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| LOUISA COUNTY, IOWA | |
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Wapello, Iowa
Transcribed by Sharon Elijah, September 21, 2016
FOREWARD: The history of the Wapello United Methodist Church is actually a history of three Churches that ultimately become one Church.
The first Methodist Church to be organized in Wapello was the Methodist Episcopal Church, organized in 1839. This Church was located across the street west of the present day (1993) Post Office.
The second Methodist Church to start operation in Wapello was the German Methodist Episcopal Church, organized in 1846. This Church was a small frame building, located on the site of the present day United Methodist Church. In 1914, when English became their official language, this Church became the Grace Methodist Episcopal Church.
In September, 1929, the Grace Methodist Episcopal Church (Formerly the German Methodist Episcopal Church), and the Methodist Episcopal Church united to become the Wapello Methodist Church.
In 1968, the Evangelical United Brethren Churches and the Methodist Churches across the country, united to form the United Methodist Church. From that time on, the Church in Wapello has been known as the Wapello United Methodist Church.
In the year 1840 this territory belonged to the Rock River Conference. Joseph L. Kirkpatrick was located at Crawfordsville and Thomas M. Kirkpatrick at Mt. Pleasant and it is probable that one or both of them supplied the pulpit in Wapello.
Thomas M. Kirkpatrick, a circuit rider, was the first person to hold a religious service in interior Iowa. He conducted services in Chief Wapello’s wickiup before the Treaty of 1838.
At the Methodist Conference in Ottumwa, Iowa during the week of June 5, 1951, the Methodists dedicated a monument at the site of the grave of Chief Wapello at Agency, Iowa. The memorial, a bronze plaque, commemorates the purchase of the State of Iowa from the Sac and Fox Indians. A representative of the Sac and Fox Indians of Iowa was present for the dedication.
The Conference records for the year 1846 show Wapello as having no preacher for its pulpit, although they do show the name of Robert Rice as located at Crawfordsville, and John H. Dennis at Grandview. No further mention of Wapello is found in the Conference minutes until G. W. Teas was listed in 1854. Henry Clay Dean was named as the local preacher at Wapello in 1855.
Times were hard in the early days; there were no good roads, and the only means of transportation was by team and wagon. Father and mother sat on a board across a wagon box and all the children sat on straw in the bottom of the wagon. Seldom did a Sunday pass without the faithful being in their places in church. Only the severest weather kept them at home. By their actions they were laying the foundation of a strong faith in the lives of their children. In the busy life of any pioneer families, tired after the hard work of the long day, there was still time to prepare for the prayer meeting or the Sunday service.
The first Methodist Episcopal Church (English) of Wapello was organized in 1839 by Reverend Joseph Kirkpatrick, a missionary sent from the Illinois Conference. The Iowa Conference was not organized until 1844. Reverend Kirkpatrick was succeeded by the Reverend John Hayden, a brother of Enoch Hayden, at one time a hardware merchant in Wapello. The first Conference records are given for the year 1845.
The first services of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Wapello were held in the dining room of the hotel known as the Drake House. Later services were held in the Court House, a brick building located on the present day (1993) site of the Lutheran Church. Still later services were held in a small building across the street west of the present-day (1993) post office on North Main Street. In 1852 a brick church was erected on this site at a cost of $2,000. In 1876 the brick church was replaced with a framed structure at a cost of $3,500. In 1902 this church was remodeled at a cost of $3,600.
Picture: The Methodist Episcopal Church parsonage (on the left) was built in 1891. The Church was constructed in 1876 and torn down in 1939. Material from this building was used when the church building that would later be known as the Wapello United Methodist Church was enlarged in 1939.
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Picture: The Reverend F. R. Holcourt in the Wapello Methodist Episcopal Church (about 1880).
Picture: The second church building of the German Methodist Episcopal Church of Wapello as built in 1871. The first parsonage (on the left) was built in 1861.
The German Methodist Episcopal Church of Wapello was organized in 1846 with the Reverend Theodore Shulz as minister. He was succeeded by Reverend Blank (1847-1848), Reverend Young (1848-1849) and Reverend H. Fiegenbaum (1850-1852).
It is said that during the ministry of Reverend H. Fiegenbaum, the first German Church in Wapello, a small frame building, was built on the site of the present United Methodist Church. The earliest recollections of the interior of the old church are of its four square white walls and of its crudely constructed seats, for the pews in those days were rough planks laid on store boxes. These seats did not afford quite as convenient a place for the “sleepy brother or sister” to quietly take a nap as do the comfortable padded pews of today. There was no lazy-backed religion in those days as the seats were utterly devoid of ‘leanbacks’. It was the custom for the men to sit on one side of the church and the women to sit on the other side and all would kneel in prayer.
At Christmas time there was always a large tree on the platform in front of the church with tallow candles sputtering on early every branch. The Sunday School roll was called and as children’s names were called they went forward and received a sack of candy which included an orange. A songfest was also held with the strains of Christmas carols sung as only those German folk of olden days could sing them.
A German Church organization was soon formed at Long Creek. It and the Wapello Church were supplied by the same ministers.
It was through the energy of the Reverend Theodore Miller (1860-1861) that the first parsonage was built.
During the ministry of Reverend Zuppens (1869-1872) the second German Church of Wapello was erected. It was located where the present (1993) United Methodist Church stands and is the basic structure of the present church. It was dedicated in September, 1871.
Following Reverend Arnsberger’s ministry (1875-1877) there was an indebtedness on the parsonage of $600. The Church Board decided to dispense with the services of a salaried minister in order to pay off the debt and requested George Plitt, then acting in the capacity of local preacher, to preach to the Society for one year.
In 1902, when Reverend W. C. Schutze was pastor, the church building was entirely remodeled at an expense of about $4,000. W. S. Isett was the builder. The building was rededicated with impressive ceremonies on Sunday November 20, 1902. At this time John Otto, presented the church with an organ. In 1993, John Otto’s grandson, John Otto, was the oldest living member of the Wapello United Methodist Church.
In 1906 the Reverend J. P. Hehner, who had been pastor of the German Methodist Episcopal Church in Wapello for the past three years, asked to be transferred to Delta in Keokuk County.
Reverend Hehner contemplated this move for some time, realizing how difficult it would be to sustain a church with all services in the German language in Wapello. He knew it would be practically impossible in such a community, where English is the common speech even of the German population, to long sustain the membership, no matter how faithful the people and the preacher. The old standbys who came from Germany were nearly all gone however, and their children were American in every sense, and for the most part preferred the English language. It was the natural result of Americanizing influences to have the German Church gradually absorbed into the larger English body.
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Picture: Shirley Samuels, Lindsey Finley, and Katie Willson say, “Love, Love, Love – That’s what it’s all about.”
In the German Methodist Church the German language was used exclusively until the year 1908. From that time on some English was used, particularly in the Sunday School and especially in the classes composed of younger people.
Several years later more classes adopted the English language, until only the older Adult Class was conducted in German. Finally this class adopted the use of English also.
Picture: United Methodist Church as it looks in 1993.
In regard to the church the change to English did not take place so early. Until 1910 both morning and evening services were conducted in German. The sermon, songs, and even the announcements were given in the German language. Beginning in 1910, when Reverend David Froeschle became pastor, the first change toward the English language was made. The Sunday evening service was conducted in English and the Sunday morning service still in German. In a few years more and more of the congregation wanted the Sunday morning as well as the evening service, to be conducted in English. In compliance with their wishes, it was decided to use the English language on certain Sunday mornings. This continued for a time, until finally the demand was for more and more of the English sermons. In the spring of 1914, by which time most of the services were conducted in English, it was officially decided to use only the English language and change the name from German Methodist Episcopal to Grace Methodist Episcopal.
During the pastorate of F. N. Austerman (1916-1921), Evangelist “La Cour” was holding revival meetings in the Grace Methodist Episcopal Church. During one of his sermons he said, “We should love our enemies, even the Kaiser.” This touched off a spark of criticism so great he was obliged to discontinue his meetings and was escorted out of town.
Picture: Men’s Sunday School Class, Grace Methodist Church, Wapello, Iowa, 1917. This Church was known as the German Methodist Church until 1914 when it was decided to use the English language in Church services.
(back row, L to R) Emo Eckland, Herbert Tillman, Karl Wischmeier, John Otto, Warren Wiederrecht, George Yakle,
(middle row, L to R), Dewey Small, Charles Reutinger, Ludwig Johnson, Earl Eversmeyer, Thomas Miller, Phillip Reutinger,
(front row L to R) Fred Kreiner, George Wiederrecht, Lewis Wiederrecht, Reverend Austerman, Jake Everd, Charles Eversmeyer, Louis Schaper, Edward Miller.
In June, 1918, a proclamation stating that foreign languages were not to be used in the state was received from Governor W. L. Harding. The reason given was that propaganda could be spread throughout the state by the use of foreign languages. A circular letter explaining the proclamation mentioned that Italians of Des Moines endorsed the proclamation, the churches of Sioux City promised strict compliance, and the Bohemians of Cedar Rapids had withdrawn their protests and heartily endorsed the plan.
This proclamation was received and heartily endorsed by the congregation of the Grace Methodist Church, but it had no effect on the language used, for the church had changed from German to English four years earlier.
The church was the hub of the community in the late . . .
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. . . 1890’s. Sunday School was held with church following at 10:30 a.m. to 12:00. Then class meetings were held for half an hour, and in the afternoon the Young People’s meeting was followed by Epworth League and then the evening church service at 7:30 p.m. During the week there were prayer meetings on Thursday evenings.
One of the oldest Sunday School classes in the church was the Philathea Class, organized by Mrs. Newsome in 1910. The word “Philathea” means “One who loves the truth” from the Greek and was an international Bible class for women. About that time a men’s class was organized and they were known as the “Baracas” which is taken from the Hebrew and means “Blessing”.
Among some of the first members of the Philatheas were: Mrs. Newsome, Mrs. H. B. Davison, Mrs. Flitch, Lou McKay Miller, Mrs. Ida Chittum, Pearl Kremer, Irene Archibald, Glen Miller Cutcomb, Lulu Kemper, Pearl Houtz, Gail Bishop, Alice Butler, Lola Morris, Mabel W. Lischer, Louisa Eland, Eliza Violet, Pearl and Ora Brown, Mabel and Myrtle Siverly, Mabel Dungan, Ethel Heindel, Hurley Gauss, Jennie Joy, and Alvilda Davison. Some of the teachers were: Mrs. Flitch, Lou Miller, Emma Williamson, Mrs. Chittum, Mrs. Hawkins, Mrs. Rozena Hayes, and Pearl Kremer.
There was a membership drive between the Philathea Ladies and the Baracas Men; the winners to entertain the losers. The Philatheas entertained the Baracas at a party at Miss Kremer’s on May 23, 1910. The men presented the ladies with a silver collection cup at that time that was used in the class for many years.
In 1923 the Treasurer’s Annual Report of the Grace Methodist Episcopal Church as printed named contributors and their contributions. Disbursements were $2,197.30 with the pastor’s salary at $1,500. There was a balance of $46.29 at the end of the year.
The Grace Methodist Episcopal Church (formerly the German Church) was remodeled again in 1924 at a cost of $3,000. At this time the basement was enlarged and the Primary Department of the Sunday School was transferred to the basement. The main body of the church was raised about four feet, Liedke Company from Muscatine had the contract for remodeling the basement and putting in the basement windows at a cost of about $300. W. C. Archibald of Wapello was the contractor.
At this time the church, built in 1871, was reopened by the building committee: Mrs. Melissa Heins Wiederrecht, Vinnie Winter, Charles Eversmeyer, Charles J. Schaper, and Lewis Gerth. In the cornerstone was found a tin box eight inches wide and fourteen inches long. It seems the box was opened in 1902 when the church was repaired as some of the contents were dated 1902, but the greater number of papers were dated 1871. The contents were in good condition—the Bible, a Hymn Book, and the Discipline—but the box showed signs of aging as the bottom was quite rusty.
Picture: Several choir members in a “warm-up” session.
(L to R) Wayne Gieselman, Ronald Cross, Dorothy Gieselman, Karene Mills, Nancy Cardwell, and Bev Parsons at the piano.
Picture: Some bell choir members in a practice session.
(L to R) Christine Cary, Nicole Jack, Nicole Simmons, Katie Willson, Bob Hodges, Daniel Bryant, Mitch Huddle.
Picture: Jennie Small (left) and Eugene Small (right) greeting Sunday morning worshipers (center L to R) Esther Jarvis, Maurine Schmeiser, and Maurice Schmeiser.
In 1929 the Grace Methodist Episcopal Church (formerly the German Methodist Episcopal Church) and the Methodist Episcopal Church united to become the . . .
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. . . Wapello Methodist Church. The final service in the old Methodist Episcopal Church was held in September, 1929. The two Wapello Methodist Churches were now one as far as their standing in the Conference and in the community was concerned. It remained only for the two congregations to meet and mingle as one people.
For the unification meeting it was decided to use the Grace Methodist Episcopal Church, with the congregation of the Methodist Episcopal Church coming, in a body, to join their brothers and sisters in Christ to comprise the Wapello Methodist Church. The last morning when all had assembled a short worship was held, a hymn sung, and a prayer offered. Then, taking the hymn books and singing “Onward Christian Soldiers”, the people marched by classes and families away from the old doors and toward the new location that was now to be their church home.
It was with mingled sadness and joy that the two congregations united to carry on the great tasks set before them by their ancestors. The Reverend Russell Arms was the pastor when the two churches were united.
After the merger of the two churches and during the pastorate of Reverend Lloyd Tennant, the old Methodist Episcopal Church building stood idle for nearly nine years. Then, under the supervision of Reverend Tennant the building was torn down and all useable material was moved to the old Grace Methodist Episcopal Church lot that was now the site of the Wapello Methodist Church. Reverend Tennant obtained architect’s plans for extensive improvements. He raised some money and went ahead in spite of some very angry opposition.
The Reverend H. C. Druse was very helpful during the merger of the churches. Coming back to Wapello in 1939, he bought the old cellar of the Methodist Episcopal Church and the parsonage of the former German Church which was moved to the site where he lived.
The rebuilt and enlarged Wapello Methodist Church was reopened on Sunday, January 14, 1940, now actually a merger of buildings, as well as congregations, of the former Methodist Episcopal and Grace Methodist Episcopal Churches.
The Wapello Methodist Church (later to become the Wapello United Methodist Church) is materially composed of the two former buildings, modernizing and adjusting one by enlarging and adding to it material from the other, together with new materials and equipment. The retaining of the beautiful cathedral glass window of the former church on the present site, the replacement of some windows, and the designating as memorial of others made a large contribution to the beauty of the completed structure. Inscriptions have been made on many of those windows.
The breaking of ground for the addition at the west of the former Grace Methodist Episcopal Church was made on Sunday, August 7, 1939. Joseph Reutinger, the oldest man in service years of the church, lifted the first shovel of dirt. The heads of many church departments likewise shoveled a part, as scriptures and prayers were made for the great undertaking.
The dirt for the basement was dug out for the new addition with teams and scrapers donated by members. In 1939 arrangements were made to secure a loan of $5,000 to be used for church advance building funds.
Picture: Excavation gets underway for an addition to the west side of the Wapello Methodist Church in 1939.
The cornerstone was placed on November 19, 1939. The cornerstone is of gray granite and is 16 inches by six inches in size. It contains a copper box in which was placed the latest copy of the Discipline, the current issue of the Wapello Republican, and a complete roster of officers of the city, the county, and fraternal and social organizations. It also contains a list of donors of cash and labor, the Honor Roll of the day, the church membership roll, and the Sunday School membership. The names of the Building Committee: A. J. Williamson, Mrs. Elmer Shipman, W. H. Wiederrecht, Mrs. B. F. Pettis, and George Wilson, were cut into the front of the cornerstone and the year “1939” was cut into the north side of the stone.
The west wall was moved back, and a balcony was built with classrooms built around three sides of it. Additional seating capacity was put in under the balcony. The basement when finished contained a kitchen, dining room, classrooms, rest rooms, and supply closets The main entrance was moved from the east side to the south side and the pews were relocated to face east—where the chancel was now located—instead of north—where the chancel had been located. The interior was refinished with new wood and the exterior with asphalt siding. The beautiful cathedral stained glass windows were kept, as was the bell which was in the tower in 1871 when the church was rebuilt. Guy Watson was the contractor, Fred Scharer the plumber, Horace Mumme the electrician, Walter Stroup the painter, and C. K. Allworth provided lumber and advice.
The cost of the new addition and the remodeling work was about $16,000. In 1942, in order to meet the debt of the church, a committee was appointed to investigate unpaid pledges and ask for a donation of the . . .
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. . . yield from an acre of ground. As part of the fund raising effort square nails were welded in the form of a cross and sold.
In January, 1940, the newly rebuilt building was dedicated and in October 1943, the mortgage was burned at the front of the church under the pastorate of the Reverend Russell Nye.
Improvements have continued to be made to the church over the years.
In 1944 the Reverend Nye was instructed to buy a light for the east window with a spotlight on the figure of Christ.
During the pastorate of Dr. Clifton Keagy the open chancel was built (1946-1950).
With Sunday School attendance growing and the rooms upstairs getting more and more use a fire escape was built as a safety measure.
Under Reverend Tinker’s leadership (1950-1953) the Sunday School was reorganized, with co-teachers for each class and chimes were added to the organ.
Picture: Do you anyone in this picture? Sixty (60) people became new members of the Wapello United Methodist Church on a Sunday morning in the early 1950’s. Reverend Leonard Tinker is standing in the center in back of the new members.
During the Reverend Floyd Shepherd’s years as the pastor (1953-1959) the educational departments were growing. With this in mind the Church Board led the congregation in buying the Sligh property adjoining immediately south of the church. It was purchased in October, 1958 for $10,000. During this period, a new furnace was installed, with carpets and furnishings suitable for use by the Beginners Department of the Sunday School.
During the early 1960’s an exploratory committee was formed to investigate the needs of the church. Under the leadership of the Reverend Harland Gant (1959-1965) the members voted in favor of building a new educational unit. The estimated cost of the new building was $96,000 with 80% to be raised in three-year pledges. The 48 foot by 72 foot building would have two floors containing ten classrooms.
Groundbreaking ceremonies for the new educational unit were held following church services on May 9, 1965. Persons chosen to use the shovel were: John Hupp, chairman; Dr. L. E. Weber, Jr., secretary; George Chambers, vice chairman; Charles Reutinger; Maurice Schmeiser; Kenneth Wiederrecht; Dewey Small; Roland Wehner, architect; Harlan Wiederrecht, chairman of the finance committee; and Reverend Harland Gant, pastor. Also using the shovel were representatives of the Sunday School classes that would use the new unit: Douglas Webb, Ruth Ann Gieselman, Pam Buster, Robert Morris, Jr., Scott Elliott, Marlin Spitznogle, Linda Schneider, Dianne Hayes, Ann Matthews, and Greg Cover. Contractors were H. Eugene Smith of Mt. Pleasant; plumbing and heating was done by Menke of West Point; Merle Krahl of Wapello was the electrician; and the excavating was done by Maurice Foor of Wapello.
Picture: This two-story educational unit, with 10 classrooms, was added to the Wapello Methodist Church in 1965.
On January 16, 1966, consecration services for the educational unit were held. The morning service was conducted by Dr. Clifford Lott, Mt. Pleasant, Superintendent of the Burlington District of the Methodist Church. An evening service was conducted by a former pastor, the Reverend Harland Gant.
Picture: December 1968 – William H. Matthews and wife Mary, with their son, Reverend Gene Matthews and his wife In Sook.
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On Sunday, February 26, 1968, one of the most solemn services ever conducted in the church was the Ordination of Gene Matthews, a member of the church. The sermon was given by Iowa Bishop James S. Thomas, assisted by Dr. George Hunt, Superintendent of the Waterloo, Iowa District; Dr. Alvin Mayberry, Superintendent of the Council Bluffs District; the Reverend Dean Walters, South Iowa Conference; the Reverend Harland Gant, then pastor of the West Liberty Methodist Church; the Reverend Donald Ross, pastor of the Wapello Presbyterian Church; and the Reverend Robert Dodder, pastor of the Wapello United Methodist Church. The Reverend Gene Matthews now serves (1993) as a missionary of the Methodist Church in Korea. He started his missionary service in Korea in ____.
<In 1967 the Evangelical United Brethren Churches and the Methodist Churches across the country united to form the United Methodist Church. From that time on the church in Wapello has been known as the Wapello United Church.
Improvement to the church and to church property continued. In 1973 the parsonage at 203 North Main St. was sold and a new parsonage at 231 South 7th St. was purchased for $36,500. In 1975 a new furnace and air conditioning unit was installed in the main church building at a cost of $14,000. A new sound system was installed in 1976. Aluminum siding and insulation was purchased in 1980 at a cost of $18,000. The interior of the main sanctuary was painted and carpeted in 1982 at a cost of $11,000.
Other improvements and accomplishments over the years have included installation of the carillon on the church roof, purchase of padded pews, and providing hearing aids in some pews. A dial-a-prayer system was put into use. Church services were provided by telephone hook-up to the Wapello Nursing Home. Space was made available for the Head Start Program and a Mental Health Agency in the educational unit. A set of Bible Commentaries was placed in the Wapello library, and a wheelchair ramp was built for entry to the church. The church bell, located in the north tower of the church, was installed in 1871. It was manufactured by Cincinnati Buckeye Bell Foundry. In former times it was rung frequently; to summon worshipers on Sunday, to ring out the old year and ring in the new year, and in November of 1918 and again in August of 1945 it pealed forth to celebrate the end of the World Wars. The bell tolled forth in subdued tones at the passing of a faithful follower. It was also rung as a fire bell to summon people to form a “bucket brigade”. It has been told that a fire broke out one Sunday morning and the bell rope was pulled with urgency. Some members of the congregation had their horses and buggies or wagons tied to hitching posts outside the church and the horses became scared and ran away.
Halloween prank loving youngsters would occasionally slip in and pull the bell rope, thereby adding the resonant tones of the old bell to their late night fun.
The stained glass windows in the Wapello United Methodist Church serve as an inspiration to worshipers each Sunday morning as the sun streams through them. Each time plans have been made for remodeling, much concern has been felt among the people who knew the beauty and value of them. For that reason, a protective outer covering was placed over them in the 1970’s.
The smaller windows, beginning at the northwest corner, have medallions which are symbolic of:
- “The Crown”: The crown of life. The reward of all who remain faithful “For now therefore is laid up for you a crown of life”. Nearly all of these symbols have verses in the Bible and have hymns of the same theme.
- The next window (to the east) has an illustration of a pile of books and means the Bible, the sacred writings on which the Christian faith is founded. It is a combination of many books. This window reminds us to make this our study, showing us the way to live.
- The tablets of stone, as shown in the next window, are the laws as given to Moses. These ten commandments cover all human effort and if heeded keep us right in our relations with God and man.
- The wine cup is depicted in the next window. The wheat and grapes are symbolic of the Lord’s supper. The last supper where Christ blessed and broke the bread and passed the wine is followed by Christians everywhere. Our Communion is open to everyone who believes in Jesus Christ as their Savior.
- The anchor is pictured in the window by the organ. The anchor which holds us firmly to the rock which is Jesus Christ. Regardless of the storm of life, our anchor will hold “if grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love”.
- The north tower window has an illustration of a pelican which symbolizes a mother who fed her young with her own blood during a period of food scarcity.
- In the south tower window is the Ark riding in the rain and rushing water, a symbol of God’s call for his people.
- In a Philathea classroom window “The all-seeing eye” is illustrated; another way of expressing God’s care which is ever about us—the watchful eye that never sleeps—the help and comfort, never denied, ready to fill our needs at all times. The large window in the Philathea room is a dedication to the Eptworth League Cross, “Maltese”. The words are in the German language; “Onward, Forward, Upward.”
- The large west window has the rake, sickle, and a bundle of wheat. The verse in German means, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
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Picture: The large window east of the altar depicts the parable of the lost sheep. The window shows the finding of the wanderer.
Pictures taken of Sunday School 1993:
Picture: Young Adults Class.
(L to R, seated) Bob Locke, Jack Reif, Denise Ryan, Joan Hodges, Dianne Hayes, Doug Hayes,
(L to R, standing) Spencer Locke, Perrian Locke, Debbie Huddle, Grace Finley, Joni Simmons, Nancy Cardwell.
Picture: Adults Class: (L to R) Ed Wiederrecht, Floyd Reif, Gene Small, Jennie Small, Jack Samuels, Howard Gieselman, Grace Reif, Mary Wiederrecht, Kathryn Justice.
Picture: High School Class.
(L to R) John Beik, Mike Hodges (Teacher) Eric Spitznogle, Whitney Huddle, Eric Small, Todd Morris, Roger Huddle (Teacher)
Picture: 5th and 6th Grade Class:
(L to R, front) Jacob Cardwell, Thomas Hainey,
(2nd row) Christine Cary, Danielle Henke, Jacque Morris, Nicole Jack, Katie Willson, Nicole Simmons, (standing) Nick Locke, Bob Hodges, Daniel Bryant, Josh Hardin, Nathan Stover, Mitch Huddle,
(back row, standing) Beth Dickey, Peggy Willson (teacher).
Picture: Pre-school Class (L to R) Blaine Dopler, Gail Barrick (teacher), Becky Kemp, Caleb Hainey, Cody Shafer, Jordan Locke.
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This article, dated December 1902, was found in the Schaper family Bible by Mrs. Dewey Small. The article was printed in German and was translated by Mrs. Ellen Hoeg.
The last Sunday in November was a nice sunny day with a little snow on the ground. As the bell rang it announced the start of the reopening dedication service.
The ground breaking for the first church was 56 years ago. Just a few are left from the first members.
The second church in 1871 was small and plain.
The third church is new and modern built in a new style. The main building is for preaching, and the entrance way was made into a new chancel. Two hundred fifty people could be seated comfortably in the main church.
The new 18 foot by 34 foot addition (Philathea Room) is for Sunday School and youth meetings and weekly devotions, and is in harmony with the main church. It is divided from the main church by a rolling partition and seats 100 people.
Seating was chairs. The main entrance is now 10 feet by 10 feet which leads to both main church and new addition. A new 8 foot by 8 foot corner was built where the bell is rung with a door from the main church. The architecture is becoming and relaxing, built Roman style; everything that could be wished for. The painted walls are in harmony with the rest of the interior. The altar and altar rail are very attractive. To the right of the chancel is an (Bocalion) organ and choir loft; a gift of John Otto. The chairs for the preachers are beautiful, massive and comfortable. The carpet over the entire floor is in harmony with the entire inside. The colored windows are beautiful and meaningful. The church has a modern furnace for heating and electric lights.
Brother Charles Ruthenberg, Sunday School Superintendent, made the opening prayer. Litzroth Addicks made the opening speech at 10:30 to a full church. Dr. Havinghorst, District S.S., was the speaker for the dedication. He chose Luke 1:30, “His name shall be called Jesus”, for his inspirational sermon.
At 2:30 p.m. there was an English service. Dr. Addicks, Warrenton, Missouri, spoke to an overflowing house. His text was Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of heaven and all these things shall be added unto you”.
In the evening Reverend Zimmerman spoke. The choir leader was J. H. Schweitert. The building cost $4,400, with $2,400 donated before the dedication and $1,800 at the dedication. The last $200 would be paid before the publication in the “Christian Apolegate”.
The congregation is happy for the victory celebration.
The building committee was John Otto, Charles Ruthenberg, H. A. Plitt, Charles Kemper, Fred Wiederrecht, and the minister, W. C. Schutze.
We are thankful for their work. Also the Ladies Aid helped make everything more beautiful.
The Lord lives in his holiness and his works are fruitful.
| Rev. W. Zuppan | Rev. R. J. Tillman | Rev. J. P. Wilhelmi | Rev. J. H. Schweitert |
| Rev. J. Feisel | Rev. S. Segesser | Rev. H. H. Knehans | Rev. W. C. Schultze |
| Rev. F. Arnsberger | Rev. H. Ross | Rev. H. Zimmerman | Rev. J. P. Hehner |
| Rev. George Plitt | Rev. F. L. Litzrodt | Rev. E. W. Simon | Rev. F. J. Sternberg |
| Rev. David Froeschly | Rev. Ludwig | Rev. C. E. Ward |
| Rev. F. H. Austerman | Rev. Heidel |
| Rev. C. L. Stafford | Rev. J. C. Kendrick | Rev. J. C. Goodrich | Rev. J. E. Newsom |
| Rev. S. S. Murphy | Rev. O. P. Light | Rev. J. C. Willits | Rev. E. C. Brooks |
| Rev. W. M. Brown | Rev. M. See | Rev. G. W. Younkin | Rev. A. W. McBlain |
| Rev. G. W. Byrkitt | Rev. W. P. Elliott | Rev. T. S. Pool | Rev. C. E. Coggshall |
| Rev. A. Kershaw | Rev. A. P. Shipman | Rev. R. L. Patterson | Rev. W. S. Moore |
| Rev. C. F. Williams | Rev. F. Ashpole | Rev. W. C. Chew | Rev. O. E. McBride |
| Rev. F. R. Holcourt | Rev. F. W. Hahurin | Rev. M. E. Reusch | Rev. V. G. Hankins p> |
| Rev. R. J. Arms | 1929-1933 |
| Rev. Treverton Warren | 1933-1937 |
| Rev. Lloyd Tennant | 1937-1941 |
| Rev. R. G. Nye | 1941-1946 |
| Rev. R. Clifton Keagy | 1946-1950 |
| Rev. Leonard Tinker | 1950-1953 |
| Rev. Floyd Shepherd | 1953-1959 |
| Rev. Harland T. Gant | 1959-1965 |
| Rev. Robert Dodder 1 | 1965-1968 |
| Rev. George Snyder | 1968-1975 |
| Rev. Jerrold W. Swinton | 1975-1978 |
| Rev. John Beebout | 1978-1982 |
| Rev. Gordon Watson | 1982-1984 |
| Rev. George Yetter | 1984-1991 |
| Rev. E. Edward Philgreen | 1991- |
Picture: 1st and 2nd Grade Class.
Teachers—Pam Hamilton (left) and Liewanne Bryant.
(Class members, L to R and starting at back) Megan Foor, Laura Souer, Allison Dickey, Jenny Ward, Jaque Ward, Beth Black, Andrea Ryan, Jenny Kemp, Jenny Clayton, Carynda Shafer, Bryan Flack, Tyler Finley, Jessica Furlong, Nick Cary, Nick Kemp, Andrew Hamilton, Cody Henke, Brodie Dopler, Chris Schneider.
Picture: Pat Samuels (Teacher), (L to R around table from left) Brad Kerr, Erika Thye, Annie Arnold, Koert Huddle, Kassidy Braby, Peter Schmeiser, Staci Humiston, Mika Dopler, Blair Humiston, Lisa Ryan.
Picture: Kindergarten class. Linda Cary (Teacher). (L to R) Jacob Dickey, Steven Kerr, Lindsey Finley, Kassia Dopler, Allyson Schmeiser, Lisa Flake, Kale Braby, Katie Hayes
Picture: 3rd and 4th Grade Class. Teachers – Sherry Souer (left) and Connie Furlong.
(L to R) Ben Hodges, Willie Souer, Brad Hayes, Aaron Black, Travis Eversmeyer, Tyler Hank, Andrea Furlong, Elizabeth Hayes, Nancy Clayton.