Mills County, Iowa

Reverend H. Grant Parker

Brief History of My Life and Ministry

One of ten children born to John and Mary Parker, December 17, 1872, three miles east of Silver City in a pioneer home; received my early education in the public schools and assisted in the farm work. My parents were devout Christians and family worship was strictly observed. During the “Murphy Evans” evangelistic meetings held in Silver City in the summer of 1889, I was converted and united with the Methodist Church. I served as best I could in various ways both in Silver City and the outposts which alternated between the Osborne Valley and Prairie Creek schoolhouses.

In the autumn of 1894 I was elected Superintendent of the Sunday School in Silver City, which position I held for five years. Ben Martin was the first Class Leader and held that office for many years. I felt very humble yet highly honored when I was named to succeed him.

December 23, 1896, I was united in marriage with Nellie Jackson of Glenwood. She always cooperated with me in all my lay activities in the church. In 1907 the Quarterly Conference voted to petition the District Conference to grant me a license to preach. My “Call” to preach came as a growing conviction. My final decision to study for the ministry came when Nellie and I had sufficient funds. We went to Northwestern, Evanston, Illinois, where I graduated from school of Theology in May 1911.

My first appointment was at Cedar Rapids, Nebraska for three years, then we were transferred to the Des Moines Conference. After serving several southwestern Iowa churches (including Glenwood as my last regular appointment) I was granted retired relations. My final charge as supply pastor was Pacific Junction for seven years.

During my ministry, I officiated at 750 funerals and performed 500 wedding ceremonies. Whatever success has been achieved, I attribute to my early training and my devoted wife, Nellie. Forty-three consecutive years we served the Church (as minister and wife) and have found that God’s promise holds, — “As thy days so shall thy strength be.”

On domestic side, we adopted, reared and gave college training to our son Harry and daughter Miriam. They are both well established in their own homes; Harry in Los Angeles and Miriam in Denver. God alone can know when the last chapter shall be written.

(The above story was copied from an earlier Silver City History. The final chapter for Mrs. Parker came March 1, 1958 and Rev. Parker November 9, 1960. Two wonderful people who had many friends in Silver City now rest in our cemetery on the hill.)

~submitted by Roseanna Zehner & Darlene Jacoby