LOUISA COUNTY, IOWA

“I know thy works; behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it; for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.” --- Revelation 3:8.

       We are indebted to the late J. T. Cowles, a charter member, also an elder and clerk of the Session of the Oakland Presbyterian church for the following information contained in a paper written and read by him March 19, 1895 at a congregational meeting. As follows:

        “In preparing a brief history of the Oakland Presbyterian church, perhaps it would be well to review the causes that led up to the organization. There are still some of the men living who were actors in the very early settlement, of the country. But the brief space of time allotted me in which to prepare this history prevents an extended consulting of such persons. Our fathers who first settled in this vicinity, thought their religion good enough to pay the freight on, and therefore brought in with them. The first account we have is an old subscription paper for the ministerial services of the Rev. A. Leonard. The paper has no date affixed to it, but the internal as well as the external evidence is that it was gotten up at a very early date in the history of this people. Early in the ‘40’s money in Iowa was so scare that almost everything but taxes had to be paid in the produce of the field. This subscription paper obligates the subscribers to pay in money or wheat.

       We learn from very trust-worthy sources that the early settlers of the vicinity although Presbyterians, where they came from, in the absence of any church of their own choice, within reach, united with a congregation at Columbus City, with the Rev. A. Leonard as their pastor. In the course of time there were quite a number of Presbyterians settled in the vicinity of what is now Morning Sun. These persons, in connection with the Oakland People, united in a petition to the Presbytery of Iowa, to be organized into a church, which was done by Rev. L. G. Bell (Father Bell, as he is called by those who knew him) May 28, 1849. The following are the names of petitioners:

       Mrs. Rebecca Nichols, Anna M. Nichols, Mrs. Ellen Nichols, John N. Baldridge, Eliza J. Baldridge, James Coulter, Jane Coulter and Margaret E. Benton.

       Mr. James Coulter was elected Elder. The organization was called Unity Church. These people secured supplies as best they could until September 30, 1850 when Rev. S. Cowles was installed their first pastor. In September 1853 Mr. Cowles was called to the presidency of Des Moines College at West Point. January 14, 1854, Rev. F. B. Dinsmore was installed pastor of Unity Church. This pastorate continued until June 6, 1857.

       As the church grew and increased in numbers and the impediments in passing from one part of the congregation to the other, it was thought best to petition Presbytery to make a division of the church forming a new church out of the north part. Presbytery appointed the Rev. J. B. McBride chairman of a committee to perform this duty, which he performed June 6, 1857. The Elders elected were James Coulter, Joseph S. Benton, John N. Baldridge and Hugh Fulton; and Trustees: Robert Coulter, J. B. Nichols and J. T. Cowles.

       The first pastor, the Rev. O. H. Miller was employed as stated supply for Wapello and Oakland for one year, April 1, 1858. He continued with us until September 1, 1860. April 1, 1861 the Rev. D. T. Campbell, a licentiate, ministered to us at Winfield and Oakland for four years, closing his ministry with us April 1, 1865. The Rev. Jacob Baay was then chosen pastor of Wapello and Oakland, April 1, 1866, continuing as such for four years until April 1, 1870. The Rev. Corbitt was then employed as supply for six months. Rev. John Glass was then employed for one year, closing April, 1872. Rev. James Brown, supply for nine months in 1872 in connection with Winfield. Mr. A. Ringland, a licentiate six months in 1873. Rev. George Hays supply for one year 1874. Rev. A. M. Heizer supply from November 1874 to September 1879. Rev. Colver supply for one year. Rev. J. E Kearns, pastor December 1, 1879. Resigned September 1, 1886. M. M. Cooper supply April 1, 1887. Resigned October 1, 1889. Rev. A. Willard Cooper supply May 1, 1890. Removed September 1890 as a missionary to Siam. Rev. J. H. Condit supply 1891, who is still with us, March 19, 1895.

       About the year 1858 the Oakland people began to erect the church building which was some years before it was completed. The number of members when organized was forty-three. Mr. Joseph T. Cowles and Mrs. Mary Fulton are the only living charter members of the organization who still retain their membership at the Oakland church.

       The following persons who united with the church directly after organization, are still living: Joseph T. Cowles, Mary A. Cowles, Rebecca J. Nichols, Joseph B. Nichols, Ellen I. Nichols, John N. Baldridge, Joseph S. Benton, Susan R. Benton, Drusilla Coulter, Martha Coulter, Benj. F. Coe, Mary Dodd, Rachel Fulton, Lydia Coulter, Mary J. Coulter.

       The following persons have passed over the river to the Church Triumphant: James Coulter, Jane Coulter, Elizabeth Cowles, Noah M. Cowles, Robert Nichols, Rebecca Nichols, Anna M. Nichols, Eliza J. Bunnell, Catherine Ristine, Eliza J. Jaldridge, Mary Gilchrist, Margaret E. Benton, Ann E. Benton, Robert Coulter, Jane Coulter, James Smith, Sarah Smith, Jane Lakin, Hugh Fulton, Maria Fulton, Hannah Betis, Wm. Newell, Elizabeht Newell, Anna Newell, Parkus Woodruff, Abram Fulton, Keziah N. Fulton, Rebecca E. Fulton”.

(End of early history by Mr. Cowles.)

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       Referring to the history written by Mr. J. T. Cowles, the erection of the present church building was begun in 1858 on ground donated by John Baldridge, Eliza A. Baldridge, Joseph S. Benton and Margaret Niccolls Benton. A number of years passed before the church was completed. However, on October 6, 1867 the building committee J. N. Baldridge, Joseph B. Nichols and Joseph S Benton reported to the congregation its completion free from all indebtedness. This policy of being free from debt and self supporting has continued through the years. In 1878 a partition was placed in the front of the church making the present vestibule.

       Through the earlier years the Sunday School and Christian Endeavor maintained an important place with the church. In December 1921 the Sunday School was reorganized and is known as the Oakland Union Sunday School. Throughout the years the church and Sunday School have contributed to missions and missionaries and other benevolences.

       The What-So-Ever class was organized in 1922 and shared in these activities.

       In 1928 Oakland Church held its first annual Homecoming. This custom has continued with the exception of two years 1953 when the church was undergoing repairs and 1954, when the blacktop road was under construction.

       Since the active Presbyterian membership had grown smaller through death and removal from the community, those remaining decided a change of some kind should be made. In the fall of 1948 the first meeting was held to discuss plans for the future. Then at various times and places conferences were held with the Moderator Stated Clerk and Trustees of Presbytery.

       On May 7, 1950 a congregational meeting was held and it was decided to ask Presbytery for the release of the Oakland Presbyterian church for the purpose of organizing a community church. There were no dissenting votes and a committee of Elders and Trustees was elected to meet with Presbytery and present the petition to them. This being done, Presbytery specified certain requirements to be met. In due time the procedure was fulfilled and October 12, 1951 the Trustees of Presbytery signed the Special Warranty Deeds and turned them over to the church. By a majority vote the name Oakland Church was given to the new organization. Rev. C. B. Larson has been pastor.

       A congregational board was elected, namely; J. F. Nichols, President; Mrs. C. E. McConahay, Vice President; Mrs. Lydia Hupp, Recording Secretary; C. E. McConahay Treasurer; Trustees: Howard McConahay, Dee Hamilton, D. M. Barrick.

       Funds for electricity, heating plant, repairing and painting have been contributed by former and present members, the Sunday School, What-So-Ever class and friends of the church.

       We trust from the Oakland church will go forth a deep appreciation on to all who have helped to make this possible and a warm welcome is extended to all who worship withus.

Register of Ministers and State Supplies of the Oakland Presbyterian Church
Organized June 7, 1857

Rev. J. B. McBride who organized the Oakland church at the Oakland School House.

Rev. O. H. Miller	April 1, 1858	Sept 1 1860
Rev. E. T. Campbell	April 1, 1861	April 1, 1865
Rev. Jacob Baay	April 1, 1866	April 1, 1870
Rev. Corbett	April 1, 1870	Sept. 1, 1870
Rev. John Glass	April 1, 1871	Sept. 1, 1872
Rev. James Brown	Sept. 1, 1872	May 1, 1873
Rev. Ringland	May 1, 1873	November
Rev. George Hays	May 1, 1873	May 1, 1874
Rev. A. M. Heizer	November 1874	Sept. 1879
Rev. Colver
Rev. J. E. Kearns	Dec. 1, 1879	Sept. 1886
Rev. M. M. Cooper	April 1, 1887	Oct. 1, 1889
Rev. A. W. Cooper Missionary to Siam	May 1, 1890	Sept. 1, 1890
Rev. J. K. Alexander
Rev. J. H. Condit Missionary to Alaska	May 1, 1891	March 25, 1896
Rev. T. N. Buchanan	Nov. 1896	April 1899
Rev. R. J. L. Matthews		May 1900
Rev. McKay
Rev. S. B. Parvin	May 1901	April 1, 1904
Rev. Wm. Cooper	Nov. 12, 1904	Feb. 17, 1906
Rev. M. E. Todd	April 22, 1906	Nov. 18, 1906
Rev. Theo. T. Koopman	April 1907	April 26, 1908
Rev. George Wickwire	May 7, 1909	April 10, 1910
Rev. A. E. Cameron	May 1, 1910	April 7, 1918
Rev. W. P. Nicholas	Supply 1918	1922
Rev. G. Winter		Supply 1923
Rev. Shock		Supply 1927
Dr. Spyker		Supply 1930
Rev. C. E. Burdine		Suppy 1931
Rev. D. E. Kerr		Supply 1932, '34, '36, '37
Rev. Giffin		Supply 1934
Rev. O. L. Bryns	Supply 1939	1947
Rev. H. Henderson		April 17, 1949
Rev. Edward Mohr	Moderator 1950	1951
Rev. J. O. Hall		Special Services
Rev. C. B. Larson		Present Paster

Mrs. Lillian (Green) Fisher, a former member of the church and husband were missionaries to Japan in the 1880’s.

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       Elders:
       James Coulter, Joseph S. Benton, Hugh Fulton, John N. Baldridge, Joseph T. Cowles, Robert Coulter, J. H. Nichols, Wm. Fitzimmons, R. R. Mewhirter, Ra. A. Niccolls, A. J. Matson, Leslie Nichols J. F. Niccolls, Ray Barrick, J. Harry Grim.

       Trustees:
        J. B. Nichols, Joseph T. Cowles, Robert Coulter, Wm. Steele, G. W. Howes, Leslie Nichols, Mrs. Angie Bates, A. J. Matson, H. T. Bates, Millard Timmons, J. F. Nicolls, H. C. Hupp, R. H. Earnest, Howard McConahay.

       Clerks of Session:
        N. M. Cowles, Abram Fulton, Joseph S. Benton, J. N. Baldridge, J. T. Cowles, R. A. Niccolls, A. J. Matson, R. R. Newhirter, J. F. Niccolls

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OUR PRAYER
That we will worship the only living and true God.

OUR PLAN
That we will teach the Bible as the Holy inspired word of God.

OUR PURPOSE
To know Christ and to make Him known.

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CHURCH OFFICALS - 1957

Congregational Board:
President	J. F. Niccolls
Vice President	Mrs. C. E. McConahay
Recording Secretary	Mrs. Lydia Hupp
Treasurer	C. E. McConahay
Trustees:	Howard McConahay Dee Hamilton D. M. Barrick
Sunday School:
Superintendent	J. F. Niccolls
Seccretary-Treasurer	Mrs. C. E. McConahay
Ass't Secretary - Treasurer	Mrs. C. W. Ogier
Home Department Superintendent	Mrs. G. H. McConahay
Cradle Roll Superintendent	Mrs. Otto McConahay
Pianist	Mrs. J. F. Niccolls
What-So-Ever-Class:
President	Mrs. Janice Grimm
Vice President	Mrs. Della Frank
Secretary-Treasurer	Mrs. Lois Hamilton
Corresponding Secretary	Mrs. Jennie Niccolls