monrovia at the occasion of its dedication, 
 and published a call for the same in the Lutheran Observer, to be 
 held on the 26th of May, 1865, and all Lutheran ministers in Kan- 
 sas, Nebraska and Missouri were invited to participate. There 
 were present at this conference, Revs. H. W. Kuhns of Omaha, 
 Nebraska., J. F. Kuhlman, of Fontenelle, Nebraska, S. P. Harring- 
 ton, the local pastor, John G. Ellinger of Pardee, Rev. J. B. McAfee, 
 of Topeka, and David Earhart of Pardee. Various subjects 
 kindred to the pioneer work being performed by these brethren 
 were discussed, and a general good time was had by all present as 
 the conference afforded a very agreeable social reunion of brethren 
 not often accorded such a privilege. Rev. Kuhns preached the
 
 THE FIRST CONFERENCE. 27 
 
 dedicatory sermon. Of the occasion Rev. Harrington wrote in the 
 Observer, "It was truly a solemn meeting." Rev. Earhart was 
 chosen President and Rev. Kuhlman, Secretary of the conference. 
 
 The question which most engaged their attention was how to 
 meet the demands of the great field in which they, a hand-full, 
 were laboring. They resolved to appeal to the East for help and 
 put their plea in a set of resolutions. They also placed on record 
 a desire for a form of distinctive Lutheran worship. The advisa- 
 bility of organizing a synod was discussed but no action was taken. 
 
 The trip to attend this conference made by Revs. Kuhns and 
 Kuhlman possibly surpasses that of any other clergymen in the 
 General Synod in the matter of miles, travelled. Rev. Kuhlman 
 left his home in Fontanelle at 2 A. M., of May 22nd, and rode in 
 his buggy 35 miles to Omaha. There hitching his pony with that 
 of Rev. Kuhns to a two horse buggy, these two brethren started on 
 their long trip together. Crossing the Missouri at Omaha they rode 
 southward through southwestern Iowa and into Missouri. Rev. 
 Kuhlman's diary relates that they spent the night of the 24th at 
 Oregon City, Mo., and early in the forenoon of the 25th crossed the 
 Missouri at Iowa Point near White Cloud, and into Kansas at its 
 most northeasterly corner. Here they took dinner with a contra- 
 band negro, and after crossing Doniphan county and a part of 
 Atchison county, they arrived at Monrovia late in the evening after 
 a weary ride of from 175 to 200 miles, having been on the way for 
 three days and a half. Dr. Kuhns oftimes in later years regaled 
 his friends by telling them extravagant stories of this memorable 
 trip to a conference, over swollen streams, across pathless prairies, 
 and among the scattered but hospitable settlers. 
 
 The Lutheran Observer in its issue for August 10th and 17th, 
 1866, contained a call for a conference to meet at Monrovia, at 2 
 P. M., September 6th, for the purpose of considering the propriety 
 of organizing a synod, and the interests of the Lutheran church in 
 Kansas generally." The call was signed by Rev. S. P. Harrington, 
 and urged all to be present with their lay delegates. Although the 
 call made Monrovia the place of meetings, it appears that the con- 
 ference was really held at Grasshopper Falls, the other church 
 comprising the Monrovia charge of which Rev. Harrington was then 
 pastor. There were present Revs. J. G. Ellinger, S. P. Harrington, 
 J; B. McAfee, David Earhart, and Morris Officer the Secretary of 
 the Home Mission Society, besides possibly a lay delegate or two. 
 They thoroughly discussed the advisability of organizing a synod 
 covering the states of Kansas and Missouri. They felt that there
 
 28 THE SECOND CONFERENCE. 
 
 were churches enough on the field to justify such an organization, 
 and Rev. Officer assured them that it was the intention of his Board 
 to institute movements which would add at once to the number. 
 The neighboring synods were too far away, the nearest being that 
 of Iowa to the northeast, and the Illinois Synods beyond the Missis- 
 sippi. While there was unanimity as to the advisability of having 
 a new synod, it was not altogether so when the basis was present- 
 ed upon which the new synod was to be planted. 
 
 When it is remembered that this conference took place the same 
 year that some district synods withdrew from the General Synod 
 soon after its convention at Fort Wayne, and also during a period 
 in which the church papers were full of discussions which indicat- 
 ed a condition of decided doctrinal unrest, it is not surprising that 
 out in a mission field the brethren should be influenced by these 
 conditions. The fact is, nearly all the ministers present were in 
 sympathy with that portion of the General Synod which was in- 
 clined to reject a part of certain articles of the Augsburg Confes- 
 sion which had been under fire for some time in the church press. 
 These articles were mainly those in which the Lutheran church 
 differed from the so-called Reformed churches with which it was 
 surrounded. Many in it had been yielding to the pressure of the 
 out-numbering denominations about them. The "Definite Synodical 
 Platform" had been before the church for ten years and had pretty 
 thoroughly leavened the West with its doctrines. Dr. S. S. 
 Schmucker, who at that time had championed the "American Re- 
 cension of the Augsburg Confession," (The Definite Platform) 
 which, while not adding anything to the Augustana, was very de- 
 sirous of having the church leave out certain parts of it, was very 
 popular in Ohio, Indiana, and the West. The unaltered Augustana 
 consequently was a very delicate subject, at most, with many of 
 the Kansas ministers. In fact a number of the churches on the 
 territory had been organized without any direct reference to the 
 Augsburg Confession in their constitution. Dr. Schmucker averred 
 in an article in the Observer that the Definite Platform was pre- 
 pared for our western churches. In its preface it seems the west- 
 ern ministers are held more or less responsible for its formation, 
 being a response to the demands of the times. Many of the western 
 synods narrowly escaped adopting it. In 1867 when the Synod of 
 Northern Illinois revised its constiution, by a very narrow margin 
 it escaped making the basis a conditional acceptance of the Augus- 
 tana. When in 1868 the Wittenberg Synod revised its constitution, 
 while accepting the basis of the General Synod with a very small
 
 THE "DEFINITE PLATFORM" SCHISM. 29 
 
 majority vote and after a long and spirited debate, it immediately 
 resolved, that "This act will in no sense disturb our cherished posi- 
 tion taken in years that are past on the "Definite Synodical Plat- 
 form." The obnoxious portions were especially Art. X on "The true 
 presence of the body and blood of Christ in the Sacrament of the 
 Altar;" Art. XI on "Private Confession and Absolution;" Art. 
 XXIV, relative to the "Ceremonies of the Mass.;" and Art. XXVIII, 
 relative to the "Divine Obligation of the Sabbath," and those parts 
 of Luther's Catechism which teach that forgiveness of sin, life and 
 salvation are conferred through the sacraments, and some other 
 points. 
 
 After some discussion pro and con it was evident that all but 
 Rev. Earhart were agreed to organize the conference into a Synod 
 upon the basis of the Definite Synodical Platform. The latter con- 
 tended that the unaltered Augustana was the only proper basis, 
 that the Definite Platform was new, untried, and in conflict with 
 the doctrinal history of the Lutheran church since its foundation. 
 Finally, without any amendment to the first proposition, Rev. J. B. 
 McAfee offered the following resolution, 
 
 "Resolved, That we organize ourselves into a Synod on the basis 
 of the Definite Synodical Platform, provided Rev. Earhart will 
 unite with us, and that if he does not, we do not." 
 
 Rev. Earhart declined to unite on the basis proposed, and the 
 effort failed. It may seem strange that one man should defeat the 
 wish of the others, even including the advice of the missionary 
 Secretary, but when we take into consideration the intense mission- 
 ary activity of Rev. Earhart's life at this time in preaching and 
 founding churches, his dogged perseverance where others had 
 given up the fight, as well as his all absorbing earnestness and posi- 
 tive Lutheran character, there is not much occasion for surprise at 
 the decided deference paid to his convictions. In fact a very large 
 percentage of the churches which would be expected to enter the 
 new synod had been founded by him. At most it was a very nar- 
 row escape for Kansas synod.
 
 30 THE ORGANIZATION OF KANSAS SYNOD. 
 
 THE ORGANIZATION OF KANSAS 
 SYNOD. 
 
 During the following two years no efforts were made either to- 
 ward holding a conference or organizing a synod. With the start- 
 ing of churches at Kansas City, Lawrence, Tipton, Versailles, Atch- 
 ison, St. Louis, and Topeka, the existing churches on the territory 
 were so manifestly strengthened that the necessity of a Synod be- 
 came imperative. Accordingly there was published in the Lutheran 
 Observer for October 23, 1868, signed by S. P. Harrington, the fol- 
 lowing call for a convention: 
 
 "There will be a meeting of Lutheran ministers of Kansas and 
 Missouri, (D. V.) at Topeka commencing on the 1st Thursday even- 
 ing of November (5th) 1868, for the purpose of organizing a synod. 
 All Lutheran ministers and their lay delegates, who will unequivo- 
 cally endorse the doctrinal basis of the General Synod, are invited 
 to participate in the convention. 
 
 By order of the majority of the ministers in Kansas and Mis- 
 souri. Dated September 9th, 1868." 
 
 This convention met according to the call, in the newly erected 
 church on Topeka Ave., in said city, of which Rev. A. J. Hesson 
 was pastor. The following ministers and laymen were present and 
 participated in the organization: Revs. J. B. McAfee, Topeka, S. P. 
 Harrington, Monrovia, A. W. Wagenhals, Kansas City, A. J. Hes- 
 son, Topeka, E. J. Keplinger, Tipton, M. G. Boyer, Atchison, and 
 Messrs A. P. Benson, Topeka, J. G. Schmucker, Lawrence, G. W. 
 Householder, Kansas City, J. H. Stover, Tipton, and G. W. Crotzer, 
 Grasshopper Falls. 
 
 The convention was opened with earnest prayer that they might 
 be adequately guided in their efforts to lay well the foundations of 
 Lutheranism in the first synod to be organized west of the Missouri 
 river. They were liberal minded men, filled with a warm love for 
 the church of the Fatherland. They had no sympathy with dead 
 formalism on the one hand, nor were they willing to be led by an 
 ignorant fanaticism which ignored orthodxy, on the other. The 
 publicity given to these extremes in the church press of the day 
 had rather broadened their views, and they were ready now to enter 
 upon the organization of a synod, the basis of which was to be that 
 upon which all other synods connected with the General Synod 
 stood, viz., the unaltered Augustana and Luther's Small Catechism. 
 Prayer meetings, Sunday schools, and catechetical classes were to
 
 THE ORGANIZATION OF KANSAS SYNOD. 31 
 
 be encouraged as specific methods through which the development 
 of the church was to be effected. 
 
 The absence of Rev. D. Earhart was deplored by all present, as it 
 eliminated from the organization one of the most active and influ- 
 ential men in the previous history of the church in Kansas, as well 
 as the churches which he represented. After his experience in the 
 former effort to organize a synod, and his being at this time in 
 connection with the General Council, and the new synod to be 
 without doubt General Synod in kind, and at this time there not 
 being very cordial relations between these two synods owing to the 
 recent withdrawal of General Council church from the General 
 Synod, he felt somewhat delicate about coming to this convention, 
 unless he should be specifically invited by some of the more influ- 
 ential men on the field, and he so informed them. After the organ- 
 ization a fraternal letter was sent him in which his absence was 
 regretted, and it was stated that the printed notice in the Observer 
 was the only invitation issued to any one, and that no slight was 
 intended, and that if he felt he could unite upon the basis adopted, 
 they would be glad to have him do so, and that the Secretary of 
 the Synod was empowered to enroll his name. This overture was 
 accepted and at the second convention of the Synod Rev. Earhart 
 was present, and united with the Synod. Letters of regret for 
 absence were received from Rev. F. R. Scherer of Waterville, and 
 Rev. S. W. Harkey, of St. Louis, both of whom hailed with joy the 
 organization of a new synod and promised their warm prayers and 
 co-operation. 
 
 Both the minutes of the first convention and other early data 
 preserved in the historical archives, all of which was very limited, 
 fail to name the churches which formally entered into the new or- 
 ganization. It is impossible at this time to make out a roll of 
 churches and in fact the writer is of the opinion that the organizers 
 did not give that matter much thought. From incidental data and 
 interviews with members still living, we subjoin a roll which com- 
 prises most likely the ones who are entitled to the honor of being 
 charter members.
 
 32 
 
 DOCTRINAL BASIS. 
 
 PASTOR. 
 
 CHURCHES. 
 
 LAY DELEGATE. 
 
 ADDRESS. 
 
 John G. Ellinger, 
 J. B. McAfee, 
 S. P. Harrington, 
 
 A. W. Wagenhals, 
 A. J. Hesson, 
 
 E. J. Keplinger, 
 M. G. Bover. 
 
 No Charge, 
 No Charge, 
 St. Paul's 
 Ev. Lutheran, 
 1st Lutheran, 
 1st Lutheran, 
 Ev. Lutheran, 
 Ev. Lutheran, 
 Ev. Lutheran, 
 Ev. Lutheran. 
 
 
 Pardee, Kan. 
 Topeka, Kan. 
 Monrovia, Kan. 
 Grasshopper Falls. 
 Kansas City, Mo. 
 Topeka, Kan. 
 Lawrence, Kan. 
 Versailles, Mo. 
 Tipton, Mo. 
 Atchison, Kan. 
 
 
 
 G. W. Crotzer, 
 G W Householder, 
 A. P. Benson, 
 J. G. Schmucker, 
 John H. Stover, 
 
 
 Rev. J. B. McAfee was chosen temporary chairman and Rev. E. 
 J. Keplinger, secretary in the preliminary organization. The fol- 
 lowing resolution was adopted: 
 
 WHEREAS, The time has come when the wants of the Lutheran 
 church in the states of Kansas and Missouri demand that there 
 should be some efficient agency within these states, which shall 
 more successfully look after and promote the varied interests of 
 our western Zion, therefore, 
 
 Resolved, That we as a convention proceed to organize a new 
 synod, and that a committee of three clerical and two lay members 
 be appointed to draft a constitution for said synod and report." 
 
 This latter duty devolved upon Revs. Wagenhals, Hesson and 
 Ellinger and Messrs Schmucker and Crotzer. At the second ses- 
 sion the following resolution on the doctrinal basis of the new 
 synod was unanimously adopted: 
 
 Resolved, That this synod declare its doctrinal position to be that 
 of the General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran church in the 
 United States of America, receiving and holding with the Evangel- 
 ical church of our Fathers, the Word of God as contained in the 
 canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, as the only 
 infallible rule of faith and practice, and the Augsburg Confession 
 as a correct exhibition of the fundamental doctrines of the Divine 
 Word, and of the faith of the church founded on that Word, and on 
 this basis desires a constitution to be formed. 
 
 Owing to the need of more time in which to prepare a constitu- 
 tion the committee recommended that the entire constitution of the 
 Eastern Pennsylvania Synod be temporarily adopted, making such 
 changes as might be necessary in transferring the location from 
 Pennsylvania to Kansas. This recommendation was adopted, and 
 Rev. S. P. Harrington was chosen permanent president and Rev. 
 E. J. Keplinger, secretary, and Rev. A. W. Wagenhals, treasurer. 
 Among the items of business disposed of at this convention was an
 
 33 
 
 REV. M. G. BOYER, D. D. MR. A. W. WAGNALLS, LITT. D. 
 
 REV. A. J. HESSON. REV. S. P. HARRINGTON. 
 
 SOME CHARTER MEMBERS.
 
 34 
 
 MR. A. P. BENSON. 
 
 MR. G. W. HOUSEHOLDER. 
 
 REV. E. J. KEPLINGER. MR. J. G. SCHUMCKER. 
 
 SOME CHARTER MEMBERS.
 
 THE FIRST SYNOD. 35 
 
 expression of sympathy with those who were Peeking to establish 
 Mendota (Illinois) college and a regret of their inability to furnish 
 any financial aid owing to their imperative needs at home. In or- 
 der to promote the cause of home missions more fully the Synod 
 organized itself into a Home Mission Society, in which every mem- 
 ber was to consider it his duty "to canvass as much of ths un- 
 occupied territory as possible, to seek out scattered Lutherans, 
 look out for important fields, and report interesting facts as they 
 may develop." A standing Executive Committee was appointed, 
 and a resolution adopted asking that a day of prayer be appointed 
 in which the church in the East should be asked to remember the 
 missions and missionaries of the West. Rev. M. G. Boyer, a licen- 
 tiate of the Allegheny synod was set apart to the Gospel ministry 
 in a very impressive service on Sunday evening at the close of the 
 convention. A simple form for parochial reports was adopted, al- 
 though no reports were submitted at this synod. The total member- 
 ship aside from the churches under the pastoral care of Rev. Ear- 
 hart were as follows: Topeka, 20, Monrovia, 104, Grasshopper 
 Falls, 30, Kansas City, 20, Lawrence, 27, Tipton, 20, Versailles 15, 
 Atchison, 25, total 261. It was indeed a day of small beginnings 
 and humble enough. Feeling the need of another meeting soon, 
 the synod adjourned to meet six months later, the first Tuesday in 
 April of the following Spring, at Atchison. 
 
 At a subsequent convention Rev. Earhart brought his congrega- 
 tions into the synod which at that time embraced a congregation at 
 Vinland, one at Osawkee, one at East Norway (Moray) and prob- 
 able one other of which the records are very uncertain. For sev- 
 eral years following the organization of Kansas synod it was all 
 the Home Mission Board could do to take care of the missions 
 planted by Rev. Officer. In the following spring a church was or- 
 ganized at Waterville by Rev. F. R. Scherer, and no other was or- 
 ganized for the following five years save one by Rev. Earhart, 
 Christ's, at Stranger creek. Although a number of Lutheran 
 clergymen came to Kansas during this time they were rather in- 
 clined to pre-empt land, or speculate in land, than preach the Gos- 
 pel. Rev. Hesson in his report as President of Synod in 1870 said, 
 "I cannot help but deeply and sadly regret that so many able and 
 acceptable ministers of the Gospel, within the bounds of our synod 
 are content to remain idle, while around them the harvest of the 
 Lord is perishing for the want of laborers." Now and then one of 
 these ministers feeling that he was missing his calling by devoting 
 his time to secular affairs would attempt to combine farming with
 
 36 PREACHER OR FARMER. 
 
 preaching the gospel and sought to organize a church near his 
 farm. His compensation from his church usually was very meager, 
 probably all that it was worth, considering the pastors divided in- 
 terests, but the results from these attempts were so small that in 
 after years when the Mission Board took hold of extending the 
 church on this territory it made it a rule not to grant help to a mis- 
 sionary who tried to farm and also preach the Gospel. The story 
 of the further development of the church in Kansas Synod will be 
 found under the chapters relating to the Travelling Missionaries 
 and the general church Secretaries. 
 
 A PERIOD OF EXPANSION TRAVEL- 
 LING SYNODICAL 'SECRETARIES. 
 
 Early in the seventies the work of planting and maintaining our 
 church in Kansas became quite critical. The frequent drouths and 
 consequent crop failures had thoroughly disheartened the faithful 
 working force in the field, and the indifferent ones allowed the 
 cause completely to languish. Pastors, in order to provide for their 
 families, were obliged to supplement their sacred calling with sec- 
 ular work. In 1874 only three pastors devoted themselves exclu- 
 sively to the work of the ministry. Rev. Reuben Weiser that year 
 writing to the Observer said, "Our church in Kansas is not making 
 any progress, it seems rather going backwards. The causes of this 
 retrogression are in the fact that there is not one self-sustaining 
 charge in the state, and the pastors receive so small support that 
 they are all, I believe, without a single exception, obliged to labor 
 with their own hands to support their families." About this time 
 the various denominations in the East began to pour men and 
 money into Kansas for the planting of churches of their respective 
 faiths. Our pastors with sorrow beheld our people taken into these 
 denominations and forever lost to the Lutheran church. They real- 
 ized too that the early planting of the church in the crude and 
 rapidly building towns meant strong and influential churches when 
 these towns became cities, but their hands were tied. They had 
 neither men nor money, with which to go in and reap the harvest. 
 The influx of immigration at this time was quite extensive, such as 
 had rarely been witnessed in the settlement of any state previous
 
 THE CRY FOR ENLARGEMENT. 37 
 
 to that time. The Union Pacific and Santa Fe railroads began dis- 
 posing of their government land grants to foreign and domestic 
 immigrants, and thousands of families poured into the new state 
 and among these were many Lutherans. The problem of adequate- 
 ly caring for this heritage was too great for a struggling synod 
 which spread over the entire 82,0000 square miles of the state. Up 
 to 1875 Kansas Synod had but twenty organized churches, with 
 fifteen un-organized preaching points. The cry of enlargement 
 was heard at every convention of synod, but it was a despairing 
 cry, because the country was new, the expense of living high, the 
 people poor, crop failures common, men willing to make the need- 
 ed sacrifices very few indeed, and thus every disposition to ad- 
 vance was checked by lack of means. After considerable agitation 
 the synod began to declare itself on the matter. The first occurred 
 in 1873, when the following resolutions were adopted: 
 
 WHEREAS, The territory of our synod has suffered greatly already 
 from the lack of missionary effort, by the members of the Lutheran 
 church in different portions of the state uniting with sister churches, 
 or becoming utterly indifferent to all church relation, and, 
 
 WHEREAS, The history of our church in the past proves the vast 
 benefit derived from the efforts of travelling missionaries, and in- 
 asmuch as other influential and powerful denominations by the use 
 of such missionaries have met with the most encouraging success 
 upon our territory; therefore, 
 
 Resolved, That as a synod, convinced of our neglect and conse- 
 quent loss in the past, we feel this important means can be dis- 
 pensed with no longer; that we instruct the ministers within our 
 bounds to devote at least one Sabbath in each quarter to mission- 
 ary effort at the most important points within their reach; that we 
 appoint one travelling missionary, whose duty shall be to visit cer- 
 tain points at least once in three months; that we respectfully ask 
 our Board of Home Missions to appropriate funds for the support 
 of our travelling missionary, and that we will aid them to the 
 utmost in raising funds for the same. 
 
 Following up this action one of their own number was appointed 
 Travelling Missionary, but owing to lack of funds he was not able 
 to accomplish much. At the following convention of synod, and in 
 the presence of Rev. J. W. Goodlin, the Secretary of the Home 
 Mission Board, the subject was quite thoroughly discussed. It was 
 then discovered that the rules of the Home Mission Board would 
 not allow the appointment of district travelling missionaries. The 
 convention then resolved to memorialize the next General Synod 
 to pass such a rule as to empower the Home Board to take favor- 
 able action on their requests. This memorial was duly presented 
 but the General Synod failed to take favorable action on adopting
 
 38 REV. S. P. HARRINGTON, COMMISSIONED. 
 
 such a rule but referred the matter to their Home Board and the 
 latter declared they were ready to occupy Kansas points as soon 
 as men and means were available. 
 
 The President of Kansas synod in his report for 1876 said, "We 
 must have in each synod in the West a Superintendent of missions 
 
 . . . who will give his entire time to looking after our vacant 
 churches and promising points, who will be supported in part by 
 our Board of Home Missions." At the same convention the Kansas 
 Advisory Board was directed to employ a suitable person for the 
 ensuing year to serve as a Synodical Missionary at a salary of 
 S800, raising the salary as largely as possible on the field of his 
 operations, the synod assuming the deficiency. His duties were to 
 visit destitute points, vacant congregations, and churches needing 
 encouragement, preach the Gospel, organize churches, assist in 
 supplying vacancies with pastors, and to report to the President 
 once a month. 
 
 On the 9th of August, Rev. S. P. Harrington was commissioned 
 as Travelling Missionary serving for six months. While he was 
 reported as meeting with "marked success," yet owing to the lack 
 of funds the commission was recalled. He reported as having visit- 
 ed 35 points, travelled 2581 miles, preached 78 sermons, supplied 
 two vacancies, made collections on the field of $191, and incurred 
 travelling expenses in the sum of S48, the Santa Fe railroad giving 
 him free transportation. During this time he also organized Mt. 
 Zion church at Dillon and Ebenezer church in Liberty township, 
 both churches being in the southern part of Dickinson county, of 
 which he became pastor upon relinquishing his office. The actual 
 results of this effort were meager indeed, but what could be ex- 
 pected with so little actual support aside from the man himself. 
 It was like sending a laborer into the forest to get material out for 
 a mill, without axe, or saw, or team. The synod was not ready to 
 back up the measure with men or money. 
 
 The General Synod at its 1877 convention authorized the Board 
 of Home Missions to appoint travelling missionaries in the West 
 whenever it deemed it practicable, but the Board for lack of funds 
 to follow up such an effort did not see its way clear to do so. How- 
 ever the failure spurred up the friends of the measure and a "Joint 
 Home Mission Convention" representing the synods of Iowa, Kan- 
 sas and Nebraska, was called to be held in Kansas City on the 4th 
 of December, 1877. This convention was held although for lack 
 of proper advertising it was very slimly attended. Rev. W. A. Lipe 
 was chosen the President, and Rev. T. F. Dornblaser, Secretary.
 
 SECOND WESTERN MISSIONARY CONVENTION. 39 
 
 The subjects discussed were, "The Field," "Course and Character 
 of Immigration," "Ratio of Increase in Population," "Best Methods 
 of Cultivating the Field," "Ministerial, Lay, and Financial Help," 
 "Peculiarities and Difficulties of the Work," "Christian Culture," 
 and "Our Work Among the Germans and Scandinavians," No 
 definite action was taken excepting to call a "Great Western Home 
 Mission Convention" to be held at Omaha, May 13-15, 1878, and 
 to which prominent men from the East were to be invited, that they 
 might see the immense field for themselves. 
 
 This latter convention was a decided success, over fifty delegates 
 being present. Many of the most prominent men of the church 
 were there taking part in the discussion, such as Rev. J. W. Good- 
 lin, Secretary of the Home Mission and Church Extension Boards, 
 Drs. F. W. Conrad, H. Ziegler, L. E. Albert, S. A. Ort, J. G. Butler, 
 J. H. W. Stuckenberg, L. A. Gotwald and Samuel Aughey, and Pro- 
 fessors H. L. Baugher, J. W. Richards, and F. W. E. Peschau. Pas- 
 tors were present fr,om Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, 
 Ohio, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania. From Kansas synod there 
 were present Revs., A. A*. Trimper, D. Harbaugh, A. J. Kissell, S. P. 
 Harrington, L. C. Grosclose, J. G. Groenmiller, Charles Martin, 
 and C. F. Kaesmann. Secretary Goodlin gave the opening address 
 on the subject of the convention, viz., "The Development of the 
 Home Mission Field in the West." Papers were read on "The 
 Claim of Home Missions," "Lutheran Immigration in the West," 
 "Cities and Centers of Influence," "The Germans and Scandinav- 
 ians," "The West and Her Institutions," and "The Cultivation of 
 the Field." The main question around which all discussion cen- 
 tered was the advisability of appointing travelling home mission- 
 aries in the western synods. The resolutions adopted touched upon 
 the numerous difficulties in establishing the church in the West and 
 the firm belief that these could be surmounted; upon the claim of 
 this field being of the highest importance to every member bearing 
 the Lutheran name, commending it to the East, the church press, 
 the pulpits, and the Boards. As to the wisdom of appointing travel- 
 ling missionaries, the following action was taken, 
 
 Resolved, 1. That as the sense of this convention, the Board of 
 Home Missions be respectfully requested to appoint a travelling 
 missionary for each of the states of Iowa, Kansas, and Nebraska. 
 
 Resolved, 2. That a committee be appointed to devise a plan to 
 be laid before the Board of Home Missions by which these mission- 
 aries can be successfully put in the three fields and sustained. 
 
 Resolved, 3. That it is the sense of this convention that in order 
 to accomplish only a small part of the missionary work, the im-
 
 40 
 
 REV. T. F. DORNBLASER TRAVELLING MISSIONARY. 
 
 mediate wants of the West demand that at least $50,000 should be 
 raised for Home Missions each year. 
 
 This convention greatly encouraged the western synods, and none 
 more than the Kansas synod, which followed up the advantage thus 
 gained by pressing their claims upon the General Synod. At its 
 fall convention Kansas synod pledged itself for $400 toward the 
 salary of a travelling misisonary, and requested the Home Board 
 to pay the balance, and appoint the missionary who was to be un- 
 der the direction of the Board. However the Board had no funds 
 with which to supplement the offer of Kansas synod, but it recom- 
 mended that this work be taken up by some eastern synods. The 
 
 Maryland and Western Pennsyl- 
 vania synods responded, offer- 
 ing to add $600 to the $400 of 
 Kansas synod. This resulted in 
 the appointment of Rev. T. F. 
 Dornblaser, as Travelling Mis- 
 sionary for Kansas synod, the 
 Board offering to pay his travel- 
 ling expenses besides, and the 
 commission dated from Decem- 
 ber 1, 1878. 
 
 The missionary entered upon 
 his duties with marked enthus- 
 iasm. His instructions required 
 him to visit and canvass towns 
 and communities, with a view 
 of ascertaining the number 
 of Lutherans and the char- 
 acter of the material that could be reached by our church, 
 to organize the members collected into congregations, to visit and 
 preach to those organized, and to secure through the assistance of 
 the Board a pastor when needed, and to render monthly reports 
 of his operations, and see that every church organized was planted 
 upon the basis of the General Synod, adopting the Formula for the 
 Government and Discipline of the church. 
 
 During the first year, 1879, the missionary organized congrega- 
 tions at Halstead in Harvey county, State Center and Pride in Bar- 
 ton county, Lone Tree in Ellsworth county, Delight in Lincoln 
 county, Americus in Lyon county, and in 1880 in Pleasant Valley 
 in Dickinson county, and Lincoln Center in Lincoln county. These 
 all were what was called in those days, "school-house" churches. 
 
 REV. T. F. DORNBLASER, D. D.
 
 THE HOME BOARD GIVES IT UP. 41 
 
 Their history constitute a dark side of missionary effort.-* After be- 
 ing admitted into synod and served intermittently by a pastor or 
 supply, one by one they disintegrated until nothing was left of 
 them. The Missionary devoted, his attention to Atchison, Valley 
 Falls, Monrovia, Ottawa, Eureka, Waterville, Peabody, Topeka, 
 etc. At the last named place he spent three months in trying to 
 revive the work started by Rev. A. J. Hesson, which had been pas- 
 torless for eight years. The church was practically dead, and only 
 awaited a decent burial. Rev. J. B. McAfee, Hon. Lewis P. Fiery, 
 and Elias Shull, Esq., rallied to his support. Nineteen names were 
 signed to an application to the Board to re-undertake the work 
 after eight years of hopeless abandonment. McAfee and Fiery 
 came to the synod that fall and asked that the Travelling Mission- 
 ary be assigned to Topeka as missionary pastor. The inability or 
 neglect of Kansas Synod to promptly pay its part of the expenses 
 of maintaining this secretary in the field led the two Eastern synods 
 to decline to grant help for a third year. The Home Board accord- 
 ingly notified Kansas synod that the commission would not be re- 
 newed. The Advisory Board feeling that the work was too import- 
 ant to drop asked the newly organized Woman's Home and Foreign 
 Misisonary Society to contribute $250, which it did, and Rev. Dorn- 
 blaser continued his work until the end of the synodical year, Octo- 
 ber, 1880. At this convention Kansas synod pledged $369 to keep 
 a Synodical Missionary in the field. Rev. J. H. Harpster was elect- 
 ed to the position, but he declined the office and no other one was 
 chosen. In the meantime the Home Mission Board created the 
 office of Western Secretary and placed Rev. S. B. Barnitz in the 
 field, which so thoroughly satisfied Kansas synod that the matter of 
 an individual missionary was promptly dropped. Rev. Barnitz was 
 warmly welcomed in the West as a co-laborer, and for twenty-one 
 years thereafter, he labored most successfully in planting the 
 church through the great Middle West. 
 
 For a period of six years the question of a Synodical Missionary 
 was permitted to rest. However, in 1887, the subject was again 
 agitated, and the Advisory Board was authorized to employ district 
 missionaries just as soon as money could be provided and men se- 
 cured, and demanded that the Home Board co-operate. But noth- 
 ing was done. In 1889 the synod again took up the matter and de- 
 cided to go ahead and act independently. A Board of seven men 
 was appointed consisting of Revs. G. D. Gotwald, T. F. Dornblaser, 
 F. M. Porch, J. M. Cromer, W. M. Sparr, and Messrs A. E. Wagner 
 and C. H. Lebold. This Board at a meeting held in April, 1890,
 
 42 RESULTS. 
 
 appointed *ev. T. F. Dornblaser as Synodical Missionary at a salary 
 of $100 per month and travelling expenses. He began his work on 
 the 1st of June, and continued it until the 21st of October. The in- 
 come was quite precarious, and besides many of the pastors felt 
 that this work could be done by the Western Secretaries of the 
 Home Mission and Church Extension Boards. Owing to division 
 in opinion and lack of support the special board decided to dissolve 
 and the movement came to an end. 
 
 When one attempts to get some tangible evidence of the ultimate 
 successful results of the labors of the Synodical Missionary dur- 
 ing the succession of efforts he finds it quite difficult to obtain it. 
 From the standpoint of real organizations of congregations it must 
 be considered a failure. Besides the congregations specified here- 
 tofore, the synodical minutes indicate two others as having been 
 effected by the Travelling Missionary, one at Ponriac, in Butler 
 county, and one at Garnet t. in Anderson county. Of these eight or 
 ten congregations none are in existence at present excepting that 
 at Garnett. The causes of this failure cannot altogether be laid 
 at the feet of the missionary. Many of these organizations were 
 at points where there were not many Lutheran families, and where 
 a little moving away would greatly affect the prosperity of the 
 church. Had more of them been in populous centers instead of at 
 country cross roads the result might have been different. Then in 
 these early days the railroads often made and unmade towns by 
 organizing towns on their lines with no regard to existing towns, 
 with fee result that the people moved their small houses miles over 
 the prairie to the new site leaving the old one to languish and die. 
 Then the Home Mission Board did not always come to the help of 
 the new organization. The drouths against which no missionary 
 could guard, drove thousands back to their old Eastern homes. 
 Besides the Kansas churches were so weak and ofttimes down un- 
 der the distress of a drouth that they could offer but little help. 
 However the Travelling Missionary was a God-send to the weak 
 and vacant churches which he visited and encouraged and fostered, 
 tiding them over critical periods until they were again on firm 
 ground. Then it must be acknowledged that some of the efforts 
 were more or less spasmodic and uncertain, and consequently 
 short-lived. Such efforts in the very nature of things could not 
 be permanent. Viewing it as a whole, we are satisfied were it not 
 for the frequent crop-failures which brought untold suffering and 
 extreme poverty on the people, the results would have measured 
 up with those which have been made in our Eastern synods where 
 similar movements prevailed.
 
 KANSAS HOME MISSIONS AND WESTERN SECRETARIES. 43 
 
 KANSAS HOME MISSIONS AND THE 
 WESTERN SECRETARIES. 
 
 The planting of our church in this great state, in its very incep- 
 tion, was made possible by aid from the old Home Mission Society. 
 There are only two or three churches in the Synod which have not 
 received aid from one or another of our mission boards. The first 
 missionary to be commissioned on the territory of Kansas Synod 
 was Rev. David Earhart located at Monrovia, and who preached at 
 several other points, who received in 1862-4 the sum of SI 50 per 
 year. Although this indefatigable worker labored in Kansas for 
 nearly twenty years, other than this, he never received aid from the 
 mission boards. Rev. Earhart was followed at Monrovia by Rev. 
 S. P. Harrington, who received help during 1864-5-6 of about $150 
 per year. In the fall of 1864 Rev. Morris Officer became Secretary 
 of the newly re-organized Home Mission Society. He was the first 
 Lutheran missionary officer to penetrate the Vest, which he did that 
 year, coming as far as Sedalia. Missouri, and in so doing he saw 
 its great opportunity and was thrilled by it. In 1866 he came again 
 this time visiting St. Louis, Tipton, and Kansas City, Missouri, and 
 Lawrence, Topeka, Monrovia, Atchison, and Grasshopper Falls, 
 Kansas. During this visit he carefully examined these points with 
 the view of stationing missionaries in mem as soon as he could 
 raise the money and get the men, for in that day of beginnings the 
 Secretary had to expend a great deal of personal energy to get 
 either men or money. In 1867 he had been successful enough in 
 raising funds that he felt the time was ripe for organizing. That 
 year he made a trip westward organizing churches through his per- 
 sonal efforts at St. Louis, Tipton, Versailles and Kansas City, Mis- 
 souri, and at Lawrence and Topeka, Kansas. This was all done 
 after he had personally made tedious house-to-house canvasses. 
 At Topeka and Lawrence he located as missionary Rev. A. J. Hes- 
 son; at Kansas City, Rev. A. W. Wagenhals; at Tipton and Ver- 
 sailles, Rev. E. J. Keplinger; and at St. Louis, Rev. S. V. Harkey. 
 During the ensuing year he located at Atchison Rev. M. G. Boyer 
 as pastor. All of these points as yet were in territory which had 
 no synodical connection until the organization of Kansas Synod in 
 November, 1868. The particular work he did for these churches 
 is described in their local history found elsewhere in this volume.
 
 44 REV. MORRIS OFFICER., FIRST SECRETARY. 
 
 The influence of these visits in the great and growing West set 
 his earnest soul on fire. The opportunity and importance of oc- 
 cupying these promising centers so occupied his mind that he could 
 not rest. The expense of maintaining men in these new fields, and 
 of giving necessary and adequate help in erecting church homes, 
 laid upon him a responsibility which greatly tried him. He had 
 personally pledged himself to raise among his friends and the 
 synods in the East several thousand dollars, a task in those early 
 days not easily accomplished. This struggle is graphically de- 
 scribed in Dr. Imhoff's Life of Morris Officer. To bring it about 
 he would set himself to prayer and letter-writing until compelled 
 to rest from utter exhaustion. Even while he rode over the coun- 
 try his versatile pen was busy laying these western mission fields 
 upon the hearts of synods in the East. He obtained specific pledges 
 from synods for individual churches. Then after he had the money 
 question settled he found it difficult to obtain competent men for 
 the work. Able men located in comfortable charges in the East 
 shrank from going into mission work in the West and at the same 
 time taking a reduced salary with an element of uncertainty in it, 
 and at a distance of a thousand miles from home at that. After 
 several failures he concluded that he must take young men, who 
 as yet had not been located. So he went to the theological semin- 
 aries using his eloquence in persuading young men there to enter 
 the mission field. The West had a bright side and he was not slow 
 in presenting it. By dint of hard work, such as possibly will not 
 be fully understood or appreciated, he not only secured the men 
 but raised the money for their sustenance. 
 
 When the present Board of Home Missions was organized at 
 Washington, D. C., in 1869, taking over the assets and liabilities of 
 the old Home Mission Society, Rev. Officer became its General 
 Secretary, and at the same time assumed the secretaryship of the 
 then very young and as yet inefficient Board of Church Extension. 
 Now he felt he was backed up by the General Synod. Before this 
 his backing was a society which had no official connection with the 
 General Synod, save as a missionary organization within it, sup- 
 ported by some of its leading spirits, but to which it was not pledged 
 for any definite work or funds. In mid-summer that year he again 
 visited Kansas Synod missions counselling with the members and 
 seeking to promote the interests of these new organizations, and 
 in mid-winter he again came West, travelling on free transportation 
 furnished him by the Missouri and Union Pacific railroads, and this 
 latter time he penetrated further west, touching Emporia, Abilene,
 
 DEATH OF OFFICER. 
 
 45 
 
 Salina, Junction City and other points, impressing every one with 
 whom he came into contact with the work which lay so warmly 
 upon his heart. During this trip he purchased a farm in Ottawa 
 county through Dr. J. E. Tressler, of Peabody. Becoming discour- 
 aged owing to poor health and doctrinal unrest, he resigned his 
 office in June, 1871, and immediately started for Kansas with his 
 family to live on his farm, thinking he could support them easier 
 as a farmer and at the same time recuperate his shattered health. 
 In October that year he left the Lutheran church and united with the 
 Congregationalists, serving for them several unimportant congre- 
 gations. His health continuing to fail him, and bereaved of two 
 of his children, he removed to Topeka where he died November 1, 
 1871. On the day of his funeral Rev. J. W. Goodlin, his successor 
 
 REV. J. W. GOODLAND, D. D. 
 
 REV. MORRIS OFFICER. 
 
 in office, happened, providentially it would seem, to stop off in 
 Topeka, and hearing of the death and funeral, attended, and was 
 invited to speak, and gave to the deceased such a tribute as only 
 a Lutheran could give him. 
 
 Rev. J. W. Goodlin, the new Secretary of the Boards did not give 
 Kansas the attention that Rev. Officer did, in personal visits. In 
 1871 Grasshopper Falls and Randolph (Swedish) received help
 
 46 
 
 REV. S. B. BARNITZ WESTERN SECRETARY. 
 
 from the Home Board and Lawrence received a loan of $1500. In 
 1873 missionaries were located at Salina, Waterville, Bunker Hill, 
 Abilene, and Grantford (Swedish). During the following bi-en- 
 nium no new missions were taken by the Home Board although the 
 Church Extension Board loaned 32,045 to the Kansas City mission. 
 During 1876-7 no new missions were located; however in 1878-9 
 Eureka, Dillon, and Hays City were given help, and in 1880-1 
 Greenleaf and Atchison were enrolled as missions. During this 
 latter biennium the Church Extension Board donated $4,500 to 
 Salina and $150 to Hays City, and loaned $200 to Bunker Hill. 
 The General Secretary did not make any visits to Kansas that bi- 
 ennium depending possibly on the travelling missionaries of Kansas 
 Synod to do the work. 
 
 The fall of 1881 opens a new era of missionary activity in the 
 West, owing largely to a change of policy in the management of 
 missionary work. For some time it had become the settled con- 
 viction upon the part of the Home Board that one secretary in 
 charge of the entire Western District would subserve the interests 
 of western missions as a whole better than a number of synodical 
 travelling missionaries. In harmony with this idea Rev. Samuel B. 
 
 REV. L. P. LUDDEN, D. D. 
 
 REV. S. B. BARNITZ, D. D.
 
 REVS. BARNITZ AND LENKER. 47 
 
 Barnitz was placed in the field as Western Secretary of Home Mis- 
 sions with headquarters at Des Moines, Iowa. * At the same time 
 some definite rules were adopted which declared that no support 
 would be given a country congregation which could possibly be or- 
 ganized into a self-sustaining charge by combination with other 
 congregations, or to a pastor who operated a farm in connection 
 with his church. 
 
 During 1882-3 new missions were organized at Peabody and Ells- 
 worth, and the Church Extension Board gave donations to Green- 
 leaf of $78, and raised its donation to Salina through the personal 
 efforts of Rev. Hartsock to $6,500, and loans were made of $300 
 to Peabody, $500 to Hays City, $200 to Bunker Hill, $300 to Green- 
 leaf, and $400 to Eureka, the last named loan being however re- 
 turned unused, as the church at Eureka successfully raised all the 
 money they needed on the day the church was dedicated. At this 
 time the latter Board adopted the rule that no donation should ex- 
 ceed $500, and no donation should be given to a church costing 
 over $5,000, and that no loans should exceed $5,000. 
 
 In the fall of 1883 the secretaryship of the two boards was sep- 
 arated. Rev. Jacob A. Clutz was chosen General Secretary of the 
 Home Board and Rev. S. B. Barnitz, Western Secretary, and Rev. 
 J. W. Richards, was made General Secretary of the Church Exten- 
 sion Board. In July, 1886, Rev. J. N. Lenker became the Western 
 Representative of the latter Board. This arrangement placed two 
 men in the Western field, and Revs. Barnitz and Lenker set them- 
 selves to the task with most commendable zeal, and together they 
 soon began to see good fruits from their efforts. Rev. Barnitz was 
 very active in promoting the work in Kansas and Nebraska. He 
 carefully informed himself as to the needs and prospects of every 
 mission on the territory, and did this by visiting the missions, 
 preaching in their churches, and visiting in their homes. He trav- 
 eled the state north and south and east and west many times over 
 until he was without doubt as fully familiar with his territory as 
 ever was a home mission secretary. Not only did he know the men 
 as pastors, but he widely became acquainted with the lay member- 
 ship, and by letter and otherwise kept himself in constant touch 
 with the missions themselves. His work may be regarded as most 
 successful. 
 
 Rev. Lenker, the Western Representative of the Church Exten- 
 sion Board conceived the idea of the purchase of church lots in 
 all the new towns in the West in which Lutheran families could 
 be found and deeding them to his Board for future use. In this
 
 48 LOANS AND DONATIONS. 
 
 he was encouraged, and throwing his whole soul into the effort he 
 succeeded in purchasing many lots in Kansas towns which were 
 largely paid for by Lutherans residing there through the the assist- 
 ance of Mr. Lenker, costing the Board only a trifle. During the 
 Biennium of 1886-7 he secured seventy-five such lots, aided in 
 starting six new churches, two parsonages, and in raising funds 
 for them and turning over to his Board property valued at $8,000. 
 So he did year after year, his work largely covering Kansas and 
 Nebraska. Just how much of this was strictly upon Kansas Synod- 
 ical territory we cannot determine. This will however give the 
 scope of his work. The results, as we sum them up today are not 
 so roseate. At the time the plan seemed really very feasible, but 
 experience proves that the investment was not very profitable. Most 
 of the lots were never built upon. Some were located in boomed 
 towns, and others were not favorably situated when the time came 
 for the erection of the church, and a great many are located in 
 towns in which there is no open door for our church. Really there 
 are only two or three Kansas churches built upon these lots. How- 
 ever the work of Secretary Lenker cannot be judged from the suc- 
 cess or failure of the church lot enterprise. He proved himself very 
 valuable in raising church debts, serving weak churches, and in 
 other ways. Among other church missionary officers the President 
 of the Board Rev. Chas. S. Albert came to Kansas a number of 
 times. He with Secretaries Barnitz and Clutz composed a trio 
 which soon became known as the "A B C" of Home Missions. 
 
 During the Biennium of 1884-5 new missions were opened at 
 Ottawa, Emporia, Denver, and Kansas City (The Children's Mem- 
 orial), and loans were made to the Memorial of $875, to Topeka 
 of $5,000, and a donation to the Memorial of Kansas City of $2,125, 
 and to Topeka of $200. During 1886-7 Banner City and Valley 
 Falls became missions and loans were made to Denver of $5,000, 
 Minneapolis of $300, Emporia of $3,000, Long Island of $300, and 
 Valley Falls of $500. Donations were made to the Memorial of 
 Kansas City of $1,400; Denver, $7,262; Minneapolis, $60; Emporia, 
 $504; and Ottawa, $74. During 1888-9 Hutchinson, Leavenworth, 
 Minneapolis, Wellington, Perth, and Portland were enrolled as new 
 missions. Loans were made to Kanapolis, of $50; Valley Falls, 
 $500; Oberlin, $300; Perth, $300; Ellsworth, $400; Norway, $200; 
 Norcatur, $300; Manchester, $300; Atchison, $1,000; Wellington, 
 $500; and donations to Perth, $200; Ellsworth, $200; Manchester, 
 $100; Kanapolis, $100; Memorial of Kansas City, $411; Emporia, 
 $190; Oberlin, $319; Perth, $10; Ellsworth, $20; and Atchison,
 
 LOANS AND DONATIONS 
 
 49 
 
 $25. During 1890-1 new missions were established at Manchester, 
 Garnett, Washington, and Wichita, and loans were made to St. 
 James church, Dickinson county, $300; Oberlin, $500; Chapman, 
 $300; Hutchinson, $1,000; and donations were made to Effingham, 
 $250; and Topeka, $400; and small sums under one hundred dol- 
 lars to Emporia, Norcatur, Ellsworth and Hutchinson. During 
 1892-3 Norcatur was given aid and loans were made to Garnett, 
 $800; Kansas City Memorial, $3,000; Valley Falls, $200; Wichita, 
 $2,000; Leavenworth, $1,000; and donations were made to Garnett, 
 $325; Kansas City Memorial, $60; Leavenworth, $225; and Well- 
 ington, $439. During 1894-5 Chapman and St. Joseph were en- 
 rolled, and loans were made to Hutchinson, $500; St. Joseph, 
 $3,000; and donations, to Wichita, $300; Hutchinson, $300; and 
 Ottawa, $300. During, 1896-7 Beloit and Sedalia were given help 
 and loans were made to Sedalia of $3,000 and a donation of $100. 
 During 1898-9 Jerico was the only new mission. In 1900-1 no new 
 missions were undertaken and loans were made in small sums to 
 Thomas, Kansas; First church, Kansas City; and donations, largely 
 in settlements, to Lawrence, Russell and Wellington. During 
 1902-3 Perth was again enrolled as a mission and new missions 
 
 REV. J. N. LENKER, D. D. 
 
 REV. H. L. YARGER, D. D.
 
 50 
 
 LOANS AND DONATIONS. 
 
 were opened at Oklahoma City, Okla., and Kansas City, Kansas. 
 Loans were made to the last named points and donations largely 
 in settlements to Eureka, Russell, Barnes, Hays, Emporia, Hutchin- 
 son, Kansas City First, and straight loans to Kansas City, Kansas 
 and Oklahoma City. During 1904-5 no new points were opened. 
 Loans were made to Kansas City, First, $3,000; Kansas City, 
 Grace, $300; and Kansas City, Kansas, loan and donation of 
 $1,740. Donations were made to Russell, Ottawa, Si 00; Hays, 
 $250; Emporia, $125, and Oklahoma City loan and donation $1,270. 
 The present secretaries operating 'in Kansas Synod are Rev. H. 
 L. Yarger, D. D., and Rev. L. P. Ludden, D. D. Dr. Yarger succeed- 
 ed Rev. J. N. Lenker, January 1, 1895, and for twelve years he has 
 shown himself a very efficient and intelligent worker. He has re- 
 sided on the territory of Kansas Synod all this time and has super- 
 vised the later operations of the Board of Church Extension in this 
 Synod. Dr. Ludden succeeded the late Dr. Barnitz, in February, 
 1903, with headquarters at Lincoln, Nebr., and is at present in 
 charge of all home missionary developments on this territory. 
 
 Sod houses and sod churches were not uncommon in the early 
 days of Kansas and Nebraska. The above engraving is from a 
 photo of a sod Lutheran church in Nebraska.
 
 HISTORY OF ORGANIZATIONS. 51 
 
 HISTORY OF ORGANIZATIONS. 
 
 It has been quite a difficult task to definitely locate a number of 
 the early churches, especially the "school house" organizations. 
 The early minutes of the Synod do not name or locate the various 
 congregations of a pastoral charge in the parochial reports. Quite 
 often simply the name of the pastor is given, omitting even his 
 residence, and a figure to indicate the number of congregations 
 he served, but no separate statistics relative to the individual 
 churches of his parish or the precise location of the same. Some 
 of these school house churches shifted from one school district to 
 another, and went by the name of the school house for the time 
 being, so that in the course of a number of years two and even 
 three names become attached to the same congregation, and these 
 finally find place in the minutes, which in turn led the historian a 
 merry chase in his work with the possible danger of his making 
 the mistake of entering more organizations than really existed. 
 Then in the early minutes a school house church would be aban- 
 doned and the only reference to the fact would be a numeral, less 
 by one unit, but nothing to show which of the various congrega- 
 tions of the charge had disbanded. The sketches of the pastorates 
 following were written from data largely furnished by the pastor- 
 ate. The information from some charges being much fuller than 
 others. Errors will be found doubtless in these sketches because 
 statements oft-times were furnished from memory rather than from 
 recorded data. Owing to the limits of this volume they have had 
 to be necessarily condensed to simply an outline history with no 
 room for the recording of the many struggles necessary in the 
 founding of some of the organizations. 
 
 ABILENE, TRINITY. 
 
 "It is now thirty-four years since I was at Abilene," writes Rev. 
 W. E. Crebs, our first pastor there, in response to our request for 
 early reminiscences. "It had just been located as the county-seat 
 of Dickinson county. Up to that time it had been the shipping 
 point of the great Texas cattle trade. Here the cowboys were in 
 great evidence and especially when they were paid off. Then usual- 
 ly followed a couple weeks of revelry ending generally in debauch.
 
 52 
 
 TRINITY CHURCH, ABILENE. 
 
 They were hundreds of miles from home and free from all restraints 
 as there were no civil officers to look after them of whom they were 
 afraid. It required more than ordinary prudence to be safe among 
 them and murder was a common occurrence. There was but one 
 church building in the place, a union chapel. It was common fish- 
 ing ground, and the man with the longest line or the strongest net 
 and most skilled in the casting, would make the biggest haul." 
 
 TRINITY CHURCH, (OLD BUILDING.) 
 
 PARSONAGE, ABILENE. 
 
 After making a canvass of the place Rev. Crebs effected an or- 
 ganization on the 22nd of October 1870. A constitution according 
 to the Formula of the General Synod was adopted, and officers 
 elected. The church was named "The First English Lutheran 
 church of Abilene." This name was retained until February 18th, 
 1879, when the church was incorporated under the laws of the 
 state as "Trinity Lutheran Church." The charter members were 
 the following: J. M. Shepherd, Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Lebold, Mr. 
 and Mrs. W. H. Eicholtz, Mrs. W. E. Crebs, J. E. Tressler, M. D.,
 
 TRINITY CHURCH, ABILENE. 53 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Nixon, G. Strome, Mr. and Mrs. J. Johntz, and 
 M. Senn. The first Church Council was composed of J. M. Shep- 
 herd and J. Johntz, elders; C. H. Lebold and J. E. Tressler, dea- 
 cons; and W. H. Eicholtz, W. L. Nixon, and M. Senn, trustees. 
 The church was placed on the roll of Kansas Synod in the Fall of 
 1871. At the first congregational meeting Mr. J. Augustine was 
 chosen president and Mr. C. H. Lebold, secretary. At this meeting 
 a building committee was appointed and instructed to "proceed at 
 once to the erection of a parsonage and to secure funds to erect 
 a church the following summer." Lots were donated for both the 
 church building and parsonage by Messrs Lebold and Augustine, 
 and by the middle of the following year the parsonage was com- 
 plete. This was erected on a lot immediately west of the present 
 church building. For the first year and half services were held 
 in the old Baptist church, then in the old Metropolitan Hall, a 
 building destroyed by fire since then. Here the congregation reg- 
 ularly worshipped until they entered the new church building. The 
 Board of Home Missions at first granted the church aid to the ex- 
 tent of $300 a year and this was diminished year by year until 1878 
 when the church became self sustaining. 
 
 Rev. Crebs was followed by Rev. S. P. Harrington in August, 
 1871, who served the church nearly five years. From September, 
 1876, to April of the following year, Rev. W. H. Lilly was pastor. 
 In September, 1877, Rev. A. J. Kissell took charge. It was at this 
 time the congregation began to grow and assume permanent estab- 
 lishment. Self support was one of the first positive moves under 
 the new pastor. Plans were next adopted for the erection of a 
 church building. These called for a brick building 40 by 60 feet. 
 The building was dedicated August 18, 1878, Rev. Joshua Grouse, 
 D. D., preaching the sermon, assisted by a number of Lutheran 
 brethren from neighboring places. The building cost with furnish- 
 ings $5,500 having after dedication some indebtedness; however 
 no assistance was received from the Church Extension Society. 
 This debt was carried until 1883 when it was entirely wiped out, 
 though to do it required the selling of the parsonage. 
 
 Prior to the time the church entered into its own building it unit- 
 ed with the Methodist and Presbyterians in conducting a union Sun- 
 day school. In 1878 it organized its own school, and this, owing 
 to the good fortune of capable leadership, has been a great factor 
 in the efficiency of the church and its growth. On the 16th of June, 
 1880, a Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society was or- 
 ganized, the earliest among our Lutheran churches in Kansas save
 
 54 
 
 TRINITY CHURCH, ABILENE. 
 
 those at the Waterville and the Hebron churches of the Waterville 
 charge which were organized the fall previous. This society has 
 been a very helpful one in this Synod setting a noble pace for those 
 organized later. In 1882 a Ladies' Aid Society was organized and 
 this also has been a very helpful factor to the church. Among the 
 good works of this society was the purchase in October, 1897, of 
 the property at 514 West Third street for $1,350, and the presenta- 
 tion of the same to the church, free from all debt, to be used as a 
 parsonage. Since then this property has been greatly improved and 
 modernized and is worth $4,000. Another good work of this so- 
 ciety was the installing in 1901 of a fine Moller pipe organ in the 
 church at a cost of $1,500. Early in May 1907 ground was broken 
 for the erection of an addition to the church building for the better 
 accommodation of the Sunday School and for the promotion of the 
 social life of the church. The building is according to plans pre- 
 pared by W. E. Harris, Architect of Kansas City, Kansas, is mod- 
 ernly equipped, 56 by 37 feet, constructed of pressed brick with 
 Strong City stone trimmings. On the first floor is a vestibule en- 
 trance 16 by 15 feet, a primary room 19 by 16 feet and a main 
 room 36 by 36 feet. This floor is finished in hard pine and seated 
 with chairs. There ar.e two sets of the Wilson vertical rolling par- 
 
 TRINITY CHURCH, (NEW BUILDING.)
 
 TRINITY CHURCH, ABILENE. 55 
 
 titions enclosing the openings between the rooms. In the basement 
 there is a dining hall 36 by 36 feet, a kitchen 18 by 15 feet and 
 toilet rooms. The basement has a high ceiling, is well lighted, has 
 a concrete floor and three exits. The approximate cost of the im- 
 provements, including the contract price of $5,211, art glass win- 
 dows, plumbing, steam heating plant, lighting and furnishing was 
 $7,500. The building committee was C. Johntz, H. L. Humphrey, 
 H. Johntz and the pastor. The finance committee was J. E. Brewer, 
 j. E. Keel and G. C. Sterl. J. L. Kruger, of Abilene, contractor. 
 The church has a strong Luther League composed of upwards of 
 a hundred young people. It has at present 200 communicant mem- 
 bers and property to the value of $18,000 with some indebtedness. 
 It has the strongest working force of any of our Kansas church, 
 is the leading church in the city, and among its members are some 
 of the wealthiest and most influential of its citizens. Its pastors 
 following Rev. A. J. Kissell, were Rev. G. A. Bowers, D. D., Octo- 
 ber, 1882, to October, 1886. Rev. E. B. Killinger, (supply) Octo- 
 ber, 1886, to April, 1887. Rev. F. M. Porch, May, 1887, to October, 
 1890; Rev. W. L. Seabrook, December, 1890, to June, 1894. Rev. 
 H. C. Haithcox, D. D., November, 1894, to May, 1899. In October, 
 1900, Rev. Fuller Bergstresser, the present pastor took charge. 
 
 ATCHISON, ST. MARK'S. 
 
 The history of the Lutheran church in Atchison comprises a suc- 
 cession of efforts which finally culminated in the organization of 
 the present congregation. The original effort antedates the organ- 
 ization of Kansas Synod. Early in 1867 Mr. J. H. Talbott, an 
 ardent member of the Lutheran church, called attention through 
 the columns of the Lutheran Observer, to Atchison as a splendid 
 point for a Lutheran mission. He induced some thirty families to 
 subscribe for the Observer. Through correspondence he solicited 
 the interest of Rev. Morris Officer, then Secretary of the Home 
 Mission Society. At the meeting of the General Synod at Harris- 
 burg in 1868 Rev. Officer persuaded Rev. M. G. Boyer, then a li- 
 centiate serving a church at Marklesburg, Pa., to become a mis- 
 sionary at Atchison. He and his young wife arrived on the 30th 
 of July. He was not very favorably impressed with the town, it 
 "Presenting a rough and un-inviting appearance." Price's Hall, 
 then located on South Fourth street, between Main and Commer- 
 cial streets, was rented and fitted up and services begun and a Sun-
 
 56 ST. MARK'S CHURCH,, ATCHISON. 
 
 day school organized. An organization of a church of twenty- 
 three members was effected on the 20th of September. The first 
 Church Council consisted of Messrs C. Weber and H. Gehrett, 
 elders; J. H. Talbott, J. Beamer, H. Snyder, and F. Brendt, deacons. 
 On the fifth of November this congregation through its pastor 
 participated in the organization of Kansas Synod. 
 
 ST. MARK'S CHURCH. 
 
 In the spring of 1869 bright hopes were entertained of having 
 a chapel. Arrangements were made to meet all of the expenses 
 and the Church Council was about to take the necessary steps 
 when a damper was put on the effort by an aged minister who ad- 
 vised delay on account of the financial stringency of the times, and 
 the numerical weakness of the church. In the mean time the Board 
 of Church Extension granted them a loan of $500 which was in- 
 vested in the purchase of an excellent lot on Kansas Avenue, and 
 the propriety of erecting on it a frame church 35 by 55 was care- 
 fully discussed. 
 
 Among the members at this time was Rev. A. W. Wagenhals who 
 was engaged in the real estate business. At the latter's suggestion
 
 ST. MARK'S CHURCH, ATCHISON. 57 
 
 the mission purchased a fifteen acre tract of land adjoining the 
 town on the northwest, which they platted and offered for sale hop- 
 ing to make enough in profits with which to erect the church. In 
 this they were greatly disappointed barely selling enough to pay 
 for the land, however holding the balance for future use. After this 
 the congregation used the Congregational church. Then many 
 moved away. To add to their troubles, Rev. Boyer resigned at the 
 end of the year, (1869). After this Rev. Wagenhals supplied the 
 congregation with preaching now and then, during his brief resi- 
 dence in Atchison. For ten years the church was pastorless and 
 a victim of all the disintegrating influences of a shepherdless 
 church. The lots of the church were sold for taxes and the time for 
 their redemption had about expired when Mr. Talbott wrote the 
 state of affairs to Rev. J. B. McAfee, who redeemed the property 
 and had the lots deeded to the Board of Church Extension subject 
 to the call of Kansas Synod. 
 
 In 1880 Rev. W. I. Cutter, a returned missionary from India, with 
 the assistance of Rev. David Earhart and his daughter Mrs. H. E. 
 Monroe, gathered together the remnants of the old organization 
 with the thought of re-organizing. Mrs. Monroe was then conduct- 
 ing a private school known as "The Atchison Institute," and offered 
 her school room for a place of worship. On the 8th of August the 
 re-organization took place with the following elected as Church 
 Council: Elders, J. H. Berlin, W. H. Kuhns and N. D. Kistler; 
 Deacons, J. L. Heisey, \V. D. Kistler, and John Tusselman; Trus- 
 tees, J. H. Talbott, W. D. Smith and S. J. Clarke. During a part 
 of the time aid was received from the Board of Home Missions. 
 The new congregation was admitted into Kansas Synod that fall. 
 The church was served in connection with another congregation. 
 In 1882 the missionary aid was withdrawn and Rev. Cutter resigned 
 and for two years the congregation again languished. In Novem- 
 ber, 1884, Rev. George S. Diven was commissioned by the Board 
 to take up the work at Atchison. Interest was revived, and the old 
 membership was rounded up, and another re-organization was 
 effected. This congregation worshipped in the old Odd Fellows 
 Hall. A wide awake Sunday school was organized and a great 
 effort put forth to sucess fully plant a church there. The Presi- 
 dent of Synod (1885) reported that this field was "growing in mem- 
 bers and influence," and that year the pastor reported sixty mem- 
 bers. The "boom" season occurred during Rev. Diven's pastorate 
 when everything was rushed along at a tremendous pace. Rev. 
 Diven fell in with the movement and when the cry for a college at
 
 58 ST. MARK'S CHURCH,, ATCHISON. 
 
 Atchison was made by the "Boom Syndicate" the pastor promptly 
 began the agitation for a Lutheran college there. The success of 
 this endeavor upon his part will stand as a monument to the heroic 
 efforts of Pastor Diven and his people. Midland college once estab- 
 lished in Atchison, the future of the church was assured. In Feb- 
 ruary the church was incorporated as "St. Mark's English Evangel- 
 ical Church." Rev. Diven resigned in 1887, and in April the fol- 
 lowing year Rev. W. F. Rentz was called and commissioned mis- 
 sionary. He set himself to work at once to establish the church 
 and secure a building. The present location was purchased for 
 $5,000. The south part with the dwelling on it was sold to the 
 pastor, for $1,750. Plans were at once adopted for the erection of 
 a chapel 32 by 60 ft. The corner stone was laid on the 1st of Sep- 
 tember, and on the 16th of December the church was formally ded- 
 icated, Rev. M. Rhodes, D. D., preaching the sermon and Rev. A. 
 M. Geiger making the appeal for money. The building and equip- 
 ment cost $4,010. The auditorium was seated with assembly chairs. 
 The Church Extension Board loaned them $1,000. For nine years 
 pastor Rentz led his flock into larger fields of success. In Novem- 
 ber, 1897, Rev. L. S. Keyser took charge, serving the church most 
 acceptably. He relinquished the field in April, 1903. Dr. Keyser 
 was very helpful to the college during his pastorate. From Septem- 
 ber 1st, 1903, to January 1st, 1905, Rev. R. W. Hufford, D. D., was 
 pastor of the church. After a vacancy of nine months Rev. A. E. 
 Renn took charge. 
 
 This church received aid from the mission board for fifteen years. 
 It became self-sustaining on Nov. 1st, 1902. It now ranks among 
 our most loyal churches. It is free from debt, has a good Woman's 
 Home and Foreign Missionary Society, a Luther League and a 
 strong Sunday school. It reports 160 members and property valued 
 at $7,000. 
 
 ATCHISON COUNTY, MISSOURI CHARGE. 
 
 In 1869 Rev. J. G. Groenmiller and three congregations came 
 into Kansas Synod with a membership of 110 communicants, Ger- 
 man congregations, located at Rockport and Dry Creek in Atchison 
 county, Mo., and at McElroy in Richardson county, Neb. In the 
 same year a church building was erected at Rockport, which was 
 dedicated on Reformation Day (Oct. 31), Revs. Carlos Martin and 
 E. Huber assisting in the dedication. The McElroy congregation
 
 ZION CHURCH, BELOIT. 
 
 59 
 
 built a church in 1871. When the Nebraska Synod was organized 
 in 1871 these churches transferred their membership to that synod. 
 
 BELOIT, ZION. 
 
 During the summer of 1886 while Rev. J. G. Trefz was preach- 
 ing near the Blue Hills community in Mitchell county he found 
 better material in and about Beloit for a permanent organization 
 and turned his attention to that point, and began to hold German 
 services regularly in the Presbyterian church at that place Sunday 
 afternoons. On the 1st of September the same year he organized 
 Zion church with the following charter members: John Brown, F. 
 Gladow, Chas. Franz, Andrew Range, Carl Spreuger, Edward 
 Schwarz, Jacob Eberle, Gust. Eberle, Fred Glauser, S. Scheriff, 
 Geo. Freyder, Katie Flenner, John Sturve, Edw. Stuerve, W. F. 
 Gabe, A. W. Boiler, F. Freyder, Chas. Ade, George Leitter, Wm. 
 J. Franz, Gottlieb Hodler, John Eberle, John Freyder, G. H. Franz, 
 Chas. Fiedler, George Mathis, W. C. Hoffmeister, Otto Stueve and 
 Carl Racky. A constitution was adopted and officers elected. The 
 language was to be German, and the church decided to remain in- 
 dependent of any Synodical connection. Realizing that little perm- 
 anent progress could be made without a building they decided at 
 once to proceed with the erection of a church. Plans adopted called 
 
 ZION'S CHURCH AND PARSONAGE.
 
 60 MT. ZION CHURCH, BUNKER HILL. 
 
 for a stone building 32 by 60 feet with vestibule and belfrey, which 
 complete and furnished cost some over $3,000. The dedication took 
 place on the 23d of July, 1887, the pastor preaching the sermon. 
 During the "pastorate of Rev. Trefz, Zion's church and St. Paul's 
 of Glasco were united into a pastoral charge. In the fall of 1894 
 the pastor, with a lay delegate, Mr. J. S. Grau, made application 
 for the reception of the congregation into Kansas Synod, and it 
 was duly received. Rev. Trefz resigned in December the same year, 
 and was followed the following June by Rev. P. G. Tensing who 
 remained with the congregation until February, 1901. During the 
 pastorate of Rev. Tonsing the congregation received aid from the 
 Board of Home Missions, and also for some time after 1903. In 
 July, 1901, Rev. G. Wenning took charge remaining till the follow- 
 ing spring. In June, 1902, Rev. Nielson became pastor. He at 
 once began a movement looking toward erecting a parsonage. In 
 this he was successful, erecting a comfortable building of seven 
 rooms, with bath, and other conveniences, costing $1,500. During 
 the pastorate of Rev. Tonsing services were held alternating in Ger- 
 man and English. The Luther League holds its services in the Eng- 
 lish language. The property is well equipped with walks, fences, 
 a stable, and is kept up in first class shape. One of the young lad- 
 ies, Miss Louisa Runft presented the church with a fine bell. The 
 church at present has 110 members enrolled, no indebtedness, and 
 property valued at $6,000. Rev. Nielson resigned this charge April 
 14, 1906 and Rev. John Utesch accepted a call December 1st of 
 the same year, and is now pastor. 
 
 BUNKER HILL, MT. ZION 
 
 Through the efforts of Rev. J. B. Corbet in the Spring of 1871, 
 the first Lutheran preaching services were held in Russell 
 county. On the 21st of December that year he wrote to Rev. D. 
 Harbaugh, the President of Kansas Synod, urging that an organiza- 
 tion be effected, and in the spring of 1872 this was accomplished 
 by Rev. G. A. Exline with nine charter members, Rev. Exline be- 
 coming the pastor. The new charge was taken on the funds of the 
 Mission Board June 1st, 1872, the Board giving $300 per year of 
 the salary. The church was admitted into Kansas Synod the same 
 fall. Rev. Exline resigned in 1874 and was succeeded by Rev. J. 
 B. Corbett who remained during 1875-6. On the 20th of March 
 the latter year Rev. A. K. Felton took charge as missionary. The
 
 MT. ZION CHURCH, BUNKER HILL. 61 
 
 latter was succeeded in March, 1879, by Rev. H. F. Long, a veteran 
 of the Civil War, whose evidence of loyal service to his country was 
 shown in the absence of one arm. Up to this time the church had 
 worshipped in the school house. He at once instituted a move- 
 ment for the erection of a building for the mission, in which move- 
 ment the women of the congregation were the moving spirits. Lots 
 were secured and a loan promised from the Board of Church Ex- 
 
 MT. ZION'S CHURCH. 
 
 tension of $400. The corner-stone was laid on the 25th of April, 
 1880, Rev. J. H. Harpster preaching the sermon, and Revs. T. F. 
 Dornblaser, G. A. Exline and J. B. Corbett assisting the pastor in 
 the ceremonies. The plans called for a substantial stone structure 
 33 by 53 feet. The building was completed and ready for the con- 
 vention of Kansas Synod which met at Bunker Hill on the 5th of 
 October, 1881. The formal dedication took place on the following 
 Sunday, the 9th, when Rev. F. W. Conrad, D. D., preached the ser- 
 mon. The appeal added $741 to the $1200 needed and the short- 
 age was assumed by the Church Council. Rev. S. S. Waltz, the 
 President of Synod, conducted the consecration services assisted 
 by Rev. S. B. Barnitz. The church is a gothic structure with a 
 seating capacity of 300 and cost $3,000. This church is a monu- 
 ment to the devotion and energy of its women. Through their ef- 
 forts $600 was raised at home and over $800 through appeals in 
 the church papers during the course of the year prior to the dedica- 
 tion. Rev. Long resigned in April, 1883, and was succeeded by Rev. 
 N. A. Whitman who remained only a few months. After a vacancy 
 of over a year Rev. Jacob Schauer became pastor in which he was
 
 62 EXCELSIOR CHURCH, BUNKER HILL CHARGE. 
 
 ably assisted by a most excellent wife. A Woman's Home and 
 Foreign Missionary Society was organized soon after and it con- 
 tinued a very helpful organization till 1897. In July, 1889, Rev. 
 Schauer resigned and was succeeded in 1890 by Rev. H. A. Koogle 
 who remained until June, 1893. After a vacancy of three years 
 Rev. B. F. Kistler a licentiate of the Western Theological Seminary, 
 took charge July 1st, 1896. On April 1st, 1900 he was succeeded 
 by Rev. J. N. Zimmer, who served the pastorate until June, 1903. 
 Rev. Oscar Ostrom, a member of the Augustana Synod, supplied 
 them in 1904, and after this they were supplied from the Seminary 
 at Atchison. On January 1st, 1907, Rev. J. M. Barnes, the present 
 pastor took charge. This church and Excelsior church comprise 
 the Bunker Hill pastorate. The church reports 30 members and 
 a property valued at $2,000 with an indebtedness of $400 to the 
 Church Extension Board. 
 
 BUNKER HILL, EXCELSIOR. 
 
 The pioneer work resulting in the organization of the Excelsior 
 Ev. Lutheran church, located a few miles north of Ellsworth, was 
 done by Rev. John A Bright between 1882 and 1886. The church 
 was organized by him on the 3d of October, 1886, in the Buffalo 
 school house with thirteen charter members. At the meeting of 
 Synod the year following an application for membership was pre- 
 sented signed by the following members: Jacob Bowers, Samuel 
 Weinhold, Fred Langermann, A. Weinhold, John Camber, Frank 
 Hallman, Lucy A. Cline, B. D. Cline, Catharine Weinhold, Sarah 
 Sanford, Mrs. Susan Camber, Ella Weinhold, Sophie Hohl, Susie 
 Camber, Minnie Camber, Chas. Langermann, Hattie Langermann, 
 John Langermann, Chas. R. White, Carrie A. White, Mary Langer- 
 mann, Sophia Langermann, Louise Langermann, David Dague, Lillie 
 Bowers, Hattie Bowers, Louise Weinhold, Carrie Weinhold, and 
 A. S. Hunter, and the pastor, Rev. H. L. Yarger. This application 
 was favorably acted upon and the congregation enrolled. Rev. 
 Bright was succeeded by Rev. H. L. Yarger and the church was 
 served in connection with that at Ellsworth until 1892 when it was 
 connected with the Mt. Zion church of Bunker Hill as a pastoral 
 charge. Rev. Yarger was succeeded by Rev. W. W. Krebs who took 
 charge of the Ellsworth pastorate, then composed of Trinity, St. 
 Paul's and Excelsior, on the 10th of September, 1889, but resigned 
 in a few months. He was succeeded in February, 1890, by Rev.
 
 EXCELSIOR CHURCH, BUNKER HILL CHARGE. 63 
 
 E. S. Rees, who also remained but a few months. The church was 
 then supplied by Rev. H. A. Koogle. Rev. E. B. Killinger followed 
 resigning June 12, 1892. During 1893-6 as a part of the Bunker 
 Hill charge the church was pastorless. On the 1st of July, 1896, 
 Rev. B. F. Kistler of the Theological Seminary at Midland took 
 charge. He at once advocated the erection of a church building 
 and his advances were favorably received. The congregation ral- 
 lied faithfully around their young pastor and ways and means were 
 soon provided. In this effort they were assisted by the Bunker Hill 
 church and also from the sale of the Kanapolis church. The corner- 
 stone was laid on the 26th of October, 1897, and the building was 
 
 EXCELSIOR CHURCH. 
 
 dedicated on Easter following, April 10. The sermon was preached 
 by Rev. H. L. Yarger. The building is situated on the highest point 
 of land in that vicinity and is a conspicuous object seen miles away. 
 It is a frame structure 30 by 40 feet having a tower 10 by 10 feet 
 in the center front, 56 feet high. The furniture is oak and walnut. 
 The ceiling is of hard pine. The entire money cost was $1,800 all 
 of which had been provided before the dedication with the excep- 
 tion of $160 which was more than met with the free offering on 
 the day of dedication. The building is a credit to the energy and 
 wisdom of its young pastor. Rev. Kistler resigned October 1st, 
 1900, and on April 14th following Rev. J. N. Zimmer took charge, 
 retaining the pastorate until June, 1903. Mr. Oscar Ostrom sup- 
 plied them in 1904, and Rev. Lebbeus Woods, a theological student,
 
 64 ST. PAUL'S CHURCH,, BROWN COUNTY. 
 
 during his vacations in 1905-6. The church reports a membership 
 of 31 and a property valued at $1500, with no indebtedness. Rev. 
 J. M. Barnes at present is pastor, who took charge January 1, 1907. 
 
 BROWN COUNTY, ST. PAUL'S. 
 
 The initiative in organizing a Lutheran church in Brown county 
 was taken by Rev. E. S. Reese who came to Kansas in 1 879 and 
 began preaching for a few Lutheran families who had settled in 
 Morrill township, in the extreme northwest corner of the county. 
 Here he organized a church with nine charter members and opened 
 a Sunday school which for a while greatly flourished having at one 
 time an enrollment of 145, both services being held in a school 
 house. He served them for three years. In the mean time because 
 of repeated refusals to attend synod or give an excuse for his 
 absence, his name was dropped from the roll of Kansas Synod, and* 
 in consequence of this he resigned. At this time the congregation 
 reported forty-six members. No services being held for the two 
 ensuing years the organization languished. 
 
 In 1884 this neighborhood was visited by Rev. J. W. Kimmel of 
 Auburn, Neb., and in May a service was held in a school house 
 located two miles from the residence of Mr. A. J. Kreger. Rev. 
 Kimmel, in accordance with his impetuous nature, urged the im- 
 mediate re-organization of the church. This was done and a con- 
 stitution adopted, and six elders and six deacons were chosen. 
 Among the leading members were, Father Kreger, A. J. Kreger, E. 
 Kein, the Hoover Bothers, and Messrs Raunald, Ringer, Weimer, 
 and Betner. After the organization Rev. Kimmel advocated build- 
 ing a church at once which was agreed to. A splendid lot was donat- 
 ed by Mr. Ringer which was located about eight miles northeast of 
 Sabetha, and seven miles northwest of the town of Morrill. The 
 next visit of Rev. Kimmel was on Thursday evening, May 29th, 
 when he preached his set sermon, "Arise and Build," Neh. 2:18. 
 He writes of this visit in the Lutheran Observer, "They looked 
 amazed, though they agreed to build when I was there before, but 
 I suppose they thought they would do so in the fall or in the next 
 spring; but when I took out a subscription book and called for $100 
 subscriptions, their astonishment could not find expression. I told 
 them I was there to build and if they would not, early next morn- 
 ing, I would head my ponies northward. This they did not want, 
 and the work began, and at Monday noon I left for home with
 
 65 
 
 REV. E. E. STAUFFER. 
 
 REV. R. E. WOLF. 
 
 REV. GEO. BEISWANGER. 
 
 REV. J. C. SCHINDEL. 
 
 REV. C. W. SIFFORD, D. D. REV. A. M. REITZEL.
 
 66 ZION'S CHURCH, NEMAHA COUNTY. 
 
 $1,000 subscribed for the church, plans decided upon, arrange- 
 ments made for putting in the foundation the following week, and 
 the future of St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Brown county is bright 
 and promising." This was certainly like a church extension cyclone 
 striking a staid farming community, but the building was completed 
 in accordance with the energy with which it was started. It was 
 dedicated August 31st the same year. It was a frame structure 28 
 by 44 feet, with a pulpit recess 6 by 11 feet, and a belfrey tower 
 above, and cost all told $1,600. The dedicatory sermon was 
 preached by Rev. S. B. Barnitz, and all indebtedness raised on the 
 spot. As_was Rev. Kimmel's custom at that time, he remained only 
 long enough to get the building erected when he was ready to turn 
 over the work to another. The church was supplied for several 
 years by pastors from Kansas and Nebraska. In 1885 Rev. A. B. 
 Kirtland was called as a stated supply, and in 1887 Rev. Enos 
 Rees became pastor. In 1888 the name of the church was stricken 
 from the roll of Kansas Synod on the ground that it was a part of 
 Nebraska Synod. For three years it was served by Rev. B. F. Pugh, 
 however in 1895 it was replaced on the Kansas roll, the synod 
 granting that the former action was an error. The same year Rev. 
 J. W. Buzzard became pastor. The church was vacant during 
 1896-7-8-9. In 1900 Rev. C. N. Swihart supplied the church and 
 in the following year Rev. B. F. Kistler became pastor. Since 1902 
 the church has been without a pastor. In its best days it reported 
 about forty members, nearly all of whom have now moved away. 
 
 NEMAHA COUNTY, ZION'S. 
 
 In 1886 Rev. Enos Rees began preaching for a few Lutheran 
 families in the "Ladwig" school house near the village post office 
 of Clear Creek, Saunders county, Nebraska. About the same time 
 he was approached by some Lutheran families by the name of Kerl 
 residing over the line in Nemaha county, Kansas, requesting his 
 services in their neighborhood. Accepting the invitation he preach- 
 ed for a season in the "Allison" and the "Prairies Grove" school 
 houses. After a while these services were moved four miles north 
 to the. "Prairie Star" school house, located in Nebraska. Here on 
 the 4th of July, 1886, he organized "Zion's Ev. Lutheran church" 
 with the following charter members: Lewis Kerl, Martha Kerl, J. F. 
 Kerl, Mary Kerl, William Kerl, Charles Kerl, M. E. Kerl, I. C. Kerl, 
 David Wishard, Jane Wishard, Margaret Meiers, Charlotte Meiers,
 
 ZION'S CHURCH., BROWN COUNTY. 67 
 
 John E. Meiers, Fr. W. Meiers, Chas. F. W. Meiers, Albert Ladwig, 
 Sarah Ladwig, Catharine Rees, John A. Long, and Eliza Long. The 
 church made formal application for admission into Kansas Synod 
 that fall and was duly admitted. It is referred to in various min- 
 utes as "Zion's," "The Prairie Star," and the "Kerl" church. A 
 site for a church and cemetery was donated by Mr. Lewis Kerl and 
 steps were taken for the erection of a church. The corner-stone 
 was laid August 19, 1888, and a short time after that the building 
 was completed and dedicated. While serving this church Rev. Rees 
 preached at Clear Creek and Pawnee, Neb., and in order to do this 
 was obliged to drive a circuit of about 40 miles. He resigned on 
 January 20, 1889, and was followed some time later by Rev. J. F. 
 Kuhlman, under whose pastorate the congregation was transferred 
 to the Nebraska Synod. 
 
 BROWN COUNTY, ZION'S. 
 
 Zion's Ev. Lutheran church of Sabetha, Kansas, was organized 
 by Rev. B. F. Pugh on the 14th of April, 1892, with sixteen mem- 
 bers. The elders elected were* Mr. Abbott G. Rees and Mr. J. M. 
 Shenkleberger, and the deacons were Mr. M. M. Schultz and Mr. S. 
 H. Hoover. The congregation worshipped Sunday afternoons in the 
 Baptist church. In October it was formally admitted into Nebraska 
 Synod, of which Rev. Pugh was a member. Failing to get a dona- 
 tion from the Church Extension Board in order to aid them in erect- 
 ing a church, the congregation became discouraged. After making 
 several unsuccessful attempts to secure a location Rev. Pugh re- 
 signed after having preached for them a little over two years. This 
 was followed by a period of vacancy, owing to which the congre- 
 gation became scattered and having no property it soon disinte- 
 grated. Mr. Hoover and wife united with the congregational church 
 and Mr. and Mrs. Rees continue loyal to their Lutheran faith. 
 
 CAMPUS, ENGLISH LUTHERAN. 
 
 In the summer of 1906 some of the enterprising citizens resid- 
 ing in a splendid wheat section of Cove county about the post 
 office of Campus, feeling the need of a church in their neighbor- 
 hood set themselves to the task of organizing one. The majority 
 of these were Lutherans and so they decided to organize a Lutheran
 
 63 
 
 THE EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH, CAMPUS. 
 
 church. Not having any Lutheran pastor near to advise with, they 
 concluded to proceed to erect a building and organize the church 
 afterward. A building committee composed of Messrs J. A. Don- 
 ielson, H. W. Ottken, James Rickley and A. L. Miller, was appointed. 
 These decided to erect a frame building 28 by 40 feet with a large 
 vestibule m addition in the front 12 by 14 feet, and a pulpit recess 
 
 EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH. 
 
 5 by 10 feet. The contract was awarded to Mr. W. A. Baker for 
 $1,697. Messrs Ottken and Donielson started the subscription 
 with $100 each. Over $500 was raised as a starter. 
 
 The building was completed early in the 
 spring of 1907, and word was sent to the 
 President of Kansas Synod, Rev. H. A. Ott, 
 D. D., asking him to come out and dedicate 
 it. Dr. Ott visited the place on the 3rd of 
 March holding three services, and advised 
 them to let him send them a minister for the 
 purpose of conducting a three weeks series 
 of services preliminary to organization. This 
 was agreed to and Rev. John A. Bright of 
 Topeka was called, who assisted by his wife, 
 held daily services over three Sundays and 
 gathered a list of thirty-eight charter 
 REV. j. A. BRIGHT. members. On Sunday the 7th of April
 
 THE EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH, CAMPUS. 69 
 
 Dr. Ott again visited the place, conducted an appeal for the 
 S1.207 remaining indebtedness, raising 31,250 with the assistance 
 of Rev. Bright in the audience. The church was then duly dedicat- 
 ed after which the "Evangelical Lutheran Church of Campus" was 
 organized with the following thirty-eight charter members: H. W. 
 Ottken, John A. Donielson, Mrs. Ida Ottken, Miss Adelia Ottken, 
 Walter Ottken, James Rickley, Mrs. Amelia Rickley, Miss Ruby 
 Rickley, Elmer Rickley, B. F. Jennings, George Jennings, Miss 
 Ruth Jennings, Miss Grace Jennings, Henry Homm, Mrs. Harriet 
 V. Homm, Miss Minnie Homm, Miss Annie Homm, George Homm, 
 John Homm, Frederick Kayser, Mrs. Carolina Kayser, Miss Lena 
 Kayser, John Kayser, Mrs. Zora Doering, Mrs. Sarah E. Mallory, 
 Miss Merle Mallory, Jesse Mallory, Abram Flipse, Mrs. Betty 
 Flipse, Daniel Flipse, Albert L. Miller, Mrs. Minnie C. Miller, Miss 
 Bessie Miller, Miss Ethel Miller, Carl Kuhl, Mrs. Johanna Kuhl, 
 John Stensaas and Nels Steanson. A constitution was adopted and 
 the following officers were elected : Eldfers, H. W. Ottken and Henry 
 Homm; Deacons, J. A. Donielson and Abram Flipse; and Trustees. 
 James Rickley, Nels Steanson, and A. L. Miller. The Sunday school 
 was made a strictly Lutheran school and Mr. A. L. Miller was elect- 
 ed superintendent. 
 
 Rev. Bright also held services at Orion, a point twelve miles 
 south of Campus, and made preliminary arrangements for the or- 
 ganization of a church there. The Campus church and leading in- 
 dividuals at Orion decided to pledge themselves for S700 salary for 
 a pastor with the understanding that a parsonage be built at once 
 at Campus. They extended a call to Rev. Bright which he accepted 
 agreeing to take charge in the fall of 1907. The ground, on which 
 the church stands, was donated by Mr. Henry Doering. 
 
 CHAPMAN, SCHERER MEMORIAL. 
 
 While Rev. J. F. Scherer was pastor of the Ebenezer church 
 south of Chapman, he began a series of meetings in a school house 
 in the town of Chapman in February, 1889. The result was a num- 
 ber of conversions and a good prospect for the organizing of a 
 church in the town. On the 15th of March following he organized 
 the Scherer Memorial church with fifteen charter members. Be- 
 cause a number of his relatives were members of the congregation, 
 the church was named after the Rev. Jacob Scherer, the pastor's 
 father, who had been an honored pioneer Lutheran clergyman in
 
 70 
 
 THE SCHERER MEMORIAL CHURCH, CHAPMAN. 
 
 Central Illinois. Mr. E. J. Earle and Mr. M. M. Hewitt were elected 
 elders and C. F. Randall and George E. Scherer, deacons. The 
 church was admitted into Synod that fall. The congregation was 
 made up largely of people without means. However they bravely 
 decided to build at once. Lots were secured and plans were adopt- 
 ed calling for a substantial stone building 30 by 44 feet. To en- 
 courage them to go ahead Rev. George D. Gotwald and Mr. C. H. 
 Lebold each gave them $100, the Board of Church Extension loan- 
 
 SCHERER MEMORIAL. 
 
 ed them $300, and the balance was pledged on the ground. The 
 building was completed the same year and dedicated on the 22nd 
 of December. Rev. J. A. Clutz preached the sermon and the pastor 
 was assisted also by Rev. C. W. Maggart. The structure cost 
 $2,300, all of which was provided excepting the loan referred to. 
 A parsonage was erected during the pastorate of Rev. Scherer. (The 
 Ebenezer church of the same charge assisting,) a two story frame 
 building 24 by 30 feet with a one story addition 12 by 16 feet, cost- 
 ing $1,100. The funds for the erection of it were secured partly 
 by subscription and partly from a building and loan association, 
 making the latter payments annually until 1902 when it was finally 
 all paid. Rev. Scherer resigned in 1890. From that time until 
 April, 1892, the church was without a pastor excepting a couple 
 months when it was served by Rev. W. J. Kuntz. From this time 
 the church received aid till 1898 from the Home Mission Board.
 
 EBENEZER CHURCH, CHAPMAN CHARGE. 71 
 
 During 1892-3 Rev. H. A. Koogle served as pastor, Rev. J. A. Lowe 
 from 1893 to August 1894, and Rev. A. Sell from January 1895 to 
 March 1896. Beginning in September the latter year Rev. H. A. 
 Koogle again took charge for one year. Following him Rev. G. O. 
 Ritter assumed the pastorate November 1, 1899, remaining three 
 years. On January 2nd, 1904, Rev. H. H. Hall, D. D., became 
 pastor and is serving the church at the present time. The church 
 is served in connection with Ebenezer church as a charge. The 
 church has 36 members and property valued at $2,000. A W. H. 
 & F. M. S. was organized in 1889 but allowed to lapse. It was re- 
 organized in 1892 but again lapsed. The church has 36 members, 
 and property valued at $2,500, with a small debt of about $300. 
 
 CHAPMAN, EBENEZER. 
 
 Among the pioneer clergymen living in Kansas prior to the or- 
 ganization of Kansas Synod was Rev. F. R. Scherer who had come 
 from Illinois and located on a farm near Waterville. Here he 
 preached in various country school houses, being in fact the only 
 Lutheran preacher in these parts. In February, 1874, he visited 
 his brother, Mr. Ralph Scherer residing nine miles south of Chap- 
 man, and while there he preached in the Hiawatha school house, 
 where a precious revival broke out and many were converted. He 
 made a partial organization of a church but did not complete the 
 same until January 15, 1875, when twenty-one charter members 
 were enrolled, and a constitution was adopted. The church was 
 named "Ebenezer" in recognition of the hand of God in the revival, 
 "Hitherto the Lord hath helped us." The first Church Council was 
 composed of Messrs R. C. Chambers and R. Scherer, elders, and 
 
 C. A. Scherer and S. L. Graham, deacons. The congregation was 
 admitted into Synod in the year of 1876. In 1878 Rev. Scherer 
 moved to McPherson county. From 1877 to April 1880 Rev. S. P. 
 Harrington served the church in connection with the Spring Valley 
 church, a church north of Abilene. In June, 1881, Rev. B. F. Gren- 
 oble, a licentiate was called to the pastorate of the Pleasant Valley 
 and Ebenezer churches. He threw his whole soul into the work 
 raising the cry, "a church at Ebenezer." The building was begun 
 1882 and completed and dedicated April 29th, 1883. The building 
 was frame 28 by 45 feet and cost $2,700. Rev. Geo. A. Bowers, 
 
 D. D., and Rev. S. B. Barnitz preached at the dedication. Rev. 
 F. R. Scherer and Rev. S, P. Harrington were present besides the
 
 72 
 
 REV. J. F. CRESSLER. 
 
 REV. S. HENRY. 
 
 REV. H. ACKERS. 
 
 REV. A. B. WHITEHILL. 
 
 REV. J. A. LOWE. 
 
 REV. S. PALMER.
 
 ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, DENVER, COLO. 73 
 
 pastor. Eleven hundred dollars were raised on the day of dedica- 
 tion, providing for all indebtedness. This church seems to enjoy 
 the distinction of being the first Lutheran church belonging to the 
 General Synod, erected in a country district in the state. At that 
 time it was called the Hiawatha church, after the school house in 
 which it was organized. Later it was named Ebenezer. Rev. Gren- 
 oble resigned in June, 1883. After a vacancy of a year, Rev. N. A. 
 Whitman became pastor serving the charge until January, 1887. 
 During the pastorate of Rev. Whitman he also served a church at 
 Keystone, a few miles east of Manchester, in the northern part of 
 the county. Rev. J. F. Scherer took charge of the church on the 
 18th of March, 1888, serving the church in connection with that at 
 Chapman as a pastoral charge. He resigned in December, 1890. 
 After that date the pastors were the same as those of the Scherer 
 Memorial, which see. The church at present has a membership of 
 30, property valued at $1,500, with a half interest in the parsonage 
 at Chapman. It has no debt. 
 
 DENVER, COLORADO, ST. PAUL'S. 
 
 The first effort to establish a Lutheran church in Colorado was 
 made by Rev. Ruben Weiser in 1876, then residing in Georgetown 
 and editing The Colorado Miner. The attempt was made both at 
 Denver and Georgetown, but the enterprise failed. In 1884 the 
 Executive Committee of the Woman's Home and Foreign Mission- 
 ary Society decided to plant a mission at Denver and commissioned 
 Rev. P. A. Heilman as missionary. On the 19th of October the 
 same year, St. Paul's church, (The Woman's Second Memorial) 
 was organized with eighteen charter members, among whom were 
 Rev. Reuben Weiser and wife, E. L. Cree, Geo. L. Sheets and wife, 
 A. B. Middlemarth and wife, Mrs. Hildebrand, Mrs. Dumans, Miss 
 Jennie Fischer, Dr. and Mrs. J. W. Exline, Mr. Jenkins, and Benj. 
 Sadtler. The first elders were R. Weiser and G. L. Sheets, and the 
 first deacons were, J. W. Exline, M. D., and James Lyson. The 
 congregation at first worshipped in a hall. In a short time a build- 
 ing site was purchased at the corner of 22nd and California streets 
 at a cost of $5,000, and plans were adopted for the erection of a 
 brick gothic structure. The corner stone was laid on the 18th of 
 October, 1885. The main room is nearly square, 55 by 57 feet and 
 the lecture room, 35 by 45 feet, and a primary room 15 by 20 feet, 
 all connected with folding doors. Joining the church and attached
 
 74 THE EFFINGHAM CHURCH. 
 
 to it a comfortable parsonage was erected. In February 1886 the 
 congregation moved into the Lecture room, and the dedication took 
 place on the 21st of March the same year. Rev. F. W. Conrad, D. 
 D., preached the sermon. Addresses were also delivered by Rev. 
 M. F. Troxell, President of Kansas Synod, Rev. Henry Stauffer, 
 of Denver, and Rev. S. B. Barnitz. The day brought in $1,700 in 
 cash and subscriptions, leaving $1,800 debt on the building aside 
 from the Church Extension Loans. The building cost $13,910. The 
 congregation was formally admitted into Kansas Synod in the fall 
 of 1884. In 1889 Rev. Heilman was succeeded by Rev. C. J. Kiefer. 
 In 1891 the church was dismissed to the newly organizing Rocky 
 Mountain Synod, at which time it reported 100 members, property 
 valued at $30,000, and an indebtedness of $6,000. In 1895 a mis- 
 sionary society was organized which affiliated with Kansas Synod- 
 ical society until 1903 when it was transferred to a similar society 
 organized within the bounds of the Rocky Mountain Synod. Since 
 leaving Kansas Synod this church has been served by Dr. C. W. 
 Heisler, Dr. E. W. Simon, Rev. R. H. Williams and Dr. R. B. 
 Peery. 
 
 EFFINGHAM, FIRST LUTHERAN. 
 
 While Rev. M. G. Boyer was serving the congregation at Mon- 
 rovia, he began preaching in a school house at Effingham, a small 
 town three miles to the west. Here in the summer of 1870 he or- 
 ganized a Lutheran church of twenty-five members which was duly 
 enrolled that fall as a component part of the newly organized Kan- 
 sas Synod, and united as a pastoral charge with Monrovia. This 
 church he served about a year. After his resignation the work 
 languished, not being able to give adequate support to a pastor, 
 and through removals soon disintegrated until nothing remained 
 and the congregation was dropped from the roll of Synod. 
 
 Early in 1889 a request was made by some of the Lutheran fam- 
 ilies at Effingham to the brethren at Atchison and Midland college, 
 for services. As a result of this request Rev. W. F. Rentz held 
 a series of meetings there resulting in a goodly number of conver- 
 sions, and this encouraged him to proceed with the organization 
 of a church, which was duly accomplished with the following 
 charter members: Benjamin Wallack, Mrs. Mary Wallack, H. C. 
 Snyder, Mrs. Caroline Snyder, J. H. Horn, Mrs. Sarah Horn, Sam- 
 uel Reichman, Mrs. Caroline Reichman, Daniel Hawk, Andrew
 
 THE EFFINCHAM CHURCH. 
 
 75 
 
 Harman, Mrs. Evaline Harman, L. T. Hawk, Mrs. L. T. Hawk, A. 
 Keplinger, Mrs. A. Keplinger, Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Hawk, Mr. 
 and Mrs. B. F. Snyder, Effie M. Snyder, Elizabeth Kirkpatric, Wil- 
 liam Kirkpatric, Eliza Snyder, Jacob Harman, Mary J. Harman, 
 Mrs. Addie F. Cummings, Margaret J. Hawk, Mary J. Hawk, Mrs. 
 Eliza McCormack, and George Hawk. A constitution was adopted 
 and the following officers elected: Elders, B. Wallack and H. C. 
 Snyder; Deacons, Daniel Hawk, Andrew Harman and J. H. Horn; 
 Trustees, A. Keplinger, L. T. Hawk and B. F. Snyder. That fall 
 
 the congregation, then 
 composed of 31 mem- 
 bers, was received into 
 Kansas Synod. This 
 church was not a re-or- 
 ganization of the old 
 congregation effected by 
 Rev. Boyer nor was it 
 the Monrovia congrega- 
 tion moved to Effingham, 
 for both of these con- 
 gregations as such had 
 long since passed out of 
 existence and had been 
 erased from the Synod's 
 roll. Quite a number of 
 the old Monrovia con- 
 gregation had united 
 with the Presbyterian 
 and Methodist churches, 
 and when the Effingham 
 church was organized 
 
 FIRST LUTHERAN. some of these came 
 
 back but handed in denominational letters of another faith. The 
 old Monrovia church had been sold to a son of the venerable Hon. 
 S. J. H. Snyder, and was used as a hay barn. Rev. Prof. J. H. 
 Stough, Ph. D., took charge of the new organization as supply. 
 For the first year they worshipped in a very small building that 
 had belonged to a defunct Baptist church, but in the spring of 1890 
 it was felt that a new and larger house was a necessity. Father 
 Benjamin Wallack with several others, took the matter in hand, 
 raised the money, let the contracts, and supervised the erection of 
 the church. The Board of Church Extension made a donation of
 
 76 ST. MARK'S CHURCH, EMPORIA. 
 
 $250 towards the building. The plans called for a frame structure. 
 32 by 56, and cost $2,500. The building was dedicated September 
 28th, Rev. J. A. Clutz, D. D., preaching the sermon. The entire 
 structure was new except the pews and pulpit furniture, which 
 were brought from Monrovia, having been saved from the old 
 church there. Prof. Stough continued to serve them until January, 
 1893, when he was succeeded by Rev. J. B. Umberger. At this 
 time the Effingham and Valley Falls churches were united into a 
 pastoral charge. Rev. Umberger relinquished this pastorate in 
 June, 1895, and a month later he was succeeded by Rev. S. M. 
 Lesher. The latter remained until 1898. After this Rev. F. D. 
 Altman, D. D., served them as supply for two years. On the 1st 
 of June, 1901, Rev. J. M. Herbst became pastor, serving the charge 
 until the fall of 1906, when the Effingham church asked the Synod 
 to allow them to become a separate charge, in the hope of devel- 
 oping a more rapid growth. This was allowed and Rev. Herbst 
 remained their pastor. He resigned in February, 1907. He was 
 followed July 1st the same year by Rev. Edw. Bollman, the present 
 pastor. The church reports 64 communicants, a Sunday School of 
 the same size, and property valued at $1,500 with no indebtedness. 
 The church at present is a mission. 
 
 EMPORIA, ST. MARK'S. 
 
 Possibly the earliest record looking toward planting a mission in 
 the growing town of Emporia is found in the minutes of Kansas 
 Synod at its second annual convention in 1869, when it was 
 
 "Resolved, That the President of this Synod be authorized to 
 visit the town of Emporia, and organize the members of the Luth- 
 eran church into a congregation, and endeavor to procure for them 
 a ministerial supply." 
 
 The President, Rev. A. J. Hesson, in his report the following year 
 said, "Complying with a resolution passed by this Synod at its 
 last convention, I visited Emporia to organize a church. I found 
 twenty-five members there, but thought it not advisable to organize 
 because the Missionary Board could neither furnish aid nor a min- 
 ister to take care of the field." Thus because of the poverty of our 
 church in both men and money our opportunity to plant a church 
 in this section in the earlier days passed unimproved, and we were 
 compelled to witness other denominations build up with our mater- 
 ial. However in 1883-4 the Synodical pressure on the Mission
 
 ST. MARK'S CHURCH, EMPORIA. 
 
 77 
 
 Board to send a man into this city became so imperious that the 
 Board acted, commissioning Rev. J. A. Hartman, of Lamertine, Pa., 
 as missionary, who began his work in June, 1884. He held services 
 every two weeks in the Reformed church, morning and evening, 
 and shortly afterward organized a church, electing as Elders, J. 
 Fulmer and Wm. W. Kremer, and Deacons, Alfred Nicholas and 
 George H. Bainer. Rev. Hartman not liking the West resigned 
 after a short stay of five months and returned to Pennsylvania. In 
 April the following year a call was extended to Rev. F. D. Altman, 
 of Tippecanoe City, O., as missionary, who began operations June 
 1st. It was soon evident that a man was now at the helm who 
 would stick to the work. On the 21st the congregation was reor- 
 ganized with the following members: Rev. F. D. Altman, pastor, 
 Mrs. F. D. Altman, Mr. and Mrs. George H. Bainer, Mrs. C. Boory, 
 Amanda Boory, L. T. Boory, Mr. and Mrs. J. Fulmer, Mrs. J. C. 
 
 ST. MARK'S CHURCH. 
 
 Helt, Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Kremer, Mr. and Mrs. A. Nicholas, Mr. 
 and Mrs. M. F. Rinker, Rev. and Mrs. W. M. Sparr, Mrs. E. Shep- 
 herd, and three children, confirmed the same day, Charles and Amy 
 Sparr and Jacob Boory. 
 
 A Sunday School was organized on June 14th, 1885. The Re- 
 formed church was again rented and services held twice every Sun-
 
 78 ST. MARK'S CHURCH, EMPORIA. 
 
 day and on Wednesday evenings. This congregation was admitted 
 into Kansas Synod the following October. On the 16th of Novem- 
 ber two very desirable lots 100 by 140 feet, were purchased for 
 $1,500, the Board of Church Extension granting a loan in the sum 
 of $600. While the young congregation was paying for its lots it 
 was growing and husbanding its strength for the erection of a 
 building. In the following fall ground was broken and the founda- 
 tion laid. In the meantime the ladies were working for a fund to 
 carpet the new church, the young people were doing the same for 
 the chancel furniture, and the children for the organ. The corner- 
 stone was laid on the 10th of April, 1888, after a number of delays 
 occasioned by copious rains, said to have been the finest and most 
 helpful rains in three years. Thus the foundation of this mission 
 was consecrated in a gracious baptism and "showers of blessing." 
 Revs. S. B. Barnitz and W. M. Sparr delivered the sermons. The 
 plans called for a substantial structure 56 by 74 feet built of 
 dressed stone. The building was brought under roof that fall, 
 floored and seated with chairs, but was unplastered. Here the first 
 service was held on the 9th of September. One year later the 
 building having been completed, was dedicated November 3d, Rev. 
 George A. Bowers, preaching the sermon. Western Secretary 
 Barnitz, in one of his reports, described this church as " a very 
 gem of beauty and strength, being built of stone with great care 
 and marked economy." The building is Gothic in architecture 
 with a commodious auditorium sealed overhead, and a lecture room, 
 pastor's study and primary room. The Board of Church Extension 
 in addition to its lot loan granted a loan of $2,400 on the building. 
 It also gave a donation of $534.75. The church soon cleared away 
 all debts incurred in this building with the exception of the loans 
 mentioned. The carrying out to so triumphant an end the erection 
 of this beautiful building reflects great credit on the zeal and good 
 judgment of the pastor. Rev. Altman resigned April 18th, 1890, 
 and was succeeded by Rev. S. G. Dornblaser on June 1st the same 
 year, who remained with the mission four years. During the years 
 1895-6-7 the mission was supplied by Rev. G. A. Bowers. In Nov- 
 ember the latter year Rev. G. C. Cromer was called, remaining 
 but eleven months. He was succeeded by Rev. C. E. Wirick who 
 remained two years. On the 31st of March, 1901, Rev. Henry Zim- 
 merman, took charge, serving until March 25, 1906. On the 1st of 
 January, 1907, Rev. G. G. Clark, the present pastor, assumed the 
 pastorate. 
 
 A Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society was organized
 
 CHRIST'S CHURCH, EUREKA. 79 
 
 in 1885 which has continued down to the present time a very use- 
 ful factor in the congregation. The church became self-sustaining 
 June 1, 1894, during the pastorate of Rev. Dornblaser. Its loans 
 from the Board of Church Extension having become due, it has 
 been loyally attempting to pay the same off in installments. At the 
 present writing there remains yet a balance on these loans unpaid 
 of 52,100. The church reports 75 communicant members, a good 
 Sunday School, Young People's Society, and property to the value 
 of $13,500. 
 
 In 1907 a beautiful Altar and Baptismal Font were installed, also, 
 a reading desk, when the church resolved that its pastor should 
 wear the historic Lutheran vestments. It has taken the initiation 
 in this respect among the Kansas Synod English speaking churches. 
 
 EUREKA, CHRIST'S. 
 
 The beginning of the Lutheran church in Eureka dates from the 
 arrival in that city of the family of Jacob Rizer, who came from 
 Cumberland, Maryland, in 1871. Mr. Rizer was a man of advanced 
 age and had been all his life an active member of the Lutheran 
 church. He had come to Kansas to spend the evening of his days 
 because his children had all come, and he at once set himself to 
 work to provide for his children and his children's children a church 
 home. Several other Lutheran families arrived during the same 
 year and these with some already on the ground were gathered 
 together by Mr. Rizer, after repeated efforts, and on October 26. 
 1873, an organization was effected with seven charter members. 
 These were Jacob Rizer, A. B. Norberg, S. A. Peterson, Jacob Knud- 
 sen, J. M. Seidel and Mr. and Mrs. Geo. W. Wright. Just why 
 there were so few at this initial service does not appear. Of these, 
 all but the first two are still living and are members of the con- 
 gregation. 
 
 Mr. Rizer was at this time already 71 years of age. His was the 
 first name on the charter roll and he was elected the first Elder. 
 He was untiring in his efforts and seemed incapable of discourage- 
 ment. There were years of disappointed hopes before him and it 
 was not until ten years later that he saw the desire of his heart in 
 the erection of a church building, and this octogenarian was the 
 most active and enthusiastic person connected with the enterprise. 
 He was privileged to enjoy this church home for more than four-
 
 80 
 
 CHRIST'S CHURCH, EUREKA. 
 
 teen years, and was buried from it in 1879 at the age of ninety- 
 six years. 
 
 The first Lutheran minister to visit Eureka was the Rev. T. W. 
 Sargent, an aged pastor who lived at Emporia and was doing work 
 
 CHRIST'S CHURCH. 
 
 as "missionary in southern Kansas," largely at his own expense 
 and long before railroads entered the district. At the invitation of 
 the newly organized congregation at Eureka he visited them sev- 
 eral times during the latter part of 1873, and for six months begin- 
 ning February, 1874, preached for them regularly in a school house, 
 driving from Emporia, a distance of over fifty miles each way. 
 Immediately when regular services began new members were re- 
 ceived, and at a service held February 15, 1874, twenty-eight names 
 were added to the roll. On account of age and infirmity these long 
 trips soon had to be given up by pastor Sargent. However with 
 his lay delegate, Jacob Rizer, he carried the application of this in- 
 fant congregation to Synod at Abilene, October, 1874, and was form-
 
 CHRIST'S CHURCH, EUREKA. 81 
 
 ally admitted. Pastor Sargent died as the result of an accident on 
 the 5th of February following. That same year Mr. Rizer attended 
 a meeting of the General Synod at Baltimore, where he made an 
 eloquent plea for the appointment of a missionary for Eureka. This 
 was before the days of the Board of Home Missions and such mat- 
 ters were largely attended to by the General Synod in convention, 
 but at this time it had neither a man nor money for Eureka. Mr. 
 Rizer was assured that if the congregation would secure a pastor 
 some help would be forthcoming toward his support. The Rev. 
 A. E. Gift was called from the Seminary at Columbus, Ohio, but 
 after a pastorate of six months he resigned. 
 
 The Rev. L. C. Groseclose undertook the work of this charge in 
 February, 1877. On his arrival he found a rather discouraging out- 
 look. But little wonder! This congregation had been in existence 
 four years and of that time had a resident pastor only six months, 
 and for another six months only occasional services. The meet- 
 ings were held in an abandoned store-room in Eureka and in two 
 school houses in the country. The congregation now claimed the 
 
 PARSONAGE. 
 
 promise of the General Synod to assist in the support of the pastor 
 and aid was given in the sum of $250 dating from April, 1877. 
 Pastor Groseclose's health failed and he resigned in July, 1879. 
 Then followed another interim without a pastor, this rime for
 
 82 
 
 CHRIST'S CHURCH, EUREKA. 
 
 three years. In 1882 
 the Rev. M. F. Troxell 
 was called. A wonder- 
 ful impetus was given 
 the work by the hope of 
 securing a regular pas- 
 tor again and before his 
 arrival steps were taken 
 toward building, and 
 after his arrival the 
 work was rapidly push- 
 ed to completion. Dr. 
 Barnitz visited the con- 
 gregation about this 
 time and promised a do- 
 nation from the Board 
 of $300 toward the 
 building. A frame struc- 
 ture was erected, 35 by 
 55, costing $3,250, on a 
 lot donated by Mrs. 
 Julia B. Barger, a 
 daughter of Jacob Rizer. 
 In September, 1882, the 
 feast of dedication was 
 
 held, the Rev. Dr. F. W. Conrad preaching the sermon. Over $1,400 
 was raised on the day of dedication, more than enough to complete 
 the payment for the work, and the unusual feature of the day was 
 the return to the Board of Church Extension of their draft for $300 
 unused. One year later Kansas Synod met in this church. 
 
 Immediately after the completion of the church a parsonage was 
 started and finished like the church, without debt. A church bell 
 was procured through contributions from personal friends of the 
 pastor and in his honor was hung and dedicated. In March, 1884, 
 pastor Troxell resigned and was succeeded by The Rev. H. Max 
 Lentz, who served the congregation but one year. He was followed 
 by the Rev. W. M. Sparr who built up the church in influence in the 
 community during the eight years of faithful service. 
 
 The Rev. R. B. Wolf took charge August 1, 1894, continuing for 
 eight years, resigning November 8, 1902. During the latter's pas- 
 torate a pipe organ costing $1,100 was installed. The organ is a 
 memorial to Miss Louise J. Errickson an esteemed member of the 
 
 REV. L. C. GROSCLCSE.
 
 ST. PAULAS CHURCH-, GARNETT. 83 
 
 congregation, who died about that time, and was contributed large- 
 ly by her immediate family and friends. The church was also re- 
 modeled at an additional cost of $1,250 and memorial art glass 
 windows inserted, one of them fittingly inscribed to Jacob Rizer. 
 The auditorium though small is large enough for the purposes of 
 the congregation and is one of the most chaste and churchly in the 
 Synod. The Rev. D. H. Cramer took charge January 23, 1903 and 
 resigned August 31, 1906. He was succeeded in June, 1907 by the 
 present incumbent Rev. Oliver MacWilliams. There are now about 
 70 communicants. 
 
 GARNETT, ST. PAUL'S. 
 
 Among the early Lutherans who came to Anderson county was 
 Mr. Peter Engleman, who warmly cherished the hope that the 
 Lutherans in and about the thriving little town of Garnett, might 
 have a church home of their own faith. Finding others sharing his 
 longing, he opened correspondence with Rev. S. B. Barnitz, West- 
 ern Secretary of the Board of Home Missions, asking that a mis- 
 sionary be sent to open operations in Garnett. The place was vis- 
 ited by Rev. J. N. Lenker, Western Secretary of the Board of 
 Church Extension, and Rev. T. F. Dornblaser, Synodical Mission- 
 ary of Kansas Synod. The names of Lutheran families residing in 
 the place were carefully collated. The result materialized in the 
 organization of St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran church of Garnett at a 
 meeting held on the 10th of August, 1890. A couple of months 
 later the new organization was formally admitted as a part of Kan- 
 sas Synod. The mission not being able to sustain a pastor, it was 
 advised to seek an arrangement whereby the pastor at Ottawa 
 might serve both points. This was consumated and Rev. J. F. 
 Scherer was called as pastor taking charge December the same 
 year. The congregation immediately began to plan for a church 
 home. A well located lot was selected, and the Board of Church 
 Extension was solicited for a loan and a donation. The sum of 
 $600 was loaned and $200, donated. The lot cost $1,000 upon 
 which the loan and donation were expended, leaving but very lit- 
 tle with which to begin building. Plans were adopted calling for 
 a brick Gothic structure, 30 by 60 feet, and the foundation was at 
 once put in, but the people again found themselves out of funds. 
 However they pressed bravely on, laying the corner stone for the 
 superstructure on the 30th of May, 1891, when the Synodical Mis-
 
 84 
 
 REV. H. A. OTT, D. D. 
 
 REV. B. R. LANTZ. 
 
 REV. A. E. RENN. REV. J. M. CROMER, D. D. REV. F. BERGSTRESSER. 
 
 REV. GEO. S. MURPHY. 
 
 REV. C. F. WEIST.
 
 ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, GARNETT. 85 
 
 sionary, Rev. T. F. Dornblaser gave the address. At this time a 
 supplemental loan of $200 was made from the Church Extension 
 Board. The heavy debt incurred greatly distressed the congregation 
 and was a fruitful source of contention, so much so that the pastor 
 resigned that spring. The building remained for a year incom- 
 plete. In June, 1892, Rev. J. N. Lentz assumed charge and at once 
 began the work of completing the building. The prospect gave new 
 life to the disheartened congregation. On the 4th of December the 
 building was complete enough for use and was accordingly dedicat- 
 ed. The pastor was assisted by Rev. J. A. Clutz, D. D., and Rev. 
 S. B. Barnitz, D. D., and the occasion was one of great joy to the 
 Garnett people. Dr. Barnitz conducted the plea for funds and $500 
 were secured in cash and subscriptions. The structure is substan- 
 tial and commodious, well worthy of the noble efforts of the con- 
 gregation and their friends in the city. However a heavy debt re- 
 mained on the building. They owed the Board $800 without inter- 
 est, a local loan from Mr. J. F. Furguson of $600, at 7 per cent in- 
 terest, and a loan from the Anderson county Bank, for $310 run- 
 ning at ten per cent. The last named was a loan for unpaid pas- 
 tor's salary. The building all told had cost $4,675. The pastor 
 bravely carried the work on year after year, gradually completing 
 his building and equipping it. When he resigned in June, 1895, 
 the mission had a membership of 28 and a debt of $1,650. The 
 next pastor was Rev. J. B. Umberger, who assumed charge in 
 August. He at once set himself to the task of raising the bank 
 debt for unpaid salary, and after a hard pull succeded. During his 
 pastorate pews were placed in the church, a good chandelier and 
 other appointments very much needed. In the fall of 1898 Rev. 
 Umberger resigned and was succeeded in April following by Rev. 
 J. L. Hammond. The latter remained but one year. He was fol- 
 lowed by Rev. J. F. Petticrew in December, 1900, who also re- 
 mained but one year. A congregation having been organized at 
 Bush City, that church and Garnett were united in a charge and 
 Rev. N. W. Lilly became pastor at the opening of 1903. After 
 serving them eleven months he resigned and the charge was vacant 
 for a year. In the opening of 1905 Rev. B. F. Pugh was commis- 
 sioned missionary and took up the work and is the present incum- 
 bent. This church has been aided continuously ever since its or- 
 ganization by the Mission Board, never having really gotten on its 
 feet. At the present time it has a debt of $1,300, and $500 of this 
 is interest bearing. It has 25 members and a property valued at 
 $5,200. While it has a young people's society it never has had a 
 missionary society.
 
 86 ST. PAUl/S CHURCH, GLASCO. 
 
 GARNETT, GRACE, (HASKELL.) 
 
 Early in the year 1902 Rev. J. F. Petticrew of Garnett began to 
 hold occasional services in a school house at Bush City some six 
 or seven miles southeast of Garnett. On the 5th of October that 
 year with the assistance of Rev. N. W. Lilly, he organized Grace 
 Lutheran church, with the following charter members: Daniel 
 Smith, Mrs. Mary Smith, W. H. Smith, Mrs. Mabel Smith, Mr. and 
 Mrs. H. K. Fearing, John Hapgood, Emma Hapgood, M. Matilda 
 Myers, Max Myers, Martha Myers, Mr. and Mrs. M. Doll, Anna 
 Doll and Will Doll. A constitution was adopted and the following 
 officers elected: Elders, Daniel Smith and M. Doll, Deacons, W. L. 
 Fearing and W. H. Smith. The church was connected with the 
 Garnett pastorate, and was admitted into Kansas Synod the same 
 fall. Rev. Petticrew served them until December. Following him 
 Rev. N. W. Lilly served them for one year. After a period of va- 
 cancy Rev. B. F. Pugh began to preach for them every two weeks 
 and still supplies the pulpit. The church at present has scarcely 
 a dozen members. 
 
 GLASCO, ST. PAUL'S. 
 
 In 1876 Rev. William C. Seidel resigned his pastorate at Davis, 
 Illinois, with the thought of doing missionary work in Kansas. In 
 April that year he located at Minneapolis, in Ottawa county, and 
 began preaching in the various school houses wherever opportunity 
 was afforded. He was able to do this owing to the generosity of 
 Mr. and Mrs. John Wolfensperger of Sterling, Ills., who furnished 
 the financial help. This movement originated in the warm heart 
 of this aged and devout couple whose love for the church prompted 
 them to place a missionary in Kansas. Twenty miles to the north 
 of Minneapolis is the little town of Glasco, and here was located 
 a goodly German settlement. Rev. Seidel being able to speak in 
 both tongues began to preach in the school houses and the homes 
 of these Germans where his services were welcomed. These pious 
 people although they did not have a pastor were accustomed to meet 
 in each others' homes on the Lord's day, when one of their number 
 would read to them a German sermon and conduct a brief prayer 
 service. Pioneer work here soon materialized in a desire to organ- 
 ize a church. After a year's ministrations this was realized on the 
 8th of April, in the old school house diagonally across the street
 
 ST. PAUl/S CHURCH,, GLASCO. 87 
 
 from the present church site, and St. Paul's church became a real- 
 ity. Among these organizers were Mr. and Mrs. Peter Grittman, 
 Mr. and Mrs. Martin Dershner, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Horn, Mr. and 
 Mrs. Martin Hersher, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Krenkle, and Mr. Philip 
 
 ST. PAUL'S CHURCH AND PARSONAGE. 
 
 Studt. After occupying the school house for a season the services 
 were transferred to the Presbyterian church and held in the after- 
 noons. On the 18th of May, 1878, Rev. J. Bond succeeded Rev. 
 Seidel, serving the church until October, 1881. After that for sev- 
 eral years the church was without a pastor, being served by Revs. 
 Seidel and John A. Bright as supplies. In the fall of 1885 Rev. 
 J. G. Trefz was called, remaining as pastor the following nine 
 years. In the winter of 1892-3 the congregation decided to build 
 a church. A visit from Rev. John N. Lenker had inspired them to 
 buy a lot and proceed to make for themselves a church home. 
 Ground was broken in the spring of 1893. The plans called for a 
 frame structure 30 by 50 feet, with a tower and bell, and vestibule 
 in the corner. The auditorium was seated with rich oak pews. 
 The dedication took place on the 19th of November, 1893, Rev. J. F. 
 Sponseller preaching the sermon, assisted by Rev. J. N. Lenker. 
 The cost of the building including the furnishings was $3,000, and 
 all debt was provided for on the day of dedication. It was a great 
 day of joy to both pastor and people. Noteworthy, it may be re-
 
 88 TRINITY CHURCH, GREENLEAF. 
 
 marked just here, that while this church was full of joy over its 
 acquisition, Zion's Lutheran church at Whitewater, the same day, 
 was passing through the deep waters, its building having burned to 
 the ground. 
 
 Shortly after the dedication the church took out incorporation 
 papers signed by the names of the trustees, Charles Horn, Jacob 
 Studt, Charles Henning, Adam Studt, and August Pinkall. During 
 the pastorate of Rev. Trefz the church was connected with Zion's 
 of Beloit as a pastoral charge. In the spring of 1894 a Sunday 
 school was organized which has continued "green" to the present 
 time. In the fall of 1894 Rev. Trefz resigned and during the two 
 following years the church was supplied, mostly by Rev. John A. 
 Bright. In May, 1896 Rev. Julius Paetznick took charge, remain- 
 ing until July, 1897. During the following three years Rev. E. F. 
 Hantel was pastor. In April, 1901, Rev. E. V. Nusbaum became 
 pastor, serving until October of the following year. In February, 
 1903, Rev. S. Knudten was called, remaining one year. On the 
 1st of August, 1904, Rev. R. P. Schimmelpfennig, Ph. D., the pres- 
 ent pastor, took charge. In 1903 a comfortable parsonage of seven 
 rooms was erecfed at a cost of $1,600 and with no debt. The ser- 
 vices at the present alternate in English and German. From its 
 organization the church has been without synodical relation, choos- 
 ing to remain independent, but it has been served by General Synod 
 pastors. In 1893 it applied for admission into Kansas Synod and 
 was duly admitted. The church at present has 120 communicant 
 members and property valued at $5,000 with no indebtedness. It 
 has the distinction of being one of the very few churches in Kan- 
 sas Synod which never received any aid from either the Home Mis- 
 sion or Church Extension Boards, if we except the voluntary ser- 
 vice of Secretary Lenker. The church has a cemetery of its own 
 near Glasco. 
 
 GREENLEAF, TRINITY. 
 
 Trinity Ev. Lutheran church was organized in a school house in 
 Greenleaf, by Rev. J. Schauer in 1882. Securing a loan of $300 
 from the Board of Church Extension he at once began the erection 
 of a church, frame in structure, 30 by 50 feet, to cost $1,700. This 
 building was dedicated on the 2nd of September, 1883, Rev. S. B. 
 Barnitz preaching the sermon. There were present also Revs. A. 
 Lane,. D. Harbaugh, F. R. Scherer, H. Heigert, and the pastor. This
 
 ST. JOHN'S GERMAN CHURCH, GREENLEAF. 
 
 89 
 
 REV. JACOB SCHAUER. 
 
 TRINITY CHURCH. 
 
 was the first church erected in the town. All money needed was 
 raised on the day of dedication excepting $200. The congregation 
 was received into Kansas Synod the same fall and was connected 
 with the churches at Barnes and Waterville as a pastoral charge. 
 In 1885 it was separated from the Waterville church and in 1891 
 for a while it was connected with the church at Washington, Kan- 
 sas. For a list of the pastors see the sketch of the church at 
 Barnes. In 1906 the church at Barnes was abandoned and Trinity 
 church was connected with St. Paul's, a German church at Green- 
 leaf and an independent German church in the country, all three 
 churches being served by Rev. R. Richter. The church has 40 
 members and property valued at $2,500. 
 
 GREENLEAF, ST. JOHN'S GERMAN LUTHERAN. 
 
 St. John's German Lutheran church was organized in 1876, in a 
 section of country at that time but sparsely settled. Some four 
 miles west of Greenleaf a number of German families had ob- 
 tained homes in that then new country. Althought they were scat-
 
 90 ST. PAUI/S GERMAN-ENGLISH, GREENLEAF. 
 
 tered over a wide section, that did not deter them from holding a 
 German service whenever they could secure a preacher. Among 
 the first to officiate for them was Rev. J. G. Groenmiller then 
 preaching at Hanover. The services were held in the "Bell" school 
 house. After a period of supplies by ministers, some of which 
 were independent in their synodical relation, Rev. Groenmiller ar- 
 ranged with them to hold services regularly. 1888 lots were se- 
 cured in the town of Greenleaf, upon which they decided to erect 
 a church. Cornerstone was laid on the 5th of August that year, 
 Rev. O. L. Luschei being their pastor. The dedication took place 
 early the following year when the pastor was assisted by Rev. J. 
 G. Groenmiller. The building cost $1200, and was dedicated free 
 of debt. On this dedication day a parsonage was presented to the 
 congregation, the gift of Messrs, H. Hattesohl, D. Lane, F. Lane, 
 D. Nuttlemann, C. Hink, and F. Oestreich. These brethren had 
 purchased this private home and in turning it over to the church 
 on that festal day made glad both the heart of pastor and people. 
 Later under the pastorate of Rev. L. Horn two rooms were added 
 to the parsonage, the labor for the same being donated by various 
 members of the church under the supervision of Mr. H. Hattesohl, 
 the son of Mr. F. Hattesohl, who had superintended the erection 
 of the church. At the present time this congregation has an ar- 
 rangement with Trinity church of the same town, to have the same 
 pastor serve them although the charge is not united in any specific 
 way. The congregation has a membership of fifty. Its pastors 
 have been Revs. C. Gade, . . Hafenstein, H. Schwartz, O. L. 
 Luschei, C. Henning, L. Horn, G. Endrulet, and R. Richter. At 
 present the church has no synodical connection. 
 
 GREENLEAF, ST. PAUL'S GERMAN-ENGLISH. 
 
 This church is located in Logan township four miles from Wash- 
 ington, Kansas, where a sprinkling of Germans attracted Rev. J. G. 
 Groenmiller on his rounds of missionary labor, and where he or- 
 ganized St. Paul's church in 1879, with a membership of about 
 eighteen. Shortly afterward they worshipped in the Watermann 
 school house. In 1906 the congregation concluded to build a 
 church. The soul of this movement was Mrs. M. Stamm, a lady 
 who had been deaf for about twenty years, and one who loved the 
 church dearly. The corner-stone was laid October 14, 1906, and 
 the structure dedicated June 23, 1907, Revs. H. L. Yarger, D. D., 
 K. Klinger and J. G. Groenmiller assisting the pastor Rev. R.
 
 UNION CHURCH, HARDY, NEBRASKA. 91 
 
 Richter in the services. The structure cost $2,000 and is free of 
 debt. Its present membership is 32. Prior to 1905 it had been 
 served in the German language, but since then partly in English. 
 It has always been connected in a pastoral charge with St. John's 
 church in Greenleaf, and has had the same succession of pastors 
 as that church has had. Its pastor usually belonged to the German 
 synod of Nebraska. For a long time it was independent of synod- 
 ical relation, but during the pastorate of Rev. R. Richter it was 
 enrolled in Kansas Synod. 
 
 HARDY, NEBRASKA, UNION. 
 
 This congregation was organized by Rev. J. A. Lowe while he 
 was serving the White Rock Charge in Kansas. When the Bur- 
 lington and Missouri river railroad was pushed through and the 
 town of Hardy was laid out, so anxious was Rev. Lowe to get a 
 Lutheran church located there that he took $50 out of his meager 
 salary of $300 per year and purchased the lot, and in 1881 organ- 
 ized the Union Ev. Lutheran church, which was received into Kan- 
 sas Synod the same year. With a nucleus of $400 received from 
 the Smicksburg charge in Pennsylvania, he began the erection of 
 a building which was completed and dedicated in May, 1883, with 
 all indebtedness provided for in good subscriptions. Dr. F. W. 
 Conrad preached the dedicatory sermon. Rev. Lowe was followed 
 in 1885 by Rev. J. E. Maurer, who in 1891 was succeeded by Rev. 
 Jonas Freet. In 1894 Rev. P. J. Spraker took charge. Rev. C. J. 
 Ringer took charge in 1895 when the congregation, in connection 
 with the Jewell City church, and the NuckalPs Co. Bethel church, 
 were received into Nebraska Synod, as a charge, one congregation 
 being in Kansas and the other in Nebraska and the members living 
 on both sides of the state line. 
 
 The Hardy church is valued at $3,000, and has sixty-two mem- 
 bers. A new church costing $5,000 has been recently built under 
 the pastorate of Rev. Roy Marion Badger. The church was dedicat- 
 ed in January, 1907. 
 
 HAYS, TRINITY. 
 
 The founding of a Lutheran church at Hays City has some feat- 
 ures which cannot be said of any other of our Kansas churches. 
 It was organized and erected its church building before it called 
 a pastor. The pioneer work was done by Judge D. C. Nellis, who 
 had come from Palatine Bridge, N. Y., settling in Hays City in
 
 92 
 
 TRINITY CHURCH, HAYS. 
 
 1873. He brought with him a warm love for his church. Being 
 Judge of the District Court he possessed considerable influence in 
 the new town of Hays. He set himself to the task of organizing 
 a Lutheran church there as the place was poorly churched from a 
 Protestant standpoint. After a canvass of the place was made, 
 Rev. A. J. Hartsock of Salina was invited to complete the organiza- 
 tion which was accomplished on the 10th of November, 1878, with 
 the following forty-eight charter members: D. C. Nellis, E. V. M. 
 Nellis, H. Grueger, Martha Grueger, M. G. Huntington, Amelia 
 Huntington, John T. Huntington, John Fogel, Henry Reemsnyder, 
 Charles Wentz, Lewis E. Frank, H. D. Shaffer, Addie Shaffer, S. M. 
 Yost, Sallie T. Yost, Kate Miller, Louise Boun, Jennie Seipe, Henry 
 O'Shant, Fred Krueger, Stella Robins, I. F. Eggars, T. B. Garner, 
 Ella Jane, Henry M. Schall, Eva C. Kinney, Edgar S. Beach, Mary 
 A. Beach, Annie Gilkerson, J. B. Milner, Eva Osterstock, Ruth E. 
 Christian, Jane E. Carl, Emma Ake, May E. Schmucker, R. B. 
 Spitler, Sue Spitler, Jacob Moser, Mrs. J. H. Downing, Mrs. Jacob 
 Moser, May Bailey, A. D. Bailey, Mrs. A. D. Bailey, J. L. Ginther, 
 Jacob Fogle, Savilla Fogle, and Kate Fogle. 
 
 A building committee was 
 at once appointed, lots pur- 
 chased, and plans adopted 
 for the erection of a frame 
 chapel 28 by 40 feet with 
 a small belfrey. The build- 
 ing was completed in the 
 fall of 1879 and furnished 
 with handsome pews and 
 pulpit furniture, costing all 
 told about $3,000. The 
 Board of Church Extension 
 gave them a donation of 
 $125. On the 1st of Dec- 
 ember, 1879, Rev. J. H. 
 Harpster was called as 
 pastor, who began holding 
 services in the new church. 
 However the dedication 
 was deferred until October 
 3d of the following year, at 
 which time the pastor was 
 TRINITY CHURCH, (OLD.) assisted by Rev. A. J.
 
 TRINITY CHURCH, HAYS. 
 
 93 
 
 Kissell and Rev. T. F. Dornblaser. Rev. Harpster remained with 
 them until the spring of 1882. During his pastorate the Home Mis- 
 sion Board assumed a part of his support and upon his resignation 
 the Church Extension Board loaned the church $500 on their build- 
 ing which had not yet been paid for. In November Rev. Henry 
 Sharp became pastor, remaining two years. During 1884 and 1885 
 the church was pastorless, being occasionally supplied. In April, 
 1886, Rev. J. G. Graichen became pastor and remained less than 
 a year. On May 1, 1887, Rev. E. B. Killinger took charge remain- 
 ing until November, 1891. During the second year of Rev. Killin- 
 ger's pastorate the congregation erected a parsonage costing $1,700 
 upon which a mortgage of $1,000 was placed. Six years later be- 
 cause this mortgage could not lifted the property was sold. Rev. 
 M. F. Good, a student of the Gettysburg Theological Seminary, SUP- 
 
 TRINITY CHURCH, (NEW.)
 
 94 ZION'S CHURCH,, HUTCHINSON. 
 
 plied them during the summer of 1892. Rev. E. E. Shantz, of the 
 same school supplied them the following summer. In June, 1895, 
 Rev. Henry Zimmerman became pastor remaining four years. He 
 was followed in November 1899 by Rev. D. H. Cramer who re- 
 mained until May 1, 1902. That same year Rev. J. F. Grueger sup- 
 plied them, during his summer vacation, and in November Rev. C. 
 F. Wiest, the present pastor, took charge. After one year's ser- 
 vice the church assumed self support, having been for many years 
 a beneficiary of the Home Mission Board. 
 
 On the 17th of August, 1902, the church was struck by lightning 
 and burned to the ground, scarcely anything being saved from the 
 building. The blow was a hard one on the mission. They had 
 just expended several hundred dollars on improvements and still 
 owed $100 on the same when the fire occurred. They received 
 $1,500 insurance and with this sum as a starter went bravely to 
 the work of re-building. The Church Extension Board came to 
 their help with a donation of $250. Rev. Wiest showed himself to 
 be a worker not easily daunted. He came to the church with cheer- 
 less prospects, a pile of ashes, a $100 debt, and $1,500 as a nucleus 
 for a church building fund. However he went to work with a will. 
 Plans were adopted calling for a stone structure with an auditorium 
 40 by 60 feet, an annex 28 by 40 feet, and a stone tower 14 feet 
 square and 52 feet high. The floor was inclined, pews ordered of 
 dark oak, and windows of beautiful stained glass, one of the largest 
 of which was furnished by the pastors of Kansas Synod. The 
 building was dedicated on the 28th of February, 1904, Rev. Fuller 
 Bergstresser and Rev. H. L. Yarger, D. D., preaching the sermons. 
 The cost of the structure was $8,000 on which only a small debt of 
 $400 remains. The success of the enterprise reflects great credit 
 on the young pastor's efforts. This church organized a Woman's 
 Home and Foreign Missionary Society in 1888 which existed for 
 six years. At the present time the congregation reports 93 members 
 and church property valued at $10,000. 
 
 HUTCHINSON, ZION'S. 
 
 The pioneer work in the organization of Zion's church at Hutch- 
 inson, was done by Rev. J. N. Lenker while he was Special Repre- 
 sentative of the Board of Church Extension. At various times he 
 visited Hutchinson, gathered together a number of Lutheran fam- 
 ilies, preached to them and strongly urged them to organize a
 
 ZION'S CHURCH, HUTCHINSON. 95 
 
 church. In 1888 he reported to Kansas Synod as follows: "It is 
 our conviction that there is no more promising field for this special 
 work of the Board of Church Extension, than that of Kansas Synod 
 and our great Southwest, especially the Arkansas Valley, where 
 during the past year desirable lots were secured through us in 
 Wellington, Hutchinson, Kinsley and Syracuse." At the time the 
 Hutchinson lot was secured the boom was on and prices were quite 
 high and the lot obtained was not in a very good location and the 
 work of collecting the money for the same on the ground was a 
 difficult task. The work of Rev. Lenker was followed up by the 
 
 ZION'S LUTHERAN CHURCH. 
 
 Home Mission Board commissioning Rev. J. A. Lowe as missionary 
 who entered the field in October, 1888. On the 2nd of December 
 following he organized Zion's Ev. Lutheran church with seventeen 
 charter members. The church was admitted into Kansas Synod in 
 the fall of 1889. Rev. Lowe at once set himself to the task of rais- 
 ing money for a building. Plans were adopted calling for a frame 
 chapel, 30 by 50 feet, to be located on the lot owned by the Church 
 Extension Board. The corner stone was laid on the 5th of Decem- 
 ber, 1889, when the pastor was assisted by Rev. F. D. Altman. 
 During the winter the work was pushed and by the following spring
 
 BETHEL CHURCH,, JERICO. 
 
 it was ready for occupancy. The dedication took place on the 25th 
 of May and the sermon was preached by Rev. J. A. Clutz, D. D., 
 from Luke 17:5 as a text. Rev. John A. Bright preached in the 
 afternoon and Rev. T. F. Dornblaser in the evening, and Rev. Wm. 
 Sparr, the President of Kansas Synod, conducted the consecration 
 services. The cost of the building was $3,253, with $865 needed 
 on the day of dedication, which was raised in full at the three ser- 
 vices. The building is a Gothic structure 30 by 50 feet, with a re- 
 cess 6 l / 2 by \2 l /2 feet, and a tower 75 feet high. The windows 
 were of cathedral glass, the ceiling was of corrugated iron, and the 
 seating and pulpit furniture were rich and comfortable. The Board 
 of Church Extension made them a loan of $1,000. Rev. Lowe was 
 succeeded by Rev. J. G. M. Hursh in May, 1891, who remained two 
 and a half years. In March, 1894, Rev. A. J. Hesson became pas- 
 tor. It was felt that the church was badly located, being on the 
 edge of a creek, and in an inferior locality. Its removal to a better 
 location was agitated. Two fine lots were purchased, and in the 
 summer of 1895 and the church was removed to its present loca- 
 tion. This necessitated the removing of the tower and its rebuild- 
 ing. The church was also overhauled, repaired and improved, the 
 total cost being nearly $2,600, of which the Church Extension 
 Board came to the rescue with an additional loan of $500. Rev. 
 S. B. Barnitz preached the sermon at the re-opening, on which oc- 
 casion Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Wherfel presented the church with a 
 silver communion set. Rev. Hesson resigned in March, 1896. After 
 this Rev. A. M. Reitzel supplied the church for a season, and in 
 the summer of 1897 he became pastor, remaining in charge for the 
 following seven years. He was succeeded in March, 1904, by Rev. 
 J. K. Rizer, who remained till the fall of 1905. Rev. F. S. Delo is 
 the present pastor. The church is still a mission. It reports 36 
 communicants, and church property valued at $5,000, with an in- 
 debtedness of $1,500. A Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary 
 Society was organized in 1889 which continues to this day a very 
 helpful factor in the benevolent work of the church. 
 
 JERICO, BETHEL. 
 
 Prior to the organization of Bethel Lutheran church in Jerico, 
 Mo., there had been another which held its synodical connection 
 with the English Synod of Missouri of the Synodical Conference. 
 The membership became dissatisfied with the restrictions of the
 
 97 
 
 REV. I. B. HEISEY. 
 
 REV. S. M. LESHER. 
 
 REV. F. R. SHIRCK. 
 
 REV. F. S. DELO. 
 
 REV. H. ZIMMERMAN. 
 
 REV. G. G. CLARK.
 
 98 BETHEL CHURCH, JERICO. 
 
 Misouri Synod as to close communion, non- fellowship with other 
 churches, and other forms of exclusiveness. They invited Rev. M. 
 L. Melick, to visit them and help them into the General Synod, 
 where such exclusiveness did not prevail. As the congregation 
 was worshipping in a school house and did not own any property, 
 it was decided to reorganize, which was accomplished in April, 
 1894. The principal families entering into the movement were the 
 following: John C. Flohr, Anton Klever, J. H. Ekin, Adam H. Mil- 
 ler, J. A. Johnson, Mrs. J. W. Jones, J. A. Burnside, William Hill, 
 T. N. Woodruff and Elijah Kirksey. 
 
 During the summer of 1894 Rev. E. P. Schueler, from the West- 
 ern Theological Seminary, supplied the congregation. On Septem- 
 ber 1st Rev. J. A. Lowe took charge as pastor, and in the fall of 
 1895 it was admitted into Kansas Synod. At that time the members 
 of Bethel church held a controlling interest in the Jerico Educa- 
 tional Institute building. An agreement was entered into with Rev. 
 Lowe by which the property was transferred to him on the condi- 
 tion that he would conduct school therein for three years and pay 
 $200. He conducted a private school here for one year when all 
 interested parties agreed to sell the property to the town of Jerico 
 for public and high school purposes. At this point Rev. Lowe be- 
 came principal of the High School and at the same time continued 
 to preach for the church and this he did for the period of eight 
 years. During this time his salary from the church was merely a 
 nominal sum, not reaching $200 per year. In Mar., '97, he resigned 
 the church. In June following the congregation in connection with 
 St. James Lutheran church of Barton Co., called Rev. J. J. Cham- 
 bers. Rev. Chambers gave them very acceptable service, but owing 
 to the exceedingly small salary he was obliged to relinquish the 
 work in October, 1898. 
 
 At first the congregation worshipped in the Baptist church paying 
 a rent. Later they used the M. E. church South. On the 1st of 
 May, 1898, while a service was being held in this church conducted 
 by the Methodist pastor, many of the Lutherans being present, in- 
 cluding Prof. Lowe, a cyclone destroyed the building. By the great 
 mercy of God none of the congregation was killed although many 
 were injured. After this the congregation worshipped in the Chris- 
 tian church. In February, 1899, the Lutherans purchased a half 
 interest in the Baptist church. At this time Rev. Lowe began to 
 serve the congregation again, and under the circumstances, owing 
 to the expense of the purchase of a church home, agreed to serve 
 them without a stipulated salary, receiving only the voluntary offer-
 
 ST. JAMES' CHURCH, JERICO. 99 
 
 ings. He resigned in 1902. Rev. J. F. Petticrew became pastor, 
 July 1, 1903, remaining one year. The church at present is with- 
 out a pastor. It reports a membership of 18 and property to the 
 value of $300. 
 
 Recently the congregation sold its half interest in the Baptist 
 church and practically disbanded. 
 
 JERICO, ST. JAMES'. 
 
 St. James Lutheran church of Milford, Barton county, Missouri, 
 was organized by Rev. Andrew Rader, a member of the English 
 Conference of the Missouri Synod, on the fourth Sunday in May, 
 1873, with fourteen charter members. He was succeeded by Rev. 
 R. L. Goodman, Rev. M. -L. Thornberg, Rev. J. I. Goodman, and 
 Rev. I. E. Rader, all Missouri Synod pastors, who served the church 
 for short intervals. The membership of this church had come 
 mainly from East Tennessee during the years 1870-3. They had 
 been accustomed to open communion and Christian fellowship with 
 other denominations as prevailed in the Holstein Synod with which 
 they had been connected. The restrictions of the Missouri pastors 
 greatly annoyed them and finally it became unbearable. In 1897 
 they withdrew from the Missourians and invited Rev. J. A. Lowe 
 to preach for them. In June the same year Rev. J. J. Chambers 
 became pastor. At this time suit was brought against them in the 
 courts by a few Missouri members who refused to join in the move- 
 ment. The suit was thrown out of the court because neither party 
 was incorporated. Later suit was again brought in the court of 
 equity for possession of the property by the Missourians. This 
 was finally compromised in giving up the property. St. James' 
 church, newly incorporated, moved a half mile to the west and 
 erected a church of their own, a building 24 by 38, frame, costing 
 $600, which was dedicated on the llth of November, 1899. The 
 great devotion of Mr. William Winters and Mr. Jason Williams to 
 the congregation during these struggles is to be commended. It 
 was admitted into Kansas Synod in 1898. In the calling of a pastor 
 it was united with Bethel church at Jerico as a pastoral charge. 
 Rev. Chambers resigned in October, 1898. He was succeded July 
 1, 1903, by Rev. J. F. Petticrew who remained one year. The church 
 is without a pastor at present. It reports thirty members and prop- 
 erty valued at $800.
 
 100 FIRST CHURCH, KANSAS CITY. 
 
 KANSAS CITY, FIRST LUTHERAN. 
 
 While Rev. Morris Officer was the Secretary of the old Home 
 Missionary Society, he made a visit to Kansas City on the 1st of 
 September, 1866, and at once began looking up the Lutherans of 
 the place. On the following day he attended services in the Pres- 
 byterian church on Wyandotte street near ninth and preached in 
 the evening. He met a number of Lutherans who pleaded for a 
 church in this rising city of the West, which at this time had a 
 population of 25,000, and was enjoying quite a boom. Rev. Officer 
 was greatly impressed with the opportunities offered here for the 
 founding of a church. He considered it the entering wedge for 
 future operations in the rapidly developing state of Kansas. He 
 hastened back to Baltimore, planning as he went, how he might be 
 able to secure the necessary money with which to open work. At 
 the close of an impassioned appeal in the First English Lutheran 
 church of Baltimore, he was delighted to find one member who was 
 willing to pledge $600 for the support of a missionary in Kansas 
 City. This over enthusiastic brother failed to keep his pledge and 
 Rev. Officer had to look elsewhere for aid. Attending the conven- 
 tion of the Central Pennsylvania Synod he sought with eloquent 
 words to .persuade that synod to take care of Kansas City. The 
 Synod consented, and levied an apportionment of twenty-two and 
 a half cents per member, raising $1,200 for the support of the pas- 
 tor for two years, and 51,500 toward the erection of a building. At 
 this time this Synod had two licentiates attending Wittenberg Theo- 
 logical Seminary, and it was very desirious of having them enter 
 the mission field in the West. These two theological students were 
 Mr. E. J. Keplinger and Mr. A. W. Wagenhals, (the latter now of 
 the New York publishing firm of Funk and Wagnalls. Mr. Officer 
 opened correspondence with these young men and persuaded them 
 to become missionaries in Missouri, the first named to be located 
 at Tipton, and the latter at Kansas City, in the spring of 1867. Mr. 
 Wagnalls writes the editor, "I arrived in Kansas City, March 25th. 
 On the following Sunday I preached in the Congregational church 
 a sort of a trial sermon. There was no organization at that time, 
 but a committee attended that service. In a letter from Brother 
 Officer I was cautioned to say nothing in my sermon referring to 
 slavery or the late civil war as they were sensitive on that point. 
 I heeded the hint, and I distinctly remember the committee was 
 pleased and told me so saying I preached about love, and did not 
 say anything about politics."
 
 FIRST CHURCH, KANSAS CITY. 
 
 101 
 
 On Tuesday following, Rev. Officer arrived from Topeka, and on 
 Wednesday April 4th, they "organized a church, elected officers, 
 and resolved to purchase a church lot." As to officers, there being 
 a scarcity of male members, Mr. Officer received a member by con- 
 firmation, and he was at once elected as an elder and installed with 
 the other officers. The charter members were the following: 
 Edward Stine, Emma L. Stine, Jacob S. Schell, Mary F. Schell, 
 Jacob W. Keefer, Miria J. Keefer, Edward Dively, Eliza Dively, 
 Solomon Tholander, Malinda Tholander, Mary Meiley, Malinda J. 
 Hendricks, Daniel Schroll and Aaron Raub. 
 
 As yet there was no synod organized in the West, and this church 
 through its pastor and a lay representative in the person of Mr. G. 
 W. Householder, participated in the organization of the Kansas 
 Synod at Topeka in November the following year. The young con- 
 gregation found it very difficult to find a hall in which to hold ser- 
 
 THE FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH, (NEW.) THE FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH, (OLD.)
 
 102 FIRST CHURCH, KANSAS CITY. 
 
 vices owing to the great boom on at that time in the city. One of 
 the members having a suitable lot offered it temporarily for this 
 purpose, and in a single day a shed called "The Tabernacle" 20 by 
 30 feet, was erected, with no floor other than the virgin sod, and 
 used for Sunday School and church purposes for a year. In the 
 meantime lots were purchased on Baltimore Avenue, (lots 1018 
 and 1020), between Tenth and Eleventh streets, about where the 
 Home Telephone Building now stands, and plans were adopted for 
 the erection of a brick building 29 by 50 feet, with a parsonage in 
 the rear. This building was completed and dedicated the following 
 year. The total cost of the property aggregated $7,772, including 
 $1,850 spent on the parsonage. This was all provided for on the 
 day of the dedication save $500 advanced by the Church Extension 
 Board, afterward paid by subscription. 
 
 Here the congregation worshipped happily for twenty years 
 through all of which there was considerable struggle to exist. 
 Rev. Wagenhals resigned in 1869 and was succeeded in 1870 by 
 Rev. W. H. Steck, who remained three years. Rev. T. F. Dorn- 
 blaser was called in 1874, remaining until 1878. In 1879 Rev. S. 
 S. Waltz took charge, continuing as pastor till December, 1883. 
 On the 1st of April that year the congregation assumed self sup- 
 port. Prior to that time it had been a mission supported at first 
 by the Synod of Central Pennsylvania until the 10th of June, 1869, 
 when the newly organized Boards of Home Missions and Church 
 Extension had the Central Pennsylvania's interests turned over to 
 them. From the latter date till April 1st, 1884, the Home Mission 
 Board granted aid annually on an average of from two to three 
 hundred dollars. When the transfer was made a mortgage for 
 $1,000 was turned over to the Church Extension Board. On the 
 16th of May 1884, Rev. J. M. Cromer became pastor. Two years 
 later steps were taken to secure a better location and a more ade- 
 quate church home. On March 1st, 1886, the old property was 
 sold for $10,000 and the present site at 14th and Cherry streets, 
 99 by 132 feet, was bought for $9,500. As the boom was on in 
 Kansas City at that time this selling and buying were both at boom 
 prices. The plans adopted for a new building comprehended a fine 
 structure of pressed brick, gothic in style, two story and with a 
 commanding steeple, at an estimated cost of $55,000. The found- 
 ation, 64 by 84 feet, was completed in the fall of 1887 and the cor- 
 ner stone laid on the 6th of December, Rev. S. A. Ort, D. D., as- 
 sisting in the ceremony and preaching the sermon. Rev. M. F. 
 Troxell and Mr. Robert Weidensall were also present. By Easter
 
 FIRST CHURCH, KANSAS CITY. 103 
 
 the following year the basement was completed, temporarily roofed, 
 and the interior handsomely furnished, making a very cozy church 
 home. Here they worshipped for five years. In the spring of 1892, 
 after a modification of the plans to an estimated cost of $45,000, 
 work was resumed on the superstructure, and by winter it was un- 
 der roof. On April 9th of the following year it was dedicated. 
 Drs. Rhodes, Barnitz, Clutz, Wynn, Bowers, Geiger and Dysinger, 
 and Revs. McAfee, Rentz, Ruthrauff, Altman and Cromer (J. B.), 
 were present to take part in the dedication feast. This was a great 
 day for the First Church. The building was now complete, furn- 
 ished with a fine auditorium, chancel, pipe organ, and a well equip- 
 ped Sunday School room, in keeping with the best of the Kansas 
 City churches. 
 
 In order to accomplish these ends $15,000 was borrowed on the 
 church building. This was accomplished by the issue of bonds with 
 interest bearing coupons at 6 per cent, which were sold to friends 
 in the East. At the time the basement of the church was construct- 
 ed, the sum of $3,500 was borrowed on the ground upon which the 
 parsonage was built to aid in finishing the parsonage. The carrying 
 of this tremendous debt was a factor which tried the patience of 
 the people. For a while it was cheerfully done, but later it be- 
 came a positive burden, and toward the last so much so that the 
 interest was allowed to lapse. These financial troubles came to 
 a head in 1899 when those who had advanced money in the pur- 
 chase of the bonds despaired of getting their money and both pastor 
 and people seemed helpless in paying. The church became divided 
 in its relation to the pastor, and Rev. Cromer resigned to take effect 
 November 1st. The resignation was accepted by both Council and 
 the congregation. Soon after that about forty members withdrew, 
 but the Church gathered itself together and promptly called Rev. 
 Holmes Dysinger, D. D., of Polo, 111., formerly President of Carth- 
 age College, as its pastor, who accepted the call taking charge in 
 January, 1900. He found affairs in a very chaotic state, but gave 
 himself to the work of reconstructing with remarkable energy. His 
 first task was the raising of nearly $2,500 to pay on a large floating 
 indebtedness which had been accumulating for a number of years. 
 This he accomplished, besides serving the church faithfully until 
 it had in a large measure recovered from the shock resulting from 
 internal strife and division. On August 1st, 1902, he was succeed- 
 ed by Rev. John A. M. Ziegler, D. D. 
 
 Dr. Ziegler soon came to the conclusion that the salvation of the 
 church depended upon the payment of its enormous debt, which
 
 104 
 
 FIRST CHURCH, KANSAS CITY. 
 
 had now grown to $22,570, and the interest on which was eating 
 the life out of the congregation. It required a brave heart and a 
 consecrated man to undertake such a task in a church which had 
 but recently suffered terribly from strife and schism until it was 
 scarcely able to support its pastor. It would appall an ordinary 
 man. For one year he gave it his most profound thought. His 
 
 plans were carefully laid and 
 every possible contingency was 
 provided against. Then he inaug- 
 urated such a debt cancelling 
 movement as has never been wit- 
 nessed in the General Synod. A 
 date was finally set for the wip- 
 ing out of the entire indebted- 
 ness, Church Extension loans in- 
 cluded. By skillful and tactful 
 management his plans were all 
 fulfilled and on the 13th of Nov- 
 ember, 1904, all indebtedness was 
 removed, the mortgage burned, 
 and a magnificent Jubilee Ser- 
 vice held, the occasion being 
 honored by the presence of Rev. 
 E. J. Wolf, D. D., LL. D., Presi- 
 dent of the General Synod, 
 
 Rev. H. L. Yarger, D. D., Western Secretary Board Church Exten- 
 sion, Rev. L. P. Ludden, D. D., Western Secretary Board Home 
 Missions, Rev. R. B. Wolf, President of Kansas Synod and Pastor 
 First Church, Kansas City, Kansas, Rev. Frank Heilman, of Mem- 
 orial Church, and Rev. A. W. Lindquist, of Swedish Lutheran 
 Church, and other prominent clergymen. Just how this was all 
 accomplished can best be told in an editorial "After Two Years" 
 taken from the November issue of "The Wartburg," Pastor Ziegler's 
 parish paper: 
 
 "It was apparent that unless the debt could somehow be gotten 
 rid of, the future of the Church was exceedingly uncertain. The 
 position was soon taken that the only thing to do was to get rid of 
 the entire debt, and to do it at once. The first encouragement came 
 from Mr. E. Stine, the only living male charter member. He ex- 
 pressed himself as ready at any time to give $1,000, on the sole 
 condition that the entire indebtedness be cancelled. In a trip to 
 the East in August, 1903, I went to York, Pa., to consult with Dr. 
 H. H. Weber, Secretary of the Board of Church Extension, and with 
 our worthy friend, Jere Carl, Treasurer. In conversation with Mr. 
 
 REV. J. A. M. ZIEGLER, D. D.
 
 THE CHILDREN'S MEMORIAL, KANSAS CITY. 105 
 
 Carl, I remarked fhat I was not willing to return to Kansas City 
 to fiddle at the debt for the next five or ten years. With some con- 
 siderable concern, he asked what I intended doing. When I replied 
 that I was going back to clear off the entire debt and to do it at 
 once, he said, "I will start the subscription with five hundred dol- 
 lars." 
 
 From that moment I was confident of success. I was sure the 
 Lord and the Church were with us. The outcome justifies the con- 
 fidence. 
 
 I should like to mention all the dear friends who so generously 
 came to the rescue, but modesty forbids, for their sakes as well as 
 for our own. When, however, in order to make our effort a sure 
 success, Mr. Carl increases his already liberal offer to more than 
 $1,600, and Mr. Gladfelter donates $750 of his holdings, and Mr. 
 Denhart offers to pay the one-tenth of about $13,000, and Mr. Pore 
 writes, "I will give $1,000," our joy and gratitude will not allow us 
 to pass them by in silence. Nor would we forget the more than 
 ordinary support of the Board of Church Extension, in caring for 
 interest until it amounts to $2,000, and now generously cancelling 
 the entire obligation, and adding thereto a final cash contribution 
 of $500." 
 
 Unfortunately in the following June Dr. Ziegler was disabled 
 from over work, and was obliged to rest. After six months of pa- 
 tient waiting for complete recovery, he resigned on the 1st of May 
 1906. Rev. M. J. Firey, D. D., for a while supplied the congrega- 
 tion. On the 13th of January a call was extended to Rev. J. C. 
 Schindel. 
 
 A Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society was organ- 
 ized in 1884 which has continued to the present time. The church 
 reports 140 communicant members and property to the value of 
 $50,000. It disposed of its parsonage to assist in cancelling its 
 debt. 
 
 KANSAS CITY, CHILDREN'S MEMORIAL. 
 
 This church is the outgrowth of a mission Sunday School started 
 at No. 810 Independence Avenue, September 22, 1882, under the 
 direction of Rev. S. S. Waltz, then pastor of the First church. 
 Later the school was transferred to a store room at the northwest 
 corner of Harrison street and Independence avenue. Here Rev. 
 M. F. Troxell, then pastor at Eureka, Kansas, preached the first 
 sermon on the 9th of December, 1883. It was not until April the 
 following year that he accepted a call and was commissioned mis- 
 sionary there under the auspices of the Home Mission Board. With 
 the full consent and co-operation of the Council of the First church
 
 106 THE CHILDREN'S MEMORIAL, KANSAS CITY. 
 
 Rev. Troxell canvassed the neighborhood, and on the first of June, 
 1884, after a suitable sermon and services there was organized the 
 Children's Memorial Church with the following eleven members: 
 Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Briggs, Mr. and Mrs. David Rine, Mr. and Mrs. 
 P. Preston Newhard, Miss Anna Clatanoff, Mrs. J. A. Robinson, 
 Mrs. A. Sherer, Mrs. E. E. Emig, and Mr. S. L. C. Rhodes. On the 
 15th of the same month the following officers were elected: Elder, 
 E. P. Briggs; Deacon, P. P. Newhard; Trustees, Messrs Rhodes 
 and Rine. 
 
 This mission was the first home mission station to receive sup- 
 port from the Sunday schools of the General Synod on Luther day, 
 in November. The offerings then first begun were only about five 
 hundred dollars the first year, but the movement was a popular 
 one and the income of the Home Board grew rapidly from that 
 source year by year. It was the fact of receiving aid in this way 
 for the founding and support of the mission from the children of 
 the church and Sunday schools that gave the pastor, Rev. Troxell, 
 the idea of naming the organization the "Children's Memorial," 
 and of securing funds for a permanent church home through the 
 offerings, in Ten-dollar shares, from the Sunday schools of the 
 General Synod. 
 
 The congregation asked permisison of the Board of Home Mis- 
 sions and the Board of Church Extension to make an appeal to 
 the Sunday schools of the General Synod for the building of a 
 house, and this consent was obtained. The pastor at once set him- 
 self to the work using the columns of the church papers through 
 which to present his plans, asking all the Sunday schools to take 
 one or more Ten-dollar shares of stock in the new spiritual enter- 
 prise. The Children's Memorial Church of Kansas City soon be- 
 come well known all over the General Synod. The success of the 
 plan was evidenced from the way in which shares were rapidly sub- 
 scribed for the new Kansas City mission. The popularity of the 
 mission led to the regular appointing of Luther Day as a day in 
 which our Sunday schools took offerings for the Board of Home 
 Missions. 
 
 Through the general appeal to the Sunday schools help was given 
 sufficient to warrant the purchase of a church site, and in the 
 spring of 1885 lots were purchased at the northwest corner of Sixth 
 street, (now Admiral boulevard) and Tracy avenue, at a cost of 
 $3,100. Upon the lots purchased a chapel was erected during the 
 summer of 1885, and dedicated November 8th of that year. The 
 cost of the chapel was about $3,500 and the church was grateful,
 
 THE CHILDREN'S MEMORIAL, KANSAS CITY. 107 
 
 both to the schools of the church at large, and also to 
 the Board of Church Extension for timely aid in securing 
 their church home in the rapidly growing commercial metropolis 
 
 CHILDREN'S MEMORIAL CHURCH. 
 
 of the southwest. Great joy filled the hearts of the members and 
 faithful workers of the Children's Memorial on the day of dedica- 
 tion of their new chapel. Revs. Jacob A. Clutz, Samuel B. Barnitz, 
 S. S. Waltz and James M. Cromer of the Lutheran church, and Rev. 
 D. Schley Schaff of the First Presbyterian church of the city as- 
 sisted the pastor in the dedicatory exercises. Rev. Troxell resigned 
 in September, 1888. 
 
 Rev. George Daniel Gotwald, of Salina, Kansas, was elected as
 
 108 THE CHILDREN'S MEMORIAL, KANSAS CITY. 
 
 the second pastor, and took charge December 1st, 1888. Before 
 his arrival on the field the congregation paid off a note of one thou- 
 sand dollars held by the Mutual Building and Loan Association of 
 the city. In March, 1889, full settlement was made with the Board 
 of Church Extension. The fifth annual congregational meeting 
 showed a membership of 1 15 and the yearly contributions amount- 
 ed to $1,688.48. During five years death claimed but one member. 
 In the fall of 1889 a furnace was installed at a cost of $115, and 
 paid for. The congregation also co-operated with the First church 
 in publishing a parish paper, "The Lutheran Banner." Plans were 
 also discussed looking toward the building of the main auditorium. 
 These were halted by the sudden death of the pastor which oc- 
 curred January 12th, 1890. A cold contracted in attending to pas- 
 toral duties developed into pneumonia which proved fatal. This 
 sad event deeply affected the members who were closely attached 
 to their pastor. Rev. Gotwald carried an Insurance Policy in favor 
 of Midland College, which yielded about twenty-five thousand dol- 
 lars to that institution for the endowment of the presidential chair. 
 After a short vacancy, Rev. Frank De Graff Altman was chosen 
 pastor and took charge April 16th, 1890. In the annual congrega- 
 tional meeting held June 1st, the Secretary reported 98 resident 
 and 36 non-resident members, with the yearly contribution- amount- 
 ing to $1,046.56. Of this amount $180 was for benevolence. Work 
 on the main building was begun the following year and on August 
 23d, 1891, the corner stone was laid. Dedication took place Feb- 
 ruary 14th, 1892. On the first of August Rev. Altman resigned 
 as pastor and Rev. J. S. Detweiler, of Omaha, was chosen 
 as his successor. He took charge October 15th, 1895. This rela- 
 tion continued until July 20th, 1896, when the pastor resigned, but 
 continued to act as supply, receiving only the voluntary freewill 
 offerings of the people as support. This arrangement lasted only 
 until October, 1896. It was decidedly un-Lutheran, as were other 
 methods and views into which Rev. Detweiler had developed, so 
 much so that he received a dismissal from the Lutheran ministry 
 by the action of the Kansas Synod, at his own request, and made 
 an effort to establish himself in an independent way as a holiness 
 and faith-healing leader, in a location not far from the Memorial 
 church which he had been serving as pastor in Kansas City. His 
 efforts there finally failed, and he left for Texas and other parts of 
 the country; but the reader may imagine what a hard and trying 
 experience it was for a comparatively young city church to stand 
 the strain of his vagaries and near-by association in the very vicin-
 
 GRACE CHURCH, KANSAS CITY. 109 
 
 ity where he had been called and supported as a pastor and a sup- 
 posed loyal leader in the Lutheran church. 
 
 After this hard strain Rev. Edward P. Schueler was called and 
 installed as pastor and served the congregation from June, 1897, to 
 June, 1900. Out of the previous period of discouragement the 
 church under his ministry came again into hope and activity. 
 
 In July, 1900, Rev. Jesse W. Ball, became pastor. During April 
 of 1903 application was made for aid a second time from the Board 
 of Home Missions, and aid was granted. There was also an effort 
 made to sell the property and move the church to the eastern part 
 of the city, into a supposed better resident district. This effort 
 was not successful and the pastor resigned. 
 
 Rev. Frank Heilman became pastor June 15th, 1904, and retired 
 May 1st, 1905. 
 
 On August 1st, 1905, Rev. A. B. Shrader took charge and con- 
 tinues as pastor up to the present time, 1907. The church reports 
 80 members, a property valued at $20,000 and a debt of $5,500. 
 
 KANSAS CITY, GRACE. 
 
 Grace Lutheran Church was organized on the evening of Decem- 
 ber 14th, 1899, with persons who, for the most part, had been mem- 
 bers of the First church and who had withdrawn on account of dif- 
 ferences which had arisen between the council of the First church 
 and the pastor, claiming that they could not remain and enjoy peace 
 and spiritual profit. A constitution was adopted and the proper 
 officers elected. Rev. J. M. Cromer, their former pastor, received 
 a call to become pastor of the new organization. He accepted the 
 call and became pastor at once. The officers elected were: Elders, 
 M. C. Ross, W. J. Fulmer; Deacons, Fred Panschert, Dr. L. Lever- 
 ich, Fred Averill; Trustees, Prof. P. K. Dillenback, George G. 
 Croner. 
 
 The following is a list of the charter members: W. W. Morgan, 
 Hannah E. Morgan, Valentine Archer, Frederick Panschert, Anna 
 C. Panschert, Peter Sondberg, Peter Jacobson, Cora A. Pauschert, 
 Katherine Jacobson, John Andlauer, Lena Andlauer, Will Andlauer, 
 W. J. Fulmer, Viola L. Fulmer, Alice Hughes, M. C. Ross, Wini- 
 fred E. Ross, Jacob Lauffer, Saidie Lauffer, Fannie Patton, Ruth 
 E. Moroe, Katharine Monroe, Elinor Pierson, Nannie Pierson, Ther- 
 esa Pierson, Artee Pierson, Lillian Pierson, Charles H. Pierson, 
 Katharine Springer, Alice Springer, William Becker, Mrs. Wm.
 
 110 
 
 REV. CARLOS MARTIN, M. D. REV. W. C. SEIDEL, D. D. 
 
 MR. J. E. MEREST, M. D. MR. J. H. TALBOTT. 
 
 REV. WM. KELLEY. 
 
 REV. GEO. D. GOTWALD.
 
 GRACE CHURCH, KANSAS CITY. Ill 
 
 Becker, Mabel Durker, Mattie B. Jones, Johannah Sperling, J. J. 
 Roerness, Dr. L. L. Leverich, Mattie Leverich, Fred W. Averill, 
 Mattie Froehling, Mary F. Stone, Emma D. Webb, Ada Sleek, Mary 
 Sleek, Hattie S. Cromer, Bryant S. Cromer, J. M. Cromer, Prof. 
 P. K. Willenbeck, Lillie Dillenbeck, George G. Croner, J. Z. Easter- 
 day, Millie Easterday, Sophia Wittman, Emma M. Lang, Elizabeth 
 Herman, Laura Whitehill, Gertrude Whitehall, Mrs. A. R. Haskins, 
 Mrs. M. B. Behney, Bertha Hilgren, Bengta Sloan, Emma A. Mink, 
 Anna L. Mink, Amanda Davis, Christine Shultz, Dr. John W. 
 Shultz, Mrs. J. W. Shultz, Emma Mohn, Sophia Kahman, Marie 
 Kahman, M. S. Bell, Mrs. George Horst, Ellen G. Scofleld, Louisa 
 Piercy, Margaret Vollrath, Miss Julia Geiger, Ralph E. Scofield, 
 Mrs. C. G. Butterfield, Mrs. Hilma Ferris, Mrs. Flora Sutherland, 
 Cora E. Averill, Julia Averill, Mrs. E. Sleek. 
 
 Meetings were held for a short time in the home of one of the 
 members, but the room soon proved inadequate arid inconvenient; 
 a committee was appointed to select and secure a satisfactory place 
 of meeting. This committee secured a German M. E. Church at 
 No. 1418 Oak street. However, owing to the close proximity of the 
 place to the mother church, strenuous objections were raised by the 
 council of the First church for this and other reasons, when Grace 
 church sought admission to the Kansas Synod. The Synod there- 
 fore advised that because of the danger of constant menace against 
 the peace of the First church, which was a member in good stand- 
 ing of the Kansas Synod, Grace church should withdraw its appli- 
 cation until the congregation could remove as far from the First 
 church as the First church is from the Children's Memorial. 
 
 Such a move was not accomplished until the summer of 1902 
 when fortunately a church building owned by the Second U. P. 
 church, located at the corner of Fourteenth street and Euclid av- 
 enue, became available. This was leased and finally purchased in 
 the spring of 1905 for the sum of $6,300, the original cost having 
 been close to $15,000. In addition to a loan of $800 from the 
 Board of Church Extension $2,800 remains to be paid. The loca- 
 tion is in a most beautiful resident portion of the city, convenient to 
 several of the principal street car lines. The building is a brick 
 with red limestone trimmings, in good repair, and will seat 300 
 people. The congregation was received into Kansas Synod in the 
 fall of 1903. 
 
 The last report to Synod shows a congregation with 150 com- 
 municant members and a Sunday school numbering 134 teachers 
 and scholars.
 
 112 
 
 TRINITY CHURCH, KANSAS CITY. 
 
 KANSAS CITY, KANSAS, TRINITY. 
 
 Although Kansas City, Kansas, is the largest city in the State, 
 no effort to start an English Lutheran church there was made until 
 in 1902. A few of the Lutheran people were connected with 
 churches in Kansas City, Mo., but the greater number were given 
 the option of going into some other denomination or of letting their 
 membership lapse. The pastor of the Memorial church in Kansas 
 City, Mo., the Rev. J. W. Ball, brought to the attention of the Board 
 of Home Missions the fact that there were people on the Kansas 
 side who desired a mission started, and after a personal investiga- 
 tion, the President of Synod, Dr. Yarger, advocated the movement 
 so effectively that the Board authorized a formal canvass of the 
 
 city to be made. Mr. C. E. 
 Sparks, a theological stu- 
 dent, was appointed to 
 make the preliminary can- 
 vass and he enlisted a 
 number of families in the 
 enterprise. The organiza- 
 tion was effected on Sep- 
 tember 14, 1902, at which 
 time thirty-three members 
 signed the roll and elected 
 officers. The following Sun- 
 day the Rev. R. B. Wolf, 
 of Eureka, installed the 
 first Council after admin- 
 istering the rite of baptism 
 to one of the Deacons and 
 receiving an Elder by pro- 
 fession of faith. A call 
 was extended pastor Wolf on that day, which call was later accept- 
 ed and the pastoral relation was begun November 1st following. 
 
 The Charter Members were, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Anderson, Geo. 
 Bemarkt, Mr. and Mrs. C. Bohl, J. A. Cable, Mr. and Mrs. H. A. 
 Crandall, Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Dengel, J. Decker, Mrs. E. M. Fisher, 
 Miss Leo Frain, Mrs. K. Gauch, Mr. and Mrs. C. Kopp, Mr. and 
 Mrs. C. A. Kopp, Mrs. G. B. Lemon, Mrs. A. W. Myers, Mr. and 
 Mrs. B. Nelson, Mrs. F. A. Peterson, Mrs'. C. Shipley, Miss Nellie 
 Shipley, Miss Martha Shipley, Mr. and Mrs. G. Stine, Mrs. P. Weid- 
 lein, Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Wall, George Wall and Sophie Wall. 
 
 TRINITY CHURCH.
 
 TRINITY CHURCH,, KANSAS CITY. 113 
 
 For nearly two years services were held in the Knights of Pythias 
 Hall, 624 Minnesota avenue, on the third floor of a business block. 
 There were many disadvantages connected with this place of meet- 
 ing, among which were its elevation from the street and without an 
 elevator, the fact that it was away from a residential section, but 
 most of all because the hall was in continuous use day and night 
 and could not be secured for an extra service, not even on Christ- 
 mas Eve. However during the year twenty-six additional members 
 were secured and there abide many precious memories of the life 
 in the hall. 
 
 During the Summer of 1904 an opportunity arose to purchase 
 outright from the mortgagee a substantial brick church building in 
 a favorable location and the offer was quickly taken. Possession 
 was immediately given and the first service was held there on the 
 third Sunday in July. The building was originally built by a con- 
 gregation of the Disciples at a cost of over twelve thousand dollars. 
 The whole plant with seating, lighting and heating was purchased 
 for $3,750. It has a seating capacity of 400 and a Sunday school 
 room accomodating 150 more, and other convenient arrangements. 
 About $500 were spent in repairs and the church dedicated Septem- 
 ber 25, 1904. Dr. Yarger of the Church Extension Board, Dr. Lud- 
 den of the Home Mission Board and Mrs. K. B. Shaffer, of the 
 Woman's Executive Committee assisted in the services. In the 
 purchase of the building, the Board of Church Extension made a 
 loan of $500, and donated $120 toward the payment of interest. 
 The Woman's Executive Committee made a loan of $750 and a 
 donation of $250. The present indebtedness of all character is 
 $2,500. 
 
 Of the original 33 members, sixteen are still in connection with 
 the congregation. A number of members have been lost by re- 
 movals, and a few have become a part of the Church Triumphant. 
 The congregation became a Woman's Mission on July 1st, 1904, 
 and is the only one in the Kansas Synod supported by the Woman's 
 Home and Foreign Missionary society. Ths present membership 
 of the congregation is 79. 
 
 Officers: Elders, P. Jacobson and P. D. Schall; Deacons, H. E. 
 Dengel, H. A. Crandall, H. C. Bennetzen and R. Anderson; Trus- 
 tees, Geo. Bemarkt, J. M. Mailand and C. Kopp; Pastor, Rev. R. 
 B. Wolf. The church is located at 712 Tauromee avenue. It has 
 had but one pastor, the Rev. R. B. Wolf, who is still in charge. 
 The Sunday school has flourished from the beginning and now en- 
 rolls 85. The auxiliary of the W. H. & F. M. society has been one
 
 114 LANCASTER CHARGE, ST. JOHN'S. 
 
 of the effective agents in developing the local church life. It has 
 a membership of 9. Especially helpful has been the Woman's so- 
 ciety, which in the four years of its organization placed more than 
 $900 in the church treasury, and has been the avenue through 
 which a number of members have been added to the congregation. 
 It started with a membership of 7 and now numbers 35. 
 
 LANCASTER, ST. JOHN'S. 
 
 While Rev. Carl Kreuger was preaching at St. Paul's church 
 three miles to the northwest of Lancaster, he began to hold ser- 
 vices in the Union church in the town of Lancaster, and in March, 
 1905, effected the organization of Zion's English Lutheran church 
 with the following charter members: K. G. Gigstad, George Dors- 
 som, Adam Dorssom, John Dorssom, Fred Matthias Sr., Fred Mat- 
 thias, Jr., W. H. Graner, H. A. Dorssom, Ole G. Gigstad, Mrs. M. 
 Petersen, Harold Olson, Sr., Ellrig Olson, Emil Hinz, Herman 
 Hinz, Sr., Henry Buttrow, Henry Bodendoerfer, R. C. Jahne, Geo. 
 Matthias, Sophia Merkel and William' Matthias. Officers were elect- 
 ed and constitution adopted and the church resolved to attach itself 
 with the St. Paul's church as a pastoral charge. As the Union 
 church in which they organized was erected in 1877 largely with 
 contributions from Lutheran families, it was thought best to use 
 that building instead of erecting another. The church has a Sun- 
 day school with an enrollment of 34, and at the present time the 
 church has grown to a membership of 49. Altho this congregation 
 is enrolled in the parochial report of Kansas Synod (1906) it has 
 not as yet been formally admitted. 
 
 LANCASTER, ST. PAUL'S, (GERMAN.) 
 
 About ten miles northwest of Atchison, and in Atchison county 
 there is a German neighborhood to which Rev. Carl Kreuger of 
 Midland College began preaching in the fall and winter of 1904-5 
 The result was the organization in January, 1905, of St. Paul's 
 German Lutheran church by Rev. Kreuger assisted by Mr. Fried- 
 erich Schwartz. There were eighteen charter members, as follows: 
 Christ Brun and family, Christ Kloepper and family, Wm. Kloep- 
 per and family, Fred Kloepper and family, Fred Rathert and fam- 
 ily, Herman Rathert and family, Mrs. Lisette Rathert, Arnold Lange
 
 THE LAWRENCE CHURCH. 115 
 
 and family, Dietrich Kruse and family. According to the loyal 
 German idea, they began at once to plan for the erection of a 
 church edifice. A location was selected three miles northwest of 
 the town of Lancaster, and plans adopted calling for a wooden 
 structure 24 by 32 feet, which when complete cost $1,400. The 
 cost was entirely provided for at the dedication and at the present 
 time there is no indebtedness. The church is served in connec- 
 tion with Zion's church as a pastoral charge with Pastor Kreuger 
 in charge. The membership is forty with a Sunday school with an 
 enrollment of sixty. The congregation was formally admitted into 
 Kansas Synod in the fall of 1905. 
 
 LAWRENCE, ENGLISH LUTHERAN. 
 
 The English Lutheran church at Lawrence was the first Lutheran 
 church established on Kansas soil under the direct auspices of the 
 Home Mission Society. The Secretary, Rev. Morris Officer, had 
 made a number of visits to Lawrence prior to the time of its or- 
 ganization. In the fall of 1866 he visited Lawrence, which place, 
 he says, in one of his letters to the Observer, "Is perhaps the most 
 beautiful little city in all this western region," and made a careful 
 canvass of the town, but owing to a severe storm was unable to 
 organize. However, he left the work in the hands of Mr. J. G. 
 Schmucker and Mr. Christian Frederickson, who kept up the in- 
 terest and gathered the Lutheran families together. When the 
 Secretary returned the following March he found his original list 
 of names considerably augmented. Rev. Officer spent several days 
 working up matters, and held a meeting on Saturday afternoon, 
 March 16th, in which preliminaries were arranged. On the follow- 
 ing day he "preached both morning and evening in the Old School 
 Presbyterian Church." At the latter service the Holy Communion 
 was administered, after which the organization was effected. In 
 a historical sketch of the church written at a considerably later 
 date it says: 
 
 "The organization was effected with eight charter members. The 
 following are the names of these members: John Nelson and wife 
 Sophia, O. Brodin, P. Enquist, John Johnson, E. J. Anderson, Mrs. 
 Anna Rodell and Miss Mary Rosell." However, Rev. Officer writ- 
 ing under date of March 18th to the Lutheran Observer says: "This 
 evening" he writes at the close of the Sunday evening services 
 "we met again, organized with twenty seven members, most of
 
 116 
 
 THE LAWRENCE CHURCH. 
 
 whom are Anglicised Scandinavians in the prime of life. Mrs. 
 Mary Rocklund, Nee Rosell, a surviving charter member says, that 
 except for Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Schmucker the organization would 
 never have been accomplished. The Sunday School, for quite a 
 while was held in their house; a stone house which is still stand- 
 ing on the corners of Rhode Island and Lee streets. From this it 
 would appear that other names should be added to the above list, 
 among which are Mr. J. G. Schmucker and wife Martha, Christian 
 
 FIRST ENGLISH LUTHERAN CHURCH AND PARSONAGE. 
 
 Frederickson and wife Matilda, Miss Matilda Kellman, Miss Sophia 
 Fritzell, and Mrs. Anna Kellman, as well as a number of others 
 whose names have been lost with the early records. The arrange- 
 ment for a pastor contemplated uniting this church with one which 
 was about to be organized at Topeka, as a pastoral charge, which 
 later was accomplished. 
 
 While Rev. Morris Officers effected this organization it is but 
 just to say that much of the pioneer work was done by Rev. David 
 Earhart, who had been preaching at Vinland, nine miles south, 
 since 1860, and who had frequently held services at Lawrence for 
 the Lutheran families. 
 
 The Home Mission Society at once sent Rev. A. J. Hesson to
 
 THE LAWRENCE CHURCH. 117 
 
 Lawrence as misisonary who was duly elected pastor, preaching 
 alternately at Lawrence and Topeka. This arrangement lasted for 
 eight months but was found to be unsatisfactory. Rev. Hesson 
 therefore decided to give his entire time to the Topeka congrega- 
 tion. Rev. H. B. Belmer took charge of the mission in March, 
 1869. He began at once to secure a suitable church building. The 
 site for a church was purchased immediately, and on the 22nd of 
 July the following year the contract was let for the erection of a 
 stone church thirty by fifty feet, which cost when completed $5,500. 
 So rapidly was the work carried on that by December of the same 
 year the building was ready for dedication. This ceremony took 
 place on the 18th, the Rev. Levi Sternberg, D. D., of Ft. Harker, 
 Kansas, delivering the sermon, Rev. H. W. Kuhns, of Omaha, as- 
 sisting the pastor in the dedicatory ceremonies. The Board of 
 Church Extension assisted in the work by making a donation of 
 $130 and a loan of $1,500. On the day of dedication it was sup- 
 posed that sufficient money had been pledged to pay all bills, but 
 the day after it was discovered that the secretary had made a mis- 
 take of $700 in adding up his columns of figures. This debt was 
 on the church for many years. Rev. Belmer resigned in December, 
 1872. 
 
 In January following Rev, A. A. Trimper became pastor, and 
 served the congregation in connection with the one at Vinland, as 
 a pastoral charge, as did Rev. Belmer before him. He continued 
 his work until April, 1882; serving the church faithfully with the 
 exception of one year 1883, during which he supplied the church 
 as his health would permit. In June of the latter year, Rev. J. E. 
 Maurer became pastor, serving the Lawrence congregation only, 
 one year. After his removal to another field, he purchased and 
 presented to the congregation a bell for the church. Following Rev. 
 Maurer, Rev. I. J. Delo began to serve the congregation in Septem- 
 ber, 1884, and continued as pastor until 1887, when he was suc- 
 ceeded in August of the same year by Rev. S. B. Hyman who re- 
 mained one year. A vacancy of five months followed. 
 
 Up to this time the congregation had followed the un-Lutheran 
 practice of electing the pastor and "hiring" him each year. This 
 was the occasion of much strife, those who did not like the pastor, 
 voting and working against him and making it very unpleasant. 
 The annual congregational meetings were not the most harmonious. 
 In 1886, Rev. Delo at Synod reported that Lawrence had just had 
 "Its annual earthquake." Under the pastorate of Rev. S. B. Hy-
 
 118 THE LAWRENCE CHURCH. 
 
 man, serious difficulty arose, and a number of families left the 
 church. 
 
 On May 1st, 1889, Rev. H. L. Yarger became pastor and mis- 
 sionary. He found a small band of members, weakened and dis- 
 heartened, with a church poorly heated and lighted, and badly in 
 need of repairs. With the coming of the new pastor, new life was 
 infused into the hopes of the congregation. The first year a new 
 roof was placed on the building, a cellar dug and furnace put un- 
 der, and a better system of lighting introduced. Bro. Yarger soon 
 began an agitation for the paying off of the loan made by the 
 Board of Church Extension when the church was built. A pay- 
 ment of six hundred dollars was made in the earlier part of his 
 pastorate, and the balance on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary 
 of the organization of the church, which celebration was held on 
 March 18th-20th, 1892, at which time also the congregation re- 
 solved to become self sustaining. Drs. Clutz, Barnitz and Rev. 
 Altman were present sharing the joy of the congregation in the 
 remarkable progress which had been made. On October 31, 1893, 
 Rev. Yarger presented his resignation, and was succeeded on Dec- 
 ember 15th by Rev. J. G. Griffith who remained until April 1st, 
 1897. During the summer of 1897 Rev. B. R. Lantz, a student 
 from Gettysburg, Pa., supplied the congregation. In September 
 Rev. W. E. Brehm became the pastor. During the spring of 1900 
 the congregation decided to build an addition to the church thirty 
 by forty feet for a Sunday school room, pastor's study, and a 
 primary room in the basement. At the same time the whole prop- 
 erty was greatly improved by new pews, paper and paint, at an 
 entire cost of $2,800. The re-opening took place November 3-6, 
 and was an occasion of great rejoicing. Drs. Clutz, Barnitz and 
 Altman were present. All indebtedness was fully met. Early in 
 1901 the congregation bought and paid for a lot upon which to 
 erect a parsonage. Rev. Brehm resigned in September of the same 
 year, and was succeeded by Rev. A. B. Shrader, who served the 
 congregation for nearly one year. 
 
 Rev. E. E. Stauffer took charge as pastor on January 1st, 1903. 
 During the summer of 1905 a commodious parsonage was erected 
 on the lot adjoining the church. The building is frame, containing 
 ten rooms including the reception hall and bath rooms. The cost 
 was $3,000, half of which amount was raised when the building 
 was completed. A complete heating plant was installed in the 
 church during the fall of 1905. 
 
 This church is well equipped with a full complement of societies.
 
 ST. PAUL'S, LONG ISLAND. 1 19 
 
 Its missionary society ranks among the oldest in the Synod, having 
 been organized in 1886. The church reports 156 communicant 
 members, and property valued at $11,000, with indebtedness, part- 
 ially provided for, amounting to $2,100. 
 
 LAWRENCE, ST. PAUL'S, (GERMAN.) 
 
 In 1879 this church was served by Rev. C. F. W. Treptow, who 
 applied for membership in Kansas Synod at its second convention 
 in the spring of the same year. He was admitted upon the strength 
 of his own statements and without letter. At the October conven- 
 tion of the Synod, the same year, his congregation was admitted. 
 The following year the church erected a building, and a delegation 
 came from the church charging the pastor with mis-appropriating 
 building funds. The pastor was deposed from the ministry and 
 later the church withdrew from the Synod. 
 
 LONG ISLAND, ST. PAUL'S. 
 
 This church was another organized by Rev. J. W. Kimmel while 
 he was serving as "Home Missionary for the Republican Valley." 
 He made his first visit to Long Island in March, 1886, and on the 
 25th of the same month organized St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran church 
 with nine charter members. A few weeks later it was decided to 
 erect a church building, and ground was broken at once. The cor- 
 ner stone was laid on the 24th of June, and by September the 
 church was ready for occupancy. It was dedicated on the 5th of 
 September amid great rejoicing, as it was the only church building 
 in the town and surrounding country. At the last moment a tele- 
 gram brought the unpleasant news that the preacher who was to 
 have delivered the dedicatory sermon would not be present. This 
 greatly disconcerted the pastor, but as if to compensate for his ab- 
 sence "The Franklin Cornet Band" from a neighboring town came 
 as a surprise to furnish the music for the occasion. It was the first 
 band to play in the town and shortly seemingly every soul in the 
 village was snugly in place in the church, and pastor Kimmel was 
 inspired to preach his own dedicatory sermon. The building was of 
 wood 28 by 50 feet with a pulpit recess 4 by 9 feet and a vestibule 
 6 by 9 feet. It was erected at a cost of $1,200. The very generous 
 contributions of Messrs A. A. Mischke and A. C. Hayes together
 
 120 
 
 ST. PAUI/S, LONG ISLAND. 
 
 with a loan of $300 from the Church Extension Board was a key to 
 the financial success of the enterprise. The entire debt .was pro-- 
 vided for on the day of dedication with the exception of the loan 
 referred to. This church was referred to in the Missionary Journal 
 at that time as a model of an inexpensive chapel for the frontier. 
 The Church Extension Board was very willing to put $300 into 
 such buildings to make the enterprise a success. It certainly was 
 a God-send to the Short Grass Country in a time when there were 
 no churches at all in which the people might gather for worship. 
 Rev. Kimmel supplied the church till April, 1887. He was follow- 
 
 ST. PAUL'S CHURCH. 
 
 ed by Rev. Peter Ewald from May, 1887, to December. Rev. J. W. 
 Kimmel became pastor from Jan., 1888 to Sept., 1889. He was fol- 
 lowed by Rev. J. B. Umberger for one year, and then he returned 
 and served the church till May, 1890. Rev. M. L. Kunkleman was 
 a supply for a few months between 1891 and 1894. Rev. Jonas 
 Freet was pastor from August, 1894 to Oct., 1893, and again from 
 May, 1899 to July, 1900. Rev. J. T. Miller took charge in 1900, 
 serving it till Sept., 1904, and in February following Rev. M. F. 
 Rinker took charge, who remained until April 1, 1906. On the 1st 
 of October the present pastor, Rev. J. B. Grove, took charge. The 
 church at first was alone in the support of a pastor but in 1895 it 
 was united with Norcatur in a pastoral charge. Its loan to the 
 Church Extension Board was returned in 1905. The congregation 
 reports 38 members and a property valued at $1,200. It was ad- 
 mitted into the Synod in 1886.
 
 ST. PAUL'S, MANCHESTER. 121 
 
 MANCHESTER, ST. PAUL'S. 
 
 While Rev. N. A. Whitman was serving the Ebenezer charge 
 south of Chapman his attention was called to a community in the 
 northwest corner of Dickinson county about the town of Keystone 
 where some ardent Lutherans resided. He visited the section and 
 arranged for the holding of services in the Keystone school house 
 during the summer of 1886. On the 15th of August he organized 
 St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran church with twenty-two charter members, 
 adopting a constitution and electing officers. This congregation 
 formally made application for membership in the Kansas Synod 
 that fall and was admitted. The church had no building of its own 
 and worshipped in the school house during its entire existence at 
 Keystone. Rev. Whitman was succeeded in 1888 by Rev. Jonas 
 Freet, who served the church as pastor while conducting a small 
 general store in the village of Keystone. When the Santa Fe rail- 
 road built its Superior branch northwest from Abilene the new town 
 of Manchester sprang up located on the railway, a movement which 
 practically killed the village of Keystone and eventually wiped it 
 off the map. The congregation was accordingly moved to the rail- 
 road town in the fall of 1887 and in the following spring the pas- 
 tor started -in to raise funds for a church building. The enterprise 
 was made possible by Mr. C. H. Lebold of Abilene who gave $500 
 and paid one-half of the pastor's salary. As there was as yet no 
 church in the town he met with encouragement on every hand. One 
 of the best building lots in the place was secured. In a day and 
 a half he had secured over $500. Parties who could not contribute 
 cash gave their negotiable notes. A visit from Rev. J. N. Lenker, 
 Secretary of the Board of Church Extension, greatly encouraged 
 them. The latter promised them a loan of $300 from his Board. 
 Plans were adopted for the erection of a modest chapel 28 by 46 
 feet, with a vestibule 7 by 9 feet, and on the 2nd of September, 
 1888, the church was dedicated to the great joy of both pastor and 
 congregation and community. Rev. S. B. Barnitz, preached the 
 sermon, Rev. N. A. Whitman was also present. The church cost 
 $1,615. The Church Extension Board loaned them $300. 
 
 The church not being able to support a pastor was given aid by 
 the Mission Board beginning in November, 1889. Rev. Freet re- 
 signed May 31st, 1891. On January 1, 1892, Rev. W. J. Kurtz was 
 commissioned missionary, but he remained only a few months. 
 
 Following this the church was vacant for over twelve years, and 
 with this vacancy went all the disintegrating influences of a pastor-
 
 122 ST. JAMES', MANCHESTER. 
 
 less church. In 1901, at the urgent request of Rev. H. L. Yarger, 
 Secretary of the Board of Church Extension, Rev. Peter Bergstres- 
 ser, D. D., then living at Abilene began holding services in the old 
 church and on June 16th, 1902, re-organized the scattered congre- 
 gation, and continued to serve them with acceptance until April, 
 1903. Rev. J. N. Zimmer served the church after this for a time. 
 The loan of $300 for the building of the church is yet due the 
 Board of Church Extension. For a while the charge was connec- 
 ted with St. James church south of Abilene. It reported in 1905 
 eighteen members. No services are being held there at present. 
 In May, 1907, the property was deeded to the Board of Church Ex- 
 tension and the congregation disbanded as only three possibly four 
 Lutheran families remained in the church. 
 
 MANCHESTER, ST. JAMES'. 
 
 Early in the Eighties a colony composed of a number of families 
 from in and around Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and who were mem- 
 bers largely of St. James Lutheran church there, settled in George's 
 valley on farms about five miles south of Abilene. At the sugges- 
 tion of Mr. C. H. Lebold, an ardent churchman of the Trinity church 
 at Abilene, this field was canvassed by Rev. S. Palmer and Messrs 
 G. F. Minter and A. Heindel. Mr. Lebold offered to bear half of 
 the expense in the support of a pastor, and in the summer of 1888, 
 Rev. R. B. Whitehall began preaching in one of the school houses. 
 Shortly after this he organized a church of twenty charter mem- 
 bers, and named the church after the spiritual mother of most of 
 those who entered the organization, St. James' of Gettysburg. Steps 
 were at once taken for the erection of a church building. Mr. A. 
 Heindel donated an acre of land, and Mr. Lebold, who oft-time was 
 present in the congregation, and whose carriage very frequently 
 brought the preacher out to his appointment, offered to give $500 
 toward the erection of a building. The building was pushed to 
 completion at once. It was composed of wood, 30 by 40 feet, and 
 was dedicated on the 8th of September, 1889, Rev. F. M. Porch 
 preaching the sermon. On the day of dedication there was $450 
 to raise all of which and more was raised. The entire cost of the 
 building was $2,145.60. The church at that time was served in 
 connection with the New Cambria church, in 1889-90, and with 
 St. Paul's and Banner City in 1891-92, with Rev. B. F. Hills as 
 pastor, and with Mt. Zion church with Rev. H. A. Koogle as pastor
 
 ST. PAUL/S, MINNEAPOLIS. 123 
 
 in 1893-4-5-6-7. In 1898 and 1899 the church was vacant but was 
 supplied now and then by Rev. H. C. Haithcox, D. D., of Abilene. 
 Rev. J. F. Petticrew took charge in 1900. In 1901 it was united 
 with St. Paul's of Manchester with Rev. Peter Bergstresser, D. D., 
 as supply. The latter was followed by Rev. J. N. Zimmer in 1904. 
 At present the church is without a pastor. It reported twenty mem- 
 bers in its last report to Synod and has property valued at $1,500. 
 
 MINNEAPOLIS, ST. PAUL'S. 
 
 The long residence of Rev. W. C. Seidel in Minneapolis from 
 1876 to 1887, preaching over four counties, made him a spiritual 
 father in that community. He was stationed here by Mr. and Mrs. 
 John Wolfensperger of Sterling, Illinois, as a western missionary, 
 and largely supported by them. After preaching in school houses 
 for several years he organized St. Paul's church on the 21st of 
 November, 1879, with forty-three members. This church had a 
 great struggle for existence. It was unable to build a house of 
 worship for itself and the Extension Board at that time was unable 
 to give it necessary aid. For a number of years it held its services 
 in various school houses. Then came the drouth seasons which 
 greatly impoverished the people causing many to move away. The 
 church languished and finally ceased to exist although a few mem- 
 bers were still left there. For several years Rev. Seidel continued 
 to preach in a school house two miles southeast of Minneapolis. 
 There is no record of this earlier church ever being received into 
 Kansas Synod, possibly an omission on the part of the secretary, 
 for it was on the roll and was regularly apportioned and contribut- 
 ed accordingly. 
 
 The church was re-organized under the same name November 10, 
 1884, with twenty-five charter members by Rev. Seidel, and read- 
 mitted into Synod. They began at once to buiTd a church home, 
 Pastor Seidel donating the lots for the same, and his relatives giv- 
 ing $800 towards the building. The Church Extension Board do- 
 nated $460 and loaned $300. The corner stone was laid October 
 4, 1885, and the structure dedicated March 28th, 1886, Rev. Dr. F. 
 W. Conrad, preaching the sermon, assisted by Rev. S. B. Barnitz. 
 The building is a frame Gothic structure, 36 by 46, with a tower 
 65 feet high, and a pulpit recess. The windows are of stained 
 glass. The interior is ceiled with yellow pine and the seating and 
 chancel furniture of good order. The cost including the lot was
 
 124 ST. JOHN'S, MINNEAPOLIS. 
 
 $3,735 all of which was provided for on the day of dedication save 
 the Church Extension loan. This latter loan was partly liquidated 
 some years after. The church is a momument to the zeal and faith 
 of the pastor and his devoted wife. For a while this congregation 
 enjoyed an unusual degree of prosperity, however in later years, 
 owing to the removal of members and some strife over politics and 
 secret society matters, the congregation has languished. Rev. 
 Seidel resigned in June, 1887, after ten years of faithful service, 
 during which time the church received no aid from the Home Mis- 
 sion Board. Two months later he was succeeded by Rev. C. A. 
 Eyler who was commissioned pastor by the Home Mission Board. 
 He was succeeded in May, 1890, by Rev. M. F. Rinker who re- 
 mained a year. After a vacancy of a year Rev. J. F. Sponseller 
 took charge Dec., 1891. Under his pastorate the church again 
 flourished. A parsonage was bought with the aid of St. John's 
 church. He remained almost eight years. In March, 1899, Rev. 
 J. F. Scherer took charge dividing his time between preaching and 
 organizing secret societies. Difficulties arising he served a part of 
 his time preaching to but one of the congregations of the charge, 
 namely St. John's. He resigned May 30, 1901. After a vacancy 
 of two years Rev. W. F. Foot took charge, remaining a year and 
 a half. The charge is at present without a pastor. St. Paul's 
 church was united with St. John's church as a pastoral charge. 
 Since the pastorate of Rev. Seidel the charge has been continuously 
 aided by the Mission Board. A Woman's Home and Foreign Mis- 
 sionary Society was organized in 1885, which was maintained until 
 1904. At the present time St. Paul's church has scarcely a dozen 
 members. Its propgrty is valued at $5,000. 
 
 MINNEAPOLIS, ST. JOHN'S. 
 
 The pioneer work in establishing St. John's church was done by 
 Rev. W. C. Seidel while he was residing at Minneapolis. For a time 
 he held services in the Summerville school house located four miles 
 south of Delphos, and finally on the 26th of May, 1878, he organ- 
 ized with the following charter members: John D. Stetler, Henry 
 Stetler, Margaret Stetler, Henry Stetler, Sophia Stetler, Fred Stet- 
 ler, Sophia Stetler Jr., Herman Stetler, Kati Stetler, Mrs. Anna 
 Kahli, John Kahli, Fred Hoesli, Anna Hoesli, Henry Hoesli, Henry 
 Muller, Maria Muller, and Mr. and Mrs. John Schailler. This con- 
 gregation was admitted into Kansas Synod the same year. Some
 
 GRACE, MINNEAPOLIS. 125 
 
 time later the Summerville school district was divided and the house 
 sold. The congregation was first moved to the south part of the 
 district, but later to the more convenient Locust Hill school house 
 where they are to this day. Through a mistake this church was 
 called "St. James" church in some of the later minutes of the Kan- 
 sas Synod, confusing it with a church organized by Rev. J. F. Spon- 
 seller. 
 
 St. John's congregation owns jointly the parsonage at Minne- 
 apolis and always has been a part of that charge. For a list of its 
 pastors see the sketch of the Minneapolis church. It was supported 
 by the Mission Board from 1887 to quite recent times. At this writ- 
 ing St. John's report forty members, and although it has no build- 
 ing it is most decidedly the stronger church of the charge. Part of 
 the time recently it has been supplied by Rev. Dr. R. P. Schiemmel- 
 pfennig of Glasco. 
 
 MINNEAPOLIS, GRACE. 
 
 While Rev. J. F. Sponseller was pastor at Minneapolis he was 
 requested by Mr. George Scherer to come out to the Ohio Grove 
 school house and preach for them because they had "such poor 
 sticks of preachers there." Arrangements were made for the hold- 
 ing of a service on Sunday afternoons every two weeks. This was 
 followed in the winter of 1893-4 by the holding of a two weeks' 
 gospel meeting which resulted in twenty-seven making a profes- 
 sion of faith. Although there was at that time an M. E. congrega- 
 tion meeting in this school house these converts preferred to unite 
 with a Lutheran church, and accordingly in the spring he organ- 
 ized a congregation with 29 charter members among whom were the 
 following: George Scherer and wife, Win. Farnsworth and wife, 
 James Farnsworth and wife, Howard Snooke and wife and two 
 sons, Mrs. A. B. Rousch, Rollin Kresky, Maggie Kresky, Oscar Mc- 
 Clintock, Mrs. Anna Lapshire and daughter, and Mr. Henry Kan- 
 aar and wife. A constitution was adopted which gave the church 
 the name "Grace." Shortly after this a large Christian Endeavor 
 society comprising about seventy members was organized out of 
 the people of both churches which worshipped in that school house. 
 The congregation was received into Kansas Synod in the fall of 
 1893, and was served in connection with the Minneapolis charge. 
 It remained on the roll of Synod till 1899. Having no property and 
 owing to removals the congregation disintegrated .
 
 126 
 
 THE MORAY CHURCH. 
 
 MORAY, EV. LUTHERAN. 
 
 The Ev. Lutheran church of Moray enjoys the distinction of be- 
 ing one of the Kansas churches organized prior to the founding of 
 the Synod. While Rev. David Earhart was residing on his farm on 
 Stranger creek in Atchison county and preaching for Christ's Luth- 
 eran church there, and also for a church he had founded at Vin- 
 land in Douglas county, and at Brush creek in Doniphan county, 
 and also serving as a supply at couple other points, congregations 
 in a circuit of some over one hundred miles, he began to hold ser- 
 vices in the house of Mr. Osul Nelson, a loyal Lutheran, whose 
 heart always warmed at the sight of a Lutheran pastor. After 
 preaching here for several years, he finally organized an Ev. Luth- 
 eran church in the Prairie Grove school house on the 24th of May, 
 1866. The following were the charter members: Charles Ladwig, 
 Caroline Ladwig, Albert Ladwig, Caroline Albers, Osul Nelson, 
 Mollie Nelson, Gunil Nelson, Gurina Nelson, Nels Nelson, Hans 
 Nelson, Asa Nelson, Gullorm Steanson, Christian Turkleson, Aug- 
 usta Nelson, and Sarah Wilson. 
 
 The congregation worshipped for a while in the Prairie Grove 
 
 EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH.
 
 THE MORAY CHURCH. 127 
 
 school house, and afterwards transferred the services to the Rock 
 Creek school house, and later to that located at East Norway. 
 While this congregation was not represented by either its pastor 
 or a lay delegate at the organization of Kansas Synod in 1868, be- 
 cause of a misunderstanding, it was represented at the second con- 
 vention and both pastor and congregation were duly received after 
 the Synod had given assurances that it was "planted squarely on 
 the Augsburg Confession and Luther's Small Catechism." 
 
 Rev. Earhart served this congregation until October 1, 1871. On 
 the latter date Rev. N. C. Brun became pastor, serving the church 
 until 1874. While the church at this time was a member of Kan- 
 sas Synod its pastor belonged to the Norwegian-Danish Synod. On 
 the 14th of November, 1875, he was succeeded by Rev. Peter Hend- 
 ricksen of the Norwegian Synod of North America. In April, 1878, 
 Rev. Prof. Charles Martin, M. D., Principal of the St. Joseph 
 Young Ladies' Institute, became pastor. For about four years Dr. 
 Martin held services in the East Norway school house. However 
 as the congregation was growing stronger and the people more 
 well to do and the school house furnishing ill-adapted quarters, the 
 congregation decided late in the fall of 1882 to undertake the erec- 
 tion of a church building. A subscription was taken, funds being 
 liberally subscribed, and the work pushed at once to completion. 
 The corner stone was laid on the 14th of April following. The 
 plans adopted called for a neat frame structure, 32 by 50 feet, with 
 a tower and belfrey. The exterior presents a pleasing appearance 
 the architecture being Swiss. The acoustics of the interior are ex- 
 cellent, and the furnishing and seating in good taste. The entire 
 cost was $3,049. The building was dedicated on the 26th of Aug- 
 ust, 1883, Rev. S. B. Barnitz, Western Secretary of the Board of 
 Home Missions, preaching the sermon from Psa. 50:2, "Out of 
 Zion the perfection of beauty ,God hath shined." No appeal was 
 made for money, all liabilities having been provided for. Dr. Mar- 
 tin served the church until June, 1894. In April of the following 
 year President Clutz of Midland College began to preach for them 
 and continued as pastor until February, 1904. Since that time Rev. 
 F. D. Altman, D. D., President of the Western Theological Semin- 
 ary, has served this church. 
 
 The Moray church is one of the very few of our churches in 
 Kansas Synod which has never received any aid from the Home 
 Mission Board or the Church Extension Board. It has been fort- 
 unate in being able to secure pastors whose salaries were assured 
 by the educational institution over which they presided, thus not
 
 128 THE NEW CAMBRIA CHURCH. 
 
 being obliged continuously to provide the entire living of a pastor. 
 The church has a good Woman's Missionary Society organized in 
 1881, also a very efficient young ladies' society of "The Kings 
 Daughters." Late reports give it 102 communicants, and property- 
 valued at 53,000. This church rarely if ever failed to raise its en- 
 tire apportionment for the synodical benevolences, now and then 
 doubling it. Being near Midland College, and having no compet- 
 ative institutions near it, it has sent a large number of students to 
 Midland, the total being between thirty and forty. The member- 
 ship consists of sturdy farmers whose loyalty to the church of their 
 fathers has made this church one of the most efficient for its size 
 within the bounds of Kansas Synod. 
 
 NEW CAMBRIA, FIRST ENGLISH. 
 
 What is now known as the First English Lutheran church of New 
 Cambria had its origin in a small school house near the junction 
 of the Saline and the Smoky Hill rivers about six miles east of 
 Salina. Services had been held here now and then inaugurated 
 by Messrs S. P. Donmyer, Lewis Donmyer, Sr., Jacob Donmyer 
 and John Shank, great hearted Germans, with a loyalty to the 
 Lutheran church which could not be doubted. Rev. Charles Young 
 of Salina was invited to conduct services for them which resulted, 
 on April 20th, 1873, in the organization of a church. Rev. Young 
 was the chairman of the meeting, and Mr. S. P. Donmyer was sec- 
 retary. A constitution was adopted, and the following charter mem- 
 bers enrolled: S. P. Donmyer, Wm. Vaupel Sr., Lewis Donmyer, 
 Sr., Jacob Donmyer, Lewis Donmyer, Jr., G. B. Donmyer, J. R. 
 Stiffler, Mrs. A. E. Vaupel, Mrs. Sarah Donmyer, Mrs. Susan Don- 
 myer, Mrs. Elisabeth Donmyer, Mrs. Lovina Donmyer, Mrs. Eliz- 
 abeth Slonaker, and Mrs. Mary C. Stiffler, all coming from Cam- 
 bria county, Pennsylvania; also John "Shank, Henry Shank, Henry 
 Burr, Wm. Megran, Lewis Bucher, Frederick Shank, Charles C. 
 Hahn, Rose E. Bean, and Catharine Link. The following officers 
 were elected: Elders, Lewis Donmyer, Sr., Wm. Vaupel, Sr. ; Dea- 
 cons, Jacob Donmyer and John Shank; Trustees, S. P. Donmyer, 
 Chas. C. Hahn, and Lewis Donmyer, Jr. The church was named 
 by Lewis Donmyer, Jr., the "Lutheran church of the Saline River, 
 Saline county, Kansas." When it was admitted into synod that fall 
 it was called "The Peace Ev. Lutheran church of New Cambria." 
 The first communion service held by the young congregation was
 
 PEACE CHURCH, NEW CAMBRIA. 129 
 
 in the barn of Lewis Donmyer, Sr., in June following its organiza- 
 tion, when twenty- four partook of the Holy Sacrament. After a 
 season the services were held in a school house near the village 
 of New Cambria. For the first three years Rev. Young preached 
 for them regularly every two weeks. He was succeeded by Rev. 
 W. C. Seidel in June, 1876, who continued as a supply for a year 
 
 ENGLISH LUTHERAN CHURCH. 
 
 and a half. The work of Rev. Seidel was largely a labor of love 
 for he received very little salary and even less support of a spirit- 
 ual nature. These were dark days but the faithful pastor regularly 
 attended to his ministry which was not at all in vain. In 1877 Rev. 
 A. J. Hartsock became pastor serving them about ten months in 
 connection with the Salina church. He was followed in October, 
 1878, by Rev. A. B. Klrtland who served the New Cambria con- 
 gregation and St. Paul's church in Walnut township, some eight 
 miles to the south. He had many dark days in his school house 
 ministrations, with small audiences and an indifferent people, but 
 he continued faithfully sowing the seed for four years. Rev. S. P.
 
 130 THE NEW CAMBRIA CHURCH. 
 
 Harrington was called in November, 1882, remaining for a year, 
 but was not able to make much progress. Then the congregation 
 recalled Rev. Kirtland, in 1883, who at once began the agitation of 
 erecting a building believing that could he get the people to doing 
 something it would be the salvation of the church. He started the 
 ball to rolling at once, purchased lots for a site and on the 17th 
 of May the comer stone was laid for a substantial stone building 
 36 by 54 feet. Mr. S. P. Donmyer gave $1,000 toward the build- 
 ing, and had the others given as liberally the church could have 
 been furnished and dedicated without delay. However it was part- 
 ly completed and used but with a distressing debt hanging over it. 
 It remained for another pastor to finish the building. Rev. Kirtland 
 was succeeded by Rev. A. J. Hartsock who supplied the church 
 during 1887, and through the following year Prof. O. G. Klinger 
 performed a similar service. Rev. R. B. Whitehill took charge in 
 the latter part of 1888 who lived at Abilene and served the St. 
 James church in Dickinson county in addition to this charge. The 
 Sunday school up to this time had been a "union" affair. This was 
 not thought to be conducive to Lutheran success, so the pastor set 
 forth a movement to re-organize it, as a strictly Lutheran school. 
 Although it made a little stir in the doing, the change was entirely 
 effected. In 1891 Rev. J. B. Umberger was called. The following 
 year a movement was inaugurated for the completion of the church. 
 It had been standing since 1885, somewhat unfinished, and with 
 a crushing debt of $1,000. Rev. Lenker the Western Secretary of 
 the Board of Church Extension was asked to come and talk Ger- 
 man to the people and make a house to house canvass for the pur- 
 pose of raising money for the day of dedication. Mr. Lenker per- 
 suaded Mr. Donmyer, who had given $1,000 when the building was 
 first erected, to give $250, in addition, and so from others good 
 help was obtained, and on the 17th of July, 1892, amid a magnifi- 
 cent wheat harvest, the building was dedicated. The dedicatory 
 sermon was preached by Rev. S. B. Barnitz, and all indebtedness 
 wiped out between the appeals of the two secretaries. Rev. Um- 
 berger was succeeded in September, 1894, by Rev. J. M. Long who 
 remained until the fall of 1898. Rev. J. J. Chambers took charge 
 in November the same year, serving the charge until 1903. During 
 the latter's pastorate a comfortable parsonage of six rooms was 
 purchased. It has a large lot 100 by 330 feet, is conveniently locat- 
 ed and well appointed, with a small indebtedness of $400 remain- 
 ing on it. In December 1903 he was succeeded by Rev. J. F. Cress- 
 ler who remained on the field until the 31st of October, 1906. The
 
 ST. PAUL'S, NEW CAMBRIA CHARGE. 131 
 
 church reported 75 communicant members in 1906, and property 
 valued at $4,500. In January, 1907, all remaining indebtedness 
 was liquidated. This church for a while was known as the Don- 
 myer church. 
 
 NEW CAMBRIA, ST. PAUL'S. 
 
 Among the good Lutherans who resided in Walnut Township, 
 Saline county, was one Charles Shirar, in whose heart warmly 
 burned the love of God, and being anxious for the good of his fam- 
 ily, his own soul and the neighbors about him, urged upon the 
 community the need of a church where the Word could be preached 
 and the Holy Sacraments administered according to the gospel. 
 At that time Rev. Charles Young was pastor of the Salina mission, 
 and to him Mr. Shirar went with the request that he take up work 
 
 ST. PAUL'S (THE "OLD STONE CHURCH.") 
 
 in Walnut Township in addition to his regular work. This the mis- 
 sion board would not permit on account of the advanced age of 
 Rev. Young, then in his sixty-ninth year, however he occasionally 
 preached for them in a small school house to the southeast of 
 where the church now stands. His ministrations were not without 
 fruit and in the fall of 1874 the organization of St. Paul's Ev. Luth- 
 eran Church of Walnut Township, sometimes called "The Shirar 
 church," was effected by Pastor Young, with the following eight
 
 132 ST. PAUL'S, NEW CAMBRIA CHARGE. 
 
 charter members: Charles and Lucinda Shirar, Riley Shirar, Wil- 
 liam Shirar, Samuel and Mattie Batdorff and George and Mary E. 
 Bull. For three years Rev. Young supplied them with preaching 
 once a month. The compensation was necessarily small. The 
 records show that he received $31.45 for the first year and S96.00 
 for the third year. During the year 1878 Rev. A. J. Hartsock sup- 
 plied the church, and that fall it was formally received into Kan- 
 sas Synod. In October, 1878 Rev. A. B. Kirtland became pastor 
 of the New Cambria charge and served St. Paul's church faithfully 
 for twelve years, during which time the little church was greatly 
 strengthened in membership and a church building erected. In 
 1883 a site was secured and plans adopted for the erection of a 
 building 30 by 50 feet, to be constructed of stone. The corner 
 stone was laid in May, and in August the structure was completed, 
 at a cost of $2,675, in cash and labor, and dedicated on the First 
 of January, 1888, Rev. George D. Gotwald preaching the dedica- 
 tory sermon, when all indebtedness was provided for. This church 
 never received any aid from either the Home Mission or the Church 
 Extension Boards. It is a great monument to the fidelity of the 
 pastor and the loyalty of the people who freely contributed of both 
 their means and labor in making the end possible. Soon after came 
 drouths and hard times which led many to remove from the county 
 leaving the church very weak and greatly discouraged. Rev. Kirt- 
 land served this church in connection with that at New Cambria, 
 although it was not united with it as a pastoral charge. In 1891 
 this charge was formally effected and Rev. J. B. Umberger was 
 called as pastor, remaining two years. He was succeeded in May, 
 1894, by Rev. J. M. Long, who continued to serve them about three 
 years. During the vacancy that followed they invited their old pas- 
 tor Rev. Kirtland to supply them. On November 1st, 1898, Rev. 
 J. J. Chambers took charge and remained with them as pastor for 
 five years. In December, 1903, he was succeeded by Rev. J. F. 
 Cressler, who remained until October 31, 1906. In its parochial 
 report this church now (1906) reports 21 communicants, church 
 property valued at $2,000 with no indebtedness. It is still connect- 
 ed with the New Cambria church as a pastoral charge. In 1888 a 
 Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society was organized 
 which for a time flourished. It became extinct in 1895.
 
 ST. MARK'S, NORCATUR. 
 NORCATUR, ST. MARK'S. 
 
 133 
 
 The pioneer missionary work in the "Short Grass Country" along 
 the southern branches of the Republican river in Decatur and Phil- 
 lips counties, was done by Rev. J. W. Kimmel in the latter part of 
 the Eighties. This indefatigable worker saw many opportunities, 
 and had the church the men and the money with which to follow 
 up the openings he found doubtless many more churches would 
 have been founded in this part of the state. Having an occasion 
 to perform a marriage ceremony in Norcatur in February, 1888, he 
 saw an opportunity there for a church and at once began to hold 
 services, and on the 17th of June following he organized St. Mark's 
 Ev. Lutheran church with twenty-six charter members. He laid 
 plans at once for the erection of a church. Ground was immed- 
 iately broken and the foundation put in for a building 28 by 40 
 feet, with a pulpit recess and a vestibule in the tower. The church 
 was frame and was completed at a cost of $1,600. The dedication 
 took place on the 16th of December, and Secretary Barnitz preached 
 the dedicatory sermon and made the appeal. On this occasion Dr. 
 
 ST. MARK'S CHURCH AND PARSONAGE. 
 
 Barnitz says in his report, "Another of the neat, handsome and in- 
 expensive churches aided by the Board was dedicated yesterday. 
 The entire debt save the loan from the Extension Board $300 was 
 provided for. "Oh for more money for Church Extension." The 
 church was received into Kansas Synod that fall.
 
 134 FIRST CHURCH, OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA. 
 
 In 1897 this church bought a lot for a parsonage, and in the 
 spring following, a one story parsonage, 24 by 24 feet, with an an- 
 nex, was erected at a cost of $600. During the previous year im- 
 provements were made on the church building costing $300. This 
 was all accomplished through the tireless activity of Rev. Jonas 
 Freet, who turned the property over to the trustees free from debt. 
 The loan to the Board of Church Extension has been returned in 
 full. The succession of pastors were as follows: Rev. J. W. Kim- 
 mel, June to December, 1888; Rev. C. W. Maggart, supply, Dec., 
 1888 to April 1889; Rev. J. B. Umberger, Sept. 1889 to Jan. 1891; 
 Rev. M. L. Kunkleman, a few months between 1891 and 1894; Rev. 
 C. J. Ringer, supply, three months 1894; Rev. Jonas Freet, Oct. 
 1894 to Oct. 1898, and from May 1899 to July 1900; Rev. J. T. 
 Miller, Sept. 1900 to Sept. 1904; Rev. M. F. Rinker, Feb. 1905, to 
 Feb. 1, 1906; Rev. J. B. Grove is the present pastor taking charge 
 Oct. 1, 1906. This church was connected at first with Trinity church 
 at Oberlin as a pastoral charge and continued so until the practical 
 abandonment of the church at Oberlin about 1892. In 1895 it was 
 connected with Long Island as a pastorate. This made a hard charge 
 to serve as one whole county lay between the two churches. The 
 charge assumed self support during the pastorate of Rev. Miller. 
 The church reports a membership of 43 and property to the value 
 of $2,500, with no indebtedness. 
 
 FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH, OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA. 
 
 The fact that the rich Territory of Oklahoma was filling up with 
 thousands of people and as yet scarcely a single Lutheran church 
 planted within its borders, led to a very spirited discussion at the 
 convention of Kansas Synod in 1900. It was unanimously agreed 
 that steps should be taken at once by the Advisory Board of Home 
 Missions looking toward planting a church in some of its populous 
 centers. Official attention was called to this promising South-land 
 and our Boards of .Home Mission and Church Extension were urged 
 to aid in the work. The Advisory Board issued an appeal to the 
 Kansas churches for funds to start the enterprise. On December 
 1st, 1901, the home Board commissioned Rev. R. H. Williams as 
 missionary. The mission was styled by Kansas Synod as the First 
 Twentieth Century Mission and the sum of $300 was given for the 
 support of its pastor by the Synod. 
 
 The first service was held in the Court House in the latter part
 
 FIRST CHURCH, OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA. 
 
 135 
 
 of December, and the church itself was organized there on the 12th 
 of January, 1902, with the following charter members: Mr. and 
 Mrs. Andrew Goodholm, Mr. and Mrs. George G. Sohlberg, Mr. and 
 Mrs. John Wetzel, Mr. and Mrs. P.. C. Kramer, Mr. and Mrs. J. H. 
 Carlson, Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Clark, Mr. and Mrs. John Trout, John 
 Forsberg, Mrs. Nettie Gates, J. F. Eyster, Mrs. R. H. Williams, F. 
 C. Seeger and Mrs. Heyler. A constitution was adopted and the 
 following officers were elected: Elders, John Forsberg and Andrew 
 Goodholm; Deacons, Geo. G. Sohlberg, P. C. Kramer, F. C. Seeger 
 and J. F. Eyster. 
 
 Services were held in the Court House until March, 1902. In 
 the mean time negotiations were completed in January the same 
 year for the purchase of a brick Campbellite church on Third street 
 near Harvey street, for $3,000 including all the furnishings. The 
 Board of Church Extension aided in the purchase by granting a 
 loan of $1,000 for five years without interest, and by agreeing to 
 pay the interest on a note for $1,500 for three years. The property 
 was repaired and refitted at a cost of $800, and on the 6th of April 
 
 FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH.
 
 136 ST. PAUL'S, OTTAWA. 
 
 it was re-dedicated as the First Lutheran Church of Oklahoma 
 City. The morning sermon was preached by President, Carl Swen- 
 son, D. D., of Bethany College, who spoke on the "Principles and 
 Mission of the Lutheran Church." In the evening President F. D. 
 Altman, D. D., of the Western Theological Seminary preached a 
 strong discourse. The church is well appointed and fully adapted 
 to our needs at present and well worth the price paid for it. After 
 a pastorate of twenty months Rev. Williams resigned and was suc- 
 ceeded on the 1st of January, 1904 by Rev. William Kelley. The 
 health of Rev. Kelley was not very good in his last charge and he 
 was in hopes the Oklahoma climate would benefit him. In this 
 hope he was disappointed. On the 25th of June, 1906 he passed 
 away. On February 1st, 1907, Rev. Geo. Beiswanger the present 
 pastor took charge. Kansas Synod is still assisting in its support, 
 but its plan is to assume this burden itself at the close of the pres- 
 ent year. In the brief period of less than four years this mission 
 had 92 members, and while its growth has not been rapid it has 
 been substantial. Its location however is not very desirable and 
 the congregation is in hopes of being able to sell its present prop- 
 erty and locate in a more desirable part of the city, and if this is 
 done it is thought its growth will be more rapid. Recently a hand- 
 some Altar, Baptismal Font and Reading Desk were installed. 
 
 OTTAWA, ST. PAUL'S. 
 
 The county-seat of Franklin county had been regarded by the 
 Synod as a fruitful place in which to plant a mission long before 
 the work was actually accomplished. For twelve years it had been 
 the place of residence of a retired minister, Rev. D. S. Altman who 
 never ceased to plead for a church there. The town already had 
 two Swedish churches, and as there were quite a number of Ger- 
 mans living there, the opportunities seemed more than ripe. It 
 was visited by the Synodical Missionaries and by the new Western 
 Secretary Rev. S. B. Barnitz, all of whom united in asking the 
 Board of Home Missions to send a man into the field. In 1884 
 Secretary Clutz invited Rev. Samuel Henry of Mifflinburg, Penna., 
 who was able to preach in both German and English, to become 
 missionary at Ottawa. In the fall of 1884 he entered the work un- 
 der the direction of the Home Board. At first, services were held 
 in the Second Swedish Lutheran church, and later these were trans- 
 ferred to the First church. On the 5th of December he organized
 
 ST. PAUL'S, OTTAWA. 137 
 
 the congregation as "The English-German Ev. Lutheran St. Paul's 
 Church," the following comprising the charter membership: Wm. 
 Altman, L. Altman, Mrs. Jane M. Altman (wife of Rev. D. S. Alt- 
 man), Henry K. Muth, Minnie E. Muth, Amanda E. Eggers (wife 
 of Rev. L. G. Eggers), F. G. Sehnert, Christian Sehnert, Geo. Wip- 
 pert, Catharine B. Wippert, John Bohnet, Caroline Bohnet, S. P. 
 Cameron, Mariah Cameron, G. W. Snyder, Mattie Snyder, Dr. Sallie 
 Kleckner, J. W. Henry, Lizzie Henry, Albert Heidegger, Frank Mil- 
 ler, Emma Miller, Mary A. Esterly, Mary A. Ellinger, (wife of Rev. 
 
 ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, (OLD.) 
 
 J. G. Ellinger), Mrs. T. Castle, George F. Lehr, Catharine Sleeder, 
 and two catechumens, William and Caroline Bohnet. 
 
 This church soon after was received into Kansas Synod. Fol- 
 lowing up the advantages he had gained, Pastor Henry began to 
 take steps for the erection of a building. The question of location 
 became a serious one, as the congregation became divided on the 
 site. The German portion, living mostly in the country favored a 
 location in the western suburbs of the city. The residents of the
 
 138 ST. PAUL'S, OTTAWA. 
 
 city felt that it was all important that the church should be in the 
 central part. The differences were so marked that it seemed for 
 a while the whole enterprise would fail, as there were differences 
 also on the language question. Finally through the visit of some 
 of the synodical brethren the site was agreed upon, lots purchased, 
 and the foundation of the church was laid. The corner stone was 
 laid on the 9th of August, 1885, Rev. M. F. Troxell, preaching the 
 sermon. The plans adopt;d called for a frame building 24 by 40 
 feet, with a tower eight by eight and of proportionate height, the 
 entire cost including the lots amounting to $3,000. The Board of 
 Church Extension gave a donation of $110 and a loan of $800. The 
 church was finished and dedicated on the 4th of October, Rev. T. F. 
 Dornblaser preaching the sermon. All bills with the exception of 
 this loan were provided for at the dedication. A Woman's Home 
 and Foreign Missionary Society was organized by Rev. Henry the 
 same year. He resigned April 1st, 1886. Soon after this, dissatis- 
 faction arose anew over the unfavorable location of the church. 
 The Committee on Vacant Congregations at the Synod of 1886 re- 
 ported, "It will be generally conceded that a mistake has been made 
 with reference to the location of the Ottawa church." The presi- 
 dent of Synod was directed to visit Ottawa and admonish the con- 
 gregation to harmonize its differences and call a pastor. After a 
 vacancy of over a year and the disintegration resulting therefrom, 
 Rev. P. Ewald was commissioned missionary. He remained there 
 only three months. On May 1st, 1887, Rev. W. C. Seidel took 
 charge, preaching in both German and English, however remaining 
 but one year. The work then was suspended and letters of dismis- 
 sal were granted to the members which practically disbanded the 
 organization. 
 
 In 1891 Rev. J. F. Scherer, while serving the church at Garnett, 
 twenty-five miles south of Ottawa, determined to attempt the re- 
 viving and reorganizing of the church at Ottawa. This he was able 
 to accomplish on the 28th of March, organizing it with 25 mem- 
 bers as a strictly English church and retaining the name St. Paul. 
 It was re-admitted into Synod that fall. It was served in connec- 
 tion with Garnett. Rev. Scherer resigned January 1st, 1892, and 
 was succeeded in June following by Rev. J. N. Lentz, who also serv- 
 ing both points mentioned. During his pastorate the congregation 
 succeeded in paying off the $800 due the Board of Church Exten- 
 sion, the Board donating $300. A property located on the north- 
 west corner of Third and Elm streets was purchased for a parson- 
 age, December 1st, 1894, at a cost of $1,600. He resigned in June
 
 ST. PAUL'S, OTTAWA. 
 
 139 
 
 ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, (NEW.) 
 
 1905 and in August following Rev. J. B. Umberger was called to 
 the pastorate, serving it until September 1st, 1898. One month 
 later he was succeeded by Rev. B. F. Pugh. The same year Ottawa 
 was separated from Garnett as a pastorate. 
 The unfortunate location of the church in the suburbs of Ottawa
 
 140 ST. PAUL'S, PEABODY. 
 
 militated against any permanent success. The agitation for a re- 
 moval was kept up continually until 1902, when it was decided to 
 sell the parsonage and purchase lots for the central location of 
 the church. Four lots were bought on Locust St. between 4th and 
 5th streets, and plans were about completed for the erecting of a 
 new church, when the M. E. congregation deciding to build offered 
 their church property to the Lutherans at the latter's own price. 
 An offer of $1,800 cash and the four lots on Locust street was made 
 and accepted. The structure is centrally located and of imposing 
 appearance. It is built of stone. The basement has a main Sunday 
 School and two class rooms, besides library and furnace rooms. 
 The auditorium has 480 sittings besides the gallery which will ac- 
 comodate 150 more. The congregation then sold its old church for 
 $1,500. The last service in it was on September 28th, 1902, and 
 on the first Sunday in October following, the congregation worship- 
 ped in its new home, but could only use the afternoon for service 
 until the next year when the M. E. church was completed. About 
 $700 were spent in frescoing and repairs, the Church Extension 
 Board coming to their help with a donation of $100. The re-dedica- 
 tion took place on the 28th of June, 1903, when Rev. H. L. Yarger, 
 D. D., preached the sermon and made the appeal. He succeeded 
 so well in the appeal that $800 were raised over the amount they 
 were aiming at, which was set aside for a parsonage. This move- 
 ment placed the Ottawa church on its feet, and with it there was 
 ushered in an era of prosperity. The movement for a parsonage 
 was followed up at once and the "chain letter scheme" was launch- 
 ed which added about $1,000 to the parsonage fund. A good sub- 
 stantial parsonage of eight rooms with all modern conveniences 
 was erected adjoining the church, costing $2,400. This was ready 
 for use in 1904. During 1906 all indebtedness was liquidated. 
 While the church is still a mission it will soon assume self-support. 
 Its present pastor is Rev. C. W. Sifford, D. D., who took charge 
 October 1st, 1904. The church reports 60 communicants and prop- 
 erty valued at $12,000, a good Sunday school, young people's so- 
 ciety, a strong missionary society, and a Ladies Aid society. 
 
 PEABODY, ST. PAUL'S. 
 
 The activity of Kansas Synod and its missionary president, Rev. 
 S. P. Harrington, during the year 1876, resulted in the organization 
 of what has become one of our best churches. During one of the
 
 ST. PAUL'S, PEABODY. 
 
 141 
 
 missionary journeys of Rev. Harrington, Peabody was visited, a 
 preliminary canvass made, a Lutheran service held, and the place 
 reported about ripe for organization. The commission of Rev. Har- 
 rington expiring about this time organization was deferred. Mr. 
 David H. Bauslin, a theological student of Wittenberg Seminary, 
 spent the summer of 1877 with his parents at Peabody. He began 
 holding services every Sunday afternoon in the M. E. church, and 
 soon had affairs in shape for organization. However, not as yet 
 being licensed, he requested the President of Synod, Rev. T. F. 
 Dornblaser, to complete the organization. The latter preached on 
 Sunday August 4th, and on the 7th an organization with 24 char- 
 ter members was effected in the Baptist church. Among the char- 
 ter members were the following: Jacob Keller, J. Stewart, Miss 
 M. F. Stewart, Geo. M. Miller, Margaret Miller, Philip Weidlein, 
 H. S. Weidlein, Andrew Shank, Sarah Shank, Miss Hannah Hunt- 
 
 ST. PAUL'S CHURCH. 
 
 er, Jos. Bongart, Stephen Dardinger, C. H. Rahe and Eliza Rahe. 
 A constitution was adopted, naming the church St. Paul's, officers 
 elected, and a call extended to Mr. Bauslin to become pastor, not- 
 withstanding he had one year yet in the seminary. Three weeks 
 later the congregation was received into the Kansas Synod at its
 
 142 
 
 ST. PAUL'S, PEABODY. 
 
 convention at Salina. Mr. Bauslin served the congregation until 
 his return to the seminary in the fall. Rev. R. B. Vhitehill, having 
 moved to Peabody, was engaged to supply the church, and soon 
 after he was formally elected pastor. In the spring and summer 
 of 1878 they erected a frame church 30 by 60 feet, costing $2,650, 
 and which was dedicated on the !5th of December, when all debt 
 was provided for with a sufficient excess for the purchase of an 
 organ. 
 
 Kansas Synod at its fall convention that year adopted the follow- 
 ing resolution: 
 
 "Whereas, the Ev. Lutheran congregation of Peabody, during the 
 first year of its existence, has in course of erection a new house 
 of worship, without aid from the church at large, to the happy sur- 
 prise of the members of this Synod, therefore, 
 
 ST. PAUL'S INTERIOR. 
 
 Resolved, that we are highly gratified with the progressive spirit 
 exhibited by this congregation, and that we commend its zeal and 
 self-reliance to all of our western missions." 
 
 After a lapse of about four years an obligation reverted to the 
 church in the sum of S925, which had been assumed by one of the 
 members, but which he could not pay owing to financial reverses. 
 In 1883 this had grown to $1,200. The Board of Church Extension 
 granted them a loan of $300 and the balance was paid by the 
 church. Rev. Vhitehill resigned in 1880. After a vacancy of 21 
 months the Home Mission Board granted the church aid to the ex-
 
 ST. PAUL'S, PEABOOY. 143 
 
 tent of $300, and on the 16ih of December, 1882, Rev. A. J. Hes- 
 son became pastor. Rev. Hesson served one year as pastor and 
 nine months as a supply. In October, 1884, Rev. H. B. Belmer 
 took charge. During his pastorate extensive repairs were made to 
 the church, the building being lengthened 14 feet, the improve- 
 ments all told costing $1,800. The church was re-dedicated on the 
 24th of March when all indebtedness was provided for including 
 the loan from the Church Extension Society. Interest in improve- 
 ments continued to manifest itself, and in the following spring * 
 commodious parsonage of eight rooms was erected costing $2,000. 
 Assistance from the Home Mission Board continued until 1886 
 when the church assumed self support Rev. Belmer resigned in 
 1888 when the church reported 95 members. On die 16th of Sep- 
 tember, the same year, Rev. G. A. Bowers, D. D., took charge and 
 for four and a half years served the congregation very acceptably. 
 Mr. E. F. Trefz, a theological student, supplied the church during 
 the summer of 1893. On the 1st of October Rev. S. S. Kauffman 
 became pastor for a year and nine months. He was followed by 
 Rev. R. H. Williams, as a supply, and finally as pastor, serving 
 from 1895 to September 1, 1898. During the latter "s pastorale ft 
 Moller pipe organ was installed costing $1,000 and other improve- 
 ments made costing $500 more. In January, 1899, Rev. G. W. 
 Amick became pastor, remaining two years. On June 1, 1902, Rev. 
 C. N. Swihart took charge, resigning on Nov. 1, 1904. He was 
 succeeded on January 1st by Rev. T. P. Skovgard, who remained 
 
 ST. PAUL'S PARSONAGE.
 
 144 ST. JAMES', PERTH. 
 
 pastor for one year. In April, 1906, Rev. Geo. S. Murphy was 
 called as pastor being the present incumbent. 
 
 The Peabody pastorate of late years has attained a reputation 
 for benevolence which ranks as one of the very best in this Synod. 
 At present the church has 155 members and property to the value 
 of $6,500. 
 
 In 1885 a Woman's Missionary Society was organized which is 
 one of the most liberal contributors in the Synod, reporting in 1906 
 31 members and $137 contributions. 
 
 As this volume goes to press the St. Paul's congregation, having 
 decided to build a new church are studying plans calling for a fine 
 modern structure costing $15,000. 
 
 PERTH, ST. JAMES. 
 
 This church had its origin in a letter written by Mr. Henry Jacobs 
 of Perth to Rev. Dr. Joel Swartz, of Gettysburg, Pa., his former 
 pastor, pleading for the planting of a Lutheran church at Perth. 
 This letter was sent to the Home Mission and Church Extension 
 Boards which culminated in arrangements for a visit to Perth by 
 Secretary Lenker. The ripeness of the field was at once apparent. 
 A canvass of the town and surrounding country was made result- 
 ing in the organization of St. James church, so called after the St. 
 James church of Gettysburg, in the Perth school house, on the 6th 
 of March, 1887, with the following charter members: Mr. and 
 Mrs. H. H. Jacobs, Annie Jacobs, Mrs. Sallie Erhard, Mr. and Mrs. 
 George Erhard, Mr. and Mrs. E. F. Mickley, Mr. and Mrs. Fritch- 
 man, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Mickley, Mr. and Mrs. Ezra Fuss, Mr. 
 and Mrs. A. D. Spangler, Allen and Emory Jacobs, Wesley Mickley, 
 Geo. W. Gelback, Samuel A. Shriner and H. S. Miller. Most of 
 these good people had come from in and around Gettysburg. The 
 new congregation was regularly admitted into Kansas Synod in the 
 fall of 1887. Rev. J. G. M. Hursh at that time preaching at Port- 
 land, a point eighteen miles southeast of Perth, was invited to give 
 them a visit, resulting in his being called as pastor in April fol- 
 lowing. The services were held at first in the school house where 
 the new pastor organized a Sunday school. In September the same 
 year he was commissioned by the Home Board as missionary, serv- 
 ing Wellington, Perth and Trinity church at Portland. On All 
 Saint's Day Secretary Lenker again visited Perth, this time to in- 
 spire the congregation to go ahead and build a church. All fell
 
 ST. JAMES', PERTH. 
 
 145 
 
 in with his proposition to proceed at once to build. The same day 
 they assembled on the lot, which had already been obtained, and 
 broke ground. Plans were adopted calling for a frame building 
 with an auditorium 30 by 40 feet, a class room 12 by 24 feet, and 
 a tower 8 feet square. Willing hands made light work. The stone 
 was secured free, and it was hauled and put into the foundation 
 with labor all donated. Indeed the labor of erecting the entire 
 structure was donated with the single exception of the building of 
 the chimney. The cost of the church all told amounted to $1,800, 
 of which the Church Extension Board donated $200 and loaned 
 $300. The building was dedicated on the 28th of April, 1890, some 
 
 ST. JAMES' CHURCH. 
 
 time after it was built. Rev. J. A. Clutz, D. D., President of Mid- 
 land College, preached the sermon. Rev. Hursh was present at the 
 dedication although he had resigned the church some time prior 
 to give his whole time to Wellington. On February 1, 1889, Rev. 
 Jacob Schauer became pastor and served the church till June, 1890. 
 He was followed by Rev. A. H. Burk, who was pastor from Octo-
 
 146 ST. JOHN'S, SALINA. 
 
 her till the following March. Later he supplied the church in the 
 latter part of 1891 and the fore part of 1892. Owing to the in- 
 ability of either the Wellington or the Perth congregations to sup- 
 port a pastor the two congregations decided for a time at least to 
 unite in calling a pastor and co-operate with the Home Mission 
 Board in sustaining the same. Under this arrangement Rev. R. B. 
 Whitehill served them as pastor from May, 1892 to May, 1894. On 
 the 1st of October the same year Rev. B. F. Pugh took charge serv- 
 ing the two congregations till April 1st, 1898. On July 1st, Rev. 
 E. E. Stauffer became pastor of the two churches continuing until 
 June 1, 1901, when it was deemed best that each congregation, with 
 assistance from the Mission Board, secure a pastor for itself. On 
 August 1, the St. James church called Rev. W. A. Livers. During 
 most of its history this church received more or less aid from the 
 Mission Board but on the 1st of August, 1902, it became self- 
 sustaining. In the fall and winter of 1901-2 the members and 
 pastor united in building a comfortable six room parsonage on two 
 large lots donated by Mr. Emanuel Wynn. After a ministry of two 
 years Rev. Livers resigned and was succeeded on the 1st of Nov- 
 ember, 1903 by Rev. J. J. Chambers who served the church until 
 April 1, 1907. The church at present has a membership of 77 and 
 property to the value of about $3,000. At the present writing, 
 (1907) the congregation is remodeling its building. In 1889 a 
 Woman's Missionary Society was organized, and is still in fine 
 working condition. 
 
 SALINA, ST. JOHN'S. 
 
 Rev. Charles Young, after doing efficient pioneer work in the 
 Synod of Northern Illinois at Dixon and various points in Stephen- 
 son county there, came to Kansas in 1872, broken in health, and 
 settled on a farm near Salina. Not content with farm life while 
 mission fields lay about him which ought to be occupied, he ap- 
 plied to the Home Board for aid in establishing a mission in the 
 young and growing town of Salina. In the Spring of 1873 he was 
 commissioned, the Board allowing him $300 the first year. He set 
 himself to the work at once and on the 30th of March organized 
 St. John's Ev. Lutheran church with the following charter mem- 
 bers: T. F. Carver, Mrs. T. F. Carver, R. H. Dihle, Mrs. Joanna 
 Dihle, B. B. Stimmel, Mrs. M. Stimmel, Jacob L. Gebhart, Mrs. 
 Julia Gebhart, Mrs. Elizabeth Young, Josie Young, C. W. Tressin,
 
 ST. JOHN'S, SALINA. 147 
 
 Mrs. Minnie Tressin, and Miss Ida Tressin. Rev. Young at this 
 time was also preaching at New Cambria six miles east, on the 
 newly constructed Kansas Pacific railroad. Here in April he or- 
 ganized a church which with the Salina church constituted a pas- 
 toral charge. In 1874 they purchased a small M. E. church 24 by 
 
 ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, (OLD.) 
 
 35 feet in dimensions, with appointments intact, paying $800 for it. 
 The same building is still standing and is used by the colored 
 M. E. church. They spent $200 more in repairs. This afforded 
 the church a home of its own, however humble, and soon better 
 days began to dawn upon the mission. On account of the infirm- 
 ities of old age, being seventy-two years, Rev. Young resigned May 
 1st, 1876. For about fifteen months succeeding, the church was 
 supplied by Rev. W. C. Seidel. On the 1st of August, 1877, Rev. 
 A. J. Hartsock was commissioned missionary, the Board appropri- 
 ating $300 per year. The new pastor threw his whole soul into the 
 task of building up his church. He soon had the little church filled 
 with people. In less than two years he had added 100 new mem- 
 bers to his "Little mission 'round the corner" as he loved to call 
 it. Sometime in 1879 a parsonage was built which was used for 
 a season and later was sold. Soon it became necessary that a new 
 church be erected, but where to get the money was a problem, for 
 the country was new and the people were passing through seasons 
 of drouth which made it almost impossible to raise money locally. 
 Under his inspiring cry, "God helps those who help themselves," 
 he set himself to the task. "We must have a church or die," he 
 wrote to the Lutheran Observer, in 1879. The General Synod met
 
 148 
 
 ST. JOHN'S, SAUNA. 
 
 at Wooster, Ohio, that year, and it authorized the Brooklyn, N. Y., 
 and Salina, Kans., missions to appeal to the church at large for 
 funds for the erection of buildings. Rev. Hartsock acted promptly 
 and immediately laid his plan before the Sunday schools of the 
 church through the columns of the church papers, proposing that 
 they, the scholars, buy the brick for the new church. He had 
 about 50,000 red paper bricks printed which he sold for ten cents 
 each. The church papers during 1879 and 1880 were full of ac- 
 counts of the sale of bricks for the Salina church. The plan was 
 new and took well and money flowed in from every quarter. This 
 congregation and pastor suddenly became widely known all over the 
 church. When the enterprise lagged the indefatiguable pastor, 
 leaving his field in the hands of a resident minister, would make 
 his round of the synods in the East, visiting Sunday schools en- 
 route, always with his one cry, "Buy my bricks." It was a spec- 
 tacular erecting of a church indeed. On these trips he scattered 
 
 ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, (NEW.)
 
 ST. JOHN'S, SALINA. 
 
 149 
 
 30,000 bricks. He labored incessantly day after day until it is safe 
 to say that one-half of the children of the Sunday schools of the 
 General Synod had invested a dime in Salina bricks. 
 
 In the spring of 1880 two well located lots were purchased and 
 deeded to the Board of Church Extension, the purchase price be- 
 ing $600. Brick was contracted for and plans adopted for the 
 erection of a building but the work was not begun until the fol- 
 lowing year. The corner stone was laid on June 18, 1881. Up to 
 that time the splendid sum of $6,591 had been collected, largely 
 by the sale of the red bricks, and given to the congregation by the 
 
 ST. JOHN'S PARSONAGE. 
 
 Church Extension Board as a donation. The dedication took place 
 on the 10th of December, 1881. Dr. Conrad was to have preached 
 the sermon, but he failed to arrive, and the pastor was obliged to 
 preach it himself. Revs. Charles Young, M. Stolpe and A. B. Kirt- 
 land, were present during the day and assisted the pastor. As 
 there was no debt to lift there was no plea for money. 
 
 The building is a Gothic structure of native brick, 43 by 75 
 feet, with a handsome tower 90 feet high and bell porch, vestibule, 
 organ loft, and a Sunday school room 20 by 40 feet off from the 
 auditorium and connected with sliding doors. The ceiling is in 
 the form of a canopy neatly and tastily finished. The floor is in-
 
 150 ST. JOHN'S, SALINA. 
 
 clined and seated with elegant pews in amphitheater style, accom- 
 modating about 400 people. A one manual pipe organ was install- 
 ed, the first placed in a Lutheran church in Kansas. This was plan- 
 ned and built in Salina, and was probably the first pipe organ made 
 in Kansas. The entire cost of the structure was $10,000, a mon- 
 ument to the tireless energy of the pastor. 
 
 Rev. Hartsock resigned October, 1882, and was succeeded soon 
 after by Rev. A. J. Kissell, who remained as pastor of the mission 
 until March, 1885. In July that year Rev. George D. Gotwald was 
 called. During his pastorate the church assumed self support. In 
 April, 1889, Rev. C. W. Maggart became pastor. During the lat- 
 ter's pastorate an eight room parsonage was erected. In May, 
 1892, Rev. L. C. Routzahn became pastor, remaining one year. 
 From December, 1893, to April, 1898, Rev. H. M. Oberholtzer was 
 in charge. On July 1st, 1898, Rev. J. A. McCulloch was called re- 
 maining over two years. On the 1st of December, 1900, Rev. C. E. 
 Wirick took charge, remaining until June, 1906. Early in the lat- 
 ter's pastorate the church was repaired and renewed at a cost of 
 $600. The old parsonage again having been sold, in 1902 a lot 
 was purchased adjoining the church on the south on which during 
 the year following a commodious parsonage was erected, having 
 ten rooms, with modern conveniences, gas, bath and furnace, and 
 at a cost of $3,200. In 1882 a Woman's Home and Foreign Mis- 
 sionary Society was organized which is a prominent agency for 
 good in the congregation to this day. The church is well equipped 
 with a fine Aid Society and is one of the best in the Synod. During 
 the pastorate of Rev. Gotwald a Young People's Society existed, 
 which, though short lived, left as a monument of their interest and 
 zeal a beautiful white marble baptismal font. During the same 
 pastorate a fine bell was installed and entirely paid for. These 
 monuments of the labors of this now sainted pastor still remain, 
 after the lapse of over twenty years, one serving as a means of 
 grace and the other still calling the people to the place where the 
 means of grace are dispensed. Rev. H. A. Ott, D. D., became pas- 
 tor on the 1st of February, 1907. At present the church reports 
 250 communicants, with no indebtedness and properties valued at 
 $15,000. Recently an electric motor for the organ was installed.
 
 FIRST CHURCH, ST. JOSEPH, MO. 151 
 
 ST. JOSEPH, MO., FIRST ENGLISH LUTHERAN. 
 
 The effort to organize a church of the General Synod in St. 
 Joseph, Mo., dates back to the days when Rev. David Earhart was 
 preaching in his great circuit of fully one hundred miles in Doni- 
 phan and Brown counties along the Nebraska line and in Vinland 
 in Douglass county south of Lawrence. On June second, 1866, he 
 crossed the Missouri river paying the rising town of St. Joseph a 
 visit. He found a few Lutheran families in and around the city 
 and preached the gospel to them for the first time on June 3d, 
 1866. He visited the "long-scattered membership" again on July 
 15th and entered into an agreement to preach for them every two 
 weeks on the Lord's Day. On September 23d, "Christ's Ev. Luth- 
 eran church" was organized with fifteen charter members. Anders 
 Nelson was elected Elder and O. O. Stinson, an Elder emeritus of 
 the present church, was elected Deacon. The Holy Communion 
 was administered for the first time to nine sheep of the little flock 
 on November 4th, 1866. The Rev. Mr. Earhart writes, "It was ad- 
 ministered with feelings of much gratitude to God for His good- 
 ness." After preaching in the old court house in St. Joseph for 
 about two years, for want of a building the services were trans- 
 ferred to Oak Hill school house a short distance from the city. 
 Most of the members lived close to this school house. This was 
 a fatal mistake.. Continuance of the organization in St. Joseph 
 would have insured a strong church in due season. On March 
 27th, 1870, Rev. Earhart administered the Lord's Supper, commend- 
 ed the church to the Grace of God, and resigned. The little com- 
 pany disbanded. Its members, a majority of whom were Scandi- 
 navians, were served from time to time by a pastor of their own 
 nationality. No one deplored the failure more than Rev. Charles 
 Martin who, in the year 1866, had founded "The Young Ladies' 
 Institute" of St. Joseph, and who had hoped for a church home for 
 his family and his school. 
 
 Nothing further was attempted for almost twenty-five years. 
 After the founding of Midland College at Atchison the need of a 
 church became more imperative. The college people aided in lay- 
 ing the matter before the Mission Board. Rev. Edward F. Trefz 
 was commissioned missionary June 1st, 1894. He entered upon 
 his work with an energy and devotion which insured success. The 
 Unitarian church was rented and services held in it for three 
 months. On August 26th the First English Ev. Lutheran church 
 was organized with fifty-seven charter members. Rev. Charles
 
 152 
 
 FIRST CHURCH, ST. JOSEPH, MO. 
 
 Martin, M. D., presided at the meeting. Peter Stinson acted as 
 Secretary. Rev. J. A. Clutz, D. D., President of Midland College, 
 made a short address and assisted in the organization. A consti- 
 tution was adopted to which the following names were inscribed 
 as charter members : Rev. Charles Martin, M. D., Pastor Emeritus, 
 
 FIRST ENGLISH LUTHERAN CHURCH. 
 
 Mrs. E. T. Nelson, Mr. George Nelson, Miss Lenore Nelson, Miss 
 Cora Nelson, Miss Pearl Nelson, Mrs. M. O. Plowman, Mrs. Cath- 
 arine Cox, Miss Rena Nelson, Mr. Newton Nelson, Mr. Thomas 
 Nelson, Mr. Orion Nelson, Mr. Fred Weddle, Mrs. Fred Weddle, 
 Miss Ella Weddle, Miss Lottie Weddle, Mrs. Chas. Spalsburg, Mr. 
 Fred Weddle, Jr., Mr. Peter Weddle, Mr. Harry Weddle, Mr. Wallie 
 Weddle, Mr. O. O. Stinson, Mrs. O. O. Stinson, Mr. Peter D. Stin- 
 son, Mrs. R. E. Henderson, Mrs. H. C. Varner, Mrs. Frank Hanna, 
 Miss Eudora Martin, Miss Christine Johnson, Mrs. Clara B. Kelley,
 
 FIRST CHURCH, ST. JOSEPH, MO. 153 
 
 Mrs. Sarah E. Peters, Mr. J. M. Priest, Mrs. J. M. Priest, Mrs. Clara 
 Hillix, Miss Lulu Senter, Mr. Karl Fiedler, Mrs. Karl Fiedler, Mr. 
 Henry Marquard, Jr., Mr. H. J. Tritchler, Mrs. Gotfried Zunkle, 
 Mrs. John Nelson, Mr. Hans Holms, Mrs. Hans Holms, Mrs. J. M. 
 Hague, Miss M. Hendolite, Miss Hannah Thompson, Miss Addie 
 Thompson, Mrs. A. M. Spencer, Mr. Julius Trefz, Miss Emma 
 Trefz, Mrs. Elsie Marnell, Mrs. W. L. Eshelman, Miss Allie Spen- 
 cer, Miss Mamie Spencer, Mr. Josiah Cobaugh, Mrs. Josiah Co- 
 baugh, Mrs. Robert Schatz, Mrs. Leontine Johnson. 
 
 On the 1st of September the congregation moved into the Y. M. 
 
 C. A. building and continued to worship there for a little more than 
 a year, paying a rental of forty dollars per month. The congre- 
 gation was received into the Kansas Synod in October. Shortly 
 after its organization the congregation began to arrange for the 
 building of a church home. A lot was purchased march 7th, 1895. 
 Plans were adopted for the erection of a brick structure two stories 
 high with a corner tower. The corner stone was laid on Wednes- 
 day, September 25th, 1895. Rev. W. F. Rentz of Atchison had 
 charge of the ceremony. The first service was held in the base- 
 ment of the new church December 15th, 1895. The congregation 
 worshipped in the auditorium for the first time February 2nd, 1896. 
 The common service was introduced and rendered. The formal 
 dedication took place on November 15th, 1896. Rev. J. A. Clutz, 
 
 D. D., preached the sermon. Rev. H. L. Yarger, D. D., made the 
 appeal for money, and $4,000 were raised that day. The King's 
 Daughters Circle subscribed $1,000 dollars in addition to the $1,000 
 previously contributed. $500 were contributed by the church at 
 Moray, Kansas. The Board of Church Extension loaned $3,000 
 The building cost $7,000, is constructed of pressed brick and fin- 
 ished in polished oak with furniture to match. Among the appoint- 
 ments of the church are numerous memorials, among the most 
 beautiful being the large west window and the altar, gifts of Mrs. 
 
 E. T. Nelson and children who have done so much for the church. 
 Rev. Trefz resigned August 2nd, 1898. He was succeeded by 
 
 Rev. H. F. Schale who remained until September 1st, 1899. Rev. 
 Millard J. Troxell, D. D., became pastor November 15th, 1899. 
 
 In 1900 extensive improvements were made in the Sunday school 
 room. Rev. S. B. Barnitz, D. D., assisted in the re-opening ser- 
 vices in August of that year. In 1903 a fine pipe organ was in- 
 stalled and the church renewed and frescoed throughout. On Aug- 
 ust 1st, 1904, the call of Midland College for a President removed 
 from the church the pastor. Rev. Benjamin R. Lantz, the present
 
 154 
 
 TRINITY, SEDALIA, MO. 
 
 pastor, entered upon his work November 6th, 1904. A W. H. and 
 F. M. society and mission band were organized in 1905. The last 
 interest bearing note was canceled in March, 1906. The church 
 reports 260 members and property valued at $15,000 on which re- 
 mains an indebtedness of $3,000 to the Board of Church Extension. 
 
 SEDALIA, MO., TRINITY. 
 
 The planting of an English Lutheran church in Sedalia was due 
 largely to the interest of Messrs A. F. Dressel, M. D., J. F. Geis- 
 chen, and H. H. Kroencke, who laid the matter earnestly before 
 the western representatives of our Missionary Boards. After a 
 careful canvass of the place Rev. C. T. McDaniel, of St. Louis, 
 Mo., was invited to consummate the organization. A meeting to 
 this end was duly advertised to take place in the parlors of the 
 Baptist church on the 28th of November, 1894, when the Trinity 
 Ev. Lutheran church was organized, a constitution and by-laws 
 
 TRINITY CHURCH.
 
 TRINITY, SEDALIA, MO. 
 
 155 
 
 adopted, with the following enrollment as charter members: Mr. 
 and Mrs. Fred Luecking, J. F. Geischen, Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Kro- 
 encke, Mr. and Mrs. Dr. A. F. Dresel, Mrs. F. Buske, and J. H. 
 Meyer.- To these names were added a little later, Catharine L. and 
 Bettie E. Bremer and A. Dexheimer. Messrs Luecking and Kro- 
 encke were elected Elders and Geischen, Meyer, Dexheimer and 
 Dresel were elected as Deacons. A Sunday school was organized 
 on the 17th of February following, with Dr. Dresel as Superinten- 
 dent. After advising with the Home Mission Board a call was ex- 
 tended to Rev. John F. Seibert, who took charge of the mission on 
 
 TRINITY PARSONAGE. 
 
 the 1st of July. The first services and Sunday school were hsld in 
 the Advent church, a small frame building on the corner of Tenth 
 street and Missouri avenue. Rev. Seibert was formally installed 
 on the 21st of July by Rev. F. D. Altman and Rev. H. L. Yarger. At 
 first the congregation thought to hold its connection with the Synod 
 of Central Illinois, but owing to the near proximity of Kansas 
 Synod it united with the latter in October, 1895. A central lot was 
 purchased on the corner of Tenth street and Osage avenue for 
 $3,300, on which stood a good two-story ten-room frame house 
 well adapted for a parsonage. The house was moved to the in- 
 side of the lot, and in the following spring ground was broken for 
 the chapel and the foundation put in. The corner-stone was laid 
 on the 12th of July, 1896, when the presence of Drs. Barnitz and 
 Yarger added greatly to the joy and success of the occasion. Work
 
 156 ST. MARK'S, ST. LOUIS, MO. 
 
 was pushed forward on the building until its completion and dedi- 
 cation on the 29th of November. Rev. M. Rhodes, D. D., preached 
 in the morning and Rev. J. M. Cromer in the evening, Rev. H. L. 
 Yarger making the appeal for funds. Good subscriptions and cash 
 were taken aggregating $1,636. The chapel is about 38 by 65 feet, 
 with tower on the corner, faced with pressed brick, with seating 
 room for 250 people. The windows are all memorial, the furniture 
 is of solid oak, and the walls and ceiling frescoed to match. The 
 entire cost of the building and appointments was $3,000. The cost 
 of the moving of the house and repairs was $700. This made the 
 total expenditures $7,000. While the Home Mission Board aided 
 in the support of the pastor the Board of Church Extension came 
 to their help with a donation of $300 and a loan of $2,000. In 
 the summer of 1899 an addition was built to the chapel for the 
 prayer meetings and the primary department of the Sunday school 
 at a cost of $325, which was all provided for before the day of the 
 opening, Dscember 3d, 1899, when Dr. Yarger preached the sermon. 
 Owing to ill health and over work, Rev. Seibert resigned on the 1st 
 of November, 1900, after a very successful pastorate, his little 
 band of a dozen charter members having grown to 96, and in addi- 
 tion to this his congregation were worshipping in a comfortable 
 chapel of their own and the pastor was nicely housed in a com- 
 modious parsonage, although there remained a debt on the property 
 as a whole of $3,355. On January 1st, 1901, Rev. J. C. Jacoby,. 
 D. D., became pastor serving the congregation until November 1st,. 
 1904. He was succeeded in April by Rev. S. M. Lesher, the present 
 pastor. A Ladies' Aid Society was organized on the 2nd of August,, 
 1895, and a Luther League on December 4th of the same year. 
 According to its last parochial report the church has 70 members, 
 and property valued at $8,000, with $2,700 indebtedness. The 
 church is still a mission. 
 
 ST. LOUIS, MO., ST. MARK'S. 
 
 The first steps looking toward establishing a mission of the Gen- 
 eral Synod at St. Louis were taken in May and June, 1865, when 
 Rev. Morris Officer, Secretary of the Home Mission Society, visited 
 the place, made a canvass of the city, and tried in vain to secure 
 a place in which to hold services. In 1866 he visited St. Louis but 
 did not remain long as the cholera was prevalent along the wharf. 
 In February, 1867, he returned and after spending a week canvass-
 
 ST. MARK'S, ST. LOUIS, MO. 157 
 
 ing the city called a meeting at the home of Col. H. C. Creveling, 
 1425 Lucas Place, on the 6th of March. On account of a violent 
 snow storm but few were present but they decided to proceed to 
 organize and submit their action to the absent ones for their signa- 
 ture. Rev. Officer presided, and Mr. J. A. J. Schultz acted as sec- 
 retary. There were present Geo. W. Berry, Mrs. Ann M. Berry, 
 Mrs. H. Creveling, William D. Gantzhorn, Miss Mary Gantzhorn, 
 J. A. J. Schultz and Mrs. Mary E. Schultz, and subsequently the 
 following names were signed to the proceedings: Louis Gantz- 
 horn, Clara Gantzhorn, R. R. Honeyman, Elizabeth Honeyman, 
 Simon Durst, John Miller, Geo. L. Fell and Emily B. Fell. On 
 Tuesday, May 14th at the home of Mr. Schultz a congregational 
 meeting was held with Mr. Officer present when a constitution was 
 adopted and half of the officers were elected, as follows: Elder, 
 Mr. J. A. J. Schultz; Deacon, Geo. L. Fell, and Trustees, Louis 
 Gantzhorn and R. R. Honeyman. On the 20th following twenty 
 united by letter, and two by confirmation. The sum of $1,240 was 
 subscribed toward the purchase of a lot and the erection of a 
 church building. 
 
 Rev. S. W. Harkey, D. D., took charge as pastor the First of 
 October and began holding regular services in a hall on Tenth and 
 Carr streets, organizing a Sunday school at once with the follow- 
 ing officers: Superintendent, Jas. Garnett; Asst. Superintendent, 
 G. W. Berry; Secretary, N. Brown; Treasurer, J. A. J. Schultz; 
 Librarian, E. D. Flora. At a subsequent meeting Mr. G. W. Berry 
 was elected (additional) Elder, James Garnett and J. J. Conklin, 
 Deacons, and D. C. Siegrist, Trustee. 
 
 In the spring of 1868 Dr. Harkey raised in cash and subscrip- 
 tions in the East $1,874, and this encouraged the Church Council 
 to purchase a site for a church, located at the corner of Wash 
 street and Elliot avenue, costing $4,600. On the 1st of July the 
 church was incorporated, and in August plans for a building were 
 adopted. Messrs Schultz, Berry and Garnett were appointed a 
 building committee. The corner stone was laid on the 6th of Sep- 
 tember. In February the following year they began to worship in 
 the Lecture Room of the new structure, renting the pews for in- 
 come. 
 
 The church was a mission under the auspices of the Maryland 
 Synod. In October, 1869, Dr. Harkey resigned, and was succeeded 
 by Rev. Prof. J. B. Corbett, who was installed in February follow- 
 ing, Rev. J. B. Helwig, D. D., and Rev. G. A. Bowers officiating. 
 The Ev. Lutheran Synod of Kansas and adjacent states having
 
 158 FIRST CHURCH, TOPEKA. 
 
 been organized the congregation decided to withdraw from the 
 Synod of Central Illinois at a meeting held February 2nd, and in 
 October it was enrolled in the new western Synod. Prof. Corbett 
 was succeeded in 1871 by Rev. M. Rhodes, who found a congre- 
 gation of about thirty members, none of whom were property own- 
 ers, and with a debt of about $12,000 running at 10 per cent, on 
 the property. He at once set himself to work at completing the 
 church main room, which was accomplished at a cost of $3,500. 
 In the fall of 1872 the congregation at its request was again en- 
 rolled in the Synod of Central Illinois. This ended its relation to 
 Kansas Synod. Later Dr. Rhodes sold the old church for $7,250 
 and erected the present St. Mark's, at Cardinal and Bell avenues, 
 at a total cost of $65,000, including a debt of $32,000, every dollar 
 of which as the years went by was paid by annual Easter Offer- 
 ings. 
 
 TOPEKA, FIRST. EV. LUTHERAN. 
 
 The 'church at Topeka is one of the churches organized before 
 the founding of Kansas Synod. Among the Lutherans residing in 
 the city was Rev. J. B. McAfee who had it in his heart to organize 
 a church there ever since the close of the Civil War. He opened 
 correspondence with Rev. Morris Officer the secretary of the old 
 Home Mission Society inviting him to Topeka. This resulted in the 
 latter making a trip through the West in 1866 when he visited among 
 other Kansas points the Capital City, with no other results than 
 gathering information. In March the following year he again came 
 to Kansas this time organizing Lutheran missions, the first to be 
 organized in Kansas under the direct agency of the Society; one 
 at Lawrence and one at Topeka. The Topeka organization was ef- 
 fected on April 7th in the Executive office of the Governor of 
 Kansas, at 427-9 Kansas avenue, Rev. McAfee at that time being 
 the Private Secretary to Governor Crawford. The charter members 
 were Rev. and Mrs. J. B. McAfee, Mr. and Mrs. John Guthrie, Mr. 
 and Mrs. C. H. Ellison, Hugo Kullah, Mr. and Mrs. A. P. Benson, 
 A. S. Holmburg, John Ruble, Mary Ruble, John Lind, Charles Moser 
 and Charles Smith. Officers were elected and steps taken toward 
 securing a house of worship. To encourage them Rev. Officer 
 pledged his society for $100 toward the purchase of a lot and 
 $2,000 toward the erection of a church. Rev. A. J. Hesson was 
 chosen pastor arriving August 15th, and for the year following
 
 FIRST CHURCH, TOPEKA. 159 
 
 served the congregation in connection with that at Lawrence as a 
 pastoral charge under commission of the Home Mission Society. 
 The first services were held in the Methodist church, the preaching 
 being of a union nature, the two pastors alternating in holding ser- 
 vices. On January 28th the services were transferred to the Ger- 
 maia Hall located on lower Kansas Ave. Soon after the organiza- 
 tion three lots were purchased for $500, located on Topeka avenue, 
 
 FIRST CHURCH, (OLD.) 
 
 between Fifth and Sixth streets, by Rev. McAfee, and presented 
 by him to the congregation. In the winter plans were adopted for 
 a frame church 25 by 40 feet and to cost $3,500. The Home Mis- 
 sion Society gave $2,100 toward this, which had been raised by the- 
 West Pennsylvania Synod, and the balance was provided by the 
 congregation. The building was dedicated on the 21st of June, 
 1868, Rev. Levi Sternberg preaching the sermon from I. Tim. 3:15 
 "The church of the living God, the pillar and ground of truth." 
 Rev. S. P. Harrington and Rev. J. B. McAfee were present assist- 
 ing the pastor. The building was a plain Gothic chapel boarded 
 and battened up and down, with a small cupola upon the roof. It 
 was seated with pine painted pews, with walnut arms. On the day 
 of dedication a Sunday school was organized with D. W. Nellis as
 
 160 
 
 FIRST CHURCH, TOPEKA. 
 
 FIRST CHURCH, (NEW.) 
 
 Superintendent and Mr. A. P. Benson as librarian. Topeka at that 
 time had 6,000 population and it was thought that the pastor ought 
 to give his entire time to this point, instead of dividing it between 
 this city and Lawrence. The division was made the following year. 
 In this church Kansas Synod was organized on the 5th of Novem- 
 ber, 1868. Rev. Hesson resigned August 31, 1871, at which time 
 the church reported a membership of 46. In April, 1872, Rev. B. 
 F. Alleman became pastor who remained seven months. For the 
 next eight years the church was without a pastor, during which 
 time the pulpit was supplied irregularly and a Sunday school main- 
 tained, and although the membership was augmented now and then
 
 FIRST CHURCH, TOPEKA. 161 
 
 it dwindled down to 22 and presented a rather forlorn hope. Upon 
 the return to Topeka from Leavenworth of Rev. McAfee in Decem- 
 ber, 1879, after an absence of seven years, he set himself to the 
 task of resuscitating the sleeping church and agitated the calling 
 of a pastor. Rev. T. F. Dornblaser, then Traveling Missionary of 
 Kansas Synod, had visited Topeka at various times with the same 
 thought, at one time remaining for three months on the ground. 
 When the Synod met at Lawrence in 1879 Rev. McAfee and Mr. 
 Lewis P. Firey of Topeka, requested that it endorse an application 
 from Topeka for missionary aid from the Board of Home Missions. 
 This was done and Rev. T. F. Dornblaser was commissioned mis- 
 sionary at Topeka the Board appropriating $500 a year toward his 
 salary and the congregation $300 more. On February 1st, of the 
 following year, he entered upon the work. One of the first move- 
 ments was the erection of a small 6 room parsonage on the north 
 lot of the church property, at a cost of $800. In 1884 the pastor 
 began the agitation looking for a better church home. Early that 
 year their property was sold for $4,500 and the present site at the 
 corner of Fifth and Harrison streets was purchased for the same 
 sum. Later the eastern half was sold for $2,200 which gave the 
 congregation a nest egg for its new building. The Board of Church 
 Extension loaned them $5,000. The plans called for a brick veneer 
 building, the auditorium of which was 48 by 60 feet and a lecture 
 room 26 by 48 feet, with two other entrances making the outside 
 dimensions 65 by 90 feet. The structure was to be Gothic with a 
 mixture of the Romansque. Rev. J. B. McAfee, L. P. Firey, H. C. 
 Brown, C. K. Felton, F. S. Stumbaugh and Elias Shull were the 
 building committee. The cost was a little over $16,000. The corn- 
 er-stone was laid on the 15th of June, 1884, and on the 30th of 
 November the building was dedicated, Kansas Synod meeting in it 
 at that time. Rev. F. W. Conrad, D. D., preached the sermon, from 
 Isa. 2:3. In February, 1888 the congregation assumed self-sup- 
 port. Rev. Dornblaser resigned on the 1st of June, 1890, and in 
 August following he was succeeded by Rev. F. M. Porch who re- 
 mained a little over four years. During the latter's pastorate in- 
 ternal dissension greatly weakened the church. On the 1st of May, 
 1895, Rev. A. E. Wagner became pastor, the Home Mission Board 
 again coming to the help of the church, appropriating $300 per year 
 for the support of the pastor. This continued for four years with 
 decreasing amounts. Rev. Wagner resigned in February, 1900. 
 He was succeeded in the following June by Rev. H. A. Ott, then 
 of Quincy, Ills. During the pastorate of Dr. Ott of nearly seven
 
 162 
 
 TOPEKA PIPE ORGAN AND CHANCEL. 
 
 FIRST CHURCH, ORGAN AND CHANCEL. 
 
 years over $3,000 was expended in overhauling, repairing and re- 
 roofing the church. An elegant two manual pipe organ was installed 
 at a cost of $1,200, two new furnaces, a piano, a beautiful altar,
 
 ST. PAUL'S, VALLEY FALLS. 163 
 
 baptismal font, and fine chancel railings, new carpets, wall decora- 
 tion, etc., making the interior rank with the very finest of the Kan- 
 sas Synod churches. In 1881 a W. H. & F. M. S. was organized 
 which has always been a great help to the church and at present 
 is one of the most efficient in the Synod. Dr. Ott resigned Feb- 
 ruary 1st, 1907. The church has 203 communicant members and 
 property valued at $16,000. In July Rev. W. W. Horn was called 
 to take charge October 1, 1907. 
 
 TOPEKA, FIRST SWEDISH LUTHERAN. 
 
 The First Swedish Ev. Lutheran church of Topeka was organized 
 in 1870, some of the members coming out of the English Lutheran 
 church. In the fall of the same year it was received into the Kan- 
 sas Synod while Rev. C. J. Sheleen was pastor. The church re- 
 mained in this Synod until 1873, when it called a pastor who be- 
 longed to the Augustana Synod. This brother persuaded the con- 
 gregation to withdraw from the Kansas Synod and unite with the 
 Augustana Synod. As the church had received considerable help 
 from General Synod people in Topeka in securing a church home, 
 the transfer was resisted until some satisfactory settlement or re- 
 turn of money was made. This made the separation rather an un- 
 pleasant one as the settlement was not made or satisfactory ex- 
 planation offered. The church united with the Augustana Synod 
 in 1872. 
 
 VALLEY FALLS, ST. PAUL'S. 
 
 Were it not for a succession of re-organizations, the St. Paul's 
 church of Valley Falls would enjoy the positive distinction of be- 
 ing the first permanent Lutheran church established on Kansas 
 soil, borne do view it to be such notwithstanding the long periods 
 when no Lutheran services were held in that village and no pre- 
 tensions made toward maintaining a church there. The town does 
 however have the honor of possessing, still standing, the oldest 
 Lutheran church building west of the Missouri river. The first or- 
 ganization at Valley Falls, then Grasshopper Falls, was effected 
 on the 14th of June, 1857, by Rev. J. B. McAfee, a full account of 
 which is found in the sketch of the pioneer work and workers in 
 the opening chapters of this volume. Rev: McAfee served this
 
 164 
 
 ST. PAUL'S, VALLEY FALLS. 
 
 church in connection with one at Crooked Creek, one at Pardee, 
 and one at Monrovia, preaching at two of them every other Sunday. 
 When the civil war broke out he became very anxious to enlist, 
 finally resigning his field and entering the army in the summer of 
 1862. It was the rule of Rev. McAfee not to accept any compen- 
 sation for his services as pastor or preacher. At one time he re- 
 fused a purse of $50 which had been collected for him. The result 
 
 ST. PAUL'S CHURCH. 
 
 of this policy very naturally was to cripple the charge when it call- 
 ed a pastor who devoted his entire time to preaching the gospel 
 rather than sharing it with farming. This was evident soon after, 
 when the congregation at Grasshopper Falls sold some of its prop- 
 erty to pay the pastor's salary. In June, 1864, Rev. S. P. Harring- 
 ton began holding an occasional service in the little walnut church 
 erected with much personal toil by Father McAfee. In his church 
 record at that time he says there were only five members residing 
 there, and this seemed so small a number that it was not regarded 
 as an organization. However in 1866 there came a number of sub-
 
 ST. PAUL% VALLEY FALLS. 165 
 
 stantial Lutheran families from Illinois, who wanted regular stated 
 services. Rev. Harrington was then serving the Monrovia church 
 as missionary under the appointment of the Home Mission Society, 
 and getting the consent of that society and the church at Monrovia, 
 he decided to give Grasshopper Falls regular services and to re- 
 organize the church there. This was done on the 7th of October, 
 1866, and the church named, "The Grasshopper Falls Ev. Lutheran 
 church." The following charter members were enrolled : Abraham 
 Hosier, Martha Hosier, Martha Rectorl, Catherine Vandenberg, 
 Emily Divelbiss, G. W. Crotzer, Mary E. Crotzer, Levi Zimmerman, 
 Lucinda Zimmerman, Sarah Beegle, Elizabeth Beegle, Anthony 
 Walters, Michael Senn, Mary Crotzer, Anton Reichard, Sr., Fred- 
 erick Reichard, Margaret Reichard, Frederick Doelfelder, Anna 
 Doelfelder, Joseph Hilty, Barbara Hilty, Philip Reichard, Anton 
 Richard, Jr., Rev. J. B. McAfee, Anna McAfee, Rev. S. P. Harring- 
 ton and Hannah Harrington. The first Church Council was com- 
 posed of Abraham Hosier and Anton Reichard Sr., Elders; G. W. 
 Crotzer and Michael Senn, Deacons. The church record states 
 that a regular call was not extended to Rev. Harrington until April 
 1868. In the spring of 1869 a Sunday school was organized under 
 the auspices of the American Sunday School Union, which, in the 
 following year, was re-organized as a strictly Lutheran school. In 
 1870 plans were adopted for the erection of a brick church and a 
 building committee appointed but owing to the stringency of the 
 times the project was abandoned. In August, 1871, Rev. Harring- 
 ton resigned. He was followed for a short time by Rev. S. N. St. 
 John. Then the charge for ten years was vacant, of which the re- 
 cords say, "Owing to removals and for other reasons all former 
 organizations of the Lutheran church at Valley Falls, failed or 
 were disbanded. Sometime in 1874 the church building passed into 
 the hands of the Presbyterian church, and there was no preaching 
 service held by any pastor of the Lutheran church from 1874 until 
 June, 1885." 
 
 At the last named date Rev. A. M. Geiger went to Valley Falls, 
 commissioned as a missionary by the Board of Home Missions, and 
 on the 1st of August organized "The St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran 
 Church," with forty-two souls, among whom were, G. W. Crotzer, 
 Edw. Snyder, Mariah Snyder, Jonathan Kramer, Alice Kramer, 
 Thos. Swab, Susan Swab, J. M. Dornblaser, Mrs. Amelia Dorn- 
 blaser, E. W. Benedix, Elizabeth Benedix, Edw. Martin, Kate Mar- 
 tin, Philip Klebenstein, Elizabeth Klebenstein and Hannah Stock- 
 well. Messrs Crotzer and Benedix were chosen Elders, and Messrs
 
 166 ST. PAUL'S, VALLEY FALLS. 
 
 Snyder and Swab were made Deacons, and J. Kramer and E. W. 
 Benedix, Trustees. 
 
 The church at once prospered under the wise direction of Rev. 
 Geiger. In his second quarterly report to the Mission Board he 
 said, "We have now secured a very well located corner lot, 150 by 
 150 feet, and have started a subscription to pay for the same." 
 They had been worshipping in a Methodist church, taking the build- 
 ing when not in use by that denomination. Plans for the erection 
 of a brick building 34 by 55 feet were adopted and the enterprise 
 was rapidly pushed to completion. The dedication took place Jan- 
 uary 23d, 1887, Revs. S. B. Barnitz and J. M. Cromer assisting the 
 pastor in the ceremonies. The structure was Gothic, one story, with 
 a commanding tower 94 feet high, and was quite churchly both as 
 to its interior and exterior. The room was lighted with a Bailey 
 reflector and seated with 300 assembly chairs. The pulpit was 
 made from California red wood. The total cost was $5,733, and 
 on the dedication day $1,318 were needed which was partially pro- 
 vided. The Board of Church Extension loaned them $500 and do- 
 nated $200. 
 
 On Friday morning August 5th, a little over six months after the 
 church was dedicated, it was struck by lightning and consumed by 
 fire. By almost superhuman efforts the organ, the chandeliers, 
 most of the chairs, and windows were saved, in the midst of a ter- 
 rific storm, the determined people battling with both elements, fire 
 and water. A debt of $600 still remained on the structure aside 
 from the Church Extension loan, and there was no insurance. For 
 a while it seemed very dark to both pastor and people. But undis- 
 mayed by the fire disaster they set to work to rebuild as soon as 
 material could be obtained. Help began to pour in from many 
 sides. The Church Extension gave them another loan of $500, and 
 a donation of $566.96 which latter was largely the gift of Kansas 
 Synod which subscribed $503 at the fall meeting. The re-built 
 structure was ready for dedication on the 18th of December of 
 the same year when the pastor was assisted by Revs. J. M. Cromer, 
 T. F. Dornblaser, and J. B. McAfee. Rev. Geiger resigned Decem- 
 ber 1st, 1889, and was followed by Rev. J. W. Thomas in June, who 
 remained but four months. After another vacancy of nearly six 
 months Rev. Geiger was recalled, remaining as pastor until March, 
 1893, when he was succeeded by Rev. J. B. Umberger. At this 
 time the Valley Falls and Effingham churches united as a pastoral 
 charge. About the middle of 1895 Rev. Umberger was succeeded 
 by Rev. S. M. Lesher, who remained until the spring of 1898. Dur-
 
 ST. JOHN'S, VINLAND. 167 
 
 ing the latters incumbency, $800 was paid on the interest bearing 
 debt on the new building. From this time until June, 1901, the 
 charge was vacant, being supplied occasionally. At the latter date 
 Rev. J. M. Herbst took charge, and served until December 1st, 
 1906, when he resigned to devote all his time to the church in 
 Effingham. At present the church reports 37 members, and a debt 
 of $1,900. Rev. Holmes Dysinger, D. D., of the Western Theolog- 
 ical Seminary, now supplies them regularly, the congregation hav- 
 ing been separated by the Synod from Effingham. 
 
 VINLAND, ST. JOHN'S. 
 
 Among the sturdy Lutheran laymen who came to Kansas in the 
 pioneer days, there were none who loved the church more loyally 
 than Father Joseph Eberhard, who had emigrated from the East 
 in 1854 as soon as the territory was opened, and pre-empted land 
 in the southern part of Douglass county. Here he felt the isola- 
 tion keenly for there were no Lutheran churches in the state as 
 yet. He felt the need of the means of grace for his family and soon 
 began to cast about in search for a Lutheran minister. Soon after 
 the arrival of Rev. David Earhart, the second Lutheran minister to 
 enter the state of Kansas, Father Eberhard heard of him and earn- 
 estly invited him to visit Douglass county and preach for them. 
 The invitation was accepted and the services were held in the hos- 
 pitable home of Mr. Eberhard. On the 29th of May, 1860, he or- 
 ganized Christ's Ev. Lutheran church with about twenty- four char- 
 ter members. He served this church for eight long years, and its 
 service was possibly the most strenuous in its exactions on a pas- 
 tor's strength of any in Kansas. During a part of this time the 
 pastor was living near Atchison and serving a church at East Nor- 
 way, another in Brown county, and still another in Doniphan 
 county much of the time. He would occasionally preach at Pardee, 
 his old home, and so, to make the itineracy, a tremendous circuit 
 would have to be ridden sometimes involving over 100 miles. He 
 resigned the Vinland church in 1868, and was succeeded by Revs. 
 H. B. Belmer, 1869-73; A. A. Trimper, 1873-4; D. S. Altman, 1874- 
 9; D. Schbll, 1880-93, and since then Rev. R. B. Whitehill supplied 
 the church for a year, and afterward students from Midland Col- 
 lege and Baker University. 
 
 While Rev. D. Scholl was pastor a church was built. It is a 
 frame structure, 24 by 42 feet and at a cost of $1,500, and was
 
 168 
 
 THE WATERVILLE CHURCH. 
 
 dedicated on the 18th of November, 1883. Rev. T. F. Dornblaser 
 preached the sermon and was assisted by the pastor and Rev. D. 
 Scholl. A remaining debt of $233 was not only raised but enough 
 in addition to purchase an organ for Ihe church. The church at the 
 present time is supplied occasionally by students, and reports about 
 25 members. 
 
 Sometime during the long history of this church the name was 
 changed from "Christ's" to "St. John's." Just when this was done 
 we cannot determine. Rev. Earhart in his historical data furnished 
 Kansas Synod says he organized the church as "Christ's and possi- 
 bly at a later date it was re-organized by some other pastor. 
 
 WATERVILLE, EV. LUTHERAN. 
 
 The pioneer work in the establishment of the Lutheran church 
 of the General Synod in Marshall and Washington counties was 
 done by Rev. F. R. Scherer who emigrated from Illinois and Iowa 
 to Waterville in 1868 and who combined preaching and farming 
 in his efforts to secure a livelihood. The Central Branch of the 
 Union Pacific railroad had just been completed to this village which 
 was destined for a while to be the terminus of the road. This 
 
 EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH.
 
 THE WATERV1LLE CHURCH. 169 
 
 opened the beautiful valley of the Blue for settlement. Among the 
 thrifty immigrants were German and Swedish Lutherans from the 
 Fatherland as well as quite a colony of Danes who settled to the 
 north of the village. Among these good people Father Scherer be- 
 gan to preach, in the spring of 1869, and after rather loosely or- 
 ganizing sixteen of them into a congregation on Saturday, April 
 12th, he began to agitate the erection of a building. But they were 
 all very poor, lumber was scarce and railroad rates were almost 
 prohibitive. They decided to do the work themselves. Tuesday, 
 May llth, 1869, was appointed as the day to begin. The pastor 
 set a good example by laying hold with his own hands. They hewed 
 logs for the sills as well as for the frame-work. The sides were 
 covered with rough un-planed cottonwood boards, up and down, 
 and without battens. Loose boards were laid for a floor and temp- 
 orary seats were constructed out of the same material. By Satur- 
 day night of the same week the structure, rough and rugged and 
 furnitureless, was completed, and on the following day it was ded- 
 icated, Rev. M. G. Boyer of Atchison assisting the pastor in the 
 consecration. The church was 20 by 30 feet, and cost $350, of 
 which $110 remained a debt to be carried for a while. The sum- 
 mer sun soon played havoc with the green cottonwood siding, which 
 curled and warped leaving great open cracks in the walls which un- 
 fitted it for use during the following winter. After this services 
 were held in the school houses, private homes, and now and then 
 in a passenger coach should any happen to be in the village over 
 Sunday. Having no home this congregation soon disintegrated. 
 
 The present Waterville church dates from Jan. 21st, 1871, when 
 the church was re-organized in the new frame school building, a 
 constitution adopted, and the following charter members enrolled: 
 Christian Shirck, Mrs. Mary Shirck, J. H. Reitzell, Mrs. Emma 
 Reitzell, Geo. M. Kindel, Mrs. Eliza Kindel, Isaak H. Flook, Mrs. 
 Ruth, F. B. Flook, Aug. Frahm, Mrs. Sophia Frahm, Daniel Reitzell, 
 Mrs. Melvina Reitzell, Jacob Baker, Mrs. Magdalena Baker, James 
 Smith, Mrs. Maria Winklepeck, Mary E. Winklepeck, Saml. L. 
 Shirck, and Mrs. Mary E. Shirck. Mr. C. Shirck and Mr. J. H. 
 Reitzell were elected elders; Jacob Baker and Aug. Frahm, dea- 
 cons; and Geo. Kindahl, Dan'l Reitzell and Samuel Shirck, trustees. 
 
 On February 12th, 1871, Rev. D. Harbaugh was elected pastor. 
 At the same time steps were taken to secure a lot for the location 
 of a church. The railroad contributed one on the condition that 
 it be properly fenced, which was duly complied with. A month 
 later it was decided to "arise and build" and a committee was ap-
 
 170 
 
 THE WATERVILLE CHURCH. 
 
 pointed to proceed, but the 
 coming of the great swarms 
 of grasshoppers that year 
 made this step impossible. 
 From November, 1872 to 
 November, 1873 the Home 
 Mission So. aided to the ex- 
 tent of $200. As the Ken- 
 yon school house 3 miles 
 westward was located near 
 a large Lutheran settle- 
 ment, the services were 
 transferred there. After 
 seven years of faithful ser- 
 vice Rev. Harbaugh was 
 succeeded on the 28th of 
 September, 1878, by Rev. 
 Jacob Schauer. In this 
 church the first Woman's 
 Home and Foreign Mis- 
 sion Society in Kansas was 
 organized on the 7th of 
 September, 1879, and by Mrs. J. Schauer, while the congregation 
 worshipped in the Kenyon school house three miles out of Water- 
 ville. This society is still in existence. Mrs. Schauer also organ- 
 ized a Missionary Society at Hebron. 
 
 Rev. J. A. Lowe became pastor in September, 1883. He at once 
 inaugurated a movement which transplanted the congregation from 
 the country to the town. The Baptist church was rented and here 
 services were held until the new church was built. In the fall of 
 1884 a building committee composed of Rev. Lowe, J. B. Livers, 
 M. L. Reitzel, Henry Brammer and J. H. Reitzell, was appointed. 
 Plans were adopted for a frame structure 28 by 44 feet with a 
 tower 8 by 8 feet. The corner stone was laid on the 23d of Nov- 
 ember, 1884, Rev. W. C. Seidel assisting the pastor. The church 
 was dedicated on the 26th of July, 1885, Rev. J. M. Cromer preach- 
 ing the sermon. There were present, also, Rev. I. J. Delo, of Law- 
 rence, Dr. Charles Martin of St. Joseph, and the local ministers 
 who assisted the pastor in the consecration. The building had cost 
 $2,525 of which $700 remained unprovided for on the day of ded- 
 ication. This was all raised, the Board of Church Extension donat- 
 ing $200. The church was furnished with ash pews trimmed in 
 
 REV. D. HARBAUGH.
 
 HEBRON CHURCH, WATERVILLE CHARGE. " 171 
 
 walnut and walnut pulpit furniture. On the same day Rev. Lowe 
 closed his ministry, December 15, 1888, he was succeeded by Rev. 
 J. F. Sponseller who remained on the field till December 15, 1891, 
 doing good work. Rev. I. B. Heisey was called June 5, 1892, and 
 is the present pastor. The following year a movement was inaug- 
 urated for the erection of a parsonage. The initial steps were taken 
 by the missionary society which secured a site 88 by 150 feet. The 
 stone for the foundation was quarried under the supervision of the 
 pastor, the stone and hauling being donated, as was also the exca- 
 vating for the cellar and walls and the laying of the foundation. 
 The house in which the congregation originally had been organized 
 was purchased and moved upon this foundation. After some re- 
 pairing and overhauling it resolved itself into a very comfortable 
 parsonage. The money cost to the congregation was $800, and 
 the property today is valued at $2,000. The pastor being a car- 
 penter made this possible by toiling with his own hands. The 
 church reports 121 members and property valued at $4,000 with 
 no indebtedness. The church is connected with the Hebron and the 
 Walnut Township churches in a pastoral charge. 
 
 WATERVILLE, HEBRON. 
 
 The initiatory work in the establishment of the Hebron Ev. Luth- 
 eran church was done by Rev. David Harbaugh while he was ser- 
 ving the Waterville church. To this end he labored in season and 
 out of season, never seeming to measure his services by the pay 
 he received. At a point five miles south and two miles east of 
 Waterville is Pleasant Hill school house and around it quite a Luth- 
 eran community. Here Rev. Harbaugh began his work at first 
 teaching the catechism to the children and later holding a series 
 of gospel meetings which resulted in a marked religious awakening. 
 Here on the 8th of June, 1878, he organized the Hebron church 
 with the following nineteen charter members: Margaret Harbaugh, 
 F. J. Falkner, Sallie C. Falkner, Charles F. Dietelback, Wm. Kistler, 
 T. K. Kistler, Sarah A. Dietelback, Saddy A. Dietelback, Arabella 
 A. Kistler, Mrs. Ellen Webber, William A. Kistler, Margaret Mac- 
 Donald, Angeline O. Harbaugh, George W. Harbaugh, William M. 
 Harbaugh, Charles A. Harbaugh, Michael Vernson, Sarah J. Kistler 
 and Helen Vernson. A constitution was adopted and the following 
 officers elected: Elders, C. F. Dietelback and W. K. Smith; Dea- 
 cons, F. J. Falkner and L. K. Kistler; Trustees C. F. Dietelback,
 
 172 HEBRON CHURCH, WATERVILLE CHARGE. 
 
 F. J. Falkner and L. K. Kistler. Rev. Harbaugh was called as pas- 
 tor remaining until he was succeeded by Rev. J. A. Lowe. The 
 latter began to hold services at the Keystone school house in the 
 Kistler neighborhood, where he preached alternating with the Pleas- 
 ant Hill school house. During the pastorate of Rev. J. F. Spon- 
 seller steps were taken to unite the two points and erect a church 
 building. This movement while agreed to in the main caused some 
 estrangement on the part of a few. However the Swedish church 
 in that neighborhood was rented for a time. In 1891 a building 
 lot was secured at Cottage Hill and the work started. The plans 
 
 HEBRON CHURCH. 
 
 called for a frame chapel 28 by 36 feet, with an addition 16 by 24 
 feet, and a tower eight feet square. While the church was begun 
 under Rev. Sponseller it was completed under Rev. Heisey. Much 
 of the work was donated, the outlay in money amounting to $2,400. 
 Of this sum the Board of Church Extension donated $100, and all 
 the balance was raised on the day of Dedication, September 11, 
 1892. Revs. J. A. Clutz, D.D., J. F. Sponseller and J. A. Lowe 
 assisted the pastor in the consecration services. Hard times fol- 
 lowing the building of the church some shrinkage took place in
 
 THE WALNUT TP. CHURCH, WATERVILLE CHARGE. 
 
 173 
 
 the subscriptions given, and the church found itself $300 in debt 
 a year after the dedication. The Church Extension Board made 
 them a loan of $250 to be paid back in $50 installments. All this 
 loan has been repaid. Rev. Sponseller was succeeded by Rev. I. 
 B. Heisey the present pastor. The church has been greatly weak- 
 ened by recent removals. It has 22 communicant members and 
 property valued at $2,500. It is a part of the Waterville charge. 
 
 WATERVILLE, WALNUT TP., EV. LUTHERAN. 
 
 The community in which this church is located is eight miles 
 north and one mile east of Waterville. Here a frame church 24 
 by 36 feet had been erected by the Scandinavian Ev. Lutheran 
 church. A well kept cemetery is located by the side of the church. 
 Rev. Heisey was called as early as 1893 to conduct a funeral and 
 the place had been visited by other pastors previously, but the field 
 did not seem ripe for our work until later. In 1894 Rev. Heisey 
 began holding services in a school house three and a half miles 
 northeast of Waterville where a Sunday school was organized. 
 This work was successfully carried on until it was greatly hindered 
 by the moving to other parts of the young people. In 1895 another 
 point was opened four miles farther north at a place known as 
 Blanchville. Here a catechetical class was conducted for a season 
 
 WALNUT TOWNSHIP LUTHERAN CHURCH.
 
 174 WALNUT TP. CHURCH, WATERVILLE CHARGE. 
 
 and Sunday evening services held. These services were largely 
 attended by both young and old from a Danish settlement. It was 
 not long until the desire was expressed that the pastor preach in 
 the Danish Lutheran church four and a half miles northwest. This 
 request was complied with and in the fall of 1897 a catechetical 
 class was conducted, and on the 1st of January, 1898, the English 
 Ev. Lutheran church of Walnut Township was organized, with the 
 
 WATERVILLE CHARGE PARSONAGE. 
 
 following charter members: George Eddy, Susan Eddy, Peter Lar- 
 son, Albert Larson, Albert Peterson, Laura Peterson, Martin Scott, 
 Mrs. Martin Scott, Peter Anderson, Adolph Giffert, Minnie John- 
 son, Gertrude Behm, Delia Behm, Nora Livene, Emma Livene, 
 Marie Lavine, Hans Hanson, Henry Hanson, Peter Peterson, Anna 
 Peterson, Lena Blasser, Clara Blasser, Lucy Scott, Clara Scott, 
 John Blasser, Andrew Peterson, Otto Giffert, Louis Nelson and 
 Marie Nelson. A constitution was adopted, and two young men 
 were elected Deacons, J. P. Larson and George Eddy. In the win- 
 ter of 1903-4 the old Danish organization was consolidated with 
 the new one and the church is now known as the English Ev. Luth- 
 eran church of Walnut Township. The present membership is 60 
 and the officers are as follows: Elders, Paul Peterson, and Martin 
 Scott; Deacons, James Nielson, and Albert Peterson; Trustees, 
 Peter Christiansen, Hans Hanson and Albert Peterson. The church 
 has a property valued at $2,500 and no indebtedness. It is a part 
 of the Waterville pastorate.
 
 ZION'S CHURCH, WHITEWATER. 
 
 WHITEWATER, ZION'S. 
 
 175 
 
 In the year 1879 Rev. Henry Acker emigrated from Ottawa, Illi- 
 nois, to Newton, Kansas, pre-empting a quarter section of land to 
 the southeast of that city. After preaching in school houses 
 wherever opportunity afforded, he organized a Sunday school in the 
 Richland school house in the neighborhood of Annelly. Finding 
 people here willing to enter a church organization, he effected the 
 organization of Zion's Ev. Lutheran church on March 20th, 1881. 
 At that time the nearest town was the county seat, Newton, 13 miles 
 distant, and from this point for a while Rev. Acker served the little 
 congregation, maintaining himself with his farm. The charter 
 members of the church were, Rev. Henry Acker, Mrs. Martha A. 
 Acker, Mr. and Mrs. A. Hanstein, C. C. Acker, J. L. Gorman, A. M. 
 Gorman, Margaret Schriver, Sallie Overholt and Ada Worthington. 
 Services were held in this school hQuse until the fall of 1885. At 
 this time the Missouri Pacific railroad was built and a station 
 Annelly located. The M. E. church people at this station kindly 
 permitted the use of their church by the Lutherans and the school 
 house was abandoned, and for the next three years the congrega- 
 
 ZION'S CHURCH.
 
 176 ZION'S CHURCH., WHITEWATER. 
 
 tion worshipped in this church. In the meantime the Rock Island 
 railroad had pushed its way southward and crossed the Missouri 
 Pacific just over the line in Butler county where the new town of 
 Whitewater sprang up. The congregation having no property de- 
 cided to move four miles to the east and build a church, in White- 
 water. Ground was broken early in 1889, and by the middle of 
 June a neat frame structure, 30 by 40 feet was completed and furn- 
 ished, costing $1,400, which was dedicated with great joy on the 
 part of the people on the 9th of June. The dedicatory sermon was 
 preached by on which occasion all in- 
 debtedness was cancelled. This church was burned to the ground 
 on the 19th of November, 1893, from unknown causes. Happily 
 it was insured for $940, which gave the little band a nest-egg with 
 which to rebuild. Plans were adopted for a larger building, which, 
 while located on the old foundation, had a smaller room attached, 
 15 by 21 feet. This building 'was dedicated on the 17th of June, 
 1894, when Western Secretary Barnitz and President Clutz assisted 
 in the dedication and added vastly to the joy of the occasion by 
 their sermons. The entire debt was provided for. One of the Pres- 
 idents of Synod in his annual report says of the Whitewater con- 
 gregation, "Wise management, faith and benevolence, have char- 
 acterized pastor and people throughout their history." Pastor 
 Acker deserves great credit for his loyal work in establishing this 
 church. He never received any aid from either the Home Mission 
 Board or the Church Extension Board. For over sixteen years he 
 faithfully preached the gospel to this people and administered the 
 holy sacraments. On account of the infirmities of old age he re- 
 signed on the 27th of April, 1897. He died on the 13th of June 
 the following year, greatly loved and lamented. Rev. M. D. Berg 
 was called, taking charge in June, 1897, and served the church 
 until June, 1900, when he was succeeded by Rev. Elmer H. Combs. 
 During his pastorate a comfortable parsonage was bought located 
 only a short distance from the church building. Rev. Combs re- 
 signed in February, 1905. During the latter part of 1905 and the 
 first half of 1906 the church was supplied by Rev. F. R. Shirck. At 
 the close of his seminary course in May he became pastor, when 
 the Mission Board granted the congregation some aid. This church 
 reports a membership of 64 and property to the value of $3,500. 
 It has the reputation of being the most benevolent church in the 
 synod in proportion to its membership, a record it has maintained 
 for a number of years, all of which speaks volumes to the wisdom 
 of its founder.
 
 ST. JOHN'S, WELLINGTON. 177 
 
 WELLINGTON, ST. JOHN'S. 
 
 The pioneer work in establishing the English Lutheran church 
 in Sumner county was done by Rev. J. G. M. Hursh, who went on 
 a visit to the southeastern part of the county in the spring of 1887. 
 After establishing a church at Portland in a school house, and 
 erecting a building at Perth, he came to Wellington in February, 
 1888, canvassed the place, rented a store room, and announced ser- 
 vices, soon finding enough material to justify the organization of 
 a church. Services were held in a rickety old store room every two 
 weeks, and a Sunday school of fifty members built up. The or- 
 ganization was effected on the 8th of July with twenty-seven mem- 
 bers. A constitution was adopted and a full complement of officers 
 elected and installed, and St. John's Ev. Lutheran church of Well- 
 ington, became an assured fact, however, little dreaming of what 
 an experience they were to pass through. At the same meeting a 
 building committee was appointed and instructed to push matters 
 as rapidly as possible in the erection of a church home. 
 
 Rev. J. N. Lenker, western secretary of the Board of Church 
 Extension, visited the place and aided in the solicitation of funds 
 and made the church a loan of $300 from his board. The corner 
 stone was laid on the 16th of September, Rev. S. Henry preaching 
 the sermon in the M. E. church. The superstructure was pushed 
 rapidly to completion, and on the 24th of October the building was 
 set apart for the worship of God, Rev. W. M. Sparr, the President 
 of the Synod, preaching the dedicatory sermon. The Church Ex- 
 tension Board gave them $200 in addition to their loan, and $823, 
 were raised on the day of dedication. When the church was set 
 apart it had a debt of $1,500. About the same time a parsonage 
 one story high, 34 by 24 feet adjoining the church, was built, cost- 
 ing $1,000. The congregation was on a good footing, when Rev. 
 Hursh receiving an urgent call to Hutchinson, accepted the same, 
 leaving Wellington on the 17th day of April, 1891. He was suc- 
 ceeded immediately by Rev. R. B. Whitehill, who, having a large 
 family, finding the parsonage too small, at once set about adding 
 another story. This improvement, together, with a new front and 
 back porch, gave the building a much finer appearance. 
 
 The church building was found in an unfinished condition espe- 
 cially in its furnishings, without pews, pulpit furniture or carpeting, 
 lit up by kerosene lamps arranged around the room. The new pas- 
 tor at once began the securing of funds with which to modernize 
 things a little. Over one hundred letters were written to churches
 
 178 
 
 ST. JOHN'S, WELLINGTON. 
 
 and friends at a distance, and solicitations made at home, until it 
 was thought a sufficient amount could be counted on, and the work 
 of transition commenced. New pews were put into the audience 
 room, and the room carpeted, new pulpit furniture installed, walls 
 neatly papered, while gas light was thrown from lamps and chand- 
 eliers over all. These improvements cost about $500 and were paid 
 for at the time. How true however that "Man proposes, but God 
 disposes", for the congregation had worshipped in the renovated 
 building but a very few Sabbaths until all was carried away by the 
 dreadful cyclone which visited Wellington on the 27th of May, 
 1892, at 9 P. M. Thus in a few moments perished the fond hopes 
 of the mission for it was still a mission regularly aided by the 
 Home Board. The day had been warm, the atmosphere very close 
 
 ST. JOHN'S CHURCH AFTER THE CYCLONE. 
 
 and sultry, with scarcely a leaf moving. Dark clouds had been 
 gathering off and on through the day, the sun going down with 
 everything still and hushed. The night following was pitch dark 
 and as the hour of 9 neared, a terrible storm was heard coming 
 from the southwest. It struck the town full force, and in a few 
 awful seconds, swept the streets with death and destruction. Three 
 hundred buildings, by actual count, business houses and residences,
 
 ST. JOHN'S, WELLINGTON. 179 
 
 were totally destroyed, or so badly wrecked that they had to be 
 torn down. The Lutheran, Presbyterian and the Episcopal churches 
 were utterly destroyed. The Congregational, Christian and the 
 Baptist churches were more or less severely damaged. The Luth- 
 eran parsonage, however, located within ten or twelve feet, was 
 somwhat shaken up, but not particularly damaged. The chimney 
 was blown off, some of the door frames a little twisted, and a few 
 joints opened by the sudden jar. The end of the barn was blown 
 up against the pastor's buggy, and the buggy pressed against the 
 stall in which his pony stood, but providentially all were held back 
 from becoming a mass of ruins by a strongly erected coal bin at 
 the other end of the barn. The pastor was in the act of getting 
 his family of seven into the church cellar for safety, when his 
 church was picked up bodily and smashed into pieces, some of it 
 carried far away. A remarkable feature of the storm was that 
 while the three churches were destroyed, their parsonages adjoin- 
 ing them were left intact, the pastors and families remaining in 
 them in safety, momuments of a kind Providence. 
 
 Fifteen people were killed outright, and about seventy were more 
 or less injured. Property to the value of $250,000 in these few 
 seconds of time was destroyed. Rev. Whitehill lost his library and 
 all his private records, besides the data which had been gathered 
 by the various historians of the Kansas Synod, he being elected to 
 that office only a short time before. The writer feels this to be his 
 personal loss for in his search for facts in the early history of Luth- 
 eranism in Kansas he has been brought face to face with a blank 
 dating beyond the time of this fearful cyclone. The news of this 
 sad visitation spread like a flash all over the land, and sympathy 
 was wired from a hundred points, and the universal offer was, "We 
 want to help you" Money running up into thousands of dollars, 
 flowed into the stricken city, to feed the hungry, and help them to 
 rebuild their homes. The Lutheran church received from the Re- 
 lief Committee, $1,000 and the pastor $250 to assist them in get- 
 ting on their feet. While none of the church people were killed or 
 injured, the loss was a great one for them and they were thorough- 
 ly discouraged, and more so from the fact they still owed $1,500 
 on the destroyed building. Many felt like giving up the battle. 
 Never was a pastor compelled to face a more distressing state of 
 affairs in view of the fact, that he was a missionary and his church 
 a mission. With a courage and a hope that inspired all whom he 
 met, he bade them to be "strong and of good courage." He felt 
 that God would help them out of their troubles. He made the
 
 180 ST. JOHN'S, WELLINGTON. 
 
 proposition to them that if they would take care of the old debt, he 
 would see that a better church would be erected in place of the 
 one destroyed, and that it should not cost the local church a cent. 
 The proposition was accepted and the agreement was kept to the 
 letter. The courageous pastor took off his coat and went to work. 
 He became architect, boss carpenter and day laborer. Through the 
 hot summer he put on that church 1 10 days of manual toil, besides 
 soliciting funds far and near, and keeping up all regular church 
 services in the charge. Funds came in every mail. The new build- 
 
 ST. JOHN'S CHURCH AND PARSONAGE. 
 
 ing rose like magic from the surrounding ruins, and by the 15th of 
 January, 1893 was ready for dedication. The new church is more 
 beautiful and better arranged than the old one. It has a main 
 audience room 28 by 48 feet with a pulpit recess 5 by 12 feet. It 
 has a Sunday school room 12 by 28 feet connected with the main 
 room by sliding doors, a pastor's study 10 by 10 feet, and a tower 
 10 by 10 feet and 46 feet high. The church is seated with pews, 
 newly carpeted, and the walls nicely papered, save in the main 
 room, where the ceiling is panelled after a very neat design. The 
 total cost was $3,050. To offset this cost $1,000 came from the 
 cyclone Relief Fund, $1,400 from churches and friends at distant
 
 GERMAN SYNOD OF NEBRASKA. 181 
 
 points, $350 gathered by committees of the young people, and $300 
 from salvage of the old building. With the completion of the church 
 new life was infused into the congregation, and both pastor and 
 people were grateful and happy. Rev. Whitehill deserves great 
 credit for his courage and perservance in bringing his beloved 
 church out of the gloomy shadows, and placing it again in the glor- 
 ious sunshine of prosperity. His work will long abide as a mon- 
 ument to a sturdy faith and a loyal heart and hand in the time of 
 need. In May, 1894, he resigned, and was succeeded by Rev. B. F. 
 Pugh, who served the charge faithfully until succeeded by Rev. E. 
 E. Stauffer in July of 1898. After the resignation of this brother, 
 there was a vacancy with an occasional supply for over a year. 
 The congregation then called Rev. C. F. Schultz who assumed 
 charge on the 1st of April, 1904, and remained pastor until July 
 1st, 1905. Rev. A. M. Reitzel accepted a call in December and on 
 the 1st of January, 1906, took charge, and is the present pastor. 
 The church has 57 members, and reports property to the value of 
 $5,000. It is still a mission receiving a small remittance every 
 year from the Home Board. A Missionary Society was organized 
 in 1889 which continued for a while and then disbanded. Later 
 it was reorganized and at present is a helpful factor in the church. 
 
 GERMAN SYNOD OF NEBRASKA 
 CHURCHES IN KANSAS. 
 
 While the churches connected with the German Synod of Ne- 
 braska, (G. S.) are mainly in Nebraska a number are located in 
 Kansas as follows: Trinity church, in Russell county; Immanuels, 
 in Barton county; Friedens, in Russell county; St. Paul's at Dor- 
 ranee; Imamnuels, in Russell county; one at Hanover; one at 
 Home, Kansas; and one in Marshall county. 
 
 HANOVER, GERMAN EV. LUTHERAN. 
 
 The German Ev. Lutheran church of Hanover, Kansas had its 
 organization in 1874, when thirty-five souls incorporated among 
 themselves a congregation and proceeded to erect a small brick 
 church, doing this before it had called a pastor. In 1882 under the 
 pastorate of Rev. P. Groenmiller the church was enlarged to the
 
 182 
 
 HANOVER, GERMAN EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH. 
 
 dimensions of 26 by 60 feet. A school building was also erected 
 and a frame parsonage 20 by 36. The cost of these improvements, 
 all told, was $5,500. At present the congregation has about 75 
 heads of families and 200 communicant members. It sustains a 
 parochial school with an enrollment of 28. While the congregation 
 does not belong to any synod, by the provision of its constitution its 
 pastor must belong to the General Synod. It never received any aid 
 from the Mission Board. The pastors have been as follows: P. 
 Groenmiller, 1876-88; J. Bond, 1891; C. Rumff, 1892; L. Schab- 
 inger, 1894; . . . Rudolph, 1896; J. Paetznick, 1896-1900; K. Kling- 
 er, 1907. 
 
 GERMAN EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH. 
 
 RUSSELL, ST, JOHN'S. 
 
 Russell county as well as its county seat, Russell, was the ob- 
 jective point of many German settlers, who true to their fatherland 
 instincts, were not satisfied until they had church privileges in their 
 own tongue. This resulted in the location of churches in Russell, 
 in Dorrance, at a point 12 miles south of Russell, and two others 
 south of Dorrance. St. John's church in Russell was organized on
 
 RUSSELL, ST. JOHN'S. 
 
 183 
 
 the 10th of June, 1900, by Rev. G. F. Muller. The following charter 
 members were enrolled: Henry Frier, Alex. Reinhardt, Jacob 
 Strecker, Carl Millberger, Jacob Deines, Aug. Reiff, Andrew Ruff, 
 Henry Strecker, Jacob Stenzel, Herman Luck, with their families. 
 After worshipping in quarters other than their own for a season, 
 they decided at a congregational meeting held on the 4th of Novem- 
 ber following, to erect a building of their own. Plans were soon 
 adopted for a frame structure 30 by 50 feet with a tower 12 by 12 
 feet and 80 feet high, and an altar nave 12 by 18 feet. Lots locat- 
 ed on Main street just north of the court house were purchased at 
 a cost of $1,000, and ground was immediately broken for a church 
 building. The structure was dedicated on Sunday Rogate, May 12, 
 1901, when all indebtedness was provided. The building cost $5,000. 
 
 ST. JOHN'S CHURCH AND PARSONAGE. 
 
 It is seated with solid oak seats and lighted with incandescent gas- 
 oline lights. A beautiful high altar, finished in white enamel and 
 gold, was placed in the nave back of the pulpit. A pulpit in sim- 
 ilar finish was placed to one side. The entire interior presents a 
 very churchly appearance, in harmony with Lutheran ideas of 
 church architecture. The congregation has a membership of 212
 
 184 DORRANCE AND HOME CHURCHES. 
 
 communicants with a good Sunday school of 115 enrolled. The 
 church is a member of the German Synod of Nebraska. In Octo- 
 ber, 1906, the congregation decided to erect a parsonage on the va- 
 cant lots adjoining the church. The plans called for a ten room 
 house including the halls, at a cost of $2,500, which was completed 
 by Christmas that same year. It is said to be one of the nicest resi- 
 dences in Russell. The pastors were as follows: Revs. G. F. F. 
 Muller, organizer; R. P. Schimmelpfennig, 1902-4; A. Mennenoeh, 
 1904-6; and Paul V. Toerne, 1906, who is the present pastor. This 
 church is connected with that at Dorrance as a pastoral charge. It 
 owns a four acre cemetery located just east of Russell. 
 
 DORRANCE, GERMAN EV. LUTHERAN. 
 
 The German Ev. Lutheran church of Dorrance was organized in 
 1904 by , when the congregation pur- 
 chased a small house and lot as a place of worship. This soon 
 proving too small and inconvenient, in September, 1906, the con- 
 gregation decided to erect a more commodious building. Plans 
 were adopted for a structure 24 by 40 feet, to cost $2,000, which 
 was finished and dedicated on the 9th of June, 1907, Rev. H. L. 
 Yarger, D. D., delivering the sermon, when all moneys needed were 
 raised excepting $300. At this service the pastor was assisted by 
 Revs. J. Holzberger and H. Lenser. The building has a small 
 tower in the front 12 feet square and sixty feet high. As yet the 
 congregation is not connected with any synod. It has a member- 
 ship of nineteen families, a small Sunday school, and has services 
 once a month by the pastor who serves St. John's church at Russell. 
 
 HOME, KANSAS, FRIEDENS. 
 
 Among the churches to the credit of Rev. J. G. Groenmiller as 
 organizer, is that of the Friedens Ev. Lutheran church of Home, 
 Kansas, which was organized in August, 1885, with 25 charter mem- 
 bers. Rev. Groenmiller was followed in 1886 by Rev. Chr. Thorn- 
 sen (1886-1889) and during the latter's pastorate a frame church 
 was erected 28 by 45 at a cost of $2,500. A small loan was made 
 them by the Board of Church Extension. The church is free from 
 debt. Later a neat frame parsonage 20 by 28 feet was erected and 
 paid for. The church is German. It has a parochial school in
 
 HOME, ST. JOHN'S AND RUSSELL, TRINITY. 185 
 
 which the teaching of the German language is made a prominent 
 feature in its catechetical instruction. The congregation has been 
 served by Revs. J. G. Groenmiller, Chr. Thomsen, Fr. W. Kitzki, 
 J. Guteleben, F. W. Steffens, H. W. Fricke, and Rev. J. A. Hansen. 
 The last named is the present pastor. The charge is served in con- 
 nection with another congregation as a pastoral charge. The church 
 reports 45 members, and the charge property valued at $5,000 with 
 no indebtedness. 
 
 HOME KANSAS, ST, JOHN'S. 
 
 To the north of Home City, Marshall county, in Balderson town- 
 ship, late in the sixties a number of German families settled. 
 Among these were the families of Mr. P. W. C. Hahn, D. Brums- 
 back, W. Brumsback, and P. Merklinghaus, who were impressed 
 with the need of a church in which the Gospel would be preached 
 in their native tongue. Here Rev. Bathe began to hold services re- 
 sulting in the- organization of St. Johannes church in 1869 with 
 eight families. For a number of years they worshipped in a school 
 house. In 1883 during the pastorate of Rev. Barkmann they erect- 
 ed a frame church 24 by 36 feet, with a tower 10 by 10 feet, cost- 
 ing $1,200. The dedication sermon was preached by the pastor and 
 all indebtedness was raised on the day of dedication. Later a 
 steeple was placed upon the tower. The church for some years 
 was independent and was served by independent pastors. Under 
 the pastorate of Rev. Fr. W. Kitzke, about 1892-3, it became a part 
 of the German Synod of Nebraska. It has been served by Revs. 
 Barkmann, Guteleben, Fr. W. Kitzke, F. W. Steffen 1893-1903, H. 
 W. Fricke, 1903-7, and J. A. Hansen the present pastor who took 
 charge in 1907. The church is connected with Freidens church at 
 Home City, as a pastoral charge. In 1869 the church laid out its 
 own cemetery which it sustains to this day. 
 
 RUSSELL COUNTY, TRINITY. 
 
 The pioneer work in laying the foundation for the establishing 
 of a German church in the southern part of Russell county 12 miles 
 south of Russell, was done by Rev. G. F. F. Muller, who was in- 
 strumental in doing much missionary work preparatory to establish- 
 ing a number of German churches in Kansas. The church was
 
 186 RUSSELL COUNTY, FRIEDENS. 
 
 organized in October, 1900, by Rev. E. Pfeiffer with the families 
 of the following: Mr. Jacob Meier, Mr. Geo. Dietz, Jacob Blohm, 
 Mr. Jacob Krug, Mr. Heinrich Krug, and Mr. George Bender. For 
 a season the congregation worshipped in a public school house. 
 However in 1902 and during the pastorate of Rev. Weimken plans 
 were adopted for the erection of a substantial stone church 28 by 
 42 feet and at a cost of $1900. During the same year a house was 
 bought for the pastor and enlarged by the addition of two rooms, 
 which is also constructed of stone, and cost $600. All debt on 
 these properties has been liquidated. The church has a parochial 
 school with an enrollment of twenty-four. It also has a cemetery 
 200 by 200 feet, which was laid out in 1893. For a time this con- 
 gregation was connected with Immanuel church at Stickney, Kan- 
 sas as a pastoral charge. But since July, 1906 it has been served 
 separately having its own pastor. The pastors have been as fol- 
 lows: Revs. E. Pfeiffer, 1900; H. Weimken; C. F. Duecker, 1903; 
 and since June, 1906, Rev. J. Holzberger. The church is connected 
 with the German Synod of Nebraska and has property valued at 
 $2,500 with no indebtedness. 
 
 RUSSELL COUNTY, FRIEDENS. 
 
 The pioneer work in the establishing of Frieden's church, 
 (Church of Peace) located in the southern part of Russell county, 
 was done by Rev. B. R. Huhn, of the German Iowa Synod. This 
 soon resulted in the organization of a congregation in 1904 with 
 twelve families. Rev. Huhn set himself to the task of erecting a 
 building at once. Plans were adopted for a structure 24 by 40 feet, 
 of wood, which when completed cost $1,400, all of which was paid 
 by the congregation. The lot on which the church stands was do- 
 nated by Mr. John Jacob Michaelis. The church at present has a 
 small parochial school with an enrollment of sixteen. Rev. Hahn 
 served the church during 1904-5; Rev. C. F. Duecker, German 
 Synod of Nebraska, 1905-6; Rev. Herman L. Lenser, the present 
 pastor took charge in April, 1906. The pastor resides at Hoising- 
 ton, Kansas. The church is enrolled in the parochial tables of the 
 German Synod of Nebraska, and is served in connection with Im- 
 manuels in Barton county, as a pastoral charge. The church owns 
 a cemetery located by the side of the church.
 
 STICKNEY, IMMANUELS DUBUQUE, IMMANUELS. 187 
 
 STICKNEY, BARTON COUNTY, IMMANUEL'S. 
 
 Rev. G. F. F. Muller, while he was pastor at Russell began hold- 
 ing services in the small inland town of Stickney, Barton county, 
 in 1898. In a short time he organized a congregation known as 
 Immanuel's church, with nineteen families. He was followed as 
 pastor by Rev. H. Wiemken in 1899 who remained till 1900. In 
 April that year Rev. R. Schimmelp.fennig took charge. During his 
 pastorate plans were adopted for the erection of a wooden church 
 26 by 40 feet, which was completed at a cost of $1,800 and dedicat- 
 ed free from debt. The lots for the church were the gift of Mr. 
 Philip Schneider. The church owns a parsonage 18 by 28 feet, 
 frame, which cost $700. It has a parochial school at present with 
 an enrollment of forty, and also maintains a Sunday school. The 
 pastors have been as follows: Rev. G. F. F. Muller, 1898-9; Rev. 
 H. Wiemken, 1899-1900; Rev. R. Schimmelpfennig, 1900-1; Rev. 
 E. Pfieffer 1901-3; Rev. C. F. Duecker, 1904-6, Rev. H. L. Lenser, 
 1906. The congregation owns a cemetery located near the church. 
 The church is served in connection with the Frieden's church in 
 Russell county, as a pastoral charge. It is enrolled in the German 
 Synod of Nebraska. 
 
 DUBUQUE, IMMANUEL'S. 
 
 Just north of the southern border line of Russell county a colony 
 of Germans settled in the seventies. Among these Rev. R. Erdt- 
 mann began preaching as early as 1879. On the 19th of October 
 that year he organized Immanuel's church at the small inland town 
 of Dubuque. The charter members consisted of Messrs Robert 
 Janne, George Kastorf, August Kluesener, Hermann Lucemann, 
 Heinrich Knabke, Hermann Kluesener, Eduard Rahenkampf, Chris- 
 tian Hilgenberg, George Ansehutz and George Buhler and their 
 families. The first trustees were August Kluesener, Christian An- 
 sohnictz and Dietrick Knabke. At first services were held in the 
 homes of the members. Shortly afterward and during the pastor- 
 ate of Rev. Erdtmann ground was obtained for a church and a 
 cemetery. Plans were adopted for a structure 23 by 43 feet, of 
 stone, and with a wooden tower, which was completed and dedicat- 
 ed. The building cost all told $2,000 and is without debt. In Nov- 
 ember, 1900 the congregation built a parsonage 28 by 30 feet, 
 frame, and at a cost of $1,200. This was all paid for when com-
 
 188 
 
 EMPORIA, ST. MARK'S CHANCEL. 
 
 pleted. The congregation has a parochial school with an enroll- 
 ment of 30 and a Sunday school with a similar enrollment. The 
 cemetery is located opposite the church. The pastors have been 
 as follows: Revs. R. Erdtmann, 1883-93; Bracuhahn, 1893-6; H. 
 Westphal, 1896; John Kleinhaus, 1896-1901; C. A. Mennenoh, 
 1901-4; Carl Martin, 1904-7; Friedrich Kasten, 1907. For some 
 time the church was independent served by independent and Mis- 
 souri Synod pastors. In 1901 It came within the influence of the 
 German Synod of Nebraska in which it is at present enrolled. 
 It has 104 communicant members and property valued at $2,675. 
 
 CHANCEL OF ST. MARK'S CHURCH EMPORIA, REV. G. G. CLARK, PASTOR. 
 DEDICATED AUGUST 25, 1907. SEE PAGE 76.
 
 BARNES, MESSIAH CHURCH. 189 
 
 CHURCHES ORGANIZED AND ADMIT- 
 TED INTO KANSAS SYNOD 
 
 Now No Longer Existing, or Dismissed To Other 
 
 Synods. 
 
 Barnes, Messiah In 1878 Rev. Jacob Schauer emigrated from 
 Ohio to Greenleaf, where he purchased a farm and immediately 
 began mission work in Washington county preaching in the school 
 houses in that neighborhood. On the 3d of August, 1879, he or- 
 ganized the Messiah church at Barnes in the school house. He serv- 
 ed this congregation in connection with one at Waterville, and the 
 same fall reported the new church to the Synod when it was en- 
 rolled having with the church at Waterville a combined membership 
 of 37. Wishing to build a church at Barnes he asked the synod to 
 recommend his church to the Church Extension Board for a loan 
 of $200. With this encouragement he began to prepare for build- 
 ing a church. As the place was new and the crops poor this was 
 a large undertaking. The building was dedicated on the 19th of 
 February, 1882. The day was noted for its bitter cold and blustery 
 weather. There were present Revs. J. Schauer, D. Harbaugh and 
 Henry Heigard. The building was a comfortable frame structure 
 24 by 36 feet, and cost $1,100, and was the first church in the town 
 or neighborhood. All indebtedness was provided for excepting 
 $141. After the organization of the Greenleaf church this congre- 
 gation was united with the latter as a pastoral charge. In this 
 church one of the earliest Woman's Missionary Societies was or- 
 ganized by Mrs. Schauer, (1885). 
 
 In January, 1886, Rev. Schauer resigned and was followed by the 
 following pastors:' Rev. M. F. Rinker, 1887; Rev. E. S. Rees, 1889- 
 90; Rev. H. Zimmerman, 1893-4; Rev. J. N. Lentz, 1895; Rev. D. 
 H. Cramer, 1898; Rev. G. W. Livers, 1900; B. F. Kistler, 1903; 
 since that time Rev. R. Richter preached a few times. Only a few 
 famlies remain there and the building has been allowed to run 
 down and decay. A wind storm blew off a part of the tower which 
 was never repaired. Only seventeen members were reported in its 
 last synodical report. From the first the church was on the funds 
 of the Mission Board.
 
 190 THE LEAVENWORTH MISSION. 
 
 Leavenivorth, First English Lutheran Church. That we do not 
 have a church to-day in the splendid city of Leavenworth, with its 
 20,000 population, after spending years of hard labor and not a 
 little money, is without doubt the result of blunders on the part 
 of pastors, congregation and boards. The first Lutheran church 
 in Leavenworth, in fact the first Lutheran church in Kansas, was 
 erected by Rev. J. B. McAfee, as related in the pioneer portion of 
 this history. The organization took place in August, 1855. The 
 pastor sold shares in the building which entitled the holders to a 
 vote in the management. With the proceeds he erected at once a 
 wooden building 30 by 50 feet. Here the congregation worshipped 
 for the space of two years. The lot was donated by the secretary 
 of the Town Site Association. A deed could not be given at once 
 owing to the fact that two years must pass before the government 
 would issue it. In the meantime the town needed lots for a school 
 site, and as by that time other denominations were demanding the 
 donation of lots, the Town Site Association refused to issue the 
 necessary deed and the lot was given to the town for a school site. 
 Those holding shares or stock in the building sold them to the 
 Land Commissioner and the church in spite of all efforts to the 
 contrary was robbed of its home. After the removal from Leaven- 
 worth of Rev. McAfee, the congregation was served by Rev. A. 
 Reuter, a pioneer from the Pittsburgh Synod, who was probably 
 the third Lutheran minister to come to Kansas. He gave up the 
 charge in 1860, and the little band became discouraged and soon 
 disbanded. Thus perished our first attempt to found a church in 
 Kansas, and with it the first Lutheran church building likewise 
 passes out of existence as such, becoming a school building. 
 
 During the period of the expansion of Kansas Synod under the 
 activity of Missionary Presidents Harrington and Dornblaser, Lea- 
 venworth was considered as a ripe place for the founding of a mis- 
 sion, but one requiring considerable outlay in its establishment. 
 Several canvasses were made by various ministers, all coming to 
 the same conclusion as to the ripness of the field. The Synod 
 through its officers and Advisory Board strongly presented the 
 claims of Leavenworth to the Boards of Home Missions and Church 
 Extension. Secretaries Barnitz and Lenker visited the field as well 
 as President Sparr of Kansas Synod. Finally on the 1st of Jan- 
 uary, 1889, an organization was effected with 24 members and a 
 Sunday school planted with fifty members. Rev. S. B. Hymen was 
 chosen pastor, but resigned within six months. After this the 
 young church was supplied more or less, still actively maintaining
 
 THE LEAVENWORTH MISSION. 191 
 
 its Sunday school in a rented hall. In the fall of the same year it 
 was admitted into Kansas Synod. On November 1, Rev. C. A. 
 Eyler was called as pastor, and commissioned by the Home Mis- 
 sion Board, and served the church till April 1, 1891. On December 
 1, the same year the Board commissioned Rev. S. C. Chatham who 
 had been called as pastor by the congregation. Soon after a well 
 located lot was purchased for $2,500, the Board of Church Ex- 
 tension paying $1,000, the congregation $500, and the remainder 
 was covered by a mortgage. Before plans could be carried out 
 Rev. Chatham resigned, December 1, 1893, although he continued 
 to supply the congregation for several months thereafter. In the 
 choice of a successor there seemed to be a difference of opinion 
 between the western representatives of the Board of Home Missions 
 and the Board of Church Extension. Rev. J. N. Lenker of the lat- 
 ter Board strongly recommended Rev. J. W. Kimmel, as a capable 
 man to erect a church at Leavenworth owing to his extensive ex- 
 perience in church building. Without ascertaining whether this 
 selection was agreeable to the Board of Home Missions who would 
 have to pay a part of the salary, the congregation invited Rev. Kim- 
 mel to spend a few Sundays with them, and he was unanimously 
 elected pastor. The Home Mission Board did not concur in the 
 choice because of some trouble they had in former missions with 
 Rev. Kimmel, and refused to commission him. This refusal was 
 resented by some pastors in the West and under this pressure the 
 Board finally yielded, granting the commission for one year. The 
 new pastor at once set himself to the task of erecting a building 
 with his old-time enthusiasm. To begin he had a debt of $1,000 
 on the lot and a small congregation of about thirty souls, nearly all 
 of small means. Plans were adopted for the erection of a beauti- 
 ful Gothic brick structure with stone trimmings, to cost including 
 furnishings, $10,000. The contracts were let, the pastor and secre- 
 tary signing the same, assuming, as pastor Kimmel declares, all 
 responsibility for the debt, with but $1,000 subscribed. It was a 
 very small nucleus, to say the least, with which to erect a $10,000 
 church, and evidenced great faith on the part of the builders. Be- 
 fore the building was completed the lack of money made the situa- 
 tion very embarrassing. It was then apparent that they had great- 
 ly over-reached themselves. Dissatisfaction arose in the congre- 
 gation. Some advocated the boarding up of the windows for the win- 
 ter and selling the property. The pastor advocated the completing 
 of the structure and furnishing it and then selling it if that had to 
 be done. The little band was appalled at the tremendous task im-
 
 192 
 
 THE STARCH " CHURCH, LEAVENWORTH. 
 
 posed upon them. They felt they would have to give it up before 
 they had a chance to worship in their new home. The pastor, more 
 hopeful, then proposed to raise money by selling a starch which 
 seems to have been invented by Rev. Chatham. The church papers 
 as well as the Missionary Journal were soon flooded with notices 
 of this starch proposition. Kansas Synod at its fall convention in 
 1884, resolved, "That the members of Synod be requested to try 
 to induce their grocers to sell 'Silver Shield Starch,' and thus as- 
 sist the Leavenworth mission." The boards of the church protest- 
 ed against building on such terms, but no attention was paid to 
 their protests. Endorsed by the local synod, and by many leading 
 pastors and educators, the pastor bravely put his shoulders to the 
 task of raising nine or ten thousand dollars by selling starch. The 
 Mission became known all over the church, as the "Starch Church." 
 Church loving house-wives in our church demanded of their groc- 
 ers Silver Shield Starch, while the pastor incessantly travelled, 
 selling starch. Although his sales were large his expenses were 
 great and after a fair trial it was found the starch enterprise did 
 
 THE "STARCH" CHURCH.
 
 THE "MATCH" PROPOSITION, LEAVENWORTH. 193 
 
 not bring in much money to the church. By the 1st of January 
 the building was completed and about furnished, but there was no 
 money to pay for the same. Mechanics liens were already filed on 
 the building in the sum of $4,000. The Church Council was thor- 
 oughly discouraged. They were in favor of giving it up. On the 
 other hand the courageous pastor believed he could pull it through. 
 A motion was made in the Church Council that no more money be 
 paid for bills against the church. This meeting was suddenly term- 
 inated by the pastor blowing out the lamp. On the following Sun- 
 day the first service was held in the church with but one member 
 of the Council present. It was indeed a dark day for the pastor. 
 Division in his congregation greatly weakened his cause. The 
 shadows were growing thick and fast on every hand. With but a 
 small band of helpers back of him pastor Kimrael faced conditions 
 which would appall the ordinary man. 
 
 A proposition from a match factory in Pennsylvania to furnish 
 pastor Kimmel with matches for sale, the profits to go to the 
 church, was accepted. Calling the creditors together he asked 
 them to stay the execution of their liens and he would pay them 
 off by selling matches, making a ten per cent payment every month. 
 Knowing the foreclosing and a sheriff sale would result in great 
 loss to themselves, they accepted his proposition. Then was in- 
 augurated a battle against fearful odds such as has rarely been 
 witnessed, where one man, like Atlas of old, placed upon his 
 shoulders a world of burden. A picture of the church was printed 
 on each box of matches and a car-load was shipped to Leavenworth, 
 with $225 freight charges on it and no money in hand to pay it. 
 The pastor called on the president of a local bank, stated his plan, 
 borrowed the necessary money, and in two days sold $300 worth 
 of matches. Then over the state from town to town with indefa- 
 tigable energy went this hopeful man selling matches, carrying the 
 burden alone, and turning the profits, often amounting to $200 a 
 month, over to his wife, who was his treasurer, and who in turn 
 meted them out in small dribs to the clamorous creditors. 
 
 Finally money enough was borrowed from the Phoenix Loan Co., 
 of St. Joseph, Mo., to liquidate the bills, and the pastor undertook 
 by the sale of matches to meet the monthly dues of this company. 
 In the mean time the commission of the pastor had expired, and 
 both the Home Misison Board and the Church Extension Board 
 had come to the conclusion that a divided Council and Congrega- 
 tion, an almost hopeless debt, and the use of methods for raising 
 money, not in keeping with their advice and which necessarily in-
 
 194 ABANDONED BY THE MISSION BOARDS. 
 
 terf erred with the preaching of the Word and the spiritual minister- 
 ing to the congregation, required a different pastor. Twice the pro- 
 position was made to the congregation that if they would take an- 
 other pastor, the Boards would help them out of their troubles. A 
 congregational meeting was called and the pastor was sustained by 
 a vote of 17 to 12. The Home Mission Board declined to re-com- 
 mission the pastor and he decided to proceed alone. The match 
 business was pushed for all it was worth. With tireless energy 
 he went up and down the land travelling thousands of miles selling 
 matches, often travelling by night to sell matches by day, truly, 
 "in weariness and painfulness," but with a grim determination, 
 characteristic of the man, which would not brook defeat. It was 
 also a struggle for bread. His property was consumed in the effort. 
 For four years he kept up this strain; preaching as best he could, 
 editing his paper, "The Lutheran Era," with no relaxation. He had 
 signed the notes and contract and felt he must pay. No one can 
 tell the sacrifices necessary to be made to pay the $6,000 which he 
 did on the debt of that church. But the strain was too much for 
 him. Nature rebelled from the over- work and before the fourth 
 year was over he was a physical wreck. The congregation gave 
 him a mortgage on the furnishing of the church which was not 
 covered by the first mortgage, for unpaid salary. He resigned on 
 the first of May, 1899. The parting was affecting, the pitiful condi- 
 tion of the pastor, appealing through tears, to every one. Thus 
 ended one of the most spectacular efforts to build a church within 
 the annals of our church history. 
 
 Rev. A. F. Dressel, a student from the Western Theological Sem- 
 inary, was called as a supply soon after, and in June, 1900, became 
 pastor, serving the church faithfully until July, 1901, having been 
 commissioned missionary by the Home Mission Board. Later Mr. 
 Roy Badger and other Seminary students supplied the church ir- 
 regularly. 
 
 About the time Rev. Dressel took charge, the Phoenix Loan Co., 
 from whom the money had been borrowed, failed, and all their 
 assets in Kansas were placed in the hands of an assignee. Re- 
 peated attempts were made by the Board of Church Extension to 
 buy the church property from this assignee, but the reply always 
 was that it could not be sold until the Federal Court had so order- 
 ed. Without any notice to any one interested, all the assets of the 
 Company were sold to a company in Chicago dealing in such prop- 
 erties, and they disposed of the church before the congregation or 
 boards knew it was in their hands.
 
 RANDOLPH, FONTANELLE, OSBORN AND ENTERPRISE. 195 
 
 In 1905 the building was purchased by a Christian Science so- 
 ciety and is being used by them for services. The congregation has 
 not disbanded, and to this day its faithful missionary society, con- 
 tinued all through its years of trial and trouble, meets as a mis- 
 sionary society, and lives in the hope of a church of its faith yet 
 being founded permanently in that city. 
 
 It has been a sad task for the historian to tell this lamentable 
 tale. We have tried to give it faithfully from both standpoints. 
 We have no judgment to render but will leave that to the reader. 
 That this story has its lessons no one will deny and doubtless it 
 will be of value in future missionary enterprises. 
 
 Randolph, Riley County, Swedish Lutheran, The Swedish Luth- 
 eran church of Randolph, Riley county, Rev. C. Hawkins pastor, 
 was admitted into Kansas Synod in the fall of 1870. It withdrew 
 in 1873 to unite with the Augustana Synod. 
 
 Fontanelle, Nebraska, German Lutheran. While being served by 
 Rev. A. G. B. Buetow, in 1870, the German Lutheran church of 
 Fontanelle, Nebraska, was placed on the roll of Kansas Synod. One 
 year later both pastor and congregation were dismissed to the new 
 Synod of Nebraska. 
 
 Osborn, Osborn County, Ev. Lutheran. This church was organ- 
 ized in 1873 and was admitted into Synod in 1874, but owing to 
 inability to connect it with another church as a pastoral charge it 
 could not support a pastor and soon lapsed. 
 
 Enterprise, Dickinson County, Ev. Lutheran. This church was 
 organized by Rev. F. R. Scherer in January, 1876, with twenty-two 
 members in a country school house. It never had a church build- 
 ing and later was merged into a Swedish Lutheran church connect- 
 ed with Augustana Synod. 
 
 Wichita, St. Paul's To tell the story of the attempt to establish a 
 church in Wichita is to tell the story also of the great boom in real 
 estate values which swept like an ungovernable prairie fire over the 
 state of Kansas, and when the collapse came it carried down with it 
 many churches as well as commercial institutions. The eyes of the 
 Synod had been upon Wichita prior to 1887 for some time as a point 
 where by all means a church should be planted. Field Secretary 
 Lenker wrote in the Missionary Journal for May, 1886: "This city 
 (Wichita) is growing beyond all expectations, even of its most 
 sanguine friends. We ought to establish a mission in it at once.
 
 196 THE GREAT BOOM IN WICHITA. 
 
 It is destined to be a city of 50,000 to 80,000 people, full of public 
 spirit, full of Lutherans." The President of Synod, Rev. M. F. 
 Troxell, in his report (1886) said that persistent efforts had been 
 made to organize in Wichita and urges the Synod to take steps at 
 once to enter that city. The president was directed to visit Wichita 
 with other brethren and make an effort to organize. 
 
 On the 4th of March, 1887, Revs. F. D. Altman and H. B. Belmer, 
 inaugurated a canvass of the city extending through several days, 
 preaching on the following Sunday in the Garfield opera house. 
 On Monday they were joined by Rev. J. M. Cromer, then president 
 of Synod. On Monday evening the organization of St. Paul's 
 church was effected, with twenty charter members. These brethren 
 worked hard early and late first to get members and then to get 
 subscriptions for the purchase of lots and the erection of a building. 
 A fine corner lot, 70 by 140 feet, was purchased at a cost of $13,000 
 and this liability was assumed by two laymen, Messrs Blackwelder 
 and Eicholtz, each subscribing $6,500, deeding the lot to the trus- 
 tees and giving their notes in payment for it. 
 
 Messrs Blackwelder and Jack were elected elders, Miller, Cress, 
 Zeininger and Yoe, deacons; and Eicholtz, Blackwelder and Dick- 
 son, trustees. At the same time a subscription of $3,250 was rais- 
 ed toward the erection of a church. Following up the great victor- 
 ies which they had gained so far, though largely only on paper, the 
 congregation voted unanimously to extend a call to Rev. W. H. 
 Singley, D. D. The church papers contained fulsom accounts of 
 the vast promise of Wichita. 
 
 However Dr. Singley did not see it as did the friends who gave 
 him the call. He saw that the people were going wild with specu- 
 lation. A church lot costing $13,000 in a prairie town in central 
 Kansas, was certainly estimated at a fancy price, and it was "paid 
 for," as the Observer correspondent stated, but with the subscrip- 
 tions of two men who were so loaded with boomed real estate 
 bought at fancy prices, that should a collapse come, they would 
 be utterly swamped with financial obligations which tiiey could 
 never meet. Dr. Singley declined the call. Later came the collapse. 
 Everything was swept away as if by a cyclone. The two men who 
 donated the lot could not pay for it, one of them becoming abso- 
 lutely penniless. The building subscriptions likewise largely be- 
 came worthless. All this had been done exclusive of the General 
 Boards of the church. Still the Synod was anxious to go into Wich- 
 ita to plant a church, and pressed its claims upon the Home Board. 
 In August, 1889, Rev. W. L. Sealrook was commissioned mission-
 
 THE WICHITA MISSION. 197 
 
 ary and at once went to Wichita and began to canvass the city for 
 members, at the same time hunting up the fragments of the other 
 organization which had been allowed to disintegrate. On the 6th 
 of November he organized "The First English Ev. Lutheran church 
 of Wichita," with 38 members, adopting the constitution of the 
 Home Board, and electing three elders and three deacons. This 
 church was admitted into Kansas Synod in 1890. He continued 
 his work until December 1, 1890 when the mission reported 63 
 communicants and a Sunday school of 58 members, and no prop- 
 erty or debt. 
 
 In April, 1891, Rev. J. A. Lowe took charge of the mission, which 
 as yet had no assets save its membership, faith, and a fairly good 
 Sunday school, all worshipping in rented quarters. In February, 
 1892, the Board of Church Extension loaned them $2,000 and to 
 this the congregation added $2,800, a third of which was raised 
 mostly from outside the city. A lot with 50 feet front on Topeka 
 avenue, two blocks north of Douglas street, containing a five room 
 house, was purchased for $1,875. The house was removed and 
 plans adopted for a church building. Almost the very day when 
 the contract was to be closed the great financial crash of 1892-3 
 swept over the entire country, making it impossible to collect 
 money. The contract signing was delayed. In the meantime they 
 waited, putting their money in what they supposed to be the safest 
 bank in the city. The bank collapsed but later paid about 40c on 
 the dollar. Following this the treasurer of the church used the 
 money rescued from the bank in his private business and failed. 
 Some of this money was afterwards paid in way of taxes and street 
 improvements. The Board finally recovered $164 which was con- 
 sumed for taxes, and street improvements. In September, 1893, 
 Rev. Lowe became so discouraged that he resigned the field. The 
 financial crash had involved everybody there. The members who 
 had any property had it so heavily mortgaged from the days of the 
 boom that they had all they could do to save it from the Nemesis 
 which had swept over their city. During the last year the mission 
 paid but $115 toward the pastor's salary and $97 toward current 
 expenses, while the mission board paid $500. The conviction grew 
 on pastor Lowe that he ought not to take any more money from 
 the Board for what he felt was a hopeless cause. He had himself 
 been making heroic sacrifices for the cause which in so expensive 
 a city he could not maintain. Dr. Barnitz alludes to this in a re- 
 port quoted in Dr. Parson's "Life of Dr. Barnitz," "The Mission- 
 ary is making great sacrifices. The family are evidently doing
 
 198 OBERLIN, TRINITY. 
 
 without many things on the table and in the way of clothing to 
 make ends meet and keep up the work and their own reputation 
 for honesty." 
 
 The mission was dropped by the Home Board, and all properties 
 were turned over to the Church Extension Board who sold the lots. 
 The last report to Synod submitted by Rev. Lowe indicated 24 
 communicants, 30 Sunday school scholars, property valued at 
 $2,500, and $2,000 indebtedness (B. C. E.) The failure can be 
 attributed more to adverse circumstances, the fickleness of the 
 fancy prices at which properties sold, and the creation of condi- 
 tions impossible for a little band of workers to overcome. This 
 great boom has its lessons, and of its depressing effect, hindering 
 all kinds of church work, this example of Wichita is only one of 
 many and among all denominations. 
 
 Oberlin, Trinity. Trinity Lutheran Church of Oberlin was or- 
 ganized in 1887 with ten charter members, by Rev. J. W. Kimmel, 
 appointed "Missionary of the Republican Valley." It was admitted 
 into Kansas Synod in October the same year. A building was erect- 
 ed 28 by 40 with a tower and belfrey. A loan of $300 was granted 
 the church and the chapel was dedicated in the fall of 1887, Rev. 
 S. B. Barnitz, Western Secretary, preaching the sermon. This con- 
 gregation passed through many trials and discouragements owing 
 to removals and inability to secure a pastor. After the removal of 
 Rev. Kimmel in December, 1888, it was served a short time by Rev. 
 C. W. Maggart as supply. For a couple years Rev. J. B. Umberger 
 was pastor, in 1889-90. Then it was vacant for a number of years. 
 Dr. Yarger in the Missionary Journal for September, 1898, says, 
 "This place has not had a pastor for ten years or more; in fact, it 
 never had a regular pastor for more than six months in its history." 
 
 In 1890 the Church Extension Board came to the rescue and 
 granted another loan in the sum of $500, to save the property. 
 The struggle, notwithstanding, was too great and it was finally 
 given up. The church never had more than 20 members. Three 
 years after the completion of its building the membership through 
 removals dwindled down to five. In 1891 six were reported. The 
 The few families that were left went to the Presbyterians. The 
 property was reported as valued at $2,200. For a number of years 
 it was rented to the Baptists and finally sold to them, the proceeds 
 going to the Board of Church Extension. The Hon. A. T. C. Geiger, 
 who comes from a loyal Lutheran family in Iowa, made a brave 
 struggle to establish this church. The writer of this history furn-
 
 BANNER CITY AND OSAWKEE CHURCHES. 199 
 
 ished the bell that went in the tower while he was pastor in Ohio. 
 All told the chapter is a sad one, and we cannot tell who is respon- 
 sible for its failure. 
 
 Banner City, Mt. Zion. Early in 1876, Rev. S. P. Harrington, 
 then President of Kansas Synod, conducted preaching services at 
 the "Seidel" school house five and a half miles west of Hope and 
 near Dillon. Here in the spring of the same year he organized the 
 "Mt. Zion Ev. Lutheran church" with eighteen charter members, 
 and in his report to the synod described the outlook as "very hope- 
 ful." It was received into the Synod that fall. The congregation 
 was served for several years by its founder. In 1879 it received 
 aid from the mission board, but never succeeded in getting out of 
 its school house environment. Later it was served by Rev. B. F. 
 Hills, who re-organized it and moved it to Banner City where four 
 lots were donated by the town site company and services were 
 held also in a school house. It was connected with the Ebenezer 
 church as a pastoral charge. In 1887 Rev. Hills made the attempt 
 to raise funds for the erection of a church securing all told about 
 $1,600 in subscriptions. The building was to have been placed on 
 four fine lots purchased by the Board of Church Extension. How- 
 ever owing to a series of drouths and removals to other parts the 
 enterprise was abandoned. It was connected for a time with St. 
 Paul's church a few miles to the southwest, also a school house 
 church. In 1891 St. James church south of Abilene was added to 
 the charge for two years. In 1893 Rev. Hills was succeeded by 
 Rev. H. A. Koogle, who served it until 1898. It was without a 
 pastor until 1900 when Rev. J. F. Petticrew took charge remain- 
 ing but six months. The many removals from the charge almost 
 destroyed the church, and in 1901 it had but two families remain- 
 ing, and having no building the work was discontinued and the 
 church dropped from the roll of the Synod. 
 
 Osawkee, Jefferson County, St. John's. This church, of which 
 we have but little account, was probably organized by Rev. David 
 Earhart in a school house on Grasshopper creek, eight miles south 
 of Valley Falls, the date of which antedated the organization of 
 Kansas Synod. It was served in 1863-9 by Rev. S. P. Harrington 
 and later by Rev. G. A. Exline. It was also supplied by Rev. S. N. 
 St. John, while he was pastor at Valley Falls. Later it grew so 
 weak from removals that it was finally dropped from the synodical 
 roll.
 
 200 STRANGER CREEK AND KANAPOLIS CHURCHES. 
 
 Stranger Creek, Atchison County, Christ's. After preaching for 
 a considerable length of time in a school house on Stranger creek 
 in Atchison county, Rev. David Earhart, in 1870, organized a church 
 known as Christ's Ev. Lutheran church. It was the last church 
 organized in Kansas by this pioneer worker. In 1872 it applied 
 for membership in Kansas Synod but was not admitted owing to 
 its constiution not being so framed as to bind it to the General 
 Synod. This was corrected and in 1874 it was formally admitted. 
 In July the same year Rev. Earhart resigned and removed to Penn- 
 sylvania. During 1875-6 the church was irregularly supplied with 
 preaching. In the winter of 1876-7 the school house in which they 
 met burned down. In 1877 it was united with Monrovia as a pas- 
 toral charge. Later owing to two feuds which arose among the 
 members it disintegrated and finally disbanded. 
 
 Kanopolis, Trinity. While Rev. H. L. Yarger was preaching at 
 Ellsworth in the summer of 1886, he began to hold services at the 
 new town of Kanopolis four miles to the east. In his report to the 
 Mission Board soon after he wrote, "I hope soon to go to Kanopolis 
 
 every two weeks. We hope to get a church there soon 
 
 The Lutheran church has an awful responsibility in the western 
 country, greater than can well be conceived." In this hope he was 
 successful, organizing with thirty-two charter members that winter, 
 although we cannot find the date. In the spring of 1887 he began 
 to raise funds for the erection of a church. The lots had already 
 been secured from the Kanopolis Land Company. The cornerstone 
 was laid on the 1st of May, Revs. M. F. Troxell, and G. D. Got- 
 wald assisting in the ceremony, and on the 3d of July following, 
 the chapel was dedicated, Rev. S. B. Barnitz preaching the sermon 
 from the text, Neh. 10:39. The church received $100 from the 
 Church Extension Board, half loan and half donation, and was able 
 to dedicate free from debt. The building cost furnished $1,200 
 frame, 28 by 38 feet, with a pulpit recess and a tower entrance 8 
 by 8 feet. It was the first church built in the town. In the fall of 
 1887 it was received into Kansas Synod, the application for this 
 being signed by the pastor, H. S. Ehrenfeld, S. Eighinger, J. M. 
 Hawkins, August Feirstel, and Mrs. Ellen Buffington. This church 
 was served in connection with Ellsworth, and received aid from 
 the Home Mission Board for a number of years. In due time its 
 church extension loan was returned. Fcr its succession of pastors 
 see the account of the Ellsworth church. In later years, with the 
 collapse of the salt industries of that section, and the removal of
 
 ELLSWORTH, ST. PAUL'S CHURCH. 201 
 
 so many members, it became necessary to discontinue services. 
 The property was sold to the Presbyterians in 1898 and the pro- 
 ceeds were used to help erect the Lutheran church at Excelsior. 
 
 Ellsworth, St. Paul's. The earliest preaching services of a Luth- 
 eran character in Ellsworth county were held by Rev. Levi Stern- 
 berg, D. D., of Ft. Marker, and in a rude "dug-out" with common 
 board slabs for seats. In 1878 Rev. A. Essick located at Ft. Harker 
 (Kanopolis) about six miles east of Ellsworth. He held services 
 in the school house at Ellsworth and was followed by Rev. S. P. 
 Harrington. An organization was effected sometime in 1878, and 
 Rev. Essick writes in the Lutheran Observer saying that "Mr. J. G. 
 Schmucker is a member of my church." (This brother had taken 
 part in the organization of Kansas Synod ten years previous, rep- 
 resenting the Lawrence church.) The organization began with 
 22 members, and was duly admitted into Synod. Rev. Essick was 
 followed by Rev. T. F. Dornblaser, in 1879, who had been commis- 
 sioned by the Home Board as missionary and who served the con- 
 gregation in connection with his duties as Travelling Missionary.) 
 The church was pastorless in 1880-1. In April, 1882, Rev. John 
 A. Bright accepted a call to the pastorate then composed of Ells- 
 worth, Lincoln Center, the county seat of Lincoln county, Pleasant 
 Valley school house five miles south of Lincoln Center, State Center 
 and Whaley school house, four preaching points, the Home Board 
 continuing mission aid. It is related that during one of Rev. 
 Bright's itinerant journeys when he arrived at Wolf creek he found 
 it so swollen from rains that he could not ford it, while his congre- 
 gation was on the other side. He invited them to bring their wagon 
 seats down to the bank of the creek and be seated and he would 
 preach for them "across the waters," Backing his own rig down 
 to the brink and improvising a pulpit, he let his strong clear voice 
 ring out, sending across to the other side his gospel message. It 
 was indeed a most unique service in which the preacher's usual 
 hand-shake had to be omitted. Rev. Bright resigned the Ellsworth 
 church in February, 1884, continuing, however, to supply the 
 preaching points at Lincoln Center and Pleasant Valley. During 
 1884-5 the church was vacant, suffering all the consequences of 
 a shepherdless flock, and through a series of short crops and 
 drouths which caused many to remove from the place. During 
 this period the church was occasionally supplied by Rev. A. B. 
 Kirtland and others, but so thoroughly discouraged were they that 
 they sold their church lots and practically quit.
 
 202 
 
 RE-ORGANIZATION AT ELLSWORTH. 
 
 In April, 1886, Rev. H. L. Yarger, visited Ellsworth, canvassed 
 the town and gave such a glowing picture of the bright prospects 
 there, that the Home Board commissioned him as missionary in 
 August following. On the 5th of September the church was re- 
 organized under the name of St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran church, and 
 at the meeting of the Synod that same fall it was re-admitted. In 
 the following year through the influence of a gift of fifty dollars 
 from a friend a lot was secured for $110 and paid for and plans 
 made for the erection of a church. The cornerstone was laid on 
 the 10th of June, 1888, the service being held in the Baptist church, 
 Rev. M. F. Troxell preaching the sermon. The building was dedi- 
 cated on the 17th of February, when the pastor was assisted by 
 Revs. G. D. Gotwald and T. F. Dornblaser. Although the day was 
 cold and a deep snow lay on the ground a large audience assem- 
 
 ST. PAULAS CHURCH, ELLSWORTH. 
 
 bled. During the day $575 was raised and later the balance of the 
 debt amounting to $175 was secured. The Extension Society loan- 
 ed them $400 and donated $220. The cost of the structure com- 
 plete was $3,300. It consisted of a frame building 30 by 56 feet, 
 with a corner tower 12 feet square, and a pulpit recess 8 by 14 feet. 
 It was seated with 250 chairs and lighted with an oil chandelier. 
 Rev. Yarger served this church, and one at Kanopolis and Excel- 
 sior, and the two preaching points in Lincoln county, until April,
 
 WHITE ROCK, KANSAS AND HARDY, NEBRASKA. 203 
 
 1889. He was succeeded by Rev. W. W. Kribbs, who after a year 
 was followed by Rev. E. S. Rees, who also remained but a year. 
 Rev. E. B. Killlnger served the church for six months in 1892, and 
 Rev. E. E. Schantz supplied for a few months in 1893. For the 
 next eight years the church was pastorless suffering the usual dis- 
 integration of a church without a shepherd. In March, 1901, the 
 few remaining members met and instructed the trustees to deed 
 the property to the Board of Church Extension, and then disbanded. 
 This was a sore trial to some of those faithful pastors who served 
 it in success and prosperity in its earlier days. At no time did the 
 church report more than 42 members. In 1886 a Home and Foreign 
 Missionary Society was organized and which continued until 1892. 
 In the summer of 1901 the building was sold to the Synod of N. 
 America by the B. C. E. 
 
 White Rock, Ev. Lutheran, Hardy, Nebr. On the 28th of May, 
 1872, Rev. G. Walker, after preaching in a school house at White 
 Rock for some time, organized the Ev. Lutheran church of White 
 Rock. The town was located in the N. E. part of Republic county 
 where a large colony of Scandinavians had settled. It was admit- 
 ted into Kansas Synod the same fall. During 1873 the charge was 
 pastorless, and during 1874 it was served jointly with the Osborn 
 congregation by Rev. J. K. Ekman which service continued until 
 1876. For the following four years the charge was without a pas- 
 tor because of inability to support one. During the winter of 1879- 
 1880, Rev. T. F. Dornblaser, travelling missionary held a series 
 of meetings there resulting in 30 additions. On Easter day, 1880, 
 Rev. J. A. Lowe was secured as pastor through the efforts of Mr. 
 A. Lowe, who at a previous meeting of Synod, when Rev. Lowe 
 was ordained, laid hands on him and said, "We want you to be our 
 minister." In the following spring after he had fulfilled his en- 
 gagement as a teacher, Rev. Lowe took charge on the humble sal- 
 ary of $300 a year. The Mission Board declined to grant help and 
 the young pastor was obliged to bear the burden alone. The salary 
 was so scant and living expenses so large that ends could be met 
 only with the most rigid economy. No matter where the Synod 
 met if Rev. Lowe was there it was because he came overland in his 
 buggy for he had no means with which to pay his fare. He began 
 with one preaching point at White Rock, but to this he soon added 
 five others in the surrounding school houses. In the following year 
 he added churches at Republic City and Hardy, Neb., still preach- 
 ing at several school houses in the country. In 1880 White Rock
 
 204 REPUBLIC CITY, NUCKOLLS AND STATE CENTER CHURCHES. 
 
 was a booming town feeling confident that it would get the new 
 railroad which was building north through Scandia, but the road 
 finally passed through Republic City, and the new Burlington and 
 Missouri River line went through Hardy, leaving White Rock 
 stranded, and in a short time it was a deserted place, with the 
 prairie grass again growing where once was a promising town. 
 When the town of Hardy was laid out Rev. Lowe, out of his meagre 
 salary of $300 paid $50 for a lot for a new church. Here he or- 
 ganized "Union" Ev. Lutheran church. The church at White Rock 
 naturally perished and the members who lived to the north and east 
 united with the church at Hardy, or that at Republic City, or the 
 Jewell church. 
 
 Republic City, Ev. Lutheran. The Ev. Lutheran church of Re- 
 public City was organized in 1881 by Rev. J. A. Lowe at the time 
 the new branch of the Missouri Pacific Railroad was pushing north- 
 ward up into Nebraska through the Republican valley. The preach- 
 ing was held in a school house, but the congregation was never 
 able to secure either a lot or a building. The church was admitted 
 into Kansas Synod in the fall of the same year it was organized, 
 upon the condition that it adopt the constitution recommended by 
 Kansas Synod. No record exists that this was ever complied with. 
 The church continued for a time connected with Hardy but finally 
 went to pieces. 
 
 NuckolLs county, Nebr., Bethel. Rev. J. E. Maurer, while pastor 
 at Hardy, Neb., began preaching at the Weimer school house locat- 
 ed five miles north of Hardy, in May, 1888, and on January 12th 
 the following year organized a church of ten charter members 
 among whom were Mr. and Mrs. John R. Weimer, Mr. and Mrs. 
 Peter A. Weimer, and Mr. and Mrs. R. B. Phillippi. This church 
 was admitted into Synod the same fall as the "Nuckolls county Ev. 
 Lutheran church." During the pastorate of Rev. J. E. Maurer it 
 was served in connection with the Hardy pastorate. Later owing 
 to removals, and the absence of a church building, the congrega- 
 tion disintegrated and finally was dropped from the roll of Synod, 
 in 1894. 
 
 State Center, Barton county, Ev. Lutheran. Organized by Trav- 
 elling Missionary T. F. Dornblaser, May 18, 1879, and was admit- 
 ted into Kansas Synod that fall. Never had a regular pastor and 
 failed. It was a school house church, located in the northeast part 
 of the county.
 
 HALSTEAD, PRIDE, LONE TREE, PARDEE AND CROOKED CREEK. 205 
 
 Halstead, Harvey county, Ev. Lutheran. Organized by Travel- 
 ling Missionary T. F. Dornblaser, December 29, 1878, and admitted 
 into Kansas Synod in 1879, and served for a season by Rev. D. H. 
 Randall. It never had a regular pastor and continued for a few 
 years as a school house church. It was dropped from the synod- 
 ical roll in 1886. 
 
 Pride, Barton, county, Ev. Lutheran. Organized in the home of 
 James Welty by Travelling Missionary Rev. T. F. Dornblaser, June 
 15th, 1879, in the midsf of a colony of Lutherans, with 20 mem- 
 bers. Admitted into Kansas Synod same year, never had a perm- 
 anent pastor and failed. It was a school house church. 
 
 Lone Tree, Ellsworth county, Ev. Lutheran. This church was or- 
 ganized by Synodical Missionary T. F. Dornblaser while residing 
 on his farm near Ellsworth, June 29th, 1879, and assisted by Rev. 
 A. Essick. It has been a preaching point. It was served by Rev. 
 J. A. Bright in 1882-3-4. There is no record that it was ever ad- 
 mitted into Synod. It likely perished from long vacancy. 
 
 Pardee, Atchison county, English Lutheran. After preaching for 
 several months in the Campbellite church at Pardee, located seven 
 miles southeast of Monrovia, Rev. J. B. McAfee organized an Eng- 
 lish Ev. Lutheran church, in June, 1858, which he served in con- 
 nection with Monrovia and Grasshopper Falls until the fall of 1861 
 and without compensation. At one time he refused the gift of 
 fifty dollars which the members had collected for him feeling that 
 their pastor was worthy of compensation after his long trips over 
 the prairie to bring them the gospel. After he resigned preaching 
 was held now and then by Rev. J. G. Ellinger and later by Rev. S. 
 P. Harrington, but the congregation which was small soon scat- 
 tered and finally ceased to exist long before Kansas Synod was or- 
 ganized in 1868. 
 
 Crooked Creek, Jefferson county, Ev. Lutheran. While preach- 
 ing at Pardee Rev. J. B. McAfee also opened a preaching point at 
 the Lillie and the Hall school houses on Crooked creek in Jeffer- 
 son county. Here he organized a Lutheran church, serving the 
 congregation with preaching every two weeks, alternating in the 
 two school houses which were located two miles apart. After he 
 resigned in the fall of 1861 to enter the Federal army the congre- 
 gation soon went to pieces. 
 
 Delight, Lincoln county, Ev. Lutheran. This congregation was 
 organized by Rev. J. H. Harpster on the 27th of July, 1879 in the
 
 206 LINCOLN CENTER AND MONROVIA CHURCHES. 
 
 home of Wm. Stover. It was known also as the Madison church. 
 It was admitted the same year. It was a school house church. It 
 never materialized. 
 
 Lincoln Center, Lincoln county, Ev. Lutheran. This church was 
 organized September 27th, 1880 by Travelling Missionary T. F. 
 Dornblaser, who served it off and on while residing on his farm 
 near Ellsworth. The church contained a number of very substan- 
 tial families among whom were, Mr. and Mrs. Cyrus Stover, Mrs. 
 J. D. Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Judge Artman, and Mr. and Mrs. Wycoff. 
 The church was formally admitted into Synod the same year. It 
 was served from 1882 to 1884 by Rev. John A. Bright. After a va- 
 cancy of three years Rev. H. L. Yarger took charge, who reorgan- 
 ized the church, and at which time a lot was bought for S250 and 
 deeded to the Board of Church Extension. A building was never 
 erected, services being held in the school house. In the spring of 
 1887 Prof. O. G. Klinger of Salina re-organized the church, but 
 soon leaving the interest lagged, and the work finally ceased. 
 
 Monrovia, English Ev. Lutheran. During the early part of 1855, 
 Mr. S. J. H. Snyder an ardent Lutheran and anti-slavery sympath- 
 izer who had emigrated from Wells county, Indiana, and Mr. John 
 Helwig, another settler of similar inclinations though not so out- 
 spoken, who had come from Canal Dover, Ohio, considered at var- 
 ious times how they might obtain preaching in their community. 
 During the winter of 1857 they heard of a Lutheran minister living 
 at Leavenworth, Rev. J. B. McAfee, whom they tried to get, but in 
 vain. They had preaching several times in 1856-7 by a Methodist 
 preacher by the name of Knox and later by a noted character known 
 as "Pardee Butler," a Campbellite minister. However it was not 
 until the latter part of 1858 that they secured Rev. McAfee, who 
 at that time was preaching at Grasshopper Falls. The latter or- 
 ganized the Monrovia Lutheran church on the 16th of January, 
 1858, and thereafter preached every two weeks for them. The 
 charter members consisted of S. J. H. Snyder and wife, and daugh- 
 ter, John Helwig and wife, J. H. Talbot and wife, Mother Hippie 
 and her son Samuel Hippie, and some little time later a Mr. Kirk- 
 patric and wife, a Mr. Winklepeck and wife, Father Brown and wife 
 and Benj. Wallack and wife, were added to the original number. 
 Mr. Snyder was chosen an elder and Mr. Helwig a deacon. The 
 organization was of a simple character with no particular refer- 
 ence to the confession of the Lutheran church. The first commun- 
 ion service was held on the 18th of January, 1860, when, accord-
 
 THE MONROVIA CHURCH. 207 
 
 ing to Mr. Snyder's "Private Journals," "The members all partook 
 of the Holy Sacrament with the pastor, and it was a blessed season, 
 and the spectators looked upon the solemn scene with reverence 
 and awe. Blessed be our God." 
 
 Rev. McAfee served this church in connection with that at Pardee 
 and at Crooked Creek until early in the fall of 1860. Then noting 
 in the "Lutheran Observer" the arrival of Rev. David Earhart at 
 Sumner, Atchison county, he wrote him inviting him to take charge 
 of the pastorate, which he did, as the move met the approval of 
 the congregations. Finding the churches quite loosely organized 
 with no adherence to any creed, he re-organized them under a con- 
 stitution which recognized the Augsburg Confession, thus making 
 them Lutheran churches not only in name but in belief. In the 
 fall of that year Rev. D. S. Altman arrived from Illinois to assist 
 the pastor in a series of gospel meetings. The result was a grac- 
 ious revival in which thirty-seven united with the church, thus 
 greatly strengthening them. At this time Rev. Earhart was serv- 
 ing several other churches in distant counties, and the work was 
 too hard for one man. Correspondence was entered into with the 
 Home Mission Society, which resulted in the Monrovia church be- 
 ing placed on the funds of that society which sent them a mission- 
 ary in the person of Rev. S. P. Harrington who took charge on the 
 17th day of June, 1864. The new pastor set himself at once to the 
 task of erecting a church. At a congregational meeting held on 
 the 1st of July that year a resolution was passed deciding at once 
 in favor of erecting a church building. A subscription was taken 
 and labor and materials volunteered and the enterprise started with 
 quite a favorable outlook. Not long afterward the work was in- 
 terrupted in a manner and from a source unlocked for. About this 
 time the dread rumor had reached Kansas that General Price with 
 40,000 confederate troops was marching toward Kansas and would 
 likely invade it. The state militia was called out and many men 
 in the Eastern part were impressed into service, and among these 
 was Rev. Harrington. Both Rev. McAfee and Rev. Harrington 
 were among the Union forces. A series of skirmishes and battles 
 took place. Rev. McAfee relates that the first time he saw Rev. 
 Harrington was when the latter was flying at the top of his speed, 
 without gun, or hat, and his horse bleeding profusely at the nose, 
 having been shot in the skirmish. It was quite a novel meeting of 
 two ministers who were to labor for so long a time thereafter in 
 the spread of Lutheranism in Kansas, the one as a pastor and mis- 
 sionary, and the other as a business man, fortunate in his invest-
 
 208 THE MONROVIA CHURCH. 
 
 ments, and thus able and willing to lend the efficient financial help 
 without which missionary operations in a new state are impossible. 
 The repulse of the Confederates removed the martial law which 
 had been declared in the state, and the impressed pastor was per- 
 mitted to return to his charge. The new church was completed in 
 the following spring and arrangements were made for its dedica- 
 tion at a meeting of a Lutheran Conference composed of Lutheran 
 ministers in Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri to be held on Sunday, 
 May 28th, 1865. This was the first Conference of Lutheran min- 
 isters west of the Missouri river. Rev. H. W. Kuhns of Omaha 
 preached the sermon. In the "Lutheran Observer" under the date 
 of July 7, 1865, Rev. Harrington writes, "We needed $300 on the 
 day of dedication." Among those present at this dedication was 
 Rev. J. B. McAfee, the first pastor of the Monrovia church. He 
 had just returned from a long eight-day trip by the overland stage 
 coach from Topeka to Larned, where he had married Mr. and Mrs. 
 Jesse Crane. The doughty Colonel handed the minister $30 for 
 his expenses, $87 for his stage ticket, and $50 for his fee. That 
 $50 fee was laid on the plate at the Monrovia dedication, and with 
 other offerings enabled the mission to dedicate free from debt. 
 The pews of the church were made from black walnut which had 
 been hauled from the Kaw valley above Lawrence. At this writing 
 these pews are still doing good service in the Effingham church. 
 The ministers, after the dedication, organized the first conference 
 held on Kansas soil in this church the following days of which the 
 report says, "The interests of the church were discussed and I 
 hope with good results. It was truly a solemn meeting. This 
 closes my first year's labor in Kansas. God bless the Home Mis- 
 sionary Society." 
 
 Rev. Harrington resigned in 1869 and was followed in 1870 by 
 Rev. M. G. Boyer, and he in turn in 1873 by Rev. S. N. St. John. 
 Rev. D. Harbaugh was in charge in 1874, when at a joint meet- 
 ing of the charges at Monrovia, Grasshopper Falls, and Christ's 
 church on Stranger creek, a school house church three miles east 
 and a little south of where Farmington now stands, a church which 
 had been organized in September, 1860, by Rev. D. Earhart, the 
 three were united into a pastoral charge. Rev. W. I. Cutter became 
 pastor in 1877, remaining until 1881. From this time on until the 
 church was organized at Effingham in 1887 they had no pastor. 
 Much of the membership moved away and the remainder became 
 greatly discouraged. The synodical minutes of 1883 states, "Val- 
 ley Falls and Monrovia are still vacant and the membership is dis-
 
 THE PORTLAND AND PLEASANT VALLEY CHURCHES. 209 
 
 banding and uniting with other churches." A few of the members 
 united with the church organized at Effingham in 1889. The old 
 building was sold to a son of Mr. S. J. H. Snyder and transformed 
 into a barn, and the pews and pulpit furniture donated to the Effing- 
 ham church. 
 
 Trinity Church, Portland, (Sumner Co.) In the Spring of 1887, 
 Rev. J. G. M. Hursh came to Sumner county as a missionary in the 
 Southwest. Finding a number of Lutheran families in Walton 
 township he began preaching for them in a school house. A can- 
 vass of that section revealed the presence of forty-seven confirmed 
 Lutherans. A meeting for the purpose of organizing a church was 
 held in the Baptist church of Portland on the 22nd of June. Thirty- 
 three members signfied their willingness to enter an organization. 
 A constitution was adopted naming the church "The Trinity Ev. 
 Lutheran church of Portland." Officers were elected and arrange- 
 ments made for holding regular services with Rev. Hursh as pastor. 
 At this meeting eleven children were baptized, this feature reveal- 
 ing the fact that the means of grace had been wanting in that com- 
 munity for some time. On the 29th of October application was 
 made for membership in Kansas Synod signed by James Janson, 
 S. Krout, Eckard Peters, and A. Wolf, elders and deacons of the 
 new congregation. It was duly received and enrolled. The church 
 was served in connection with that at Perth until after this con- 
 vention of Synod when the pastor decided to give all his time to 
 the work at Wellington. Rev. E. E. Schantz who had just been 
 licensed was called to Portland as pastor. His pastorate was very 
 short. While there he attempted to develop a field at Augusta, 
 Butler county, residing at that point, but the movement failed. 
 After a pastorate of six months he resigned. Rev. A. H. Burk tak- 
 ing charge of Perth spent six months at Portland, during which 
 time he made an effort to build a church there raising a subscrip- 
 tion of $500 for the same. Owing to the long distance from Perth 
 to Portland, (eighteen miles), and other obstacles, the movement 
 failed. Members moved away, and having neither preaching nor 
 building, the movement languished, and finally about fifteen years 
 ago, the point was abandoned. 
 
 Pleasant Valley, Zion's. A couple hours ride northeast of Chap- 
 man brings the traveller to a beautiful stretch of country known 
 as Pleasant Valley. In this section preaching services had been 
 held in school houses for some time conducted by various brethren. 
 The field was reported to Travelling Missionary T. F. Dornblaser,
 
 210 THE WASHINGTON, PONTIAC AND LOST SPRINGS CHURCHES. 
 
 who in 1880 visited the place, held services, and finally on the 29th 
 of February, 1880, organized the Pleasant Valley Zion's Ev. Luth- 
 eran church with twenty-three charter members. The services took 
 place in the Pleasant Valley School House hence the name of the 
 church. It was received into Kansas Synod at its next convention, 
 and before the close of the year it had reported 35 members. It 
 was attached to the Ebenezer charge in June, 1881, and Rev. B. F. 
 Grenoble became its first regular pastor. He was followed in 
 December, 1884, by Rev. N. A. Whitman. In the summer of 1886 
 the charge was enlarged by the organization of a third congrega- 
 tion at Keystone, a point still further northwest from Chapman and 
 where the pastor resided. In 1888 it was united with St. Paul's of 
 Manchester as a charge. Rev. Whitman was succeeded in 1889 
 by Rev. Jonas Freet, and in 1891 it became pastorless, and con- 
 tinued so until it disintegrated, going into that sad experience found 
 so generally in the "School-House-Church" where the movement 
 did not soon crystalize into the erection of a building. 
 
 Washington, Washington county, St. Paul's. This congregation 
 was organized by Rev. M. F. Rinker March 10th, 1888, and was 
 admitted into Kansas Synod in the same year. A good building 
 lot was secured through the help of Rev. J. N. Lenker, valued at 
 $925, but no definite attempt was ever made to erect a building. 
 It was served by Rev. Rinker until 1890. For a while after this 
 Washington, Barnes and Greenleaf, were placed in one pastoral 
 charge and served by Rev. J. E. Maurer during 1891. This ar- 
 rangement was not acceptable to the other churches, and as a re- 
 sult the church never after that had a pastor and soon disintegrated 
 and was dropped from the synodical roll in 1893. 
 
 Pontiac, Butler county, St. Paul's. This church was organized 
 by Travelling Missionary T. F. Dornblaser on the 23d of August, 
 1891, and the same year it was received into Kansas Synod. For 
 a while it was served by Rev. H. Acker. It being far from other 
 churches could not be united with another church as a charge, and 
 as a result it soon disbanded. It never erected a building. 
 
 Lost Springs, Marion county, St. Paul's. After preaching in the 
 neighborhood of Lost Springs for some time Rev. B. F. Hills gath- 
 ered together a number of families among which were Joseph 
 Shields and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Rishel, Father Jacob Wise and wife 
 and son Jacob, Jr., and Elmer Wise, and Emanuel Wise and wife 
 and Mrs. Allen, and organized the St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran church
 
 SPRING GROVE, CRAWFORD, CEDAR VALE AND WINFIELD 211 
 
 of Lost Springs, September 23d, 1888. The church worshipped in 
 the school house and was served for two years by Rev. Hills. 
 Many of the principal families moving away the church finally dis- 
 banded. It was admitted into Kansas Synod the same year it was 
 organized. 
 
 Spring Grove, Doniphan county, Ev. Lutheran. A congregation 
 was organized here by Travelling Missionary T. F. Dornblaser, in 
 a school house located ten miles north of Atchison, and with twenty 
 charter members. For a season it was supplied by a student, Mr. 
 E. E. Schantz, but it never became established. 
 
 Crawford county, Swedish Lutheran. Two Swedish Lutheran 
 congregations located at and in the neighborhood of Girard, Kan- 
 sas, called Rev. V. G. Hoag as pastor in 1870 and the reports of 
 these congregations were incorporated in the Kansas Synod min- 
 utes although no record exists that the congregations were ever 
 formally admitted. The charge was very weak and could scarcely 
 support a pastor. Rev. Hoag resigned in September, 1873, and the 
 congregations a little later went into the Augustana Synod. 
 
 Cedar Vale, Chautauqua county, Ev. Lutheran. An Ev. Luth- 
 eran church was organized here on the 1st of April, 1888, by Rev. 
 H. A. Koogle. The organization was small but the outlook seemed 
 sufficiently encouraging for the purchase of four centrally located 
 lots for a church. At the first services were held in a school house. 
 Later Rev. S. Henry was secured for a short season as pastor or 
 supply. However the movement never advanced far enough to 
 warrant an application for membership into the Synod and the 
 movement finally failed. Lots were purchased and held for a num- 
 ber of years, but finally sold by the Board of Church Extension. 
 
 Winfield, Kansas. Quite an earnest effort was made to locate 
 a church in this fine city in 1887 while Rev. J. N. Lenker was Field 
 Secretary of the Board of Church Extension. Several canvasses 
 were made by him and services held, resulting in the finding of a 
 number of good Lutheran families among them Hon John A. Eaton, 
 who was formerly a fellow member with the writer of St. Paul's 
 church at Bucyrus, O. Mr. Eaton offered to stand one third of the 
 cost of any lot that might be purchased for a church site. After 
 a partial development of the field it was left in the hands of Rev. 
 J. G. M. Hursh of Wellington. Owing to the persistent opposition 
 of the Missouri Lutherans of the city and St. John's college located
 
 212 NORWAY AND GEORGETOWN, (COLO.), CHURCHES. 
 
 there, the attempt was finally given up, much to the delight of the 
 Missourians as is indicated in a sketch of theirs of St. John's col- 
 lege. 
 
 Norway, Republic county, Norwegian Lutheran. We do not have 
 any information when this church was organized, probably in 1SS6 
 or 1887. The pastor in 1888 was Rev. H. C. Roernaes, who at that 
 time held his membership in Nebraska Synod. His parish con- 
 sisted of English-Norgewian churches located in Norway, Republic 
 county, another 31 miles west in Jewell county, and Spring Creek 
 31 miles north in Nuckolls county, Nebraska. The charge was 
 poor and the pastor illy supported. On the 19th of April, 1888, the 
 corner-stone of a new church was laid at Norway and a sen-ice 
 was held in both English and Norwegian, Rev. J. E. Maurer, of 
 Hardy, Nebraska, assisting. After a painful struggle the church 
 was completed and was opened for use for the first time on the 
 day of Pentecost, May 28th, 1888. While the audience was as- 
 sembling a frightful hurricane came up and tore the building into 
 pieces. The church was an humble one costing, not counting the 
 help of the people, about $600, and its erection after the loss of 
 the crops during the year previous, was one of great sacrifice. Al- 
 though the church did not belong to the General Synod, Rev. J. N. 
 Lenker secured for it a donation of $200. Surrounding churches 
 lent a helping hand and the brave Norwegians set to work erecting 
 a still better church. This was dedicated in the spring of 1889, 
 when Rev. C. Huber preached the dedicatory' sermon and so well 
 managed the finances that the debt was all raised. 
 
 Georgetown, Colorado, St. Paul's. The residence of Rev. 
 Reuben Weiser, D. D., at Georgetown, Colo., in the heart of the 
 Rockies could not long continue without an effort to organize a 
 church there. After preaching for some time to the many foreign 
 speaking miners there while he was editing and publishing "The 
 Colorado Miner," he finally effected the organization of St. Paul's 
 Ev. Lutheran church with twenty- five charter members, on the 27th 
 of August, 1877. This congregation was received into Kansas 
 Synod the same year, when it was, Resolved, "That we rejoice in 
 the fact that we have now one General Synod Lutheran church in 
 the growing state of Colorado." In a letter at the same time sent 
 the Synod Dr. Weiser said, "There are 250 or 300 members of the 
 Lutheran church in Georgetown. I preach for them for nothing, 
 am my own sexton, and furnish the house. I raise some money
 
 AMERICUS, JOHNSON CO., TIPTON, MO., ETC. 213 
 
 for missions ($10) and officiate in three languages." This church 
 later became Scandinavian, and now belongs to the Augustana 
 Synod. 
 
 Americas, Lyon county, Ev. Lutheran. At a point about ten 
 miles northwest of Emporia a goodly company of settlers from 
 Perry county, Pennsylvania took up lands and at once began to 
 look out for a church of their own faith. Travelling Missionary 
 Dornblaser visited the place and after preaching for them, with 
 the assistance of Rev. L. C. Grosclose, organized an English Luth- 
 eran church on the 24th of August, however not completing the 
 details. This was accomplished on the 21st of September, when 
 nineteen members were enrolled. At this time a Church Council 
 was elected and installed. Among the prominent families identi- 
 fying themselves with the new church were the Swarners, the Has- 
 singers, the Leshes, the Barclays, the Shoops, the Havers, the Ma- 
 hans, and the Herbersels. The congregation was admitted into 
 Kansas Synod that fall. Services were held here for a season by 
 Rev. Grosclose as supply, but the church never built, and never 
 succeeded in getting a regular pastor. The enterprise finally failed. 
 
 Johnson county, St. Paul's. A preaching point was located five 
 miles south of Gardner, which was organized into a church in 1872 
 known as St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran church of Johnson county. The 
 same year it was admitted into Kansas Synod. It was supplied 
 occasionally by Rev. D. S. Altman, but it was seemingly not able 
 to pay even all his travelling expenses. It had about a dozen mem- 
 bers but no building. It disappears from the minutes during the 
 later seventies. 
 
 Franklin county, St. Matthew's. This church was organized and 
 admitted into Synod in 1872, a "school-house" church which never 
 became permanent and never had a regular pastor. 
 
 Kansas City, Kansas, Swedish Lutheran. This church was or- 
 ganized about 1878, and was given aid in the sum of $60 by the 
 Board of Home Missions. The church however never came into 
 the General Synod and is probably now in the Augustana Synod 
 if in existence. 
 
 Tipton, Missouri, English Lutheran. Tipton, Missouri, was visit- 
 ed a couple times by Rev. Morris Officer during his western mis- 
 sionary trips. It was located on the line of railroad which connect- 
 ed St. Louis with the young town on the Kansas border, then known
 
 214 TIPTON AND VERSAILLES, MO., CHURCHES. 
 
 as Westport or Kansas City. On the 22nd of February, 1867, he 
 effected an organization with twenty charter members. In the lat- 
 ter part of April he succeeded in installing Rev. E. J. Keplinger as 
 missionary, serving the church in connection with one at Versailes. 
 In November, 1868, these two churches through their pastor and 
 a lay delegate participated in the organization of Kansas Synod, at 
 Topeka. The church was never able to erect a building, though 
 the pastor issued an earnest appeal in the Lutheran Observer of 
 April 30th, 1869, for assistance, and had a building committee ap- 
 pointed composed of Messrs Jacob Crone, L. M. Culler, T. Parkins, 
 A. T. Swarner, and G. Rosenhahn, but the movement failed, and 
 the congregation continued to use the town school house. The 
 church really never became strong. After three years Rev. Kep- 
 linger resigned. After that the charge was supplied with preaching 
 occasionally, but owing to its inability to support a pastor it soon 
 languished. In 1872-3 Rev. W. H. Steck of Kansas City supplied 
 them off and on. Finally some of the members moving away, the 
 others went into other churches, and the effort failed. 
 
 Versailles, Missouri, English Lutheran. While visiting Tipton, 
 Missouri, during his western missionary trips Rev. Morris Officer 
 went across the country to the county seat of Morgan county some 
 eighteen miles to the south of Tipton and a hundred and thirty 
 miles from Kansas City. Here he held services in the county court 
 house, preaching several days, "A blessed work," as he writes in 
 his diary as quoted in Imhoff's "Life of Morris Officer." On Thurs- 
 day the 21st of February, 1867, he organized a church, "received 
 members, four by letter, two by profession of faith, and two by 
 confirmation." They adopted a constitution and elected church of- 
 ficers. Among the members were two brothers Geo. H. and John 
 H. Stover. The church here was rather stronger than that at Tip- 
 ton. In April Rev. E. J. Keplinger was installed as pastor. This 
 church with that at Tipton reported in 1869 a combined member- 
 ship of fifty-five. While Rev. Keplinger was here he was assisted 
 in several protracted meetings by his colleague in Kansas City, Rev. 
 A. W. Wagenhals. After the resignation of the pastor in 1870 the 
 church was never able to get another and as a result languished 
 until it ceased to exist. (See Tipton.)
 
 INCORPORATION OF KANSAS SYNOD. 215 
 
 CHANGE OF NAME AND INCORPORA- 
 TION OF KANSAS SYNOD. 
 
 When Kansas Synod was organized in November, 1868, in the 
 absence of a prepared constitution, it resolved to be governed by 
 the constitution of the Synod of East Pennsylvania, substituting 
 the word "Kansas" for that of "East Pennsylvania." On April 
 2nd, 1869, at a special meeting of Kansas Synod at Atchison, a 
 constitution was formally adopted in which the name of the synod 
 was specified as, "The Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Kansas and 
 Adjacent States." The basis of this constitution was stated to be 
 that of the General Synod as held and published at that time. At 
 this same convention the officers were instructed to "procure an act 
 of incorporation for the Synod." This was not done and at the next 
 convention of Synod the matter, although brought up, was allowed 
 to lapse. There is no record of any incorporation papers taken out 
 until 1886. However in 1883 steps were taken through which the 
 name of the Synod was changed to "The Ev. Lutheran Synod of 
 Kansas," by legally dropping the words, "And Adjacent States." 
 Under signature of A. J. Kissell, President, and M. F. Troxell, Sec- 
 retary, articles were filed with the Secretary of State from Shawnee 
 county, on the 28th of November, 1884 certifying to this change 
 of name. On the 17th of November, 1886 application was filed for 
 a state charter from Lyon county, and this document was issued 
 with an expiring limit of twenty years. From this time on a Board 
 of Trustees was annually elected and duly qualified by making 
 affidavit of their election and promising to perform the duties of 
 the charge faithfully. In 1887 the Synod instructed its Trustees to 
 adopt a code of By-Laws for the purpose of governing the secular 
 transactions of the Synod. At the convention of the Synod at To- 
 peka in 1906 the Trustees were instructed to allow the old Charter 
 to expire by limitation, November 17th, 1906, and immediately take 
 out a new Charter with a ninety-nine year limitation. This was 
 accordingly done and on the 30th of November it was issued. The 
 document is as follows: 
 
 OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE. I, J. R. Burrow, Secretary 
 of the State of Kansas, do hereby certify that the following and an- 
 nexed is a true and complete copy of the Charter of the Evangel- 
 ical Lutheran Synod of Kansas, filed for record in this office Nov- 
 ember 30, 1906. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed
 
 216 KANSAS SYNOD CHARTER. 
 
 my name and affixed my official seal, this 30th day of November, 
 A. D., 1906, (Signed) J. R. BURROW. (Seal.) 
 
 THE CHARTER. 
 
 The Charter of the Ev. Lutheran Synod of Kansas. 
 
 The undersigned citizens of the state of Kansas, do hereby vol- 
 untarily associate ourselves together for the purpose of forming 
 a private corporation under the laws of the state of Kansas, and 
 do hereby certify, 
 
 First, That the name of this corporation shall be The Evangelical 
 Lutheran Synod of Kansas. 
 
 Second, That the purposes for which this corporation is formed 
 are to promote the worship of Almighty God under the Formula for 
 the Government and Discipline of the Evangelical Lutheran church 
 as adopted by The General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran 
 Church in the United States of America: to discharge all the func- 
 tions arising under the rules and regulations of said church; to 
 advance the temporal interests of said church in Kansas by taking, 
 holding and disposing of such property, personal and real, as it 
 may acquire by gift, devise, purchase, or otherwise. 
 
 Third, That the places where its business is to be transacted are 
 at Topeka and such other places where said synod meets in An- 
 nual Convention, and other places arranged for by its Board of 
 Trustees. 
 
 Fourth, That the term for which this a corporation is to exist is 
 ninety-nine years. 
 
 In Testimony whereof, we have hereunto subscribed our names, 
 this 17th day of November, A. D., 1906. 
 
 H. A. OTT, 
 J. B. MCAFEE, 
 C. W. HORN, 
 J. B. WHERFEL, 
 H. G. LIGHT. 
 
 STATE OF KANSAS, Shawnee County, S. S. Personally appeared 
 before me, a Notary Public in and for Shawnee county, Kansas, 
 the above-named H. A. Ott, J. B. McAfee, C. W. Horn, J. B. Wher- 
 fel and H. G. Licht, who are personally known to me to be the same 
 who executed the foregoing instrument of writing, and duly ac- 
 knowledged the execution of the same. In Testimony Whereof, I 
 have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my notarial seal this 
 17th day of November, A. D., 1906. (Signed) ELIAS SHULL, (Seal) 
 Notary Public, Shawnee county, Kansas. (Term will end March 16, 
 1908. 
 
 Filed for Record, Nov. 30, 1906. 
 
 J. R. BURROW, Sec'y of State.
 
 BENEVOLENT WORK OF KANSAS SYNOD. 217 
 
 KANSAS SYNOD AND THE BENEV- 
 OLENCES OF THE CHURCH. 
 
 Kansas Synod at its second convention, a special session held 
 at Atchison in April, 1869, elected, Rev. A. J. Hesson and Hon. 
 S. J. H. Snyder as its delegates to the Twenty-fourth Convention 
 of the General Synod which met in May following, at Washing- 
 ton, D. C., giving them instruction to make formal application for 
 membership. The Synod was duly received at this convention and 
 committed itself to support the missionary and benevolent opera- 
 tions carried on by the General Synod. Its first contributions the 
 following year were small indeed, consisting of $1 12 for home mis- 
 sions, and $50 for foreign missions. During the first ten years 
 of its history the total contributions of Kansas Synod to the Gen- 
 eral Synod averaged less than $250 per year. This need not seem 
 strange when one takes into consideration the struggle of the peo- 
 ple amid drouths and grasshopper plagues to maintain a church 
 service of their own from year to year. 
 
 However at the close of the second decade, 1888, the Synod 
 showed decided gain, as is seen in the following report: General 
 Synod, $61; Home Missions, $92; Foreign Missions, $100; Church 
 Extension, $128; Pastor's Fund, $17; Ministerial Education, $327; 
 Orphan's Home, $25; W. H. & F. M. S., $917. 
 
 Ten years later, 1898 the growth is seen in the following report: 
 General Synod, $45; Home Missions, $574; Foreign Misisons, 
 $432; Church Extension, $387; Board of Education, $199; Board 
 of Education, $199; Ministerial Education, $210; Orphan's Home, 
 $142; Pastor's Fund, $115; Deaconness Board, $55; Home for the 
 Aged, $64; Synodical Treasury, $175; W. H. & F. M. S., $613; 
 External Benevolence, $164; Total, $3,150. 
 
 The latest report shows the following benevolence, an increase 
 of over 100 per cent: General Synod $44; Synodical Treasury, 
 $190; Home Missions, $836; Foreign Missions, $779; Church Ex- 
 tension, $643; Board of Education, $473; Ministerial Education, 
 $315; Pastor's Fund, $175; Orphan's Home, $190; Deaconness 
 Board, $139; Home for the Aged, $102; Woman's Missionary So- 
 ciety, $1469; External Benevolence, $750; Total, $6,376. 
 
 Kansas Synod does not have any orphan's home upon its terri- 
 tory. For many years it supported that at Loysville, Penna., but
 
 218 THE NACHUSA AND TABITHA ORPHAN'S HOMES. 
 
 when the Nachusa Orphan's Home, located at Nachusa, Illinois, 
 was established (1904), the Synod decided to withdraw its support 
 from the Loysville Home and give it to the Nachusa Home, be- 
 cause the latter was nearer its own territory. Since 1904 the Synod 
 has elected representatives on the Board of Trustees of the Nach- 
 usa Home. The Home has 46 acres of improved land and a large 
 house valued all told at $6,000. 
 
 Recently there came into the possession of the combined synods 
 of Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and the German Nebraska, what was 
 known as The Tabitha Home, consisting of fifteen acres of land in 
 the suburbs of Lincoln, Nebraska, having two large buildings, one 
 164 by 64 feet and four stories high, containing 75 rooms, and the 
 other a large structure used for hospital purposes, besides other 
 improvements. The Synod in session at Topeka, 1906, instructed 
 a committee, consisting of Dr. H. L. Yarger and Revs. R. B. Lantz 
 and I. B. Heisey, to investigate the proposition and cooperating 
 with the other synods, purchase if deemed best. This committee 
 has acted and the property has come into the possession of the 
 synods named. The new Board has decided to open the institu- 
 tion as a hospital and home. The larger building as a hospital and 
 the smaller one as a home for the aged and orphans. Plans look- 
 ing for the completion of this work are now being submitted. At 
 best the institution is only in its formative state. The property is 
 worth, at a fair estimate, fully, $50,000. It is possible Kansas 
 Synod will set aside a specified sum year after year for its main- 
 tenance. 
 
 Aside from what the Synod did specifically for the development 
 of its own home mission field through the travelling missionary 
 secretaries, as related in another section, it has during the past 
 five years been endeavoring to plant some new missions, and has 
 raised a special fund for this purpose. In 1902 that at Oklahoma 
 City was undertaken, and a good church established there. The 
 Synod is now ready to take up another important field.
 
 THE W. H. AND F. M. SOCIETY. 219 
 
 THE WOMAN'S HOME AND FOREIGN 
 MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 
 
 Active interest in the cause of missions has always characterized 
 Kansas Synod, and especially was this seen among the women, and 
 at a time when nearly all of the churches were as yet but missions 
 themselves. This interest bore fruitage at a very early period when 
 the movement of woman's missionary societies was scarcely 
 launched. It is an interesting fact that the movement which cul- 
 minated in the organization of the Lutheran Woman's Home and 
 Foreign Missionary Society had its birth on Trans-Mississippi ter- 
 ritory, when Rev. J. K. Bloom introduced in Iowa Synod at its con- 
 vention at Tipton in 1875 a resolution to appoint a committee to 
 consider and report upon the propriety and feasibility of forming 
 a 'Woman's Missionary Society' of the Lutheran churches of Iowa." 
 The first auxiliary society was formed that year at Tipton on the 
 23d of August, and that same year the Iowa society was organized. 
 Out of this humble movement other Iowa societies were organized. 
 Other denominations had already taken up this kind of work. In 
 the East auxiliaries sprang up in large numbers. Various synods 
 agitated the same end, resulting finally in the call for a convention 
 at Canton, Ohio, June 9-11, 1879, at which place the General W. 
 H. & F. M. S. was organized, with a working Executive Committee 
 located at Springfield, Ohio. Mrs. S. S. Waltz of Kansas City was 
 made a member of this committee. During this period the church 
 papers were full of glowing accounts of the new movement. These 
 earnest appeals stirred the hearts of some of the Kansas women, 
 and among these was Mrs. Jacob Schauer, whose husband was pas- 
 tor at Barnes and Greenleaf. Mrs. Schauer had the honor of or- 
 ganizing the first auxiliary society west of the Missouri river, which 
 was effected on the 7th of September, 1879, in the Kenyon school 
 house, which was located about three miles from Waterville. Here 
 a congregation worshipped to which Rev. Schauer preached, as a 
 missionary commissioned by the Board of Home Missions. The 
 congregation did not even own a church building. Besides it was 
 composed of a few families living out on the raw prairies, and con- 
 tent to worship in a country school house. On this occasion the 
 pastor sought to prepare the way by preaching an earnest mission- 
 ary sermon. After this service the organization took place with the
 
 220 KANSAS SYNOD W. H. AND F. M. SOCIETY. 
 
 following officers: President, Mrs. J. Schauer; Vice President, Mrs. 
 William Reitzel; Recording Secretary, Mrs. Sarah Heckert; Cor- 
 responding Secretary, Mrs. Emilie Reitzel; Treasurer, Mrs. H. M. 
 Shirck. This society was reported to the then newly constituted 
 Executive Committee at Springfield, Ohio, and thereafter reported 
 to that center until the Kansas Synodical Spciety was formed. 
 
 Six weeks later at the convention of Kansas Synod at Abilene, 
 the subject of woman's missionary societies was discussed, result- 
 ing in the offering of the following resolutions by Rev. Charles 
 Martin, M. D., which were unanimously adopted: 
 
 "Resolved, That this Synod recognizes the importance and value 
 of the Women's Missionary Societies in carrying forward the var- 
 ious denominational operations and that we hail with pleasure the 
 efforts of the energetic women to establish auxiliary branches of 
 the society throughout the church. 
 
 "Resolved, That we appoint five Lutheran women within the 
 Kansas Synod, to take charge of this interest, with a view to the 
 establishment of the society throughout our border." 
 
 The committee appointed consisted of Mrs. S. S. Waltz of Kan- 
 sas City, Mo., Mrs. O. J. Peters of Abilene, Mrs. J. Schauer of 
 Greenleaf, Mrs. M. E. Smith of White Rock, and Mrs. Ira Fleck of 
 Bunker Hill. This committee had truly a great undertaking be- 
 fore it, considering the material out of which to originate a Synod- 
 ical Missionary Society. Kansas Synod at that time was practically 
 a missionary synod in which every congregation was receiving mis- 
 sionary aid more or less, excepting only that at Abilene and that 
 at East Norway, (Moray), a congregation near St. Joseph and 
 served by Dr. Martin in connection with his school. Shortly after 
 the adjournment of this Synod the second auxiliary society was 
 organized in the Pleasant Hill school house, in Marshall county 
 near Waterville, in which the Hebron Lutheran church worshipped, 
 and which was served by Rev. David Harbaugh. The organization 
 took place on the 9th of November and started out with nine char- 
 ter members and the following officers: President, Mrs. D. Har- 
 baugh; Vice President, Mrs. Frank Falkner; Recording Secretary, 
 Mrs. George Kistler; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. Floyd Kistler; 
 Treasurer, Mrs Deistelbach. 
 
 The committee appointed by Kansas Synod being so widely sep- 
 arated could co-operate only by correspondence. Mrs. Waltz be- 
 came president and Mrs. Peters secretary of the committee. 
 
 The committee was not able to effect any new organizations dur- 
 ing the year; however it called a meeting of interested workers 'to
 
 KANSAS SYNOD W. H. AND F. M. SOCIETY. 221 
 
 be held in conjunction with the next Synod at Lawrence on the 
 14th of October, 1880. When the time arrived only three of the 
 committee were able to be present, on account of the distance, the 
 prevailing poverty of the people, and the few railroads which then 
 existed in the state. The experience of Mrs. Schauer in getting to 
 this convention may be related as an illustration of the dfficulties 
 which had to be overcome in those early days in establishing any 
 concerted movement of the churches. Rev. and Mrs. Schauer were 
 the faithful missionaries laboring on the frontier line of Kansas 
 settlements on the northwest, located near the terminus of the Cen- 
 tral Branch railroad, a line which led direct into Atchison. Once 
 in Atchison they were still a long way from Lawrence. Besides 
 they did not have the money with which to pay car fare. So they 
 decided to drive across the country, hitching their two nimble pon- 
 ies to their carriage. En route they took aboard Rev. D. Harbaugh 
 and his lay delegate to the Synod. Leaving their children in the 
 care of a house keeper they started on their long journey of at 
 least 140 miles, stopping at nights with hospitable people though 
 utter strangers. It took three days to make the drive, but they ar- 
 rived there in time and none the worse for their long journey. This 
 overland trip of nearly 300 miles by carriage to attend a mission- 
 ary convention is doubtless a unique experience in missionary cir- 
 cles within our church. 
 
 At the appointed hour seven women met in the parlor of the pas- 
 tor, Rev. A. A. Trimper, composed of, Mrs. S. S. Waltz, Mrs. O. J. 
 Peters, and Mrs. J. Schauer of the original committee, and Mrs. 
 H. F. Long of Bunker Hill, Mrs. T. F. Dornblaser of Ellsworth, 
 Mrs. A. J. Kissell of Abilene, and Mrs. A. A. Trimper of Lawrence. 
 Besides these Revs. Waltz and Long were present to advise and 
 counsel. Here the Kansas Synodical W. H. & F. M. S. was organ- 
 ized and a constitution adopted. Mrs. Waltz was chosen President; 
 Mrs. Schauer, Vice President; Mrs. A. J. Kissell, Recording Secre- 
 tary; Mrs. Peters, Corresponding Secretary; and Mrs. Long, Treas- 
 urer. Little was done save to pray for the cause which they had 
 launched, and adopt some resolutions urging pastors to preach on 
 the subject, and plan for the organizing of new socities. On the 
 following day the Synod gave them an hour, for a meeting with 
 the Synod. Mrs. Waltz presided, Mrs. Peters read a Scripture les- 
 son, and Mrs. Schauer led in prayer. The newly elected President 
 addressed the Synod making an earnest plea for a missionary so- 
 ciety in every charge, and closed by declaring the Kansas Synod- 
 ical Missionary Society organized. The new society was duly en-
 
 222 KANSAS SYNOD W. H. AND F. M. SOCIETY. 
 
 rolled in the General Society at its next convention at Altoona, 
 Pennsylvania, the following spring, at which time the Kansas Aux- 
 iliary Societies had increased from two to five. 
 
 This was indeed a very humble beginning of woman's missionary 
 work in Kansas. Seven women, six of whom at that time were not 
 as yet connected with any Auxiliary Society, and two Auxiliary So- 
 cieties on the territory, began the work out of which to start a 
 movement which finally would sweep through nearly all of our 
 churches. During the following year societies were organized at 
 Topeka, White Rock, Hays City, Abilene, and East Norway. The 
 first Annual Convention was held in connection with the Synod at 
 Bunker Hill, October 7th, 1881. Although the place was on the 
 extreme western boundary of the Synod, the attendance was very 
 encouraging. The Synod adjourned some of its sessions and gave 
 the time to the woman's meeting. At this time the Corresponding 
 Secretary reported seven societies, eighty-eight members, and con- 
 tributions amounting to $123. At this convention by-laws were 
 adopted and the work of extending the organizations more fully 
 planned, and the success of the future became more bright and 
 promising. 
 
 Other societies were organized as follows: In 1882 at Eureka, 
 Salina, and Greenleaf ; in 1884 at Kansas City, First church and at 
 the Children's Memorial; in 1885 at Atchison, Emporia, Minneap- 
 olis, Ottawa, Peabody, and Bunker Hill; in 1886 at Lawrence, 
 Barnes, Ellsworth, and Hardy (Neb.); in 1887 at Minneapolis 
 (Young Peoples) ; in 1888 at Salina (St. Paul's) and Hays City; in 
 1889 at Perth, Denver, Wellington, Hutchinson, Whitewater and 
 Peabody (Children's) ; in 1890 at Chapman, Lawrence (Children's) 
 Salina, (Children's), Atchison (Young People's), and Ellsworth 
 (Children's); in 1891 at Atchison (Children's), and Garnett; in 
 
 1892 at Leavenworth and Kansas City Memorial (Children's) ; in 
 
 1893 at Effingham (Woman's and Children's). For the next ten 
 years no new organizations were effected. In 1903 one was or- 
 ganized at Oklahoma City, Okla., and in 1905 one at St. Joseph, 
 Mo. 
 
 A number of these societies have disbanded, finding the work 
 difficult under their environment. But after the society once was 
 fairly launched the contributions increased year after year until 
 the climax was reached in 1889-90. After that date the work some- 
 what declined, both in interest and in receipts, until 1900, when the 
 trend again was upward, and in 1906 the receipts passed the high- 
 est previous mark, the total reaching $1469.33. In 1889 the so-
 
 223 
 
 ety 
 
 nary 
 
 ss 
 
 Fbreign 
 
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 |pui ii| 
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 OJSJOU8JJ 
 
 us 
 
 :8 :8 
 
 o o Q 10 
 
 B 9 ....$. .*. 
 
 :8 
 
 a 
 
 S8 
 
 SSS33 :8g5J 
 
 SS 
 
 8S$S 
 
 r-l Cl 1H 
 
 88S88 
 
 8 ;8 ;88 
 
 o -e> -t- 
 
 goo 
 a> 
 
 ss 
 
 : :8 : : : 
 
 ss 
 
 SS8S8SS 
 
 t- O - O r< rt 
 
 
 
 OS 
 
 fc'sai 
 
 -I w 
 
 cc 
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 00 
 
 SS C4 5D t- f -r 
 
 ^^t ^ 
 
 t~WOOPII-pfOi--<t- 
 
 - N i- N W - r-t CO W t-" 
 
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 III 
 
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 d 
 
 fferi t Emporia 
 Balance on hand last 
 Endowment Fund colle
 
 224 KANSAS SYNOD W. H. AND F. M. SOCIETY, 25 YEARS EXHIBIT. 
 
 ciety was duly incorporated under the seal of the Secretary of 
 State as "The Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society of 
 the Ev. Lutheran Synod of Kansas." In 1890 the officers began 
 the publication of a sprightly eight-page quarterly paper called 
 "The Synodical Reporter," which was edited by Mrs. Alice G. 
 Bond, the President. This little publication was continued through 
 four years, and at the time exerted a good influence among the so- 
 cieties. 
 
 At the present time the society reports 26 Auxiliaries, 591 active 
 members, and a total contributions for the year 1905-6 of $1469. 
 The officers are, President, Mrs. H. L. Yarger, Atchison; Corre- 
 sponding Secretary, Mrs. Fuller Bergstresser, Abilene; Recording 
 Secretary, Mrs. B. R. Lantz, St. Joseph; Mo. ; Treasurer, Mrs. R. B. 
 Wolf, Kansas City; Historian, Mrs. Olive J. Peters, Abilene. 
 
 W. F. & F. M. SOCIETY EXHIBIT, 26 YEARS. 
 
 
 
 
 
 Place of 
 Convention 
 
 Name of 
 President 
 
 No. of 
 Auxiliaries. 
 
 Total 
 Membership. 
 
 Total 
 Contribution' 
 
 1880 
 
 Lawrence 
 
 Mrs. S. S. Waltz 
 
 ? 
 
 20 
 
 $25.00 
 
 1881 
 
 Bunker Hill 
 
 Mrs S. S Waltz 
 
 7 
 
 88 
 
 123.00 
 
 1882 
 
 Salina 
 
 Mrs. T. P. Dornblaser. . 
 
 11 
 
 144 
 
 210.61 
 
 1883 
 
 Eureka 
 
 Mrs. T. F. Dornblaser. . 
 
 13 
 
 209 
 
 95.00 
 
 1884 
 
 Topeka 
 
 Mrs. A. J. Kissell '. 
 
 10 
 
 190 
 
 196.61 
 
 1885 
 
 Peabody 
 
 Mrs. M. J. Schauer 
 
 15 
 
 209 
 
 205.40 
 
 1886 
 
 Waterville ... 
 
 Mrs. O. J. Peters 
 
 ?0 
 
 320 
 
 493.95 
 
 1887 
 
 Abilene 
 
 Mrs. L. L. Belmer 
 
 'ft 
 
 506 
 
 754.55 
 
 1888 
 
 Lawrence 
 
 Mrs. J. M. Cromer 
 
 ?5 
 
 492 
 
 887.63 
 
 1889 
 1890 
 1891 
 
 Atchison 
 Salina... 
 
 Mrs. T. L. Bond 
 Mrs. T. L. Bond 
 Mrs T L Bond . 
 
 27 
 34 
 34 
 
 650 
 648 
 772 
 
 1124.63 
 835.57 
 955 82 
 
 1892 
 
 Kansas City Mem 
 
 Mrs. T. L. Bond 
 
 33 
 
 755 
 
 824.88 
 
 1893 
 
 Kansas City 1st 
 
 Mrs. J. Schauer 
 
 ?? 
 
 667 
 
 902.63 
 
 1894 
 
 Topeka 
 
 Mrs. E. C. Beegle 
 
 ?0 
 
 581 
 
 705.37 
 
 1895 
 
 
 Mrs E C Beegrle . . 
 
 27 
 
 511 
 
 760 73 
 
 1896 
 1897 
 1898 
 
 Lawrence. . : 
 Peabody 
 
 Mrs. T. L. Bond 
 Mrs. T. L. Bond 
 Mrs John Hoffer . . 
 
 28 
 26 
 24 
 
 513 
 429 
 399 
 
 698.42 
 582.69 
 646 40 
 
 1899 
 
 Atchison ... 
 
 Mrs L. S Keyser 
 
 25 
 
 526 
 
 649.46 
 
 1900 
 1901 
 1902 
 
 Waterville 
 Wellington 
 Salina 
 
 Mrs. L. S. Keyser 
 Mrs. L. S. Keyser 
 Mrs. T. L. Bond 
 
 24 
 23 
 
 ?5 
 
 475 
 430 
 461 
 
 626.45 
 568.00 
 651.94 
 
 1903 
 
 1904 
 1905 
 
 St. Joseph 
 Eureka 
 Emporia 
 
 Mrs. T. L. Bond 
 Mrs. T. L. Bond 
 Mrs. H. A. Ott 
 
 26 
 28 
 ?6 
 
 532 
 527 
 534 
 
 666.68 
 968.76 
 1157.21 
 
 1906 
 
 Topeka 
 
 Mrs. H. A. Ott 
 
 26 
 
 591 
 
 1469.33
 
 YOUNG PEOPLE'S SOCIETIES. 225 
 
 THE YOUNG PEOPLE'S SOCIETY MOVE- 
 MENT. 
 
 The earliest organizations of young people's societies in our Kan- 
 sas Synod churches were of the Christian Endeavor kind. This 
 movement had its origin in a congregational church in Portland, 
 Maine, in 1881, and before a decade had passed the movement had 
 found its way into possibly every Protestant denomination in this 
 country. About the middle of the eighties several societies were 
 organized in Kansas. In 1889 Kansas Synod took official action 
 in passing the following resolution: 
 
 WHEREAS, The Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor 
 has become a power for the advancement of our Redeemer's King- 
 dom throughout the whole country, therefore, 
 
 Resolved, That we as a Synod recommend to, and urge upon, 
 our congregations the formation of such societies, and thus en- 
 courage an agency which is of untold benefit to the development 
 of our young people in church work. 
 
 No definite action was taken by the pastors other than to or- 
 ganize local societies. Aside from Christian Endeavor societies 
 other organizations such as "The Luther Alliance," "The Kings 
 Daughters," and various "Clubs," found place in some of our 
 churches. About this time the Luther League movement was in- 
 augurated in the East, and quite a number of our Christian Endea- 
 vor Societies were merged into either Luther Leagues, or Luther 
 Leagues of Christian Endeavor. At this writing fully half of the 
 societies are straight Luther Leagues. 
 
 In 1893 a movement was started for the purpose of ef- 
 fecting a general union of all the young people's societies. A call 
 was issued to the local societies inviting them to send delegates to 
 Kansas City when Kansas Synod met there in October. This call 
 met with a fair response when a temporary organization was affect- 
 ed. Mr. E. P. Schueler of Atchison was chosen President; Rev. 
 I. B. Heisey, of Waterville, Vice President; Mrs. A. S. Harlan, of 
 Salina, Secretary; and Mr. A. L. Selig of Lawrence, Treasurer. 
 
 A committee was appointed to draft a constitution and report 
 at the next convention of the synod at Topeka in the fall of 1894. 
 The Synod again endorsed the movement and assigned the evening 
 and a day preceding the opening of the next Synod for this special 
 effort.
 
 226 THE LUTHER LEAGUE OF KANSAS. 
 
 The next fall thirty-two delegates reported at Topeka when a 
 constitution was adopted and a permanent organization was effect- 
 ed. The name adopted was, "The Luther League of Kansas and 
 Kansas Synod." All young people's societies of whatever name, 
 connected with a Lutheran church or college, were eligible to mem- 
 bership. The object was declared to be to encourage the formation 
 of young people's societies (not any one particular kind), stimulate 
 the societies to greater activity, to assist in keeping the young peo- 
 ple confirmed in the church true to their vows, etc. The future con- 
 ventions were to be held annually. At the close of the convention 
 Rev. I. B. Heisey, was elected President; Mr. Theodore Sheffer, 
 Miss Bessie Maxwell, and Mr. D. N. Anderson, Vice Presidents; 
 Mrs. A. S. Harlan, Secretary and Mr. A. L. Selig, Treasurer. Dele- 
 gates were reported from the churches at Abilene, Atchison, Barnes, 
 Beloit, Banner City, Chapman, Emporia, Eureka, Hardy (Neb.), 
 Kansas City, First and Memorial, Lawrence, Leavenworth, Minne- 
 apolis, St. Paul's and St. John's, Moray, New Cambria, Norcatur, 
 Ottawa, Peabody, St. Joseph, (Mo.), Salina, Topeka, Valley Falls, 
 Vineland, Waterville, Wellington and Whitewater, with a combined 
 membership of 960. 
 
 Later conventions were held at Abilene in 1895 and Lindsborg 
 in 1896. At this time efforts were made to induce -the Luther Lea- 
 gues of the Swedish Augustana churches to unite with the organ- 
 ization which was now called simply "The Luther League of Kan- 
 sas." This met with fair success. However during 1896-7 no con- 
 ventions were held. In 1900 a good convention was held in Topeka 
 in the First and Swedish churches there. In 1901 another good 
 convention was held in Abilene. During the following year a move- 
 ment developed in the Swedish churches to hold a convention strict- 
 ly of their own. This was held in Topeka about two months before 
 the next united convention was to have been held at Osage City in 
 the Swedish church there. The Executive Committee finding a dis- 
 position upon the part of Swedish pastors not to co-operate in the 
 making of the program, the Osage convention was withdrawn. 
 Since then the Kansas Synod societies have not held any conven- 
 tions aside from having their work presented at several of the 
 spring conferences in a half-day session. For the late reports of 
 the young people's work see the parochial tables of Kansas Synod 
 in another part of this volume.
 
 KANSAS SYNOD AND TEMPERANCE LEGISLATION. 227 
 
 KANSAS SYNOD AND TEMPERANCE 
 LEGISLATION. 
 
 The records of Kansas Synod have always shown a decided op- 
 position to the liquor traffic and a strong leaning in favor of prohi- 
 bition as a constitutional provision. While now and then a pastor 
 would be found to be lukewarm on the latter subject, the Synod 
 as a body has always been in line with the Protestant churches in 
 the fight for State Prohibition. The first formal resolution was 
 passed in 1869, at its second annual convention, as follows: 
 
 WHEREAS, Intemperance is a great and growing evil, extending 
 its baneful influence to all conditions of society, bringing sorrow 
 and affliction upon the innocent, reducing its victims to wretched- 
 ness and want here, and eternal misery and ruin hereafter, there- 
 fore, 
 
 Resolved, That it is the sense of this Synod that the Scriptural 
 doctrine with reference to the use of spirituous liquors is -total 
 abstinence as a beverage and that we as ministers of the truth in- 
 culcate the same from the pulpit, through our Sunday schools, and 
 by all wise and proper measures, seek to promote the same results. 
 
 In 1870 other resolutions were passed in which the Synod took 
 "The high and only position, that of total abstinence from the use 
 of all intoxicating liquors as a beverage," and it further resolved 
 that its ministers use every means to prevent .the increase of this 
 crying evil, and call upon all Christian friends of humanity to 
 unite their efforts to the same end. 
 
 In 1871 the former sentiments were re-affirmed. In 1873 it 
 touched the subject politically, pledging its efforts "in firing the 
 temperance reform into the political arena and there defending and 
 sustaining it until the triumph is complete." In 1877 the Synod 
 set apart an hour for the consideration of temperance, heartily en- 
 dorsing the "Murphy Movement" which was then sweeping over 
 the land. In 1879 the state legislature yielding to the persistent 
 demands of the people voted to submit an amendment to the state 
 constitution forever prohibiting the manufacture and sale of in- 
 toxicating liquors as a beverage. Among the most influential and 
 successful advocates of this measure in the Legislature at that time 
 was Rev. M. J. Firey, a member from Lyon county, who did much 
 in the way of preparing the Legislature for the movement. At the 
 fall convention of Kansas Synod, seventeen days before the elec-
 
 228 THE PROHIBITION CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT. 
 
 tion at which this amendment was to be voted upon, the Synod 
 adopted the following pointed resolution: 
 
 Resolved, That the rum traffic is the prolific source of most of 
 the crimes committed in this country, and the source from which 
 the poor house, the asylums and our penitentiaries are filled, and 
 one of the greatest hindrances to the spread of the Gospel, There- 
 fore, 
 
 Resolved, That this Synod recommend that each of its ministers 
 preach at least one sermon before the vote is taken in November 
 on the proposed amendment, .... and that we urge our peo- 
 ple to use all possible means in suppressing this nefarious traffic. 
 
 The amendment was carried by a majority of 7,998 votes. When 
 following the adoption a movement was instituted to over-ride the 
 constitution, the traffic dying hard, the Synod again adopted strong 
 resolutions calling for the enforcement of law. During the score 
 of years after the adoption of constitutional prohibition, the Synod 
 again and again declared itself, and later when the movement was 
 started to have the question re-submitted, the synodical declara- 
 tions evince no middle ground in planting itself against the obnox- 
 ious proposition. 
 
 In the great fight which secured the adoption of the amendment 
 referred to, no Lutheran minister in the state proved himself such 
 an efficient helper as Rev. J. B. McAfee. At that time he was re- 
 siding in Leavenworth and engaged in a business which permitted 
 much personal freedom, and when the time came for action he 
 plunged into the battle with his whole soul. He asked from the 
 Santa Fe railroad free transportation which was granted, and then 
 he went up and down the state, at his own expense, speaking in- 
 cessantly in favor of the amendment. Few clergymen of any de- 
 nomination worked more heroically than he. It was the one reform 
 above all others in which he was interested, and as the opportunity 
 presented itself, he left no stone unturned to bring about the end 
 for which he pleaded. The final victory constituted one of the 
 crowning experiences of his life and placed him among the pioneer 
 heroes of Kansas in effecting prohibitory legislation under which 
 the state has prospered and profited for the past quarter century.
 
 CARTHAGE COLLEGE. 229 
 
 KANSAS LUTHERAN EDUCATIONAL 
 INSTITUTIONS. 
 
 CARTHAGE COLLEGE. 
 
 The earliest official recognition of any of our educational institu- 
 tions by Kansas Synod was at its first session in Topeka in 1868, 
 when a communication was read from an official of Mendota Col- 
 lege, located at Mendota, Illinois, an institution somewhat related 
 to the Synods of that state, asking financial aid from the newly or- 
 ganized synod. It was regretted by the Synod, that, owing to the 
 numerous and imperious demands for money in the establishing 
 of churches in this territory, very little financial aid could be prom- 
 ised for a while at least. The failure of the Mendota College soon 
 after that divorced Kansas Synod from any effort looking toward 
 any material union with that institution either in the way of money, 
 or in being represented on its board of trustees. 
 
 The organization of Carthage College, located at Carthage, Illi- 
 nois, in the fall of 1870, under the conduct of Prof. L. F. M. Easter- 
 day, brought an educational institution much nearer to Kansas. 
 Kansas Synod at once decided to co-operate and elected two of its 
 members to represent it on the Board of Trustees. In this move- 
 ment the Synods of Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Northern Illinois, 
 Southern Illinois, and Central Illinois, co-operated. In the distri- 
 bution of the shares of capital stock of the college, representing a 
 nominal value of $18,000, Kansas Synod received forty-two shares, 
 as did likewise Nebraska Synod, the remainder of the 180 shares 
 being distributed among the Iowa and the three Illinois Synods. 
 Kansas Synod elected Rev. S. P. Harrington, Rev. M. J. Firey and 
 Mr. J. H. Schell as its first trustees, co-operating from the first in 
 contributing money for its contingent fund and its sons for the in- 
 stitution. This it continued till 1888. However upon the incorpor- 
 ation of Midland College, in 1886, by the Board of Education of 
 the General Synod, thus founding an educational institution upon 
 the territory west of the Missouri river, the synods of Kansas and 
 Nebraska transferred their stock, consisting of eighty four shares, 
 through their respective attorneys, to the Synod of Iowa and the 
 three Illinois synods, in proportion to the amount then held by each 
 of these synods. After this was done, and duly reported by the 
 Kansas Synod trustees, the latter were discontinued, and Kansas 
 Synod's relation to Carthage College, in an official way, ceased.
 
 230 
 
 MIDLAND COLLEGE. 
 
 MIDLAND COLLEGE. 
 
 Scarcity of men for the ministry willing to work in the great and 
 growing fields of the West, as well as Lutheran facilities for the 
 collegiate education of our children in this section, gave birth to 
 the cry for a college west of the Missouri river, a cry which was 
 heard at every convention of our western synods early in the eight- 
 ies. The creation of the Board of Education by the General Synod 
 at Harrisburg, Pa., in 1885, made this object possible. This Board 
 held its first meeting in Kansas City on the 10th of November, 
 1885, electing Rev. M. Rhodes, D. D., President, Rev. J. S. Det- 
 weiler, Secretary, and Hon. Geo. H. Maish, Treasurer, the other 
 members being Mr. Robert Weidensall, Mr. Augutus Kountze, Rev. 
 J. H. Culler, Rev. S. B. Barnitz, Rev. L. M. Heilman and Rev. T. F. 
 Dornblaser. Through the observations and travels of Rev. Samuel 
 B. Barnitz, a member of this Board and then Western Secretary 
 of the Board of Home Missions, quite a number of desirable loca- 
 tions were suggested. At the meeting of the General Synod at 
 Omaha in the spring of 1887, liberal propositions for the location 
 of a college were made by the cities of Grand Island, Beatrice and 
 Lincoln, Nebraska, and Beloit, Topeka, Parsons, Leavenworth, Min- 
 neapolis and Atchison, Kansas. The propositions of Atchison and 
 
 REV. J. A. CLUTZ, D. D. 
 
 REV. M. F. TROXELL,, D. D.
 
 MIDLAND COLLEGE. 231 
 
 Beatrice were regarded with most favor, and the matter of choice 
 was placed in the hands of the Board of Education, with instruc- 
 tions to proceed at once to found a college in the West and to go 
 before the entire church for the help necessary to sustain it. The 
 Board as nominated at this convention consisted of Revs. M. 
 Rhodes, D. D., S. B. Barnitz, J. S. Detweiler and F. D. Altman and 
 Messrs Augustus Kountze, Robert Weidensall, Dr. J. E. Herbst 
 and Hon. Amos Miller. 
 
 This Board carefully canvassed the matter of location, consider- 
 ing the best point relative to the location of our churches, the dis- 
 tance from competing institutions, facilities for access, moral sur- 
 roundings, patronage, future prospects, as well as the tempting 
 material offers. The choice fell upon Atchison, which had offered 
 to give $50,000 for buildings, twenty acres of land in Highland 
 Park for a campus, five acres for professors' homes, a half inter- 
 est in the sale of 500 acres of land, and a promise of 200 students. 
 The twenty-five acres of land were donated at once to the Board. 
 During the summer of 1887 a faculty was selected consisting of 
 Rev. M. Rhodes, D. D., President pro tern, Rev. W. H. Wynn, Ph. 
 D., Rev. W. B. Glanding, Rev. J. S. Detweiler, Mr. E. S. Earhart, 
 Mr. F. A. Lemme, Gertrude Dubois Wynn, Miss Phoebe Clark and 
 Mrs. Harriet E. Monroe. The Atchison Institute building was fitted 
 up temporarily, and on the 15th of September the college was 
 opened formally for the reception of students. 
 
 The opening program really began on the Sunday previous when 
 a half dozen of the city pulpits were filled by Lutheran ministers 
 and in the evening at an immense union service held in the Presby- 
 terian church, Dr. M. Rhodes delivered an impressive sermon on, 
 "Midland College, the Grounds of Its Claim." 
 
 On Monday, Mrs. Monroe gave a reception to the Faculty and 
 Board of Education, when brief addresses were made by Dr. 
 Rhodes, Mrs. Monroe, Revs. Barnitz, Altman and Cromer, Mrs. 
 Judge Webb and others. A union prayer service for Midland was 
 held on Wednesday evening in the Congregational church. Prayer 
 seemed to fittingly prepare for the opening of the college on the 
 following day when the Institute room was crowded to its utmost 
 capacity. The greatest enthusiasm prevailed. The beautiful order 
 of service of the Lutheran church was used in the introduction of 
 the exercises led by Dr. Rhodes. Remarks were made by Revs. 
 Barnitz, Detweiler and Profs. Wynn and Glanding. Letters of con- 
 gratulation were read from Dr. Conrad of the Lutheran Observer, 
 Dr. Singley of the Lutheran Evangelist, Dr. H. L. Baugher, of
 
 232 MIDLAND COLLEGE. 
 
 Gettysburg College, Prof. E. F. Bartholomew President of Carth- 
 age College, Chancellor Lippincott of Kansas State University, the 
 Presidents of the synods of Kansas, Iowa, and Nebraska, and many 
 others. 
 
 The opening of the college was all that could have been expected, 
 there being enrolled during the first year a total of 101 students, 
 with twelve in the Freshman class. The institution was given its 
 own Board of Trustees, two-thirds of whom had to be members of 
 the Lutheran church. This body was self-perpetuating. Later 
 there were added two trustees from the Alumni Association, and 
 two from each of the Lutheran Synods of Kansas, Nebraska, and 
 German Nebraska, and one from the Rocky Mountain Synod. The 
 Board of Trustees was organized by the election of Rev. S. B. 
 Barnitz, President; Senator A. J. Harwi, Vice President; Rev. F. 
 D. Altman, Secretary; and J. H. Berlin, Treasurer. The future of 
 Midland seemed bright and most promising. 
 
 The first serious hitch in the completion of the arrangements for 
 the erection of a building occurred when it was learned that the 
 promised $50,000 from the city of Atchison would have to be raised 
 by tax levy, the very payment of which in law would have to be 
 entirely voluntary on the part of the tax payer, and in three annual 
 installments at that. This introduced such an uncertain factor in 
 the securing of funds that the Board hesitated very much in going 
 ahead in the erection of the college building. However about forty 
 of the leading business men of the city had previously signed a 
 bond agreeing to stand back of the city in the payment of the 
 promised help, and the tax plea was their method of raising the 
 money, and the Board accordingly decided to leave the securing of 
 funds with them, although the tax idea was not especially pleasing 
 to the Board. After the original Board of Trustees had been in- 
 corporated under the laws of the state of Kansas, the internal man- 
 agement of the college was formally turned over to them in March, 
 1888, by the Board of Education. 
 
 The location of the grounds was all that could be desired, sit- 
 uated in the southern suburbs of the city and upon a high bluff of 
 the Missouri river, overlooking the city itself and many square 
 miles of picturesque scenery on both sides of the river. On this 
 ground the first building, "Atchison Hall," was erected, the archi- 
 tecture of which is Roman-Gothic, 106 by 64 feet in ground di- 
 mensions and four stories high, costing all told about $28,000, 
 which was entirely paid for by the city of Atchison. This building 
 contains a chapel, six recitation rooms, a museum, chemical labor-
 
 MIDLAND COLLEGE. 233 
 
 atory, two libraries, a reading room, about thirty dormitory rooms, 
 and a presidents office, besides some basement rooms, and is heated 
 by steam throughout. It was formally turned over to the college 
 in the spring of 1889. This structure is a noble monument to the 
 liberality and interest of the citizens of Atchison. The equipment 
 and furnishings were supplied largely by the congregations on the 
 territory. Meanwhile owing to the collapse of the boom which had 
 been prevailing in the city, the latter pleaded inability to raise the 
 balance of the $50,000 it had promised the college. The Board 
 finally agreed to remit this under certain conditions and limitations. 
 During the first two years the affairs of the college were directed 
 by Dr. W. H. Wynn as acting president. In the meantime the 
 Board elected Rev. S. B. Barnitz to the Presidency, believing his 
 capabilities fitting him eminently for the office, especially in the 
 beginning when the raising of money was such a positive factor. 
 Mr. Barnitz did not see it so and frankly pleaded that he was not 
 fitted to take the responsible position. In the spring of 1889 the 
 Board of Trustees unanimously elected Rev. Jacob A. Clutz, D. D., 
 then General Secretary of the Board of Home Missions, President 
 of the college, and on the 1st of August he assumed full charge. 
 
 The informal opening of the new building took place on the 10th 
 of January, 1889, when a stream of visitors poured through the 
 building all day long. Various rooms in the building had been 
 furnished by churches and individuals, this having been done large- 
 ly through the activity of Secretary M. F. Troxell of the Board of 
 Education. The formal dedicatory services began on Monday, Sep- 
 tember 30th, when representatives from the Synods of Iowa, Ne- 
 braska and Kansas assembled for prayer and conference on behalf 
 of new Midland, the meeting being led by Rev. W. M. Sparr. The 
 occasion was livened by the presence of Kansas Synod which 
 opened its Twenty-second Convention in Atchison at the same time. 
 The dedication proper took place on Tuesday. A special service 
 of prayer was held at the Lutheran church at 11 a. m. At 2 p. m. 
 the formal dedicatory service was begun in the Presbyterian church, 
 Rev. M. Rhodes, D. D., presiding. Rev. F. W. Conrad, D. D., LL. 
 D., delivered the address, a scholarly and eloquent presentation, 
 emphasizing the true elements of education. Rev. S. B. Barnitz 
 read a large number of telegrams and letters of congratulation. 
 Following this the audience formed in line and marched to the col- 
 lege building in Highland Park, where the special service of dedi- 
 cation wa.s conducted by Rev. J. S. Detweiler, President of the 
 Board of Education. Short addresses were made by Mr. A. J.
 
 234 
 
 MIDLAND COLLEGE. 
 
 Harwi, Rev. M. F. Troxell, Rev. S. B. Barnitz, and Hon. John J. 
 Ingalls. A dedicatory poem written by Rev. M. Sheeleigh, D. D., 
 was read, which was followed by kind letters from many promin- 
 ent officials and citizens, including the President of the United 
 States, the Chief of the National Bureau of Education, and the 
 
 FACULTY HOME,, MIDLAND COLLEGE. 
 
 Governors of Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska and Missouri. In the even- 
 ing the Annual Convention of Kansas Synod met in St. Mark's 
 church. Dr. Conrad preached the opening sermon at the special 
 request of the President, and afterward, Rev. Jacob A. Clutz, D. 
 D., the newly elected President of Midland was formally installed, 
 the charge being delivered by Rev. F. D. Altman, and the obliga- 
 tion read by Rev. George D. Gotwald, President and Secretary re- 
 spectively of the Board of Midland Trustees. 
 
 Dr. Clutz set himself to the task of getting the college on a good" 
 footing, laboring incessantly, with much sacrifice and toil, until he 
 began to see order coming out of chaos. For fourteen and one-half 
 years he filled this responsible position during which time he tided 
 the college through many most discouraging and trying experiences, 
 laying the foundations well and preparing the way for future sue-
 
 MIDLAND COLLEGE. 
 
 235 
 
 cesses. Indeed many of the bequests which came to the college 
 after his departure from the institution were secured during his 
 administration, and the same can be said as to quite a number of 
 students. Dr. Clutz resigned on the 31st of January, 1904, to be- 
 come pastor of St. James' Lutheran church of Gettysburg, Pennsyl- 
 vania. During the last four years of his Presidency the college 
 was represented in the field by Rev. J. N. Lentz, as General Solic- 
 itor. Rev. Lentz did splendid work for the college in securing 
 money and students. Not only was much of the money for the 
 annex to Oak Hall raised by him but he secured the promise of a 
 
 MIDLAND COLLEGE MAIN BUILDING AND TENNIS GROUND. 
 
 number of legacies from which the college some day will reap con- 
 siderable benefit. Dr. Clutz was succeeded by Rev. M. F. Troxell, 
 D. D., who had been the first Secretary of the Board of Education 
 in the days of the early development of the institution. Dr. Troxell 
 took charge during the mid-summer vacation of 1904, and is the 
 present incumbent. 
 
 Oak Hall, a dormitory for girls, was erected in 1891, to which 
 an annex was added ten years later, the completed building costing 
 about $10,000, and having accommodations for thirty young ladies. 
 In 1893 a fine Gymnasium was erected mainly through the efforts
 
 236 MIDLAND COLLEGE. 
 
 of the students and at a cost of $2,000. In 1899 an excellent six 
 inch refracting telescope was installed in a wooden observatory 
 erected for the same, through the efforts of Dr. Clutz among per- 
 sonal friends in the East. Five professors houses have privately 
 been built in close proximity to the campus. That erected by Dr. 
 Clutz was purchased as a permanent President's home for $4,000, 
 of which Dr. and Mrs. Clutz had donated $500. 
 
 Along with Dr. Barnitz, among those who took a deep and abid- 
 ing interest in the founding of a Lutheran college on western soil, 
 was Rev. George D. Gotwald, who shortly before the establishing 
 of Midland had graduated from Gettysburg Theological Seminary, 
 and promptly chose the Kansas frontier as his field of labor, locat- 
 ing at Salina. He at once became intensely interested in the col- 
 lege, was chosen Secretary of its Board of Trustees, and was soon 
 carrying his "Beloved Midland" on his heart night and day. It 
 found always an inmost place in his prayers, labors and gifts. He 
 firmly believed that the founding of this institution was an abso- 
 lute necessity for the welfare and advancement of our church in 
 this section. When the responses for its support did not come in 
 as he felt they should he became worried. In conversation with the 
 President of the college and the President of the Board of Trustees 
 in 1889, he expressed the desire to do something for the Institu- 
 tion. He did not wish to take any funds from his wife's estate, 
 but thought he might take out endowment policies on his life, hav- 
 ing them mature in twenty years, and be able to keep up the prem- 
 iums. In this his wife heartily joined him. He accordingly placed 
 two such policies on his life of $12,000 each. In accordance with 
 this thought he made his will, bequeathing this insurance' to the 
 College for the purpose of endowing the President's chair. It was 
 simply a wise foresight on his part. At the time the thought was 
 expressed by those of the college about him that his life would be 
 more -valuable to the Institution than the money, and the hope was 
 entertained that he would live to see the policies mature and be 
 able himself to hand over the funds. When his sickness which 
 proved fatal was upon him, and something was mentioned about 
 the College, he said to his wife, "Maybe it will be better for Mid- 
 land if I die than if I live." On the 12th of January, five months 
 after he had taken out the policies, after a brief illness from pneu- 
 monia, he passed away. The splendid bequest was duly paid over 
 to the college. In this noble and thoughtful act this sainted brother 
 has engrossed his name in letters of love upon the pages of Mid- 
 land's history and he will ever be remembered as a friend indeed
 
 MIDLAND COLLEGE. 
 
 237 
 
 because he was a friend in the time of need. At the present time 
 the productive endowment of the college amounts to $37,000. Ninety 
 graduates have gone forth from the institution, twenty of whom 
 have entered the ministry, and practically all of these have located 
 in the West, besides a number of other young men now in the min- 
 istry who took partial courses in the college. A larger number have 
 graduated from the Academic, Musical and other departments of 
 the institution. Many young women as well as young men have 
 graduated from all the various departments of Midland. 
 
 At present the college has an enrollment of 175. It embraces 
 
 SECTIONS OF THE LIBRARY. 
 
 a Collegiate, Academic, Elocutionary, Music, both instrumentation 
 and voice, and Domestic Science departments. It has been enrolled 
 among the Kansas colleges whose graduates, provided they take 
 the prescribed course in pedagogy, are entitled to state certificates 
 to teach without examination. The present faculty consists of Rev. 
 M. F. Troxell, D. D., President and Professor of Philosophy and 
 Christian Evidences; Rev. J. H. Stough, Ph. D., Professor of Greek 
 and Latin; Rev. Carl Kreuger, Professor of German and French; 
 Mr. Robert J. Peters, A. M., Professor of English Literature; Mr.
 
 238 
 
 MIDLAND COLLEGE. 
 
 Wm. E. Anderson, A. M., Professor of Mathematics and Astron- 
 omy; Mr. D. W. Grouse, A. M., Professor of the Natural Sciences; 
 Mr. Harold W. Focht, A. M., Principal Preparatory Department; 
 Miss Mary Levinah Murray, B. L., Instructor in the Academy and 
 head of department of Public Speaking; Miss Elizabeth Martin, A. 
 B., Academy Instructor in Science and Mathematics; Miss Maria 
 Linley, Instructor in Domestic Science; William Davies, Instructor 
 on Piano, Organ and Harmony; Mr. John H. Davies, Instructor in 
 Violin and Cornet; Miss Lucile McAfee, Instructor in Vocal Music; 
 Prof. H. W. Focht, A. M., Military Drill and Tactics; Miss Mary 
 L. Murray, B. L., Instructor in Physical Culture. 
 
 MIDLAND COLLEGE CAMPUS. 
 
 Midland ranks high among the colleges of Kansas as a school 
 of unusual ability and success. It strongly appeals to our Luth- 
 eran constituents in the great Missouri Valley for encouragement 
 and support in both material aid and students. Our young people 
 will find its courses of study adapted to the needs of higher educa- 
 tion. At present the college is on the up-grade and the outlook is 
 more promising year by year for growth and increased endowment 
 and equipment. Under the present administration a new professor 
 has been added to the faculty by the division of one of the chairs, 
 two departments have been added, full recognition of the work done 
 has been secured from the state board of education for the benefit
 
 BETHANY COLLEGE. 239 
 
 of teachers, and $30,000 has been added to the value of the col- 
 lege plant, half of it for a library building and half for endowment, 
 the building being donated by Mr. Andrew Carnegie, on the condi- 
 tion that a similar amount $15,000 be raised to .maintain it. This 
 affords a fine home for the institution library of 6000 volumes. 
 
 MIDLAND COLLEGE CADETS. 
 
 BETHANY COLLEGE. 
 
 The cause of Christian education has always been one of prime 
 concern to that body of our citizens that hail from Lutheran 
 Sweden. The establishment of parochial schools for the religious 
 nurture of the children has been coincident with the organization 
 of churches in new territory. The necessity of training its own 
 ministry independent of the Fatherland early became a question of 
 signal importance with the Swedish Lutheran immigrants. It is a 
 characteristic fact that Augustana College and Theological Semin- 
 ary, the mother institution of the Swedish Lutheran Schools in the 
 United States and the Augustana Synod, which comprises the Luth- 
 eran Churches of North America, date their existence from the 
 same year, 1861. 
 
 In the sixties and seventies several Swedish colonies were estab- 
 lished throughout the state of Kansas. To these people the need 
 of a school to meet the special requirements of the Southwest was 
 quite patent and from the time of their coming to Kansas the sub- 
 ject was freely discussed. The first step to the realization of this
 
 240 BETHANY COLLEGE. 
 
 plan was taken in 1879 when Bethany Church of Lindsborg set 
 aside a tract of land, which should be used for educational pur- 
 poses. In the summer of that year, Rev. Carl Swensson, at that 
 time a youth of twenty-two, became the settled pastor of Bethany 
 Church and the successor of Dr. O. Olsson, who had been called 
 to fill a Theological Professorship at Augustana College and Theo- 
 logical Seminary. With the zeal that belongs to early manhood and 
 believing firmly in the future of the Southwest, he immediately set 
 about to crystalize the plans of the early settlers and on the 15th 
 day of October, 1881, without funds, without Faculty and without 
 the required facilities, Bethany Academy was launched. During 
 the first year the sessions were held in the vestry of the church and 
 the instruction imparted by Rev. Swensson and Prof. J. A. Udden, 
 now of Rock Island. Not a single student reported on the open- 
 ing day. Before the end of that season, however, twenty-seven 
 students had enrolled. The gross receipts were $299 and the dis- 
 bursements $277. The annual budget of last season exceeded $60,- 
 000 and the enrollment 948. The Faculty has grown from two per- 
 sons to a teaching force of 50. 
 
 In the spring of 1882 an old Public School building was pur- 
 chased from the city and moved to the college campus. This un- 
 pretentious frame, structure furnished the nucleus of the plant, now 
 consisting of four buildings, well equipped with the necessary ap- 
 paratus and valued at $200,000. 
 
 The institution was begun as a private venture, but in the sum- 
 mer of 1882 it received its first Charter and the McPherson Dis- 
 trict of the Kansas Conference assumed control. Two years later 
 that Conference made the institution its own and has since stood 
 responsible for the undertaking. This church body, which includes 
 the Swedish Lutheran communities of Kansas, Colorado and Texas, 
 has during a quarter of a century raised enormous sums for the 
 equipment and support of the college. In 1884 a male dormitory 
 was erected. In 1887 the Main Building followed. In point of at- 
 tendance the institution had grown faster than its financial re- 
 sources. The new buildings together with existing hard times 
 brought the College into an indebtedness of about $80,000. Num- 
 erous efforts were made to liquidate this indebtedness, which were 
 only partially successful. On the 1st of January, 1906, about 
 $32,000 remained. During the past year this money has been 
 raised and Bethany College begins the present year without fin- 
 ancial incumbrance. Hon. Frank Nelson, in the capacity of Fin- 
 ancial Secretary, deserves in the first place the credit for the ac-
 
 BETHANY COLLEGE. 
 
 241 
 
 complishment of this task. Through the generosity of Mr. C. A. 
 Smith of Minneapolis, Minnesota, the institution has an endow- 
 ment of $50,000, which according to present plans, will gradually 
 be increased to $175,000. 
 
 The original intention of the founder was a school to supple- 
 ment the meager educational opportunities of the Public Schools 
 of the early days, incidentally to train teachers for service in the 
 public and parochial schools, and to prepare students for college. 
 The dearth of properly trained teachers for elementary schools 
 brought the normal work of the institution into the foreground and 
 the name was changed to Bethany Normal Institute, afterwards 
 
 REV. CARL SWENSSON, PH. D., D. D.
 
 242 
 
 BETHANY COLLEGE. 
 
 to Bethany College and Normal Institute, and finally to Bethany 
 College. These names in themselves imply the changes which from 
 time to time took place in the policy of the school. To the original 
 preparatory school the four collegiate years were gradually added 
 and in 1891 the first class was graduated with the degree of A. B. 
 The first college graduates of Bethany were, Ernest F. Pihlblad, 
 Julius Lincoln, E. Glad and John Westerlund. 
 
 Early in the history of the college a Music Department was ad- 
 ded, which has grown into Bethany College of Music and Fine 
 Arts, and is recognized as the strongest institution of its kind in 
 the Southwest. Its faculty consists of seventeen teachers and the 
 enrollment last year was about 400. 
 
 Side by side with the 
 Academy a Commercial 
 Department was organ- 
 ized to meet the needs of 
 young men and women, 
 who, at the most, could 
 spend only from one to 
 two years on their edu- 
 cation, and whose pur- 
 pose in life was a busi- 
 ness career. From time 
 to time new departments 
 have been organized. The 
 institution now comprises 
 twelve distinct depart- 
 ments. 
 
 A sketch of Bethany College without reference to the character 
 of the late President Swensson will be quite incomplete. To his 
 dominant and versatile personality more than to any other factor 
 it owes its unique development. Dr. Revere F. Weidner, President 
 of the Chicago Lutheran Theological Seminary, applied to Presi- 
 dent Swensson at his funeral the statement of Paul, "I am become 
 all things to all men that I may by all means save some." He says, 
 "These words, indeed, describe very forcibly the character of our 
 dear brother, who lies before me. But he is still living and of all 
 men I have ever known, he has reminded me most forcibly of St. 
 Paul. He was at home with the religious and was also at home 
 with those who were not religious." In many respects President 
 Swensson was a pioneer in educational matters, as far as these 
 concerned the Swedish Lutherans, and his ideas, though often 
 
 BBETHANY COLLEGE.
 
 BETHANY COLLEGE. 243 
 
 severely criticised at the outset, have been gradually appropriated 
 by other institutions of the denomination. To the fathers the 
 founding of an institution of learning implied simply the training 
 of the clergy. Swensson would extend his influence to all walks 
 of life, realizing that if we as Lutherans should exert any influence, 
 an educated laity was as necessary as an educated clergy. To him 
 education implied preparation for life, and he, therefore, insisted 
 upon its being practical and effective without the sacrifice of thor- 
 oughness. Though he always believed in the traditional classics 
 as mental discipline, he urged that the training of every young man 
 and woman should be in line with their natural tastes and ability, 
 with the view of fitting them to do the work which they had made 
 their own. He believed in the Fine Arts as the handmaids of Chris- 
 tianity. This fact explains the importance that is attached to these 
 at Bethany College. 
 
 The great "Messiah" festivals, which take place annually at the 
 institution and which attract thousands of people every season, 
 were a creation of his spirit. They have proven a potent factor in 
 the intellectual and artistic uplifting of the community where the 
 institution is located. 
 
 Though dead now three years, President Swensson's influence 
 remains unabated at the college and the splendid growth of the 
 last years is the reaping of his sowing. 
 
 As successor to Dr. Carl Swensson, the Conference called the 
 Rev. Ernest F. Pihlblad, who also accepted. Dr. Pihlblad is a grad- 
 uate of Bethany College. He belonged to the first college class. 
 In the fall of 1891 he entered the Augustany Seminary at Rock 
 Island, Illinois, and was ordained as minister at the meeting of the 
 Synod in St. Peter, Minnesota, 1894. His first charge was at Pat- 
 terson and Passaic, New Jersey. After eighteen months of labor 
 in this field, he was called to take charge of the Latin Department 
 at Bethany College. He accepted the position and at the same time 
 he served as assistant pastor of the Bethany church. For a num- 
 ber of years he was Vice-President of Bethany College and upon 
 the death of Dr. Swensson, he was immediately elected acting 
 president. The Rev. Prof. Philblad received his Master of Arts in 
 1895; and in 1906 Augustana College and Theological Seminary 
 conferred the degree Doctor of Divinity upon him. 
 
 REV. A. W. LINDQUIST.
 
 244 
 
 ST. JOHN'S COLLEGE. 
 
 ST. JOHN'S COLLEGE. 
 
 The Ev. Lutheran Synod of Missouri, and other states has one 
 college in Kansas, The St. John's Lutheran College located at Win- 
 field. While the Missouri Synod was not the first to enter Kansas, . 
 at the present time it has more churches in this state than any other, 
 and accordingly it felt the need of a college of its own to equip its 
 ministry and parochial schools. The churches were mostly poor 
 and the founding of an institution of learning was almost a forlorn 
 hope when the late Mr. John Peter Baden, an intelligent and large 
 hearted laymen, came to the rescue and offered to give the munifi- 
 cent sum of $50,000 for the purpose of founding a college to be lo- 
 
 ST. JOHN'S COLLEGE. 
 
 cated at Winfield. Mr. Baden was a prosperous merchant who 
 dearly loved his church and had been largely instrumental in erect- 
 ing a Lutheran church and parsonage at Winfield. His offer was 
 promptly accepted, and in June, 1893, the corner stone of the new 
 college was laid amid much rejoicing. During the summer of the 
 same year the college was organized and a faculty elected and in 
 September the first enrollment of pupils took place in rented quar- 
 ters. By the 1st of March, 1894, the new building was completed 
 and duly dedicated. 
 
 The building is a fine Gothic stone structure 60 by 1 00 feet, three 
 stories high, surmounted in the center with a tower 75 feet high, 
 and with a good basement under the entire building. The interior 
 is finished in hard wood and divided into class rooms, study rooms,
 
 ST. JOHN'S COLLEGE. 
 
 245 
 
 dormitories, a reading room, library and a commodious chapel two 
 stories in height. In the basement is a gymnasium, laboratory, lav- 
 atory, baths equipped with hot and cold water, a dining room and 
 a kitchen. It is heated with a fine hot water plant. It has a library 
 of 2,000 volumes. The school is open for both sexes. It offers 
 three complete courses of study, viz. The Ministerial Course, The 
 Classical Course, and the Scientific Course. To this it has added 
 
 MR. JOHN PETER BADEN. 
 
 PRESIDENT A. W. MEYER. 
 
 the following Departments: Commercial, Phonography and Type- 
 writing, Music, Oratory, and Correspondence in New Testament 
 Greek. The alumni from its foundation in 1893 number 97, of 
 whom 19 are ministerial. The faculty at present comprises the 
 following: Rev. A. W. Meyer, President and Professor of Religion, 
 Hebrew and Greek; Rev. H. Stoeppelwerth, Professor of Latin, 
 German and History; Rev. Chas. Scaer, A. M., Professor of Eng- 
 lish and Mental Science; Mr. Lewis Steiner, B. S., Professor of 
 Natural Science and Mathematics; Mr. R. Hilgendorf, Professor 
 of Phonography; Mr. Th. Talla, Principal Commercial Department; 
 Mr. F. L. Gilson, Professor of Elocution and Oratory. The college 
 had an enrollment for the year of 1906 of eighty. It has no debt, 
 and finds its support mainly among the German Lutheran congre- 
 gations of the Kansas District.
 
 246 WESTERN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY. 
 
 Mr. John Peter Baden was born March 24th, 1851, at Elsdorf, 
 Hanover, Germany. He was nurtured in a Christian school and 
 at the age of fifteen came to this country locating at Hannibal, Mo., 
 where he went to school mainly to acquire the English language. 
 Later he graduated from the Jones' Commercial College at St. 
 Louis, Mo., coming to Kansas in 1870. He located first at Colum- 
 bus, then at Independence, working early and late in his efforts to 
 save his first thousand dollars. In 1879 he located at Winfield 
 opening a store. Here he was phenomenally successful, owning 
 at his death a large flouring mill, large ice plant and cold storage 
 building and other interests. He died suddenly from pneumonia 
 on the 3d of March, 1900, deeply mourned by all who knew him. 
 Mr. Baden was exceedingly liberal. For years he practically main- 
 tained the Winfield Lutheran Church and the College. In 1898 he 
 contributed 10,000 pounds of flour to the starving Cubans. His 
 benefactions were always on a large scale. His widow and two 
 grown sons survive him. 
 
 THE WESTERN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY. 
 
 The need of a Theological Seminary in the middle West became 
 imperative as soon as our mission churches began to be planted 
 to any great extent in the wide-spreading Mississippi and Missouri 
 valleys. Ministers born and educated in the East hesitated to ac- 
 cept calls to our necessarily small and struggling congregations in 
 the West. Occasionally missions had to be abandoned for the lack 
 of pastors to care for them. Our two Western Secretaries became 
 greatly alarmed and accordingly ceased not to agpeal for a theo- 
 logical seminary located on this territory as a base of ministerial 
 supplies. 
 
 The earliest official action looking towards establishing a semin- 
 ary in the West, was taken at the great Missionary Convention held 
 at Omaha, Nebraska, in May, 1878, when the positive needs of the 
 mighty trans-Mississippi country were spread out in panoramic 
 view before many of the leading men of the East. Here it was re- 
 solved that three synodical missionary secretaries were necessary, 
 one each, for the Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas Synods. Then the 
 lack of men willing to work in this new field was apparent. This 
 prompted the following action: 
 
 "Resolved, In the matter of schools for theological instruction, 
 we record it as our conviction that while, in view of the vast ex-
 
 WESTERN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY. 247 
 
 tent of our territory, two seminaries seem to be needed in the Gen- 
 eral Synod two are sufficient if they are properly located. It is 
 the judgment of this convention that one of our schools of theology 
 should be centrally located in this great valley, and we, therefore, 
 respectfully present this action, as a memorial to the Board of 
 Directors of the seminary located at Springfield, Ohio, requesting 
 that body to consider at an early date the feasibility of removing 
 the same to some suitable central point in the great valley of the 
 Mississippi." 
 
 Kansas Synod that fall passed a similar action. Wittenberg Sem- 
 inary, however, was not inclined to look with favor upon the propo- 
 sition. The General Synod then discussed the advisability of locat- 
 ing a seminary in Chicago, and invited Wittenberg Seminary to 
 consider the proposition of moving to Chicago. The Board of Di- 
 rectors replied that there were legal barriers affecting the funds 
 of Wittenberg College, of which the Seminary was a department, 
 that rendered it impracticable for them to encourage the removal. 
 
 The whole problem seemed to be most providentially solved when 
 Mr. Augustus Kountze, on July 1, 1889, submitted a proposition 
 to the Board of Education for the founding of a theological semin- 
 ary at Omaha, Nebraska, agreeing to give for that purpose a tract 
 of land in that city valued at $100,000.00 and to pay in cash for 
 endowment $50,000.00, provided the General Synod would raise 
 one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, two thirds of which should 
 be used for a building and the remainder set apart for Endowment. 
 At the meeting of the General Synod in Lebanon, Pa., in 1891 an 
 effort was made on the floor of the convention to meet the propo- 
 sition, and amid considerable enthusiasm the splendid sum of 
 $20,710.00 was subscribed. The Board of Education, at a later 
 date, asked Mr. Kountze to submit his proposition in writing, which 
 he did, and then it was discovered that certain conditions, not made 
 public before, rendered it impossible for the Board to accept his 
 proposition. Pending an adjustment of the differences Mr. Kountze 
 suddenly died, and the enterprise failed. 
 
 The Board, however, not discouraged by these adverse circum- 
 stances, decided to establish a Theological Seminary on an humble 
 scale at Omaha using the Kountze Memorial church for recitation 
 rooms, provided a suitable man could be secured to take charge of 
 the work. The way not being clear to take this step at the appoint- 
 ed time, another plan seemed practicable to meet the emergency. 
 Previous to this time theological instruction had been given by 
 some of the professors of Midland College, which prepared the
 
 248 WESTERN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY. 
 
 way for temporarily locating the institution at Atchison, Kansas. 
 Arrangements were then made to provide for theological instruc- 
 tion temporarily at Midland College under the direction of Presi- 
 dent Clutz and the Executive Committee of its Board of Trustees. 
 The teaching was done by Dr. J. A. Clutz, Rev. J. H. Stough, Ph. 
 D., Rev. W. F. Rentz and Rev. Jacob Schauer, with annual lectures 
 by Dr. M. Rhodes and Prof. W. F. Eyster, D. D. During the second 
 year six young men were enrolled. At the General Synod in 1895 
 it was decided to continue the Seminary at Atchison until it seemed 
 best to locate it elsewhere, and three thousand dollars were raised 
 by special subscriptions to pay a teacher for the first two years. 
 The Board following the instructions of the General Synod duly 
 organized "The Western Theological Seminary of the General 
 Synod," and unanimously elected Rev. F. D. Altman of Kansas 
 City, Mo., as its President. The founding of a Theological Semin- 
 ary marked a most important epoch in our church and educational 
 work on this territory. The installation of its first President furn- 
 ished an opportunity for a grand rally of Lutheran forces at Atch- 
 ison. A two days program was arranged, and Dr. H. L. Baugher, 
 of Gettysburg, Pa., President of the General Synod, honored the 
 occasion with his presence and made the opening address on the 
 subject, "The Lutheran Church." His visit was greatly appreciated 
 and added much to the inspiration of the occasion. Interesting and 
 instructive addresses were made on "Our Church Work in the 
 West; its Needs, How Best to Meet Them;" "Our Educational 
 Work in the West and How Best to Develop it." A large delega- 
 tion of visiting friends, ministers and laymen, imparted enthusiasm 
 to the services. The feast of good things closed on the evening of 
 November 13th, 1895 with the installation proper. Rev. M. Rhodes, 
 D. D., President of the Board of Education, delivered an address 
 on "The Function of the Christian Teacher," gave the charge to 
 the President-elect, receiving the obligation and duly installing him, 
 after which the new President delivered an inaugural address on 
 "The Office of the Christian Preacher." Under the new admin- 
 istration, Drs. J. A. Clutz, J. H. Stough and Rev. W. F. Rentz as- 
 sisted in teaching in the seminary. 
 
 The General Synod at its convention in 1897 by resolution, form- 
 ally located the seminary at Atchison, Kansas, until in the judg- 
 ment of the Board another location might be more desirable. At 
 the same convention of the General Synod, it was proposed by the 
 Board of Directors of the German Theological Seminary of Chi- 
 cago to transfer their property to the Board of Education for the
 
 WESTERN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY. 
 
 249 
 
 use of the contemplated German Department of the Western Theo- 
 logical Seminary, or such other institution as might be a agreed 
 upon by the Board. At the meeting of the Board of Education in 
 August, 1898, at Dixon, 111., assurances were given that the Wart- 
 burg and German Nebraska Synods would support a Professor in 
 the Western Theological Seminary. A German Department was 
 accordingly created and Rev. J. L. Neve, of Bremen, 111., was elect- 
 ed professor of the same. The German Synods approved the 
 choice and Prof. Neve accepted the call to the new work. 
 
 On September 23d, 1898 in St. Mark's Lutheran church, Atch- 
 
 REV. F. D. ALTMAN, D. D. 
 
 Dean English Department. 
 
 REV. J. L. NEVE, D. D. 
 
 Dean German Department. 
 
 ison, in the presence of the members of the German Nebraska 
 Synod, (then in session at St. Joseph, Mo., having adjourned for 
 the purpose of attending in a body) and representatives of the 
 Wartburg Synod and of the Board of Education, the second regular 
 professor of the Western Seminary was duly installed and delivered 
 his inaugural address. 
 
 The creation of the German Department brought to the Semin- 
 ary young men from Germany anxious to prepare for the special
 
 250 WESTERN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY. 
 
 fields of missionary activity on this territory. Pastor C. Jensen, 
 President of the theological school at Breklum, Germany, made a 
 visit to Atchison, and spent several days in getting acquainted with 
 the teachers and in carefully examining the methods of work and 
 the outlook for the institution. He seemed pleased with the im- 
 pression made and gave assurance that he would do all in his 
 power to furnish students from the Breklum Seminary after 
 their graduation there, that they might spend at least a year or two 
 in the Seminary at Atchison. He has been faithful to his promise 
 and Breklum has furnished the seminary the majority of students 
 for the German Department. 
 
 With the increased enrollment of students and the growing de- 
 mands of the work it soon became evident that a larger teaching 
 force was imperative. On September 26th, 1905, the Board of Edu- 
 cation elected Rev. Holmes Dysinger, D. D., of Vandergrift, Pa., 
 as Professor of Exegetical and Practical Theology and he entered 
 upon the duties of this chair November 6th, 1905. On May 23d, 
 1906, during the evening session of the Northeast Conference of 
 the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Kansas then in convention at 
 Atchison in St. Mark's Church, Dr. Dysinger was formally installed. 
 Dr. A. J. Turkle of Allegheny, Pa., delivered the charge to the new 
 new Professor upon "Teaching the Bible." Dr. M. Rhodes, the 
 President of the Board of Education administered the obligation, 
 and Dr. Dysinger delivered his inaugural address upon, "The He- 
 brew Scriptures: Their Place and Function in Ministerial Train- 
 ing." 
 
 Rev. M. F. Troxell, D. D., the successor of Dr. J. A. Clutz, as 
 President of Midland College, has been continued as Professor of 
 Christian Ethics. 
 
 With experience and close observation the needs of the field have 
 become more apparent, and it has been the aim of the Seminary 
 to met the requirements. The Germans needed a pro-seminary de- 
 partment where they, in connection with Midland College, could 
 give such preparatory instruction as was necessary to students not 
 ready for the regular seminary course. In the fall of 1905, Pro- 
 fessor F. Rohner was employed as an assistant in the German de- 
 partment and pro-seminary work with the German students. At 
 the close of the school year he returned to Germany. Rev. A. W. 
 Hildebrandt of Greenfield, Mass., was called as instructor of the 
 pro-seminary department and entered upon the duties of the posi- 
 tion December 1, 1906. 
 
 At present the Seminary has about $14,000.00 of invested endow-
 
 * 
 
 
 rt* 
 
 vji-. - " 
 
 <$ 

 
 252 WESTERN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY. 
 
 ment funds, and $3,000.00 of scholarships. The late Mr. Elias 
 Hahn of Owatonna, Minn., gave the first $1,000.00 for a scholar- 
 ship in honor of his friend and early acquaintance, Rev. David 
 Harbaugh. This generous friend has given the Seminary all told 
 $4,500.00. The late Rev. Geo. H. Schnur, Sr., deeply interested in 
 the new seminary, by bequest, left $2,000.00 for a scholarship, the 
 interest to be used in aiding worthy and needy young men in their 
 preparation for the gospel ministry. Three more names should 
 have a place on the roll of special benefactors, namely: Rev. J. 
 G. Groenmiller, D. D., of Accident, Md. His offering was $2,500.00. 
 Mr. Geo. H. Knollenberg of Richmond, Ind., gave $1,500.00. Mr. 
 J. Conrad Rice, of Elvira, la., in making a distribution of some of 
 his means during his life time remembered the school with a draft 
 for $1,000.00. These gifts were for endowment. 
 
 In its early years, the Seminary has had some difficulties to face 
 and some hard problems to solve, and it has sincerely and courag- 
 eously tried to meet the former and afford a proper solution for the 
 latter. The first great task was to furnish supplies for the many 
 vacant congregations on the field and thus strengthen the things 
 that remained. The second undertaking was to prepare some men 
 to canvass and open up new and promising points that an advance 
 might be made in church work upon the territory. The third em- 
 barrassment was to equip a German-English minister to hold our 
 Lutheran element in its transition period on the language question. 
 It requires patience and good judgment to wisely direct with these 
 problems pressing for solution, and time alone can reveal the 
 strong foundations that are being laid for our theological work in 
 the middle west. God has signally blessed it. The concentration 
 of our English and German forces will encourage mutual sympathy 
 and confidence by affording a better knowledge of one another and 
 thus strengthen the bond of cooperation. With this year's enroll- 
 ment, 1906-1907 over one hundred young men have pursued full 
 or partial courses of study in the Seminary. Over sixty of this 
 number have regularly graduated and are serving the church, with 
 but few exceptions, in the West. Owing to the urgent calls from 
 the field some were compelled to accept work before completing 
 their studies. At present twenty-seven students are enrolled. 
 
 ARTICLES OF GOVERNMENT. 
 
 We give a few of the important Sections of the Articles of Gov- 
 ernment for the Western Theological Seminary.
 
 DOCTRINAL BASIS AND GOVERNMENT. 253 
 
 DOCTRINAL BASIS. 
 
 The Doctrinal Basis of the Western Seminary shall be the Doc- 
 trinal Basis of the General Synod, namely: "We receive and hold 
 with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of our fathers the Word of 
 God, as contained in the Canonical Scriptures of the Old and New 
 Testaments, as the only infallible rule of faith and practice, and the 
 Augsburg Confession as a correct exhibition of the fundamental 
 doctrines of the Divine Word, and of the Faith of our Church 
 founded upon that Word," and it shall be the abiding purpose of 
 this Seminary, to educate men for the Christian Ministry and to 
 provide our Churches with pastors, in harmony with the above 
 basis. 
 
 GOVERNMENT. 
 
 The Board shall inspect the fidelity of the professors, as well 
 with regard to the doctrines actually taught, as to the manner of 
 teaching them. If any just reason be given them to suspect either 
 the orthodoxy, or piety, or habitual diligence, or capacity of the 
 professor, or his devotedness to the Lutheran Church, it shall be 
 their sacred duty to institute an investigation at the next regular 
 meeting; or, if deemed necessary by the Officers, at a special meet- 
 ing. In the case of the impeachment of any professor, notice must 
 be served upon him by the Board, at least thirty days before his 
 trial. 
 
 DEPARTMENTS. 
 
 (a) There shall be an English Department, a German Depart- 
 ment, and such others as the Board may in the future establish. 
 Each Department is to be of equal and co-ordinate standing, hav- 
 ing its own Dean, and any special regulations pertaining to matters 
 peculiar to itself. 
 
 (b) The President of the Seminary shall be Dean of the English 
 Department. The Dean of the German Department shall be nom- 
 inated by the German Seminary Committee. The Deans shall be 
 charged with the internal administration of their respective De- 
 partments; the recommendation of students for admission and grad- 
 uation; their registration and classification; the arrangement and 
 co-ordination of the courses of study; and the government and dis- 
 cipline of the students. 
 
 FACULTY. 
 
 Every theological professor shall, on his inauguaration, in the 
 presence of a representative of the Board, make the following 
 declaration: "I do solemnly declare, in the presence of God and 
 this Board, that I do sincerely believe the Scriptures of the Old and
 
 254 THE SEMINARY'S CURRICULUM. 
 
 New Testaments to be the inspired Word of God, and the only in- 
 fallible rule of faith and practice; and I believe the Augsburg Con- 
 fession to be a correct exhibition of the fundamental doctrines of 
 the Divine Word, and of the faith of our Church founded upon that 
 Word; and I promise to teach and defend these doctrines and prin- 
 ciples in opposition to the views of Atheists, Deists, Socinians, Uni- 
 tarians, Arians, Universalists, Antinomians, Pelgians, Anabaptists, 
 Papists and all other errorists, as long as I remain a professor in 
 this Institution." 
 
 CURRICULUM. 
 
 (a) The regular course of study shall embrace the following 
 branches: Propaedeutic, Biblical Introduction and Criticism, Bib- 
 lical Archaeology and Geography, Hebrew, New Testament Greek, 
 English Bible, German, Hermeneutics, Church History, Biblical 
 Theology of the Old and New Testaments, Hebrew and Greek Exe- 
 gesis, History of Doctrine, Systematic Theology, Ethics, Homiletics, 
 Pastoral Theology, Church Polity, Catechetics, Symbolics, Litur- 
 gies, Missions, Sunday Schools, and such other branches as may 
 be added from time to time. 
 
 (b) The time required to complete the regular course of studies 
 shall be three years. Exceptions to this rule may be made, when 
 recommended by the Dean of any Department, in the case of a stu- 
 dent who has pursued an equivalent course elsewhere; provided 
 that he shall have attended recitations in the English Department 
 for at least six periods per week, for one scholastic year. 
 
 (c) At the close of each year, or at the completion of any branch 
 within the year, there shall be an examination of each class, con- 
 ducted in writing. An average grade of seventy-five (75%) per 
 cent must be maintained through the entire course by the candidate 
 for regular graduation. For this he shall be entitled to a diploma 
 with the degree of "Graduate of the Western Theological Seminary 
 of the Evangelical Lutheran Church." This must be certified to by 
 the Faculty before the graduation is authorized by the Board. 
 
 (d) The Senior class shall present theses at the close of their 
 course upon subjects which shall be assigned by the Faculty three 
 months in advance. 
 
 (e) If the student has been a graduate in a classical course of 
 a regular college, and if, at the end of each year of his Seminary 
 course, he has presented a satisfactory thesis on some subject ap- 
 proved by the faculty, and if, during his Seminary course, he has 
 received an average grade of ninety (90%) per cent, and a grade 
 of not less than eighty- five (85%) per cent in any branch, he shall 
 be given the degree of "Bachelor of Divinity."
 
 CHILDREN'S FRIEND SOCIETY. 255 
 
 THE EV. LUTHERAN CHILDREN'S 
 FRIEND SOCIETY OF KANSAS. 
 
 Is one of the many Children's Friend Societies of the Missouri 
 Synod. Lutheran congregations of the Synod in Wisconsin, Minne- 
 sota, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Missouri, Iowa and South 
 Dakota have organized societies and support this mission. The 
 method of carrying on this work is comparatively new and differs 
 from the one our people are accustomed to, viz., the rearing and 
 educating of orphans in orphanages. For this reason and also on 
 account of the wonderful spread of the movement these societies 
 are of more than passing interest. There is a movement on foot 
 to unite the different state societies under the name of the National 
 Children's Friend Society. 
 
 The Ev. Lutheran Children's Friend Society of Kansas was char- 
 tered under the laws of Kansas in 1902. The purposes for which 
 this corporation was formed are: "To search after and receive or- 
 phans and homeless, dependent, neglected or grossly ill-treated 
 children and to procure for them homes in private Christian fam- 
 ilies, to bind out by contract any such children during their min- 
 ority, to give away any such children by adoption, to maintain in- 
 spection over any and all such children during their minority; to 
 buy, lease, sell or exchange all kinds of property, real and per- 
 sonal, for the purposes of this corporation, and to do all such acts 
 and things necessary or convenient to be done in carrying out such 
 objects and purposes in accordance with the provisions of the 
 statutes of the state of Kansas." 
 
 - Parents, contemplating the adoption of a child are given a list 
 of questions to answer and return to the superintendent. Upon 
 receipt of this sheet the superintendent has all desired informa- 
 tion, such as name, age, address, occupation of applicant. He 
 also knows how far the applicant lives from the parochial and pub- 
 lic school, etc. etc. For obvious reasons this is very important. 
 Every application is signed by two witnesses. In order to find the 
 proper parents for the right child and to give the proper child to 
 the right parents, it is given out on trial. After a stipulated time 
 the superintendent calls on the family and ascertains these facts. 
 After he has satisfied himself that the child has found the right 
 home, the parents sign a contract in which they promise to bring
 
 256 
 
 CHILDREN'S FRIEND SOCIETY AT WINFIELD. 
 
 up the child in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, educate it 
 in the Lutheran parochial school, have it confirmed, admonish it 
 to attend church regularly after confirmation and to partake of the 
 Lord's Supper, in short to lead a Christian life. Furthermore .they 
 promise to clothe it, give it food, nurse it when ill, never to mis- 
 treat it, but to look upon it as their own child. After the time 
 stipulated in the contract has expired and the child is ready to 
 leave its foster-parents, they agree to give it two suits of clothes and 
 
 HOME OF THE EV. LUTHERAN CHILDREN'S FRIEND SOCIETY OF KANSAS, 
 AT WINFIELD. PRESENTED BY MRS. J. P. BADEN OF WINFIELD. 
 
 pay the society a certain sum of money which is kept for the child. 
 
 Parents wishing the society to take their children are required 
 to sign a release in which they relinquish all right and claim to their 
 children and expressly request the society to secure legal adoption 
 for them by persons chosen by the corporation or its agent. 
 
 The success which this society has achieved in Kansas the fol- 
 lowing table will show: 
 
 In May, 1903, the superintendent reported 5 children found. 
 
 In May, 1904, the superintendent reported 5 children found. 
 
 In May, 1905, the superintendent reported 28 children found. 
 
 In May, 1906, the superintendent reported 23 children found. 
 
 In May. 1907, the superintendent reported 11 children found. 
 
 The original idea was to find the child and place it immediately 
 into a home, already in waiting. At times applications for children 
 were plentiful, but children could not be found to supply the de-
 
 CHILDREN'S FRIEND SOCIETY AT WINFIELD. 257 
 
 mand. Later children were plentiful, but there were no applica- 
 tions in for them. Now when children come so fast and no homes 
 for them secured, a temporary home had to be provided. The chil- 
 dren were cared for in different private families. Now they are in 
 our magnificent and commodious home in Winfield, Kansas. This 
 home was presented to the society by Mrs. J. P. Baden, of Winfield. 
 The present occupants of the home are the superintendent, the 
 matron and her assistant and several children. Eventually this home 
 which should be but a temporary abode for children, awaiting 
 permanent homes, may change into an orphanage. 
 
 WM. H. STEINKAMP, Sec'y.
 
 258 AUGUSTANA SYNOD. 
 
 A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE SWEDISH 
 EV. LUTHERAN KANSAS CONFER- 
 ENCE OF AUGUSTANA SYNOD. 
 
 REV. ALBERT W. LINDQUIST, A. M., B. D. 
 
 THE FIRST SETTLERS. 
 
 Swedish immigrants began to settle in the state of Kansas in 
 1855, but it was not until about ten years later that the emigra- 
 tion from the "Land of the Midnight Sun" became regular. Since 
 then a steady stream of the thrifty sons and daughters from Swed- 
 en have settled in the state; they have founded flourishing colon- 
 ies; they have built churches; they have worked with interest for 
 higher education and have been full of works of mercy and good 
 deeds in general. As citizens they have been loyal, intelligent, and 
 law-abiding from the very beginning. Both in the church at large 
 and in the state they have held positions of honor and trust. At 
 present some over twenty thousand Swedes born in Sweden reside 
 within the boundaries of the Sun-flower State. 
 
 The late John A. Johnson of Mariadahl, Kansas, is undoubtedly 
 the earliest Swedish settler who came to the state. He arrived in 
 1855. His brother, the Hon. N. P. Johnson, who is yet living, comes 
 in the next place. He arrived one year later. Mr. P. J. Peterson 
 came to Lawrence, Kansas, June 10th, 1858. In the same year but 
 a few months later, Mr. Palm of the same city arrived. During 
 1858, Mr. L. A. Jaderberg and John Swanson came to Enterprise, 
 Kansas. 
 
 Among the oldest Swedish colonies in the state may be mentioned 
 Mariadahl, Salemsburg, Lindsborg and Lawrence. Other colonies 
 were founded almost simultaneously. To give the full facts con- 
 cerning these early settlements is utterly impossible. It is also 
 difficult to determine the causes which have been operative in di- 
 recting the Swedish immigration so far west at this early period. 
 No doubt it was the guiding hand of God who directed many to the 
 far away prairies of the West. It was destined for them to take 
 part in the upbuilding of the great central state of our union. Some 
 peculiar and very interesting facts center around some of the early 
 settlements. We shall mention one, namely, Lindsborg, or the 
 Smoky Valley, today the largest and most influential Swedish col-
 
 REV. J. B. MCAFEE HELPS SWEDES. 259 
 
 ony in the state. Rev. J. B. McAfee, one of the pioneers in the 
 state relates the following: "In the spring of 1868 I saw in the 
 Lutheran Observer that a great number of Swedes were being tem- 
 porarily located in the suburbs of Chicago until their agents could 
 locate them in the southwest states and territories. I wrote at once 
 to Editor Cervin of Hemlandet, a Swedish newspaper published in 
 Chicago, asking him to have their agents come to Kansas. He re- 
 plied, 'It is too expensive.' When I received the letter, James F. 
 Joy, general manager of the C. B. & Q Railroad System was in my 
 office in Topeka. After reading the letter I handed it to Mr. Joy 
 and asked him to read it. After reading it, he asked me what I 
 wanted. I told him I wanted a certain number of passes from Chi- 
 cago to Kansas City. He gave me what I asked for. I sent these 
 passes at once to Editor Cervin. I also wrote Mr. Bartholow, Land 
 Commissioner of the Kansas Pacific R. R., for an equal number of 
 passes from Kansas City to Salina. He asked at once to be put in 
 communication with the parties in Chicago and he would send an 
 agent to meet them at Kansas City and pass them to Salina and 
 show them the company's lands south of Salina." 
 
 "After the agents had inspected these lands, they reported to me 
 that everything suited them except the fare was too high, that their 
 people could not afford to pay it. I then went to Chicago and in 
 company with Hon. Thadeus H. Walker, made arrangements where- 
 by in companies of not less than five they could go from Chicago 
 to Salina or Waterville for $10.50, instead of $29.50. Sometime 
 in the fall I received a letter from a Mr. Larson (Rev. S. G. Lar- 
 son), informing me that under the arrangements made, there would 
 be a great number of Swedes in Kansas within three months. One 
 year more or less after buying the railroad lands in the neighbor- 
 hood of where Lindsborg now is, a committee of three waited on me 
 in Topeka and told me their people could not meet the payments 
 on the land coming due and asked me to see if the quantity of land 
 could not be reduced and money already paid applied on the small- 
 er quantity of land. Still they would prefer to keep all the land 
 if time would be extended. I went to Mr. Bartholow, who told me 
 that if they extended for one party, all others would demand the 
 same extension, but that I might make the extension and he would 
 see that it was carried out. The extension was verbally made and 
 fully carried out. I think Revs. S. P. A. Lindahl, A. W. Dahlsten and 
 S. G. Larson were the three parties with whom I became acquaint- 
 ed during these transactions. I think these arrangements had much 
 to do with the settlements about Lindsborg and Scandia."
 
 260 PIONEER WORK. 
 
 THE FIRST MISSIONARY WORK IN KANSAS. 
 
 During the early period when the life of the immigrants was 
 chiefly migratory, religious affairs were naturally in a similar un- 
 organized and unsettled condition. All were poor and the work in 
 the East was yet in its infancy so much aid could not be expected 
 from other congregations and pastors. Still it did not take long 
 before ministers from Illinois and other places made missionary 
 journeys to Kansas. Rev. John Johnson from Illinois was the first 
 one to look after the religious needs of his people. He visited 
 Mariadahl in October, 1863. On the 14th day in the same month 
 and year, he organized a Swedish Lutheran Church at the above 
 mentioned place. About this one first church more will be related 
 when we come to the history of our different congregations. 
 
 Among other ministers who came to proclaim the glad tidings 
 of salvation, to console and encourage our early Swedish settlers 
 may be mentioned the Revs. S. P. A. Lindahl, D. D., and S. G. 
 Larson. Pioneer work was also done by the Revs. A. W. Dahlsten, 
 D. D., J. Seleen and S. J. Osterberg. To the pioneer workers we 
 also count the Rev. O. Olson, D. D., who came to Lindsborg in 
 1869, accompanied by a great number of his countrymen. 
 
 The struggles and vicissitudes that the early settlers and the mis- 
 sionaries had to pass through were many and varied. Many, both 
 stirring and pitiful stories are related about the troubles and sacri- 
 fices they had to encounter. The means for livlihood were often 
 scarce and the communications were poor. In the midst of all this 
 they seemed to exercise a wonderful amount of patience and cour- 
 age. They had placed their trust in God, worked faithfully and 
 looked towards a time when the wilderness would bloom. We, who 
 enjoy the blessings of the present day, surely have many a lesson 
 to learn from these sturdy and God-fearing pioneers. 
 
 THE ORGANIZATION OF A CONFERENCE. 
 
 Gradually more people came to the different settlements already 
 founded; more churches were organized, and the future began to 
 look brighter. Soon it became evident that a better and stronger 
 church organization was essential for the welfare of the work. For 
 this reason the Augustana Synod at its meeting in Andover, Illinois 
 in 1870 decided to allow the organization of a Kansas Conference, 
 and that this Conference should comprise the states of Kansas and 
 Nebraska. A meeting for this purpose was held in Lawrence, Kan- 
 sas, August 4th, 1870, when a regular conference was organized. 
 It then' comprised the following congregations:
 
 PRESIDENTS AND SECRETARIES AUCUSTANA SYNOD. 261 
 
 Mariadahl, Kansas; Salemsborg, Kansas; Free Mount, Kansas; 
 Salina, Kansas; Lindsborg, Kansas; Topeka, Kansas; Osage City, 
 Kansas; Kansas City, Missouri; Omaha, Nebraska; Oakland, Ne- 
 braska; Alma, Nebraska; Edenborg, Nebraska; Swedesborg, Ne- 
 braska; and Lincoln, Nebraska. 
 
 The following ministers were present at the meeting: Revs. S. 
 G. Larson, S. J. Osterberg, and A. W. Dahlsten. Rev. A. Andreen, 
 from Illinois, who was on a missionary journey in the state, also 
 attended. The officers elected at this conference were: President, 
 Rev. A. W. Dahlsten, Secretary, Rev. S. J. Osterberg. The follow- 
 ing have served as presidents and secretaries in the conference: 
 
 PRESIDENTS. YEAR. SECRETARIES. 
 
 Rev. A. W. Dahlsten 1870-71 Mr. S. J. Osterberg. 
 
 Rev. O. Olsson 1872 Rev. S. P. A. Lindahl. 
 
 Rev. O. Olsson 1873 Rev. J. Seleen. 
 
 Rev. A. W. Dahlsten 1874 Rev. O. Chelleen. 
 
 Rev. O. Olsson 1875 Rev. O. Chelleen. 
 
 Rev. O. Olsson 1876 Rev. C. V. Vestling. 
 
 Rev. O. Olsson 1877 Rev. C. V. Vestling. 
 
 Rev. O. Olsson : . . 1878 Rev. A. Rodell. 
 
 Rev. J. Seleen 1879 Rev. A. Rodell. 
 
 Rev. J. Seleen 1880 Rev. C. A. Swensson. 
 
 Rev. J. Seleen 1881 Rev. C. A. Swensson. 
 
 Rev. J. Seleen 1882 Rev. C. A. Swensson. 
 
 Rev. J. Seleen 1883 Rev. J. P. Nyquist. 
 
 Rev. J. Seleen 1884 Rev. E. A. Fogelstrom 
 
 Rev. J. Seleen 1885 Rev. C.J. E. Haterius 
 
 Rev. J. Seleen 1886 Rev. G. A. Brandelle. 
 
 Rev. J. Seleen 1887 Rev. G. A. Brandelle. 
 
 Rev. J. Seleen 1888 Rev. G. A. Brandelle. 
 
 Rev. E. M. Erickson 1889 Rev. J. E. Floren. 
 
 Rev. E. M. Erickson 1890 Rev. J. E. Floren. 
 
 Rev. M. Noyd 1891 Rev. A. Norrbom. 
 
 Rev. M. Noyd 1892 Rev. A. Norrbom. 
 
 Rev. M. Noyd 1893 Rev. F. A. Bonander. 
 
 Rev. M. Noyd 1894 Rev. F. A. Bonander. 
 
 Rev. M. Noyd 1895 Rev. F. A. Bonander. 
 
 Rev. J. E. Floren 1896 Rev. F. A. Bonander. 
 
 Rev. M. Noyd 1897 Rev. F. A. Bonander. 
 
 Rev. Carl Walleen 1898 Rev. G. A. Dorf. 
 
 Rev. Carl Walleen 1899 Rev. G. A. Dorf. 
 
 Rev. G. A. Brandelle, D. D.. . . 1900 Rev. G. A. Dorf. 
 
 Rev. G. A. Brandelle, D. D.. . . 1901 Rev. G. A. Dorf. 
 
 Rev. G. A. Brandelle, D. D.. . . 1902 Rev. G. A. Dorf. 
 
 Rev. G. A. Brandelle, D. D.. . . 1903 Rev. G. A. Dorf. 
 
 Rev. G. A. Brandelle, D. D.. . . 1904 Rev. G. A. Dorf. 
 
 Rev. G. A. Brandelle, D. D.. . . 1905 Rev. G. A. Dorf. 
 
 Rev. G. A. Brandelle, D. D 1906 Rev. G. A. Dorf.
 
 262 AUGUSTANA SYNOD CHURCHES. 
 
 Later Nebraska separated from Kansas and organized a Con- 
 ference of their own. By some this was considered to be a wrong 
 and unwise move. It may have been at that very time. Still the 
 change would have occurred sooner or later and under such cir- 
 cumstances there is nothing to regret. The Nebraska Conference 
 has a large field, and the same is true of the Kansas Conference, 
 perhaps in a still greater degree. 
 
 At present the Conference comprises the states of Kansas, Colo- 
 rado, Texas and Kansas City, Mo. It has 78 congregations and 
 forty-six ministers. It has an extensive mission field, a good or- 
 phans' home and a great institution of learning. 
 
 BRIEF SKETCHES OF THE DIFFERENT CONGREGATIONS IN 
 THE CONFERENCE. 
 
 MARIADAHL. 
 
 The congregation at Mariadahl is the oldest Swedish Lutheran 
 Church in the state. It was organized the 14th of October, 1863 
 by Rev. John Johnson, who no doubt is the first Swedish Minister 
 that visited Kansas. The following persons became members: J. 
 A. Johnson, C. A. Dahlberg, Peter Johnson, David Johnson, N. P. 
 Axelson, J. Anderson, N. Kristenson, Melker Falleen and their fam- 
 ilies. During Rev. Johnson's visit Mr. John A. Johnson's mother, 
 Maria (Mary) Johnson died and was buried by him. She was an 
 elderly and very pious lady. She was the first person buried in 
 Mariadahl and perhaps the first Swede buried in the state. It is 
 from her name the congregation got its name. 
 
 During the first years the spiritual needs of the congregation 
 were looked after by travelling missionaries. Among these may be 
 mentioned Rev. H. Olson and B. M. Halland. In 1866 Rev. A. W. 
 Dahlsten made several visits to Mariadahl and neighboring places. 
 
 It was not until in the year of 1867 that our church at Mariadahl 
 was able to call a regular pastor. Then a call was issued to the 
 Rev. J. P. Lundblad, who also accepted. He was the first Swed- 
 ish Lutheran Pastor in the state, who held a regular charge. In 
 1869, Rev. Lundblad left. After him the following have served the 
 congregation; Rev. J. Seleen, 1872-76; Rev. H. Olsson 1876-89; 
 and Rev. O. W. Mefferd from July 1891 until his death, May 14th, 
 1892. Rev. L. J. Sundquist was in charge of the congregation until 
 in 1905. At present Rev. C. J. E. Haterius is pastor at Mariadahl. 
 
 The church property including parsonage is valued at $7000.00.
 
 SALEMSBURG, FREMONT, LINDSBORG. 263 
 
 The membership is three hundred and five. In the Sunday School 
 there are one hundred and twenty-five scholars. 
 
 SALEMSBORG. 
 
 The Swedish Lutheran Church at Salemsborg, Kansas, was or- 
 ganized in 1869 by the Rev. A. W. Dahlsten, D. D. In 1874 a 
 church building was erected, but after some time this edifice be- 
 came too small and in 1893 a new and modern church was built, 
 costing about ten thousand dollars. In 1906 a new and modern 
 parsonage was erected. The church and parsonage is valued at 
 about twenty-five thousand dollars. At present the congregation 
 has six hundred and one members. The Sunday School numbers 
 one hundred scholars. Dr. A. W. Dahlsten was the regular pastor 
 of the church from its organization until 1888. Since then the Rev. 
 C. Walleen has labored in this field. 
 
 FREMONT. 
 
 Our Church at Fremont was organized in 1869 by the Rev. A. 
 W. Dahlsten, D. D., who also had charge of the work for some 
 time. Rev. J. Seleen was pastor for this church during fifteen 
 years, or until 1894. when he* moved to Sweden where he is still 
 residing. He was succeeded by Rev. J. D. Danielson. The pres- 
 ent pastor is the Rev. J. P. Aurelius. The first church building was 
 very small, but in 1881 a large and commodious edifice was erect- 
 ed. The church property is valued at twenty thousand dollars. 
 The numerical strength of the congregation is 345 members and 90 
 scholars in the Sunday School. 
 
 LINDSBORG. 
 
 The history of our church at Lindsborg has a long and interesting 
 story. We only wish space would allow us to go into details, but 
 we cannot. In June 1869 the Rev. O. Olsson, Ph. D., D. D., and a 
 large number of his countrymen came to the Smoky Valley with 
 the intention of organizing an ideal congregation. Only true Chris- 
 tians were to belong to this body. To this end great strictness was 
 shown. It is even related that the minister's wife had to stand a 
 strict examination before the council before she was admitted as a 
 member. After some time, however, they became more liberal in 
 their views, especially after joining the Augustana Synod and after 
 becoming acquainted with the church work in this new and strange 
 land. 
 
 The Swedish Ev. Lutheran Bethany congregation was organized 
 in 1869 by Dr. O. Olsson. The house in which this was done is 
 still standing. A church, if so it may be called, was soon built.
 
 264 TOPEKAj ST. MARYS. 
 
 It was located in section seven, a little northwest of where Linds- 
 borg now is. It was a very simple affair. No floor, four windows 
 and with a hay roof. A big stone was used as a lock for the door. 
 In 1874 a stone building was erected in Lindsborg. An addition 
 and other improvements were made in 1880. In 1904 still another 
 addition to the church was built, a new pipe organ was bought, and 
 other improvements made. The church property is valued at thirty- 
 five thousand dollars. The Bethany parsonage is the largest and 
 costliest in the Conference. 
 
 Dr. O. Olsson served the congregation until 1879. In June the 
 same year the Rev. Carl Swensson, Ph. D., D. D., K. N. O. (Knight 
 of the North Star) entered upon the duties as pastor of the church 
 and served until his sudden and unexpected death at Los Angeles, 
 Gal., 'February 16th, 1904. Rev. Julius Lincoln and Prof. Earnst 
 Pihlblad, D. D., have been assistant pastors in the Bethany church. 
 As successor to Dr. Swensson, the congregation called Rev. Alfred 
 Bergin, Ph. D. 
 
 The Bethany Church at Lindsborg is our largest Swedish congre- 
 gation in the conference, and no doubt also the largest Lutheran 
 church in the state. It numbers eighteen hundred and ten mem- 
 bers and has six hundred and eighty-five pupils in the Sunday 
 School. 
 
 TOPEKA. 
 
 The Swedish Lutheran Church in Topeka was organized in 1870. 
 At first the congregation belonged to the General Synod but in 1872 
 it united with the Augustana Synod. The following have served as 
 pastors of the church. Rev. C. J. Scheleen, one year; Rev. C. V. 
 Vestling, 1873-75; Rev. J. F. Seedoff, 1888-1890; Rev. J. Holcomb, 
 1883-1887. In 1875 Rev. Vestling moved to Osage City but he 
 continued to serve the church in Topeka every other Sunday until 
 1877 and afterwards every fourth Sunday until 1882; Rev. A. Norr- 
 bom, 1890-1899; Rev. C. A. Engstrand, 1897-99; Rev. A. M. L. 
 Herenius 1900-1905. Rev. D. J. Nordling is the present pastor of 
 the church. 
 
 In 1885 a new church was erected. The property is valued at 
 ten thousand dollars. The present membership is one hundred and 
 sixty-seven. The Sunday School numbers fifty children. 
 
 ST. MARY'S. 
 
 Our Swedish church at St. Mary's was organized in 1872. In 
 1877 a church building was erected, valued at $1000.00. Rev. C. J. 
 Scheleen has served the congregation since its organization, which
 
 OSACE CITY, SAUNA, WATERV1LLE. 265 
 
 at present numbers seventy-three members. Ten scholars attend 
 the Sunday School. 
 
 OSAGE CITY. 
 
 The congregation was organized in 1870. Four years later a 
 church building was erected. The valuation of the property is five 
 thousand dollars. Present membership is two hundred and twenty- 
 six. Eighty children are enrolled in the Sunday School. Pastors 
 who have served this church are: Rev. C. V. Vestling, until 1883. 
 Rev. O. F. Thorell, 1884-85; Rev. L. J. Sundquist, 1888-91; Rev. J. 
 A. Holmen, 1891-99; Rev. G. A. Ekman has charge of the work at 
 present. 
 
 SALINA. 
 
 A church organization was formed in 1870 by Dr. A. W. Dahl- 
 sten. In 1871, Mr. A. W. Phillips, an American, donated two lots 
 and on these a church was erected the following year. Still it took 
 some years before it was fully completed. The church property is 
 valued at five thousand dollars and the congregation numbers two 
 hundred members. In the Sunday School fifty-five pupils are en- 
 rolled. The following pastors have served the church: Dr. A. W. 
 Dahlsten, 1870-79; Rev. Lagerman, 1879-80; Rev. A. M. LeVeau, 
 1880-84; and Dr. J. E. Floren since 1887. 
 
 WATERV1LLE. 
 
 Our Waterville congregation was organized in 1871 by Dr. S. P. 
 A. Lindahl. A church was erected in 1886. Rev. J. Seleen was the 
 first regular pastor. He took charge of the work in 1873 and re- 
 mained four years. After him the congregation has been served 
 by the following; Rev. H. Olson (three years), Rev. P. J. Sanden 
 (five years), Rev. L. A. Edman (two years), Rev. N. Ohslund, Rev. 
 C. J. Damstrom, Mr. S. J. Odell, (a school teacher), Rev. F. A. 
 Bonander, Rev. J. A. Johnson and Rev. Svante Udden. Rev. J. 
 Holcomb is now in charge of the congregation. 
 
 The church property is valued at thirty-five hundred dollars. The 
 congregation has one hundred and seven members and twenty- 
 seven children in the Sunday 'School. 
 
 FRIEND'S HOME. 
 
 The congregation was organized in 1872 and the church was 
 erected in 1879. The property is valued at eight thousand five 
 hundred dollars. The membership is four hundred and fifty and 
 the Sunday School has one hundred and twenty-five scholars. The 
 congregation was served for some time by Rev. S. J.. Osterberg and 
 during 1882-90 by Rev. P. A. Cederstam. He leaving, the congre- 
 gation was vancant until 1893 when Rev. O. Moren arrived, who
 
 266 VILAS, NEW GOTLAND, OTTAWA. 
 
 served the church as pastor until in 1905. Rev. R. P. Acsell is the 
 present pastor. 
 
 VILAS. 
 
 The Swedish Lutheran Bethel Church at Vilas, Wilson county, 
 Kansas, which was organized in 1872, has no regular pastor. Rev. 
 O. Moren and other pastors in the district have for several years 
 looked after the spiritual needs of the church. The property is 
 worth twelve hundred dollars. Congregation numbers eight-eight 
 members. Forty-five children attend the Sunday School. 
 
 NEW GOTLAND. 
 
 Our Swedish Lutheran Church at New Gotland, McPherson coun- 
 ty, Kansas, was organized in 1872. Student J. P. Sanden preached 
 there several years. Rev. P. M. Sannquist served as pastor until 
 1883; Rev. E. M. Erickson, 1884-86 and A. Wahlin, 1886-1904; 
 Rev. G. A. Dorf succeeded Rev. Wahlin. 
 
 The church property is worth eight thousand dollars. The mem- 
 bership is four hundred and sixty-six and the Sunday School has 
 eight-five scholars. 
 
 SWEDESBURG. 
 
 Congregation organized 1872 by A. W. Dahlsten, D. D., and 
 church erected 1876. Valued at eight thousand dollars. The mem- 
 bership is two hundred and forty-three. In the Sunday School sixty 
 five pupils are enrolled. The congregation was first served by Rev. 
 O. Chilleen, then by Rev. C. J. Damstrom until 1883. After- 
 wards by Rev. A. Holmer, 1884-87, by Rev. J. Holcomb, Rev. J. A. 
 Holmen and Rev. G. Franzen. At present the congregation is va- 
 cant. 
 
 WALSBURG. 
 
 The Swedish Lutherans organized a church at Walsburg in 1873. 
 In 1877 the church was erected. The property is worth six thous- 
 and five hundred dollars. The congregation has three hundred and 
 thirty members and one hundred and eighty scholars in the Sun- 
 day School. The following pastors have worked in this field. Rev. 
 H. Olson, 1876-84; Rev. L. A. Edman, 1884-86; Rev. J. A. Hem- 
 borg and C. A. Engstrand. 
 
 OTTAWA. 
 
 The congregation at Ottawa was organized in 1873 and the 
 church built in 1879. Membership forty five, scholars in Sunday 
 School, fifteen. Value of property (no parsonage), twenty-five 
 hundred dollars. As a rule this congregation has been served by 
 neighboring pastors.
 
 SCANDIA, KACKLEY, BRANTFORD. 267 
 
 SCANDIA. 
 
 The Swedish Amana congregation in Scandia was organized in 
 1873. The church was built in 1878 and the property is valued at 
 five thousand two hundred dollars. Membership one hundred and 
 eight, scholars in Sunday School twenty-two. Rev. Nels Ohslund 
 was the first pastor. Since he left, Rev. L. A. Edman had charge 
 of the work, after him, Rev. C. J. Maxwell served the congrega- 
 tion until his death in 1905. Rev. H. E. Sandstedt accepted a call 
 to the church in 1906. 
 
 KACKLEY. 
 
 The Swedish Lutheran Ada congregation in Republic county, 
 Kansas, was organized in 1873 and the church building erected in 
 1882. Value of property, eight thousand dollars. Membership 
 three hundred and fifty. Scholars in Sunday School sixty. Until 
 1886 the congregation was served by Rev. Nils Ohslund; after- 
 wards by Rev. J. A. Holmen, 1887-92, by Rev. F. W. Bergquist and 
 at present by Rev. M. P. Oden. The church has been renovated 
 since then and this year (1907) a new parsonage will be erected. 
 
 MARSHALL COUNTY. 
 
 The Swedish Lutheran Salem congregation in Marshall county, 
 Kansas, was organized in 1874 by the Rev. J. Seleen. No church 
 was erected until in 1883. Rev. J. Seleen, who was pastor in Maria- 
 dahl also tended to this charge. After him, Rev. H. Olson looked 
 after the spiritual needs of the people until 1878, when they got a 
 regular pastor, namely Rev. P. J. Sanden. He stayed until 1887 
 and was succeeded by Rev. F. A. Bonander. At present Rev. A. S. 
 Segerhammer is pastor in Salem. 
 
 The church property is valued at seven thousand dollars. The 
 congregation has four hundred and eighty-four members and one 
 hundred and seven children in the Sunday School. 
 
 BRANTFORD. 
 
 In 1874 the Zion congregation was organized. A church valued 
 at two thousand dollars was built in 1882. The membership is 
 ninety-six and the Sunday School has twenty-eight scholars. The 
 following have been pastors in the congregation: Rev. C. J. Dam- 
 strom, Rev. F. W. Bergquist and Rev. Swante Udden. Rev. J. Hoi- 
 comb has charge of the work at present. 
 
 LAWRENCE. 
 
 The congregation was organized in 1869 and a church valued at 
 nine hundred dollars was erected in 1884. During 1884-87, Rev. 
 J; A. Hemborg was pastor in Lawrence. Since then Rev. E. Glad
 
 268 ASSARIA, ENTERPRISE, GARFIELD. 
 
 and others have looked after our church at Lawrence. Member- 
 ship twenty; no Sunday School. 
 
 ASSARIA. 
 
 A congregation was organized in 1875. The church was built 
 in 1877 and the property is valued at six thousand dollars. The 
 membership is five hundred and twenty-five. In the Sunday School, 
 one hundred and three pupils are enrolled. The following pastors 
 have had charge of the work; Dr. A. W. Dahlsten, Rev. A. M. Le- 
 veau, Rev. J. T. Kjellgren and Rev. J. Wilkstrand. Rev. Wikstrand 
 resigned his pastorate January 1st, 1907. 
 
 MARION HILL. 
 
 The Marion Hill congregation was organized in 1876 and the 
 church erected in 1879. The church property is worth twenty-six 
 hundred dollars. Membership one hundred and seventy-five, 
 scholars in the Sunday School, forty. Revs. J. A. Rinell and A. E. 
 Johnson have been pastors at this place. Rev. A. J. Borgstrom has 
 charge of the congregation at present. 
 
 ENTERPRISE. 
 
 At Enterprise a religious society was formed as early as 1874. 
 It was a sort of a union church but it was not satisfactory to a 
 good many and in 1879 a Swedish Lutheran congregation was or- 
 ganized, the union church was bought and admission into the Synod 
 asked for. Dr. J. E. Floren of Salina, has been in charge of this 
 congregation. Prior to his service the following pastors visited En- 
 terprise: A. W. Dahlsten, Rev. A. M. LeVeau, N. Nordling and 
 E. M. Erickson. The Bethlehem church is worth two thousand and 
 fifty dollars. The membership is seventy-five, Sunday School en- 
 rollment twelve. 
 
 GARFIELD. 
 
 The Garfield congregation was organized in 1879. Its member- 
 ship is eighty-five. Only twelve pupils are enrolled in the Sun- 
 day School. The church is worth three thousand dollars. The fol- 
 lowing have served the church : Rev. A. Lindholm, Rev. P. M. Sann- 
 quist, Dr. A. W. Dahlsten and Rev. A. A. Leksell. Rev. V. E. 
 Holmstedt is pastor of the congregation at present. 
 
 NEW ANDOVER. 
 
 In 1879 Rev. J. Seleen organized a congregation at New And- 
 over, McPherson county, Kansas. The Church was erected 1883 
 and the property is valued at fifty-five hundred dollars. Two hun- 
 dred and seventy-seven members belong. In the Sunday School, 
 sixty scholars are enrolled. The following pastors have looked
 
 MANHATTAN, MCPHERSON, MARQUETTE. 269 
 
 after this charge: Rev. J. Seleen, Rev. A. Lindholm, 1881-86, and 
 Rev. N. Nordgren, 1886-88. He leaving, the congregation had no 
 regular pastor until 1892 when Dr. A. W. Dahlsten accepted their 
 call. During the vacancy of the church, Revs. P. M. Sannquist 
 visited the congregation. 
 
 MANHATTAN. 
 
 At Manhattan a Swedish Lutheran congregation was organized 
 in 1879. The church valued at twelve hundred dollars was built 
 in 1885. Membership seventy-three and scholars in the Sunday 
 School, fifteen. Rev. C. J. Scheleen, who preached at this place 
 several years before an organization was affected, is pastor of this 
 congregation. 
 
 MCPHERSON. 
 
 A congregation was organized at McPherson 1881 and a church 
 built in 1883. The church property is worth eighty-five hundred 
 dollars. Number of members, three hundred and ninety-seven. 
 Scholars in Sunday School, sixty- four. The congregation has been 
 served by the following ministers: Rev. P. M. Sannquist, 1882-88; 
 Rev. J. Wikstrand, 1889-92; Rev. C. P. Edlund, 1892, 1900; Rev. 
 J. A. Engwall is pastor of the church at present. 
 
 OLSBURG. 
 
 The congregation was organized in 1881 under the leadership of 
 Rev. H. Olson. It has three hundred and five members and eighty 
 children in the Sunday School. The church built in 1883 is worth 
 six thousand dollars. During the first years Rev. H. Olson of Mar- 
 iadahl also attended to the work here. He was succeeded by Rev. 
 O. E. Mefford. Others who have labored in this part of the vine- 
 yard are: Rev. C. O. Granere and J. A. Johnson. At present Rev. 
 F. N. Anderson is pastor at Olsburg. 
 
 BURDICK. 
 
 The Swedish Lutheran Hebron congregation in Burdick, Morris 
 county, Kansas, was organized in 1884 and has two hundred and 
 nineteen members with a Sunday School of sixty-eight pupils. The 
 church erected in 1887 is valued at fifty-two hundred dollars. The 
 following have been in charge of this congregation: Rev. E. M. 
 Erickson and P. A. Malm, G. A. Dorf, Rev. C. A. Peterson is the 
 present pastor. 
 
 MARQUETTE. 
 
 The Elim congregation at Marquette was organized 1878. A 
 church was erected the same year. In the spring of 1905 the church 
 building was totally destroyed by a tornado. Work on a new house
 
 270 HUTCHINSON, FALUN. 
 
 of worship was commenced immediately and the building was com- 
 pleted last year. The church property is worth fifteen thousand 
 dollars. Prior to 1887 Rev. J. Seleen had charge of the work. The 
 first regular pastor was Dr. E. P. Olson, who in 1889 was succeed- 
 ed by Rev. E. M. Erickson. After his resignation Dr. Emil Lund 
 has been in charge of the work until March 1st, 1907. The new 
 pastor Rev. C. E. Bengston has already taken charge. 
 
 ENNE. 
 
 The congregation at Enne, Rawlins county, was organized in 
 
 1885. It has forty-seven members. Rev. A. Holmer was its pastor 
 1887-1890. Since then it has been vacant. 
 
 HUTCHINSON. 
 
 The Immanuel congregation in Hutchinson was organized in 
 
 1886. The church building worth one thousand and thirty-four 
 dollars was erected in 1888. Present membership is one hundred 
 and fifty-seven, scholars in the Sunday School number thirty. For 
 some time Rev. C. P. Edlund visited this place. After him Rev. 
 A. A. Leksell was the regular pastor, until 1904. Rev. V. E. Holm- 
 stedt is now pastor of the church. 
 
 COVE COUNTY. 
 
 The Saron congregation at Cove was organized in 1886 and a 
 church built the following year valued at six hundred dollars. 
 Membership sixty. Has never had a regular pastor. 
 
 PAGE COUNTY. 
 
 In 1887 the Bethesda congregation at Page was organized. The 
 following year a church was erected costing five hundred dollars. 
 Present membership fifty-six. Rev. E. Glad had charge of this 
 congregation for some years. Rev. J. Holcomb has also been pas- 
 tor of this and other churches in Western Kansas. 
 
 FALUN. 
 
 Under the leadership of Rev. P. M. Sannquist and Dr. Carl 
 Swensson a congregation was organized in 1887. The church was 
 built the same year. Rev. P. M. Sannquist was the first pastor and 
 served until his death, December 21st, 1891. Afterwards Mr. K. J. 
 Sterner had charge of the work, until Dr. J. Ekholm took charge. 
 He left in 1906 and was succeeded by Dr. E. P. Olson. Present 
 membership is two hundred and twenty-three and eighty children 
 are enrolled in the Sunday School. The church property is valued 
 at four thousand dollars.
 
 STOCKHOLM, DELMORE, TREGO. 271 
 
 SHARON SPRINGS. 
 
 The Sharon congregation at Sharon Springs was organized in 
 1888 and the church erected in 1900. Its value is five hundred dol- 
 lars. Membership is eighteen. Sunday School scholars number 
 six. Rev. E. Glad was pastoi here for some time, also Rev. J. Hoi- 
 comb. The congregation is now vacant. 
 
 STOCKHOLM. 
 
 The Swedish Lutheran Bethany church at Stockholm was organ- 
 ized by Dr. J. A. Stamline in 1888. The following year a church 
 was built costing five hundred dollars. Present membership is one 
 hundred and fifty-one and twenty-eight scholars in the Sunday 
 school. The following have served this church: Revs. J. A. Stem- 
 line, L. J. Sanden, E. Glad, C. E. Olson and J. Holcomb. 
 
 DELMORE. 
 
 The Kristvalla congregation in Delmore, McPherson county, was 
 organized in 1887. Membership is thirty-five and ten scholars in 
 the Sunday School. Rev. A. Wahlin has preached at certain times 
 for this congregation. Now Rev. G. A. Dorf has charge of the 
 work. 
 
 PITTSBURG. 
 
 In 1890 the Lydia church at Pittsburg was organized. A church 
 was erected the following year costing twelve hundred dollars. A 
 student, Mr. E. P. Wardeen worked here for some time, also, Mr. 
 A. J. Borgstrom (now pastor). As most of the people have moved 
 away, no work among our people is done at present. 
 
 TREGO. 
 
 The Immanuel church five miles from Ellis, was organized in 
 1900. A church costing two thousand dollars was built in 1902. 
 Membership is seventy-one, Sunday School scholars seventeen. 
 Rev. Carl Walleen, the organizer of the church frequently visits 
 this place. 
 
 SARON. 
 
 The Saron church at Concordia, Kansas was organized in 1881. 
 A church building was erected in 1888, value of property is one 
 thousand and five hundred dollars. 
 
 GUSTAFS LUND. 
 
 Gustafs congregation, Lund, was organized in 1884. It is very 
 small and no report has been rendered for years. 
 
 SMOLAN. 
 A Swedish Lutheran annex congregation to Salemsburg was or-
 
 272 KANSAS CITY, KANSAS SUMMARY. 
 
 ganized in 1893. In 1904 a church building was erected. It is 
 worth two thousand three hundred dollars. Present membership 
 is forty-five. The Sunday School has ten pupils. Rev. Carl Wal- 
 leen has charge of the work. 
 
 KANSAS CITY, KANSAS. 
 
 The Swedish Lutheran church at Kansas City, Kansas was or- 
 ganized in 1894. Prior to that time people of our Lutheran faith 
 belonged to the First Swedish Lutheran church, Kansas City, Mo. 
 For several years missionary work was done by Revs. C. J. E. Hat- 
 erius, E. Nelander and other pastors who had charge of the first 
 church. Rev. M. Noyd organized the new congregation and was 
 its first pastor. As his successor Rev. E. Glad was called. He ac- 
 cepted and is yet in charge of the work. A church was built in 
 1896. The congregation has one hundred and ninety members and 
 ninety scholars in the Sunday School. 
 
 TOTAL STATISTICS KANSAS CONFERENCE.* 
 
 Number of congregations 78 
 
 Number of communicants 9340 
 
 Number of members 14714 
 
 Number of pastors 46 
 
 Number of scholars in Parochial schools 1567 
 
 Number of scholars in Sunday schools 4024 
 
 Value of church property $459,284** 
 
 Debts on church properties 22,277 
 
 * According to annual report 1905. 
 
 ** To this may be added the value of Bethany College. $170,000 
 and the value of the Orphan's Home 20,000 
 
 For full Statistical Exhibit for 1906 see Augustana tables at the 
 end of this volume.
 
 MISSOURI, TEXAS, COLORADO. 
 
 273 
 
 CONGREGATIONS OUTSIDE OF THE STATE BELONGING TO 
 THE KANSAS CONFERENCE. 
 
 I. 
 
 MISSOURI. 
 
 Name of Church. Organized. 
 
 1st Luth. K. C, Mo 1869 
 
 Immanuel, K. C., Mo 1899 
 
 II. 
 
 TEXAS. 
 
 Gethsemane, Austin 1875 
 
 Brushy 1875 
 
 New Sweden 1876 
 
 Bethel, Georgetown 1892 
 
 Hutto 1892 
 
 Moline, Elroy 1897 
 
 Bethlehem, Lund 1897 
 
 Emaus, Manor 1905 
 
 Gustavus Adolphus, Ft. Worth. . 1905 
 
 Immanuel, Dallas 1906 
 
 Bethel, Ericksdahl 1906 
 
 Zion, Galveston 1892 
 
 El Campo 1893 
 
 Eden, Olivia 1893 
 
 Salem, Granado 1895 
 
 III. 
 
 COLORADO. 
 
 Golden 1873 
 
 Augustana, Denver 1878 
 
 Georgetown 1880 
 
 Elim, Longmont. .....' 1 887 
 
 Bethesda, Boulder 1892 
 
 Tabor, Pueblo 1892 
 
 Starkville 1891 
 
 Bethania, Las Animas 1894 
 
 Zion, Idaho Springs 1896 
 
 Colorado Springs 1897 
 
 Nebo, Victor 1902 
 
 Cripple Creek 1903 
 
 Immanuel, Greeley 1905 
 
 Zion, Loveland 
 
 Property Commun- S. S. 
 Value. icants. Scholars 
 
 $44,000.00 452 135 
 38,000.00 180 133 
 
 $15,000.00 
 
 172 
 
 55 
 
 15,000.00 
 
 515 
 
 130 
 
 9,000.00 
 
 449 
 
 67 
 
 500.00 
 
 
 . . . 
 
 4,500.00 
 
 190 
 
 46 
 
 1,200.00 
 
 63 
 
 25 
 
 5,000.00 
 
 244 
 
 72 
 
 
 40 
 
 12 
 
 
 25 
 
 
 1,000.00 
 
 43 
 
 
 7,000.00 
 
 98 
 
 40 
 
 4,500.00 
 
 222 
 
 39 
 
 200.00 
 
 61 
 
 26 
 
 1,100.00 
 
 26 
 
 5 
 
 $1,500.00 
 
 13 
 
 
 60,000.00 
 
 528 
 
 225 
 
 1,000.00 
 
 16 
 
 
 2,800.00 
 
 85 
 
 23 
 
 3,500.00 
 
 78 
 
 26 
 
 9,300.00 
 
 135 
 
 50 
 
 900.00 
 
 20 
 
 
 3,500.00 
 
 89 
 
 12 
 
 3,000.00 
 
 90 
 
 44 
 
 1,500.00 
 
 84 
 
 26 
 
 3,000.00 
 
 72 
 
 45 
 
 
 49 
 
 20 
 
 
 50 
 
 25 
 
 
 100 
 
 35
 
 274 MARIADAHL ORPHAN'S HOME. 
 
 THE ORPHAN'S HOME AT MARIADAHL, KANSAS. 
 
 The Orphan's Home of the Evangelical Lutheran Kansas Con- 
 ference of the Evangelical Lutheran Augustana Synod of North 
 America, situated on the eastern bank of the Blue River in the 
 western part of Pottawatomie county, Kansas, is a beautiful mon- 
 ument of Christian piety and love. 
 
 Its history really begins with the year 1873 when the U. P. Ry. 
 Co., by the influence of Rev. A. W. Dahlsten, donated one hundred 
 and sixty acres of land in McPherson county, Kansas for the bene- 
 fit of a future Orphan's Home. 
 
 At the conference meeting at Mariadahl, Kansas, in 1875 the 
 first board of directors was appointed and comprised of the fol- 
 lowing persons: Rev. O. Olsson, Rev. A. W. Dahlsten, Mr. C. J. 
 Brodine (Salemsburg, Kansas), Mr. J. Rodell (Fremont, Kansas), 
 and Mr. J. A. Nelson, (Lindsborg, Kansas). On account of lack 
 of means and uncertainty as to the best location for such a home, 
 the question was postponed for a few years. At the conference 
 meeting at New Gottland, Kansas, in 1878 a committee was ap- 
 pointed, comprising the Board of Directors and Mr. John A. John- 
 son of Mariadahl, Kansas. This committee was to find out the 
 most suitable place for an Orphan's Home. 
 
 The Committee reported at the conference meeting at Scandia, 
 Kansas, that it thought best that the Orphan's Home ought to be 
 located in the oldest congregation of the conference, which is 
 Mariadahl, Kansas, where a well improved farm of two hundred and 
 eight acres could be purchased for the sum of $5,520.00. After a 
 lively discussion the conference decided to purchase said farm and 
 thus the Home was located in Mariadahl, Kansas. 
 
 By the liberal subscriptions of the members of the church peo- 
 ple at Mariadahl and other congregations in the Conference, and 
 by the Sunday Schools, and by selling the land afore-named, at 
 $2,000.00, funds were secured to pay off a great portion of the 
 farm at Mariadahl. On'March 22, 1880, the Home was dedicated, 
 and already enabled to admit children. Since this time many im- 
 provements have been made. The various congregations and Sun- 
 day Schools have annually contributed by subscriptions and col- 
 lections. 
 
 Through the last will of Hon. John A. Johnson, one of the pio- 
 neers of Mariadahl, (he came to this place 1855), the home re- 
 ceived not less than eight thousand dollars. A beautiful example 
 of charity and love!
 
 MARIADAHL ORPHAN'S HOME. 275 
 
 At the present time the property of the Orphan's Home consists 
 of five hundred acres of land; the main building of stone, 40 by 40 
 feet, three stories high with addition of kitchen and laundry; a very 
 pleasant school house (frame) ; barn (stone) ; smoke house, cribs, 
 sheds, etc. The present value, (including real estate, live stock, 
 implements, household goods, etc.), is nearly thwenty thousand 
 dollars and without debt. 
 
 The purpose of this institution is that it be a home for destitute 
 orphans, where they are supported and receive a Christian educa- 
 tion in accordance with the Lutheran faith and confession; although 
 when children are to be admitted, no reference is made as to the 
 creed or nationality of ancestors of same. 
 
 Devotional exercises are held each morning and evening by the 
 superintendent and the children as well as employes are requested 
 to attend, thus keeping them under religious influence. 
 
 The Home has a school of its own where the children are in- 
 structed in all the branches of public schools by a competent teach- 
 er. In the summer, two months Parochial school (in the Swedish 
 language) is held. 
 
 All the children unless too young, attend the Sunday School at 
 Mariadahl and at the usual age are confirmed by the pastor at 
 Mariadahl in the regular classes of the congregation. At the age 
 of sixteen, they leave the home prepared to take up the tasks that 
 come before them for self support. 
 
 The management of the Home is intrusted to a Board of Directors 
 composed of four ministers and three laymen. 
 
 This Board is elected by and responsible to the conference. The 
 superintendent and matron are elected by the Board, and take the 
 place of parents to the children; no one being elected to this place 
 who is not known as a true Christian and otherwise have the nec- 
 essary qualifications. Mr. and Mrs. Bengt Berg served the institu- 
 tion faithfully and satisfactorily as superintendent and matron for 
 nearly nineteen years, beginning the fall of 1880. They were suc- 
 ceeded in March, 1899 by Mr. and Mrs. Amel G. Johnson. At pres- 
 ent Mr. and Mrs. N. H. Youngberg have charge of the work. 
 
 Ninety-seven children have been adopted and at present thirty- 
 nine children are at the Home, which number is as many as the 
 Home can comfortably lodge. 
 
 The present Board of Directors is as follows: 
 
 Rev. C. J. E. Haterius, Mariadahl, Kansas, President and Treas- 
 urer; Rev. F. N. Anderson, Rev. J. Franzen, Mr. G. O. Maxell, Mr. 
 Chas. Classon, Rev. A. S. Segerharamer, Mr. C. J. Holt.
 
 276 AUGUSTANA LUTHER LEAGUE.' 
 
 WORK AMONG THE YOUNG PEOPLE AND THE ORGANIZA- 
 TION OF A CONFERENCE LUTHER LEAGUE. 
 
 When and where the first Young People's Society was organized, 
 I have not been able to ascertain, but no doubt the first beginning 
 was made by Dr. O. Olsson in the Bethany congregation at Linds- 
 borg, Kansas, who it is related, met with the younger people for 
 Bible study and singing. Of course no definite organization was 
 formed until several years later. In this connection it may be in- 
 teresting to know that the first choir was started by Dr. O. Olsson, 
 who was a great lover of music. 
 
 Now, and for several years an extensive work has been going 
 on among the young people in the conference. All the churches 
 of any size have Young People's Societies, now usually called 
 Luther Leagues. 
 
 A great and important move among our young people was the 
 organization of a Conference Luther League. Of this work Prof. 
 Frank Nelson has kindly furnished the following sketch: 
 
 At the thirty-first annual meeting of the Kansas Conference of 
 the Evangelical Lutheran Augustana Synod held in Denver, Colo- 
 rado, in May, 1901, a movement was inauguarated for a closer or- 
 ganization of the young people's societies of the Conference. A 
 committee consisting of Rev. G. E. Youngdahl, Colorado Springs, 
 Colorado, Rev. C. A. Engstrand, Walsburg, Kansas, Frank Nelson 
 and Carl Johns, Lindsborg, Kansas, was appointed to outline a plan 
 of organization and report same to the conference, at its next an- 
 nual meeting. A number of circumstances made it impossible for 
 the committee to hold a meeting and hence no report was made at 
 the conference meeting in Friends Home, Kansas in 1902. The 
 committee appointed at the Denver meeting was dismissed and it 
 seemed for the time being as though nothing would be done. How- 
 ever, at the next annual meeting of the conference held in Kansas 
 City, Missouri, in April, 1903, another effort was made by the 
 friends of the movement to secure action by the conference. There- 
 fore, the conference again appointed a committee to outline a plan 
 of organization for the young people's societies. The committee 
 consisted of Frank Nelson, Lindsborg, Kansas, Rev. Earnst Phil- 
 blad, Lindsborg, Kansas, Rev. C. A. Engstrand, Walburg, Kansas, 
 Rev. A. W. Lindquist, Kansas City, Missouri, and Mr. J. A. Jacob- 
 son, Clay Center, Kansas. This committee proceeded at once to 
 the work. As a result, the first annual convention of the Kansas 
 Conference Luther League was held in the Swedish Lutheran
 
 AUGUSTANA LUTHER LEAGUE. 277 
 
 Church, Topeka, Kansas, October 16, 17 and 18, 1903. The fol- 
 lowing officers were elected: President, Frank Nelson, Lindsborg, 
 Kansas; Vice President, Dr. J. Ekholm, Falun, Kansas; Secretary, 
 Miss Serephine Erickson, Kansas City, Missouri; Treasurer, Mr. 
 Emil Cederberg, Walsburg, Kansas. The first convention was 
 largely attended both by the ministers of the conference and by 
 delegates from a great many of the local Luther Leagues. It was 
 felt from the beginning that the League had a place to fill and a 
 work to perform. The young people manifested an unusual degree 
 of interest in the organization and the pastors assisted in^a very 
 cordial and generous spirit. 
 
 The second annual convention of the Kansas Conference Luther 
 League was held in the Swedish Lutheran church at Kackley, Kan- 
 sas, August 19, 20 and 21, 1904. The following officers were elect- 
 ed for the ensuing year. President, Frank Nelson, Lindsborg, Kan- 
 sas; Vice President, Rev. G. A. Dorf, Burdick, Kansas; Secretary, 
 Miss Seraphine Erickson, Kansas City, Missouri; Treasurer, Mr. 
 Frank Lann, Axtell, Kansas. The convention was largely attended 
 and was in every respect a decided success. 
 
 The third annual convention was held in Kansas City, Missouri, 
 September 22, 23 and 24, 1905. The attendance was unusually 
 large and the interest at all the sessions were such as to inspire 
 hope and confidence for the future. Twelve ministers of the con- 
 ference attended the convention and participated in the programs 
 and business sessions.lt was the universal opinion that the conven- 
 tion was the best of its kind in the history of the young people's 
 work of the southwest. It is not necessary to add that all the con- 
 ventions were marked with a strong religious and Lutheran spirit 
 and the part taken in the programs by the young people reflected 
 great credit upon them and upon the conference as a whole. 
 
 At its annual meeting at Fremont, Kansas in April, 1905, the 
 Kansas Conference officially and unanimously endorsed and accept- 
 ed the Kansas Conference Luther League. A report of the work 
 of the League is presented each year to the president of the con- 
 ference and the League is in all respects under the direction and 
 control of the conference. 
 
 The object of the Kansas Conference Luther League is to interest 
 the young people in the work of the Lutheran Church and to bring 
 them in closer touch with the conference work. Experience has 
 fully demonstrated that our Swedish Lutheran Young People do 
 not affiliate with the English State Luther League or with the Na- 
 itonal Luther League. It is believed that through the Conference
 
 278 AUGUSTANA LADIES AID AND MISSIONARY SOCIETIES. 
 
 Luther League it will be possibly eventually to secure representa- 
 tion from our young people to the State and National Luther 
 League. We desire to make our contribution to the' strength and 
 power of the Lutheran Church of America. 
 
 LADIES' AID SOCIETY AND THE WOMAN'S HOME AND 
 FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 
 
 The first Aid Society among the women of the Kansas Confer- 
 ence was no doubt organized in Kansas City, Missouri. Records 
 show that the ladies interested in church work met and organized 
 a so-called Sewing Society in the winter of 1869. Later similar 
 organizations were formed in Mariadahl, Lindsborg, Salemsburg, 
 and other places. One and two societies are now found in almost 
 all congregations. They are doing a great and noble work for the 
 church. Thousands of dollars have been raised by these organiza- 
 tions for church and benevolent purposes. At present the various 
 ladies societies of the conference have a Woman's Conference So- 
 ciety. 
 
 The Woman's Missionary Society of the Kansas Conference was 
 organized at Lindsborg, Kansas, in the Spring of 1901. Mrs. Ellen 
 Wikstrand was elected President and Mrs. Hannah Granville Ander- 
 son, Secretary. The meeting bespoke of hope and inspiration for 
 future work. Missionary songs were sung interspersed with greet- 
 ings and short addresses. 
 
 The next meeting was held at Friends Home in 1902. In 1903 
 the society convened at Kansas City, Missouri. This was a large 
 and interesting meeting. Several very good papers were read by 
 our women at this meeting. Mrs. Wikstrand was reelected Presi- 
 dent and Mrs. A. W. Lindquist, Secretary. 
 
 No meeting was held in 1904 owing to the fact that the Synodical 
 Society was to convene at Lindsborg a month later. 
 
 In 1905 the meeting was held at Fremont and in 1906 at Assaria. 
 Mrs. Wikstrand continuing as President and Mrs. Hannah Gran- 
 ville Anderson elected Secretary. Both of these meetings were in- 
 teresting and inspiring and well attended. 
 
 Aside from the regular contributions to the various funds of the 
 Synodical Society, this society decided to support the Missionary 
 on the Conference Mission Field at Fort Worth, Texas. 
 
 May God's richest blessing rest on this little branch, "The Wo- 
 man's Missionary Society of the Kansas Conference" may it grow
 
 AUGUSTANA HOME FOR AGED. 279 
 
 and become a still greater power for good, and may it be the means 
 of bringing many souls into the fold of God's kingdom. 
 
 HOME FOR THE AGED. 
 
 As yet the conference has no home for the aged, but the matter 
 was discussed at the meeting in Fremont, Kansas, 1905. Then it 
 was also announced that a certain man had donated some money 
 for this cause and that he would do more. The prime mover in this 
 work is Mr. Francis Johnson, Treasurer of the Conference. 
 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 In presenting this brief history of the Swedish Lutheran Church 
 in Kansas and in the Kansas Conference, we have not gone into 
 detail. It is merely an outline of the work. In the future we trust 
 this sketch may be augmented. To all who have assisted in pre- 
 paring this history we extend our sincere thanks. 
 
 And now unto Him that loves us, and washes us from our sins in 
 His blood, and maketh us kings and priests unto God and His 
 Father, to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever! 
 
 Good Friday, 1907.
 
 280 BIOGRAPHICAL CHARTER MEMBERS. 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL CHARTER MEMBERS, 
 
 PIONEERS and PRESENT MEMBERS, 
 
 KANSAS SYNOD. 
 
 CHARTER MEMBERS. 
 
 Mr. Andrew Peter Benson of Topeka, was born in Falshepen, 
 Sweden, June 24, 1832. C?.me to the U. S. in 1851, residing at 
 Boston, Chicago, Lexington, Mo., Leavenworth, Kan., arriving in 
 Topeka in 1866, and is still living there, a member of the First 
 church. He was a charter member of Kansas Synod. 
 
 Matthew Garner Boyer, D. D., was born in Huntington Co., Pa. 
 Mch. 10, 1839, graduated by Gettysburg 1865, enlisted in Union 
 army to drive rebels from Pa., and Md., graduate of Gettysburg 
 Theol. Sem., licensed by Allegheny Synqd, and was the first ordina- 
 tion of Kansas Synod in 1868, a charter member. He served charges 
 at Marklesburg, Pa., Atchison, Kan., Sand Lake, N. Y., New Haven, 
 Conn., is now retired in Philadelphia. He received the M. A. and 
 D. D. degrees from Penna. College. 
 
 John G. Ellinger, was born in Welzheim, Germany, March 16, 
 1811, a graduate in Germany and a student of Gettysburg, ordained 
 in 1839, pastor at New Berlin, of York, Pa., in Stark and Mahoning 
 Cos., Ohio. He came to Kansas in 1864, resided at Pardee and 
 died at Ottawa, Feb. 25, 1875. He was a charter member of Kan- 
 sas Synod. 
 
 Simon Peter Harrington, was born at Spruce Creek, Pa., Nov. 
 27, 1827. After a course in private tutorship was ordained in 1859 
 by East Ohio Synod. After serving pastorates in Ohio he came to 
 Kansas in 1865 taking charge at Monrovia and Valley Falls. He 
 was pastor at Peabody, Abilene, Banner City, and for a time Trav- 
 elling Missionary of Kansas Synod. In 1889 he joined the Reform 
 Church holding pastorates at Maquoketa, la., and Dakota, Ills., 
 and Imogene, la. In 1900 he retired at Kansas City dying there 
 Jan. 14, 1901. He was a charter member of Kansas Synod. 
 
 Rev. A. J. Hesson, was born in Adams Co., Pa. in 1839, was 
 graduated by Wittenberg in 1865, by Gettysburg Theol. Sem. in 
 1867, ordained by Miami Synod in 1868, pastor at Topeka, Law- 
 rence, Kans., Mercersburg, Pa., Peabody and Hutchinson, Kans., 
 and at present Rogers Park Mission, Chicago. He was a charter 
 member of Kansas Synod. 
 
 George Washington Householder, was born Sept. 1, 1825, at 
 Rays Hill, Pa., came to Kansas City in 1867, and at once identified 
 himself with the newly organized church there. He established 
 the "Daily Evening Bulletin," which later became the "Star." He 
 died at Kansas City July 5, 1906. He was a charter member of 
 Kansas Synod.
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL CHARTER MEMBERS, PIONEERS. 281 
 
 E. J. Keplinger, was born at Osborn, O., Octo. 9, 1841, grad- 
 uated by Wittenberg in 1866 and that Seminary in 1867, ordained 
 in 1867, served pastorates at Tipton and Versailles, Mo., engaged 
 in business at Valley Falls. He was the first secretary of Kansas 
 Synod at organization. He was dropped from roll of Kansas 
 Synod in 1886. For 28 years in business, Pueblo, Colo., where 
 he died Nov. 17, 1878. 
 
 Josiah B. McAfee, D. D., was born at Port Royal, Pa., in 1830. 
 He took a special course in Gettysburg College and a course in 
 Theology under a private tutor. He was ordained in 1856 and a 
 pastor at Leavenworth and Valley Falls. Since 1862 he has been 
 without a charge. He was a charter member of Kansas Synod. 
 He received the A. M. degree from Wittenberg and D. D. from Mid- 
 land College in 1907. 
 
 John George Schmucker, was born at Cove Forge, Pa., in 1825, 
 a grandson of Rev. John G. Schmucker, D. D., of York, Pa., nephew 
 of Rev. S. S. Schmucker, D. D. Took partial course at Gettysburg 
 College. Lived at Tipton and West Liberty, la., came to Lawrence, 
 Kansas, 1866. Moved to Ellsworth in 1878, dying at ElDorado, 
 Aug. 18, 1898. He was a charter member of Kansas Synod. 
 
 Adam Willis Wagnalls, was born at Lithopolis, O., in 1843, was 
 graduated by Wittenberg in 1866, Wittenberg Theol. Sem., in 1868. 
 His only pastorate was Kansas City where he remained one year. 
 After a residence in Atchison he moved to New York in 1876, and 
 became one of the founders of the great publishing house of the 
 Funk & Wagnalls Co. He was a charter member of Kansas Synod. 
 
 SOME PIONEERS. 
 
 Rev. J. A. Clutz, D. D., was born at Gettysburg, Pa., 1846, grad- 
 uated by Penna. Col., 1869 and Sem. 1872, ordained by Md. Synod, 
 1872, served charges at Newville, Pa., Baltimore, Md., and Moray, 
 Kan. Sec. Board Foreign Missions, 1877-83, Secretary Board 
 Home Missions, 1883-88. Pres. Midland College, 1888-1905. D. 
 D. in 1889, Penna. College. 
 
 T. F. Dornblaser, D. D., was born at Clintondale, Pa., in 1841, 
 graduated by Wittenberg in 1871, Sem. in 1873, served pastorates 
 at Lucas, O., Kansas City, Mo., Topeka, Kan., Bucyrus, O., Dixon, 
 and Chicago, Ills. He was Synodical Secretary of Kansas Synod 
 1878-80, and for a few months in 1887. A. M. and D. D. degrees 
 were conferred by Wittenberg College. 
 
 David Ear hart, was born in Indiana Co., Pa., in 1818. His edu- 
 cation was mostly by private tutors, classical and theological. He 
 was ordained by East Ohio Synod in 1844. He served pastorates 
 at Leechburg, Pa., at Forks church, St. Matthews, St. Lukes, in 
 that neighborhood where he built substantial churches. He was 
 a charter member of Pittsburg Synod in 1845. He built churches 
 in Armstrong and Westmorland Cos. In 1860 he came to Kansas.
 
 282 BIOGRAPHICAL SOME PIONEERS. 
 
 For his work in Kansas see the Pioneer chapter. He published 
 two excellent booklets on Baptism and the Lord's Supper. He died 
 in Kansas City, Aug. 14, 1903. 
 
 George D. Gotwald, was born September 18, 1862, at Shippens- 
 burg, Pa., graduated by Gettysburg in 1882 (Highest Honors), by 
 Gettysburg Theol. Sem. in 1885. He served pastorates at Salina 
 and Kansas City Memorial church, died at Kansas City, Jan. 12, 
 1889. See Sketch of Midland College. 
 
 Levi C. Grosclose, was born June 6, 1820, in Wythe Co., Va., 
 took a partial course at Gettysburg, was licensed by the old South- 
 west Va., Synod in 1849. His pastorates were, in Davidson and 
 Stokes Cos., Salisbury, Gold Hill and Mt. Pleasant, N. C.; Jones- 
 horo and Irving, Ills.; at Eureka, Kan., where he died May 2, 1905. 
 
 David Harbaugh, was born at Waynesboro, Pa., took a partial 
 course at Wittenberg, ordained by Wittenberg Synod, 1851, served 
 charges at Charleston, Noblesville; Bakers and Mt. Zion churches 
 near Springfield, Ohio, Boon Co., Ky., Dixon, Ills., was connected 
 with Mendota College 13 years, came to Waterville in 1869 serving 
 Waterville and later Monrovia and Valley Falls, and since 1890 
 retired, Colorado Springs, Col. 
 
 /. E. Herbst, M. D., was born at Gettysburg, Pa., in 1825, grad- 
 uated by Penna. College in 1846, instructor in Virginia Collegiate 
 Institute, graduated in medicine in Penna., surgeon in U. S. A., 
 came to Kansas in 1879 locating at Abilene. Was Treasurer of 
 Kansas Synod three years. Died in Kansas City June 19, 1898. 
 
 James Angus Lowe, was born in Smicksburg, Pa., in 1851, grad- 
 uated from Glade Run Academy, and Wittenberg College, 1875. 
 After a seminary course he was licensed in 1876. He came to 
 Kansas in 1879 locating at White Rock, Waterville, Hutchinson, 
 Wichita, and Chapman, Kan., Jerico, Mo., and Beatrice, Neb. 
 
 Charles Martin, M. D., was born at Norristown, Pa., in 1812, 
 graduated in medicine by University of Pa., in 1833, in Theology 
 at Gettysburg in 1837. For ten years he was pastor of St. James 
 New York City, then at York, Pa., principal of Lutherville Female 
 Seminary, and Kee Mar Sem. In 1866 he came to St. Joseph, found- 
 ed St. Joseph Young Ladies Institute, remaining with it till 1894, 
 served as pastor at Moray, Kan., died at St. Joseph, Mo., 1896. 
 
 Jacob Schauer, was born in Green Co., O., in 1823, took partial 
 course at Wittenberg and Seminary, served pastorates at Upper 
 Sandusky, Hamilton, Tiffin, Tippecanoe City, West Brookfield, and 
 Tarlton, Ohio coming to Kansas in 1878, organizing churches at 
 Greenleaf and Barnes, also serving charges at Bunker Hill and 
 Perth. He died at Topeka, Oct. 14, 1905. 
 
 F. R. Scherer, was born in North Carolina in 1822, educated at 
 Hillsboro College, ordained in Ohio, pastor at Lyons, Dewitt, Lost 
 Grove, and Zions near Davenport, all of Iowa, and at Walnut Grove 
 Scott Co., Rapids City, Mt. Pleasant, and Morristown, Ills., came to 
 Kansas in 1870 locating at Waterville, where he preached in a pas-
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SOME PIONEERS, PRESENT MEMBERS. 283 
 
 senger coach for a season, organized Ebenezer church, died at 
 Waterville, Sept. 11, 1889. 
 
 William C. Seidel, D. D., was born in Germany in 1843, took 
 partial courses at Mendota and Gettysburg colleges, and full theol. 
 course at Gettysburg, 1873. Ordained by N. Ills., Synod, 1873, 
 served pastorates at Davis, Ills., came to Kansas in 1876 locating 
 at Minneapolis, as a home missionary supported by his father-in- 
 law, John Wolsfensperger, of Sterling, Ills. For eleven years he 
 did missionary work over several counties about Minneapolis. Serv- 
 ed Ottawa one year, Carlisle, Pa., Cairo, Ills., and Nashville, Tenn. 
 Midland College gave him the D. D. degree in 1907. 
 
 A. A. Trimper, was born at Claverrack, N. Y., Feb. 17, 1810. 
 graduated by Mt. Union College, Gettysburg Theol. Sem. in 1840, 
 pastor at Hillsboro, Ills., Indianapolis, Ind., Lena and Dixon, Ills., 
 and Lawrence, Kans. In 1858 he was President of Mendota Col- 
 lege. He united with the Presbyterian church for a short time, 
 soon returning to his mother church, and died at Lawrence, Dec. 28, 
 1884. 
 
 Joseph H. Talbott, was born at Canal Dover, O., in 1832, lived at 
 Des Moines, la., and in 1857 came to Monrovia, Kan., and to Atch- 
 ison in 1862. At these places he was closely identified with church- 
 es organized there. His services were valuable in bringing Mid- 
 land College to Atchison. See sketch, Atchison. 
 
 Charles Young, was born at New Oxford, O., educated at Gettys- 
 burg, served charges at Dixon, Davis, Rock Grove, and Cedarville, 
 Ills., and came to Kansas in 1872, organized church at Salina and 
 New Cambria, and the Shirar church. He died at Salina Feb. 20, 
 1889. 
 
 PRESENT ROLL OF MEMBERS. 
 
 Frank Degraff Altman, D. D., President of the Western Theo- 
 logical Seminary, Atchison, was born at Richmond, Ind., in 1855; 
 graduated from Wittenberg College, 1880; Witt. Theol. Sem., 1882; 
 ordained, 1882. He served pastorates at Tippecanoe City, O., Em- 
 poria, Kan., and Kansas City, (Memorial) Mo. His Alma Mater 
 gave him the M. A. degree in 1883, and Bethany College, the divin- 
 ity degree in 1897. In 1895 he became President of the Western 
 Theological Seminary. 
 
 George Beiswanger, was born at Baltimore, Md., took partial 
 course at Penna. Col. and graduated at Seminary, 1895, ordained 
 by Md. Synod, served charges at Sparrows Point, Md., Baltimore, 
 Md., Vandergrift Heights, Pa., and at Oklahoma City, his present 
 charge. 
 
 James M. Barnes, was born at Butler, Ills., 1875, was graduated 
 by Witt. Coll., 1902, Witt. Sem. 1905, served as pastor at Slater, 
 la., and Bunker Hill Kan. A. M. degree, Wittenberg, 1905.
 
 2S4 BIOGRAPHICAL PRESENT MEMBERS. 
 
 Fuller Bergstresser, is a native of Pennsylvania, a graduate of 
 Gettysburg, 1891, of the Gettysburg Theological Sem., 1894, was 
 ordained 1894, when he became pastor of Bethel church, Allegheny, 
 Pa. In 1900 he became pastor at Abilene. He is a son of the late 
 Dr. Peter Bergstresser. 
 
 Edwin Bollman, was born at Dixon, Ills., in 1858, graduated by 
 Carthage in 1886 and by Witt. Theol. Sem., in 1889. He served 
 pastorates at Forreston, Ills., Pearl City, Ills., Davenport and Wil- 
 ber Nebr., and Effingham, his present charge. 
 
 John Adam Bright, was born at Aaronsburg, Pa., in 1845; took 
 a special course at Gettysburg College, a private course in theology 
 was ordained in 1875, and served pastorates at Nirtany and Jersey 
 Shore, Pa., and Ellsworth, Kan. He has been without a charge 
 since 1885. For four years he was Sec'y Kansas State S. S. Ass'n, 
 and is now an evangelist. He expects to take charge of the Cam- 
 pus charge Oct., 1907. 
 
 G. Gerlau Clark, was born at Casstown, O., 1864, graduated by 
 Wittenberg, 1890, Sem., 1893, served charges at New Castle, Ind., 
 Bellevue. Ky., Lynchburg and Lucas, O., and Emporia, Kan. In 
 1887 he published a History of Wittenberg College. 
 
 James Monroe Cromer, D. D., pastor of Grace Church, Kansas 
 City, was born in 111., graduated from Carthage College in 1875, 
 and from Wittenberg Theol. Sem. in 1877, in which year he was 
 also ordained. He served pastorates at Hillsboro and Washing- 
 ton, Ills., and at First and Grace churches in Kansas City. He 
 also was a professor in Carthage College for a while. He received 
 the degrees of M. A. and D. D., from his Alma Mater. 
 
 /. F. Cressler, of New Cambria, was born in Franklin Co., Pa., 
 in 1845, graduated from Gettysburg College in 1869, and from that 
 Seminary in 1872, when he was also ordained. He served pastor- 
 ates at Maysville, and Millertown, Pa., New Franklin, O., Break- 
 abeen, N. Y., Lisbon, la., Tekamah, and Rising City, Neb., and New 
 Cambria, Kans. He received the A. M. degree from Gettysburg 
 College. 
 
 Frank S. Delo, was born at Elkhart, Ind., in 1865, graduated by 
 Wittenberg, 1891, same Sem. 1894, ordained by Miami Synod, 1894. 
 Pastorates, Xenia, O., Pleasantville, and Roaring Springs, Pa., 
 Orangeville and Mt. Morris, Ills., and Hutchinson, Kan. He de- 
 livered his lecture illustrated, "Our Missions in India and Africa," 
 over 200 times, and for a season edited the Children's Missionary. 
 
 M. L. Exline, was born in Tuscarawas Co., O., in 1853, took a 
 theological course in Susquehanna Univ., ordained by Susquehanna 
 Synod, 1888. Served charges in Ohio and Indiana coming to Kan- 
 sas in 1904, engaging in secular business at Stafford. 
 
 /. B. Grove, was born in Tarlton, O., took partial course at Witt. 
 College and full seminary course there 1898, served charges at 
 Tiro, O., Canon City, Colo., and Norcatur, Kan., his present charge.
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL PRESENT MEMBERS. 285 
 
 Henry Hosea Hall, D. D., is a native of Ohio, a graduate of Wit- 
 tenberg College, 1867, of Witt. Theol. Sem., 1868. He was or- 
 dained in 1870. His pastorates were, Leechburg and Mongahela 
 City, Pa., Canal Dover, Millersburg, and Van Wert, O., Tipton, la., 
 Litchfield and Fillmore, Ills., and Chapman, Kan. He received the 
 doctorate from Wittenberg in 1894. 
 
 Israel Bucer Heisey, is enjoying the longest pastorate of any 
 Kansas pastor. He was born in Elizabethtown, Pa. He took a 
 special course at Midland, was a graduate of the Western Theol. 
 Sem. 1892, and ordained that year when he took charge of the 
 Waterville pastorate, of which he is still pastor. 
 
 Samuel Henry, retired, Independence, Kansas, was born at Ab- 
 bottstown, Pa., in 1828, took a special course at Gettysburg College 
 graduating from that Seminary in 1850. He was ordained in 1852 
 and served pastorates at Dillsburg, Pa., Westminister, Md., Phillips- 
 burg, N. Y., Mifflinburg, Pa., and Ottawa, Kansas. He retired in 
 1886 owing to ill health. 
 
 W. W. Horn, the new pastor at Topeka, entered the Lutheran 
 ministry in 1901 uniting with the Iowa Synod as pastor at Lisbon. 
 In September, 1902 he took charge of the Princeton, 111., church, 
 and on Oct. 1, 1907, that of Topeka. 
 
 A. B. Kirtland, of Salina, (Retired since 1891 ), was born in Con- 
 necticut in 1832. He took a special course in Wittenberg College 
 and was graduated from that Seminary in 1857 and ordained the 
 same year. He has served pastorates at Upper Sandusky, Nevada, 
 and Crestline, O., Waterloo City, Ind., New Lisbon, O., and New 
 Cambria, Kan. 
 
 Henry Adam Koogle, of Chapman, was born in 1847, took four 
 years course at Wittenberg College, was ordained in 1889, and 
 served pastorates at Bunker Hill, Chapman, and Banner City. Fail- 
 ing health compelled him to relinquish the active pastorate several 
 years ago. 
 
 Benjamin R. Lantz, pastor of the First English church at St. 
 Joseph, Mo., was born at Hagerstown, Md., graduated from Gettys- 
 burg College in 1894, and from the same Seminary in 1898, or- 
 dained 1898. He served charges at Millerburg, Pa., and St. Joseph, 
 Mo. 
 
 Samuel Martin Lesher, was born at McConnelsburg, Pa., a grad- 
 uate of Midland College 1892, Gettysburg Theol. Sem. 1895, and 
 ordained the same year. His pastorates were at Effingham, Kan., 
 Dakota City, Nebr., and Sedalia, Mo. 
 
 William A. Livers, was born at Waterville, was graduated from 
 Midland College in 1901, and Western Theol. Serri. in 1901 and or- 
 dained the same year. He served at Perth and on account of fail- 
 ing health is obliged to live in the Rockies. 
 
 N. W. Lilly, was born in Northumberland Co., Penna., graduated 
 from Gettysburg in 1857, ordained in 1858. After serving several 
 charges in Pa., he took charges Millersburg, Washingtonville, and 
 Letonia, Ohio, Forreston, Ills., and Haskell, Kans.
 
 286 BIOGRAPHICAL PRESENT MEMBERS. 
 
 George S. Murphy, was born at Reedsville, Pa., in 1865, grad- 
 uated from Wittenberg College in 1893, tutor in Greek at same in- 
 stitution 1893-5. ordained 1905, Professor at Wittenberg 1895-1903. 
 Pastor at Mt. Zion Charge Lucas, O., and Peabody, Kan. He re- 
 ceived the A. M. degree in 1896 from Wittenberg. 
 
 Oliver MacWilliams, was born in in 
 
 graduated by Wittenberg, 1899, by Witt. Sem. 1903, licensed by 
 Wittenberg Synod, 1902, ordained by same, 1903. Served charges 
 at Bellville, O., and Eureka, Kan. 
 
 Hamilton A. Ott, D. D., was born at North Washington, O., grad- 
 uated from Wittenberg College, 1879, Witt. Theol. Sem. in 1881. 
 He served pastorates at Xenia and Brookville, O., and at Free- 
 port and Quincy, 111., Topeka and Salina, Kan. He received from 
 his Alma Mater the degree of Master of Arts in 1882 and Doctor 
 of Divinity in 1905. 
 
 Samuel Palmer, of Lawrence (Retired) was born in Franklin 
 county, Pa. He served three years in the Civil War, after which 
 he was graduated from Gettysburg College and Seminary and later 
 was ordained by a Pennsylvania Synod. He served the Pikeland 
 and Phoenixville charges in Pa. 
 
 Boaz Franklin Pugh, was born in 1847, graduated from Selins- 
 grove Institute in 1874, and the Seminary at the same place in 
 1877, in which year he was ordained. He served pastorates at 
 Orangeville, 111., Rising City, and Tekamah, Nebr., Sabetha, Well- 
 ington, Ottawa and Garnett, Kan. He was in the Union Army and 
 is a great friend of the G. A. R. 
 
 Alva Morton Reitzel, was born at Pecksburg, Ind., in 1865, a 
 graduate from the Stockton, Kan., Academy, 1891, admitted to the 
 bar in 1892, graduated from Western Theol. Sem. in 1897, ordained 
 1897, served as pastor Hutchinson, Kan., Mendon, Ills., and Well- 
 ington, Kan. 
 
 Ambrose Ellsworth Renn, pastor of St. Mark's at Atchison, was 
 born in Lycoming Co., Pa., graduated from Wittenberg College, 
 1893, Witt. Theol. Sem. 1896, ordained 1896. His pastorates were 
 Urbana, Arcadia, and Mansfield, O., and Atchison, Kan. His Alma 
 Mater gave him the M. A. degree. 
 
 Richard Richter, pastor at Greenleaf, was born in Berlin, Ger- 
 many, in 1874. One year was spent in a special school preparatory 
 for missionaries to foreign lands; in this country he took a special 
 course of three years, in Wartburg College and two years at the 
 German Synod of Iowa Seminary at Dubuque, graduating from the 
 Western Theol. Sem. in 1902. He was ordained in 1902. He 
 served congregations at Albuquerque and Belan, N. M., Benning- 
 ton, Neb. and Greenleaf, Kan. 
 
 M. F. Rinker, of Stockton, Cal., was ordained by Kansas Synod 
 in 1886, and was pastor at Greenleaf, Washington, and Minneap- 
 olis, Kan. He resided after this at Orkney Springs, Va., Cross 
 Roads, Ind., Beach City, O., McComb, O., Grandview, Ind., Utan 
 Nebr., Denver, Colo., and Norcatur, Kan.
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL PRESENT MEMBERS. 287 
 
 Ralph Paul Schimmelpfennig, Ph. D., was born in Germany, a 
 graduate from Breklum in 1891, and from the Breklum Sem. later. 
 He was ordained by the German Synod of Nebraska in 1897. He 
 has served charges at near North Platte, Phillips, and Humphrey, 
 Nebr., and Russell and Glasco, Kan. The Central University of 
 Indianapolis, Ind., gave him the Ph. D., degree. 
 
 Albert B. Shrader, was born at Mt. Carroll, Ills., graduated by 
 Carthage College in 1879, and Gettysburg Theol. Sem. in 1882, and 
 ordained the same year. He served charges at Ponca and Grand 
 Island, Nebr., Cedar Rapids and Nevada, la., Lawrence, Kans., 
 Shelby, O., and Kansas City, Mo., (Memorial). He also served 
 as field Sec'y for Carthage College. He received the M. A. degree 
 from Carihage College. 
 
 James C. Schindel, was born at , graduated by 
 
 Susquehanna University and same Seminary, 1886, ordained by 
 Susquehanna Synod, served charges at Mt. Carmel, Pa., Fayette, 
 N. Y., Dumontville, Circleville, and Newark, O., and at present has 
 charge of the First church at Kansas City, Mo. He was also army 
 chaplain in the Phillipines. 
 
 Fred Ross Shirck, was born in Washington Co., Kan., in 1876, 
 graduated from Midland College in 1903 and from the Western 
 Theol. Sem. in 1906, and was ordained at Topeka, October 19, 1906. 
 He is located at Whitewater as pastor. 
 
 Calvin W. Sifferd, D. D., was graduated by North Carolina 
 College and from the same in theology. He was ordained in 
 1875, and served charges at Anna, 111., Newark, O., Carthage, 111., 
 and Ottawa, Kan. He received the degrees of A. M., and D. D., 
 from his Alma Mater. 
 
 Ezra Eugene Stauffer, was born at Naperville, Ills., graduating 
 from Midland College, 1896, and from the Western Theol. Sem. in 
 1898, during which year he was ordained. He has served pastor- 
 ates at Wellington and Lawrence. 
 
 /. Howard Stough, Ph. D., Professor of Greek and Latin in Mid- 
 land College, was born in Richland Co., O., graduated from Wit- 
 tenberg College in 1871, and from that Seminary in 1872. He 
 served pastorates at Letonia, O., Knoxville, la., Plymouth, O., Tip- 
 ton, la., and Lena, Ills. He was Professor of Ancient Languages 
 and Mental and Moral Philosophy at Carthage College 1883-4, and 
 has occupied his present position since 1888. Wittenberg College 
 conferred upon him his A. M. and Ph. D., degrees. 
 
 Paul G. Tonsing, of Atchison, was graduated from Midland Col- 
 lege in 1893, and from the Western Theol. Sem. in 1895, ordained 
 in 1895. Was pastor at Beloit, Kan., and Hardy, Neb. 
 
 /. H. Utesch, of Beloit was born in Germany, received his class- 
 ical training at Brecklum, graduated from Western Theol. Sem., 
 1904. Was pastor at Liberty, Ills., and Beloit, Kan. .
 
 288 BIOGRAPHICAL PRESENT MEMBERS. 
 
 Robert Berry Whitehill, retired, of Wellington, was born in 1837, 
 a graduate from Selinsgrove Institute in 1862, taking a divinity 
 course there. Pastorates: Lock Haven, Pa., Yellowcreek, Mt. Mor- 
 ris, Litchfield, and Mendon, Ills., and Peabody, St. James Abilene, 
 New Cambria and Wellington, Kan. 
 
 Charles Fisher Wiest, was born at York, Pa., in 1873, a graduate 
 of Gettysburg, 1895, Gettysburg Seminary 1898, and ordained the 
 latter year. His first charge was at Milroy, Pa., second at Hays, 
 Kan. 
 
 Robert Bruce Wolf, was born at Center Hall, Pa., in 1870. He 
 was graduated from Gettysburg College in 1891, and from the same 
 Seminary in 1894, ordained in 1894, located as pastor at Eureka 
 and Kansas City, Kan. 
 
 Harry Lee Yarger, D. D., Field Secretary of the Board of Church 
 Extension, was born at Hartleton, Pa., in 1862, was graduated from 
 Gettysburg College in 1883, and from the Seminary of the same 
 in 1886, when he was ordained. His pastorates were Ellsworth, 
 and Lawrence, Kan., and Braddock, Pa. He assumed his present 
 office in 1895. He received the divinity degree from Carthage in 
 1898. 
 
 John N. Zimmer, of Abilene, was ordained in 1878, and has serv- 
 ed charges at West Point, Nebr., North Hope, Pa., New Spring- 
 field, O., Elk City and Gelso, Nebr., Sabetha, Kan., Rising City, Elk 
 City, Benson, and Millard, Neb., Wilson and Manchester, Kan. 
 
 Henry Zimmerman, was born at Golden, Ills., graduated from 
 Midland College, 1893, the Western Theol. Sem. in 1895, and was 
 ordained the latter year. He served pastorates at Hays City, Kan., 
 Stella, Neb., and Emporia, Kan.
 
 PAROCHIAL REPORTS 
 
 OF 
 
 Kansas Synod 
 
 AND OF THE 
 
 Kansas Conference of the Augustana Synod 
 
 for 1906 
 
 Together With a Series of Statistical Tables Covering 
 All Lutheran Bodies in Kansas 
 
 COMPILED BY 
 
 REV. R. B. WOLF
 
 290 
 
 THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN 
 CHURCH IN KANSAS. 
 
 1907 
 
 Embracing Congregations of Every Synod and Language in the 
 State of Kansas. 
 
 317 Congregations. 
 30307 Communicants. 
 45490 Baptized Members. 
 
 SUMMARY BY SYNODS. 
 
 SYNOD. 
 
 Congregations. 
 
 Communicant 
 Members. 
 
 Baptized 
 Members. 
 
 The Synod of Kansas 
 
 49 
 
 3423 
 
 3798 
 
 The German Nebraska Synod 
 
 10 
 
 1021 
 
 1588 
 
 The Swedish Augustana 
 
 46 
 
 7403 
 
 11119 
 
 The Joint Synod of Ohio 
 
 16 
 
 616 
 
 1375 
 
 The Synodical Conf. (Missouri) 
 
 120 
 
 11650 
 
 18910 
 
 The Norwegian Synods 
 
 12 
 
 679 
 
 840 
 
 The Danish Synods 
 
 5 
 
 230 
 
 350 
 
 The German Synod of Iowa 
 
 27 
 
 2375 
 
 4110 
 
 The German Evangelical of N. A 
 
 32 
 
 2010 
 
 3400 
 
 
 
 
 
 Grand Total 
 
 317 
 
 30307 
 
 45700
 
 291 
 
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 -1103 
 
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 300 
 
 Congregations in Kansas belonging to the Missouri Synod, and inde- 
 pendent congregations served by Pastors of that Synod, with com- 
 municant members. 
 
 Afton, 44, Aliceville, 17, Albert 110, Alma 325, Alta Vista 60, Argen- 
 tine 93, Atchison 250, Bonner Springs 15, Barnes 99, Batesville 27, 
 Bazine 82, Bellefonte 77, Bern 32, Beverly 35, Brazilton 205, Bushton 
 117, Bremen 318, Bremen rural 193, Bucklin 25, Chase 65, Cheney 70, 
 Cimarron 11, Clay Center 56, Clay Center rural 38, Claflin 59, Council 
 Grove 29, Coffeyville 129, Deerfield 28, Dighton 21, Dodge City 24, 
 Downs 76, Ellinwood 238, Ellsworth 21, Ellsworth rural 284, Fairview 
 80, Fair West 107, Germantown 59, Grand River 177, Garden City 20, 
 Goffs 24, Hanover rural 193, Haven 213, Herkimer 97, Herndon 51, 
 Hillsboro 166, Hope 254, Horace , Hiawatha 53, Herington 287, Hum- 
 boldt 142, Independence 188, lola 25, Junction City rural 117, Kansas 
 City, Kansas 127, Kensington 68, Kinsley 20, Kill Creek 11, Lakin 40, 
 Lang 14, Leavenworth 425, Leoti 16, Lincoln 333, Lincolnville 188, Linn 
 194, Linn rural 145, Ludell 119, Luray 10, Lydia 32, Madison 10, Mil- 
 berger 141, Monument , Mound Ridge 45, Mulberry 14, McFarland 
 123, Natoma 135, Natroma 82, Netawaka 93, Newton 184, Nortonville 
 rural 71, Olpw 20, Onaga rural 157, Onaga 80, Oswego 22, Palmer 161, 
 Paola rural 240, Pierceville 13, Pittsburg 194, Plevna 35. Potter 122, 
 Prarie Grove 48, Ramona 61. Red Fluff 134, Riley 30, Rosenberg 76, 
 Russell Springs 11, Sabetha 33, Scott City 15, Shady Bend 70, Shady 
 Brook 207, Shockey 18, Spring Valley 138, St. Francis 60, Strong City 
 60, Stuttgart 94, Sylvan Grove 408, Sylvan Grove rural 15, Tampa rural 
 65, Templin 140, Topeka 257, Traer 55, Vassar 36, Walula 70, Wake- 
 field 13, Wathena 148, White City 53, Wilson rural 54, Winfield 50, 
 Winkler 56, Witrup 47, Yates Center rural 64. 
 
 A total of 120 congregations, 11,650 communicants, 18,910 baptized 
 members. 
 
 Congregations in Kansas belonging to the Joint Synod of Ohio, etc., 
 and independent congregations served by pastors of that Synod. 
 
 Barnes 69, Brookfield 132, Cheyenne 140, Fairview 51, Lenexa 160, 
 Morrowville, Monument, Mulberry, Palmer 122, Sycamore Springs, St. 
 Francis, Tescott, Thomas, Washington. Wamego 52, Wells Creek, 
 (above without numerals are parts of charges and included in- other 
 figures. ) 
 A total of 16 congregations, 616 communicants, 1375 baptized members. 
 
 Congregations in Kansas belonging to the German Nebraska Synod. 
 
 Dorrance 104, Greenleaf 110, Glasco 120, Home 175, Hanover 218, 
 Lancaster 27, Russell 150, Russell rural 25, Stickney rural 62, Stickney 
 rural 30. General Synod churches. See churches toci. 
 A total of 10 congregations, 1021 communicants, 1588 baptized members. 
 
 Congregations belonging to the Ev. Lutheran Synod of Iowa and other 
 States, and independent congregations served by pastors of that 
 Synod. 
 
 Albert 122, Athol 111, Ellis (2) 300, Gaylord (2) 100, Herington (2) 
 100, Kensington 160, Logan 100, Lydia 100, Otis (4) 325, Pittsburg (2) 
 156, Philipsburg 60, Russell (2) 230, Stuttgart 195, Tipton (2) 150, Wa- 
 keeney (2) 110. 
 A total of 27 congregations, 2375 communicants, 4110 bapt. members. 
 
 Danish Congregations in Kansas. 
 
 Kansas City, Kansas 60, Glasco 35, Oak Creek 40, Randolph 40, 
 Yuma 55. 
 A total of 5 congregations, 230 communicants, 350 baptized members.
 
 301 
 
 Congregations in Kansas belonging to the German Ev. Synod of North 
 America, and independent congregations served by pastors of that 
 Synod. 
 
 Alma 170, Alida 75, Atchison 132, Berne 16, Eudora 130, Ellsworth 
 38, Ellinwood 125, Great Bend 14, Herndon 180, Herkimer 100, Holy 
 Rood 175, Highland 60, Hudson 160, Inman 39, Junction City 55, Kan- 
 sas City, Kansas 200, Lawrence 45, Lawrence rural 23, Leavenworth 
 110, Linn 117, Lincoln 85, Marysville 140, Manhattan 60, Nickerson 75, 
 Nickerson rural 61, Newton 80, Paola 92, Powhattan 50, Salina 75, 
 Topeka 75, Willow Springs 190, Wichita 123, Wells Creek 294. 
 
 A total of 32 congregations, 2910 communicants. 
 
 Norwegian Congregations: Atchison Co., 19, Brown Co., 90, Butler 
 Co., 20, Dojiiphan Co., 190, Greenwood Co., (3) 210, Jefferson Co., 30, 
 Jewell Co., 40, Norton Co., 35, Phillips Co., 25, Wilson Co., 20. 
 
 A total of 12 congregations, 679 communicants. 
 
 THE THIRTY-NINE CONVENTIONS OF THE KANSAS SYNOD. 
 
 Year. Place. 
 
 President. 
 
 Secretary. 
 
 Treasurer. 
 
 1868 Topeka, 
 
 S. P. Harrington, 
 
 E. J. Keplinger, 
 
 
 1869 Atchison, 
 
 M. G. Boyer, 
 
 E. J. Keplinger, 
 
 A. W. Wagenhals 
 
 1869 Kansas City, 
 
 A. J. Hesson, 
 
 S. P. Harrington, 
 
 J. G. Groenmiller. 
 
 1870 Lawrence, 
 
 A. J. Hesson, 
 
 S. P. Harrington, 
 
 J. G. Groenmiller. 
 
 1871 GrasshopperFalls D. Harbaugh, 
 
 S. P. Harrington, 
 
 D. Earhart. 
 
 1872 Monrovia,- 
 
 D. Harbaugh, 
 
 H. B. Belmer, 
 
 J. H. Schell. 
 
 1873 Kansas City, 
 
 R. Weiser, 
 
 S. P. Harrington, 
 
 J. H. Schell. 
 
 1874 Abilene, 
 
 S. P. Harrington, 
 
 D. S. Altman, 
 
 J. H. Schell. 
 
 1875 Lawrence, 
 
 S. P. Harrington, 
 
 T. F. Dornblaser, 
 
 J. B. Schell. 
 
 1876 Kansas City, 
 
 A. A. Trimper, 
 
 T. F. Dornblaser, 
 
 J. B. Schell. 
 
 1877 Salina, 
 
 T. F. Dornblaser, 
 
 A. K. Felton, 
 
 J. B. Schell. 
 
 1878 Peabody, 
 
 T. F. Dornblaser, 
 
 A. K. Felton, 
 
 P. Weidlein. 
 
 1879 Abilene, 
 
 T. F. Dornblaser, 
 
 S. P. Harrington, 
 
 C. H. Lebold. 
 
 1880 Lawrence. 
 
 S. S. Waltz, 
 
 J. H. Harpster, 
 
 J. E. Herbst. 
 
 1881 Bunker Hill, 
 
 S. S. Waltz, 
 
 J. H. Harpster, 
 
 L. P. Firey. 
 
 1882 Salina, 
 
 S. S. Waltz, 
 
 J. A. Lowe, 
 
 J. E. Tressler. 
 
 1883 Eureka, 
 
 A. J. Kissell, 
 
 J. A. Lowe, 
 
 J. E. Tressler. 
 
 1884 Topeka. 
 
 A. J. Kissell. 
 
 M. F. Troxell, 
 
 J. E. Tressler. 
 
 1885 Peabody, 
 
 M. F. Troxell, 
 
 J. A. Lowe, 
 
 J. E. Tressler. 
 
 1886 Waterville, 
 
 J. M. Cromer, 
 
 F. D. Altman, 
 
 J. E. Herbst. 
 
 1887 Abilene, 
 
 J. M. Cromer, 
 
 F. D. Altman, 
 
 J. E. Herbst. 
 
 1888 Lawrence, 
 
 W. M. Sparr, 
 
 G. D. Gotwald, 
 
 A. L. Selig. 
 
 1889 Atchison, 
 
 W. M. Sparr, 
 
 G. D. Gotwald, 
 
 A. L. Selig. 
 
 1890 Salina, 
 
 F. D. Altman, 
 
 H. L. Yarger, 
 
 A. L. Selig. 
 
 1891 Emporia, 
 
 F. D. Altman, 
 
 H. L. Yarger, 
 
 J. H. Berlin. 
 
 1892 Kansas City, 
 
 J. A. Lowe, 
 
 W. L. Seabrook, 
 
 J. H. Berlin. 
 
 1893 Kansas City, 
 
 J. A. Lowe, 
 
 R. B. Whitehall, 
 
 J. H. Berlin. 
 
 1894 Topeka, 
 
 W. F. Rentz, 
 
 R. B. Whitehill, 
 
 A. L. Selig. 
 
 1895 Abilene, 
 
 W. F. Rentz, 
 
 H. M. Oberholtzer, 
 
 A. L. Selig. 
 
 1896 Lawrence, 
 
 A. E. Wagner, 
 
 H. M. Oberholtzer, 
 
 A. L. Selig. 
 
 1897 Peabody, 
 
 A. E. Wagner, 
 
 J. F. Seibert, 
 
 J. E. Brewer. 
 
 1898 Hutchinson, 
 
 H. C. Haithcox, 
 
 J. F. Seibert, 
 
 J. E. Brewer. 
 
 1899 Atchison. 
 
 H. C. Haithcox, 
 
 J. F. Seibert, 
 
 J. E. Brewer. 
 
 1900 Waterville, 
 
 H. L. Yarger, 
 
 R. B. Wolf, 
 
 J. P. Burtis. 
 
 1901 Wellington, 
 
 H. L. Yarger, 
 
 R. B. Wolf, 
 
 J. P. Burtis. 
 
 1902 Salina. 
 
 I. B. Heisey, 
 
 R. B. Wolf, 
 
 J. P. Burtis. 
 
 1903 St. Joseph, 
 
 I. B. Heisey, 
 
 E. E. Stauffer, 
 
 H. L. Humphrey. 
 
 1904 Eureka, 
 
 R. B. Wolf, 
 
 E. E. Stauffer, 
 
 H. Li. Humphrey. 
 
 1905 Emporia, 
 
 R. B. Wolf, 
 
 E. E. Stauffer, 
 
 A. T. Olson. 
 
 1906 Topeka, 
 
 H. A. Ott, 
 
 J. J. Chambers, 
 
 A. T. Olson.
 
 302 
 
 Clerical Members of Kansas Synod from 1868 to 1907 
 
 No. | Name. 
 
 Charges Served. 
 
 Ent | Dismissed to 
 
 1 
 2 
 3 
 4 
 5 
 5 
 6 
 7 
 
 8 
 9 
 10 
 11 
 12 
 
 13 
 
 14 
 15 
 16 
 17 
 18 
 19 
 20 
 21 
 22 
 23 
 24 
 25 
 26 
 27 
 28 
 29 
 30 
 31 
 32 
 33 
 34 
 35 
 36 
 37 
 38 
 
 39 
 40 
 
 41 
 42 
 
 43 
 44 
 
 45 
 46 
 47 
 48 
 
 49 
 50 
 51 
 52 
 53 
 54 
 
 55 
 56 
 
 J G. Ellinger 
 
 
 1868 
 1868 
 1868 
 1868 
 1868 
 1882 
 1868 
 1868 
 
 1875 
 
 1889 
 1876 
 1872 
 1899 
 1886 
 
 i890 
 1873 
 1889 
 1871 
 1870 
 1872 
 1888 
 1896 
 1871 
 1890 
 1875 
 1905 
 1874 
 1892 
 1870 
 1874 
 1877 
 1871 
 1874 
 1871 
 1875 
 1893 
 1873 
 1872 
 1881 
 1886 
 1880 
 1875 
 1876 
 1876 
 1889 
 1875 
 1876 
 1884 
 1892 
 
 1888 
 1899 
 1876 
 1880 
 
 11879 
 1905 
 1907 
 1883 
 1878 
 1907 
 1877 
 1878 
 1885 
 1880 
 1880 
 1884 
 1895 
 
 Died. 
 Charter member 
 Ger. Ref. Ch. 
 demitted minis. 
 W. Penn. Synod 
 N. 111. Synod. 
 Dropped. 
 First Ord. 
 Alleg. Synod. 
 Alleg. Synod. 
 Died. 
 Neb. Synod. 
 Deposed. 
 Md. Synod. 
 Miami Synod. 
 Died. 
 Moravian 'Ch. 
 Rocky Mt. Synd 
 Died. 
 Died. 
 E. Pa. Synod. 
 Dropped. 
 Pitt. Synod. 
 Deposed. 
 Sw. Aug. Synod. 
 By exp. of lie. 
 By exp. of lie. 
 Neb. Synod. 
 Sw. Aug. Svnod 
 Died. 
 Presby. Ch. 
 Md. Synod. 
 Dropped. 
 Died. 
 Died. 
 C. Pa. Synod. 
 Sw. Aug. Synod 
 Cong. Ch. 
 Died. 
 Neb. Synod. 
 Presby. Ch. 
 Died. 
 Wittenberg Syd. 
 
 W. Pa. Synod. 
 By exp. of lie. 
 Iowa Synod. 
 C. 111. Synod. 
 Active. 
 I Alleg. Synod. 
 Died. 
 Calif. Synod. 
 West Pa. Synod 
 Iowa Synod. 
 Cal. Synod. 
 E. Ohio Synod. 
 Witten. Synod. 
 Iowa Synod. 
 Iowa. 
 Neb. Synod. 
 Presby. Ch. 
 Cent. 111. Synod. 
 Active. 
 
 Drooped. 
 N. T. & N. J. S. 
 
 J. B. McAfee 
 
 Valley Falls, Monrovia . . 
 Valley Falls, Abilene 
 Kansas City First, 
 
 S. P. Harrington.. 
 A. W. Wagenhals 
 A. J. Hesson 
 
 Topeka 
 
 A. J. Hesson 
 
 Peabody, Hutchinson 
 Tipton, Mo 
 
 B. J. K6plinger. . . 
 M. G. Boyer 
 
 Atchison, Monrovia 
 Effingham 
 
 D. Barhart 
 
 Vinland, Moray, Pardee. . 
 Marshall Co 
 
 1869 
 1869 
 1869 
 1869 
 1869 
 1884 
 1869 
 1869 
 1870 
 1870 
 1870 
 1870 
 1870 
 1870 
 1870 
 1870 
 1870 
 1870 
 1870 
 1871 
 1871 
 1872 
 1872 
 1872 
 1872 
 1872 
 1873 
 1873 
 1873 
 1873 
 1873 
 1874 
 1877 
 1874 
 
 1876 
 1876 
 1876 
 1879 
 1899 
 1877 
 1877 
 1877 
 1877 
 1877 
 1902 
 1877 
 1877 
 1877 
 1878 
 1878 
 1878 
 1888 
 1896 
 
 F. R. Scherer 
 J. G. Groenmiller. 
 C. F. W. Treptow 
 H. B. Belmer 
 
 Rockport Mo 
 
 Lawrence, (Ger) 
 
 Lawrence i 
 
 returned. 
 C Martin 
 
 Peabody 
 
 East Norway 
 
 
 
 D. Harbaugh 
 T. W. Sargeant. .. 
 
 Waterville 
 
 Eureka 
 
 Effingham 
 
 W H Steck. . . . 
 
 Kansas City First 
 
 J. B. Corbett 
 
 St. Louis, Bunker Hill. . . 
 Abilene 
 
 W E Crebs 
 
 V G Haag 
 
 
 C. J. Scheleen 
 A. G. Nordengren 
 C. Hawkinson 
 A. G. R. Buetow. 
 C J Lindahl 
 
 Topeka (Swedish) 
 
 licensed. 
 Randolph .licensed. 
 
 Fontanelle Neb 
 
 Brantf ord 
 
 D S Altman 
 
 Ottawa 
 
 S. N. St. John.... 
 B. F. Alleman . . . 
 G A Exline 
 
 Valley Falls 
 
 Topeka 
 
 Bunker Hill 
 
 R \Veiser 
 
 Georgetown, Colo. 
 
 G. Walker . . 
 
 White Rock 
 
 M J Firev 
 
 
 N. G. Bergenskold 
 J. K. Eckman. . . . 
 C Young 
 
 Bellville Beattie 
 
 Osborne 
 Salina 
 
 C Cook 
 
 Garnett 
 
 A. A. Trimper. . . . 
 returned. 
 T. F. Dornblaser. 
 W. C. Seidel 
 
 
 
 K. C. First, Topeka 
 
 Minneapolis. Salina, Ot- 
 tawa Solomon 
 
 Geo. Sanderson. . . 
 W H Lilly 
 
 (Licentiate) 
 Abilene 
 
 returned. 
 N. W. Lilly 
 
 
 Garnett, Haskell 
 Bunker Hill 
 Eureka <. . 
 
 A. K. Felton....'. 
 L. C. Groseclose. 
 A. J. Hartsock. . . 
 A. Essick 
 J. A. M. Ziegler. . 
 returned. 
 D H Snowden 
 
 Salina 
 
 Ellsworth 
 Abilene 
 
 Kansas City First 
 
 
 D. H. Bauslin. . . . 
 
 Peabody . . . . lie 
 
 Abilene Salina 
 
 A. L. Anderson. . . 
 John Bond 
 R. B. Whitehill. . . 
 returned, 
 returned. 
 W. I. Cutter 
 
 Georgetown, Colo 
 
 
 Peabody 
 
 St. James, Wellington 
 
 Monrovia, Effingham, 
 Atchison 
 
 1879 
 1879 
 
 1886 
 
 1SS2 
 
 J. H. Haroster. . . 
 
 Hayes.
 
 303 
 
 No. | Name. 
 
 Charges Served. 
 
 Bnt | Dismissed to 
 
 57 
 
 58 
 59 
 60 
 61 
 62 
 63 
 64 
 65 
 66 
 67 
 68 
 69 
 70 
 71 
 
 72 
 73 
 74 
 75 
 76 
 77 
 78 
 79 
 80 
 81 
 82 
 83 
 84 
 85 
 86 
 87 
 88 
 
 89 
 90 
 91 
 92 
 
 93 
 94 
 
 95 
 96 
 97 
 
 98 
 99 
 
 100 
 101 
 102 
 103 
 104 
 
 105 
 106 
 107 
 108 
 109 
 110 
 111 
 112 
 113 
 114 
 
 115 
 
 J. Schauer 
 
 Greenleaf, Waterville, 
 Bunker Hill Perth 
 
 1879 
 1879 
 1879 
 1879 
 1879 
 1879 
 1879 
 1879 
 1880 
 1880 
 1881 
 INN:.' 
 1882 
 1882 
 INN 2 
 1899 
 1882 
 1882 
 1883 
 1884 
 1884 
 1884 
 1884 
 1884 
 1884 
 1884 
 1884 
 
 1905 
 1891 
 1884 
 1884 
 
 1902 
 1882 
 1884 
 1886 
 1888 
 1884 
 
 1903 
 1889 
 1904 
 1898 
 1884 
 1891 
 1885 
 1885 
 1887 
 1887 
 
 i888 
 1890 
 
 Died. 
 Cen. 111. Synod. 
 Cen. Pa. Synod. 
 Olive Br. Synod. 
 Active. 
 Active. 
 Neb. Synod. 
 Lie. Exp. 
 Aug. Synod. 
 Neb. Synod. 
 Cen. Pa. Synod, 
 la. Synod. 
 Active. 
 So. 111. Synod. 
 Cen. 111. Synod. 
 Neb. Synod. 
 Died. 
 Hartwick Synod 
 Pbg. Synod. 
 Iowa Synod. 
 W. Pa. Synod. 
 Iowa Synod. 
 N. 111. Synod. 
 Active. 
 N. Y. &N. J. S. 
 Susq. Synod. 
 Active. 
 Active. 
 Rky. Mt. Synod. 
 Died. 
 Aleg. Synod. 
 Died. 
 Olive Br. Synod. 
 Active. 
 Died. 
 Died. 
 S. Car. Synod. 
 Pbg. Synod. 
 Active. 
 S. 111. Synod. 
 N. Y. & N. J. S. 
 Active. 
 Olive Br. Synod. 
 M. E. Ch. 
 Deposed. 
 Cen. 111. Synod. 
 
 Died. 
 Neb. Synod. 
 Lie. Exp. 
 E. Pa. Synod. 
 E. Pa. Synod. 
 N. 111. Synod. 
 Presb. Ch. 
 Lie. Exp. 
 Mis. to India. 
 Active. 
 Lie. Exp. 
 Neb. Synod. 
 Active. 
 Calif. Synod. 
 Alleg. Synod. 
 Iowa Synod. 
 
 Miami Syno'd. 
 Va. Svnod. 
 
 E S Reese 
 
 Sabetha Barnes 
 
 H F Long 
 
 Bunker Hill 
 
 S S Waltz 
 
 Kansas City, First 
 
 A. B. Kirtland... 
 D Scholl 
 
 ttew Cambria 
 Vinland 
 White Rock, etc. . . lie. 
 lie. 
 
 j A. Lowe 
 
 P C Holler 
 
 M. Stolpe 
 R A White . . . . 
 
 Marquette 
 lie. 
 
 R F Hassinger. . 
 
 
 B. F. Grenoble 
 J. A. Bright 
 
 Pleasant Valley 
 
 Ellsworth 
 Abilene, Peab'dy, Emp'ra 
 Eureka, Kansas City 
 
 G. A. Bowers 
 
 M. F. Troxell. . . . 
 returned. 
 H Acker 
 
 St Joseph 
 
 Whitewater 
 
 H. Sharpe 
 J. E. Maurer. . . . 
 H. Max Lentz. . . . 
 J. A. Hartman. . . 
 I. J Delo 
 
 Hays 
 Lawrence, Hardy, Wash. 
 Eureka 
 
 Emporia. .' 
 Lawrence 
 
 N. A. Whitman.. 
 J M Cromer. . . . 
 
 Bunker Hill 
 Kansas City 
 Atchison 
 
 G S Diven 
 
 P. A. Heilman 
 S. Henry 
 
 Denver 
 Ottawa 
 
 F. D. Altman. . . . 
 B. F. Hills 
 
 Emporia, Kansas City. . . 
 Mt. Zion, Banner City. . . 
 Valley Falls 
 
 1885 
 1885 
 1885 
 1885 
 1885 
 1885 
 1905 
 1885 
 1886 
 1886 
 
 1x8*; 
 
 1895 
 
 1904 
 1904 
 1885 
 1890 
 1891 
 
 1900 
 1901 
 1889 
 1894 
 
 A M Geiger .... 
 
 J. P. Schnure 
 G. D. Gotwald 
 M. F. Rinker 
 returned. 
 W. M Sparr 
 
 Morrill 
 Salina, Kansas City 
 Greenleaf, etc lie. 
 
 Long Island. 
 Eureka 
 
 P. S. Nellis 
 
 
 J. G. Graichen. . . . 
 H. L. Targer 
 
 Hayes 
 Ellsworth, Lawrence. . . . 
 
 returned. 
 J. G. M. Hursh.. 
 C. A. Eyler 
 
 Wellington Hutchinson. .. 
 Minneapolis 
 
 1887 
 1887 
 1887 
 
 1894 
 1893 
 
 S. Palmer 
 
 
 F. M. Porch 
 
 Abilene, Topeka 
 
 1887 
 1887 
 1890 
 1887 
 
 1887 
 1887 
 1887 
 1887 
 1888 
 1888 
 1898 
 1888 
 1888 
 1888 
 1888 
 1889 
 1889 
 
 1894 
 1889 
 1891 
 1892 
 
 1905 
 1888 
 1888 
 1889 
 1898 
 1892 
 1904 
 1889 
 1889 
 
 1889 
 1898 
 
 S. B. Hyman 
 returned. 
 E. B. Killinger... 
 J. Freet 
 
 Lawrence . .... 
 
 
 Hayes, Ellsworth 
 
 Manchester, Hardy, 
 Norcatur lie. 
 
 P. Ewald 
 
 lie 
 
 B. F. Newton 
 
 lie. 
 
 W. M.B. Glanding 
 W. F. Rentz 
 
 
 Atchison 
 
 J. F. Scherer.". .. 
 returned. 
 E. E. Schantz. . . . 
 
 Chapman, Ottawa 
 
 Minneapolis 
 
 lie. 
 
 J. Auerback. . . . 
 
 lie 
 
 H. A. Koogle 
 J. H. Hanstine. . . 
 
 Bunker Hill, Etc lie. 
 
 J. F. Sponseller. . 
 J. H. Stough 
 
 Waterville, Minneapolis.. 
 
 C. W. Maggart. . . 
 W. W. Kribbs 
 W. H. Wynn 
 
 Salina 
 Ellsworth 
 
 1889 
 1889 
 
 1 NX!) 
 
 INN!) 
 INS!) 
 
 1892 
 
 ISitl' 
 1896 
 
 1899 
 
 isnr, 
 
 
 J. B. Umberger. .. 
 W. L. Seabrook. . 
 
 Oberlin, New Cambria, 
 Ottawa 
 
 Wichita. Abilene. .
 
 304 
 
 No. | Name. 
 
 Charges Served. 
 
 Ent| Dismissed to 
 
 116 
 117 
 118 
 119 
 120 
 121 
 122 
 123 
 124 
 125 
 126 
 
 127 
 128 
 129 
 130 
 131 
 132 
 133 
 134 
 
 135 
 136 
 
 137 
 
 138 
 139 
 140 
 141 
 
 142 
 143 
 
 144 
 
 145 
 146 
 147 
 
 148 
 149 
 
 150 
 151 
 152 
 153 
 154 
 155 
 156 
 157 
 158 
 159 
 160 
 161 
 162 
 163 
 164 
 165 
 166 
 167 
 168 
 169 
 170 
 171 
 172 
 173 
 174 
 
 C. J. Kiefer 
 
 Denver .... 
 
 1889 
 1890 
 1890 
 1891 
 1892 
 1892 
 1892 
 1892 
 1893 
 1893 
 1893 
 1901 
 
 1891 
 1894 
 1891 
 1892 
 1895 
 1899 
 
 i898 
 1895 
 1894 
 1898 
 
 Rky Mt. Synod. 
 Miami Synod. 
 Cen. 111. Synod. 
 Lie. Exp. 
 Calif. Synod. 
 Dropped. 
 Active. 
 Neb. Synod. 
 E. Ohio Synod. 
 Wartburg Synod 
 Neb. Synod. 
 Active. 
 Frankean Synod 
 Susq. Synod. 
 Iowa Synod. 
 Dropped. 
 Neb. Synod. 
 C. & S. 111. Syn. 
 Active. 
 
 Active. 
 Neb. Synod. 
 Neb. Synod. 
 Active. 
 Neb. Synod. 
 Rky. Mt. Synod. 
 Alleg. Synod. 
 N. Ind. Synod. 
 C. 111. Synod. 
 Neb. Synod. 
 Active. 
 Neb. Synod. 
 Iowa Synod. 
 ?lky. Mt. Synod. 
 Iowa Synod. 
 * (see foot note) 
 Wartburg Synod 
 C. 111. Syod. 
 Active. 
 Neb. Synod. 
 
 Calif. Synod. 
 Ger. Neb. Synod 
 C.&S. 111. Synod 
 Presby, Ch. 
 Active. 
 Iowa Synod. 
 E. Ohio Synod. 
 Cong. Ch. 
 N. 111. Synod. 
 Va. Synod. 
 Wittenb. Synod. 
 Neb. Svnod. 
 C.&S. 111. Synod 
 Neb. Synod. 
 Active. 
 Neb. Synod. ' 
 Pbg. Synod. 
 N. Ind. Synod. 
 Miami Synod. 
 Active. 
 Neb. Synod. 
 
 Active. 
 Cen. HI. Synod. 
 Pbg. Synod. 
 Olive Br. Synod. 
 
 S. G. Dornblaser. 
 J. W. Thomas.... 
 W. J. Kurtz 
 
 Emporia 
 
 Valley Falls 
 
 Manchester . . . lie 
 
 L. C. Routzahn. . . 
 S. C. Chatham. . . 
 I B Heisey . . 
 
 Salina. 
 Leavenworth 
 Waterville ord. 
 Ottawa, Greenleaf . . ord. 
 Peabody 
 
 J N. Lentz 
 
 S. S. Kauffman.. . 
 J G Tref z. . % 
 
 Beloit 
 
 H. Zimmerman... 
 returned. 
 H. M. Oberholtzer 
 J. G. Griffith 
 J. M Long 
 
 Greenleaf, Hays, . . . lie. 
 Emporia 
 
 Salina 
 
 1894 
 1894 
 1894 
 1894 
 1894 
 1897 
 1894 
 
 1894 
 1894 
 1894 
 190? 
 
 1898 
 1897 
 1898 
 1898 
 1900 
 1900 
 
 1899 
 1900 
 
 Lawrence 
 
 P. J. Spraker 
 J. W. Kimmel 
 E. P. Schueler... 
 R. B. Wolf 
 B. F. Pugh 
 
 Hardy 
 Leavenworth 
 
 Kansas City ord. 
 
 Eureka. K. C. Ks. . . ord. 
 Wellington, Ottawa, 
 Garnett 
 ->t Joseph lie 
 
 B. F. Tref z 
 
 P. G. Tonsing 
 returned. 
 J. M. Buzzard. . . . 
 returned. 
 A. E. Wagner. . . . 
 H. C. Haithcox. . . 
 A Sell 
 
 Beloit 
 
 
 Morrill lie. 
 
 1894 
 1897 
 1894 
 1894 
 1895 
 1895 
 1905 
 
 1896 
 1897 
 1900 
 1900 
 1896 
 1898 
 
 Topeka ord. 
 
 Abilene 
 
 S. M. Lesher 
 returned. 
 J M Seibert . . . 
 
 Efflngham ord. 
 Sedalia 
 
 
 1895 
 1895 
 1901 
 1896 
 1896 
 1896 
 1896 
 1906 
 1896 
 
 1896 
 1897 
 1897 
 1897 
 1897 
 1897 
 1898 
 1898 
 1898 
 1899 
 1899 
 1899 
 1899 
 1899 
 1899 
 
 1900 
 1898 
 1903 
 1905 
 1896 
 1900 
 1903 
 
 1900 
 
 1907 
 1901 
 1898 
 1906 
 
 1900 
 1902 
 1901 
 1906 
 1899 
 1902 
 1900 
 1901 
 1903 
 
 R. H. Williams... 
 returned. 
 B F Kistler . . 
 
 Peabody lie. 
 Oklahoma City 
 
 Bunker Hill, Morrill, ord. 
 Kansas City 
 
 J. S. Detwiler 
 J. Paetznick 
 A. M. Reitzell 
 returned. 
 M D Berg 
 
 Glasco ord. 
 
 Hutchinson lie 
 
 Wellington 
 
 J. J. Chambers. . . 
 
 E. F. A. Hantel.. 
 G C Cromer . 
 
 Jerico, New Cam- lie. 
 bria Perth 
 
 Glasco 
 
 Emporia ord. 
 
 D. H. Cramer. . . . 
 E. E. Stauff er 
 J. A. McCulloch . . 
 L. S Keyser 
 
 Greenleaf, Hays, Eureka. 
 Wellington, Lawrence lie. 
 Salina lie. 
 Atchison 
 
 W E Brehm 
 
 
 C E Wirick . 
 
 Emporia ' Salina 
 
 H F. Scheele . . . 
 
 
 G W Amick 
 
 Peabody 
 
 J. L. Hammond. . 
 A. V. Dressel 
 G. W. Livers 
 W\ A. Livers . . . 
 
 Garnett 
 
 
 Greenleaf lie. 
 Perth . . . . ' lie. 
 
 E H Combs 
 
 W^hite water . . lie 
 
 1899 
 1900 
 1900 
 1900 
 1900 
 
 1905 
 1902 
 1903 
 1906 
 
 H. Dysinger 
 G. O. Ritter . . . . 
 
 Kansas City First 
 
 Chapman 
 
 J. F. Petticrew. . . 
 H A Ott 
 
 Banner City, Etc 
 Topeka Salina 
 
 J. W. Ball 
 
 Kansas Citv 
 
 1900 
 1900 
 4900 
 
 1903 
 1905 
 
 J T Miller 
 
 Long Island ord 
 
 F. Bergstresser. . . 
 J. C. Jacoby 
 P Bergstresser 
 
 Abilene 
 
 Sedalia 
 
 1901 
 1901 
 1901 
 
 1905 
 1903 
 1902 
 
 
 G. Wenniner. . . 
 
 Beloit 
 
 * Dismissed without recommendation.
 
 305 
 
 No. | Name. 
 
 Charges Served. 
 
 Ent | Dismissed to 
 
 175 
 176 
 177 
 178 
 
 179 
 180 
 181 
 182 
 183 
 184 
 185 
 186 
 187 
 
 188 
 189 
 190 
 191 
 192 
 193 
 194 
 195 
 196- 
 197 
 198 
 199 
 200 
 201 
 202 
 203 
 204 
 205 
 206 
 207 
 208 
 209 
 210 
 211 
 212 
 213 
 
 J. N. Zimmer 
 J M Herbst 
 
 Bunker Hill 
 
 1901 
 
 
 Active. 
 Rky. Mt. Synod. 
 Ger. Neb. Synod 
 Wittenb. Synod. 
 Active. 
 Rky. Mt. Synod. 
 Miami Synod. 
 Cen. 111. Synod. 
 Active. 
 Neb. Synod. 
 Died. 
 Ger. Neb. Synod 
 S. 111. Synod. 
 S. 111. Synod. 
 Active. 
 Active. 
 Active. 
 Died. 
 Iowa Synod. 
 E. Pa. Synod. 
 Cen. 111. Synod. 
 Active. 
 E. Ohio Synod. 
 Active. 
 Active. 
 Active. 
 Active. 
 Rky. Mt. Synod. 
 Active. 
 Died. 
 Neb. Synod. 
 Active. 
 Active. 
 Active. 
 Active. 
 Active. 
 Active. 
 Active. 
 Active. 
 Active. 
 Active. 
 
 Effingham 
 
 1901 
 1901 
 1901 
 1905 
 1902 
 1902 
 1902 
 1902 
 1903 
 1903 
 1903 
 1903 
 1903 
 1907 
 
 1907 
 1903 
 1902 
 
 i904 
 1906 
 1903 
 
 1904 
 1904 
 
 l!in;; 
 1904 
 1904 
 
 E. V. Nussbaum. . 
 A. B. Schrader 
 returned. 
 C. N. Swihart 
 C. G. Nielsen 
 R M Badger 
 
 Glasco 
 Lawrence 
 
 Kansas City 
 Peabody 
 
 Beloit ord 
 
 lie 
 
 C. F. Wiest 
 W F Foot 
 
 Hays 
 
 S. G. Knudten 
 J F Krueger. . . . 
 
 Glasco ord. 
 
 lie 
 
 A R Betz ....:.. 
 
 lie 
 
 J H Utesch 
 
 He 
 
 returned. 
 J F Cressler 
 
 
 
 1903 
 
 
 H. H. Hall 
 Wm Kelly 
 
 Chapman 
 Oklahoma City 
 
 1904 
 1904 
 1904 
 1904 
 1904 
 3904 
 
 1906 
 1906 
 1905 
 1906 
 
 J. K. Rizer 
 R. W. Hufford.... 
 C. F. Schultz 
 
 Hutchinson 
 Atchison 
 
 Wellington 
 
 R. Schim'elpfnnig 
 
 Glasco 
 
 
 1904 
 1904 
 
 1906 
 
 C W Sifferd 
 
 Ottawa ... 
 
 B. R. Lantz 
 
 St Joseph. 
 
 1904 
 
 
 M L, Exline 
 
 
 1904 
 
 
 A. E. Renn 
 
 Atchison 
 
 1905 
 
 
 T. P. Skovgard. .. 
 R Richter 
 
 Peabody 
 
 1905 
 1905 
 1905 
 1905 
 1906 
 1906 
 1906 
 1906 
 1907 
 
 1906 
 
 1906 
 1907 
 
 Greenleaf 
 U. S. Army 
 Whitewater 
 
 O. C. Miller 
 F R. Shirck 
 
 F S Delo . . . 
 
 Hutchinson 
 Peabody 
 Norcatur 
 Emporia 
 Ellsworth 
 
 G. S. Murphy 
 J. B. Grove 
 
 G. G. Clark 
 J. M. Barnes 
 
 Geo. Beiswanger.. 
 J. C. Schindel 
 O. MacWilliams. . 
 Edw. Bollman. . . . 
 W. W. Horn 
 
 Oklahoma City 
 
 1907 
 
 
 Kansas City 
 Eureka 
 Effingham 
 Topeka 
 
 1907 
 1907 
 1907 
 1907 

 
 INDEX. 
 
 Page. 
 
 Abilene 51, 55 
 
 Acker, Rev. H 72 
 
 Altman, Rev. F. D.. .77, 108, 126, 
 248, 249, 283. 
 
 Americus 213 
 
 Assaria 268 
 
 Atchison 25, 55-8 
 
 Atchison Co., Mo 58 
 
 Augustana, Recension of . . 28 
 Augustana Synod Report. . . 296 
 
 Baden, J. P 245 
 
 Banner City 199 
 
 Barnitz, Rev. S. B 46,233 
 
 Basis, Doctrinal 32 
 
 Barnes, Rev. J. M 62-4, 283 
 
 Barnes, Messiah 189 
 
 Beiswanger, Rev. Geo..65, 136, 283 
 
 Beloit 59 
 
 Benson, A. P 34,280 
 
 Benevolence, Synodical .... 217 
 Bergstresser, Rev. F. ..55,84,284 
 
 Bethany College 240 
 
 Biographical Sketches. . . . 280-8 
 
 Bollman, Rev. E 76,284 
 
 Boom Days 196-7 
 
 Border Ruffianism 10, 17 
 
 Boyer, Rev. M. G 30, 33, 280 
 
 Bright, Rev. J. A 68, 284 
 
 Brown Co., St. Paul's 64 
 
 Brown Co., Zions 67 
 
 Brantford 267 
 
 Bunker Hill 60 
 
 Burdick 269 
 
 California Trail 9 
 
 Campus 67 
 
 Carthage College 229 
 
 Cedar Vale 211 
 
 Chapman 69 
 
 Charter, Synod 216 
 
 Page. 
 
 Children's Friend Soc 255 
 
 Church Extension 43-49,50 
 
 Ch. Extension Lots 47 
 
 Change, Name of Synod... 215 
 
 Charter Members 32, 33, 34 
 
 Clutz, Rev. J. A.. 47, 48, 230-5, 281 
 Clark, Rev. G. G.. .78, 97, 188, 284 
 
 Conferences, Early 26 
 
 Conventions, Kan. Synod.. 301 
 
 Corporation, Synod 215 
 
 Crawford Co. Swedish 211 
 
 Cressler, Rev. J. F 72, 284 
 
 Crooked Creek 14, 405 
 
 Cromer, Rev. J. M. 84, 102, 109, 284 
 Cyclones 18, 180, 212 
 
 Danish Churches 300 
 
 Definite Platform 28 
 
 Defunct Churches 189-214 
 
 Delight 205 
 
 Delmore 271 
 
 Delo, Rev. F. S 96, 97, 284 
 
 Denver 73 
 
 Doctrinal Unrest. 28 
 
 Dornblaser, Rev. T. F. ... 40, 281 
 
 Dorrance 184 
 
 Dubuque 287 
 
 Earhart, Rev. D. ...17-21,29,281 
 
 Effingham 74-76 
 
 Ellinger, Rev. J. G 280 
 
 Emporia 26-79, 188 
 
 Enne 270 
 
 Enterprise 195 
 
 Enterprise, Swedish 268 
 
 Ellsworth 201 
 
 Eureka 79 
 
 Excelsior 62 
 
 Exline, Rev. M. L, 284 
 
 Expansion, Period 36
 
 Page. 
 Failure to Organize Synod.. 29 
 
 Faulun 270 
 
 First Luth. Ch. In Kan 11-13 
 
 First Clergyman to Kan. ... 9 
 
 First Ordination 35 
 
 First Parochial Report 291 
 
 First School in Kan 11 
 
 Fontanelle, Neb 195 
 
 Franklin Co 213 
 
 Fremont 263 
 
 Friend's Home. 265 
 
 Garfleld 268 
 
 Garnett 83 
 
 Georgetown, Col 212 
 
 German Neb. Synod 181, 300 
 
 Glasco 86 
 
 Goodland, Rev. J. W 37, 45 
 
 Gotwald, Rev. G. D. 107, 110, 236, 
 282. 
 
 Gove Co 270 
 
 Grasshopper Falls 12 
 
 Great Western Home' Mis- 
 sion Convention 39 
 
 Greenleaf , Trinity 88 
 
 Greenleaf, St. John's 89 
 
 Greenleaf, St. Paul's 90 
 
 Groseclose, Rev. L. C 82, 282 
 
 Grove, Rev. J. B 120, 134, 284 
 
 Gustafslund. . 271 
 
 Hall, Rev. H. H 71,285 
 
 Hatetead 205 
 
 Hanover 181 
 
 Hardy, Neb 91, 203 
 
 Harbaugh, Rev. D 170,282 
 
 Harrington, Rev. S. P. 32, 33, 38, 
 280. 
 
 Haskell 86 
 
 Hays 91 
 
 Heisey, Rev. I. B. ..97,171-4,285 
 
 Henry, Rev. S 72, 285 
 
 Herbst, Dr. J. E 110,282 
 
 Hesson, Rev. A. J 25, 32, 280 
 
 Helwig, John. 15, 16 
 
 Home Missions 43 
 
 Home Mission Conv 38-9 
 
 Home Mission Soc'y 21, 22 
 
 Home Mission Soc'y Aid. . 21 
 
 Home, Friedens' 184 
 
 Home, St. John's 185 
 
 Horn, Rev. W. W 163, 285 
 
 Page. 
 
 Householder, G. W 34, 280 
 
 Hutchinson 94 
 
 Hutchinson, Swedish 270 
 
 Incorporation of Synod. . . . 215 
 Iowa Synod, German 300 
 
 Jerico, Bethel 96 
 
 Jerico, St. James 99 
 
 Johnson Co., St. Paul 213 
 
 Joint Home Mission Conv.. 38 
 
 Joint Synod, Ohio : 300 
 
 Kackley 267 
 
 Kanopolis 200 
 
 Kansas City, Miss. Conv 38 
 
 Kansas City, First 100 
 
 Kansas City, Grace 109 
 
 Kansas City, Memorial .... 105 
 Kansas City, Kan. Trinity. 112 
 
 Kansas City, Swedish 213,272 
 
 Kansas Synod Organization 30 
 
 Kansas Synod Parochial 292-5 
 
 Kansas Synod Conventions. 301 
 Kansas Synod Clerical Mem. 302 
 
 Kansas Con. Statistics 272 
 
 Kan. Con. in Colo. & Tex. . . 273 
 
 Kelley, Rev. Win 110,136 
 
 Kimmel, Rev. J. W 189-194 
 
 Kirtland, Rev. A. B., 129, 132, 285 
 Keplinger, Rev. E. J. ..32,34,281 
 
 Koogle, Rev. H. A 63, 285 
 
 Kountze, Augustus 242 
 
 Kuhlman, Rev. J. F 27 
 
 Kuhns, Rev. H. W. . 27 
 
 Lindsborg 263 
 
 Long Island, St. Paul's 119 
 
 Lancaster, St. Johns 114 
 
 Lancaster, St. Paul's 114 
 
 Lantz, Rev. B. R 84,153,285 
 
 Lawrence, First 115 
 
 Lawrence, German 119 
 
 Lawrence, Swedish 267 
 
 Leavenworth Mission 190-4 
 
 Lenker, Rev. J. N 47 
 
 Lesher, Rev. S. M. ...97,156,285 
 
 Lilly, Rev. N. W 86, 285 
 
 Lincoln Center 206 
 
 Lindquist, Rev. A. W 258
 
 Page. 
 
 Livers, Rev. W. A 285 
 
 Lone Tree 205 
 
 Lost Springs 210 
 
 Lowe, Rev. J. A 72,91,282 
 
 Ludden, Rev. L. P 46 
 
 Luther Leagues 226,276 
 
 Manchester, St. James 123 
 
 Manchester, St. Paul's 121 
 
 Manhattan 269 
 
 McPherson 269 
 
 McAfee. Rev. J. B. 11, 29, 229, 281 
 
 Mariadahl Church 262 
 
 Martin, Rev. Charles 110,282 
 
 Marshall Co. 267 
 
 Marion Hill 268 
 
 Marquette 269 
 
 Match Church 193 
 
 McWilliams, Rev. 83, 286 
 
 Messiah Festivals 243 
 
 Meyer. President A. W 245 
 
 Midland College 230-9 
 
 Midland Campus 238 
 
 Midland Cadets 239 
 
 Midland Library 237 
 
 Midland Residences 234 
 
 Missionary Soc. Synodical.. 219 
 
 Minneapolis, Grace 125 
 
 Minneapolis, St. John's. . . 124 
 Minneapolis, St. Paul's. ... 123 
 
 Missouri Synod 300 
 
 Moray. ^ 19, 126 
 
 Monrovia 14, 206 
 
 -Murphy, Rev. G. S. ..84,144,286 
 
 Nachusa Orphanage 218 
 
 Nehama Co., Zion's 67 
 
 Neve, Rev. J. L 249 
 
 New Cambria 128 
 
 New Cambria, St. Paul's. . . 131 
 
 New Andover. 268 
 
 New Gotland 266 
 
 Norway 212 
 
 Norcatur 133 
 
 North American Synod 301 
 
 Norwegian Churches 301 
 
 Nuckolls Co., Bethel 204 
 
 Oberlin 198 
 
 Officer, Rev. Morris, 22-26, 44, 45, 
 101, 115. 
 
 Page. 
 
 Oak Hall 235 
 
 Oklahoma City 134 
 
 Oldsburg 269 
 
 Omaha Missionary Conv. ... 39 
 
 Opinions of Early Kansans. 24 
 
 Organization, Kansas Syd. . 30 
 
 Organizations, Hist. of. ... 51 
 
 Osborn 195 
 
 Osawkee 199 
 
 Orphan's Home, Augustana. 274 
 
 Orphan's Home, Missouri.. 255 
 
 Ott, Rev. H. A.. .5, 68, 84, 150, 163, 
 286. 
 
 Ottawa, St. Paul's 136 
 
 Ottawa, Swedish 266 
 
 Page Co 270 
 
 Palmer, Rev. S 72,286 
 
 Pardee 14, 205 
 
 Parochial Report, First. . . . 291 
 
 Parochial, Kans. Synod 292-5 
 
 Parochial, Aug. Synod...... 296-9 
 
 Parochial, Missouri 300 
 
 Parochial, Synod Ohio. ... 300 
 Parochial, Ger. Neb. Synod 300 
 
 Parochial, Ger. Iowa 300 
 
 Parochial, Danish 300 
 
 Parochial, Ger. Ev 301 
 
 Parochial, Norwegian 301 
 
 Peabody 140 
 
 Perth 144 
 
 Pihlblad, President E. F.... 243 
 
 Pioneer Days 7 
 
 Pittsburg 271 
 
 Pleasant Valley 209 
 
 Pontiac 210 
 
 Portland 209 
 
 Pride 205 
 
 Prohibition Amendment. . . 228 
 Pugh, Rev. B. F "..85,86,286 
 
 Railroads, early 8 
 
 Radicalism 28 
 
 Randolph Church 195 
 
 Reitzell, Rev. A. M.. . 65, 177, 286 
 
 Renn, Rev. A. E 58,84,286 
 
 Republic City 204 
 
 Richter, Rev. R 88,90,286 
 
 Rinker, Rev. M. F 286 
 
 Russell, St. John's 182 
 
 Russell, Friedens 186 
 
 Russell Co., Trinity 185
 
 Page. 
 
 Salemsborg 263 
 
 Salina, St. John's 146 
 
 Salina, Swedish 265 
 
 Santa Fe Trail 9 
 
 Saron 271 
 
 Scandia 267 
 
 Schauer, Rev. J 61, 189,282 
 
 Scherer, Rev. F. R 35,282 
 
 Schmucker, J. G 32, 34, 281 
 
 Schmucker, Rev. S. S 28 
 
 Schindel, Rev. J. C.. . .65, 105, 287 
 Schimmelpfennig, Rev. R. .88, 287 
 
 Seidel, Rev. W. C 110, 283 
 
 Shrader, Rev. A. B 109,287 
 
 Sifferd, Rev. C. W 65,140,287 
 
 Slavery Problem 7 
 
 Sedalia 154 
 
 Sharon Springs 271 
 
 Shirck, Rev. F 97,287 
 
 Smolan 271 
 
 Snyder, S. J. H 15 
 
 Sod Church 50 
 
 Sod House 6 
 
 Spring Grove 211 
 
 St. John's College 244 
 
 St. Joseph 151 
 
 St. Louis, Mo 23,25,156 
 
 St. Mary's 264 
 
 Statistical Tables 289 
 
 Statistics, First Synod 35 
 
 State Center 204 
 
 Starch Church 192 
 
 'Stauffer, Rev. E. B. . .65, 118, 287 
 
 Stockholm 271 
 
 Stough, Rev. J. H 237,287 
 
 Stickney 187 
 
 Stranger Creek Church. ...21,200 
 
 Summary by Synods 290 
 
 Swedesburg 266 
 
 Swensson, Rev. Carl 241 
 
 Synodical Secretaries 36-42 
 
 Tabitha Home 218 
 
 Talbott, J. H 25,55,110,283 
 
 Temperance Legislation. . . 227 
 
 Tipton 24, 213 
 
 Tonsing, Rev. P. G 287 
 
 Topeka, First 25, 158 
 
 Topeka, Swedish 163,264 
 
 Trails, Early 9 
 
 k Page. 
 
 Travelling Synodical Sec... 36 
 
 Trego 271 
 
 Trimper, Rev. A. A 117,283 
 
 Troxell, President M. F., 82, 105, 
 106, 230, 234. 
 
 Utesch, Rev. John H 60,287 
 
 Valley Falls 12, 163 
 
 Versailles, Mo 24,214 
 
 Vilas 266 
 
 Vinland 18, 167 
 
 Wagnalls, A. W. ..25,33,100,281 
 
 Walsburg 266 
 
 Waltz, Rev. S. S 102 
 
 Washington 210 
 
 Waterville, First 168 
 
 Waterville, Hebron 171 
 
 Waterville, Walnut Tp. ... 173 
 
 Waterville Swedish 265 
 
 Wellington 177 
 
 Western Theol. Sem 246-253 
 
 Western Secretaries 43,46,47 
 
 W. H. & F. M. S 219-224 
 
 W. H. & F. M. S. Statistics 223-4 
 Whitehill, Rev. R. B.. .72, 177, 288 
 
 White Rock 203 
 
 Whitewater 175 
 
 Wichita, St. Paul's '.. 195-7 
 
 Wiest, Rev. C. F 84, 94, 288 
 
 Winfleld 211 
 
 Wolf, Rev. R. B 5,65,112,288 
 
 Woman's Miss. Soc. Aug. Sn. 278 
 
 Targer, Rev. H. L 49,50,118, 
 
 202, 288. 
 
 Young, Rev. Charles 146,283 
 
 Young People's Societies... 225 
 Y. P. S. C. E... 225 
 
 Ziegler, Rev. J. A. M 104 
 
 Zimmer, Rev. J. N 63, 288 
 
 Zimmerman, Rev. H., . . 78, 94, 97. 
 288.