CHARTER OAK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
CENTENNIAL WORSHIP CELEBRATION
1887-1987
August 23, 1987
10:00 A.M.
WE COME BEFORE GOD
2
CHILDREN'S TIME JAMES GUBSER
SCRIPTURE MARK 4: 1-9 DR. RICHARD PEARSON
SERMON "ROOTS AND WINGS" DR. RICHARD PEARSON
PASTORAL PRAYER JAMES GUBSER
LORD'S PRAYER
WE REPOND TO GOD
OFFERING
OFFERTORY
*DOXOLOGY #809
DEDICATION OF OURSELVES TO THE FUTURE:
We have come before God and given praise for those serving Christ before us
AT THIS TIME WE ASK THAT THIS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, WHICH IS A PART OF HE BODY OF CHRIST; WILL BE PRESERVED TO THE END OF TIME
For the content of worship and thee administration of his word and sacraments the maintenance of Christian fellowship and discipline, the edification of Believers, and the conversion of the world
ALL, OF EVERY AGE AND SATION, STAND IN NEED OF THE MEANS OF GRACE WHICH IT ALONE SUPPLIES
HOLY COMMUNION #832
SPECIAL MUSIC DURING COMMUNION "LET US BREAK BREAD TOGETHER" By the Youth Choir
*HYMN #224 "BLESSED ASSURANCE"
*BENEDICTION
BLESSING FOR DINNER
POSTLUDE
CHARTER OAK CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION AFTERNOON SERVICE
2;00 P.M.
WELCOME LOREN STRAIT
SHARING FROM FORMER PASTORS
SHARING FROM FORMER DISTRICT SUPERVISORS
HISTORY BY MUSIC
"ROCK OF AGES" "THE OLD RUGGED CROSS" "THE HOUSE OF THE LORD"
"WILL THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN"
"THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE"
"MORNING HAS BROKEN"
"THERE'S A CHURCH IN THE VALLEY"
THEY'LL KNOW WE ARE CHRISTIANS BY OUR LOVE"
"GOD'S WONDERFUL PEOPLE"
"I AM A PROMISE"
"HOLY, HOLY"
OFFERING
SHARING FROM PRESENT PASTOR JAMES GUBSER
HYMN SING
#222 "MY HOPE IS BUILT"
#261 "WHAT A FRIEND"
SONG SHEET "BRINGING IN THE SHEAVES"
BLESSING FOR FELLOWSHIP
The CHARTER OAK METHODIST CHURCH was officially organized
July 11, 1877, and the first Articles of Incorporation
signed at that time or some reason lost in the passing
years, these articles were not recorded until June 4, 1887.
REV. J.M. DUDLEY lived in Mapleton and served the Charter Oak congregation from 1883 to 1885. Services were held in a schoolhouse until the spring of 1887 when the meeting place was changed to the C.M. St. P. P.Railway station. Later the same year the congregation's first church edifice was built. The parsonage was built in the early years of the church and was completely modernized in 1950. Continues repair and improvement has been made since that time.
The WILLOW CHURCH (or MULLEN CHURCH) was located in Willow Township, 5 miles south and 1 mile east of Charter Oak, Iowa, and was served by different pastors that lived in th community. In 1918 it became a Methodist Church and was a circuit charge with the Charter Oak-Ute. Sunday School was held in the morning and Church services in the evening.
The Sunday School, Epworth League, and the Ladies Aid were active and vital department.
Once a month the families would meet at different homes. We would sing songs, play games and lunch was served by the families. Sometimes we had a guest speaker. This was a wonderful way to get together.
On September 19, 1946, it was decided to sell the church at a public auction. The sale was held October 7, 1946. The net proceeds were then properly paid into the building fund of the Charter Oak Church.
So at this time, the Willow and Charter Oak Churches became one.
THOSE MEMBERS OF THE CHARTER OAK CHURCH WHO HAVE BEEN MEMBERS FOR OVER 49 YEARS OF EITHER CHURCH CHARTER OAK OR WILLOW CHURCH
EDITH HOEFER Joined in 1920 for a total of 67 years.
EDITH CHRISTIANSON, WILLIAM S. KEIM, VERNON McELWAIN, HELEN WEISS and CLARENCE WEISS all joined in 1928 for a total of 59 years.
ROBERT BOHNKER, ILA KRUEGER and INEZ McELWAIN all joined in 1932 for a total of 55 years.
EARL STEFFEN joined in 1938 for a total of 49 years.
Pastors who served the Charter Oak Charge
1883-85 J.M. DUDLEY
1885-86 W.H. MONTGOMERY
1886-87 HAMES E. DAY
1887-88 E.D. FISHER
1888-91 W.M. EDGAR
1891-95 E.T. FEGTLY
1895-98 W.W. BROWN
1898-1901 THOMAS CARSON
1901-02 J.L. GILLIES
1902-05 J.J. BUSHNELL
1905-07 EPHRAIM ROBBINS
1907-08 S.B. JOHNSON 1908-09 A.J. BARKLEY
1909-11 E.M. CATHCART
1911-14 C.N. McMILLAN
1914-16 S.J. POPPENHEIMER with V.A. LAVELY assistant 1914-15
1916-18 H.W.L. MAHOOD
1918-20 H.C. TRAVIS
1920-23 R.E. WILLIS
1923-27 No pastor Church burned November 6, 1921
1927-32 GEORGE E. SCNNEIDER Tabernacle built October, 1927
1932-36 W.F. LANE
1936-38 L.A. HUNSLEY
1938-51 G.M. SQUIRES
1951-54 S.F. KENDERDINE
1954-58 D.T. CUTLER
1958-63 M.W. RETH
1963-68 W.J. PAIGE
1969-71 DAVID MILLS, EUGENE BUCELLI, JR.
1971-78 HOWARD F. BALL
1978-83 DENNIS L. BAILEY
June-Oct 1983 JAMES A. HAMPTON
1983-84 REX PIERCY
1984-88 JAMES GUBSER
1988- ? JEFF DADISMAN
Letter from IOWA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Sioux City District
3606 Pawnee Place
Sioux City, Iowa 51104
RICHARD PEARSON, District Superintendent
August 13, 1987
Dear Members and Friends of the Charter Oak Church
One Hundred years ago someone placed a seed in the Charter Oak community, and very slowly that seed took root in fertile soil, was warmed by the sun, and sustained by water and air. In the beginning it was just a small seedling which could have ben destroyed so easily. Slowly, ever so slowly, it grew until it became a tree of infinite beauty and birds made their nests in its branches and it afforded shade for passers by. That majestic tree is the Charter Oak Church. Like any congregation it has weathered many storms in its first century. We need to pause to give thanks for all those who planted the seed and nourished and nurtured it through the years. Most of all we need to thank God for His spirit, presence,and power, which has sustained the church for these one hundred years.
What the next century will contain no one knows! But let us approach the future with the faith in God and confidence in the people of Charter oak. May He lead and guide you, and may you be open to the future and aware of his guiding hand in your midst.
Grace and Peace,[signed] RICHARD L. PEARSON
WALLACE AND CHARLOTTE FARMER write:
After five happy years, we went on to serve churches at Deloit, Quimby-Washta, and Braden-Mt. Auburn. We are now at a one-church appointment--finally!--Dumont where the two of us live in a large parsonage with lots of rooms for visitors.
To update you on our family, DUANE, since graduating from Cornell College, has worked for eight years as a cottage counselor at Village Northwest Unlimited of Sheldon. RUTH ELLEN is married to MARC PHELPS, who is park ranger at Rodgers Park, Vinton. There children are three year old DAWN and one and a half year old JUSTIN. They are both graduates of Westmar College,[in LeMars] where they met. RUTH ELLEN works part time at the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School. NAOMI is in Des Moines. She married DEAN McDANEL and worked as an executive secretary for Blue Cross until their son CHAD was born. DEAN is an accountant at Blue Cross. They live in Adel, and are expecting another soon. ANITA graduated from Westmar as a biology major, but hasn't found a job in that field yet. She lives in Kansas City and has worked in the Montgomery Ward accounting department for the past year and a half.
Our memories of Charter Oak include first of all, the birth of our daughter ANITA and the wonderful baby shower you gave us; the Diamond Jubilee in 1966, when we had 20,000 visitors in town--including the day when a windstorm almost demolished our church stand in town; the beautifully planned and delightful Mother-Daughter banquets; Family Nights; and the friendship and generosity you all extended to us.
DUANE once remarked that Charter Oak was a good place to grow up, and we agreed; the church and Sunday School and school and music training were among the best we have known.
Cordially yours, Charlotte and Wallace Farmer
HOWARD F. BALL wrote on 8-3-87:
My years as pastor of Charter Oak, June 1971 to June 1978 was most enjoyable in relationship with the people. I still think of many, some of which passed away while I was pastor. When we faced sorrow in the congregation because of untimely death; people and pastor were supported by every caring congregation. This I think is the most significant thing. The church and the community never seemed to me, marked by strife and disagreement as some communities allow to happen.
About the 5th or 6th year I was there I was asked by the District Superintendent if I would want another parish but my feeling was we had been as well treated, especially our 5 foster children had been well accepted and we did not want to leave Charter Oak for that and other reasons.
As pastor, I appreciate Charter Oak's sharing of my work with Ute and Deloit. I also appreciated their willingness to pay their conference assessments. The maintenance of the beautiful little church and the parsonage the board did far more that I had expected. A lot of time as well as money was expended. We felt free in our pulpit ministry and appreciated in all we did and we have looked forward to being back here this August 23.
HOWARD F. BALL
Letter from MAJ. F. DAVID MILLS dated May 6, 1987
Thank you so much for the invitation to attend the upcoming Centennial Celebration of the Charter Oak United Methodist Church on August 27, 1987. I would be very pleased to attend but due to a assignment to Thuele, Greenland in June, I will not be able to attend.
I have very fond memories of my 'short summer' ministry with the wonderful Iowa families. I remember the beautiful church and the warm spirit of Christian love that was expressed to SANDY and I. Since then a great deal has happened to our family and the Charter Oak Community. we now have two beautiful children, KRISTY, age 14, and BRYAN age 11. SANDY is teaching in the Dade County School System and I am the Senior Protestant Chaplain with the United States Air Force.
On April 1, I received orders to go on a 'remote' for one year to Thuele, Greenland. My family will remain in Homestead until I return in June, 1988. We are not pleased with the separation but know that God will continue to bless us and give us His peace. I will be serving as a United Methodist Chaplain at the Thuele site, some 850 miles north of the Arctic Circle. There are around 250 unaccompanied men and women assigned there for a one year tour. I will hold weekly services, Bible study's, and do a lot of counseling and visitation in their work areas.
But enough about our situation and ministry. We rejoice at your centennial and pray that God will richly bless att [sic] the members and the community. Please give our warm regard to anyone that might still remember us, there should be three or four families that have kept in touch with us over the years.If and when we ever get to return to Iowa for a visit, we will be sure to make Charter Oak one of our stops. God Bless you all!
In His Service, F. DAVID MILLS
Letter from GENE BUCCELLI dated June 5, 1987
Thank you for the invitation to participate in the Charter Oak celebration. I'm sorry for the delay in responding. I've been very busy the last two months. I'm just starting to slow down. At the current time, my schedule doesn't seem to allow me or CONNIE to get free to attend on August 23, 1987, however; we will make every effort in the summer to free our time and see if we can attend, I will be forwarding you a letter.
I'm still very busy directing a large business training school in Maryland. Just a few blocks from the University of Maryland. We are all fairly active in our local United Methodist Church.CONNIE is still teaching kindergarten and keeps active both at the church and swimming regularly.
TODD is going into his second year at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He's home for the summer and working at a local magazine and just relaxing and playing tennis. TRACY, as you may know, is married and has a beautiful 3 1/2 year old daughter, KAREN. Her and her husband, DAVE live in Columbus, Ohio. The phone bills are astronomical (college plus Ohio=$) Well, I better sum this up. Thanks, again. I'll be in touch.
Sincerely, GENE BUCCELLI
Letter from MELVIN RETH dated May, 1987
In answer to your letter of invitation for your celebration, we could only hope that we could be there. Many times we have thought of coming some weeks in hopes we could see you, but that just has not worked out. Our youngest son, who was born when we were your minister, is now in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. What he does there we don't know. He goes through a guard system when he goes to work. He was working for R.C.A. but General Electric bought them out, so he doesn't even know who he is working for. All I know is, he has a $35,000 computer on his desk, I
Letter continued from MELVIN RETH:
think that is the most expensive piece of equipment, with a lot of other junk, and secretaries all over the place, and a 1/4 inch is like 6 inches to me, he knows only the metric system. He is a designer, I guess that is what you could call him, but we really don't understand his vocabulary, so we talk about other things.
He has a forced vacation the last of August and the first of September, so when you are at celebration we will be heading out his way, as we do every year, and use his place as a launching pad. He is only a couple hours from lots of important places, and where he lives the tourist almost block the road. They are glad for the short winter they do get, for the tourist stay out of their town so they can get around. He plans to go with us as we head for Maine. We tried that last year, but did not make it we saw so much time ran out. For that reason, we will not be at your celebration, but we hope you have a good time and we will be thinking about you.
LYNN, our oldest son, is married, has three children and is trying to change jobs, so things are unsettled there. They are doing real good so we have nothing to complain about. He graduated from Westmar College in LeMars. He is real good in wood work and is trying to get a fancy job in that department.
They are both real good in music. In High School they had an accordion band going, went from church to church, to fairs, were on radio and even T.V. Put a lot of miles on, but it helped when they were old enough to drive themselves.
My experiences: No Way! I would never put them in writing. It is a mad world out there. Our ministry in your town was so calm I can barely hardly believe it.I suppose it has changed by now, too. I have a notion to write a joke book about my true experiences in wedding ceremonies, funerals, etc. The ministry is not what it used to be. Oh, yes, we have lots of good friends, but the counseling drives one crazy himself. People can't trust each other, divorces faster than I can trade cars, family break ups, lies being told, just take a lot of fun out of the ministry.
We are proud of our two sons, but our ten daughters we don't even know where they are. They gave us so much problem we forgot them.
We are stuck in that antique business, but are trying to cool it. We are getting so old, I think we are over 100 in age but don't know because I can't remember that far back, we can't find the time to do it like we used too, and besides, we have so much now we can't find room for it, and MARGARET won't let me sell any. She is in that fancy sewing stuff now, or whatever you call that fancy work. We are even driving a car 21 years old. Get more compliments from that junker than one. We don't even mention miles on that one. Also have another one that is well over 100,000 miles, trying to keep that for an antique also.
I built a model Tabernacle the Bible talks about, and then find a way that I can turn it into a Temple that Jesus talks about. MARGARET did the fancy work, and I spent almost almost two years, cutting my fingers, pulling out slivers, knocking the rust off my brain trying to figure out what the Bible is talking about, almost smashing noses of the people working in hardware stores to get them to order some of this old stuff for the Tabernacle. It is finished and I promise never to start anything like that again. I have over 200 hours in it and somewhere between $300.00 and $400.00 in it.
Since I answered your letter, now do me a favor. After you get this read throw it away and forget you received it. It is all history and who want to be reminded how ancient they are? We enjoyed our ministry there, even though we his{sic] some pot-holes and high bumbs[sic] we didn't expect at times, but it was calm according to the last ten years or so. I just hope things don't get any worse.
Your Past Minister, (An old one at that) MELVIN W. RETH
Letter from REV. DENNIS BAILEY dated June 14, 1987:
I'm sorry that this letter is coming to you so late. I had really worked at getting the weekend of August 23rd free, but to no avail. It is one of those Sundays that I have too many commitments to allow me to be out of town. I will miss your Centennial celebration. I remember that while we were at Charter Oak that we had talked about how few years it would be until the church would celebrate its 100th.
I have not had much contact with anyone since we left. I hope that everyone will understand. New commitments, new area and a growing family have kept us in Marshalltown. NANCY has been busy watching other children during the day for working moms. At times she has up to ten children at home that she is caring for. She has a lot of patience and seems to be able to handle all the needs that the children have. It does get kind of hectic at times.
Our boys have grown by leaps and bounds since we left. BRIAN will just turn 10 in July. STEVEN is 8, and JONATHON will be 6 on July 21. Both BRIAN and STEVEN are playing in little league this summer and loving it. JON will start kindergarten this fall.
My work has been quite different since our move. As associate pastor I have not been able to do as much preaching as before, but that has freed me for other responsibilities. I lead a confirmation class each year during the Sunday School hour. We average about 20 youth (eight grade age) each year that are confirmed. I have also been president of the Marshall County Ministerial Association for the past two years and have worked on quite a few ecumenical and community projects.
Since coming to Marshalltown I have also worked as chaplain on-call at our local hospital. Another pastor and myself help to coordinate ministry needs and worship services at the hospital. A lot of time has been spent working with our Churches United program that is giving help to those in need around our community. We have emergency food box program, a chore service for elderly and handicapped, an emergency financial aid program, and we help to provide financial aid on prescription medication for those who cannot afford it. We live in needy time and I believe this organization is helping others around us.
I have been active in our District as an Adult Coordinator and Subdistrict program secretary. This year I will be on the Conference Board of Trustees. Working on District and Conference levels have been good experiences and have opened my eyes to all that we can do as a church.
All of us miss Charter Oak from time to time.It was not easy for us to leave. We still see it as home. In fact, we drove by the parsonage a year ago at Christmas time and the boys got tear-eyed again. (As did NANCY and I.) We are still growing on the foundation that you folks gave us as a church. It was our beginning and we will never forget your love and your ministry to us. We still pray for you and please pray for us.
I saw WALLY WELANDER and JIM GUBSER at Annual Conference and had a good visit. I told them that we could not make it back, but I wanted to write a formal letter to the church. We pray that this Centennial Celebration will bring you blessings upon blessings. The Charter Oak Church is very special. May God continue to keep you all in His favor. Amen.
With much love, REV. DENNIS BAILEY
Letter from REV. REX PIERCY dated June 18, 1987:
Greetings to you and all the saints of Charter Oak United Methodist Church as you celebrate a century of service, worship, and witness in 1987. It is with regret that my family and I will not to be present for your day of special activities on August 23. We will be on the homeward lag of a ten-day mission work camp in eastern Kentucky.
It was my special privilege to serve the Charter Oak church from late October 1983 until conference time in 1984. Though I was living in Audubon at the time, you made me feel warmly welcomed.
In December, 1984, I left my law practice, came off a leave of absence in the conference, and accepted an appointment to serve the Waterloo St. Paul's Church. I enter my fourth appointive year this month.
We find urban living well suited to our family's interests, and although Waterloo and our church have ben hurt by the sluggish economy in the farm sector. The layoffs and long strike at John Deere and the closing of Rath touched the entire metro area, including the churches, Iowa's agricultural economy is not just a rural issue.
I traveled to Panama in early 1986 as a short term volunteer in Mission. Then last summer I co-directed a two-church mission work trip to the Navajo Nation at Window Rock, Arizona. As noted earlier, it's off to Kentucky in August.
JASON just completed his freshman year in East High. LEAH will attend Logan Intermediate School as a sixth grader this fall. DOLLY stays active as a volunteer at our local food bank. The family recently gained a new member in a lively calico kitten Leah named 'Sophie'.
This is beginning to sound more like news from Lake Wobegon than a letter of greeting to you, so let me close by making Paul's prayer for the Romans my prayer for you. "First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the world."
Grace and Peace, REX. E. PIERCY
Letter from REV. JAMES GUBSER-July 1987: I was very anxious at the June, 1984, Annual Conference. WALLY and LINDA MELANDER reassured me over breakfast at Conference we would have a nice place to live and have a warm congregation to serve.
I came to Charter Oak to serve as your pastor in June, 1984. I was soon humbled the first Sunday morning. I was busy talking to MOLLY WELANDER who rode with me and exceeded the speed limit and was fined. My daughters and wife were along so they could meet many of you.
When I became a deacon at Christmas time and at graduation from seminary you have made us feel so warm with your expressions of love and appreciation. I commend you for your warm, caring attitude. Those first two years traveling to Seminary from here 240 miles and to be gone 3-4 nights was stressful for all of us. I really appreciate your understanding when REV. SCOTT WOODWORTH from Denison and REV. JIM CAMPBELL from Dunlap and Dow City filled my place at funerals and when I had to come home in the week.
Children's time has been special for me. I never know if your children teach me.
Letter continued from REV. JAMES GUBSER:
or I teach you. You each have endless potentiality.
Easter sunrise service and the specialness of you, participating is a thrill. You are our future leaders. I hope you have been challenged enough to take leadership roles.
The completion of the directory in 1986 was a highlight. When the cameraman took pictures and none developed, I expected none of you to come back the second time. I commend for trying again. I use the directory a lot and give it to prospective people.
The confirmation classes have been special. I decided this spring of 1987 to share something I liked about each student. It was food for me to do this as well. I hope this benefited each of you as it did me.
I think one of the special times each year in this church is the Fall Harvest Sale. I'm unsure how much RANDY, ADOLF, and others took bids out of the air when I bid but we always had a good laugh about the bidding and items for sale.
Back to our arrival, the first Friday night and Saturday we came here I was enthralled by the beauty of the hills from Dunlap to Charter Oak. I couldn't locate the church. I parked on main street by the bank and I jumped out for directions and slammed the UHaul truck door on KIMBERLEY's fingers. We were 3 hours late getting here from a late start in Kansas City and driving in the rain all day. For a while I was afraid some of you were going to insist we unload everything that night. We were worn out from the drive and packing. It was a pleasure to meet you the next day as you helped us unload. I appreciated the nice hot meal served to us and my father and mother and sisters that Saturday by MARY LOU BOHNKER.
These three years have ben a pleasure to serve you.
Sincerely, REV. JAMES GUBSER
Memories by MARY LOU BOHNKER:
I married ROBERT BOHNKER in July of 1949 and became a member of Charter Oak Methodist Church in October, 1950. I was raised in the Methodist Church in Minburn, Iowa.
I am thankful for the Charter Oak Methodist Church. It has provided me spiritual and quiet support for myself and our family.
I'm thankful for the many people who gave their time and talents to be ministers and church school teachers for our children. As our parents did not live long lives, our children looked to the church for loving people for examples of Christian love, kindness, and service to the family, and church and community.
Our children needed the support of the Methodist Church to achieve their education and their place in the world. KYLE received his B.S. degree in Farm operations and farms our farm in Willow Township. BRUCE is a Lt. /Commander in the U.S. Navy and is a flight surgeon for a helicopter squadron. He is married and has three children. ARLYS is a missionary with the Evangelical Free Church in the Philippines. JOHN is an Agriculture Extension agent in Fairmont, Mn. and has 4 daughters. ROBIN received her Doctor of Medicine at University of Iowa. ERIC received his B.S. degree in Ag business and is a district feed salesman for Super Sweet Feed at LeMars, Iowa.
My church has always had top priority for my time and labor after the care of our family. I taught Church School for many years. The United Methodist Women have given me many opportunities for leadership and labor of love--visiting and serving families in their difficult hours, of cleaning the church or serving
Memories continued by MARY LOU BOHNKER:
at the food stand and renovating the parsonage many times.
BOB and our children always remember the 1st Sunday of the month and Fellowship Dinner at Church--even though they always look for the food "Mom brought". The fellowship was a time of fun and renewing friendships.
I am glad that our United Methodist Church and its spiritual awareness. It provides me a quiet place and time to renew myself each time I go there.
Memories from MELODIE BUTLER ROBINSON, daughter of ROBERT and JEAN BUTLER:
I did grow up in the Charter Oak Methodist Church. I was in Sunday school, MYF, was confirmed and attended church and Sunday School there until I graduated from High School. I went to Camp Quest In Okoboji in 1958 and was again in 1960 with JULIE KORTMAN STRAIT and JENNIFER GOLLHOFER RODE.
I sang in church choir for 8 or 9 years. For most of that time, my mother was Choir Director. We sang many duets,trios, solos and participated in many Christmas Cantatas.
In 1962 and 1963, JENNIFER, JULIE and I took turns playing the organ for church. Finally, MARY GLAU KUHLMAN took over permanently, much to the relief of all three of us.
When we were in MYF, MELVIN RETH was our pastor. He was an excellent teacher, and all of the kids really loved him. He had a way of making everything fun while we were all learning.
All through my high school years, I was a helper at Bible School each summer. I especially enjoyed the summer of 1962, when I had the 3rd grade class. They were the best and most fun class I had. We went on a lot of hikes and always ended up on the school playground.
I remember all the years of Christmas caroling and of coming back to the church basement all cold and frozen--usually to be thawed out by hot cocoa and some delicious goodies baked by HELEN WEISS.
The MYF hayrides, skating parties and tobogganing parties (these last on KORTMAN's hill) are some of my best memories.
My first clear memory of a pastor is REV. CUTLER. He was a very nice, easy going man, who managed to let us find our own way into church activities. I believe REV. RETH came next--and he was so energetic and full of fire that it was quite a change.
After I moved to Wayne, NE., and was married, I transferred my membership to the Wayne United Methodist Church, but my fondest and longest memories still lie with the Methodist Church in Charter Oak. In a town as small as Charter Oak, the church gave us a center of activity and focus that would not have otherwise had.
Memories of ROBERT and JEAN BUTLER:
After we were married we joined the Charter Oak Methodist Church in 1946. Although ROBERT attended Sunday School when he was growing up, he joined the church at the same time I transferred my membership from the Methodist Episcopal Church at Missouri Valley.
All 5 of our children: MELODIE, JEFFREY, JODIE, BRYCE and BILL, were baptized here and raised in this church. They attended Sunday School, Summer Bible School, Youth groups and sang in Junior Choir and Senior Choir (required since I was choir director from 1957 to 1979).
My fondest memories are of the wonderful and talented people who sang in the choirs and cantatas over the years:
PAT JOHNSON, PRISCILLA GREY, MELVIN SCHMIDT and his family, LEE and SHIRLEY MARSH, HELEN WEISS, LOIS BOHNKER, BURNITA KORTMAN, BEVERLY (BLESSING) HUNTER, PHYLLIS CLAYTON, SALLY and BILL CARSTENS, WALLY and GAIL CARSTENS, WALLY and LINDA WELANDER, and many more-even EDNA HOFER sang in our first cantata.
Some of the children who sang were:
BJORKGRENS, BOHNKERS, BUTLERS, LORENZENS, RULLESTADS, MURPHYS, GLAUS, PETERSONS, JOHNSONS, KORTMANS, FERGUSONS, JEN GOLLHOFER, NANCY KEIM, BRUCE LEE, SHIRLEEN MARSH, SUSAN SANDERS, DENNY LOWNES, SLIE FERTS, CARSTENS.
I remember CORRINE FERGUSON organizing the sale of candles so we could have new Junior Choir robes and lots of people helping with lunch after caroling.
My eternal gratitude goes out to our faithful organists: ILA KRAEGER, GRACE ROOSE, JANICE LOWNES, GAYLE LEEPER, MAY GLAU, JODIE BUTLER, MARILYN BOHNKER, etc. without these there would be no music.
BOB was the "supporting spouse" who stayed home with the young while I was at the church every Thursday evening and Sunday morning. I could never have done it without his help. He also was active in Men's Club and on the Church Board for several years.
Memories by ARLYS BOHNKER, Daughter of ROBERT AND MARY LOU BOHNKER:
The MYF in the late '60s was very active. The group consisted of MARILYN and CRAIG BOHNKER, MARY and PAT MURPHY, NANCY KEIM, SUE MULLESTEAD, KEITH BJORKGREN, JODY BUTLER and my brothers, KYLE and BRUCE, and myself. Most of us went to United Methodist Camp in Spirit Lake during the summers of 1966 and 1967. Our group began decorating the Christmas tree each year. We also started meeting monthly with the Ute and Deloit UMF.
Letter written by ALMA GLAU on July 7, 1987:
I am writing in regards to the family of HARRY and NORA LARSON. They had a family of eight children. Three are deceased and their four daughters have moved away from Charter Oak but their son VERNON LARSON still lives there. The daughters are ALICE LARSON SMITHBACK, Sioux Falls, SD; EDNA LARSON LEE, Onawa, IA; ALMA LARSON GLAU, Denison; and BERNICE LARSON HEMMINGS, Des Moines, IA.
HARRY and NORA LARSON spent their entire married life being active in the Charter Oak Methodist Churches. They first attended the First Methodist Church until it burned. Then for a while they attended the Presbyterian Church until the Tabernacle was built.
Letter continued from ALMA GLAU:
At our recent LARSON reunion we talked about our experiences and memories of our church. We all remembered the annual picnics and programs held at the Willow Church also the meetings held in different homes where we would sing church hymns. We remembered a special Sunday School class called "King's Daughters", taught by MRS. KYLE GUILES.
Our mother worked hard in the church, she often did the weekly janitor work. Also did a lot of baby sitting for the minister's children. She often was called "Grandma" by their children. She was always giving her time and love to their families. Plan to see you all August 23.
Sincerely, ALMA GLAU
Memories by MILDRED SWANSON:
First I think it would be appropriate for me to introduce myself. I am MILDRED SWANSON, the surviving widow of D.W. SWANSON, better known as WALLY. I always called his WALLACE, but I was the only one who did.
More than thirty years ago WALLACE was transferred to Charter Oak by the Iowa Public Service Company by whom he had been employed for many years. At this time we joined the Methodist Church. The present building was quite new.
Wherever we lived WALLACE was active in church work. After coming here he organized and started an Adult Sunday School Class which he taught. He also became a Lay speaker and a Conference Delegate and carried out all the duties expected of him. He passed away in 1978.
Almost immediately after our arrival I was asked to be the Church treasurer. My first thought was that a long time member would be acquainted with the members and more suited to accept the responsibility. The minister told me that it was my duty as a Christian to serve where needed, if asked, which I did and served in that capacity for six different ministers. I was also UMW secretary for a number of years.
I could probably write a book about the joys and sorrows we experienced as members of the Charter Oak Methodist Church.
I am still living here although not active any more.
Memories of BOB BOHNKER:
After World War 2 the members of the Charter Oak Methodist Church realized the need for a new church building. Monies in churches are always a problem but when the Willow Church members decided to give up their church and attend the Charter Oak church now was probably the time to build. One of the concerns just after the war was finding air dried wood for the finishing lumber. In 1949 they received pledges from members to raise money for what they thought the building would cost. In August of 1949, the old church was taken down and the garage was built where it is now, so tools and supplies could be kept in it. There was lengthy discussions as to whether to place the kitchen at the east end of the basement or the west end of the new church. The sewer for the bathrooms and the old air ducts under the basement floors were also discussed. A discussion also about the possibility of digging an area out for storage of tables at the bottom of the east stairs but decided not to. They wanted the chimney at the back of the church is the reason the kitchen is where it is at present. Dirt was removed with farm tractors. Church and Sunday School were held in the old fire station and Legion building at 147 Man Street, during the rebuilding.
The Christmas program was held in the high school assembly in 1949. In February or March we began holding Sunday School and Church in the basement. The first services upstairs in the new Church on August 16, 1956 when several babies were baptized.
Continued Memories from ROBERT BOHNKER to JIM GUBSER:
These events about the present church were remembered by BOB because after ROBERT and MARY LOU's marriage, July 29, 1949, in Des Moines, a shower was held here in the old church. The next day the building was torn down.
The church cost several thousand more to build than was expected. At that time the church was not allowed to borrow money. So individual members of the church signed personal notes for the balance needed. Then later over the years these personal notes were paid off by the church.
BOB remembers going after the cross for the bell tower and steeple in a one and one half ton 13 and one half bed farm truck to Omaha. He also remembers helping dig the basement with others and helping others shingle on the roof. Harvesting kept him from helping more.
Bob's father, HANS BOHNKER, would get up at 4 a.m. to start a fire under the sand pile so it would thaw and concrete could be mixed and poured in the new church one winter.
Some of the auctioneers Bob remembers for their years of help at the Annual Harvest Sale were: BART and BEN BIELENBERG of Schleswig, RANDY CREESE of Charter Oak, ADOLF SCHAU of Charter Oak, LLOYD ARONSON, and WILFRED GOSLER.
Memories by DONNA HOFER STECK:
I have many fond memories of my church. Can I mention just a few? Lots of fun days at Methodist Camp at Okoboji, Youth group activities, AVIS WEED, a special teacher and friend, REV. GLENN SQUIRES and his family--especially his daughter HELEN. The patience the congregation had while I did the piano playing for the church services. Can you believe a got 25 cents a Sunday or a whole dollar a month--That was big money in those days.
Sincerely, DONNA HOFER STEUCK
Memories by FRED KRUHL given to GINA GUBSER:
FRED KRUHL is 90 years old and a resident of Dunlap Care Center. He remembers attending Sunday School at age seven or eight at Charter Oak before the first church burned. He remembers it as a simple church similar to the Dow City Methodist Church building looks now. His folks lived six miles north of Dow City toward 141. He farmed the land and lived there many years which is now sold to his relatives. He remembers people saying that lightning struck the first church which caused the fire. He remembers REV. SQUIRES who preached at his father's funeral. In Sunday School FRED remembers singing along to the pump organ to songs like "Jesus Loves Me">
Memories of BURNITA KORTMAN:
Coming to Charter Oak in 1943 I soon found the United Methodist Church extending a warm welcome. After my marriage to CLARENCE KORTMAN we soon became members.
The happiest memory I have is seeing my children, JUDY, JOHN, and JULIE grow and become a part of this church.
Recently I have seen my two grandsons, BRAD and BRIAN STRAIT, baptized and confirmed by REV. JIM GUBSER.
One daughter, JULIE, was united in marriage to LOREN STRAIT, December 22, 1967. The chimes memorial service to my husband, was beautifully played by MARILYN BOHNKER, as Julie walked down the aisle. The church was an array of Christmas poinsettias never looked more beautiful. The REV. FARMER performed the ceremony.
Continues Memories of BURNITA KORTMAN:
So for our family there are happy memories. Memories of faces, of vows, of people who helped build this church. Our heritage will ever be preserved.
BURNITA KORTMAN
A letter dated on June 10, 1987 from MARIBETH SQUIRES BONES:
Your invitation to the Centennial Celebration at Charter Oak came yesterday. We are sending the letter on to my sister HELEN BARNES who did live in Charter Oak summers while she was teaching. We did not live there. We did come to visit sometimes. If we can get away, we will not need housing as we can easily return to Fort Dodge.
We will try to find some picture or pictures that would be of interest to people in Charter Oak and send them or bring them if we can come.
Sincerely, MERIBETH SQUIRES BONES
CHARLES E. MASON, D.D., a former District Superintendent for the Sioux City District responds to an invitation to our centennial from MARY LOU and ROBERT BOHNKER. Thank You for your very kind invitation to the Charter Oak Centennial, August 23.
We will not be able to attend the morning worship service. However, we plan on attending the 2:00 p.m. historical pageant and will look forward to seeing the young people perform.
I recall coming to your home slightly over twenty five years ago when I began visiting churches as a new Superintendent. I asked REV. MELVIN RETH to take me to the home of a young couple with growing children, an elderly couple, and a business man. You are the only one I remember by name.
In appreciation of your church loyalty, I remain respectfully, CHARLES E. MASON
This information was found in the recent Crawford County History Book:
The FIRST PREBYTERIAN CHURCH in Westside began in 1865, with a Methodist Minister in a Chicago Northwestern Depot in Westside. Later it moved to the Patterson school house in 1879, it wasn't until 1915 that a church was built that a Presbyterian Missionary came to Westside and traded the Methodist Church for a Presbyterian Church in Charter Oak.
As your pastor. JIM GUBSER, during this centennial year I got interested in learning about MAMIE GLASSBURNER. I learned that she was supported by the Dow City church and that some of her things are on display there. REV. JIM CAMPBELL put together a book about the Dow City church and can be found at the Denison library. I quote from there:
Records show of the Missionary Society show how hard the Charter Oak women also struggled to send money as well. They would bring pennies into the society from sale of eggs and cream.
EVELYN AEBISCHER from Denison came with some memories of her childhood in this church. I told her that I was interested in learning more about MAMIE. She gathered the following information:
JOHN B. GLASSBURNER was born near Drakeville, Marion County, Iowa, March 14, 1857. On February 13, 1881, moved to section 12 Charter Oak township, then moved to the town of Charter Oak in 1903, until 1905 when he settled on his homestead in Washington township. He became the father of six children. MAMIE F., who after graduating from high school entered the training school in Chicago and was engaged in mission work in southern China, near Mia-Kieng. All of the children graduated from the high school in Charter Oak with the exception of the youngest daughter. JOHN was married to MISS AMANDA ALLEN BOYER.
EVELYN also wrote to FRANK GLASSBURNER, Jr. for us and received this letter dated July 23, 1987 from Council Bluffs Iowa.
MAMIE FRANCES GLASSBURNER was one of a family of seven children born at Charter Oak, Iowa to JOHN BUCHANAN and AMANDA ELLEN BOYER GLASSBURNER. MAMIE was the first born. MAMIE FRANCES GLASSBURNER was born December 24, 1879. She passed away January 15, 1941 and is buried in Dow City , Iowa in the family plot. She served as a missionary in China under the auspices of the Methodist Episcopal Church from 1904 until shortly before her death. The above information is all I have that I can verify as to dates and her time of service in China. However if you desire more info and have the time you might get in touch with my Aunt and sister of MAMIE GLASSBURNER who is still living in California. RUTH G. CLAUNCEY Street Address hidden --> Santa Barbara, Cal. Aunt RUTH is sister of MAMIE GLASBURNER and the youngest member of the family.
Respectfully yours, FRANK GLASSBURNER, Jr.
Thoughts by HELEN SQUIRES BARNES:
Enclosed find a few photos and I know there are more, but I can't seem to find them right now. When Mom passed away we divided her pictures among we girls and so some that I thought I had are not here. With all the pictures I have collected over the years of 12 years teaching school and almost 40 years of married life...it is a real chore to file thru all of my photos. Color film was rare in those early days and very expensive...so most of the pictures were in black and white! I have indicated the ones I'd like to have returned...thanks.[no pictures shown]
Dad realized a lifelong dream while they lived in Charter Oak, and that was to build a church. Because of rising costs at the time, it did not turnout as he had dreamed...but your 40 year old church is a really nice one!
MARIBETH forwarded your letter to me cause I had lived with the folks more than any of their 4 daughters in Charter Oak. I was the only one unmarried at the time. I have happy memories of your town and community! I especially liked helping with the youth when they made the journey to Camp Methoji [sic] There are more pictures of those times but I just cannot find the pictures. I remember a special one of MARILYN SAMUELSON and I have tried hard to find it, but with no avail.
BARNEY and I were married when the folks still lived in Charter Oak (1948). That was a very special time in our lives and the people of Charter Oak and Ute helped to make it so. At the time BARNEY did not have a home he could call his own as he was just back from service in the war. His parents lived in Kansas at the time, but he had not lived with them for years. Of course I had a teaching home, but it moved from Orange City to Storm Lake, to Crawford, NE. (where BARNEY and I met) to Lewistown, MT. My parents were gracious enough to let me call Charter Oak home and you people made it special by making me feel right at home there. The youth helped with the reception as did W.S.C.S. I remember that HELEN WEISS made us a beautiful wedding cake as her gift! We received so many lovely and useful gifts with which we started our married life. Those days were still hard for most of us and we had a hard time getting started in North Bend where BARNEY started hauling fuel to farmers and those that had oil furnaces or heater stoves. You people in Charter Oak and Ute helped us get our good start! Thanks!
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Dad and Mom had a beautiful experience in their last years in the ministry at Harcourt. Dad wanted to die "with his boots on" and did in 1957 at Harcourt. We offered a home in our upstairs to Mom. If she wanted to come live with us...which she did,and so we fixed the apartment for her in the attic. Some of you came to see her on her 80th birthday and got to see where she lived. She went on a wonderful trip to Florida with MRS. HOFER, and went on a cruise to the Caribbean one time and flew many places while she lived with us. She was the adult teacher in our church for many years and made visitation to many people much younger than she was. She lived with us over 20 years and had to go to our nursing home for about 3 years before her death because of deteriorating spinal column. She then needed more nursing care than I could give her. She passed away December 1st, 1982, just before she would have celebrated her 100th birthday. She was a blessed joy for our family and CAL and CAROL loved her dearly!
Thoughts of HELEN SQUIRES BARNES continued:
My sisters are all still living as are Mom's grandchildren. Sister DOROTHY BRECK lives in Kalispell, Montana. Her 2 sons are still living, one in the Air Force in Minot, ND. She has 7 grandchildren. Sister MARIBETH and her husband, C. HERBERT BONES, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Spirit Lake in 1986 and shortly after retired to Friendship Haven in Fort Dodge, where they are enjoying a life of leisure and companionship in that great home. I'm tempted to move there myself.
Sister RUTH MILLER and her husband celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary in March, 1986, but DEAN had suffered the loss of a leg the year before and fought long and hard for his life and then suddenly died last October. Ruth is still staying on the farm at least for a while. Both MARIBETH and RUTH had good sized families. MARIBETH has 6 children and 16 grandchildren. RUTH has 5 children and 2 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. I have 2 children and 2 grandchildren. BARNEY died following surgery (bypass)in 1983. DOROTHY lost her husband about 20 years ago.
RUTH and I are planning a trip to the west coast the last 2 weeks in August to visit her daughter in the Bremerton area and then shall visit DOROTHY in Kalispell on our return trip. I hope to visit my son who is a Geology Professor at Texas Tech University after we return from the coast. My daughter and her husband live near Lincoln and I get to see them often and they are the ones who have given me my grandson, and so I am enjoying watching them grow up. Sorry, I won't be able to be with you and find out about all the changes in your families. I have kept in touch with BEULAH and ED McELWAIN all these years and they help me to keep up with the families of Charter Oak. I plan to visit them in California one of these first times.
If ever any of you friends from Charter Oak come my way, be sure to stop by to say hello and get re-acquainted! Have a wonderful centennial celebration!
I remember ARTHUR and GRACE SAMUELSON:
ARTHUR and GRACE SAMELSON were members of the church here from their early married life through until their deaths. ART served on the official church board many, many years. The first organized effort to proceed with the building of the church we now have came early in the summer of 1943. ART, among others, was instrumental in the building of this church, in which he served on the Board of Trustees. GRACE was an active member of the Ladies Aid, receiving her 50 year pin in her later years. ART also served as an usher, taking up collections, and assisting at funerals or wherever he was needed. ART and GRACE had four daughters, GLADYS, ERMA, MARILYN, and JEANETTE, and were all baptized in the church, then grandchildren and great grandchildren were baptized. Attending church services and and Sunday School was always a Sunday morning activity, along with some of the family members teaching Bible School.
There were always pot luck dinners at the church on the first Sunday of the month which were always popular with many parishioners. There were Mother and Daughter, Father and Son banquets, suppers, Christmas programs, and youth activities which the SAMUELSONS always participated and were always there. ART would always tell his daughter that if they were not feeling well enough to to get going and attend church services on Sunday morning, "You are not well enough to go anywhere else that day, either".
MARILYN recalls REV. SQUIRES as pastor when he served while she was growing up. I remember how REV. SQUIRES during the church service would get down on one knee, bowed his head and then would pray. I can remember how long we thought he would pray, and how we would have to sit still and be very quiet. Now that I am grown, I have longed to be able to hear those prayers once again and to be able to remember what he said. REV. & MRS, SQUIRES would come out to the farm and visit Mom and Dad and spend the evening. What fond memories of them, and all the other pastors we have had down through the years until the present. May God bless them for their love and service to God's people. Though I am no longer a member of the church, my memories and prayers will always be with you."
By MARILYN SCHILDZ
Thoughts of JEANETTE & RICHARD COOPER:
I have a wonderful family heritage as a daughter of ARTHUR and GRACE SAMUELSON family, but just as important to me was my church family while growing up in the rural area of Charter Oak. This church building is a monument representing the Methodist townspeople, businessmen and farmers who used their money and muscle to build each church to fulfill their commitment to God to worship and fellowship with fellow believers in their community.
My first remembrance of going to church was in the wooden framed building in the late 1930's and 1940's. It seemed like a huge church and I thought it was the greatest place in the world outside my home. The Christmas programs were were exciting and Sunday School was fun with HELEN WEISS as one of my beloved patient teachers. We kids would play church in the sanctuary while the adults
COOPER thoughts continues
were down in the basement enjoying those wonderful monthly fellowship dinners. We were amazed that the old pump organ worked and enjoyed playing with it until a grown up stopped us. REV. SQUIRES was the first preacher I remember. He was very special to me, as was MRS. SQUIRES. She earned my devotion because she didn't laugh at me when my voice cracked loudly during an anthem on Sunday. Later she told me that she was proud that I could keep on singing. It must have been really bad! Singing in our church choir always meant so much to me and was my favorite way to serve.
What exciting times those were when the wooden framed building gave way to the new modern brick building! This church building really means a great deal to me because I watched my own father build this church, along will all the men of the church. The dedication day booklet is one of my treasured keepsakes.
My Confirmation day was very special to me and I am reminded of nervously awaiting the special time I'd joined my church. Youth groups was one of my main activities while a teen in Jr. and Sr. High School. It was at one of those meetings that I saw RICHARD COOPER for the first time, Dec. 17, 1951. It was "love at first sight!" We used every opportunity to meet at MYF meetings, too! Later we were married at the church on July 8, 1956, by REV. DONALD CUTLER.
RICHARD's life was influenced greatly by REV. & MRS. KINDERDINE and he remembers the many great times he had with them when he volunteered to print the church bulletin until he left for the army in 1954.
As a young married couple we became involved as our parents had been. RICHARD and I found out what it was like to help with the Charter Oak Achievement days UMW food stand.
RICHARD's parents, ELZIE & THELMA COOPER, became members when they moved to the rural Ricketts area around 1950. Even though we may have complained about the pile of dirty dishes at the banquets and church dinners, many laughs came from the kitchen as we all did the dished together.
Our sons, RANDY and RICK, were baptized by REV. CUTLER around 1963. We moved from the Charter Oak area but always felt a part of the church when we'd return to visit.
There are so many people in this church who have left their influence on our lives that we can't even begin to so I won't list them here for fear we would leave one dear person out, but you know who you are. RICHARD and I feel truly blessed that we were members of the Charter Oak Methodist Church and we'll be eternally grateful for the love, prayers, and sacrifices of those in the past and you in the present who made the Church a possibility. Congratulations on your 100th year. You all deserve a pat on the back and encouragement to keep going.
May our Lord Jesus Christ we honored in this Church as you continue to tell the Good News of Him who came to give us life and life more abundantly!
God's riches blessings to each member and Happy Birthday!
I remember the TOLLS by EDNA KEIM:
The TOLLS came to Charter Oak in 1918. My mother and her family (OSCAR and EMMA SAMUELSON) go back a long way to this Methodist Church. All the SAMUELSONS followed in their parent footsteps. My little "Grandma" was truly a good Christian and loved her church. In fact she attended a church supper (which Mom was serving) the night she died.
My Dad (B.E. TOLL) was born in Sweden. He received his education and religious training, and was confirmed in the Swedish Lutheran Church there. He later joined this church. Dad came to the United States in 1941, first coming to Kenosha, Wis., then to Denison where he met his school mates from Sweden, the LUNDQUISTS. In Denison, he met and married Mom in 1913. They moved to Huron, South Dakota. There ESTHER and I were born. In 1918, we moved back to Charter Oak, where Dad started up the tailoring and cleaning business.
My Mom (ALVENA) loved her church and brought ESTHER and I to be faithful to our church regardless what faith we chose. My little Sister, MILDRED, was born in 1925 and died at the age of 8 in 1933. Mom had eight brothers and sisters. Two died early in life. Now all are deceased, but 2 Sisters MARY LOU TECH of Dow City, and SYLVIA CHRISTIANSEN of Sioux City.
Mom was an active member in the Ladies Aid. She received her 50 year pin years ago.
ESTHER and I taught Sunday School, sang in the choir and belonged to the young people's group.
I can also remember Mom getting ESTHER and I ready to go to Sunday School, when we were small, curling our hair with a curling iron and heated in a lamp on the stove. We thought that was terrible. We did look nice, when she put on our red capes and sent us on our way.
GRANDPA SAMELSON lived with Mom and Dad for several years before he passed away.
After Dad's death, Mom later married CLARENCE BROCKMANN. He joined the Church.
As I look back, The Lord's been good. ESTHER is living in Longview. She has 2 children and 8 grandchildren. I live here in Charter Oak. I have 4 daughters and one stepson. I have 12 grandchildren and 4 step grandchildren.
May the Lord's Blessings be with you always. Many good memories started here.
By EDNA KEIM
I remember PAUL and FRANCES LARSON:
by LOWELL LARSON
Every kid in the world should have the chance to be nurtured by a church like the Charter Oak Methodist Church! I was fortunate enough to grow up in that church and I thank God and my parents for the opportunity.
I remember the fellowship, dinners, banquets,Christmas programs,(my Dad played Santa Claus and I didn't realize it for a long time), playing a piano for Sunday School, worshipping, my friends, and most of all-REV. SQUIRES and his family. Every kid should have an opportunity to have a leader like him.
NANCY and I have been married nearly 30 years now. BETH is 22 and going to the U. of Ark. this fall for an M.C. degree in theater, BECKY, 19, is going to our local junior college and working full time for a veterinarian. She plans to go to college at Murray State College in Lishomingo, OK., to major in vet technology.
By LOWELL LARSON
By DON LARSON:
Reading previous memories of KEN and LOWELL, and the SAMUELSONS, bring back things I had forgotten, but one thing not forgotten was the proud thoughts of building the new church as I was involved in helping with the project from digging the basement, done quite primitively, according to todays methods, to digging footings, and mixing mortar. Today the union would probably frown on some of the things we did.
I, too, often thought about REV. SQUIRES and his family as they were most prominent in my growing up years and especially in area of youth. He was a man admired by all.
I'm not much of a writer. My Dad, PAUL LARSON, said I would rather take a beating than write a letter and I guess he was right. A word about my family. My wife, the former WILMA ROTHE of Charter Oak, and I have three children. STEVE, his wife GAYLE and our granddaughter, RACHEL, live in Marquette, Michigan, where STEVE is an emergency room Doctor. JIM and his wife JEANNE, and daughter AMANDA, live in Omaha, where they both work for Union Pacific, and our daughter, KATHY, lives in Omaha and is a nurse at University Hospital,
WILMA is a fourth grade school teacher in Ralston, Nebraska, and I have worked for Kellogg Cereal Mills for the past 27 years.
Memories of JIM BUENZ:
Without a doubt the fondest memories that can still be recalled from the murky Shadows of the past are centered around the once-a-month Sunday Fellowship Dinners...In the late 1940's,under the direction of REV. and MRS. SQUIRES. These were Sundays looked forward to with longing for every famished youth in the Church, and yes, the village...It was a signal heard throughout the community..."It's feeding time at the Methodist Church", would be the cry! And it was a community feed, open to not only members, but anyone wanting to bring food, and join in a Sunday noon fellowship. Every kind of delightful delicacy was set forth by the women of the church...The BOHNKERS, the SAMUELSONS, the LARSONS. FRANK & PAUL. The list was endless...but it was of paramount importance to be first in lines, and not to fiddle around outside once the meal began...lest you go without your favorite potato salad or dessert.
While Sunday School was in progress upstairs in the old church, the dinner was in preparation in the basement... What an hour! Everyone had their call in the main church...the youth boys in one corner...the young girls in another...and just enough separation by REV. SQUIRE's standards. One of the Sunday School teachers conducting the boy's classes for a time was MR. McELWAIN with his wonderful fishing stories...encounters that might last the whole class period if skillfully managed by the young scamps in attendance.
Often times after the fellowship Dinners the Methodist Youth Fellowship would hold their meetings in the Church...the MYF group at the time was chaired by yours truly and some wonderful times were had by all...trips to meetings in Sioux City and area towns. The summer camp at Lake Okoboji's Methodist camp...which still looks today such the same as the memories of the 40's. And who got to ride to and from with REV. SQUIRES...the only car with a radio...but the only radio that played only church hymns.
Thoughts by ERMA SAMUELSON MESECK WINGROVE:
I have many fond memories of the church. I've belonged there all my life. I also belonged to the WSCS and along with my mother was a charter member of the United Methodist Women. I remember years ago when she and my sister, FRANCES LARSON, served lunch at our meetings. They were famous for their chicken and biscuits and sometimes they had home made ice cream.
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I was married in the old church on March 20, 1949, to DELAINE MESECK. We were blessed with four sons, JERRY, BYRON, DAVID, and JIM. They were all baptized and confirmed there. BYRON and JIM are still members. They also attended church, Sunday School, and Bible School. DELAINE was a member of the church board until his death on May 25, 1968.
I can also recall the Mother and Daughter, Father and Son Banquets. Mom always took her four daughters and also granddaughters. As Dad had no son, he took his Sons-in-Laws and Grandsons. The year they decided to have a Father and Daughter Banquet. (I don't remember if they ever had a Mother and Son). That year Dad got to take his four daughters. He was very proud of us until we got the giggles about something and we couldn't seem to quit. I'll never forget the look Dad gave us! If I remember right, we never had another Father and Daughter Banquet again. Our folk had the privilege of celebrating their Golden Anniversary there in May of 1973.
Thoughts by LOIS BOHNKER:
I came to Charter Oak as a teacher in the Charter Oak Public School in 1945. I attended the Methodist Church, the one prior to the existing one. Having met GENE BOHNKER, a member of the church and being married in 1949, this became my home church. I became a member in 1951. My four children, MARILYN, CRAIG, KENT and KEITH, were baptized and confirmed in this church.
I have been a Sunday School teacher, Children's Church School Superintendent, Youth Leader, Choir Member, Membership Chairman, Memorial Committee, and acting member of the Official Board, in which I still serve.
Each of the former ministers and their families hold a special place in my life and I have kept in touch with them at Christmas time. I remember waiting to welcome them, help unload, and adjust to their new environment. Changes are always good and it helps to renew our Faith and inspire all of us.
The working together as a group has been a source of strength to the church and its members. Some of our enjoyable times have been for Mother-Daughter, Father-Son Banquets, Children's Sunday School Christmas programs and parties, and our monthly fellowship dinners. Our summer activities- no one will forget the work that goes into our 4-H achievement Days with our stand at the park and do not forget the years we had a stand at the Crawford County Fair. All these have helped bond our members together to make a stronger church.
By MAURINE CARSTENS HOLTORP:
I Remember CONRAD and ELLEN CARSTENS:
My parents were CONRAD and ELLEN CARSTENS. They belonged to the Methodist Church in Charter Oak. I grew up in the church and went to Sunday School and the youth group. I was married to WALTER HOLTORP in the parsonage on September 22, 1940, by REV. GLENN. M. SQUIRES. We had three children baptized in the Church.
CONRAD and ELLEN celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in the Methodist Church, had an open house in the afternoon, and a dinner served by the WSCS in the evening for family and relatives.
CONRAD CARSTENS passed away and services were in the Church, March, 1976. ELLEN CARSTENS passed away with services in the Church, January, 1987.
I Remember by EDWARD WEED:
BERNARD and GOLDIE WEED were my parents. Brother JOE and I grew up during the hot depression years of the 1930's on our farm 4 miles west of Charter Oak and attended the Charter Oak Methodist Church during our formative years in the old Wooden Building. We attended Catechism classes held at the Ute Methodist Church.
One summer our Sunday School teacher took us on an overnight fishing trip to Lake View (or Storm Lake) and can remember falling sleep on a gravel road which cut across the lake. I guess it is true that God looks out for drunks and little boys.
Our Church always had a nice Christmas program on the raised stage at the front of the Church with the draw drapes and a big Christmas Tree. I always had stage fright when called to speak my piece. After the program we had a gift exchange and Santa Claus would arrive with such fanfare and a sack of candy for everyone.<
ELMER McELWAIN was my Sunday School Teacher during my early teens. He told us to always try to take a class in "law", it would be so important in life. One morning he asked our class is a Christian was a happy person? I had never really thought about it and still ponder.
After Sunday School they would have the main service for the adults, so JOE and I would walk up to see our Grandpa who lived at the south end of Main Street.
REV. LANE came out to visit us one time and left his little daughter in the car because she was getting over the chicken pox and didn't want us to catch it. She accidently kicked the car out of gear and it coasted backwards into our wooden granary and slid it a few inches sideways. She was not hurt but plenty scared.
By DENNIS LOWNES----Timbercrest, Council Bluffs, IA I grew up in this church. My parents were EARL and ELLA LOWNES. My Dad used to love to go fishing with REV. BUTLER. I was in Sunday School for many years and MYF. REV. FARMER was the pastor when I graduated from high school and left for college.
JEFF BUTLER and I used to ring the bell before Church and take the collection. I remember singing in the Christmas Cantata, my mother accompanied on the piano and JANICE, my sister on the organ.
By JANICE LOWNES KITCHENMASTER----Hawarden IA.
My earliest recollection of church is being baptized by REV. SQIRES, and feeling the water run down the back of my neck. I also remember going to and teaching Bible School and Sunday School with the classes separated by the room dividers.
I remember playing piano for Sunday School with Superintendent HELEN WEISS leading in the singing of "In My Heart There Rings a Melody." and "I'm a Little Candle."
We usually had hot chocolate and marshmallows after MYF. CLEO WEISS was always our counselor. I vividly remember serving the Father-Son Banquets--carrying plates and barely squeezing between the chairs.
I recall playing the organ for church throughout my high school years and the Christmas Cantata we did one year with Mom (ILA) on piano and me playing the organ.
I remember the "big production" we had on Christmas Eve- except the one where I didn't get to wear my Angel outfit because I was sick.
I can vividly remember what an avid fisherman REV. CUTLER was! I am the daughter of EARL and ILA LOWNES, and my grandmother was BLANCHE BUTLER.
These are but a few of the memories I have of my "growing up" years in the Methodist Church of Charter Oak.
By ILA KRUEGER----Charter Oak, IA
My parents were THOMAS and BLANCHE BUTLER. This church and the old Presbyterian Church were the only ones I attended. After moving to town when I was 14, I joined the Methodist Church and have been a member since that time, 55 years.
The Epworth League was one the of the activities which stands out in my memories. We had box socials in the opera house. The upstairs of where IPS used to be. I played piano for Sunday School and church part of the time. Our Sunday School Class was the "King's Daughters" taught by MRS. KYLE CUILES, who was MS. NIGGS sister.
The Christmas program on Christmas Eve was one of the highlights of the year. This is something I really miss.
The Tabernacle was very small and had no basement, but we had Mother-Daughter Banquets which were always successful. After the basement was dug we also had Father-Son Banquets every other year.
By MARTHA HUNTER----Charter Oak, Iowa
My husband DONALD and I were married at the Methodist Parsonage in Morningside. Then were not not around the Charter Oak area for 10 years. My husband was baptized in Willow Church. His father and mother (JASPER and NINA HUNTER) attended the Willow Church until they left the farm and moved to Charter Oak. JASPER HUNTER helped with the labor of building one of the former churches. While working there an object fell hitting him on the head. He needed immediate attention which was applied by DR. HUBER, father of DR. ROBERT HUBER, which saved his life. JASPER and NINA and their children were active in the church in many ways.
When the church burned, the Methodist and Presbyterian had services in the same Presbyterian Church. I was still in high school but will always remember the fun we had when attending Epworth League. We had two groups and the idea was to see which group would get the most members to attend. Altogether we had a large attendance. It was fun until it was my turn to lead the lesson, but actually, it was very simple.
My husband and I came back to the farm in 1936. A poor year to start farming but I have been there since, 51 years to be exact. He attended the Methodist Church. DEAN was baptized in the Methodist Church in Charter Oak. DON was baptized in the Klemme Meth. Church, and DELORES was baptized in the Varina Methodist Church. In 1951 we as a family group appeared before REV. SQUIRES and became members of the M.E. Church of Charter Oak, Iowa.
REV. HUNSLEY was a college friend of of ours. Other ministers I give a lot of credit for their constant inspirations are: REV. KENDERINE, REV. CUTLER, REV. RETH, REV. Ball, and REV. GUBSER.
By BEVERLY HUNTER----Charter Oak, Iowa When I came to Charter Oak to teach in 1958 at the public school, I was delighted there was a Meth. Church in town. I had not attended very long before I was asked to teach Sunday School. I also joined the choir, which at that time had both men and women in it. JEAN BUTLER was director. We gave a Christmas Cantata that first year and it was very enjoyable. I have continued to sing in the choir since then.
DON had joined the church as a youth, and when he and I were married I moved my church membership to Charter Oak. Our three children were baptized in the church here. KIM by REV. FARMER, and the twins TODD and LINDA by REV. BALL. Our small church has provided a solid Christian foundation upon which we may build through the Sunday School, services and MYF.
By ADOLF and LULU SCHAU----Charter Oak, Iowa
ADOLF and LULU SCHAU moved to Charter Oak in 1939 and transferred membership from Battle Creek, Iowa, Presbyterian Church in 1940. Two of our children were born after we moved here. They were baptized in the Methodist faith here. We had five children in Sunday School and youth group. Our oldest son, DARRELL, was killed in the sewer cave-in at Denison at the age of 24 and was buried from our Methodist Church.
LULU taught Sunday School for 10 years and has always been active in Women's Society and church affairs. ADOLF has been a trustee for many years and helped remodel the parsonage. We remember attending services in the old Legion building when our present church was under construction in the late 40'S.
When we had banquets in the church preceding the present one we had to clear out the sanctuary in order to set up tables because our basement was too small to hold these occasions. We always had a Father-Son banquets and Mother-Daughter Banquets each year.
Memories of Willow Church By HELEN WEISS----Charter Oak, IA
My memories go back when I was a small child and went to the Willow Church, Sunday School in the morning and church in the evening. My parents, MR & MRS GEORGE WEISS, were married in the church in 1908. My brother, CLARENCE and CLEO HARRIS were married in the church, also, in 1931. My grandparents, the ANDREW PARSONS, lived close to the church,so it was always fun to visit them after Sunday School.
When I was in my teens and in high school, I taught a Sunday School class and joined Epworth League. My sister, MILDRED,was Sunday School Superintendent for many years. Brothers CLARENCE and HAROLD were active in the church, Father was a trustee and board member and Mother was active in the Ladies Aid.
The MULLEN SCHOOL was close to the church, so in the summer when we had picnics and ice cream socials, we would use both lawns. The Ministers I remember are C. TRAVIS, GEORGE Z. SCHEIDER, W.A. LANE, and L.A. HUNSLEY. I remember MAMIE GLASSBURNER, a Methodist MIssionary from China, spoke at the church one Sunday morning.
In 1944 I became a member of the United Methodist Church in Charter Oak Iowa. I will always have fond memories of he little white church in the Lane (Willow Church) and the church in Charter Oak.
By VERN and INEZ McELWAIN----Charter Oak, IA
The WILLOW CHURCH was supported by many farm families starting with the ministry of REV. TRAVIS in 1918. Prior to that we don't know if the church was closed or not. Some of the families were DIETZ,KEIMS, LARSONS, WEISSES, STEFFENS, and McELWAINS.
There was a large Sunday School class which was started by BESSIE HALL and MILDRED WEISS. The adult Sunday School Class teachers were MRS. ART DIETZ and E.E. McELWAIN.
They had night services due to the ministers coming from Charter Oak. Epworth League (young People's group) was on Sunday evening during the ministry of REV. SCHEIDER.
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Sing Song Services were in the homes once a month, singing hymns and scripture reading and brief talks followed by lunch. Ladies Aid Society meetings were also in the homes once a month.
VERN and INEZ McELWAIN were married in the Willow Church in May 1936 by REV. LANE. Later in the 1940's the Willow Church was closed and sold due to lack of members because of the older people retiring and moving to town.
Memories of the MULLEN CHURCH by EVELYN KEIM ASBISCHER:
My parents were ED and HALLIE KEIM. My paternal grandparents, WILLIAM and MARY KEIM, came to Willow Township immediately after their marriage at Preemption, Illinois, in the early 1880's. Most of their farming years were spent one half mile east of the Mullen Church and School.
I have very limited knowledge of the early beginnings of my Mother Church, but I do know that the experiences in my family home and church is the nucleus of my faith. I treasure dearly the relationships with ancestors, particularly Mom and GRANDMOTHER KEIM, who were two good Christian women. Also important were other relatives and friends who attended the plain little white frame "Building of God". Ours was a rich heritage.
In my early teens I began teaching Sunday School. Pews in the northwest corner of the sanctuary was the class space. Kids were in abundance - supplies were meager. The class consisted of children 0f nursery school age through elementary age.
In the days before hard surface roads we might have been dubbed "A fair weather congregation". True early on we'd been trained to battle the elements--we never had a resident pastor in our immediate midst. The life of an itinerant or dual charge pastor must have been more hectic that any of us can imagine.
EVELYN ASBISCHER letter continued:
Those who attended the Mullen Church seldom rushed away after the final "Amen". Ours was a very social congregation that enjoyed sharing joys and concerns, family news and crop conditions.
Sunday School Christmas programs with a Santa was then tradition. My dad was usually the Santa, who distributed the small bags of treats. UNCLE BILL was not too dedicated to worship service, but his attendance always kept us cozy and warm by tending the furnace.
While attending the Mullen School three of my girl classmates and I were casket bearers for the infant daughter of FRANK and VERNA LARSON. If memory serves we well a short service was held at their home and church with burial in th Willow Cemetery. That was my first experience with death. Several years later in 1935, the funeral service of my maternal grandmother, ELLA C. SCOTT, of Gerber, California, was also held at this place of worship.
Except in the dead of winter song fests were held in homes where there was a piano. My Mom usually provided,lively accompaniment. I recall going to the,homes of GEORGE WEISS, BERT WICKWIRE, WM. KEIM, JR., ELMER McELWAIN, and my home for these sing-a-longs. We familiarized ourselves with the words of many well,known hymns of the day. Some of the old favorites have long since been forgotten, and due to to constant revision of the Methodist hymnal few of the "oldies" can be found in the most recent editions of the Hymnal. The song practice was always followed with a light lunch. On special occasions there was hand cranked ice cream.
One of the truly outstanding persons of Willow Township was BESSIE HALL PADDOD. She spent considerable time, talent and energy stimulating and directing the activities of "Our Little Flock". I'm certain it was she who was responsible for the appearance of of the renown REVEREND R.R. BROWN, radio pastor of an Omaha Tabernacle Church, at the Mullen. He held a revival meeting in our midst, which was quite a dramatic experience for our area. About this time my brothers, a cousin, and I were baptized along with others, Later two nephews were also baptized here.
The pastors whom I remember well were REVERENDS SQUIRES and LANE.
A memorial shower was held at our countryside church in my honor shortly before my marriage to HANS ASBISCHER on December 28. 1933, at the Mullen Church.
With progress came many changes including a more mobile neighborhood, which in part brought about a closer unity
fEVELYN ASBISCHER's letter continued:
with the Charter Oak Methodist Church. Until the doors of the Mullen Church were closed it remained a family church, filled with fun, fellowship, and precious ties that kept us together in God's Love.
Today there remains no weather worn landmarks or lovely tall maple trees as a a reminder of the past--only memories of joys and sorrows linger to associate us with time and place.
Letter from ROBERT BOHNKER:
The Family of HANS and Hannah (JOHNSON) BOHNKER's association with the Charter Oak--WILLOW METHODIST CHURCH dates back to 1927, when we moved from Vail to a farm south of Charter Oak. Although I have seen a MULLEN (WILLOW CHURCH) picnic picture with mother and Dad on it, that dates back to 1918-1920, when they were first married.
I remember going to the Willow Church on Sunday morning for Sunday School, I also remembered going to church for evening church service. I remember in the summer,we rode horses, not ponies, to Sunday School. Many of the kids did. We lived 3 1/4 miles from the church. The church members would talk at great length after the evening church services, so my brothers and I would sleep in the pews until our folks were ready to go home. One night they woke me to go home. When they looked back later, I had taken all my clothes off and and I wanted to go to bed. WM. KEIM, JR. (BILL KEIM's uncle) would come early on Sunday morning to start the furnace, but he never attended church. He always remained in the basement. His wife CORA was one of the leaders of the church.
The first pastor I remember was REV. SCHEIDER. My Sunday School teacher was MILDRED WEISS. We met in the front of the church in what I suppose was the choir lift. I do remember the picnics that were held each summer. The entire church membership met each month in a home, where there was a piano to sing church hymns. It was called Sing-Song.
Families I remember in the Willow Church are KEIM (three families), DIETZ, McELWAIN, STEFFEN, SHARPS, SIGLINS, BRINKS, HODKINS, OLSONS, WEISS, KEINERS, AHARTS, and, of course, BOHNKERS.
The BOHNKER family moved toward Schleswig in the spring of 1933. That is when we started going to church in Charter Oak. I was in the 7th grade. I was a country boy going to a class with town kids and I was not at ease. My first teacher in Charter Oak Church School was MRS. LIGHTER. Her husband operated the town newspaper. If we didn't miss Sunday School for 4 weeks she would give us a nickel from her own pocket.
Letter from ROBERT BOHNKER Continues:
I don't remember if it was that summer or the following summer they put on the other wing of the church. They also put in a basement under the church with a kitchen and dining area. The boys class met in the new wing and the girls I don't know. In fact I hadn't given it a thought until I was writing this. ELMER McELWAIN was one of my teachers I remember. He always had a well prepared lesson. Sometime after I graduated from high school I taught this class, although I wasn't ever a good teacher. Later EDNA HOEFER talked me into being the Sunday School Superintendent. I did this for a few years in the old church and many years in the new church.
Pastors in the old church were REV. LANE and REV. HUNSLEY. REV. SQIRES was pastor several years before we built and one or two years with the new church. My younger brother GENE stayed with REV. HUNSLEY for a few weeks when he went to high school. This was when BERNICE LARSON was sick and they weren't sure what it was.
My brother LYLE went to the army in 1941. GENE worked in Omaha and Denver during the war. He later served in the army during the Occupation of Germany. I was 20, which meant I was deferred for farming purposes. Many local boys lost their lives during the war. The Charter Oak Methodist Church lost LAWRENCE CARSTENS, who was serving in the Navy in the South Pacific.
Sister SHIRLEY worked at the bank until her marriage to JOHN BRANDENBURG in 1951. They resided in Wayne, Nebraska for 4 years while he attended college. He has taught in school since then. They have made their home in Missouri Valley, Iowa, then California. They have two children. KIM is married to DENNY BUSKIRK. They were blessed with their third daughter July 2, 1989. Also MARK who is single.
Sister LOIS attended Iowa Wesleyan College and received a degree to teach. She also wanted to play college basketball, which she did. After college she went to California to teach, so she could be near SHIRLEY. She married Penlie Redbetter in 1959. They both continue to teach. Their children are KRISTINE and JEFF.
LYLE married WILMA HARRIS in 1944. They have 4 children, LARRY, CYNTHIA, JAMES, and JULIE, who is married to DONALD HALLUM. They are parents of a baby boy born on May 1, 1987.
GENE married LOIS JOHNSTON in 1949, He was killed in a vehicle accident in 1972. LOIS has written about her family elsewhere in this book.
ROBERT BOHNKER letter continued:
I married MARY LOU WEBSTER in 1949. Shortly after that a wedding shower was held in the church for us and they didn't clean up the church. The next day they started taking the church down to build the present church.
The church members did as much as the could. The excavation of the dirt for the new church basement was done with farm tractors. In the winter I remember my Father going to the church area at 4:00 in the morning to start a fire under a pile of sand to make it warm, so they could lay brick in the daytime. I was also involved in putting the shingles on the roof.
All of our six children were baptized and confirmed in the new church. They attended Sunday School and church with MARY LOU and I. The Methodist Church of Charter Oak has been very good to our family.
Something should be said about the leadership of the Charter Oak Methodist. This is true perhaps of all small churches, except for the Pastor and perhaps his wife, the leadership arises with the need for it. Leaders never plan to be leaders. There is a need for leadership and the church develops that leadership.
PAUL and FRANCES LARSON:
The church had special meaning and great significance to PAUL and FRANCES LARSON and their family. Both PAUL and FRANCES were committed to the church and were active members as evidenced by their church attendance and support in various ways throughout their life time. They, as did many of their friends and relatives, attempted to live a Christian life not only on Sunday but also during the remainder of the week, by example and without imposing themselves and their belief on others. They were good witnesses for Christ and the good life found in Christian living.
PAUL was born in Iowa (1897) to CARL and SARAH LARSON and had one sister, MARY, and four brothers, EMIL, VALFRED, REYNOLD and MELVIN. FRANCES was born in North Dakota (1905), but spent much of her girlhood days near Manilla. She had one brother, GLENN McCRUTCHEON, and four sisters, GRACE SAMUELSON, EUNICE BECKETT, MAYA JOHNSON,and ERMA RINGDAHL, All of the above brothers and sister were deceased. We hope and believe, all are at peace in Heaven where Christ earlier went to prepare a place for them.
KENNETH LARSON letter continued:
PAUL and FRANCES had three sons, DONALD (1927), KENNETH (1931) and LOWELL (1936). All of the sons are active in their respective churches today, and this participation can be contributed in part to the direction and guidance give by their parents, and by the examples demonstrated by SARAH, MARY, EMIL, and VALFRED LARSON. It is on these individuals and special events in the church during their life time for which the remainder of the narration will be devoted.
SARAH was a wonderful grandmother who came from Sweden, and who often remarked that she only went to school for 83 days. Another point of interest was SARAH was kind of "Swedish coffee"--a cup of hot water with milk and sugar added! She attended church on a regular basis until her health failed during the mid 1940s.
VALFRED was a good-natured individual, and a bachelor, who lost his hearing at an early age although serving in World War I. We was a paper hanger and painter who was good in his profession. A point of interest about this highly respected man who led the "good life" was that he regularly attended church even though he could not hear. He also attended Sunday School class on a regular basis.
MARY did not marry and in her adult years she was EMIL's housekeeper. EMIL also was single and he farmed several miles southeast of Charter Oak. Both MARY and EMIL were regular in church attendance and were extremely devoted, conscientious, and honest. Uncle EMIL is known to have returned to town after discovering he had received a penny more than he should during the making of change at a local business establishment. The LARSON family was known for the honesty and trustworthiness.
PAUL was a member of the trustees at the time the current building was established. He also enjoyed the Men's Bible Class, and was the church's Santa Claus on several occasions for the annual Christmas Eve Sunday School program, FRANCES was equally faithful in the Women's Bible Class and the Women's Society of Christian Service.(WSCS)
The LARSON family enjoyed the monthly fellowship dinners which were held following church services the first Sunday of each month. The food and fellowship was always excellent.
During the 1940's GLENN M.SQIRES was pastor. He was an excellent minister and during his ministry was a strong supporter of the Methodist Youth Fellowship. (MYF). He enjoyed going to camp Okoboji as much as the youth who were members of the MYF.
KENNTH LARSON letter continued:
The LARSON family is grateful to the Methodist Church at Charter Oak, and wishes the very best to the congregation and their minister as they strive to help meet the needs of the community.
From KENNETH LARSON --Deer Run, Route 4, Ames Iowa
ARLENE CUTLER writes from Gillman, Iowa on August 10, 1987:
Thank you so much for the invitation to the Centennial of the Charter Oak United Methodist Church.
I am so sorry I will not be able to attend as I am in the process of moving to Story City. Now for the brief summary of our family.
As many of you know REV. CUTLER went to be with the Lord October 30, 1980. He was born in Sioux City and lived in Whiting for many years. He graduated from what was then known as Fletcher College in Oskaloosa. Then after we were married he graduated from Asbury Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky.
I was from the Earlham area. CAROL, our daughter who is the oldest of our children, began school in Charter Oak. Now she and her husband, RANDY live in Radcliffe. They have three children, HEATHER, HEIDI and JOSHUA HINDERAKER. SANDY is employed with R.G. Dickinson Co. in Des Moines.
GARY and his wife ROCHELLE, and family live in Waverly, Iowa. They have 2 children, SADIE and LEVI DONALD. Gary works at Century Companies of America in Waverly.
DAVID being 10 years younger than GARY is still single and looking for a nice wife. He is my baby even though he will soon be 25. He is employed with I.N.T. Insurance Co. in West Des Moines.
GARY and DAVID both graduated from Central College and GARY has completed his Master's Degree.
Now for the wonderful ministry we enjoyed while serving at Charter Oak. We shared so many happy memories there. One I recall so vividly was helping at the church farm. Being a country girl I enjoyed helping pull weeds at the church farm. Then our or one of the parishioners informed me they were not letting their minister's wife pull weeds anymore. So I helped with the lunch there after.
I shall always remember how hard DONALD tried to say "no" to being Santa Claus at the school but somehow the school prevailed. Everything went well until he cut one too many 'capers' and pulled a ligament in his leg. Then walking on crutches a few days, the men in the church had great sport kidding him.
I retired October 30 last year from working as a nurses aide at
ARLENE CUTLER letter continued:
the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown for 12 years.
Enclosed please find pictures of my family and grandchildren, [no pictures]
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you today. May God bless.
In Christ's name, ARLENE CUTLER
BETTY KNOLL Laurens, Iowa writes
Seem to have misplaced the letter you sent, but remembered the contents. All week I've been trying to think of specifics but have settled for generalities. For over 40 years coming back to the Methodist Church in Charter Oak always part of coming home --a good, good feeling.
I do remember one specific thing. When I was very young I recall the big Christmas tree we had in the old church and that I got a doll from Santa Claus. I was so surprised that Santa Claus knew I would be at church. We often got special presents in our early years.
Yesterday I visited my mom at Willow Dale and we talked about our church in Charter Oak. She says she remembers being Sunday School Superintendent for a long time over the years, she thinks. She says everything seems like a dream and it is difficult for her to remember.
I've gone to all the plays at Okoboji. I've enjoyed them a lot. DONNA and I are hoping to attend the service the 23rd. It is the day of the family picnic at Willow Dale, too.
Love, BETTY
As given to JIM and GINA GUBSER 6-29-87 by BERTHA OVERHUE LINDE:
She is a resident at Eventide Nursing HOme. She was impressed that REV. and MRS. SQUIRES both were so involved in volunteering to help with building the church in the late 40's and 1950. She recalls that MRS. SQIRES had a coffee pot for the workers in her kitchen.
MILDRED PETERSON remembers where her husband HARRY helped 4-5 days on the building of the present church. Field work kept him from helping more. He wanted to help his neighbors and friends who he knew and worked with.
As told to GINA GUBSER by GLADYS KING:
She was a member for a while after she graduated from high school, but then moved to Council Bluffs for a few years and moved her membership also. She came back to Charter Oak and moved her membership back after she was married. At that time the church was the Tabernacle, but shortly afterwards the new building which stands now was built. She was president of Ladies Aid for two years while at that time MABLE STARRETT was treasurer. She remembers helping serve at Achievement Days which used to be up at the old ball
Continued by GLADYS KING:
diamond where a lot of homes are now. She remembers putting money in an old cream can one evening because they were frightened by a particular rough looking group that evening. She didn't think anyone would look in a cream can for money. She had brought cream and eggs to town and had the can with her in the car.
They also had a stand at the Denison County Fair at that time [where] they served loose meat. These were made at Charter Oak and taken over to Denison. She remembers working with the SAMUELSONS and PAUL LARSONS a lot on church affairs. She also remembers the church basement not being very good in the church before the present building.
Memories of MRS. CHARLES ELWELL:
We moved to Charter Oak in 1978 from a farm northwest ofDenison. We farmed for over 40 years. We're the parents of 6 children. We lost our youngest son, CURTIS in 1984. He was at that time 28. We transferred our membership from Denison Methodist Church where DENNIS BAILEY was a minister here. REV. BALL was minister when we came to Charter Oak. Our Children were: WAYNE of Charter Oak, COLLEN of Denver, Colo., JAMES of Sioux City, DENNIS of Colorado Springs, LINDA of Irwin, Iowa.
We have 16 grandchildren and one great grandson. We lived in the Manilla area moving there in 1959 and then moved to the farm northwest of Denison in 1978. We lost a grandson in July, 1983, BRIAN ELWELL. He was the son of WAYNE and JOAN ELWELL of Charter Oak. Charter Oak is a nice little town to live in, we live in a nice neighborhood and also a nice church.
GENE BUCCELLI writes in August of 1987:
GENE BUCELLI was born and raised on the east Coast of Washington, D.C. In the early 1960's he moved to the the suburbs of Maryland (Forestville and Oxen Hill). During hiS earlier days Gene attended Prince George's Community College in Maryland, and George Washington University in Washington. While attending college, GENE had the opportunity to work at a variety of interesting and different positions and occupations. He worked for the Library of Congress, the Government Printing Offices and the U.S. Department of Commerce. GENE left the Federal Government as a micro graphical offset photographer, printer and macrogeographical Specialist in 1969.
During the earlier days, however, GENE was always active in sports particularly golf. He was a high school champion and served as captain of his high school team. He has the distinction of the only golfer in the history of the high school for makes a 155 yard hole-in-one. This was noted in the sports section of the Washington Post.
GENE was always active during his formative years in the local church. He served on various committees and the administrative Board. In fact, it was at his local home church where the seeds of Christian Ministry were being served. He did some part-time teaching and preaching at the local church and occasionally preached in DC at the local inner city mission. He even hit golf balls from the pulpit at this mission to try and get the attention, and give some examples to many of the homeless seen in the crowd.
It was in late 1968 that GENE and his wife CONNIE were asked to visit a close friend and minister who had moved to Sioux City, Iowa. During that visit (Thanksgiving 1969), GENE and CONNIE were encouraged to come to Iowa and to fulfill a vision and dream to serve as a professional (young) minister in the United Methodist Church, while also working on college and ministerial correspondence studies. A year went by while GENE and CONNIE wrestled with the decision and in the summer of of 1969 were notified by the Iowa District Superintendent that they had been appointed to the Charter Oak-Deloit-Ute charge. The truth sunk in and a cross country move was underway. A church appointment, an unknown, an unknown state, unknown people... Easterners headed to the midwest...The call to the United Methodist ministry was not a reality and in August 1969 GENE, CONNIE, TRACY and TODD (TnT) arrived not knowing where we were living and what exactly we were going to do. (Even though we had received letters from the current minister, REV. MILLS and our DS it was still unexplored territory).
Our first encounter with Iowa was hot, dry weather and an attack, it seems, some 3000 flys swarming our 1961 Chevy Impala. The first person we met as we drove into Charter Oak, was LOIS BOHNKER who introduced herself and graciously welcomed us to the little beautiful farm community and home for 600 Midwesterners and 4 Easterners.
GENE's first sermon in Iowa was preached on August 31, 1969 and was titled "The Man Nobody Knows". GENE had his first funeral in October and his first marriage ceremony later that same year marrying JENNIFER GOLHOFFER. It was two wonderful and exciting years for GENE, CONNIE, and TnT. Many sermons were preached (many sermons were also lived by the members of the congregation), Funerals. marriages and some baptisms (Todd our son was baptized aat Charter Oak and TRACY our daughter was confirmed there as well) performed and plenty of miles driven on the church circuit.
GENE BUCCELLLINI continued:
GENE still gets chilled from the winter snow storms and 30 degree below weather. It took him at least two years to thaw out, nevertheless, lasting friendships and fond memories were made of wonderful people at all three congregations. Because we lived in Charter Oak, however, special memories and friendships stand out just from the day-to-day living. CONNIE remembers the time she got stuck in the mud dropping off trash...the 1965 Buick sank two feet down and had to be towed out. I'm sure if MILDRED SWANSON is in shouting distance, she would remember the time a two year old was caught driving the same Buick down the street toward her house. TODD loved MILDRED and WALLY and jumped into the Buick, which didn't need a key, and put it in gear and drove to Wally's.
There are all kinds of fun stories which we best remember...The visits to many friends farms and the fun TODD had with MARK LORENZEN on their farm and so many other good...real good times. For two years we shared in the life of all 3 churches and then received an appointment to Riverside United Methodist church in Sioux City. GENE served the church for one year while finishing college at Morningside and getting his B.S. degree in 1972. During that same time, he was appointed as Associate Minister to a large city church at Des Moines; however, the call to a different type of ministry brought the BUCCELLIS back to Washington. GENE came back and ran poverty programs in Washington for almost 10 years. He has been running employment, education and training programs for the past 15 years. Additionally, he has been part-time management consultant to a local community college for the past 10 years teaching general management and supervisory type courses. He continues to be active as a golfer and involved in church activities.
The BUCCELLI family has been busy on their journey since leaving Iowa in 1972..CONNIE has been teaching kindergarten for over 8 years and was our church's Evangelism chairperson for the last 3 year (with a church of 1000 members it keeps you busy). She also stays active swimming and three nights a week and keeps busy with reading and friends.
TRACY is married and living with her husband and first daughter, KAREN, who will be four in January. They live in Columbus, Ohio. TODD is now a Junior at the University of North CArolina at Greensboro studying communication and Radio and T.V. Broadcasting. He stays active in tennis and church activities, both at home and at college.
Our years in Iowa and especially Charter Oak were filled with adventure, excitement and growth. We send our warm love and deep prayers of appreciation and joy in your celebration and 100th anniversary get-together. We know there will be plenty of good food and good fellowship...
Please celebrate in that eternal Spirit and Timeless Faith that "In Jesus Christ there is no East or West but one great fellowship"--to all of you, we love you and our hearts and lives have been richly blessed knowing you and your continued faith.
Grace and Peace, GENE, CONNIE, TRACY and TODD.
Contributed by Angela Neddermeyer Mumm
Copyright by the Crawford County, Iowa
IAGenWeb Project and Contributors.
CENTENNIAL WORSHIP CELEBRATION
1887-1987
August 23, 1987
10:00 A.M.
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WE COME BEFORE GOD
PRELUDE
GREETING AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
*CALL TO WORSHIP JAMES GUBSER
Serve the Lord with gladness
ENTER INTO HIS GATES WITH THANKSGIVING, AND HIS COURTS WITH PRAISE
O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel down before the Lord our maker
HE IS OUR GOD; WE ARE THE PEOPLE OF HIS PASTURE, AND SHEEP OF HIS HAND, AMEN
*HYMN #552 'God of Our Fathers' JAMES GUBSER
INVOCATION
THANKSGIVING LITANY
O God, who are the Father of all; grant thy blessing upon us who are gathered here, and upon the multitudes of every name who are joined with us in one household of faith throughout the world
WE OFFER UNTO THEE, O GOD, OUR THANKSGIVING, AND COME TO PAY OUR VOWS TO THE MOST HIGH
We remember the people from the bEginning of the world, and all who have wrought righteousness even down to the present day
WE WANT TO PAY RESPECT TO THE PEOPLE WHO CAME AND STARTED THE PREDESESSOR CHURCHES AT WILLOW TOWNSHIP AND HERE AT CHARTER OAK
We lift up thankful hearts
WE GIVE THANKS TO THOSE WHO HAVE SUPPORTED YOUR WORK NEAR AND FAR THESE ONE HUNDRED YEARS
Keep us with one spirit with them
LET US COME IN ONE SPIRIT TO WORSHIP GOD AT THIS TIME OF CELEBRATION
O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name to gather
OUR HELP IS IN THE NAME OF THE LORD, WHO MADE HEAVEN AND EARTH
WE PRAISE GOD
ACT PRAISE #620
*GLORIA PATRI #794
SPECIAL MUSIC "SONG OF FELLOWSHIP" ADULT CHOIR
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH #738, 'The Apostles Creed'
SCRIPTURE CHARLES MCELWAIN
SERMON CHARLES MCELWAIN
*HYMN #221 "STANDING ON THE PROMISES"
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SCRIPTURE MARK 4: 1-9 DR. RICHARD PEARSON
SERMON "ROOTS AND WINGS" DR. RICHARD PEARSON
PASTORAL PRAYER JAMES GUBSER
LORD'S PRAYER
WE REPOND TO GOD
OFFERING
OFFERTORY
*DOXOLOGY #809
DEDICATION OF OURSELVES TO THE FUTURE:
We have come before God and given praise for those serving Christ before us
AT THIS TIME WE ASK THAT THIS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, WHICH IS A PART OF HE BODY OF CHRIST; WILL BE PRESERVED TO THE END OF TIME
For the content of worship and thee administration of his word and sacraments the maintenance of Christian fellowship and discipline, the edification of Believers, and the conversion of the world
ALL, OF EVERY AGE AND SATION, STAND IN NEED OF THE MEANS OF GRACE WHICH IT ALONE SUPPLIES
HOLY COMMUNION #832
SPECIAL MUSIC DURING COMMUNION "LET US BREAK BREAD TOGETHER" By the Youth Choir
*HYMN #224 "BLESSED ASSURANCE"
*BENEDICTION
BLESSING FOR DINNER
POSTLUDE
CHARTER OAK CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION AFTERNOON SERVICE
2;00 P.M.
WELCOME LOREN STRAIT
SHARING FROM FORMER PASTORS
SHARING FROM FORMER DISTRICT SUPERVISORS
"ROCK OF AGES" "THE OLD RUGGED CROSS" "THE HOUSE OF THE LORD"
"WILL THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN"
"THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE"
"MORNING HAS BROKEN"
"THERE'S A CHURCH IN THE VALLEY"
THEY'LL KNOW WE ARE CHRISTIANS BY OUR LOVE"
"GOD'S WONDERFUL PEOPLE"
"I AM A PROMISE"
"HOLY, HOLY"
OFFERING
SHARING FROM PRESENT PASTOR JAMES GUBSER
HYMN SING
#222 "MY HOPE IS BUILT"
#261 "WHAT A FRIEND"
SONG SHEET "BRINGING IN THE SHEAVES"
BLESSING FOR FELLOWSHIP
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REV. J.M. DUDLEY lived in Mapleton and served the Charter Oak congregation from 1883 to 1885. Services were held in a schoolhouse until the spring of 1887 when the meeting place was changed to the C.M. St. P. P.Railway station. Later the same year the congregation's first church edifice was built. The parsonage was built in the early years of the church and was completely modernized in 1950. Continues repair and improvement has been made since that time.
The church that was built in 1887 burned November 6, 1921. It was replaced by a structure know as the Tabernacle built in October, 1927. The Tabernacle was enlarged in 1934.
In 1943 efforts were begun toward planning a new church building. The effort was hastened in 1944 by the discontinuation of services in the Willow Methodist Church. The merger of the Willow Methodist Church with Charter Oak Methodist Church was accomplished in 1946.
The building of the new church to replace the TABERNACLE was started on August 29, 1949, by ZITTERALL MILLS Construction, Webster City, Iowa. The first brick was laid September 13, 1949, and the last brick was laid December 15, 1949, with a Prayer of Thanksgiving given by the building contractor.
The first worship service was held in the basement of the new church on Sunday, March 26, 1950. On August 6, 1959, Services were held in the sanctuary along with the first baptismal service.
Faithful members worked, prayed, and gave their treasurers. The beautiful new building was dedicated April 1, 1951, by BISHOP CHARLES W. BRASHARES, GLENN M. SQUIRES, pastor, and members of the congregation.
The Ladies Aid of the Methodist Episcopal Church organized in 1889. The women were active in raising funds to help pay financial obligations. Today United Methodist Women assume similar obligations.
The Sunday School has always been an active and vital department of our church. The beginning of its mission in Charter Oak is coincidental with the first preaching services. It is part of the total mission of the church.
Work for and with young people came soon after the organization of the church. Then it was "Epworth and Junior League". Today it the called "The Methodist Youth Fellowship".
In early years MISS MAMIE GLASSBURNER went from the Charter Oak Methodist Church to missionary work in China. At the present MISS ARLYS BOHNKER serves as missionary in the Philippines and REV. CHARLES McELWAIN ministers in Denver, Colorado.
Though each Christian is as precious as others, we owe a special debt to our ministers and missionaries.
We list the following pastors of Charter Oak Methodist Church with a debt of thanks:
[Page 5]
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The Sunday School, Epworth League, and the Ladies Aid were active and vital department.
Once a month the families would meet at different homes. We would sing songs, play games and lunch was served by the families. Sometimes we had a guest speaker. This was a wonderful way to get together.
On September 19, 1946, it was decided to sell the church at a public auction. The sale was held October 7, 1946. The net proceeds were then properly paid into the building fund of the Charter Oak Church.
So at this time, the Willow and Charter Oak Churches became one.
THOSE MEMBERS OF THE CHARTER OAK CHURCH WHO HAVE BEEN MEMBERS FOR OVER 49 YEARS OF EITHER CHURCH CHARTER OAK OR WILLOW CHURCH
EDITH HOEFER Joined in 1920 for a total of 67 years.
EDITH CHRISTIANSON, WILLIAM S. KEIM, VERNON McELWAIN, HELEN WEISS and CLARENCE WEISS all joined in 1928 for a total of 59 years.
ROBERT BOHNKER, ILA KRUEGER and INEZ McELWAIN all joined in 1932 for a total of 55 years.
EARL STEFFEN joined in 1938 for a total of 49 years.
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1883-85 J.M. DUDLEY
1885-86 W.H. MONTGOMERY
1886-87 HAMES E. DAY
1887-88 E.D. FISHER
1888-91 W.M. EDGAR
1891-95 E.T. FEGTLY
1895-98 W.W. BROWN
1898-1901 THOMAS CARSON
1901-02 J.L. GILLIES
1902-05 J.J. BUSHNELL
1905-07 EPHRAIM ROBBINS
1907-08 S.B. JOHNSON 1908-09 A.J. BARKLEY
1909-11 E.M. CATHCART
1911-14 C.N. McMILLAN
1914-16 S.J. POPPENHEIMER with V.A. LAVELY assistant 1914-15
1916-18 H.W.L. MAHOOD
1918-20 H.C. TRAVIS
1920-23 R.E. WILLIS
1923-27 No pastor Church burned November 6, 1921
1927-32 GEORGE E. SCNNEIDER Tabernacle built October, 1927
1932-36 W.F. LANE
1936-38 L.A. HUNSLEY
1938-51 G.M. SQUIRES
1951-54 S.F. KENDERDINE
1954-58 D.T. CUTLER
1958-63 M.W. RETH
1963-68 W.J. PAIGE
1969-71 DAVID MILLS, EUGENE BUCELLI, JR.
1971-78 HOWARD F. BALL
1978-83 DENNIS L. BAILEY
June-Oct 1983 JAMES A. HAMPTON
1983-84 REX PIERCY
1984-88 JAMES GUBSER
1988- ? JEFF DADISMAN
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Sioux City District
3606 Pawnee Place
Sioux City, Iowa 51104
RICHARD PEARSON, District Superintendent
August 13, 1987
Dear Members and Friends of the Charter Oak Church
One Hundred years ago someone placed a seed in the Charter Oak community, and very slowly that seed took root in fertile soil, was warmed by the sun, and sustained by water and air. In the beginning it was just a small seedling which could have ben destroyed so easily. Slowly, ever so slowly, it grew until it became a tree of infinite beauty and birds made their nests in its branches and it afforded shade for passers by. That majestic tree is the Charter Oak Church. Like any congregation it has weathered many storms in its first century. We need to pause to give thanks for all those who planted the seed and nourished and nurtured it through the years. Most of all we need to thank God for His spirit, presence,and power, which has sustained the church for these one hundred years.
What the next century will contain no one knows! But let us approach the future with the faith in God and confidence in the people of Charter oak. May He lead and guide you, and may you be open to the future and aware of his guiding hand in your midst.
Grace and Peace,[signed] RICHARD L. PEARSON
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After five happy years, we went on to serve churches at Deloit, Quimby-Washta, and Braden-Mt. Auburn. We are now at a one-church appointment--finally!--Dumont where the two of us live in a large parsonage with lots of rooms for visitors.
To update you on our family, DUANE, since graduating from Cornell College, has worked for eight years as a cottage counselor at Village Northwest Unlimited of Sheldon. RUTH ELLEN is married to MARC PHELPS, who is park ranger at Rodgers Park, Vinton. There children are three year old DAWN and one and a half year old JUSTIN. They are both graduates of Westmar College,[in LeMars] where they met. RUTH ELLEN works part time at the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School. NAOMI is in Des Moines. She married DEAN McDANEL and worked as an executive secretary for Blue Cross until their son CHAD was born. DEAN is an accountant at Blue Cross. They live in Adel, and are expecting another soon. ANITA graduated from Westmar as a biology major, but hasn't found a job in that field yet. She lives in Kansas City and has worked in the Montgomery Ward accounting department for the past year and a half.
Our memories of Charter Oak include first of all, the birth of our daughter ANITA and the wonderful baby shower you gave us; the Diamond Jubilee in 1966, when we had 20,000 visitors in town--including the day when a windstorm almost demolished our church stand in town; the beautifully planned and delightful Mother-Daughter banquets; Family Nights; and the friendship and generosity you all extended to us.
DUANE once remarked that Charter Oak was a good place to grow up, and we agreed; the church and Sunday School and school and music training were among the best we have known.
Cordially yours, Charlotte and Wallace Farmer
HOWARD F. BALL wrote on 8-3-87:
My years as pastor of Charter Oak, June 1971 to June 1978 was most enjoyable in relationship with the people. I still think of many, some of which passed away while I was pastor. When we faced sorrow in the congregation because of untimely death; people and pastor were supported by every caring congregation. This I think is the most significant thing. The church and the community never seemed to me, marked by strife and disagreement as some communities allow to happen.
About the 5th or 6th year I was there I was asked by the District Superintendent if I would want another parish but my feeling was we had been as well treated, especially our 5 foster children had been well accepted and we did not want to leave Charter Oak for that and other reasons.
As pastor, I appreciate Charter Oak's sharing of my work with Ute and Deloit. I also appreciated their willingness to pay their conference assessments. The maintenance of the beautiful little church and the parsonage the board did far more that I had expected. A lot of time as well as money was expended. We felt free in our pulpit ministry and appreciated in all we did and we have looked forward to being back here this August 23.
HOWARD F. BALL
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Thank you so much for the invitation to attend the upcoming Centennial Celebration of the Charter Oak United Methodist Church on August 27, 1987. I would be very pleased to attend but due to a assignment to Thuele, Greenland in June, I will not be able to attend.
I have very fond memories of my 'short summer' ministry with the wonderful Iowa families. I remember the beautiful church and the warm spirit of Christian love that was expressed to SANDY and I. Since then a great deal has happened to our family and the Charter Oak Community. we now have two beautiful children, KRISTY, age 14, and BRYAN age 11. SANDY is teaching in the Dade County School System and I am the Senior Protestant Chaplain with the United States Air Force.
On April 1, I received orders to go on a 'remote' for one year to Thuele, Greenland. My family will remain in Homestead until I return in June, 1988. We are not pleased with the separation but know that God will continue to bless us and give us His peace. I will be serving as a United Methodist Chaplain at the Thuele site, some 850 miles north of the Arctic Circle. There are around 250 unaccompanied men and women assigned there for a one year tour. I will hold weekly services, Bible study's, and do a lot of counseling and visitation in their work areas.
But enough about our situation and ministry. We rejoice at your centennial and pray that God will richly bless att [sic] the members and the community. Please give our warm regard to anyone that might still remember us, there should be three or four families that have kept in touch with us over the years.If and when we ever get to return to Iowa for a visit, we will be sure to make Charter Oak one of our stops. God Bless you all!
In His Service, F. DAVID MILLS
Letter from GENE BUCCELLI dated June 5, 1987
Thank you for the invitation to participate in the Charter Oak celebration. I'm sorry for the delay in responding. I've been very busy the last two months. I'm just starting to slow down. At the current time, my schedule doesn't seem to allow me or CONNIE to get free to attend on August 23, 1987, however; we will make every effort in the summer to free our time and see if we can attend, I will be forwarding you a letter.
I'm still very busy directing a large business training school in Maryland. Just a few blocks from the University of Maryland. We are all fairly active in our local United Methodist Church.CONNIE is still teaching kindergarten and keeps active both at the church and swimming regularly.
TODD is going into his second year at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He's home for the summer and working at a local magazine and just relaxing and playing tennis. TRACY, as you may know, is married and has a beautiful 3 1/2 year old daughter, KAREN. Her and her husband, DAVE live in Columbus, Ohio. The phone bills are astronomical (college plus Ohio=$) Well, I better sum this up. Thanks, again. I'll be in touch.
Sincerely, GENE BUCCELLI
Letter from MELVIN RETH dated May, 1987
In answer to your letter of invitation for your celebration, we could only hope that we could be there. Many times we have thought of coming some weeks in hopes we could see you, but that just has not worked out. Our youngest son, who was born when we were your minister, is now in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. What he does there we don't know. He goes through a guard system when he goes to work. He was working for R.C.A. but General Electric bought them out, so he doesn't even know who he is working for. All I know is, he has a $35,000 computer on his desk, I
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think that is the most expensive piece of equipment, with a lot of other junk, and secretaries all over the place, and a 1/4 inch is like 6 inches to me, he knows only the metric system. He is a designer, I guess that is what you could call him, but we really don't understand his vocabulary, so we talk about other things.
He has a forced vacation the last of August and the first of September, so when you are at celebration we will be heading out his way, as we do every year, and use his place as a launching pad. He is only a couple hours from lots of important places, and where he lives the tourist almost block the road. They are glad for the short winter they do get, for the tourist stay out of their town so they can get around. He plans to go with us as we head for Maine. We tried that last year, but did not make it we saw so much time ran out. For that reason, we will not be at your celebration, but we hope you have a good time and we will be thinking about you.
LYNN, our oldest son, is married, has three children and is trying to change jobs, so things are unsettled there. They are doing real good so we have nothing to complain about. He graduated from Westmar College in LeMars. He is real good in wood work and is trying to get a fancy job in that department.
They are both real good in music. In High School they had an accordion band going, went from church to church, to fairs, were on radio and even T.V. Put a lot of miles on, but it helped when they were old enough to drive themselves.
My experiences: No Way! I would never put them in writing. It is a mad world out there. Our ministry in your town was so calm I can barely hardly believe it.I suppose it has changed by now, too. I have a notion to write a joke book about my true experiences in wedding ceremonies, funerals, etc. The ministry is not what it used to be. Oh, yes, we have lots of good friends, but the counseling drives one crazy himself. People can't trust each other, divorces faster than I can trade cars, family break ups, lies being told, just take a lot of fun out of the ministry.
We are proud of our two sons, but our ten daughters we don't even know where they are. They gave us so much problem we forgot them.
We are stuck in that antique business, but are trying to cool it. We are getting so old, I think we are over 100 in age but don't know because I can't remember that far back, we can't find the time to do it like we used too, and besides, we have so much now we can't find room for it, and MARGARET won't let me sell any. She is in that fancy sewing stuff now, or whatever you call that fancy work. We are even driving a car 21 years old. Get more compliments from that junker than one. We don't even mention miles on that one. Also have another one that is well over 100,000 miles, trying to keep that for an antique also.
I built a model Tabernacle the Bible talks about, and then find a way that I can turn it into a Temple that Jesus talks about. MARGARET did the fancy work, and I spent almost almost two years, cutting my fingers, pulling out slivers, knocking the rust off my brain trying to figure out what the Bible is talking about, almost smashing noses of the people working in hardware stores to get them to order some of this old stuff for the Tabernacle. It is finished and I promise never to start anything like that again. I have over 200 hours in it and somewhere between $300.00 and $400.00 in it.
Since I answered your letter, now do me a favor. After you get this read throw it away and forget you received it. It is all history and who want to be reminded how ancient they are? We enjoyed our ministry there, even though we his{sic] some pot-holes and high bumbs[sic] we didn't expect at times, but it was calm according to the last ten years or so. I just hope things don't get any worse.
Your Past Minister, (An old one at that) MELVIN W. RETH
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I'm sorry that this letter is coming to you so late. I had really worked at getting the weekend of August 23rd free, but to no avail. It is one of those Sundays that I have too many commitments to allow me to be out of town. I will miss your Centennial celebration. I remember that while we were at Charter Oak that we had talked about how few years it would be until the church would celebrate its 100th.
I have not had much contact with anyone since we left. I hope that everyone will understand. New commitments, new area and a growing family have kept us in Marshalltown. NANCY has been busy watching other children during the day for working moms. At times she has up to ten children at home that she is caring for. She has a lot of patience and seems to be able to handle all the needs that the children have. It does get kind of hectic at times.
Our boys have grown by leaps and bounds since we left. BRIAN will just turn 10 in July. STEVEN is 8, and JONATHON will be 6 on July 21. Both BRIAN and STEVEN are playing in little league this summer and loving it. JON will start kindergarten this fall.
My work has been quite different since our move. As associate pastor I have not been able to do as much preaching as before, but that has freed me for other responsibilities. I lead a confirmation class each year during the Sunday School hour. We average about 20 youth (eight grade age) each year that are confirmed. I have also been president of the Marshall County Ministerial Association for the past two years and have worked on quite a few ecumenical and community projects.
Since coming to Marshalltown I have also worked as chaplain on-call at our local hospital. Another pastor and myself help to coordinate ministry needs and worship services at the hospital. A lot of time has been spent working with our Churches United program that is giving help to those in need around our community. We have emergency food box program, a chore service for elderly and handicapped, an emergency financial aid program, and we help to provide financial aid on prescription medication for those who cannot afford it. We live in needy time and I believe this organization is helping others around us.
I have been active in our District as an Adult Coordinator and Subdistrict program secretary. This year I will be on the Conference Board of Trustees. Working on District and Conference levels have been good experiences and have opened my eyes to all that we can do as a church.
All of us miss Charter Oak from time to time.It was not easy for us to leave. We still see it as home. In fact, we drove by the parsonage a year ago at Christmas time and the boys got tear-eyed again. (As did NANCY and I.) We are still growing on the foundation that you folks gave us as a church. It was our beginning and we will never forget your love and your ministry to us. We still pray for you and please pray for us.
I saw WALLY WELANDER and JIM GUBSER at Annual Conference and had a good visit. I told them that we could not make it back, but I wanted to write a formal letter to the church. We pray that this Centennial Celebration will bring you blessings upon blessings. The Charter Oak Church is very special. May God continue to keep you all in His favor. Amen.
With much love, REV. DENNIS BAILEY
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It was my special privilege to serve the Charter Oak church from late October 1983 until conference time in 1984. Though I was living in Audubon at the time, you made me feel warmly welcomed.
In December, 1984, I left my law practice, came off a leave of absence in the conference, and accepted an appointment to serve the Waterloo St. Paul's Church. I enter my fourth appointive year this month.
We find urban living well suited to our family's interests, and although Waterloo and our church have ben hurt by the sluggish economy in the farm sector. The layoffs and long strike at John Deere and the closing of Rath touched the entire metro area, including the churches, Iowa's agricultural economy is not just a rural issue.
I traveled to Panama in early 1986 as a short term volunteer in Mission. Then last summer I co-directed a two-church mission work trip to the Navajo Nation at Window Rock, Arizona. As noted earlier, it's off to Kentucky in August.
JASON just completed his freshman year in East High. LEAH will attend Logan Intermediate School as a sixth grader this fall. DOLLY stays active as a volunteer at our local food bank. The family recently gained a new member in a lively calico kitten Leah named 'Sophie'.
This is beginning to sound more like news from Lake Wobegon than a letter of greeting to you, so let me close by making Paul's prayer for the Romans my prayer for you. "First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the world."
Grace and Peace, REX. E. PIERCY
Letter from REV. JAMES GUBSER-July 1987: I was very anxious at the June, 1984, Annual Conference. WALLY and LINDA MELANDER reassured me over breakfast at Conference we would have a nice place to live and have a warm congregation to serve.
I came to Charter Oak to serve as your pastor in June, 1984. I was soon humbled the first Sunday morning. I was busy talking to MOLLY WELANDER who rode with me and exceeded the speed limit and was fined. My daughters and wife were along so they could meet many of you.
When I became a deacon at Christmas time and at graduation from seminary you have made us feel so warm with your expressions of love and appreciation. I commend you for your warm, caring attitude. Those first two years traveling to Seminary from here 240 miles and to be gone 3-4 nights was stressful for all of us. I really appreciate your understanding when REV. SCOTT WOODWORTH from Denison and REV. JIM CAMPBELL from Dunlap and Dow City filled my place at funerals and when I had to come home in the week.
Children's time has been special for me. I never know if your children teach me.
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or I teach you. You each have endless potentiality.
Easter sunrise service and the specialness of you, participating is a thrill. You are our future leaders. I hope you have been challenged enough to take leadership roles.
The completion of the directory in 1986 was a highlight. When the cameraman took pictures and none developed, I expected none of you to come back the second time. I commend for trying again. I use the directory a lot and give it to prospective people.
The confirmation classes have been special. I decided this spring of 1987 to share something I liked about each student. It was food for me to do this as well. I hope this benefited each of you as it did me.
I think one of the special times each year in this church is the Fall Harvest Sale. I'm unsure how much RANDY, ADOLF, and others took bids out of the air when I bid but we always had a good laugh about the bidding and items for sale.
Back to our arrival, the first Friday night and Saturday we came here I was enthralled by the beauty of the hills from Dunlap to Charter Oak. I couldn't locate the church. I parked on main street by the bank and I jumped out for directions and slammed the UHaul truck door on KIMBERLEY's fingers. We were 3 hours late getting here from a late start in Kansas City and driving in the rain all day. For a while I was afraid some of you were going to insist we unload everything that night. We were worn out from the drive and packing. It was a pleasure to meet you the next day as you helped us unload. I appreciated the nice hot meal served to us and my father and mother and sisters that Saturday by MARY LOU BOHNKER.
These three years have ben a pleasure to serve you.
Sincerely, REV. JAMES GUBSER
Memories by MARY LOU BOHNKER:
I married ROBERT BOHNKER in July of 1949 and became a member of Charter Oak Methodist Church in October, 1950. I was raised in the Methodist Church in Minburn, Iowa.
I am thankful for the Charter Oak Methodist Church. It has provided me spiritual and quiet support for myself and our family.
I'm thankful for the many people who gave their time and talents to be ministers and church school teachers for our children. As our parents did not live long lives, our children looked to the church for loving people for examples of Christian love, kindness, and service to the family, and church and community.
Our children needed the support of the Methodist Church to achieve their education and their place in the world. KYLE received his B.S. degree in Farm operations and farms our farm in Willow Township. BRUCE is a Lt. /Commander in the U.S. Navy and is a flight surgeon for a helicopter squadron. He is married and has three children. ARLYS is a missionary with the Evangelical Free Church in the Philippines. JOHN is an Agriculture Extension agent in Fairmont, Mn. and has 4 daughters. ROBIN received her Doctor of Medicine at University of Iowa. ERIC received his B.S. degree in Ag business and is a district feed salesman for Super Sweet Feed at LeMars, Iowa.
My church has always had top priority for my time and labor after the care of our family. I taught Church School for many years. The United Methodist Women have given me many opportunities for leadership and labor of love--visiting and serving families in their difficult hours, of cleaning the church or serving
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at the food stand and renovating the parsonage many times.
BOB and our children always remember the 1st Sunday of the month and Fellowship Dinner at Church--even though they always look for the food "Mom brought". The fellowship was a time of fun and renewing friendships.
I am glad that our United Methodist Church and its spiritual awareness. It provides me a quiet place and time to renew myself each time I go there.
Memories from MELODIE BUTLER ROBINSON, daughter of ROBERT and JEAN BUTLER:
I did grow up in the Charter Oak Methodist Church. I was in Sunday school, MYF, was confirmed and attended church and Sunday School there until I graduated from High School. I went to Camp Quest In Okoboji in 1958 and was again in 1960 with JULIE KORTMAN STRAIT and JENNIFER GOLLHOFER RODE.
I sang in church choir for 8 or 9 years. For most of that time, my mother was Choir Director. We sang many duets,trios, solos and participated in many Christmas Cantatas.
In 1962 and 1963, JENNIFER, JULIE and I took turns playing the organ for church. Finally, MARY GLAU KUHLMAN took over permanently, much to the relief of all three of us.
When we were in MYF, MELVIN RETH was our pastor. He was an excellent teacher, and all of the kids really loved him. He had a way of making everything fun while we were all learning.
All through my high school years, I was a helper at Bible School each summer. I especially enjoyed the summer of 1962, when I had the 3rd grade class. They were the best and most fun class I had. We went on a lot of hikes and always ended up on the school playground.
I remember all the years of Christmas caroling and of coming back to the church basement all cold and frozen--usually to be thawed out by hot cocoa and some delicious goodies baked by HELEN WEISS.
The MYF hayrides, skating parties and tobogganing parties (these last on KORTMAN's hill) are some of my best memories.
My first clear memory of a pastor is REV. CUTLER. He was a very nice, easy going man, who managed to let us find our own way into church activities. I believe REV. RETH came next--and he was so energetic and full of fire that it was quite a change.
After I moved to Wayne, NE., and was married, I transferred my membership to the Wayne United Methodist Church, but my fondest and longest memories still lie with the Methodist Church in Charter Oak. In a town as small as Charter Oak, the church gave us a center of activity and focus that would not have otherwise had.
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After we were married we joined the Charter Oak Methodist Church in 1946. Although ROBERT attended Sunday School when he was growing up, he joined the church at the same time I transferred my membership from the Methodist Episcopal Church at Missouri Valley.
All 5 of our children: MELODIE, JEFFREY, JODIE, BRYCE and BILL, were baptized here and raised in this church. They attended Sunday School, Summer Bible School, Youth groups and sang in Junior Choir and Senior Choir (required since I was choir director from 1957 to 1979).
My fondest memories are of the wonderful and talented people who sang in the choirs and cantatas over the years:
PAT JOHNSON, PRISCILLA GREY, MELVIN SCHMIDT and his family, LEE and SHIRLEY MARSH, HELEN WEISS, LOIS BOHNKER, BURNITA KORTMAN, BEVERLY (BLESSING) HUNTER, PHYLLIS CLAYTON, SALLY and BILL CARSTENS, WALLY and GAIL CARSTENS, WALLY and LINDA WELANDER, and many more-even EDNA HOFER sang in our first cantata.
Some of the children who sang were:
BJORKGRENS, BOHNKERS, BUTLERS, LORENZENS, RULLESTADS, MURPHYS, GLAUS, PETERSONS, JOHNSONS, KORTMANS, FERGUSONS, JEN GOLLHOFER, NANCY KEIM, BRUCE LEE, SHIRLEEN MARSH, SUSAN SANDERS, DENNY LOWNES, SLIE FERTS, CARSTENS.
I remember CORRINE FERGUSON organizing the sale of candles so we could have new Junior Choir robes and lots of people helping with lunch after caroling.
My eternal gratitude goes out to our faithful organists: ILA KRAEGER, GRACE ROOSE, JANICE LOWNES, GAYLE LEEPER, MAY GLAU, JODIE BUTLER, MARILYN BOHNKER, etc. without these there would be no music.
BOB was the "supporting spouse" who stayed home with the young while I was at the church every Thursday evening and Sunday morning. I could never have done it without his help. He also was active in Men's Club and on the Church Board for several years.
Memories by ARLYS BOHNKER, Daughter of ROBERT AND MARY LOU BOHNKER:
The MYF in the late '60s was very active. The group consisted of MARILYN and CRAIG BOHNKER, MARY and PAT MURPHY, NANCY KEIM, SUE MULLESTEAD, KEITH BJORKGREN, JODY BUTLER and my brothers, KYLE and BRUCE, and myself. Most of us went to United Methodist Camp in Spirit Lake during the summers of 1966 and 1967. Our group began decorating the Christmas tree each year. We also started meeting monthly with the Ute and Deloit UMF.
Letter written by ALMA GLAU on July 7, 1987:
I am writing in regards to the family of HARRY and NORA LARSON. They had a family of eight children. Three are deceased and their four daughters have moved away from Charter Oak but their son VERNON LARSON still lives there. The daughters are ALICE LARSON SMITHBACK, Sioux Falls, SD; EDNA LARSON LEE, Onawa, IA; ALMA LARSON GLAU, Denison; and BERNICE LARSON HEMMINGS, Des Moines, IA.
HARRY and NORA LARSON spent their entire married life being active in the Charter Oak Methodist Churches. They first attended the First Methodist Church until it burned. Then for a while they attended the Presbyterian Church until the Tabernacle was built.
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At our recent LARSON reunion we talked about our experiences and memories of our church. We all remembered the annual picnics and programs held at the Willow Church also the meetings held in different homes where we would sing church hymns. We remembered a special Sunday School class called "King's Daughters", taught by MRS. KYLE GUILES.
Our mother worked hard in the church, she often did the weekly janitor work. Also did a lot of baby sitting for the minister's children. She often was called "Grandma" by their children. She was always giving her time and love to their families. Plan to see you all August 23.
Sincerely, ALMA GLAU
Memories by MILDRED SWANSON:
First I think it would be appropriate for me to introduce myself. I am MILDRED SWANSON, the surviving widow of D.W. SWANSON, better known as WALLY. I always called his WALLACE, but I was the only one who did.
More than thirty years ago WALLACE was transferred to Charter Oak by the Iowa Public Service Company by whom he had been employed for many years. At this time we joined the Methodist Church. The present building was quite new.
Wherever we lived WALLACE was active in church work. After coming here he organized and started an Adult Sunday School Class which he taught. He also became a Lay speaker and a Conference Delegate and carried out all the duties expected of him. He passed away in 1978.
Almost immediately after our arrival I was asked to be the Church treasurer. My first thought was that a long time member would be acquainted with the members and more suited to accept the responsibility. The minister told me that it was my duty as a Christian to serve where needed, if asked, which I did and served in that capacity for six different ministers. I was also UMW secretary for a number of years.
I could probably write a book about the joys and sorrows we experienced as members of the Charter Oak Methodist Church.
I am still living here although not active any more.
Memories of BOB BOHNKER:
After World War 2 the members of the Charter Oak Methodist Church realized the need for a new church building. Monies in churches are always a problem but when the Willow Church members decided to give up their church and attend the Charter Oak church now was probably the time to build. One of the concerns just after the war was finding air dried wood for the finishing lumber. In 1949 they received pledges from members to raise money for what they thought the building would cost. In August of 1949, the old church was taken down and the garage was built where it is now, so tools and supplies could be kept in it. There was lengthy discussions as to whether to place the kitchen at the east end of the basement or the west end of the new church. The sewer for the bathrooms and the old air ducts under the basement floors were also discussed. A discussion also about the possibility of digging an area out for storage of tables at the bottom of the east stairs but decided not to. They wanted the chimney at the back of the church is the reason the kitchen is where it is at present. Dirt was removed with farm tractors. Church and Sunday School were held in the old fire station and Legion building at 147 Man Street, during the rebuilding.
The Christmas program was held in the high school assembly in 1949. In February or March we began holding Sunday School and Church in the basement. The first services upstairs in the new Church on August 16, 1956 when several babies were baptized.
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These events about the present church were remembered by BOB because after ROBERT and MARY LOU's marriage, July 29, 1949, in Des Moines, a shower was held here in the old church. The next day the building was torn down.
The church cost several thousand more to build than was expected. At that time the church was not allowed to borrow money. So individual members of the church signed personal notes for the balance needed. Then later over the years these personal notes were paid off by the church.
BOB remembers going after the cross for the bell tower and steeple in a one and one half ton 13 and one half bed farm truck to Omaha. He also remembers helping dig the basement with others and helping others shingle on the roof. Harvesting kept him from helping more.
Bob's father, HANS BOHNKER, would get up at 4 a.m. to start a fire under the sand pile so it would thaw and concrete could be mixed and poured in the new church one winter.
Some of the auctioneers Bob remembers for their years of help at the Annual Harvest Sale were: BART and BEN BIELENBERG of Schleswig, RANDY CREESE of Charter Oak, ADOLF SCHAU of Charter Oak, LLOYD ARONSON, and WILFRED GOSLER.
Memories by DONNA HOFER STECK:
I have many fond memories of my church. Can I mention just a few? Lots of fun days at Methodist Camp at Okoboji, Youth group activities, AVIS WEED, a special teacher and friend, REV. GLENN SQUIRES and his family--especially his daughter HELEN. The patience the congregation had while I did the piano playing for the church services. Can you believe a got 25 cents a Sunday or a whole dollar a month--That was big money in those days.
Sincerely, DONNA HOFER STEUCK
Memories by FRED KRUHL given to GINA GUBSER:
FRED KRUHL is 90 years old and a resident of Dunlap Care Center. He remembers attending Sunday School at age seven or eight at Charter Oak before the first church burned. He remembers it as a simple church similar to the Dow City Methodist Church building looks now. His folks lived six miles north of Dow City toward 141. He farmed the land and lived there many years which is now sold to his relatives. He remembers people saying that lightning struck the first church which caused the fire. He remembers REV. SQUIRES who preached at his father's funeral. In Sunday School FRED remembers singing along to the pump organ to songs like "Jesus Loves Me">
Memories of BURNITA KORTMAN:
Coming to Charter Oak in 1943 I soon found the United Methodist Church extending a warm welcome. After my marriage to CLARENCE KORTMAN we soon became members.
The happiest memory I have is seeing my children, JUDY, JOHN, and JULIE grow and become a part of this church.
Recently I have seen my two grandsons, BRAD and BRIAN STRAIT, baptized and confirmed by REV. JIM GUBSER.
One daughter, JULIE, was united in marriage to LOREN STRAIT, December 22, 1967. The chimes memorial service to my husband, was beautifully played by MARILYN BOHNKER, as Julie walked down the aisle. The church was an array of Christmas poinsettias never looked more beautiful. The REV. FARMER performed the ceremony.
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So for our family there are happy memories. Memories of faces, of vows, of people who helped build this church. Our heritage will ever be preserved.
BURNITA KORTMAN
A letter dated on June 10, 1987 from MARIBETH SQUIRES BONES:
Your invitation to the Centennial Celebration at Charter Oak came yesterday. We are sending the letter on to my sister HELEN BARNES who did live in Charter Oak summers while she was teaching. We did not live there. We did come to visit sometimes. If we can get away, we will not need housing as we can easily return to Fort Dodge.
We will try to find some picture or pictures that would be of interest to people in Charter Oak and send them or bring them if we can come.
Sincerely, MERIBETH SQUIRES BONES
CHARLES E. MASON, D.D., a former District Superintendent for the Sioux City District responds to an invitation to our centennial from MARY LOU and ROBERT BOHNKER. Thank You for your very kind invitation to the Charter Oak Centennial, August 23.
We will not be able to attend the morning worship service. However, we plan on attending the 2:00 p.m. historical pageant and will look forward to seeing the young people perform.
I recall coming to your home slightly over twenty five years ago when I began visiting churches as a new Superintendent. I asked REV. MELVIN RETH to take me to the home of a young couple with growing children, an elderly couple, and a business man. You are the only one I remember by name.
In appreciation of your church loyalty, I remain respectfully, CHARLES E. MASON
This information was found in the recent Crawford County History Book:
The FIRST PREBYTERIAN CHURCH in Westside began in 1865, with a Methodist Minister in a Chicago Northwestern Depot in Westside. Later it moved to the Patterson school house in 1879, it wasn't until 1915 that a church was built that a Presbyterian Missionary came to Westside and traded the Methodist Church for a Presbyterian Church in Charter Oak.
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"The adventures of this group (Women's Foreign Ministry Society) reached its zenith with the arrival of the GLASSBURNER family shortly after the turn of the century. (from Charter Oak area where MAMIE graduated form high school). Their daughter, MAMIE GLASSBURNER, was a Methodist MIssionary in China. On her furloughs home she would address the church as to the need for help. (Some people at Mullen and Charter Oak, HELEN WEISS for one, remembers hearing her speak). The response was most gratifying as witnessed in the commitment of HELEN WIGGINS who gave ten per cent of her small teacher's salary to aid Mamie's mission work. So involved became MILDRED that she developed a close relationship with the HUNG family in China, who in turn named all of their children after MILDRED WIGGIN's family and friends in Dow City. Today somewhere in this world, there are no doubt, a few of these children still living, still bearing witness to the fact that a long time ago, people in Dow City cared enough in the name of Christ to help hungry people, a half a world away".
Records show of the Missionary Society show how hard the Charter Oak women also struggled to send money as well. They would bring pennies into the society from sale of eggs and cream.
EVELYN AEBISCHER from Denison came with some memories of her childhood in this church. I told her that I was interested in learning more about MAMIE. She gathered the following information:
JOHN B. GLASSBURNER was born near Drakeville, Marion County, Iowa, March 14, 1857. On February 13, 1881, moved to section 12 Charter Oak township, then moved to the town of Charter Oak in 1903, until 1905 when he settled on his homestead in Washington township. He became the father of six children. MAMIE F., who after graduating from high school entered the training school in Chicago and was engaged in mission work in southern China, near Mia-Kieng. All of the children graduated from the high school in Charter Oak with the exception of the youngest daughter. JOHN was married to MISS AMANDA ALLEN BOYER.
EVELYN also wrote to FRANK GLASSBURNER, Jr. for us and received this letter dated July 23, 1987 from Council Bluffs Iowa.
MAMIE FRANCES GLASSBURNER was one of a family of seven children born at Charter Oak, Iowa to JOHN BUCHANAN and AMANDA ELLEN BOYER GLASSBURNER. MAMIE was the first born. MAMIE FRANCES GLASSBURNER was born December 24, 1879. She passed away January 15, 1941 and is buried in Dow City , Iowa in the family plot. She served as a missionary in China under the auspices of the Methodist Episcopal Church from 1904 until shortly before her death. The above information is all I have that I can verify as to dates and her time of service in China. However if you desire more info and have the time you might get in touch with my Aunt and sister of MAMIE GLASSBURNER who is still living in California. RUTH G. CLAUNCEY Street Address hidden --> Santa Barbara, Cal. Aunt RUTH is sister of MAMIE GLASBURNER and the youngest member of the family.
Respectfully yours, FRANK GLASSBURNER, Jr.
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Enclosed find a few photos and I know there are more, but I can't seem to find them right now. When Mom passed away we divided her pictures among we girls and so some that I thought I had are not here. With all the pictures I have collected over the years of 12 years teaching school and almost 40 years of married life...it is a real chore to file thru all of my photos. Color film was rare in those early days and very expensive...so most of the pictures were in black and white! I have indicated the ones I'd like to have returned...thanks.[no pictures shown]
Dad realized a lifelong dream while they lived in Charter Oak, and that was to build a church. Because of rising costs at the time, it did not turnout as he had dreamed...but your 40 year old church is a really nice one!
MARIBETH forwarded your letter to me cause I had lived with the folks more than any of their 4 daughters in Charter Oak. I was the only one unmarried at the time. I have happy memories of your town and community! I especially liked helping with the youth when they made the journey to Camp Methoji [sic] There are more pictures of those times but I just cannot find the pictures. I remember a special one of MARILYN SAMUELSON and I have tried hard to find it, but with no avail.
BARNEY and I were married when the folks still lived in Charter Oak (1948). That was a very special time in our lives and the people of Charter Oak and Ute helped to make it so. At the time BARNEY did not have a home he could call his own as he was just back from service in the war. His parents lived in Kansas at the time, but he had not lived with them for years. Of course I had a teaching home, but it moved from Orange City to Storm Lake, to Crawford, NE. (where BARNEY and I met) to Lewistown, MT. My parents were gracious enough to let me call Charter Oak home and you people made it special by making me feel right at home there. The youth helped with the reception as did W.S.C.S. I remember that HELEN WEISS made us a beautiful wedding cake as her gift! We received so many lovely and useful gifts with which we started our married life. Those days were still hard for most of us and we had a hard time getting started in North Bend where BARNEY started hauling fuel to farmers and those that had oil furnaces or heater stoves. You people in Charter Oak and Ute helped us get our good start! Thanks!
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Dad and Mom had a beautiful experience in their last years in the ministry at Harcourt. Dad wanted to die "with his boots on" and did in 1957 at Harcourt. We offered a home in our upstairs to Mom. If she wanted to come live with us...which she did,and so we fixed the apartment for her in the attic. Some of you came to see her on her 80th birthday and got to see where she lived. She went on a wonderful trip to Florida with MRS. HOFER, and went on a cruise to the Caribbean one time and flew many places while she lived with us. She was the adult teacher in our church for many years and made visitation to many people much younger than she was. She lived with us over 20 years and had to go to our nursing home for about 3 years before her death because of deteriorating spinal column. She then needed more nursing care than I could give her. She passed away December 1st, 1982, just before she would have celebrated her 100th birthday. She was a blessed joy for our family and CAL and CAROL loved her dearly!
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My sisters are all still living as are Mom's grandchildren. Sister DOROTHY BRECK lives in Kalispell, Montana. Her 2 sons are still living, one in the Air Force in Minot, ND. She has 7 grandchildren. Sister MARIBETH and her husband, C. HERBERT BONES, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Spirit Lake in 1986 and shortly after retired to Friendship Haven in Fort Dodge, where they are enjoying a life of leisure and companionship in that great home. I'm tempted to move there myself.
Sister RUTH MILLER and her husband celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary in March, 1986, but DEAN had suffered the loss of a leg the year before and fought long and hard for his life and then suddenly died last October. Ruth is still staying on the farm at least for a while. Both MARIBETH and RUTH had good sized families. MARIBETH has 6 children and 16 grandchildren. RUTH has 5 children and 2 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. I have 2 children and 2 grandchildren. BARNEY died following surgery (bypass)in 1983. DOROTHY lost her husband about 20 years ago.
RUTH and I are planning a trip to the west coast the last 2 weeks in August to visit her daughter in the Bremerton area and then shall visit DOROTHY in Kalispell on our return trip. I hope to visit my son who is a Geology Professor at Texas Tech University after we return from the coast. My daughter and her husband live near Lincoln and I get to see them often and they are the ones who have given me my grandson, and so I am enjoying watching them grow up. Sorry, I won't be able to be with you and find out about all the changes in your families. I have kept in touch with BEULAH and ED McELWAIN all these years and they help me to keep up with the families of Charter Oak. I plan to visit them in California one of these first times.
If ever any of you friends from Charter Oak come my way, be sure to stop by to say hello and get re-acquainted! Have a wonderful centennial celebration!
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ARTHUR and GRACE SAMELSON were members of the church here from their early married life through until their deaths. ART served on the official church board many, many years. The first organized effort to proceed with the building of the church we now have came early in the summer of 1943. ART, among others, was instrumental in the building of this church, in which he served on the Board of Trustees. GRACE was an active member of the Ladies Aid, receiving her 50 year pin in her later years. ART also served as an usher, taking up collections, and assisting at funerals or wherever he was needed. ART and GRACE had four daughters, GLADYS, ERMA, MARILYN, and JEANETTE, and were all baptized in the church, then grandchildren and great grandchildren were baptized. Attending church services and and Sunday School was always a Sunday morning activity, along with some of the family members teaching Bible School.
There were always pot luck dinners at the church on the first Sunday of the month which were always popular with many parishioners. There were Mother and Daughter, Father and Son banquets, suppers, Christmas programs, and youth activities which the SAMUELSONS always participated and were always there. ART would always tell his daughter that if they were not feeling well enough to to get going and attend church services on Sunday morning, "You are not well enough to go anywhere else that day, either".
MARILYN recalls REV. SQUIRES as pastor when he served while she was growing up. I remember how REV. SQUIRES during the church service would get down on one knee, bowed his head and then would pray. I can remember how long we thought he would pray, and how we would have to sit still and be very quiet. Now that I am grown, I have longed to be able to hear those prayers once again and to be able to remember what he said. REV. & MRS, SQUIRES would come out to the farm and visit Mom and Dad and spend the evening. What fond memories of them, and all the other pastors we have had down through the years until the present. May God bless them for their love and service to God's people. Though I am no longer a member of the church, my memories and prayers will always be with you."
By MARILYN SCHILDZ
Thoughts of JEANETTE & RICHARD COOPER:
I have a wonderful family heritage as a daughter of ARTHUR and GRACE SAMUELSON family, but just as important to me was my church family while growing up in the rural area of Charter Oak. This church building is a monument representing the Methodist townspeople, businessmen and farmers who used their money and muscle to build each church to fulfill their commitment to God to worship and fellowship with fellow believers in their community.
My first remembrance of going to church was in the wooden framed building in the late 1930's and 1940's. It seemed like a huge church and I thought it was the greatest place in the world outside my home. The Christmas programs were were exciting and Sunday School was fun with HELEN WEISS as one of my beloved patient teachers. We kids would play church in the sanctuary while the adults
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were down in the basement enjoying those wonderful monthly fellowship dinners. We were amazed that the old pump organ worked and enjoyed playing with it until a grown up stopped us. REV. SQUIRES was the first preacher I remember. He was very special to me, as was MRS. SQUIRES. She earned my devotion because she didn't laugh at me when my voice cracked loudly during an anthem on Sunday. Later she told me that she was proud that I could keep on singing. It must have been really bad! Singing in our church choir always meant so much to me and was my favorite way to serve.
What exciting times those were when the wooden framed building gave way to the new modern brick building! This church building really means a great deal to me because I watched my own father build this church, along will all the men of the church. The dedication day booklet is one of my treasured keepsakes.
My Confirmation day was very special to me and I am reminded of nervously awaiting the special time I'd joined my church. Youth groups was one of my main activities while a teen in Jr. and Sr. High School. It was at one of those meetings that I saw RICHARD COOPER for the first time, Dec. 17, 1951. It was "love at first sight!" We used every opportunity to meet at MYF meetings, too! Later we were married at the church on July 8, 1956, by REV. DONALD CUTLER.
RICHARD's life was influenced greatly by REV. & MRS. KINDERDINE and he remembers the many great times he had with them when he volunteered to print the church bulletin until he left for the army in 1954.
As a young married couple we became involved as our parents had been. RICHARD and I found out what it was like to help with the Charter Oak Achievement days UMW food stand.
RICHARD's parents, ELZIE & THELMA COOPER, became members when they moved to the rural Ricketts area around 1950. Even though we may have complained about the pile of dirty dishes at the banquets and church dinners, many laughs came from the kitchen as we all did the dished together.
Our sons, RANDY and RICK, were baptized by REV. CUTLER around 1963. We moved from the Charter Oak area but always felt a part of the church when we'd return to visit.
There are so many people in this church who have left their influence on our lives that we can't even begin to so I won't list them here for fear we would leave one dear person out, but you know who you are. RICHARD and I feel truly blessed that we were members of the Charter Oak Methodist Church and we'll be eternally grateful for the love, prayers, and sacrifices of those in the past and you in the present who made the Church a possibility. Congratulations on your 100th year. You all deserve a pat on the back and encouragement to keep going.
May our Lord Jesus Christ we honored in this Church as you continue to tell the Good News of Him who came to give us life and life more abundantly!
God's riches blessings to each member and Happy Birthday!
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The TOLLS came to Charter Oak in 1918. My mother and her family (OSCAR and EMMA SAMUELSON) go back a long way to this Methodist Church. All the SAMUELSONS followed in their parent footsteps. My little "Grandma" was truly a good Christian and loved her church. In fact she attended a church supper (which Mom was serving) the night she died.
My Dad (B.E. TOLL) was born in Sweden. He received his education and religious training, and was confirmed in the Swedish Lutheran Church there. He later joined this church. Dad came to the United States in 1941, first coming to Kenosha, Wis., then to Denison where he met his school mates from Sweden, the LUNDQUISTS. In Denison, he met and married Mom in 1913. They moved to Huron, South Dakota. There ESTHER and I were born. In 1918, we moved back to Charter Oak, where Dad started up the tailoring and cleaning business.
My Mom (ALVENA) loved her church and brought ESTHER and I to be faithful to our church regardless what faith we chose. My little Sister, MILDRED, was born in 1925 and died at the age of 8 in 1933. Mom had eight brothers and sisters. Two died early in life. Now all are deceased, but 2 Sisters MARY LOU TECH of Dow City, and SYLVIA CHRISTIANSEN of Sioux City.
Mom was an active member in the Ladies Aid. She received her 50 year pin years ago.
ESTHER and I taught Sunday School, sang in the choir and belonged to the young people's group.
I can also remember Mom getting ESTHER and I ready to go to Sunday School, when we were small, curling our hair with a curling iron and heated in a lamp on the stove. We thought that was terrible. We did look nice, when she put on our red capes and sent us on our way.
GRANDPA SAMELSON lived with Mom and Dad for several years before he passed away.
After Dad's death, Mom later married CLARENCE BROCKMANN. He joined the Church.
As I look back, The Lord's been good. ESTHER is living in Longview. She has 2 children and 8 grandchildren. I live here in Charter Oak. I have 4 daughters and one stepson. I have 12 grandchildren and 4 step grandchildren.
May the Lord's Blessings be with you always. Many good memories started here.
By EDNA KEIM
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by LOWELL LARSON
Every kid in the world should have the chance to be nurtured by a church like the Charter Oak Methodist Church! I was fortunate enough to grow up in that church and I thank God and my parents for the opportunity.
I remember the fellowship, dinners, banquets,Christmas programs,(my Dad played Santa Claus and I didn't realize it for a long time), playing a piano for Sunday School, worshipping, my friends, and most of all-REV. SQUIRES and his family. Every kid should have an opportunity to have a leader like him.
NANCY and I have been married nearly 30 years now. BETH is 22 and going to the U. of Ark. this fall for an M.C. degree in theater, BECKY, 19, is going to our local junior college and working full time for a veterinarian. She plans to go to college at Murray State College in Lishomingo, OK., to major in vet technology.
By LOWELL LARSON
By DON LARSON:
Reading previous memories of KEN and LOWELL, and the SAMUELSONS, bring back things I had forgotten, but one thing not forgotten was the proud thoughts of building the new church as I was involved in helping with the project from digging the basement, done quite primitively, according to todays methods, to digging footings, and mixing mortar. Today the union would probably frown on some of the things we did.
I, too, often thought about REV. SQUIRES and his family as they were most prominent in my growing up years and especially in area of youth. He was a man admired by all.
I'm not much of a writer. My Dad, PAUL LARSON, said I would rather take a beating than write a letter and I guess he was right. A word about my family. My wife, the former WILMA ROTHE of Charter Oak, and I have three children. STEVE, his wife GAYLE and our granddaughter, RACHEL, live in Marquette, Michigan, where STEVE is an emergency room Doctor. JIM and his wife JEANNE, and daughter AMANDA, live in Omaha, where they both work for Union Pacific, and our daughter, KATHY, lives in Omaha and is a nurse at University Hospital,
WILMA is a fourth grade school teacher in Ralston, Nebraska, and I have worked for Kellogg Cereal Mills for the past 27 years.
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Without a doubt the fondest memories that can still be recalled from the murky Shadows of the past are centered around the once-a-month Sunday Fellowship Dinners...In the late 1940's,under the direction of REV. and MRS. SQUIRES. These were Sundays looked forward to with longing for every famished youth in the Church, and yes, the village...It was a signal heard throughout the community..."It's feeding time at the Methodist Church", would be the cry! And it was a community feed, open to not only members, but anyone wanting to bring food, and join in a Sunday noon fellowship. Every kind of delightful delicacy was set forth by the women of the church...The BOHNKERS, the SAMUELSONS, the LARSONS. FRANK & PAUL. The list was endless...but it was of paramount importance to be first in lines, and not to fiddle around outside once the meal began...lest you go without your favorite potato salad or dessert.
While Sunday School was in progress upstairs in the old church, the dinner was in preparation in the basement... What an hour! Everyone had their call in the main church...the youth boys in one corner...the young girls in another...and just enough separation by REV. SQUIRE's standards. One of the Sunday School teachers conducting the boy's classes for a time was MR. McELWAIN with his wonderful fishing stories...encounters that might last the whole class period if skillfully managed by the young scamps in attendance.
Often times after the fellowship Dinners the Methodist Youth Fellowship would hold their meetings in the Church...the MYF group at the time was chaired by yours truly and some wonderful times were had by all...trips to meetings in Sioux City and area towns. The summer camp at Lake Okoboji's Methodist camp...which still looks today such the same as the memories of the 40's. And who got to ride to and from with REV. SQUIRES...the only car with a radio...but the only radio that played only church hymns.
Thoughts by ERMA SAMUELSON MESECK WINGROVE:
I have many fond memories of the church. I've belonged there all my life. I also belonged to the WSCS and along with my mother was a charter member of the United Methodist Women. I remember years ago when she and my sister, FRANCES LARSON, served lunch at our meetings. They were famous for their chicken and biscuits and sometimes they had home made ice cream.
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I was married in the old church on March 20, 1949, to DELAINE MESECK. We were blessed with four sons, JERRY, BYRON, DAVID, and JIM. They were all baptized and confirmed there. BYRON and JIM are still members. They also attended church, Sunday School, and Bible School. DELAINE was a member of the church board until his death on May 25, 1968.
I can also recall the Mother and Daughter, Father and Son Banquets. Mom always took her four daughters and also granddaughters. As Dad had no son, he took his Sons-in-Laws and Grandsons. The year they decided to have a Father and Daughter Banquet. (I don't remember if they ever had a Mother and Son). That year Dad got to take his four daughters. He was very proud of us until we got the giggles about something and we couldn't seem to quit. I'll never forget the look Dad gave us! If I remember right, we never had another Father and Daughter Banquet again. Our folk had the privilege of celebrating their Golden Anniversary there in May of 1973.
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I came to Charter Oak as a teacher in the Charter Oak Public School in 1945. I attended the Methodist Church, the one prior to the existing one. Having met GENE BOHNKER, a member of the church and being married in 1949, this became my home church. I became a member in 1951. My four children, MARILYN, CRAIG, KENT and KEITH, were baptized and confirmed in this church.
I have been a Sunday School teacher, Children's Church School Superintendent, Youth Leader, Choir Member, Membership Chairman, Memorial Committee, and acting member of the Official Board, in which I still serve.
Each of the former ministers and their families hold a special place in my life and I have kept in touch with them at Christmas time. I remember waiting to welcome them, help unload, and adjust to their new environment. Changes are always good and it helps to renew our Faith and inspire all of us.
The working together as a group has been a source of strength to the church and its members. Some of our enjoyable times have been for Mother-Daughter, Father-Son Banquets, Children's Sunday School Christmas programs and parties, and our monthly fellowship dinners. Our summer activities- no one will forget the work that goes into our 4-H achievement Days with our stand at the park and do not forget the years we had a stand at the Crawford County Fair. All these have helped bond our members together to make a stronger church.
By MAURINE CARSTENS HOLTORP:
I Remember CONRAD and ELLEN CARSTENS:
My parents were CONRAD and ELLEN CARSTENS. They belonged to the Methodist Church in Charter Oak. I grew up in the church and went to Sunday School and the youth group. I was married to WALTER HOLTORP in the parsonage on September 22, 1940, by REV. GLENN. M. SQUIRES. We had three children baptized in the Church.
CONRAD and ELLEN celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in the Methodist Church, had an open house in the afternoon, and a dinner served by the WSCS in the evening for family and relatives.
CONRAD CARSTENS passed away and services were in the Church, March, 1976. ELLEN CARSTENS passed away with services in the Church, January, 1987.
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BERNARD and GOLDIE WEED were my parents. Brother JOE and I grew up during the hot depression years of the 1930's on our farm 4 miles west of Charter Oak and attended the Charter Oak Methodist Church during our formative years in the old Wooden Building. We attended Catechism classes held at the Ute Methodist Church.
One summer our Sunday School teacher took us on an overnight fishing trip to Lake View (or Storm Lake) and can remember falling sleep on a gravel road which cut across the lake. I guess it is true that God looks out for drunks and little boys.
Our Church always had a nice Christmas program on the raised stage at the front of the Church with the draw drapes and a big Christmas Tree. I always had stage fright when called to speak my piece. After the program we had a gift exchange and Santa Claus would arrive with such fanfare and a sack of candy for everyone.<
ELMER McELWAIN was my Sunday School Teacher during my early teens. He told us to always try to take a class in "law", it would be so important in life. One morning he asked our class is a Christian was a happy person? I had never really thought about it and still ponder.
After Sunday School they would have the main service for the adults, so JOE and I would walk up to see our Grandpa who lived at the south end of Main Street.
REV. LANE came out to visit us one time and left his little daughter in the car because she was getting over the chicken pox and didn't want us to catch it. She accidently kicked the car out of gear and it coasted backwards into our wooden granary and slid it a few inches sideways. She was not hurt but plenty scared.
By DENNIS LOWNES----Timbercrest, Council Bluffs, IA I grew up in this church. My parents were EARL and ELLA LOWNES. My Dad used to love to go fishing with REV. BUTLER. I was in Sunday School for many years and MYF. REV. FARMER was the pastor when I graduated from high school and left for college.
JEFF BUTLER and I used to ring the bell before Church and take the collection. I remember singing in the Christmas Cantata, my mother accompanied on the piano and JANICE, my sister on the organ.
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My earliest recollection of church is being baptized by REV. SQIRES, and feeling the water run down the back of my neck. I also remember going to and teaching Bible School and Sunday School with the classes separated by the room dividers.
I remember playing piano for Sunday School with Superintendent HELEN WEISS leading in the singing of "In My Heart There Rings a Melody." and "I'm a Little Candle."
We usually had hot chocolate and marshmallows after MYF. CLEO WEISS was always our counselor. I vividly remember serving the Father-Son Banquets--carrying plates and barely squeezing between the chairs.
I recall playing the organ for church throughout my high school years and the Christmas Cantata we did one year with Mom (ILA) on piano and me playing the organ.
I remember the "big production" we had on Christmas Eve- except the one where I didn't get to wear my Angel outfit because I was sick.
I can vividly remember what an avid fisherman REV. CUTLER was! I am the daughter of EARL and ILA LOWNES, and my grandmother was BLANCHE BUTLER.
These are but a few of the memories I have of my "growing up" years in the Methodist Church of Charter Oak.
By ILA KRUEGER----Charter Oak, IA
My parents were THOMAS and BLANCHE BUTLER. This church and the old Presbyterian Church were the only ones I attended. After moving to town when I was 14, I joined the Methodist Church and have been a member since that time, 55 years.
The Epworth League was one the of the activities which stands out in my memories. We had box socials in the opera house. The upstairs of where IPS used to be. I played piano for Sunday School and church part of the time. Our Sunday School Class was the "King's Daughters" taught by MRS. KYLE CUILES, who was MS. NIGGS sister.
The Christmas program on Christmas Eve was one of the highlights of the year. This is something I really miss.
The Tabernacle was very small and had no basement, but we had Mother-Daughter Banquets which were always successful. After the basement was dug we also had Father-Son Banquets every other year.
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My husband DONALD and I were married at the Methodist Parsonage in Morningside. Then were not not around the Charter Oak area for 10 years. My husband was baptized in Willow Church. His father and mother (JASPER and NINA HUNTER) attended the Willow Church until they left the farm and moved to Charter Oak. JASPER HUNTER helped with the labor of building one of the former churches. While working there an object fell hitting him on the head. He needed immediate attention which was applied by DR. HUBER, father of DR. ROBERT HUBER, which saved his life. JASPER and NINA and their children were active in the church in many ways.
When the church burned, the Methodist and Presbyterian had services in the same Presbyterian Church. I was still in high school but will always remember the fun we had when attending Epworth League. We had two groups and the idea was to see which group would get the most members to attend. Altogether we had a large attendance. It was fun until it was my turn to lead the lesson, but actually, it was very simple.
My husband and I came back to the farm in 1936. A poor year to start farming but I have been there since, 51 years to be exact. He attended the Methodist Church. DEAN was baptized in the Methodist Church in Charter Oak. DON was baptized in the Klemme Meth. Church, and DELORES was baptized in the Varina Methodist Church. In 1951 we as a family group appeared before REV. SQUIRES and became members of the M.E. Church of Charter Oak, Iowa.
REV. HUNSLEY was a college friend of of ours. Other ministers I give a lot of credit for their constant inspirations are: REV. KENDERINE, REV. CUTLER, REV. RETH, REV. Ball, and REV. GUBSER.
By BEVERLY HUNTER----Charter Oak, Iowa When I came to Charter Oak to teach in 1958 at the public school, I was delighted there was a Meth. Church in town. I had not attended very long before I was asked to teach Sunday School. I also joined the choir, which at that time had both men and women in it. JEAN BUTLER was director. We gave a Christmas Cantata that first year and it was very enjoyable. I have continued to sing in the choir since then.
DON had joined the church as a youth, and when he and I were married I moved my church membership to Charter Oak. Our three children were baptized in the church here. KIM by REV. FARMER, and the twins TODD and LINDA by REV. BALL. Our small church has provided a solid Christian foundation upon which we may build through the Sunday School, services and MYF.
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ADOLF and LULU SCHAU moved to Charter Oak in 1939 and transferred membership from Battle Creek, Iowa, Presbyterian Church in 1940. Two of our children were born after we moved here. They were baptized in the Methodist faith here. We had five children in Sunday School and youth group. Our oldest son, DARRELL, was killed in the sewer cave-in at Denison at the age of 24 and was buried from our Methodist Church.
LULU taught Sunday School for 10 years and has always been active in Women's Society and church affairs. ADOLF has been a trustee for many years and helped remodel the parsonage. We remember attending services in the old Legion building when our present church was under construction in the late 40'S.
When we had banquets in the church preceding the present one we had to clear out the sanctuary in order to set up tables because our basement was too small to hold these occasions. We always had a Father-Son banquets and Mother-Daughter Banquets each year.
Memories of Willow Church By HELEN WEISS----Charter Oak, IA
My memories go back when I was a small child and went to the Willow Church, Sunday School in the morning and church in the evening. My parents, MR & MRS GEORGE WEISS, were married in the church in 1908. My brother, CLARENCE and CLEO HARRIS were married in the church, also, in 1931. My grandparents, the ANDREW PARSONS, lived close to the church,so it was always fun to visit them after Sunday School.
When I was in my teens and in high school, I taught a Sunday School class and joined Epworth League. My sister, MILDRED,was Sunday School Superintendent for many years. Brothers CLARENCE and HAROLD were active in the church, Father was a trustee and board member and Mother was active in the Ladies Aid.
The MULLEN SCHOOL was close to the church, so in the summer when we had picnics and ice cream socials, we would use both lawns. The Ministers I remember are C. TRAVIS, GEORGE Z. SCHEIDER, W.A. LANE, and L.A. HUNSLEY. I remember MAMIE GLASSBURNER, a Methodist MIssionary from China, spoke at the church one Sunday morning.
In 1944 I became a member of the United Methodist Church in Charter Oak Iowa. I will always have fond memories of he little white church in the Lane (Willow Church) and the church in Charter Oak.
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The WILLOW CHURCH was supported by many farm families starting with the ministry of REV. TRAVIS in 1918. Prior to that we don't know if the church was closed or not. Some of the families were DIETZ,KEIMS, LARSONS, WEISSES, STEFFENS, and McELWAINS.
There was a large Sunday School class which was started by BESSIE HALL and MILDRED WEISS. The adult Sunday School Class teachers were MRS. ART DIETZ and E.E. McELWAIN.
They had night services due to the ministers coming from Charter Oak. Epworth League (young People's group) was on Sunday evening during the ministry of REV. SCHEIDER.
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Sing Song Services were in the homes once a month, singing hymns and scripture reading and brief talks followed by lunch. Ladies Aid Society meetings were also in the homes once a month.
VERN and INEZ McELWAIN were married in the Willow Church in May 1936 by REV. LANE. Later in the 1940's the Willow Church was closed and sold due to lack of members because of the older people retiring and moving to town.
Memories of the MULLEN CHURCH by EVELYN KEIM ASBISCHER:
My parents were ED and HALLIE KEIM. My paternal grandparents, WILLIAM and MARY KEIM, came to Willow Township immediately after their marriage at Preemption, Illinois, in the early 1880's. Most of their farming years were spent one half mile east of the Mullen Church and School.
I have very limited knowledge of the early beginnings of my Mother Church, but I do know that the experiences in my family home and church is the nucleus of my faith. I treasure dearly the relationships with ancestors, particularly Mom and GRANDMOTHER KEIM, who were two good Christian women. Also important were other relatives and friends who attended the plain little white frame "Building of God". Ours was a rich heritage.
In my early teens I began teaching Sunday School. Pews in the northwest corner of the sanctuary was the class space. Kids were in abundance - supplies were meager. The class consisted of children 0f nursery school age through elementary age.
In the days before hard surface roads we might have been dubbed "A fair weather congregation". True early on we'd been trained to battle the elements--we never had a resident pastor in our immediate midst. The life of an itinerant or dual charge pastor must have been more hectic that any of us can imagine.
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Those who attended the Mullen Church seldom rushed away after the final "Amen". Ours was a very social congregation that enjoyed sharing joys and concerns, family news and crop conditions.
While attending the Mullen School three of my girl classmates and I were casket bearers for the infant daughter of FRANK and VERNA LARSON. If memory serves we well a short service was held at their home and church with burial in th Willow Cemetery. That was my first experience with death. Several years later in 1935, the funeral service of my maternal grandmother, ELLA C. SCOTT, of Gerber, California, was also held at this place of worship.
Except in the dead of winter song fests were held in homes where there was a piano. My Mom usually provided,lively accompaniment. I recall going to the,homes of GEORGE WEISS, BERT WICKWIRE, WM. KEIM, JR., ELMER McELWAIN, and my home for these sing-a-longs. We familiarized ourselves with the words of many well,known hymns of the day. Some of the old favorites have long since been forgotten, and due to to constant revision of the Methodist hymnal few of the "oldies" can be found in the most recent editions of the Hymnal. The song practice was always followed with a light lunch. On special occasions there was hand cranked ice cream.
One of the truly outstanding persons of Willow Township was BESSIE HALL PADDOD. She spent considerable time, talent and energy stimulating and directing the activities of "Our Little Flock". I'm certain it was she who was responsible for the appearance of of the renown REVEREND R.R. BROWN, radio pastor of an Omaha Tabernacle Church, at the Mullen. He held a revival meeting in our midst, which was quite a dramatic experience for our area. About this time my brothers, a cousin, and I were baptized along with others, Later two nephews were also baptized here.
The pastors whom I remember well were REVERENDS SQUIRES and LANE.
A memorial shower was held at our countryside church in my honor shortly before my marriage to HANS ASBISCHER on December 28. 1933, at the Mullen Church.
With progress came many changes including a more mobile neighborhood, which in part brought about a closer unity
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with the Charter Oak Methodist Church. Until the doors of the Mullen Church were closed it remained a family church, filled with fun, fellowship, and precious ties that kept us together in God's Love.
Today there remains no weather worn landmarks or lovely tall maple trees as a a reminder of the past--only memories of joys and sorrows linger to associate us with time and place.
Letter from ROBERT BOHNKER:
The Family of HANS and Hannah (JOHNSON) BOHNKER's association with the Charter Oak--WILLOW METHODIST CHURCH dates back to 1927, when we moved from Vail to a farm south of Charter Oak. Although I have seen a MULLEN (WILLOW CHURCH) picnic picture with mother and Dad on it, that dates back to 1918-1920, when they were first married.
I remember going to the Willow Church on Sunday morning for Sunday School, I also remembered going to church for evening church service. I remember in the summer,we rode horses, not ponies, to Sunday School. Many of the kids did. We lived 3 1/4 miles from the church. The church members would talk at great length after the evening church services, so my brothers and I would sleep in the pews until our folks were ready to go home. One night they woke me to go home. When they looked back later, I had taken all my clothes off and and I wanted to go to bed. WM. KEIM, JR. (BILL KEIM's uncle) would come early on Sunday morning to start the furnace, but he never attended church. He always remained in the basement. His wife CORA was one of the leaders of the church.
The first pastor I remember was REV. SCHEIDER. My Sunday School teacher was MILDRED WEISS. We met in the front of the church in what I suppose was the choir lift. I do remember the picnics that were held each summer. The entire church membership met each month in a home, where there was a piano to sing church hymns. It was called Sing-Song.
Families I remember in the Willow Church are KEIM (three families), DIETZ, McELWAIN, STEFFEN, SHARPS, SIGLINS, BRINKS, HODKINS, OLSONS, WEISS, KEINERS, AHARTS, and, of course, BOHNKERS.
The BOHNKER family moved toward Schleswig in the spring of 1933. That is when we started going to church in Charter Oak. I was in the 7th grade. I was a country boy going to a class with town kids and I was not at ease. My first teacher in Charter Oak Church School was MRS. LIGHTER. Her husband operated the town newspaper. If we didn't miss Sunday School for 4 weeks she would give us a nickel from her own pocket.
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I don't remember if it was that summer or the following summer they put on the other wing of the church. They also put in a basement under the church with a kitchen and dining area. The boys class met in the new wing and the girls I don't know. In fact I hadn't given it a thought until I was writing this. ELMER McELWAIN was one of my teachers I remember. He always had a well prepared lesson. Sometime after I graduated from high school I taught this class, although I wasn't ever a good teacher. Later EDNA HOEFER talked me into being the Sunday School Superintendent. I did this for a few years in the old church and many years in the new church.
Pastors in the old church were REV. LANE and REV. HUNSLEY. REV. SQIRES was pastor several years before we built and one or two years with the new church. My younger brother GENE stayed with REV. HUNSLEY for a few weeks when he went to high school. This was when BERNICE LARSON was sick and they weren't sure what it was.
My brother LYLE went to the army in 1941. GENE worked in Omaha and Denver during the war. He later served in the army during the Occupation of Germany. I was 20, which meant I was deferred for farming purposes. Many local boys lost their lives during the war. The Charter Oak Methodist Church lost LAWRENCE CARSTENS, who was serving in the Navy in the South Pacific.
Sister SHIRLEY worked at the bank until her marriage to JOHN BRANDENBURG in 1951. They resided in Wayne, Nebraska for 4 years while he attended college. He has taught in school since then. They have made their home in Missouri Valley, Iowa, then California. They have two children. KIM is married to DENNY BUSKIRK. They were blessed with their third daughter July 2, 1989. Also MARK who is single.
Sister LOIS attended Iowa Wesleyan College and received a degree to teach. She also wanted to play college basketball, which she did. After college she went to California to teach, so she could be near SHIRLEY. She married Penlie Redbetter in 1959. They both continue to teach. Their children are KRISTINE and JEFF.
LYLE married WILMA HARRIS in 1944. They have 4 children, LARRY, CYNTHIA, JAMES, and JULIE, who is married to DONALD HALLUM. They are parents of a baby boy born on May 1, 1987.
GENE married LOIS JOHNSTON in 1949, He was killed in a vehicle accident in 1972. LOIS has written about her family elsewhere in this book.
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I married MARY LOU WEBSTER in 1949. Shortly after that a wedding shower was held in the church for us and they didn't clean up the church. The next day they started taking the church down to build the present church.
The church members did as much as the could. The excavation of the dirt for the new church basement was done with farm tractors. In the winter I remember my Father going to the church area at 4:00 in the morning to start a fire under a pile of sand to make it warm, so they could lay brick in the daytime. I was also involved in putting the shingles on the roof.
All of our six children were baptized and confirmed in the new church. They attended Sunday School and church with MARY LOU and I. The Methodist Church of Charter Oak has been very good to our family.
Something should be said about the leadership of the Charter Oak Methodist. This is true perhaps of all small churches, except for the Pastor and perhaps his wife, the leadership arises with the need for it. Leaders never plan to be leaders. There is a need for leadership and the church develops that leadership.
PAUL and FRANCES LARSON:
The church had special meaning and great significance to PAUL and FRANCES LARSON and their family. Both PAUL and FRANCES were committed to the church and were active members as evidenced by their church attendance and support in various ways throughout their life time. They, as did many of their friends and relatives, attempted to live a Christian life not only on Sunday but also during the remainder of the week, by example and without imposing themselves and their belief on others. They were good witnesses for Christ and the good life found in Christian living.
PAUL was born in Iowa (1897) to CARL and SARAH LARSON and had one sister, MARY, and four brothers, EMIL, VALFRED, REYNOLD and MELVIN. FRANCES was born in North Dakota (1905), but spent much of her girlhood days near Manilla. She had one brother, GLENN McCRUTCHEON, and four sisters, GRACE SAMUELSON, EUNICE BECKETT, MAYA JOHNSON,and ERMA RINGDAHL, All of the above brothers and sister were deceased. We hope and believe, all are at peace in Heaven where Christ earlier went to prepare a place for them.
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PAUL and FRANCES had three sons, DONALD (1927), KENNETH (1931) and LOWELL (1936). All of the sons are active in their respective churches today, and this participation can be contributed in part to the direction and guidance give by their parents, and by the examples demonstrated by SARAH, MARY, EMIL, and VALFRED LARSON. It is on these individuals and special events in the church during their life time for which the remainder of the narration will be devoted.
SARAH was a wonderful grandmother who came from Sweden, and who often remarked that she only went to school for 83 days. Another point of interest was SARAH was kind of "Swedish coffee"--a cup of hot water with milk and sugar added! She attended church on a regular basis until her health failed during the mid 1940s.
VALFRED was a good-natured individual, and a bachelor, who lost his hearing at an early age although serving in World War I. We was a paper hanger and painter who was good in his profession. A point of interest about this highly respected man who led the "good life" was that he regularly attended church even though he could not hear. He also attended Sunday School class on a regular basis.
MARY did not marry and in her adult years she was EMIL's housekeeper. EMIL also was single and he farmed several miles southeast of Charter Oak. Both MARY and EMIL were regular in church attendance and were extremely devoted, conscientious, and honest. Uncle EMIL is known to have returned to town after discovering he had received a penny more than he should during the making of change at a local business establishment. The LARSON family was known for the honesty and trustworthiness.
PAUL was a member of the trustees at the time the current building was established. He also enjoyed the Men's Bible Class, and was the church's Santa Claus on several occasions for the annual Christmas Eve Sunday School program, FRANCES was equally faithful in the Women's Bible Class and the Women's Society of Christian Service.(WSCS)
The LARSON family enjoyed the monthly fellowship dinners which were held following church services the first Sunday of each month. The food and fellowship was always excellent.
During the 1940's GLENN M.SQIRES was pastor. He was an excellent minister and during his ministry was a strong supporter of the Methodist Youth Fellowship. (MYF). He enjoyed going to camp Okoboji as much as the youth who were members of the MYF.
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The LARSON family is grateful to the Methodist Church at Charter Oak, and wishes the very best to the congregation and their minister as they strive to help meet the needs of the community.
From KENNETH LARSON --Deer Run, Route 4, Ames Iowa
ARLENE CUTLER writes from Gillman, Iowa on August 10, 1987:
Thank you so much for the invitation to the Centennial of the Charter Oak United Methodist Church.
I am so sorry I will not be able to attend as I am in the process of moving to Story City. Now for the brief summary of our family.
As many of you know REV. CUTLER went to be with the Lord October 30, 1980. He was born in Sioux City and lived in Whiting for many years. He graduated from what was then known as Fletcher College in Oskaloosa. Then after we were married he graduated from Asbury Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky.
I was from the Earlham area. CAROL, our daughter who is the oldest of our children, began school in Charter Oak. Now she and her husband, RANDY live in Radcliffe. They have three children, HEATHER, HEIDI and JOSHUA HINDERAKER. SANDY is employed with R.G. Dickinson Co. in Des Moines.
GARY and his wife ROCHELLE, and family live in Waverly, Iowa. They have 2 children, SADIE and LEVI DONALD. Gary works at Century Companies of America in Waverly.
DAVID being 10 years younger than GARY is still single and looking for a nice wife. He is my baby even though he will soon be 25. He is employed with I.N.T. Insurance Co. in West Des Moines.
GARY and DAVID both graduated from Central College and GARY has completed his Master's Degree.
Now for the wonderful ministry we enjoyed while serving at Charter Oak. We shared so many happy memories there. One I recall so vividly was helping at the church farm. Being a country girl I enjoyed helping pull weeds at the church farm. Then our or one of the parishioners informed me they were not letting their minister's wife pull weeds anymore. So I helped with the lunch there after.
I shall always remember how hard DONALD tried to say "no" to being Santa Claus at the school but somehow the school prevailed. Everything went well until he cut one too many 'capers' and pulled a ligament in his leg. Then walking on crutches a few days, the men in the church had great sport kidding him.
I retired October 30 last year from working as a nurses aide at
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the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown for 12 years.
Enclosed please find pictures of my family and grandchildren, [no pictures]
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you today. May God bless.
In Christ's name, ARLENE CUTLER
BETTY KNOLL Laurens, Iowa writes
Seem to have misplaced the letter you sent, but remembered the contents. All week I've been trying to think of specifics but have settled for generalities. For over 40 years coming back to the Methodist Church in Charter Oak always part of coming home --a good, good feeling.
I do remember one specific thing. When I was very young I recall the big Christmas tree we had in the old church and that I got a doll from Santa Claus. I was so surprised that Santa Claus knew I would be at church. We often got special presents in our early years.
Yesterday I visited my mom at Willow Dale and we talked about our church in Charter Oak. She says she remembers being Sunday School Superintendent for a long time over the years, she thinks. She says everything seems like a dream and it is difficult for her to remember.
I've gone to all the plays at Okoboji. I've enjoyed them a lot. DONNA and I are hoping to attend the service the 23rd. It is the day of the family picnic at Willow Dale, too.
Love, BETTY
As given to JIM and GINA GUBSER 6-29-87 by BERTHA OVERHUE LINDE:
She is a resident at Eventide Nursing HOme. She was impressed that REV. and MRS. SQUIRES both were so involved in volunteering to help with building the church in the late 40's and 1950. She recalls that MRS. SQIRES had a coffee pot for the workers in her kitchen.
MILDRED PETERSON remembers where her husband HARRY helped 4-5 days on the building of the present church. Field work kept him from helping more. He wanted to help his neighbors and friends who he knew and worked with.
As told to GINA GUBSER by GLADYS KING:
She was a member for a while after she graduated from high school, but then moved to Council Bluffs for a few years and moved her membership also. She came back to Charter Oak and moved her membership back after she was married. At that time the church was the Tabernacle, but shortly afterwards the new building which stands now was built. She was president of Ladies Aid for two years while at that time MABLE STARRETT was treasurer. She remembers helping serve at Achievement Days which used to be up at the old ball
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diamond where a lot of homes are now. She remembers putting money in an old cream can one evening because they were frightened by a particular rough looking group that evening. She didn't think anyone would look in a cream can for money. She had brought cream and eggs to town and had the can with her in the car.
They also had a stand at the Denison County Fair at that time [where] they served loose meat. These were made at Charter Oak and taken over to Denison. She remembers working with the SAMUELSONS and PAUL LARSONS a lot on church affairs. She also remembers the church basement not being very good in the church before the present building.
Memories of MRS. CHARLES ELWELL:
We moved to Charter Oak in 1978 from a farm northwest ofDenison. We farmed for over 40 years. We're the parents of 6 children. We lost our youngest son, CURTIS in 1984. He was at that time 28. We transferred our membership from Denison Methodist Church where DENNIS BAILEY was a minister here. REV. BALL was minister when we came to Charter Oak. Our Children were: WAYNE of Charter Oak, COLLEN of Denver, Colo., JAMES of Sioux City, DENNIS of Colorado Springs, LINDA of Irwin, Iowa.
We have 16 grandchildren and one great grandson. We lived in the Manilla area moving there in 1959 and then moved to the farm northwest of Denison in 1978. We lost a grandson in July, 1983, BRIAN ELWELL. He was the son of WAYNE and JOAN ELWELL of Charter Oak. Charter Oak is a nice little town to live in, we live in a nice neighborhood and also a nice church.
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GENE BUCELLI was born and raised on the east Coast of Washington, D.C. In the early 1960's he moved to the the suburbs of Maryland (Forestville and Oxen Hill). During hiS earlier days Gene attended Prince George's Community College in Maryland, and George Washington University in Washington. While attending college, GENE had the opportunity to work at a variety of interesting and different positions and occupations. He worked for the Library of Congress, the Government Printing Offices and the U.S. Department of Commerce. GENE left the Federal Government as a micro graphical offset photographer, printer and macrogeographical Specialist in 1969.
During the earlier days, however, GENE was always active in sports particularly golf. He was a high school champion and served as captain of his high school team. He has the distinction of the only golfer in the history of the high school for makes a 155 yard hole-in-one. This was noted in the sports section of the Washington Post.
GENE was always active during his formative years in the local church. He served on various committees and the administrative Board. In fact, it was at his local home church where the seeds of Christian Ministry were being served. He did some part-time teaching and preaching at the local church and occasionally preached in DC at the local inner city mission. He even hit golf balls from the pulpit at this mission to try and get the attention, and give some examples to many of the homeless seen in the crowd.
It was in late 1968 that GENE and his wife CONNIE were asked to visit a close friend and minister who had moved to Sioux City, Iowa. During that visit (Thanksgiving 1969), GENE and CONNIE were encouraged to come to Iowa and to fulfill a vision and dream to serve as a professional (young) minister in the United Methodist Church, while also working on college and ministerial correspondence studies. A year went by while GENE and CONNIE wrestled with the decision and in the summer of of 1969 were notified by the Iowa District Superintendent that they had been appointed to the Charter Oak-Deloit-Ute charge. The truth sunk in and a cross country move was underway. A church appointment, an unknown, an unknown state, unknown people... Easterners headed to the midwest...The call to the United Methodist ministry was not a reality and in August 1969 GENE, CONNIE, TRACY and TODD (TnT) arrived not knowing where we were living and what exactly we were going to do. (Even though we had received letters from the current minister, REV. MILLS and our DS it was still unexplored territory).
Our first encounter with Iowa was hot, dry weather and an attack, it seems, some 3000 flys swarming our 1961 Chevy Impala. The first person we met as we drove into Charter Oak, was LOIS BOHNKER who introduced herself and graciously welcomed us to the little beautiful farm community and home for 600 Midwesterners and 4 Easterners.
GENE's first sermon in Iowa was preached on August 31, 1969 and was titled "The Man Nobody Knows". GENE had his first funeral in October and his first marriage ceremony later that same year marrying JENNIFER GOLHOFFER. It was two wonderful and exciting years for GENE, CONNIE, and TnT. Many sermons were preached (many sermons were also lived by the members of the congregation), Funerals. marriages and some baptisms (Todd our son was baptized aat Charter Oak and TRACY our daughter was confirmed there as well) performed and plenty of miles driven on the church circuit.
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GENE still gets chilled from the winter snow storms and 30 degree below weather. It took him at least two years to thaw out, nevertheless, lasting friendships and fond memories were made of wonderful people at all three congregations. Because we lived in Charter Oak, however, special memories and friendships stand out just from the day-to-day living. CONNIE remembers the time she got stuck in the mud dropping off trash...the 1965 Buick sank two feet down and had to be towed out. I'm sure if MILDRED SWANSON is in shouting distance, she would remember the time a two year old was caught driving the same Buick down the street toward her house. TODD loved MILDRED and WALLY and jumped into the Buick, which didn't need a key, and put it in gear and drove to Wally's.
There are all kinds of fun stories which we best remember...The visits to many friends farms and the fun TODD had with MARK LORENZEN on their farm and so many other good...real good times. For two years we shared in the life of all 3 churches and then received an appointment to Riverside United Methodist church in Sioux City. GENE served the church for one year while finishing college at Morningside and getting his B.S. degree in 1972. During that same time, he was appointed as Associate Minister to a large city church at Des Moines; however, the call to a different type of ministry brought the BUCCELLIS back to Washington. GENE came back and ran poverty programs in Washington for almost 10 years. He has been running employment, education and training programs for the past 15 years. Additionally, he has been part-time management consultant to a local community college for the past 10 years teaching general management and supervisory type courses. He continues to be active as a golfer and involved in church activities.
The BUCCELLI family has been busy on their journey since leaving Iowa in 1972..CONNIE has been teaching kindergarten for over 8 years and was our church's Evangelism chairperson for the last 3 year (with a church of 1000 members it keeps you busy). She also stays active swimming and three nights a week and keeps busy with reading and friends.
TRACY is married and living with her husband and first daughter, KAREN, who will be four in January. They live in Columbus, Ohio. TODD is now a Junior at the University of North CArolina at Greensboro studying communication and Radio and T.V. Broadcasting. He stays active in tennis and church activities, both at home and at college.
Our years in Iowa and especially Charter Oak were filled with adventure, excitement and growth. We send our warm love and deep prayers of appreciation and joy in your celebration and 100th anniversary get-together. We know there will be plenty of good food and good fellowship...
Please celebrate in that eternal Spirit and Timeless Faith that "In Jesus Christ there is no East or West but one great fellowship"--to all of you, we love you and our hearts and lives have been richly blessed knowing you and your continued faith.
Grace and Peace, GENE, CONNIE, TRACY and TODD.
Contributed by Angela Neddermeyer Mumm
IAGenWeb Project and Contributors.