1917 Dickinson County History - Dickinson County, Iowa GenWeb!

DICKINSON COUNTY
Another IAGenWeb Project

HISTORY
of
EMMET COUNTY
and
DICKINSON COUNTY
IOWA
A Record of Settlement, Organization,
Progress and Achievement
Volume 1
Chicago, Illinois
The Pioneer Publishing Company
1917

1917 History - Contents Page

CHAPTER XXVIII

CHURCHES OF DICKINSON COUNTY - Page 372

To the Methodist Episcopal denomination belongs the honor of having been the pioneer in the religious field of Dickinson County. A circuit was established here in 1859, with headquarters locally at Okoboji in charge of Rev. Cornelius McLean. It is said that the very first settlers were Congregationalists, but later were outnumbered by the Methodists. Doctor Prescott and several other men had held brief services prior to the coming of a regularly appointed pastor.

The first religious services in the county were held at the old Gardner cabin on West Okoboji Lake on Sunday, May 11, 1857. Rev. J. S. Prescott conducted the meeting. In the history of Dickinson County (1902), the following is said in regard to this first meeting: "Prescott was a speaker of extraordinary ability and one to whom it was a pleasure to listen, no matter what a person's particular religious ideas might be. But that fact was not known then. It became patent later on. On the evening preceding that Sunday morning, word was sent around to the different cabins that there would be religious services at the Gardner place, the following day. Accordingly at the appointed hour the crowd assembled to the number of fifteen to twenty. It was an unique sight, especially to those who had just come from the East, to see those rough looking, hardy pioneers on their way to church, come filing along, either singly or in parties of two or three, dressed in their red shirts, without coats or vests and with their rifles in their hands, their ammunition slung from their shoulders, and leather belts around their waists, from most of which dangled revolvers. Singular as such a spectacle would be at the present time, it was strictly in keeping with the surroundings on that occasion. As the parties arrived they disposed of their arms by standing them in the most convenient corner and then arranged themselves about the room on stools and benches or anything else that would do duty as a seat. The parties were mostly strangers to each other at that time, and whether they were about to listen to the wild harangues of a professional 'Bible whanger,' as a certain type of frontier preachers were then designated, or to be treated to an intelligent and interesting discourse on some live topic, they did not know, nor did they much care. It was a change, and the novelty was enough to bring them out. Promptly at the appointed hour the exercises were opened by Prescott reading the hymn,

'A charge to keep I have,
A God to glorify;
A never dying soul to save
And fit it for the sky.'

"Wheelock led the singing, assisted by C. F. Hill and Lawrence Furber. Next was prayer by Doctor Prescott. And such a prayer. After the dangers, hardships and privations that little party had endured for the last month, it certainly was a spiritual and intellectual treat not soon to be forgotten. He made a fervent appeal that the divine blessing be vouchsafed there and then on this first attempt to establish and foster the growth of a true and genuine religious sentiment, that should broaden and deepen as the settlement that was then being founded should grow older and stronger.

"After prayer a second hymn was sung, and then the text announced, 'Be strong and show thyself a man.' The sermon was one long to be remembered by everyone who heard it. It was a plain, simple and direct appeal to everyone present to realize the position which he at that moment occupied. They were reminded of the importance of asserting there and then the principles and practices which should govern them in the future. They were reminded that 'like seeks like' in emigration as in other things, and that in the moral, intellectual and religious tone of the society which they then inaugurated they would see the counterpart of the emigration they would attract. If the first settlers adopted a high plane of moral and intellectual development, the emigration that would follow would be of the same high character. "On the other hand, if the standard were made low, it would be the low and depraved class that would be attracted by it. In conclusion he appealed to all present to use their best endeavors to build up in this frontier country such moral and social conditions as they would wish to have their names associated with by future generations. The entire discourse was delivered in that plain, simple and yet dignified and scholarly manner that always commands respect and admiration. After the close of the services the parties all filed out as they came, and it is not recorded whether any luckless ducks or chickens fell victims to their marksmanship on their return to their cabins, but considering the scarcity of provisions at that time, such a violation of the Sabbath would have been deemed excusable if not justifiable." So transpired the first religious service in Dickinson County.

Doctor Prescott is given credit by all authorities for inducing the Methodist Conference of 1859 to send a preacher to the frontier settlements. There were four counties in the circuit at that time—Dickinson, Emmet, O'Brien and Clay. The circuit was made every three weeks. Following Reverend McLean came Reverends J. A. Van Anda, J. W. Jones, W. Hyde, Seymour Snyder, W. A. Richards, W. W. Mallory, G. Brown, William Preston and J. E. Cohenour to this circuit.

During the pastorate of Rev. Seymour Snyder the first camp meeting in northwestern Iowa was held in a grove at what is now known as Fort Dodge Point. This was in 1864. Reverend Lamont of Fort Dodge was the presiding elder at this meeting. Every year for a time these meetings were held at different places, including Dixon's Beach, Omaha Beach, Gilley's Beach, Pillsbury's Point and near Spirit Lake. In the early '80s these camp meetings were discontinued.

When Reverend W. A. Richards took charge of this circuit the first religious revival in Dickinson County was held during the winter. In January a series of these revival meetings was held in the old Center Grove schoolhouse. The school was a small log building and was literally packed with people at each meeting.

SPIRIT LAKE CHURCHES

During the pastorate of Reverend Cohenour the first church building of the Methodist Episcopal Society was erected at Spirit Lake; this was also the second church building in the county. The courthouse had been the scene of all their meetings prior to the erection of the house of worship. The new church was dedicated on September 1, 1878. From that time until the present the following pastors have served in Spirit Lake: Rev. P. H. Eighmy, W. H. Drake, Bennett Mitchell, F. J. McCaffree, G. W. L. Brown, W. T. Cole, H. B. Green, Joel A. Smith, F. Saunderson, F. E. Day, W. D. Phifer, W. T. McDonald, W. M. Todd, E. E. Lymer, Todd, Gerkin, Kettle, Brown, Lorry and S. H. Turbeville, the present incumbent. In 1892 the church building was remodeled extensively and used until 1914 when the beautiful new home of the society, costing $30,000, was dedicated. The old church building, which was used then for other purposes, was burned in the summer of 1916.

The Baptists first were in Dickinson County in the winter of 1872-3, under charge of Rev. W. A. Dorward. The society erected a church building in the summer of 1874, which was the first erected in this county. It was dedicated July 26, 1874. Rev. J. L. Coppoc was the next pastor of the Baptist church. One of his brothers was executed for sharing in the John Brown raid on Harper's Ferry. Another escaped to Canada. Reverend Coppoc was succeeded by Revs. W. H. Whitelaw, B. H. Brastead, W. H. Dorward, Charles Andrews, ————— Broadbridge. After this for a time the church was used by the so-called Church of God, first under Reverend Guenter, then Revs. J. W. Ault and William Megan. In the summer of 1902 improvements were made on the church structure.

At one time a society of Congregationalists existed in Spirit Lake, services being held at the courthouse most of the time. Rev. J. R. Upton was the leading figure in the work of the denomination here, remaining something over twelve years. His departure left the society in bad circumstances and most of the members joined other churches.

The Presbyterian Church of Spirit Lake was first organized December 11, 1881, by Rev. A. K. Baird, and G. N. Luccock, with seven members. W. H. Bailey, Thomas Cousins, D. R. Chisholm and Moses Thompson were prominent early members. The first pastor was Rev. G. N. Luccock, and was followed by supplies until 1901, namely: Revs. J. R. Grosser, R. A. Paden, J. H. Carpenter, A. M. West, C. E. Freeman, H. J. Frothingham, W. H. P. McDonald. Rev. Bert A. Rayson, who came in 1901, was the first regularly installed pastor of the Presbyterian society here. Then came Revs. E. Winslow Brown, H. M. Bell, F. H. Gamel, A. S. Wight and M. E. Lumbar.

During the first few days the church services were held in Beacon Hall, but during the winter of 1885-6 steps were taken toward the erection of a building. On July 26, 1886 the cornerstone of the building was laid with fitting ceremonies. The structure was first used for services December 12, 1886, and was dedicated July 24, 1887.

In connection with the history of the Presbyterian Church now existent in Spirit Lake, it will be interesting to note the facts of a Presbyterian Church society which once existed here, but which disappeared— no one knows where. At the spring meeting of the Presbytery of Fort Dodge, Synod of Iowa North, held at Jefferson, Iowa, April 28, 1871, a Presbyterian Church was organized for Spirit Lake with twelve members. The report was received and enrolled. No elder or regular pastor was named. At the fall meeting of the Presbytery at Boone, Iowa, September 3, 1873, Revs. A. M. Darley, W. H. McCaskey and G. R. Carroll were appointed to supply the pulpit from October, 1873, until April, 1874. Then the society is mysteriously dropped from the Presbytery roll and no further mention is made. All that is known is that the church has gone.

On December 8, 1886, a society known as the Guild of the Good Shepherd was organized with the following charter members: Mrs. D. F. Van Steenburg, Mrs. Leroy Davis, Mrs. W. W. Stowe, Mrs. J. W. Cory, Mrs. Henry Thompson, Mrs. William Vreeland and Mrs. G. P. Hopkins. Reverend Walker was the first pastor of this society. The services were held in Beacon Hall, the Baptist Church building or in an empty store room until the chapel was constructed. The cornerstone of this latter building was laid August 7, 1894, and the completed house was opened for use October 28, 1894. The building cost about $3,000. John Cravens, W. W. Stowe, William Hayward and A. W. Osborn had charge of the building operations.

The German Lutherans first came into Dickinson County in 1869 and 1870, locating northwest of Spirit Lake, in Spirit Lake and Diamond Lake townships. Among them were: P. Bergman, C. Britch, C. Horn, Peter Vick and Henry Bibow. A meeting was held in the cabin of P. Bergman in 1871 and preaching given by Rev. T. Mertens, a pioneer circuit rider of the denomination. Rev. E. H. Scheitz succeeded Mertens. Other early pastors were: Revs. C. W. Waas, E. W. Mensing and John Becker. After a time meetings were discontinued in the private residences and held in the new Swailes schoolhouse; in 1879 the first church building was constructed at Spirit Lake, followed by a second one in 1895. In 1884 the charge was made to include Spirit Lake, Estherville and Jackson, and was first in charge of Rev. A. Goppelt.

The first Catholic services in Dickinson County were held in 1873 at the home of Oliver Sarazine. This meeting was conducted by Rev. J. J. Smith of Emmetsburg, who held services at long intervals until 1881, when Rev. M. K. Norton took charge of the mission. Norton and Oliver Sarazine procured about $1,500 in the spring of 1882, with which to pay for the erection of a church building, which was accomplished the following fall. Rev. L. Carroll followed Father Norton here. Until 1898 the church in Spirit Lake was in charge of the pastor at Spencer, and then was placed in the hands of the Estherville pastor, Rev. J. R. Daley, and later Rev. Joseph Murtagh. The new $10,000 Catholic church was dedicated October 13, 1907, with an address by Father O'Conner of Oelwein.

MILFORD CHURCHES
The upper room of the Case House in Milford, in the early days, was fitted up with a stage, etc., and utilized for all kinds of meetings, including religious services. Rev. J. R. Upton, sent to the frontier settlements by the Home Missionary Society of the Congregational Church, first preached in this old hall. He was a homesteader in Excelsior Township and extended his religious efforts over the entire county. He organized a Congregationalist Society in Milford about the year 1872, but was not the regular pastor. Not until June, 1883, was a regular pastor supplied to this church, this being the Rev. T. W. McHoes, who worked at both Milford and Lakeville settlements. The two societies were practically one at this time. The Home Missionary Society of the Congregational Church had supported the church for several years at the start, but eventually withdrew all assistance and the young society was left to fight its own battles, a fight none too easy for the young organization. In 1888 the Home Missionary Society dispatched another pastor to this county—Rev. N. L. Burton, and a reorganization was effected. Prominent among the members at this time were: Mr. and Mrs. Charles Tinkham, Mrs. T. S. Seymour, Mrs. Wilkinson, Mrs. W. A. Cook, Mrs. C. A. Bunker and others. This reorganization had the effect of removing the growth and prosperity of the society and many new members came into the church. The first resident pastor was Rev. L. R. Fitch, who came in 1890. Revs. Arthur Weatherly, Gardner and Webber were immediate successors of Fitch.

The first steps toward the erection of a church building were taken in 1890, when the Home Missionary Society contributed the sum of $400 and the members of the church supplied the remainder. The church was begun in 1890 and finished and dedicated in 1891. An addition to the building was erected in 1901.

In the new town of Milford Rev. H. L. Smith was the first preacher of the Methodist Episcopal denomination. He spoke at Milford, the Bennett schoolhouse, the Pillsbury schoolhouse, Westport schoolhouse and Davis schoolhouse. The first church building in Milford also was erected by the Methodists, which structure was dedicated October 28, 1883. Rev. J. T. Crippen had charge of the dedication, assisted by Presiding Elder Gleason and Revs. Mitchell, Keister and Smith. Reverend Crippen was from Mason City. Reverend Smith was followed in this charge by Revs. M. Keister, __________ King, ________ Shoemaker and ________ Pendell. During the summer of 1901 many improvements were made upon the old church building.

The Baptist Church in Milford was organized in the summer months of 1882, by Mr. and Mrs. Roswell Osborn, A. K. Turneaure and others. The first meetings were held in the old schoolhouse in the old town of Milford. Reverend Braistead preached to the members, also holding meetings at Spirit Lake. Reverend Andrews next supplied the pulpit here and was followed by Rev. J. E. Mclntosh, the first resident pastor. Rev. T. E. S. Lapham came next. A church building in the new town was started and finished in 1891.

The first Catholics in the vicinity of Milford were residents of the township outside of the town. The first services of this denomination were held at the home of Daniel Ryan, about three miles southeast of Milford, in the summer of 1884. Father Norton, of the Spencer and Spirit Lake circuit, had charge of the meetings. The schoolhouses and the hall over the Ellis Store were also used as meeting places. Reverends Carroll and McCauley were also rectors at this time. In 1889 a church was built in Milford. The church is known as St. Patrick's. The Lutherans erected a church in the southern part of Okoboji Township in 1890.

CHURCHES IN LAKE PARK AND TOWNSHIP
The first religious services in Silver Lake Township were conducted by Rev. J. R. Upton in 1870 and 1871. Rev. G. Brown, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, also held a series of meetings at the home of J. B. Drew. D. W. Lounsberry, of no particular denomination, also held early services. The building of the schoolhouse in 1873 provided the settlers religiously inclined with a place of meeting, and the practice of using the various homes declined. Rev. J. B. Edmunds, a homesteader himself, is known as one of the first preachers to hold meetings in the school-house. The early services were largely union affairs, no denomination predominating. This condition continued until 1883, when the Methodist Episcopal Church established the Lake Park Circuit, Reverend Hild in charge. The Methodists also built the first church in the town in 1891. Reverends Cheney, Keister, Woolery, Olds, Barnes, Clearwater, Shoemaker were some of the circuit preachers here.

The organization of the Presbyterian Church in Lake Park was consummated in 1893, with eight members. Reverend Clapp was the first preacher. A church was erected in 1895. Reverends Ramer, Valier, Mapeson and Hoyt have been pastors of this church.

OTHER CHURCHES
The pioneer church in Superior was the Baptist, being established soon after the town was started. The church building, the first one in the town, was built in 1890. Braistead, of Spirit Lake, first held services here. The Methodist Episcopal Church began shortly after the above, using the schoolhouse and the Baptist Church building until the society erected their own structure in 1901. The German Lutherans, Methodists and Congregationalists established themselves in Terrill soon after the opening of the town and all erected buildings in the early years of the twentieth century.

CHAPTER XXIX

DICKINSON COUNTY SOCIETIES - Page 379

SPIRIT LAKE LODGES
One of the first societies organized in Dickinson County was a literary society. This was the Okoboji Literary League, established in the fall of 1863. It is said upon good authority that as early as 1861 other literary societies had flourished at both Okoboji and Spirit Lake.

Perhaps the strongest fraternal order in Dickinson County at the present time is the Masonic. The Twilight Lodge No. 329, Ancient Order of Free and Accepted Masons was organized under dispensation from the Iowa Grand Lodge on September 18, 1873 and a charter was granted to the chapter on June 3, 1874. The first officers elected were: Alfred Davis, worshipful master; C. H. Ayers, senior warden; A. L. Sawyer, junior warden; A. M. Johnson, secretary; and Zina Henderson, treasurer. A chapter of the Eastern Star, the ladies' auxiliary, was established at Spirit Lake in the winter of 1876-7; Mrs. Fannie Jemerson was the first worthy matron, Mrs. Anna L. Rice, associate; Mrs. Jane Ayers, secretary; and Mrs. F. I. Pillsbury, treasurer. The charter was granted to the chapter February 26, 1880, and the first worthy matron under this was Mrs. Anna L. Rice.

The Spirit Lake Chapter of the Royal Arch Masons, was organized at Spirit Lake under dispensation May 15, 1901. The first officers were: Charles I. Reigard, high priest; Dr. Q. C. Fuller, king; T. E. Burt, scribe; J. W. Cravens, treasurer; W. A. Sidall, secretary; L. H. Farnham, captain of the host; W. P. Stone, principal sojourner; A. B. Funk, royal arch captain; H. A. Miller, master of the third vail; P. E. Narey, master of the second vail; C. T. Chandler, master of the first vail; O. Crandall, tyler.

An interesting sidelight upon the Masonic history of Dickinson County is the securing and building of Templar Park on the shore of Spirit Lake. The first move toward securing a park in this vicinity was made by the Grand Commandery of the Knights Templar, in consequence of a decision to start a resort somewhere upon the lakes to serve as a summer outing ground for the members of the order. A committee was appointed to select a suitable site and after investigation this committee decided upon a spot on West Okoboji Lake since known as Fort Dodge Point. This report was presented in due form, but owing to a strong opposition developing from the officials of the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railway, it was defeated. A second committee was then appointed. This body viewed and selected about twenty acres of land on the southwest shore of Spirit Lake. The tract of ground was bought from A. Kingman by the people of Spirit Lake and the railroad and donated to the commandery. The improvement of the park was begun in 1885 and is now one of the principal and most attractive places in the lake region.

Minnie Waukon Lodge No. 274, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was organized at Spirit Lake March 5, 1874. The first officers were: A. A. Mosher, noble grand; L. E. Holcomb, vice grand; William Helms, treasurer; N. J. Woodin, permanent secretary; R. D. Owen, recording secretary. A Rebekah lodge was organized in conjunction with the above on September 5, 1876.

Winget Post No. 226, Grand Army of the Republic, was granted a charter on November 24, 1883. The first officers elected were: C. C. Perrin, commander; D. L. Riley, senior vice commander; E. L. Brownell, junior vice commander; H. Wood, chaplain; Isaac Tucker, quartermaster; S. B. Miller, officer of the guard; Peter Flemming, quartermaster sergeant; E. L. Brownell, surgeon; J. O. Stewart, adjutant.

Summit Lodge No. 86, Knights of Pythias, was organized at Spirit Lake on October 18, 1882 and the charter was granted October 26th, the same year. There were just sixteen charter members. The first officers were as follows: G. P. Hopkins, past commander; W. A. Siddall, chancellor commander; W. B. Brown, vice commander; D. L. Riley, prelate ; E. F. Newell, keeper of records and seals; William Hayward, master of finance; F. E. Hopkins, master of archives; C. S. Fletcher, master of exchequer; S. P. Fisher, inner guard; J. F. Olmstead, outer guard.

Spirit Lake Camp No. 4479, Modern Woodmen of America, was organized at Spirit Lake on January 21, 1897, with the following first officers: Charles I. Reigard, venerable consul; A. D. Gray, worthy advisor; H. E. St. Clair, banker; A. H. Jemerson, local clerk; D. C. Wells, escort; J. B. Stair, physician; R. S. Miller, watchman; E. Kephart, sentry; D. N. Guthrie, W. F. Beerman and H. H. Buck, managers.

Spirit Lake Lodge No. 254, Ancient Order of United Workmen, was organized at Spirit Lake August 1, 1893. The first officers were: C. B. Fountain, P. M. W.; George S. Tuttle, M. W.; R. F. Gruhlke, foreman; James P. Miller, overseer; C. W. Price, recorder; Wilbur Evarts, financier; S. B. Miller, receiver; B. W. Blanchard, guide; O. Sterner, J. W.; A. Hartley, O. W.; T. H. Price, A. Hartley and E. Kephart, trustees.

Spirit Lake Homestead, No. 273, Brotherhood of American Yeoman, was organized at Spirit Lake on October 18, 1899, with the following first officers elected: W. T. Davidson, foreman; A. F. Merrill, correspondent; H. E. St. Clair, overseer; Henry Arthur, master of ceremonies; James Crowell, watchman; Frank Ellston, guard; Hattie Farnham, Rebecca; Mrs. Clara Jones, Rowena; and C. P. Soper, physician. There were sixty-two charter members.

Prominent among the organizations of Spirit Lake is that of the Daughters of the American Revolution. On August 29, 1916, under the auspices of this local chapter, there was formally dedicated at Spirit Lake a boulder and bronze tablet marking the site of the stockade and old courthouse, where people were sheltered during the uprising of 1861-2.

In Spirit Lake, as in other places, there was at one time a grange. This was Spirit Lake Grange, Patrons of Husbandry, organized March 17, 1874. The first officers were: W. B. Brown, master; S. E. Evans, overseer; C. E. Abbott, lecturer; Isaac Ames, steward; H. C. Owen, assistant steward; William Helms, chaplain; George Hilbert, secretary; James Cousins, treasurer; James Evans, gatekeeper. This organization continued with decreasing success until 1886, when it became a thing of the past.

A lodge of Good Templars, the champions of prohibition, was instituted at Spirit Lake in the early '70s, but did not continue more than eight years. G. S. Needham, A. W. Osborne, J. L. Coppoc and C. H. Ayers were prominent members.

MILFORD LODGES
Gloaming Lodge No. 482, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, at Milford, was organized under dispensation granted July 7, 1886. The first officers were: A. Case, worshipful master; C. Stuart, senior warden; Frank McDonald, junior warden; T. S. Seymour, treasurer; R. B. Nicol, secretary. The charter for this lodge was granted June 3, 1887, and A. Case, B. Pitcher, W. B. Jones, W. A. Meek and R. B. Nicol filled the offices of worshipful master, senior and junior wardens, treasurer and secretary, the first officers under this charter. There were seventeen charter members enrolled in the lodge.

A chapter of the Eastern Star was organized at Milford in 1895, with these first officers: R. F. Price, worthy patron; Mrs. W. H. H. Myers, worthy matron; Mrs. E. F. Miller, associate matron; and Mrs. E. A. Case, secretary.

Monitor Lodge No. 491, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Milford, was first organized in April, 1886.

Wallar Post No. 223, Grand Army of the Republic, was organized September 13, 1883. It has the distinction of being the first society, fraternal or civic, to be established in Milford. The charter members of the post were: R. B. Nicol, Daniel Bennett, James Heldridge, Thompson Emerson, A. D. Inman, William Chase, Horace Bennett, Charles A. Darrow, R. R. Wilcox, D. H. Cole and Ira Foster. William Chase, H. H. Shipman, Zina Henderson, A. D. Inman, James Heldridge, R. R. Wilcox, R. B. Nicol, W. H. H. Myers and Daniel Mead were some of the early commanders.

Okoboji Lodge No. 429, Knights of Pythias, was organized in May, 1895, with thirty charter members. C. H. Perry was the first chancellor; C. A. West, vice chancellor; H. S. Abbott, clerk; E. A. Case, master of archives; James McElroy, master of exchequer; L. C. Miller, master of finance; George Paton, keeper of records and seals.

Live Oak Camp No. 2567, Modern Woodmen of America, was organized in 1892 with fifteen charter members. D. L. Van Housen was venerable consul; L. H. Miller, worthy advisor; J. J. Lee, banker; C. H. Perry, clerk.

Goldenrod Homestead No. 250, Brotherhood of American Yeoman, was organized in March, 1899. C. E. Blackert was foreman; Mrs. C. M. Coldren, master of ceremonies; H. H. Burch, physician; G. M. Sherburne, master of accounts; W. A. May, overseer; Mrs. Alice O'Farrell, Lady Rebecca; Mrs. Jennie E. Price, Rowena; R. F. Price, correspondent; Mrs. May Hemphill, guard; William Paton, watchman. There were thirty-two charter members.

LAKE PARK LODGES
Silver Lake Lodge No. 527, Ancient Order of Free and Accepted Masons, was organized under dispensation April 15, 1893. The charter was received in August of the same year. The first officers were as follows : Theodore Strathman, worshipful master; John Linder, senior warden; Frank Buffum, junior warden, John Buffum, treasurer; J. M. Buffum, secretary; G. A. Triggs, senior deacon; W. W. Harris, junior deacon; A. A. Kingsley, S. S.; J. W. C. Salyard, J. S.; J. M. Dunlap, tyler.

A lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows was organized at Lake Park in October, 1895, with the following first officers: W. B. Highbee, noble grand; M. D. Green, vice grand; C. W. Flint, secretary, and H. F. Asmessin, treasurer. There were seven charter members of this lodge, which quickly increased to thirty-two members by the first meeting. In 1899 a Rebekah lodge was instituted, with fifty-six members to start. In the '90s a lodge of the Ancient Order of United Workmen was established in Lake Park, but did not prosper. However, in February, 1900, a reorganization was accomplished and the lodge was placed on a solid basis. H. C. Knox, G. A. Stouffer, G. W. Palmer were chosen as officers after the reorganization.

The first officers of the camp of American Yeoman, organized in Lake Park in 1897, were: W. B. Hignee, foreman, and J. G. Chrysler, correspondent.

OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
In December, 1875, a musical association was formed in Spirit Lake, the following account of which appeared in the Beacon: "An organization was formed last Monday night in town under the name of musical association, with the following officers: President, S. L. Pillsbury; vice president, C. H. Ayers; secretary, J. A. Ellis; treasurer, Miss Dena Barkman. About forty names were attached to the articles of organization and a lively interest seems to be taken in the matter. The object of the association is to keep up a musical interest in the community and to furnish an opportunity for advancement in the art by continued practice and mutual instruction. Meetings will be appointed once a week and strict rules will be adopted to insure the attendance of the members."

In 1878 there was also organized in Spirit Lake a cornet band. The Beacon had the following to say of it at the time: "There is a series of commonplace events that occur uniformly and mark epochs in the history of a town. The first church, the first lodge, the first sidewalk, the first railroad, all these things come and form, in their turn, starting points in the ordinary system of chronological mnemonics that serve to guide us in remembering our daily transactions. Coming in the regular order with the numerous improvements that mark the progress of our town, sounding brass and tinkling cymbal unite in harmonious effort to proclaim our metropolitan yearnings. A full set of instruments in the latest style and with all the modern improvements arrived here last Friday. The previously organized band was waiting to receive them, and after the trial they were distributed as follows: W. F. Pillsbury, E. flat cornet; S. P. Middleton, E flat cornet; T. J. Francis, B flat cornet; A. W. Middleton, B flat cornet; Carl Blackert, tenor; T. L. Twiford, alto; J. A. Ellis, alto; S. L. Pillsbury, baritone; J. A. Smith, E flat bass; C. W. Bowne, snare drum; J. S. Johnson, bass drum. The instruments are from the well known house of Lyon & Healy of Chicago, and give perfect satisfaction. After a few weeks' practice the boys will be ready to discourse sweet music. For the present, they have retired to hidden recesses and practice their lessons under the rose."

About 1892 a Pioneer Girls' Club was formed in Spirit Lake. Chief among the women who started this organization were: Mrs. Ella Arnold Stevens, Mrs. L. H. Farnham, Mrs. E. L. Brownell, Mrs. A. B. Funk, Mrs. E. G. Blackert, Mrs. H. A. Miller, Mrs. J. S. Everett. Mrs. Stevens was the first president. Annual banquets were held, special attention being paid to all the old settlers and the children of old settlers. Meetings were held weekly and a program offered, generally of a literary nature, reminiscent of the early days in Dickinson County. Time, however, has passed its effacing hand over this club and the active work is no longer continued.

The Spirit Lake Chautauqua, now a thing of the past, but popular in its day, may come under the head of organizations. The Chautauqua idea had its inception in 1892, when the Spirit Lake Park Association was organized. An auditorium was built on the shore of East Okoboji, between the town and Spirit Lake. E. C. Whalen, superintendent of the Chautauqua at Lake Madison, South Dakota, stopped here shortly after and found that the site would be a good one for a local Chautauqua. He advanced the subject to local people, with the result that the Spirit Lake Chautauqua Association was formed from the Spirit Lake Park Association. F. W. Barren was president and E. C. Whalen was chosen secretary and superintendent. Stock was issued at $100 per share. The first assembly was held in July, 1893, and for quite a time meetings were held every year. The first meeting brought forth such notable men as Rev. Frank Gunsaulus, Rev. Joseph Cook, Rev. T. DeWitt Talmage, Rev. Russell Conwell, Henry Watterson and others. A large debt hindered the progress of the association in the earlier years, and eventually caused the meetings to be held intermittently. After about ten years the association was permitted to decline and nothing was done to maintain it. An attempt at a revival of the Chautauqua was made, but was not successful, so the auditorium was sold and the association disbanded.

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