Table of Contents
Arthur Baptist History
75th Anniversary History
85th Anniversary Program
90th Anniversary Program
Article on Disbanding

Article in Odebolt Chronicle

(First printed in the 1938 Odebolt Chronicle.)
Arthur Baptist Church Was Organized in a Schoolhouse
First Congregation Served by Other Pastors Until 1881

In 1874 and during the few following years, a number of Swedish pioneers from Otter Creek valley in Crawford county moved north and settled in Sac and Ida counties. Some of these settlers were members of the Baptist church in Kiron.

The first religious meetings were held in the community south of Arthur at the home of Mr. Hans Hallander. Later, meetings were held at the Lund schoolhouse, now known as Hayes No. 6, and also at the Larson schoolhouse, now known as Hayes No. 1. It was in this latter schoolhouse, which still stands on a hill, visible for miles around, on the public highway leading to Arthur and Ida Grove, that the organization of the Arthur Baptist church took place.

The organization was effected 25 October 1885, although regular meetings had been held for about four years previous to this. The charter members numbered 16. Two of these still live and reside in the community, K. J. Palm and Gust Bilstene.

Pioneer Families

Among the pioneer families that deserve special mention and who labored faithfully in prayer and service for the church, are Olaf Gradin, Hans Hallander, J. B. Samuelson, Jonas Fanberg, K. J. Palm, Hans Levin, Gust Bilstene, August Linquist, A. E. Johnson, Gust Segerstrom, and Gust Hammerstrom.

The present church building was erected in 1887 on a piece of land donated by Mr. Hallander. Two years later the parsonage was built, and in 1920 was entirely remodeled. An interesting record of the treasurer’s report, given at the first annual meeting is as follows: Income, $2.30; Disbursements, $2.25; Balance on Hand, $0.05.

The Sunday school had its beginning in 1882 in the so-called Lund’s schoolhouse. It was started by the public school teacher, Miss Pulver. When her school term ended, the work was carried on by Mr. Hallander, who was superintendent and teacher for many years. All services in those early days were conducted entirely in the Swedish language. It was not until after the World War that the English language was used. At the present time the work is carried on entirely in English. The present Sunday school has an enrollment of 99, divided into seven classes, three of which are organized classes. Frank Heitman is the present superintendent.

Ladies Aid

The Ladies Aid society was organized in 1883, two years before the organization of the church. It was called the “Sewing Society” as its members did much sewing of garments which were later sold at auction, and the proceeds given to the various visiting ministers, to the support of the Sunday school, and to both home and foreign missions.

In 1898 a Young People’s society was organized. Its purpose was “to promote the spiritual and intellectual welfare of the young people, through devotional as well as literary meetings.” The present membership is 35. The society conducts the first part of the Sunday evening service every second Sunday. Monthly meetings are also held, which are of a spiritual, educational and social nature.

Seventeen pastors have served the church during the 53 years of its existence. Several others have supplied for shorter periods. The Rev. A. W. Erickson is the present pastor, beginning his ministry in July, 1933. The present membership of the church is 122.

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