Rev. E.A. Phelps 1862-1904

PHELPS, BOURNE

Posted By: Cathy Joynt Labath (email)
Date: 2/18/2007 at 15:53:45

Emmetsburg Democrat; Emmetsburg, Palo Alto, Iowa; Wednesday, November 16, 1904

Death of Reverend E. A. Phelps.

Tuesday afternoon, Rev. E. A. Phelps, pastor of the M. E. churches at Cylinder and at South Vernon, died at a hospital in Chicago. He was going to St. Louis a short time ago and his illness contracted while on his way home was mentioned in the Democrat sometime ago. He entered a hospital at Chicago and Mrs. Phelps, thinking that he would soon be able to be about, came home. Later she was called to Chicago by a telegram announcing a serious change in his condition. He never rallied and, as stated above, was finally called to his eternal reward. The funeral was held at Algona Friday. The services were held at the M. E. Church of that place. The internment was in the Algona cemetery. The funeral was largely attended by the people of that place, and by his devoted parishioners from Cylinder and South Vernon. The sermon was preached by the presiding elder, Rev. O.K. Minard. There were 12 M. E. pastors present, four of whom made eulogistic remarks concerning the deceased. Among the number was Rev. S. R. Beatty, of Emmetsburg. The dead pastor is survived by his wife and two sons -- Ross William and Glen Albert.

Ernest Albert Phelps was a native of Canada. He was born August 24, 1862. He came to Kossuth county when a young man. October 7, 1884, he was married to Miss Iola Bourne, to honor of Dr. and Mrs. W. T. Bourne. For 10 years Mr. and Mrs. Phelps lived on a farm near Burt. In January, 1885, he entered the Upper Iowa University at Fayette Iowa. He graduated in 1899. Soon after he was ordained an M. E. minister. He was pastor at Lone Center, Cerro Gordo County, for one year. Later he was transferred to Klemme where he spent two years. From there he was changed to Kanawha. Something over a year ago he was appointed pastor of Cylinder. Later he was given charge of the South Vernon Church in connection with the one at Cylinder.

He was a sincere, pious, tireless worker, and his efforts were highly appreciated by his people. He was a man of intellectual keenness and strength. He spent much time in research that he might be better qualified to administer to the spiritual needs of those entrusted to his care. His aim was to discharge faithfully and zealously the exacting and most important duties of his high calling -- to serve loyally his God and to do what conscience and his creed told him was best for those under him. The fruits of his seal and his earnest and prudently directed efforts will live in the convictions of those among whom he labored and who confided in him as their pastor and friend. The sincere sympathy of the Democrat is extended to his family and his people.