Following is copy of history printed of 25th anniversary and also on 75th anniversary of Clarinda Iowa Methodist Church
HISTORY OF THE METHODIST
EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF CLARINDA, IOWA-25th Year
The divinity
of the church of our Lord Jesus is seen, if in nothing else, in the
indestructibility of the same. Nearly nineteen centuries have gone by since the
master commanded. the apostles to "Go preach," still the command is
as authoritative as when it first fell from the lips of a man who spake as never
man spake, and the burning love for the salvation of souls as intense as it was
in the hearts of the twelve when they separated to go forth into Galilee, Judea
and Samaria.
As we stand on
the "lookout mountain," and cast a glance at the world down the
stream of time, and that which is coming on apace, the glory of our God seems
to lighten up not only the small area made sacred by the earth life of the Son
of God, but the distant lands of all continents now brought within hailing
distance through the achievements of Christianity.
That Methodism
is a part of Christianity, even the established church of Great Britain, is now
readily acknowledged. That Methodism is primitive Christianity or Christianity
in earnest, the globe, girdled by her itinerants and the many weary millions
saved by her blazing and dashing zeal by the blood of the lamb, is waiting to
testify. The Methodist Episcopal Church, like that of the mother Wesleyan
church, is a growth rather than a creation. Born in revolutionary times, she has,
in her methods and plans of work, in the doctrines preached by her ministers,
been a revolution in creeds and morals. Whilst New England, of late years, has
been a prolific field for Methodism, caused so, doubtless, from the tiring of
the people with the cold rationalism, the west, and especially the Iowa portion
of the west, has always been a soil where Methodism has grown with a luxuriance
that was at once both tasteful to the eye and good for the heart.
It was in this
country not only in the days of Elijah, (I don't mean the old prophet) but
Elijah Miller, and also in the days of Moses, the lawgiver) but to Moses F.
Shinn, the first presiding elder of the Council Bluffs district. This will take
me back to give a very brief history of the rise of Methodism in southwestern
Iowa. It was thought best by the Bishop, at the conference of 1850, to send a
minister to Kanesville (now Council Bluffs) to preach, and also to look after
the interests of Methodism in southwestern Iowa so the field would be cleared
as fast as practicable. Rev. William Simpson was the first man sent by the Iowa
conference to Kanesville-a noble and true man he was and a good preacher. He
was among the first pioneer preachers of Iowa. When he was a young man, either
the first or second year of his itinerancy, when he had his studies to look
after, at conference, on his examination, he was found deficient in grammar,
and when exhorted by the committee to give attention to grammar, he replied:
Brethren, I don't like to study grammar; it don't make my soul happy." But
grammar, or no grammar, he made his mark in Iowa, and especially in
southwestern Iowa, which will not be effaced by time. He fell at his post in
Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, a number of years since, having the rod and the staff and a
glorious light shining clear beyond the river. During the year 1851 Brother
Simpson made several trips through Mills, Fremont and Page counties, viewing
the religious prospects and demands for laborers, calling small assemblies
together and perching to them the word of life. Kanseville, at the time Brother
Simpson was sent there, was almost wholly a Mormon town. The Prophet uttered a
horrible edict against Brother Simpson which he said would be fulfilled,
thinking in this, likely, to frighten him from the field But in this he was
disappointed, for this only stirred up what has sometimes been called the
Methodist fire, in Brother Simpson, and was the prompting cause of his
preaching, at that time and place, that memorable sermon (which is published)
of his, known as the ''frog sermon," in which he gave the Mormons ( or
rather some of the doctrines promulgated by them) such a thorough drubbing that
they gnawed their tongues for pain. His text upon this occasion was: "And
I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and
out of the mouths of the beast, and out of the mouths of the false prophet; for
they are the spirits of devils working miracles which go forth unto the kings
of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great
day of God Almighty." After this, prudence appeared to dictate to them
that it would be better to leave Simpson alone. At the conference held at
Burlington in September 1852, Bishop Ames presiding, Brother Simpson made his
report as to his labors in Kanesville and southwestern Iowa. That year he had
supplied the field in part, where he could with local preachers. William Rector
of Fremont county, in 1851, preached thro' Page and a part of Taylor, doing
good services as a veteran. It was thought best, at this conference, that a
district be formed in southwestern Iowa. It was done, and called the
"Council Bluffs district." Moses F. Shinn was appointed presiding
elder of the district, and also to be the Pastor at Council Bluffs. Joel Mason
was appointed to the Glenwood circuit that year. William Mann to the Sidney
circuit, and S. Farlow to the "Page and Taylor mission" which
included both Page and Taylor counties.
The four
conferences of the State of Iowa, with its hundreds of ministers (both local
and traveling), its nearly 100,000 members, its churches (one for every 2,000
inhabitants), its universities of learning, its social, religious, and moral
power, speak of the wisdom of the early itinerants and aggressive power of the
laity. In no State of the Union does Methodism have a stronger hold on the
people than in Iowa; nowhere is it more aggressive or its benevolence and
beneficence more generous. That the church it is our privilege to be identified
with, has, in its manly defense of right, loyalty to all truth and intense
patriotism and love for the republic, been a mighty power in molding the sturdy
republicanism of our State and a lever lift Iowa politics from cess pools that
are the bane and disgrace of other commonwealths, the senior of our own by many
years, even those who may be the antipodes of us in theological creed and
political bias on moral questions must admit.
The church
must always lead the State. Above the moral sentiment of its people no republic
or kingdom can go. Turning backward then to glance over the history of Page
county, I leave the fair and candid philosophers to answer to what extent the
Methodist Episcopal Church of Clarinda has influenced the morals of the county.
This much must be conceded that some of the most prominent citizens of Page
County ever since its organization have been members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. In offices of honor, trust and emolument, from the pales of our church
a fair share have been selected. Today the county is receiving religious
teaching from nearly a dozen of the regularly ordained and appointed ministers
of the church, whilst hardly a township, and I might, say school district, is
missed by these evangels of good news and love. That Methodism is in the
capital of the State, it will be a certain extent in Iowa what it is and has
been and is yet to be in Clarinda, it will be in Page County. I have found it
extremely difficult to trace back the history of this church. From far and near
has come what little I shall be able to tell you of our church in the quarter
of a century of its existence. I find from the records of the court that the
Board of Trustees was organized on the 18th day of March 1857, though the
society had an existence prior to this. I reproduce here a copy of the articles
of Incorporation.
Know All Men
by These Presents
That Isaac
Vanarsdol, Edward Long, H.H. Litzenberg, George Miller, Elijah Miller, Edward
Keeler, David C. Ribble, Thomas Owen and J.S. Allen, the trustees regularly
appointed and chosen by the Clarinda and Montgomery County Mission Trustees of
the M. E. Church, Iowa Conference, and according to the rules and provisions of
said church, resolve ourselves into a body corporate for the transaction of
such business and duties as devolve upon trustees of said church by the rules
of the same,
Therefore,
resolved, that we adopt the rules and regulations of the M. E. Church for our
own government and the government of our successors in office, and that the
same be made a part and parcel of the articles of incorporation as will fully
appear, reference being had thereto.
Witness our
hands and seal this 18th day of March, A.D.1857
Isaac
Vanarsdol, Elijah Miller, Edward Long, Thomas Owen, H.H. Litzenberg, John S.
Allen, George Miller, Edward Keeler, D. C. Ribble.
Of the
original incorporators but one is still with the church membership in Clarinda,
Bro. Isaac
V anarsdol.
David C. Ribble and Elijah Miller still live in the city Edward Long
is dead, leaving behind him the rich legacy of a life hid with Christ in God;
the balanced have been unable to learn whether living or dead.
From Bro. S.
Farlow, the pioneer preacher, and the man who blazed the way for others, and
who for nearly 30 years, has done valiant service I learn that he entered on
the work called the Page and Taylor Mission November 1852. No town of Clarinda
was in existence then. The nearest preaching was A. Davis five miles south and
east in the forks of the Nodaway. This was the first M.E. Church society
organized in the county of Page and this was organized by Uncle Billy Rector,
as he was familiarly known, a local preacher of Fremont County and who supplied
the work. Father Rector died in the winter of 1872 after lived to the advanced
age of 80 years. His was a good life and his works do follow him. At that time,
1852, Bro. Farlow had a preaching place at Wm Loy's three miles southwest of
what is now Clarinda. In the spring of 1853, Clarinda, as the county seat of
Page was located and Mr. Farlow moved to the place where the town was to be.
Mrs. Farlow taught the first school ever held in Clarinda, and this school was
taught in the preacher's house, which was also used as a church. In fact there
isn't anything lawful and right but what a Methodist preacher's house can be
used for.
The first sermon
preached in Clarinda was by Bro. Farlow in the month of June 1853. Text of
sermon: 2nd Corinthians, 5th
chapter, I st and 3rd verses. "For we know that if our earthly house of
this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made
with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to
be clothed upon with our house which I is from heaven. If so, that……………………………………………………………………
Following Bro. Wallace, in 1858, came Bro. Cole, who remained but a short time,
Bro. Peterson taking up the work as he left it and finishing the circuit of a
year. Where these brethern are or whether they are still living I have been
unable to learn.
Rev. C.
Woolsey, was the pastor, remaining until the fall of 1861. Continuous revivals
followed, and during these years many of the strongest classes of Methodism
were organized in Page and adjoining counties. Bro. Woolsey died in Brooklyn
Aug. 19, 1869, at the age of 65, full of years and a ripened experience, going
to the home of God's elect above. His widow still lives, I believe residing in
Osceola.
In the fall of
1861 Rev. J. T. Hughes was appointed to the work. The circuit this year was cut
own. The hive had swarmed. Bro. Hughes had three appointments-Clarinda, Tarkio,
and the Davis school house.
There were
good revivals at all these points. Bro. Hughes says among his standby's
(preachers know what that word means) were Bros. Vanarsdol, Hinchman, N.B.
Moore, Wallace and others. Bro. Hughes now resides in Conway, sustaining the
relation of superannuated minister to the Des Moines conference. The large
maple trees in front of the old parsonage were planted by this brother. They
were young and tender, he strong and valiant. They are now large and strong. He,
after years of the hardest work, is enjoying the sad lot of many a
preacher-after having exhausted physical ability waiting for the better times
that never come. Over all these western prairies, this brother
journeyed-preaching, praying, visiting the sick, and laying foundations. It is
the shame of Methodism that she turns these weary and worn itinerants out, out
to subsist for themselves, like old horses, or die. During this year Rev. Bennett
Mitchell (the Bishop Asbury of western Iowa) was appointed presiding elder. The
wide and commanding influence of Methodism today is due to a great extent to
the vigorous work, fervent and eloquent sermons and godly life of this man.
Few are the preachers that can measure up
to Bro. Mitchell. Since the division of the Des Moines conference Bro. Mitchell
has been in the Northwest Iowa conference. He is still in the regular work, and
is now living at Emmetsburg.
Rev. Benjamin
Shinn succeeded Bro. Hughes, coming to the work in 1862 and remaining two
years. Bro. Shinn says, "Through the faithful labors of the earnest band
of workers we were blessed as a church with a good degree of spiritual
prosperity. Some were converted who now tread the shining shore, and others who
still live faithful members of the church militant." The society in
Clarinda, at this time, worshiped in the first church built, now the U. P.
church, but in the fall of 1863 it was determined to build a new and more
commodious house for the accommodations of the fifth session of the conference.
This conference held its session in the Presbyterian church (the new Methodist
church not being complete), Bishop E.S. Janes presiding. J. F. Goolman was
Secretary. The conference then numbered but 56 preachers, with a lay membership
of but 7, 293. Now there are 150 preachers, in less than one-half the territory
and 23,626 lay members. Of this new enterprise, now ready to be replaced by a
still larger building, Bro. Shinn says, "Bro. N. B. Moore headed the
subscription with $300, and was seconded by Bros. Weidner, Vanarsdol, Hinchman,
and others. Bro. Moore carried the hod and mixed the mortar for the foundation
of this new building. During this year there were so many obstacles in the way
that the building was but little more than commenced. The lumber for the
building was hauled by teams frotn. Ottumwa. The Sabbath services of the
conference session and the only session ever held in Clarinda were held in
Father Ribble's grove.
Bro. Shinn is
yet in the prime of life and is now living in Afton. There are still many
evidences of his efficient pastorate in this charge, and a warm place in many
hearts for himself and good wife.
Rev. Wm.
McKendrie Cain succeeded Bro. Shinn, and from Clarinda went to the Sioux City
district, and is now dead. Rev. Dugald Thompson was appointed pastor in 1864,
remaining but one year. At the close of that year he was appointed to the
Winterset district as presiding elder, but in that one year he succeeded in
completing the church building, and having it dedicated free of debt. Bro.
Thompson says the cost of the building was $6,000, and at the time of the
dedication the society was $2000 in debt. «How to raise this was a puzzling
question, but we got Frank Evans to come and dedicate it, and when the debt was
to be lifted Bros. Richman, Moore, Vanarsdol, Weidner and others of the saints
and the outside saints and sinner that would make good saints, put their
shoulders to the load and off went the debt. "We were a happy people that
day." Bro. Thompson says. "The Clarinda charge was then, as it always
has been and is now one of the most progressive charges in the conference,
especially noted for its Sunday school work and its promptness in supporting
all benevolences. My salary that year was paid in full. Rev. E.M.H. Fleming was
presiding elder at this time. He is still in the active work, being stationed
at Ogden, Utah. Bro. Thompson is living at Norwalk, and is charge of the
circuit there and round about.
I believe it
was during this year that the good Lord found a sweet singer over in old Yorkshire,
England, and sent him to Clarinda. This singer was a genuine Englishman and
Methodist Christian. He is here yet, singing away and working away. It is the
prayer of this church that if the Lord has any more such singers and workers
who are not especially needed in England to send them to America. I need hardly
mention this brother's name, for it is as long as his heart is big, and a more
thoroughly galvanized Yankee is not to be found.
At the close
of Bro. Thompson's pastorate the work was left to be supplied. In due time Rev.
Bartells came to the work. Where he went or where he is now the good Lord can
only tell. In the fall of 1867 Bro. A. H. Shafer was appointed pastor, and was
reappointed in the fall of 1868. It was during his pastorate that the present
parsonage was built, or at least a portion of it. The church continued to grow,
souls were converted, and the society generally built up. Bro. Shafer was well
liked, and to this day the influence of his efficient labors is felt. During
his pastorate, W. P. and M. A. Hepburn and others who have been are yet
prominent and working members of the church became identified with the society.
At the
conference session of 1869 Rev. C. C. Mabee was appointed pastor, and was reappointed
in 1870. Bro. Mabee says a faithful attendance upon all the means of grace, and
careful attention to the financial interests of the charge, indicated a
spiritual and loyal membership. The Sunday school was well officered, and there
was a large per cent of adult scholars in attendance, a number of whom became
deeply interested in their personal salvation and were led to Christ the
following winter. Rev. U. Golliday, D.D. was presiding elder; a man in every
way fitted for the position. His visits were anxiously looked for and his
presence an abiding benediction after years of heroic and valuable service in
the traveling ministry, the Doctor is now living at Lenox, universally
respected and beloved. It is but a just tribute to say that as a preacher and
thinker Dr. Golliday stands and bas stood for years the peer of any preacher in
the State. Bro. Mabee says, "I shall not deem it out of place to state
that the great temperance movement of the Missouri slope was inaugurated here
in the M E. Church during the first year of my pastorate. An article from the
pen of one of the sisters published in the paper, and followed the succeeding
Sabbath by a discourse in the morning and platform addresses in the afternoon
and evening, continued for a number of evenings in succession, so brought the
subject before the people and awakened such an interest that we called to our
assistance some of the best temperance lecturers in the country. Mrs. Beavers,
Mrs. Fletcher, and Dr. Ross, of Illinois--who gave us a course on the subject.
The good work was carried forward, so that in a short time no license was
granted to sell distilled liquors in Clarinda." It was supposed that the
subscription taken at the time of the dedication of the church was sufficient
to pay the entire indebtedness of the building and lot, and the matter rested
here for some time. During Bro. Mabee's two years on the charge, after
examination it was found, through shrinkage, a debt yet remained; also, some
was still owing on the parsonage, nearly $1800 altogether. Again the saints,
and sinners who would make good saints, lifted and away it went. The bell was
purchased during this year. The accession to the church is about 50 in two
years. A generous salary was paid Bro. Mabee and the same supplemented by some
handsome donations. This good brother further says: "I cherish the
recollection of the two years spent at Clarinda, and keep in my heart a warm
place for those dear friends and fellow workers in the gospel."
Following
Brother Mabee, came Bro. Brown-his first name is Artemus-the jolliest and most onerous
man that this church bas ever bad. He with his family landed here in
1871-Chicago was burning at the time-and his friends say he was terribly
frightened, but he soon got over that fright and went right manfully to work.
Brother Brown staid two years and he is sorry and the people are sorry that he
did not stay another year. Brother Brown says bis pastorate was free from
spirtual chills or fevers of marked virulence. Some were converted, some died,
some went to heaven and some apostalized. It can be truthfully said that
Brother Brown preached to large audiences. Brother Brown pays a very high
compliment to the church, its fidelity to God and fealty to the right. Judge
Moore sent his carriage to Villisca for himself and family. Co. Hepburn handed
him the first cash, but Brother Brown is inclined to doubt a certain
blackberrying announcement that Col. Hepburn positively declares he made.
During this pastorate Wm. McPhenin and others who are to day the active workers
became identified with the church in an official capacity.
On the 50th
birthday of this good brother, the church fixed him up with a great coat-a coat
most of wool, and while it did not make him look sheepish it did good service
in keeping his body warm. But it would fail me says Artemus to tell of Gideon,
Beruk, Sampson, Jeptha, David, Samuel and all of the other prophets.
In the outer
court stood the brothers-in-Jaw and cousins of the church who received much
good from this pastorate-Dunlap, Newt Ridenour, Chamberlain boys, Foster,
Cramer, Harry Crooks, the last never missing but one sermon this brother
preached. God grant these may all come to Christ at no distant day. During this
pastorate the kitchen was built on the parsonage. The railroad also reached
Clarinda just as Brother Brown started for conference at the close of his first
year. Whether this pastor preached it here he does not say. A larger circle of
friends no minister has ever had than this brother.
Following
Brother Brown in 1873, came Rev. J. M. Holmes, who for two years walked in and
out among this people as a man of God. His ministry was blessed of God. His
life was pure, gentle, and many will be the stars to deck his crown that he has
already received at the hands of his Master.
Bro. Holmes
reached a class of persons in Clarinda that had never been reached and for the
solidifying and spiritualizing of the congregation; his pastorate will ever
stand prominent. Though dead, his works do follow him. Enshrined in the affections
of the people, he still walks in and out among this people.
On his son has
dropped his mantle, and, doubtless, God will someday direct him to stand in
this pulpit as pastor, where his sainted father so acceptably ministered for
two years. His noble wife now aged, still lives, making her home with the
preacher boy.
In 1875 Rev.
J. A. Wilson succeeded Brother Holmes. During his pastorate year a gracious
revival occurred and the church enlarged its borders. Brother Wilson was
especially gifted as a pastor and his pulpit efforts attracted large
congregations. The year was
characterized by earnest endeavors to advance the Redeemer's kingdom.
At the close
of Brother Wilson's pastorate the church and congregation expressed their
appreciation and love in the largest donation ever given to any pastor in the
charge. Rev. G. P. Bennett was this time presiding elder and for four years
judiciously managed this and the other charges of the Corning district. Brother
Bennett is now living in Nevinville doing efficient service-is as rotund in
body, effervescent in spirits and earnest as in former days.
Following
Brother Wilson, caine Bro. Bresee, in 1876, and be is the only pastor that
remained the full term of three years. The sledge hammer blows, saints and
sinners and sin received, the telling talks in favor of temperance, the rich
and racy delineations of character will in all time to come linger in this
city.
The largest
revival this church ever was blessed with occurred during the first year of
Bro. Bresee's pastorate. The salary which had hitherto been $1000 was advanced
to $1500. The largest missionary collection ever taken was during his term,
viz, $500.
The parsonage
was enlarged for Bro. Bresee as he enjoyed the felicity of having the largest
family of any minister ever appointed to the charge. He bequeathed to his
successor a large congregation., a well organized working membership, and a
Methodism whose fame was in all the conference.
Rev. W. S.
Hooker was appointed to the charge in the fall of 1879, and removed at the next
session of the conference to the great disappointment of the people, the Bishop
deeming him the man to occupy the high position of presiding elder of the
Council Bluffs district. Brother Hooker sustained his enviable reputation as a
pastor and a preacher and kept the church in the complete working order he
found it. For several years there had been a mission school near the depot,
superintended by Wm. McPherrin, organized during Bro. Bresee' s pastorate.
During Bro. Hooker's pastorate a neat and comfortable chapel, the outgrowth of
this Sunday school was built and paid for at a cost of about $500. Large
benevolent collections were reported at conference and some increase of
membership.
Rev. B. F. W.
cozier, a man of fine executive ability is the presiding elder, his term
expiring at the close of the present conference year. During all the years of
the history of this church and of this conference the author of this sketch
feels free to affirm that no more efficient and harder working elder has ever
been appointed than Brother Cozier. At these altars have been converted hundreds,
some of whom are in the ministry, prominent among whom is Rev. W. T. Smith,
presiding elder of Atlantic district. This choir of this church has always been
remarkable for its sweetness of song and evangelical spirit. The organist W. A.
Frazier, has for fourteen years been in his place. The Sunday school is now and
has always been well officered and is an efficient arm of the church. The
Women's foreign Missionary Society, organized during Rev. A. Brown's pastorate,
is still in active operation and with tireless zeal of helping the women on
foreign lands to come within God's glorious light. It is impossible to tell of
the number of marriages solemnized by former pastors and persons baptized, but
they will nm up to many hundreds. The total contributions during these years
will not fall far short of $40,000. There have been doubtless been troubles and
divisions, but they like the vices of the dead are forgotten, while the virtues
are remembered. Many of the members of this church and of the homes represented
in the church have in a quarter of a century gone to join the host immortal and
the church triumphant above, and yet some are here tonight, who, in the days of
the early past bowed at these altars, but they are few, yet out of the record
of the past come the noble example of the saintly women and men whose voices
are no longer heard within their walls, and whose footsteps will be heard no
more forever, bidding this church onward to greater deeds of doing and work of
love.
Between the
sister churches of this city and this have always been genial fellowship. I
think the past will say, for this society, malice toward none, charity for all.
In the fall of 1880, Rev. C. W. Blodgett entered upon the work. Today the
church is in a position to do more than ever before, with social and spiritual
power, let there come a consecration to God and truth, and the future will be
bright with the glory the master had--"that of doing good."
That injustice
may have been done to some in this imperfect sketch is probable but not intentional.
That honor has not been given where due, is possible.
And now great
peace from God who brought our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead abide within
this sanctuary forever, and may the Lord Jesus Christ ever walk here as he
walked among the golden candlesticks taking care of the churches of Asia.
(Written by Rev. C.W. Blodgett c. 1882). This history was apparently not
printed except in the newspaper, a copy of which survives.
Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of the
Methodist Episcopal Church
For several weeks
the Methodist Church has been anticipating the 25th Anniversary of the
organization of the society. On Tuesday evening the meeting commenced, Rev.
C.W. Blodgett, pastor, preaching.
On Wednesday
evening, Rev. A. Brown of Leon preached to a large audience, thus greeting his
many old friends.
On Thursday
evening, Rev. E.M. Holmes, son of Rev. J.M. Holmes, deceased who was formerly a
pastor occupied the pulpit. Mr. Holmes is but 21 years of age, and yet he was
master of the position, trying as it was. Here he had been a boy, and here of
all places he would be embarrassed. The sermon was in every way creditable and
at its close his many friends pushed forward to the pulpit to congratulate him.
Rev. C. C. Mabee also arrived on Thursday, and assisted at the service.
By Friday
morning many of the old pastors had arrived.
Friday evening
the anniversary proper commenced. Long before the hour of commencement the
church was filled and scores were compelled to retrace their steps homeward
being unable to gain an entrance. By
actual count 625 persons were in the room on Friday evening.
The exercises
were opened with a magnificent anthem by the choir. This choir noted for its
sweetness of song and perfect blending of voices never did better than during
the entire services of the anniversary.
Rev. U. P.
Golliday D. D., presided, and that in a felicitous way.
Wm. McPherrin,
Esq., made the speech of welcome, and the welcome was hearty, as was the
speech. Dr. Golliday responded, thrilling the entire audience, calling into the
present the scenes of days agone. Hon. W. P. Hepburn in his own unique and
eloquent manner presented to the church the silver communion set, the pastor
receiving the same in behalf of the church.
Thos.
Tomlinson presented in behalf of the church, a gold watch to W. A. Frazier who
for 14 years had been at his post as organist, and afterwards came the social.
Everybody was glad to see everybody, and everybody was happy.
On Saturday
afternoon the old pastors were with their good wives sumptuously fed at the
parsonage. On Saturday evening, Rev. W. S. Hooker presided, the sketch of the
church history was read.
Letters of
greeting were read from Rev. B. Mitchell, Shim, Hughes, Thompson, and others,
who were not able to be present.
Responses were
listened to from the ministers present.
On Sabbath
morning Rev. P. F. Bresee occupied the pulpit of the church preaching an
excellent sermon and in the evening Rev. U. P. Golliday preached a discourse
that will be long remembered.
In the
afternoon the Love Feast was held, shouts, laughter, hallelujahs, thrilling
experiences told of the glad hearts of the hundreds present.
Rev. C. C.
Mabee preached at the Presbyterian church in the morning, and Rev. A. Brown at
the U. P. church in the morning and the Presbyterian church in the evening.
The following
ministers and wives were present: Rev. Thos. Wallace and wife, Rev. W. S.
Hooker and wife, Rev. P. F. Bresee and wife, Rev. U. P. Golliday, D.D. and
wife, Rev. C.C. Mabee and wife, Rev. W.S. Edmunds and wife, Rev. A. Brown, Rev.
Mr. Waller, Rev. E. M. Holmes and mother, Rev. C. W. Blodgett and wife.
History from 1880-1905
Rev. Hooker
was followed by C.W. Blodgett who is now pastor of the Methodist church in
Alleghany, Pennsylvania, one of the great churches of Methodism
It was during
Rev. Blodgett's ministry that the church celebrated the twenty-fifth
anniversary. The church at this time had 300 full members.
In 1881 came
Brother B.F. W. Crozier who had been presiding elder of the old Corning
district, and it was under his pastorate that the present church building was
erected.
The foregoing
sentences have briefly chronicled the salient events of the first twenty-five
years of the church's history. Justice could not, in so brief a space, be done
the record of the faithful pastors and their no less faithful followers. They
wrought well the results of their labors, they need not fear to meet at the
judgement.
On Tuesday,
December 20, 1881, the board of trustees met at the office ofMcPherrin Bros.and
organized for the conference year. Present, W.E. Webster, W. C. Burk, J. R.
Hinchman, Isaac Van Arsdol, and MR. Ansbach. A committee composed of W. E.
Webster, M. R. Ansbach and W. C. Burk was appointed to ascertain on what terms
the old church property could be disposed of, and to estimate the cost of a new
church building, procure plans and make an estimate of the amount of
subscription that could be counted upon. The trustees sold the church property,
lot a7, block 16 and lots 1 and 2 in block 20, to Elijah Beal and others for
$6000. The contract for the new building was let to N. A. Olson. who agreed to
complete the building to the satisfaction of the building committee, for the
sum of nine thousand six hundred and eighty five dollars, this being the lowest
bid he to furnish everything except two hundred and sixty thousand brick which
the Board of Trustees had already purchased at $7.50 per thousand.
The
subscription to the building was supplemented by the sum of five hundred and
sixty dollars cash, placed at the disposal of the board of trust. by
the Young People's Aid Society, for the purpose of purchasing the gas fixtures.
The church was
dedicated January 6, 1889, under the pastorate of Rev. M. D. Collins, the
dedication of the church having been delayed for a few years because of
embarrassing indebtedness.
The Des Moines
annual conference held its twenty-fourth session at Clarinda, September It\
1883. At this session of the conference, J.B. Harris, E. E. IlgenFrit7., W. G.
Hohanshelt, and L.B. Wickersham were among the members who were admitted to the
conference on probation.
One of these
has acceptably served this charge as pastor and another of this number is our
present district superintendent.
It was during
the pastorate of H. O'Neil that the present parsonage was built and with the
present equipment of the church and modem facilities of the parsonage, the
Clarinda charge is one of the best equipped charges in the Des Moines
conference.
The following
pastors have served the charge since the twenty-fifth anniversary: B. F.
Crozier, two years: T. McK. Stuart, two years; H. H. O'Neil two years: W. F.
Burle, one year; M. D. Collins, two years; E. W McDade, five years; J. F. St.
Clair, two years P. V.D. Vedder, two years; E. E. Ilgen Fritz, five
years; F. Homan, one year, and the present pastor, J. W. Abel, since the
conference of 1905.
In all these
years, Clarinda has been one of the leading charges of the Des Moines
conference and the men who served the charges have been men with marked ability
and piety; who have won their way into the hearts of the community and have
left behind many a monument their efficiency.
The charge has
had a continuous growth from the day of its organization more than fifty years
ago. In the last twenty-five years up to the conference of 1905, about eight
hundred and seventy have united with the church on probation. Of this number
the record shows that five hundred and ten have come into full connection;
strong evidence that many who turned their backs upon Egypt, had still a taste
for her garlic and flesh pots. Even hundred and fourteen have been received by
letter, six hundred and sixty three have been removed by letter and about one
hundred have died-a total member ship of 700 representing the work of the last
twenty-five years who remain.
During the
present pastorate two hundred and fifty have come into full membership with the
church, bringing the total membership up to about seven hundred.
Methodist
Celebrated Their Diamond Jubilee
Rain, and more
rain cut down attendance Saturday and Sunday at the several meetings held by
the Clarinda Methodist, celebrating seventy five years of continuous church
services in Clarinda.
Saturday
evening at 6:30 families gathered in the church parlors, bringing baskets of
good things to eat. An enjoyable get-together was followed by a short program.
Sunday morning
Dr. Frank Bean, District Superintendent was the speaker, his review of
seventy-five years of Methodism and the important things connected there with
being greatly enjoyed by the audience.
At 4 Sunday
afternoon the congregation again met, between showers listening to a special
program. Greetings and good will from the other churches were brought by the
Christian minister, B. F. Hall. Wm. A. Turner gave an interesting talk on
"some laymen of the past." M R Ansbach drew from his memory a number
of accounts of early Methodism, while responding to the subject. "Some
Pastors of Long Ago." Dr. F. H. Clark contributed valuable thoughts in
"A Look Ahead."
Music formed a
special feature of both Sunday meetings, the pastor, Dr. D.J. Shenton, having a
part in all the services.
