Methodist Church History

BARKER, BARNETT, BEESON, BOYDSTON, CARTWRIGHT, COINER, DAVIDSON, DOBBINS, FERGUSON, FRAKER, FREELAND, GASSNER, HARDY, HUNTER, KELLEY, NICHOLS, POOL, ROBINSON, ROWLEY, SCOTT, SMITH, TALTON, TENANT, THORN, VINAL, WEHN, WILKINS, WRIGHT

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 3/21/2014 at 10:22:46

VOLUME SIXTY-THREE

Methodist Church History

These historical papers written in long hand, were found in a box in the cornerstone of the Methodist Church building after it burned to the ground recently.

The box, of copper, was allegedly made by Fichtenmueller brothers, and these papers, a bible, a few newspapers, and other articles of interest, were sealed into this copper box. Being air tight, all the papers were very well preserved.
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History of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Farmington mostly obtained from the memory of person's who were in the early days associated therewith. To Father Beeson, who will be ninety-three years of age in August next, and who has for many years been a Trustee and recording steward of the church here are we mostly indebted for this.

Farmington, June 4th, 1901

In December 1836, three other families with that of Brother John W. Davidson, a Local Preacher, who was made class Leader, formed the first class on the west side of the river.

About that time the first sermon was preached in a Blacksmith shop then standing on Front Street, Lot 3 Block 3, using the anvil for a pulpit. According to the best data at hand, the preacher was the Rev. Peter Cartwright, an early Pioneer of our Methodism throughout the middle west and south, coming as missionary and presiding Elder to organize and start the work.

The first Sunday school as organized in 1837 in a clap boarded school House on 4th St. nearly opposite the present Christian church, with Bro. Davidson as Superintendent, Teacher and Sunday school Board.

After this for some time the preaching services were also held in this school House.

The first sermon by a regular appointed Pastor was preached by a young man whose name was Smith, who as the writer hereof is informed, not only served his terms of Pastorate, vut was reappointed for terms years afterwards being the pastor at the time of the first church building.

The first Church was built of brick in 1844 on the corner of 4th and Olive Streets, with a seating capacity of probably 250.

This was a two story building the lower story was built by Messers. Scott and Dobbins, to be used as an Academy. Thus was it possible for the Methodists, the opportunity being afforded, to build a place for the worship of God, they building the second story, the lower one consisting of three rooms. This church was built and dedicated in the fall of 1844 by Reverends Peter Cartwright, Samuel Clark, father of the present Editor of the Gate City Times published in Keokuk and Jemison.

Bro. John W. Davidson a great Christian worker whose faithfulness always inspired confidence in his profession and work, was still class leader and Sunday School superintendent. His Blessed memory is precious to a number now living.

What a halo of Divine light attends the memory of those who truly live and die in the Lord's work, and if so on Earth what must it be in Heaven?

This first church and Academy were condemned as no longer safe for public use in 1864 or 5, soon after which the later church building was begun, but not completed until 1878, and burnt down Jan. 28th, 1900, thus was the struggle of years in a very short time destroyed but just this spring have its ashes been covered with the present parsonage and the grading around it. But covering its ashes does not bury its many precious memories to
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PAGE FOUR -- THE TRI-COUNTY NEWS, FARMINGTON, VAN BUREN CO., IOWA

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CHURCH HISTORY

many who still survive its existence.

Immediately after the fire a subscription for the erection of this church was started but for different reasons the building was not begun until this spring of 1901. As it was by the majority of our People and citizens generally believed that the church should go on this corner we were compelled to tear down a parsonage which stood here and was occupied as the Pastor's home since 1880.

About the erection, as well as use of this parsonage, cluster many precious memories of self Denial and sacrifice, because of which the old brick parsonage was much appreciated and hesitatingly given up by a few, for which indeed they are not to be blamed.

A good share of the lumber contained in the old parsonage, was put into the new one, which is now being plastered and standing on the old church site, part of its walls those of the north side, east end being used but the corner stone of this church building.

The following is the list of pastors serving this charge since 1836 but imperfect up to September 1878 Viz. Bro. Smith who served for 2 or 3 different terms and was pastor at the time of building and dedicating the first church in 1844. Rev. Hardy for 1 year, Rev. Nichols, 2 years; Lathrop, 3 years, 1854-57; Talton, 1859 to 61; J.L. Kelley, 1861 to 63; Gassner, 1863 to65; John S. Ferguson, 1865-67; B.A. Wright, 1871; also names of E.L. Coiner, L.T. Rowley and a Robinson appear to have officiated as such on the charge; L.A. Smith, 1867 to 68; Wm. G. Thorn, 1868; John S. Freeland, Sept. 78 to Sept. 1880; James Hunter, Sept. 1880 to Sept. 1882; Samuel E. Vinal, Sept. 1882; Charles L. Tenant, Dec. 1883 to Sept. 1885; John F. Barnett, Nov. 1885 to Sept. 1888; B.W. Boydston, Sept. 1888 to Sept. 1891; J.W. Fraker, Sept. 1891 to Sept. 1893; G.W. Pool, Sept. 1894 to Sept. 1896; J.E. Wilkins, Sept. 1896 to Sept. 1897; G.W. Barker, Sept. 1897 to Sept. 1900, Geo. H. Wehn, Oct. 1900, and is the present pastor.

Official members as follows:

Trustees: F.M. Baldwin, Pres. W.H. Coulter, Secretary; Henry Hartrick, Treasurer; Robt. Coulter, Geo. Beeson, Eugene Jenkins and John Lightfoot.

The first three Trustees are the building committee.

Joseph Stienmeyer is the architect and has charge of the building.

Other officers of the church are stewards viz.; Mrs. F.M. Baldwin, Mrs. Wilbert Zane, Esse Parker, Tillie Hartrick, Ella Beeson.

Sunday School Superintendent is Eugene Jenkins, our class leader is S.A. Beaty. Epworth League President is Sallie Neu, the Junior Superintendent is Mrs. Sue C. When.

Mrs. George Boyer is President of the Ladies Aid Society.

Verne Hassman is the President of the Junior League.

Names of the Board of Education for Farmington Public Schools: Geo. Sterling, President; Wm. H. Coulter, Secretary; James W. Lapsley, Treasurer; Joseph Stienmeyer, John Singleton, C.V. Woodworth, Wm. F. Thero.

Source: Scrapbook of Unknown Origin, Page 103