Mills County, Iowa

Silver City Community History
1879 - 1979

CHURCHES

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

The Silver City Baptist Church was organized as the First Baptist Church of Ingraham Township, Mills County, February 10, 1876 by Rev. E.E. Cady and Rev. J.W. Roe. The original members presented letters from other churches; they were: George and Harriett Sidener, Sidney and Esther Sidener, C.D. and Harriett Hawley, Rachel Smawley, M.A. Dupree, Silas and Betsy Morse, Rufus and Alice Bevier, Julia Shanks, M.A. Chambers, Mrs. H.A. Hanley, Phoebe Simpson, J.R. Allison, I.M. Moffitt and Rilda Wolverton.

They were recognized as a regular Baptist Church the same day by a council composed of members of Malvern and Glenwood Baptist churches. The church worship was held in the Allison Schoolhouse located on the east bank of Silver Creek just east of town for four and one half years. In May 1880 the members decided to erect a church building in the new town of Silver City. It was dedicated November 7, 1880 with Rev. A. Rhodes of Malvern, free of debt.

On dedication day money was raised for the building of a tower. (The steeple on the Baptist Church was struck by lightning Sunday, September 13, 1903 just after the service. It started to burn, but was put out by the men. Item found in Mills County Tribune.)

In December 1880, Rev. F.M. Coffey of Illinois became the pastor, the first minister ordained in the new church. This church had one of the strongest Sunday Schools according to church membership in the South Western Association through the faithfulness of the superintendents and cooperation of the pastors. Much success of the past years was due to Mrs. Etta Anderson’s untiring efforts; she was superintendent for many years.

In 1885 the women of the church formed an “Aid Society” and the usual work was carried on. This society reorganized under the name “Baptist Ladies Kensington” in 1897; they were active for years and contributed toward the upkeep of the church. Among the charter members were: Mesdames George Harrison, Silas Morse, C.G. Greenwood, Webster Maines, and Harriett Sidener. In later years the members of the Ladies Kensington assisted more and more in the upkeep of the church and Sunday School.

The First Baptist Church of Silver City was a strong one and like other houses of worship, has done good work in advancing the social and moral interest in the community. The last few years of the church, the pulpit was supplied by student pastors. Though the membership became depleted through death and removals, the ones who remained were loyal and faithful members to the very end in the mid- 1960’s.

CATHOLIC CHURCH

“Around 1880 Daniel Cavenaugh built a home with rooms designed for the worship of those of Catholic faith in the community. This house was on the late R.A. Flanagan farm located a mile and one half northeast of Silver City. Here Mr. Cavenaugh lived and maintained a place of worship. In the living room was an indentation where the priest set up the altar. Adjoining is a bedroom, which was kept in readiness for the priest, and was used by no one else. Off the dining room was a long narrow room, which was the confessional.

Members of this church included families of William Flynn, William Looby, his sister and her husband named O’Brien and Patrick McDermott. One of McDermott’s daughters became a nun, being eventually Mother Superior at the Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs. A son, became a priest; another son was Arthur, who was the father of George McDermott.” Copied from Silver City History1954

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Silver City was organized in 1881 by Rev. I.M. O’Flyng of Hillsdale Circuit, making the fifth of his point. Articles of incorporation for the church were dated October 12, 1881 and were recorded February 15, 1882 in the Recorder’s office at the Courthouse in Glenwood. The early members were the families of Robert Plumb, John Parker, O.W. Chapman, A.U. Crosby, G.N. Mandigo, Benjamin Weidner, Ben Martin, Adam Markel, J.C. Christy, James and John R. Frazier, J.P. Fall, Mrs. Mary Sidener and Mrs. W.G. Moore.

The first three meetings were held on the streets, then the Baptist Church was offered to them for worship which was accepted until the Methodist Church was built in 1882. The dedication was set for November 12th but due to weather conditions and the loss of the original subscription lists in the big fire of that year, the dedication was postponed until January 7, 1883. This was a happy day for the congregation. Through the courtesy of Supt. Blanchard, the Wabash “Cannon Ball” stopped at Silver City on that day to accommodate those who wished to attend. The presiding elder, Rev. P.F. Bresee, assisted by the pastor, W.L. Edmonds and ministers of adjoining churches held the services. The architect and builder was Philip M. Spencer of Silver City.

Silver City became a regular appointment in 1884. Families of several country schools on our circuit later became members of our church: Briggs (Silver), Osborne Valley and Prairie Creek; as times changed they discontinued and joined the church at Silver City. In the fall of 1905 East Liberty was transferred from Malvern to our charge. Silver City enjoyed sharing pastors with them until they discontinued services in December1970.

Silver City had two class leaders, Ben Martin and who was succeeded by H. Grant Parker; both men served many years in this capacity. Years ago revivals were quite common in many churches; these meetings continued from two to four weeks. There were four great revivals in our town from 1887 to 1903 with many conversions.

On October 10, 1886 a Sunday School was organized with Mrs. Belle Weidner, superintendent. It has continued active through the years with faithful superintendents and teachers. At an early date an Epworth League was organized which took part in church activities and leadership. Today this group is known as Methodist Youth Fellowship.

In the history and growth of every church is found a group of ladies who give of their time and efforts. The “Ladies Aid” was organized in 1886 with Mrs. Belle Weidner as president with loyal workers assisting: Mesdames, A.P. Reeve, Joe Fall, G.N. Mandigo, William Swarts, J.S. Moore, Mary Sidener, J.D. Frohart and Martha Taylor. The Ladies Aid reorganized in 1941 and became the Women’s Society of Christian Service. They continued with the Chicken Pie Supper and Bazaar which was held in November of each year. The women who were interested in missions organized as Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society and continued for several years. In 1973 the Women’s Society of Christian Service changed to United Methodist Women.

When the Methodist Church celebrated the 25th anniversary of dedication in 1908, many former pastors returned; Rev. O’Flyng (1st pastor) delivered a forceful sermon, many former ministers were present. Rev. Peter Jacobs (the pastor) wrote the first history, which has assisted the members in later years. Sixteen of the nineteen ministers who served from 1881-1908 were living. Every year or two there was a new minister, when Rev. J.W. Wright (1899-1904) completed five years that was a real accomplishment.

As the membership continued to grow there became a realization that a new church was needed. In cooperation with Rev. Felt (1924-27), the Epworth League started a fund; they put on two Chautauquas. Later a building committee was appointed and pledges obtained. On October 28, 1928 during the pastorate of Rev. O.R. Jones (1927-30), the new church was dedicated. The morning services began when 160 members of the church and Sunday School marched from the old church to the new singing, “Onward, Christian Soldiers.” Morning service was conducted by Bishop Leete of Omaha; the afternoon dedication service led by Rev. Cable, Dis’t. Supt., assisted by other ministers; the evening service led by Rev. H. Grant Parker. Services were held by various church groups several evenings during the week. In 1931, during Rev. F.G. Barnes’ ministry, the church had the 50th anniversary of the church with Rev. Parker, the speaker. Mrs. J.T. Skerritt read a historical sketch of the church. Again in 1978 the 50th year of the present church building was observed. Many memorials have helped to beautify our sanctuary in the past fifty some years.

In 1968 a new parsonage was built and dedicated in 1970. The first family to reside in this lovely home were Rev, and Mrs. E.L. Pullman, they were the longest serving pastor and wife, with an eleven-year record. Rev. and Mrs. Robert Hamilton, the present pastor and family came in 1978. Forty-one ministers have served this church. Silver City Methodist has contributed one. Rev. H. Grant Parker; one deaconess, Georgia Derby Jones: one minister’s wife, Ila Faye Stille Sieck.

Almost a century ago Silver City was on the Hillsdale Circuit — today Hillsdale and Silver City share their minister with Pacific Junction. In 1981 Silver City United Methodist Church will observe its centennial year.

UNIVERSALIST CHURCH

“In July 1884 under the direction of Mathias Pysing a two-week series of meetings of the Universalist Church were held. The creed of the Universal Church was Large Hope, and divine faith of the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man. Its teaching was the final triumph of good over evil in every soul.” Members were: Mr. and Mrs. Mathias Pysing, Mr. and Mrs. D.L. Conger, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph L. McNay and Joseph Hand.’ Copied from Silver City History — 1954

LATTER DAY SAINTS

“In 1890 Israel Huffaker, one of the lineage of Levi. and a bishop in the Church of Latter Day Saints came to Silver City. Here he built a home in which he held meetings during his lifetime. After his death his son, Henry Harrison, an elder, held meetings in his home on Sunday afternoons.

Other members included the families of M.E. Huffaker, Herbert Huffaker. Jake Heide. Cy Walling, Mrs. Hattie Anderson, Mrs. Hoover and Mrs. L. Spake. Mr. Harrison Huffaker. both mora11y and financially, gave support to other churches in the community.” Copied from Silver City History — 1954

HISTORY OF THE SILVER CITY BAPTIST CHURCH

The Silver City Baptist Church began with a meeting held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Carroll Kirlin on August 7, 1969. Rev. Paul Miller and deacons from Valley View Baptist Church of Council Bluffs met with the following families: The Kirlins, George Millers. Gar McNutts, George Guilliams, and the Roger Johnsons. There was discussion concerning the doctrinal beliefs of Conservative Baptist Churches and the possibility of forming a Baptist Church in Silver City.

The group began a weekly Bible study following this meeting. On December 7, 1969 a Sunday morning service was initiated in the Kirlin honey processing building on Main Street. Harold Herbranson from Valley View became acting pastor. Official organization was com­pleted by April 9, 1970 with articles of incorporation and a doctrinal statement adopted. Church leadership included Pastor Herbranson and deacons George Miller, Gary McNutt, Bill Crawford and Jim Sample.

The former lumber yard building was purchased in September of 1970. The building was remodeled with help from local members and friends from Valley View Baptist Church. Sunday services were held on the main floor with four rooms recently constructed upstairs serving as Sunday School rooms. Dedication of the new building was held on June 6, 1971 with about 100 members and friends present.

In October of 1971 Grace Bible Institute in Omaha was contacted concerning the need for a Pastor. For the next several years, students from Grace Bible Institute served as part-time pastors commuting from Omaha. Among the students from Grace were Bruce Buller, Richard Malone and Charles Baker. During this period Sunday night services, and Wednesday night Bible study or visitation were instituted. The church expanded its outreach through support of Missionaries. Vacation Bible School was held with good attendance and in September of 1975 the church became a member of the Conservative Baptist Association of Iowa.

Pastor Kenneth McIntyre was called in September of 1978 to become our first fulltime resident pastor. Sunday morning services and Sunday School were continued with Bible study on Sunday nights, visitation on Thursday evenings, and several home Bible studies meeting other nights of the week. A ladies group was formed as well as a youth group to better minister to the needs of all members. Currently the church is prospering with continued growth in attendance and membership.

~submitted by Roseanna Zehner & Darlene Jacoby