'A CENTURY OF MEMORIES'
1880 - 1980 |
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| "Why is it we have such a hard time in our religious experience? I
believe it is because we are so spasmodic in our religious endeavors. If
we use our plows in the field for a single day, then rest them upon the
land the other six days -- what would be the result? Why, they would
become rusty, of course. And the fact is, they wouldn't scour readily
either, consequently, to attempt working with them would prove
disheartening. Now, I think, the same principle applies to religion. If
we harness our faith, then keep at work, we get on well. The moment we
let go and do not execute our every duty, at once, we begin to grow
listless and indifferent. I find that the only way to keep religiously
strong, healthy and growing is to everlastingly keep at it." -- A Layman -- "This is a fine putting of a great fact." (Taken from the April 13, 1916 Pathfinder.) The following churches are those located both in the corporate limits of the Town of Van Wert as well as those in the nearby rural area. Please do not think one church is favored over another. They are listed in alphabetical order and if one church appears to have more written on it than another, it is simply because we were able to come up with more information on that particular church.  ASSEMBLY
OF GODIn September 1916, a large tent meeting was held by Rev. George and Nellie Shepherd on ground where the schoolhouse was later built. Others who held meetings were Rev. and Mrs. Joe Burnett and Rev. and Mrs. William Burchett. Mr. William Branscomb donated land and in the fall of 1916, a small church was built directly north across the street from the present Assembly of God Church. Charter members included:
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| A new church was dedicated in June, 1952 on the lot south of the
tabernacle. Georgia Cox, a dedicated member, was the primary promoter in
getting the church built. Labor and material for the new church were
mostly donated. On September 22, 1958, the name Pentecostal Gospel Tabernacle was legally changed to simply, Assembly of God. After tremendous growth in Sunday School attendance, the need for more and larger classrooms became evident. After much planning and taking of bids, it was finally decided that Duane Otto of Van Wert and Steve DeVore of Osceola, working together under D & O Builders, would contract the building of a new addition to the church. Groundbreaking of the new addition was celebrated April 9, 1978 at 12:00 noon, with the Rev. Ulestead as speaker of the day. The new addition was finished the same year with an approximate cost of $32,000. Rev. Steve Eastman was pastor at this time.  As nearly as can be recollected, the pastors of the church are as
follows:
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| In October 1977, forty-some young people from this church and
Van Wert, assisted by Don and Gloria McClure, Terry Hainline and Pastor
Steve Eastman, cleaned up litter and debris from the streets and ditches
of the town. The Van Wert Lions Club then donated $100.00 to the Youth
for Progress Program for the cleanup campaign. A picnic was also held
for the children's enjoyment to show appreciation for their efforts.
This was sponsored by the Town of Van Wert. The Young People, or Christ Ambassadors (C.A.'s) have done several things in the past to raise money for the church and their organization. Among the fund raising events of the past few years are (l) two or three rock-a-thons. Each teen finds sponsors, to pay them so much per hour, to sit in a rocking chair and rock around the clock without ceasing for twenty-four hours. It always produces tired young people as well as a little money for their treasury. (2) Car washes - for the very reasonable price of $2.00, any vehicle that drove up was given a hand wash. Oftentimes, if the vehicle was larger or the owner more generous, they received a little more for their tasks. (3) Sales of various things - once in a great while, the youth went door to door selling various things such as light bulbs. (4) Spaghetti Supper - for a specified amount, you could have all the spaghetti you could eat. Various other things were done, as well, but the preceding lets one realize that this particular group of young people was an energetic one. The ladies group of the church, Women's Ministry (W.M.'s) has also done a great deal of fund raising projects, especially in the last few years. For a time, as weather permitted, a weekly bakesale was held in the yard of the community hall. About the same time, Dean Houck generously donated a building for use as a rummage hall. Different ladies took turns keeping the rummage hall open until its closing in the fall of 1979. Several bazaars, chili and oyster suppers, etc. have also been held. One big project was the making of a handsewn quilt. Scraps of material were cut, sewn and quilted into a lovely blanket and raffle tickets sold to the community. Recently, various demonstrations, such as candy making, cake decorating, and straw and silk flower making and arrangements have been given. The possibility of starting a project for "padding the pews" might be part of the 1980 agenda. The present officers are: Anne Wiley - president; Phyllis Foland, vice-president; Donna Hatfield - secretary/treasurer. An average of l5 members attend the meetings held twice a month, with more ladies becoming interested as time goes on. The present weekly schedule for the church is as follows: Sunday: 10:00 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Morning Worship and Children's Church 7:00 p.m. Evening Worship Thursday: 9:30 a.m. Every 2nd and 4th Thurs. of month - W.M.'s Meeting 7:00 p.m. Every week - Choir Practice Monday: 7:00 p.m. Youth Meeting Wednesday: 7:00 p.m. Prayer and Bible Study CHRISTIAN In January 1866, just after the Civil War, or about ten years after the first Methodist Church was founded, Josephus Porter held a meeting in a log cabin (the former home of Henry Branscomb) which stood approximately one mile south of town where Beardsley's Orchard now stands. The log cabin later became too small for the congregation. In 1879, H.V. Dyer made a first visit. He left and returned in 1885 to find the membership had dropped to 36 for no accountable reason. Then Bro. Stater pastored and nine more were added to the roster. J.C. Porter occasionally preached and a few more joined the church. In September 1886, A.B. Cornell came one Sunday per month and the church barely kept alive this way. Only the faithful Sunday School saved it. By 1888, 75 members attended the Christian Church. It was then reorganized with the following officers: Isaiah Thompson and Ebenezer Price as elders and Edmund Thompson and James Whitecar as deacons. They held these posts for many years. Bro. Price served as elder until his death in October 6, 1972. Bro. Thompson was also with the church until he died in April 9, 1912, all but the two or three years when he resided at Leslie.  When
the undertaking of the erection of a new church was started, it was a
big chore. Lumber was hauled by team and wagon from Ottumwa to the
nearest railroad station. It was said, "Men with a will could undertake
great things. Their course was just and right, their strength equal to
the duty required."Lot Four (4) in Block Two (2) of the Original Town of Van Wert was purchased on the southeast corner of Main Street, behind where the Post Office now stands. Rev. Porter was still pastor when the church was built and continued to commute from Leon until the new building was done. He was asked to preach the dedication ceremony for the new church.  For
ten to twelve years, rough benches served as seats. Bro. Porter
continued to preach most of the time with Springer Harlan and his son or
nephew, Reuben Harlan, preaching some as well.In 1897, the first church building was moved and rebuilt south of where the brick church remains now stand, (The Duane Otto residence). In l905, the church was refurnished with new seats, a pulpit set, and a light plant. Later the building was again moved and became the home of C.A. Walker. Mr. and Mrs. George South owned the property for a time, but it is now the home of Mr. and Mrs. Terry Hainline and daughter, Jody. Annual protracted meetings were held at the church. The following list of brethren has been compiled:
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 In
December 1909, the young people of the church put on a Home Talen Play.
"The Deacon" was under the direction of J.M. Davis and Roy Hawkins.
Those who took part in the play were Raymond Storey, Chas. Allen, Gary
Saylor, Loran Thompson, Orlan Hanks, Cliff Johnson, John Smith, Ray
Lantz, Will Fuller, Arta Smith, Edith Lantz, Jesse Holt and Inez
Seymour.On May 28, 1914, a house was torn down and the makings of the present church was begun with Bro. A.B. Cornell assisting. It took six days for members and other workers to dig the basement. On June 10, 1914, the contractors began their work. After a delay of ten days caused by slow delivery of materials, the cornerstone was laid July l5, l9l4. Later on November 29, 1914, the church was opened free of debt at the cost of $16,000. J.V. Coombs of Danville, Illinois, gave the dedication. A communion table was then donated by the pastor and his wife, Rev. and Mrs. A.B. Cornell. The Christian Church held some of the largest Bible Schools in the history of the community. The largest on record was held August 28, 1921 when 621 were present. Officers of the Bible School were: |
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Superintendent - A.E. Price |
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| The ladies aid of the church was organized in October of 1911 as the Kings Daughters. The following officers served: president, Mrs. J.M. Halstead; vice-president, Mrs. Fred Hall; secretary, Mrs. Elsie Saylor; and treasurer, Mrs. Porter. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| On May 15, 1943, a bad storm hit the church and caused considerable damage. Mattie Halstead, a long time Sunday School superintendent and teacher, was secretary of the Kings Daughters at the time of the storm and wrote the following in the record book: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Wed. May 12, 1943 - "Kings Daughters met at the church for
their annual Guest Day. There were 75 ladies present." Next entry -- "Since disaster has overtaken us in the demolishment of our beautiful church, although our heads are figuratively bloody, they are not bowed in defeat. Steps have been taken to restore the building, if not to its priestly beauty, at least something approaching it. In the meantime, work of the church is going forward and we pray our misfortune may prove a blessing in disguise. It behooves each of us to don her working clothes and 'shake a leg' most vigorously." The next services were held for the Christmas Program, December 24, 1943 after much rebuilding. The younger ladies of the church had a club of their own, known as the Triangle Club. Recollections of former members tell us that once in a while the Triangle Club had parties and the members brought their boyfriends. A favorite refreshment at these parties was made when all the girls brought either canned or fresh fruit. This was combined together in a large dishpan and served with cookies. They once had a Halloween party at the schoolhouse and had to enter through the coal chute since there was no other entrance to the building unlocked and readily available. Rev. Tom Helmick and wife, Nancy, were the last pastors. They had two children, Kelly and Tom, Jr. On April 13, 1969, the last service of the church was held and the doors were closed due to the lack of attendance.  After
the church closed, all records were turned over to the State Board. All
memberships are on record at the state office.They won't be sent to an individual, but if a member wishes to move his or her membership to another church, they can have the church write to the State Board and request membership transfer. Otherwise, they'll stay on the original record. On March 12, 1975, some former members met at the Methodist Church basement for an enjoyable evening and a potluck supper. (Picture) - Sunday School class of the late 1920's or early 1930's. Mrs. Thompson, Mrs. Templar, Mrs. Traupel, Mrs. Clanton, Mrs. McMurtrey, Mrs. Moran, Mrs. George Johnson, Mrs. Jane Trisler, Mrs. Flora Price, Mrs. Peckham, Mrs. Millie Fry, Mrs. Lenora Hedrich, Mrs. Margaret Gill, Mrs. Jennie Oliver, Jessie Fisher, Dora Barnett, Mollie Fry, Mrs. Githens (not pictured.) Pages 31 - 35 |
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