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 $1469.33. In 1889 the so- 223 ety nary ss Fbreign 's |pui ii| .IJ|O OJSJOU8JJ us :8 :8 o o Q 10 B 9 ....$. .*. :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 o 00 SS C4 5D t- f -r ^^t ^ t~WOOPII-pfOi-- i * - 'a . W'--" " ."s E-TIS^SE^^U, y. x oHoQ^O^QOCH Nttaafei u 1 ! : : : : : : * : : : | II : : . S ' ** * c ;^'&* - ** *53 c _i M"-*OSUW IllHIi fi ! Ill i ! s if Is 11 tj^CQCQQ H K * F * taJOEK (?* M U! * i i 09 . . . . . s" : t ^ : ^ S i - all-* lil II : >a | | | Es |.| :>> a i S >es o M o > >< <-i 293 BENEVOLENCE. 'llX POBJO JJjjJJ *I E * Hga 8 2S P8 s Is -., -H S ,-, 00 CO g IH $ o*,P 0- 1 -r t28 88 8 gS Bjoafqo iBUjajig p. S o a O O 00 C 00 O4 C io m o o CO t- 04 O 00 O 1-1 CO O4O4 -H t-CO-< 04 CO SS 04 OOO 1 DUES. 1 X^.**, Mr a 04 g? 8 coo in IO IO O O 04 CO 04 04 oo m co co SS2 S 04 C5 C 5 SS 04 CO poa.fg (BjauaQ Bi S |88 o o ~> 10 COCO O41 O 0* O IO SIC p (-* i-l -H04 || Y. P. Societies. 1 *3ondiOAand0 joj Mr * J I J J - 8 : : : : !iS i : 8 S).),fqo |B30T JOJ OOP : :S :. "i : 'ajdqman jo Jaqmnfj ggS:^ 04 ; ^j f^ SUNDAY-SCHOOLS. Contribution*. --- Ki-c B8*" ggw jj ei 3 jo i joililns JO j S8S2S88 a S 2888 8 S3 M * O CS K5 O d CO r- tt O O 00 p O 8IOQ ^f C i si B,0,0 S SSSSSiSg 8. S Sgc3 2 g eg CO S?O4 s^qoBaxpaBB^owo M GO *H C4 C O3 O <-t 00 1- r-t t- CD to O 0004 22 siooqog jo j. ii|iiin x 0> ON xapui r-tOJCO^tfl ' ^iS^J^ s? rt S O B * ja i g fr 25: Sz z oo Whltewate Wellington S 5 a 5 toS_a." dH( _ j wi; "li * S jog n 8 SS se se ,raqdao ij*|X>g aon3nPM jo pavofl aoffl'iN.0313-10.3 poag pua 295 558 :B f-tOOaae4Q3 HrHg!jH64-i -.. o ,-.-. pio> J5p . .pi-i< O ' *C0e ^ co ^ 38 :8 : : : :S : 1 : - o *o . rtii . *? -9 -oxS -5 "Sg m t-io c , oo >i i-i t- to eg c< 10 SSS : i :SS :SS? :225 K5 w p o -aftkioSS* - j r>HIO -0400 -ntoac, > . t- . rt . . . . ,- -1O '( ]+ + $ OO 'P 'PIO-HI -o oio * -oiif-ie iooa pni tooqag jo q joddng ji 2S :8 S SS28 2 *[<>o CC IO O CC -( CJ tO A r+ *^ - KJBJOqDg 7 ;d ; ; ; ;d-W ;jH | g 00 ;t-J-W pa^BDiunuiuiooxg paddooQ OO -i-IMN U3J Pl!MO 00 ion -1-1 -^ -eo -d COCMO 1O C^lOXWS -0 ;MCM rl W stripy JO u jo g ^< -i tfi eo Pari ion sjuwoianuiuioQ iq^a iiowmolV 10 SS2 SS|B3Sg UOIJBJCXtlOOUI * -kOCOCO lO N 1C -St-t-- -t-oooo C* O t- O> OS OO 00 QO t* GO Of 00 tocie-t-jjr-t-oBooooooaipcS 297 umg : : .=31 .2 : : o -g ta a, o "3 .<*;* -| cSC^ Q O U^OJ O U5 CO CO ^ ^* to o QiO ^ -^ 93U3J9JUOQ OX ^-'U3U3COt CO* CD 00 05 OO* O 00 ^f Cft CM* O CO I OO 00 C^ O *"" ffl> r-* f C pouXgox ScocDirti ( r-itDcon ?S8l i sosoclan,} CD ~l CM t- OOOO W "jSjn *CT>2 OC W S ^3 F-I rH O lOlCM t- O CM U5 O O IO S O 'X*^ ?^^QOO2^^ looco IB^ldSOH 5 O O 00 O ** t- CM CD IfttDOC sOMi-jcSooiw o ipooSSc D o 92 t"f 9 * ri P t- 1/3 O CO O O Q O O V C -TP C-4 281** >e t-^ 00 t-; t> CM CM t, t- O .CO I i-( r4 ^ -OOOOOOO * - K C- CM (M M 25 r-l - .lOWtOCMi-i CM 00 CD l^ 00 - - O LO -IT) Hcac?-7io riNco-vtcto i-^ J5 m o ^ M 298 o I e 8 CX) aaqtunn SJB|Olpg IBOiuniuiuoDxg UO18S9JOJJ UQ h. ra Ch Pro siinpy trjueoiunuiiucK} NOOOO N eo tOt-N'S'Cg rl us o -00 - -H oo * d oo e- ."IS 0>4rt I 00 "tef~ ~"i-<" r^-fr*m-. 6066060 : Church Buildin ||||j|tj|||t t^eCrtcSg^Stigg^:" jo UOIJEJOdJODUJ ?S :S uoijuziueajQ ii 3 c * 299 rang UOI1B8 -9J3UOO UJ oauojajuo;) ox pouXg saeod-inj sasodjnj [V^ldSOQ aiuojj 3DU3JOJU03 JO SUOISStpj jo a^niijsui aouajajuoQ .. !.!.> S uoisuajxa U01SUOJ BUOISSIff pouXg aqj jo suojssijy AJBUtUiag (oati pus -any c><-iNm >rt u5 o M w * od w g-o g 10 gj t-' ^ gr od 8*O : C4CTJO S -oinc-i Ici ^o 'c ICQ ic r-eoN co *e 8' . SS88SSSSSS c-" N* -^ o ^oicJadrH S^ w u; cc -v eo co -*r ^-* co ^^ *o c> t 9> rH '*00^'(pq5cOi-l'*CRCOCOOtO N i 3 s u? aJ t- eo c^ t> ^- co co cj tfJ o t> O *ft 5) S C- - ^H X -V ON ^ V- co CO U3 O C CW (O l -< r> ?5 o 25 to u w co S oo r- So o oSi ooo oo . O I C*> 31* .01 I to : IS :8|g ;^!B : | 18 SS5S o> eieiai SIS g2S2 2 gSS S ZSSSiS S3 : : : I oo I 00 300 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.