On May 18th I posted History of Clarinda, Iowa First United Methodist Church, which
was history from 1949 to 2003. Here is from that 2003 history starting 1853 and up to
1949 by John and Anna Woolson
The 2003 History of Our Church
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First United Methodist Church Clarinda, Iowa
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Introduction
From June 2002 to June 2003 the Clarinda
United Methodist Church has celebrated a 150 year anniversary. This
historic information has been prepared by the 150th Anniversary Committee for
the congregation not as a newly written history, but as a compilation of what
has been written in the past from many sources. Much of the research
was completed by Doris Tritsch prior to her illness and death. While
the research is not complete enough for a written history, it is far too
valuable to be lost. To make the information available to the
community, a written copy will be placed in the church office, in the public
library, and in the Nodaway Valley Historic Museum. Individuals may
request a copy for purchase. A computer disc is provided in order that
information may be added in the future. The research information also
will be placed in the church office. We dedicate this work to Doris
Tritsch and to those church members of the past who have contributed to the
history of the church, as well as to those whose lives have been enriched by
our church through the years.In order to trace history as clearly as
possible, the information is provided in a chronological accounting of the
pastorate of each preacher. Information was first compiled in a history
written by Rev. C.W. Blodgett to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the
church. The information was brought forward in 1905, in 1909 for the
Page County History, in the early 1920s, and again in 1983 at the time the
100th anniversary of the church structure was celebrated. References
are confusing since so many of the earlier histories and news clippings have
also been cited in later accountings.
The 150th Anniversary Committee: Doris
Tristch, Chair; Chari Bix, Lois Braymen, Leland and Bonnie Brown,
Merrill Cagley, Mary Cahill, Wally and Bonita Paige, Ruth Richardson, John
and Anna Woolson
This information served as the Introduction to the
history compiled in 1953 as a part of the celebration of the church’s first
100 years.
As impossible as it is to write the biography of a
man without knowing something of his ancestry and childhood, so is it to
write of a church or denomination without knowing the environment from which
it sprang and developed.
On Wednesday, May 24, 1738, John Wesley, the founder
of Methodism, while attending a Moravian prayer meeting in Aldersgate Street,
London, felt his heart strangely warmed “and the peace of complete fellowship
with God fell upon him.” That peace
that “fell upon him” proved to be the center of infinite calm in a tornado of
forces released to fight the corruption and misery of England at that time,
and to reach on through the following centuries in ever-widening circles of
spiritual influence, both in the old world and the new.
The first national church organization in our new
nation was “The Christmas Conference,” held in the Lovely Lane Chapel in
Baltimore, from December 24, 1784 to January 3, 1785. It was attended
by more than fifty Methodist preachers representing 18,000 church
members. During this assembly, Asbury was ordained as a deacon in the
new church, on the following day as an elder, and on the next day was elected
superintendent by the Conference. It
was in the same year, 1785 that Peter Cartwright was born in Amherst County,
Virginia. He became the godfather of Iowa Methodism. In 1833,
when presiding over the meeting of the Illinois Conference, he sent Barton
Randle to preach at the Dubuque lead mines. In 1834, he sent Barton H.
Cartwright, possibly a cousin, to organize a Methodist class at Burlington,
Iowa. It was from this latter community that the first Methodist
appointment was made to southwestern Iowa.
The vigorous vision of the pioneers accepted the
difficult miles across the State as a challenge through which to express the
reality of God’s love. One wonders if even those of greatest faith
could visualize that reality, which had found expression during the century,
in three Methodist hospitals, five Methodist colleges, 637 charges, 432
ministers, and a total membership of 290,000. Approximately one-tenth
of Iowa’s population belongs to the Methodist Church.
The challenge to the Church today is to
re-vitalize the faith of that membership. This vision will be realized
to the extent that John Wesley’s final comment is revered: “The best of
all is, God is with us.”
At the session of the Iowa conference of 1850 held
at Burlington, Iowa, the Bishops thought best to send a minister to the
Mormon settlement of Kanesville to look after the interest of the Kingdom in
that community and the whole of southwestern Iowa. Kanesville was the
beginning of what is now Council Bluffs. This was the first Methodist
appointment in this part of the state. The Rev. William Simpson was the
man sent, then a young man in his course of study. He was a typical
frontier preacher, perhaps deficient in the arts and sciences, but he knew
the Lord and the heart of the frontier folks. It is said of him that he
failed in grammar in his course of study, and when exhorted by the committee
to give more attention to this study, exclaimed, “Brethern, I don’t like to
study grammar. It doesn’t make my soul happy.” The Mormons hated,
respected and feared him. He was a courageous preacher of the
Gospel. He founded a Methodist society in a Council Bluffs hard by the
gambling houses on the side of the bluffs in a building made of cottonwood
logs, built by the congregation itself. It was known as “old
cottonwood” and was the beginning of the Broadway church. He preached
in Kanesville, and had oversight of adjacent territory including Mills,
Fremont and Page Counties.
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1853
Samuel Farlow Samuel
Farlow was born November 3, 1825 in Union County Indiana. He
became a member of the Methodist Church when he was
sixteen. By 1847 he had been licensed as a preacher and assigned
to the Iowa Conference. He married Isabelle Mason and came
to Page County in 1852.
He first was assigned to the Page-Taylor Mission
and delivered a sermon on Nov. 2, 1852 at the home of Alexander Davis’ (five
miles SE of Clarinda on the forks of the Nodaway). It was here
that the first Methodist society in Page County had been
organized by Uncle Billy Rector, a circuit rider
covering Fremont and Page counties. The first organization was the
Clarinda and Montgomery board of trustees of the M.E. church, Iowa
Conference, organized on March 15, 1853: Isaac VanArsdol, Edward Long, H.H.
Litzenberg, George Miller, Elijah Miller, Edward Keeler, Dave C. Ribble, &Thomas
Owen. The church body was officially incorporated on March 18,
1857.
There was no “Clarinda” at that
time. Rev. Farlow preached the first sermon to be given at the
Clarinda site in June, 1853 in the “shanty” he was living in
then. The text for that sermon was 2 Cor. 5:1-3. “For
we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have
a building of God, a house not made with hands eternal in the
Heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed
upon our house, which is from Heaven. If so that being clothed, we
shall not be found naked.”
The “shanty” was described as 14 feet by 16 feet
and was set where the Loranz home was later built. The building
was moved to the west side of the square and used as the first court house
for a short time as well as housing Mrs. Farlow’s school.
In a letter that had been written to C. A.
Lisle that is quoted in the Page County History (2) Rev. Farlow recalled that
in the early wilderness of the county “Scarcely anything was raised for a
living. . . The first desolate cabin I moved into was about one mile from Alexander
Davis’ home, on a hillside facing the East Nodaway . It
was surrounded with weeds, weeds, weeds. O, my! How wild it looked
there! Some few of the good folks agreed to come and repair the
house the next day. That first night a severe snow storm fell and
we were fully snowed under, as the clapboards on the roof were all apart, no
good to keep out the snow. The chinking between the logs was
mostly gone and the chimney down to the ground, making a large opening where
it once stood. Surely, we were in a bad fix. To add to
our discomfiture, the promised assistance was not on hand the next
morning. So we left the cabin and went up to Alexander Davis’,
about one mile away. There Philip Bank, the son of Mr. Davis’ wife,
said to me, he had a cabin about one-half mile from there in a partial state
of completion. The walls were up ready for the rafters but no
floor, no chimney, and no door. I accepted the offer and went to
work on the cabin with vigor, Peter Baker assisting me. We made it
quite comfortable and this cabin became the first parsonage
in Page County . . .”
The letter continues, “My wife this winter
1852-53, taught school in this cabin, being the first school taught in Page
county. In the spring of 1853 I was compelled to give up my cabin
and Mr. Hulbert offered me a box house and agreed to move it to an eight
dollar lot of mine on the town plat of Clarinda, if my wife would teach
school. To this proposition my wife gave her consent and Mr.
Hulbert hitched his five yoke of oxen to the structure and started for town
two miles away, and got within about three rods of the crossing at the south
line of the town plot, when the oxen became so exhausted they refused to go
any further. There the house was permitted to stand about ten days
and Mrs. Farlow taught school while there. The oxen being rested,
they were again hitched to the house and easily pulled it to its resting
place, on my lot which was a little ways north of James Hawley’s
store. We did not, however, live in the house while it was being
transported. In this house I preached my first sermon in
Clarinda—in the summer of 1853. From that time until August of the
same year Clarinda was under my jurisdiction. In August myself and
family were all laid low in our box house by malarial fever and were for some
time absolutely helpless. There wasn’t a person came to see us,
had no one to cook for us or bring us a drop of water. Finally
Peter Bowler discovered our condition and conveyed us, sick as we were, to
his home at Shambaugh’s Mills, where he had three cabins. He
placed us in one of them, while in the adjoining one was Josh Brown, dealing
out whiskey. We could hear him yell out: ‘Come up boys, come up,
and take some “black-strap.”’ Many a one did and O! O!! O!!! how
they would howl in there and use bad talk!.”
He continues, “. . . I was not able to
attend conference but the bishop appointed me to
the Sidney circuit, where I remained two years, but O at the close
of my second year, my dear wife lingered with a fatal illness seven weeks and
died, leaving me with two children.”
Isabelle died of
malaria. Sometime later he married Arebelia Ribble. Rev
Farlow died in Indianola, Iowa , November 25,
1906. His obituary states, “It will be remembered by all who
attended the Methodist Semi centennial celebration last spring that Mr.
Farlow took a very prominent part in the reminiscences at that time and made
a very remarkable address before the Methodist people assembled at that
time. He was one of the real pioneers of Methodism and of this
part of the state. . . He was recognized as standing out as the last of a
class of men who were prominent in the affairs of this section fifty years
ago, and his stalwart individuality will be remembered now with especial
force by all who heard him at that time.”
Rev. Farlow was also the first pastor of
the Shenandoah Methodist Church.
1853-1854
John W. Anderson
In 1854 the church met in a log school house on the
property of Dr. Lewellen near 16th and Garfield. Rev.
Anderson had grown up with Rev. Farlow in eastern Iowa. They
entered the conference together. Rev. Farlow said that they both
graduated from the same college— Brush College or Grass
Seminary, whichever term preferred. (6)
The story of women in the church begins
here. Rev. Anderson organized the first membership class with
“four devout Methodist Women”. In the history written in 1909 by
Rev. Blodgett in speaking of this membership states, “Yes, it was Mary first
at the sepulcher of our Lord. It was Mary who stood
on Golgotha and it was Barbara Heck who, laying her hand on Philip
Embery in 1766 said, ‘Phillip, you must preach for us or we will all go to
hell.’ The first member of the great Methodism of this continent
was a woman and it seems befitting that this church should be consecrated and
her first altar sanctified by a woman’s voice and prayers.” Rev. Blodget described Rev. Anderson
as “a conscientious Christian. . .plain and unostentatious”.
1854-55
Richard Mulhollen Rev. Richard Mulholen served the church in
1854 and 1855. During this time the church was blessed with a good
revival, and according to an accounting in Rev. St. Claire’s 1896 history,
“some of her best members”. In 1855 the first Methodist Sunday
School was organized.
1855-57 William Howbert Rev. William Howbert was appointed in 1855
and again in 1856 when Rev. Farlow served as his colleague. The
two ministers were responsible for serving Page, Taylor
and Adams counties. Services were held in the court
house. In the 1909 accounting, (6) Rev. Blodgett states, “. . .
many a good jury passed judgment on Jesus Christ and his preachers and, like
Pilate, found no fault, but unlike Pilate, were willing to become his
followers.” One of the followers, John H. Merritt was converted
and became a minister in both the Northern New York and Colorado
conferences. This is the first documentation of a church member
being called into full time church service.
During Howbert’s pastorate, the first church
building was erected. The structure was located at
17th and Washington (where Trinity Presbyterian Church is now
located) and was constructed at a cost of $1,000. The first
parsonage was also constructed on the site later occupied by the Van Sandt
home.
Blodgett in discussing the construction
says, “It was hard work then and yet the congregation rejoiced over it and
shouted in it, and if there had been phonographs hid in the walls good
Brethren friends might occasionally hear shouting. Those were the
days of shouting. These are the days of probably not less work and
prayer and might be the days of more work and prayer if the shouts had not
all been shouted.”
1857-58
Thomas Wallace Rev. Thomas Wallace was appointed in 1857
to serve Page county, a part of Taylor, and one appointment in Montgomery County. His
ministry was described as “blessed by God”, although he said, “I do not
remember many incidents of the ministry of that year.” Rev.
Wallace remained in Page County for 17 years. The
History of Page County (6) says that “it is not an exaggeration to say that
he followed to the grave one-half of all who died. Rev. Wallace
was the champion in the marriage field. For about five hundred
couples he said the word that made them one in the eyes of the
law. Universally beloved and respected, the people of Page County
felt that he made but one mistake and that was in packing up his goods, tying
his chickens and moving to Mills County.”
1858-59
Rev. Cole Rev. Cole served but a brief period of time
(perhaps only a month or so). The only accounting of his ministry
is that he “left for other fields”.
1858-59 Rev.
W. S. Peterson Rev.
Peterson “took up the work where he found it” and finished the one-year
circuit.
1859-61
Charles Woolsey The
troubled years preceding the Civil War were years of almost constant revival
under the pastorate of Rev. Woolsey. (6) Other classes were formed
in Page County. (6) While little is recorded about Rev
Woolsey, he died in Brooklyn in 1869 at the age of 65 “full of years and
a ripened experience, going to the home of God’s elect above.” At
the time the history of the church’s first 25 years was written, his widow
resided in Osceola.
1861-62 Jeremiah T. Hughes (T.J. in
some sources) Rev. Hughes was a relative of the bishop and
remained in Clarinda one year. The circuit was cut
down. In the words of Rev. Blodgett at the time of the
25th anniversary of the church, “The hive had swarmed. Rev.
Hughes had three appointments—Clarinda, Tarkio and
the Davis schoolhouse. There were good revivals at all
these points. Rev. Hughes says among his standbys (preachers know
what that word means) were Brothers Van Arsdol, Hinchman, N.B. Moore, Wallace
and others. The large maple trees in front of the old parsonage
were planted by Rev. Hughes. 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.” (6) Rev. Hughes’
declining years were spent in Conway where he died.
1862-63 Benjamin Shinn In 1863 a “new and commodious church
was commenced” in the area of 16th and Washington corner. The
cost of construction was $6,000. The lumber was hauled by teams
from Ottumwa and Brother Moore reportedly “carried the hod and
mixed the mortar for the foundation.”
At that time the annual conference had
fifty-six preachers and a lay membership of just over seven
thousand. This was the first conference held in
Clarinda. The church was not completed in time to accommodate the
fifth session of the conference, so the conference meeting and the Sabbath
services were held in Father Ribble’s grove.
At the time of the 25th anniversary of
the church, Rev. Blodgett quotes Brother Shinn as having said, “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 still live faithful members of the church
militant.” Brother Shinn was described as being “yet in the prime of
life and . . . living in Afton.” The writer went on to say,
“there are still many evidences of his efficient pastorate in this charge,
and a warm place in many hearts for himself and good wife.”
1864
William McKendrie McCain While he is listed in all sources,
Rev. McCain must have remained in the pastorate but a short time and then
moved on to Sioux City. There is no report in the conference
minutes of his pastorate, although the membership is listed as 190.
1864-65
Dougal (or Dugald) Thompson Rev. Thompson remained in Clarinda
only one year. However, during that time the church building was
completed and dedicated free of debt. At the time of the
dedication, a $2,000 debt loomed against the building. Brother
Thompson says, “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.
Hickman, Moore, Van Arsdol, Weidner and others of the saints and the outside
saints and sinners that would make good saints, put their shoulders to the
load and off went the debt. We were a happy people that
day.” He continues, “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. Thompson moved on to the Norwalk circuit.
During his pastorate another event occurred
that enriched the church. In the 1922 church directory Rev. J.M.
Williams writes, “It was during this period (1865-66) that the Lord sent a
sweet singer by the name of (Thomas) Tomlinson
from Yorkshire, England, to Clarinda. He was a Methodist
and sang his way into the heart of the church. He was the founder
of the Tomlinson family that has ever since been closely identified with the
music and worship of the church.”
During the 1927 homecoming, C.N. Tomlinson
gave a talk about the history of the church and its music. (15) He
speaks of the church dedicated in 1864 and the choir of that
time. “The first choir was a chorus choir. The organ
was placed in front of the pulpit, the choir occupying the two front seats
facing the preacher. The choir members were Mr. And Mrs. G.W.
Burns, Mr. And Mrs. D.C. Chamberlain, Mr. And Mrs. Thomas Chamberlain, Mr.
Harrell and Miss Mary VanArsdol, the last named being the only living member
of the choir (in 1927). . . Her services were so much in demand
that she sang in both the Presbyterian and Methodist choirs after her
marriage to Willis Woods, going with her husband to the Presbyterian
church. No doubt there were others in that first choir, but I have
not been able to obtain their names. I do not presume that there
were more than 400 residents in our beautiful Clarinda at that time, so you
see how loyal were the early citizens to the advantages and privileges of
music, thus setting an example for those who followed, and they did follow
until it became an honor to belong to the Methodist Episcopal choir.”
He continued, “Shortly after this, in 1866,
my father and family arrived to make this their home. Also about
this time W.A. Frazier and family arrived, Mrs. Frazier soon becoming
organist. Being musical, my father (Mr. Tomlinson) was soon made
one of the choir and were he less deserving, my sense of modesty would forbid
my saying what I will say—that he contributed very largely to the efficiency
of the choir. He was a wonderful singer. His voice was
singularly sweet as well as strong. He was very generous with his
music, never refusing to sing at a funeral or a musical, whether convenient
or not. He had a personality about him that would
drive the words of the song into your mind and heart in such a way that was
not readily forgotten. This was the beginning of a choir that
later on not only gained a local name, but got a reputation over the state as
being one of the finest and most capable choirs in Iowa. Many
traveling men made it a point to spend Sunday in Clarinda so that they could
hear it morning and evening.”
1866
Rev. Bartells
There was no minister for a
time. Later in 1866 a Rev. Bartells was
appointed. Little is known of his pastorate.
1867-69
Ami Hagen Shafer In 1867 many came into the church
including the Hon. and Mrs. W. P. Hepburn. (1) The second
parsonage was constructed. “The church continued to grow, souls were
converted and the society generally built up. Rev. Shafer was well
liked and to this day (1909) the influence of his efficient labors is felt.”
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1869-71
C. C. Mabee It had been supposed that the church was
debt free; however Rev. Mabee discovered that there existed a debt of
$1,800. This was paid off during his pastorate. The
present bell cost $150 and was hung in that church in 1869. In the
Page County History, “Rev. Mabee says a faithful attendance upon all the
means of grace and a 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.”
It was during his pastorate that the
Temperance movement was inaugurated. Rev. 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 Methodist Episcopal
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.” (6) About fifty joined the church in his two
years. His salary was supplemented by “handsome
donations”. Rev. Mabee says, “I cherish the recollection of the
two years spent in Clarinda, and keep in my heart a warm place for those dear
friends and fellow workers in the gospel.” Dr. Mabee resided in
Lenox at the time of the 25th church anniversary.
1871-1873
Artemius Brown Artemis Brown was described as “the jolliest
and most humorous man that this church has ever had.” His presence
was described as a “tonic” and in 1921 some of the older members still
remembered his gift of humor. He and his family came to Clarinda
in 1871 at the time Chicago was burning. It was said
that “he was terribly frightened, but he soon got over the fright and went
right manfully to work.” (18) His wife was the daughter of the
9th District Congressional representative Hon. W.R. Green. He
says that “his pastorate was free from spiritual chills or fevers of marked
virulence. Some were converted, some died, some went to heaven and
some apostatized.” He preached to large audiences
“On his 50th birthday . . . 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.” During
his pastorate the kitchen was built on to the parsonage and the railroad
reached Clarinda.
Rev. Brown delivered one of his “happy
sermons” at the 25th anniversary of the founding of the church in 1878.
1873-75
Jacob Meek Holmes Rev. Holmes’
pastorate was described as a time when he “walked in and out among the people
as a prophet of God. This cultured minister appealed to a class of
people that had not been reached heretofore. His ministry meant
much to the solidifying and the spiritualizing of the church. . . 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 the Master.”
The Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society,
Clarinda Auxiliary was organized March 6, 1873 with 6 members
listed: Mrs. Holmes, Mrs. Isaac Van Arsdol, Mrs. Tomlinson, Mrs.
Dunlap, Mrs. Hepburn and Miss Josie Berry (who married Prof. J.A. Wood and
attended the Golden Anniversary in March 1919).
His son, Rev. E.M. Holmes was
at Simpson College and later became the presiding elder of
the Des Moines district.
1875-76 J.
A. Wilson Rev.
Wilson was particularly gifted as a pastor and his pulpit efforts attracted
congregations. The church held a year of successful revival
meetings. (7) When he left Clarinda “the church and congregation
expressed their appreciation and love in the largest donation ever given a
pastor in the charge.”
1876-79
Phineas Franklin Bresee
At
the annual conference in Red Oak during the autumn of 1876—Bishop Foster
appointed Dr. Bresee to serve as the presiding elder. The Bishop
wanted to appoint him as presiding elder of the Council Bluffs District, but
Dr. Breese objected strenuously since he did not feel called to the
eldership. Late in the session a committee of influential
Clarindans came to the conference to secure Dr. Bresee’s appointment to
Clarinda. The Methodist church in Clarinda was reported to be a
remarkable congregation. Its congregation included a number of
“brilliant and cultured families, and some men of considerable
wealth”. Among the members were former congressman William P.
Hepburn and the attorney William McPherrin. Mr.
McPherrin died in California at the home of Dr. Bresee years
later. The Bresee’s were in Clarinda for three
years. His salary was $1,500 per year.
According to the biography, “Upon arrival of Dr.
Bresee in the city, his brethren proposed that he should not say anything
about money, or have anything to do with finances, but should merely draw his
salary monthly from the bank. He complied with the request for the
first year, after which he found that it was necessary for the pastor to
devote some attention to the finances of the church, not on his own account,
but for the good of the work.”
It was unusual for a pastor to serve three
terms. On September 12, 1878, the editor of the
local Democrat reported that “Rev. Bresee went up to conference
last week and exhibited a belt full of the scalps of sinners that he had
captured during the past two years, and the Bishop returned him for another
year to give him a chance to take in those who have escaped in the
past. So, to all bare hearted sinners, we wish to say that you
will have to look out.”
The return to Clarinda was not popular with
all Clarinda residents. On November 11, 1878, N.B. Moore had
printed a letter he had written to the Presiding Elder of the Corning
District, Des Moines Conference. In this letter he withdrew his
family’s membership from the local church.
And, on August 7, 1879 John A. Snodgrass
challenged him to a public debate upon “what is true spiritualism and what
spiritualists generally believe.” The
Herald editors generally supported Rev. Breese. The Democrat
editors did not.
“The Methodist Episcopal church at Clarinda
was characterized by great singing ability. It was said to have
the best choir, the best double quartet, and the finest chorus in the state
of Iowa. Great musical conventions were held in the city, and
the Methodist church was always at the forefront of these
gatherings. While it is possible that these musical
accomplishments did not hinder the work, it is certainly true that they did
not help it to any great extent along spiritual lines.”
“At Clarinda Dr. Bresee began to introduce
the modern gospel songs which he had used so effectively at Red Oak. . . The
people were grand singers and sang the old hymns in a delightful
manner. The only peculiarity that characterized their singing. . .
was manifested at the prayer meeting. . . After a season of prayer, and just
as the people were rising, they would begin to hunt a hymn, and the pianist
would commence to get ready. In a little while they would announce
the number, and would commence to sing. This little peculiarity
was objectionable to Dr. Bresee, as tending to cut off the whole tide of
spiritual life, and he met the situation in a way that characteristic of the
man. As soon as he rose from his knees he would begin to sing a
hymn. He was incapable of striking the tune, but he would do his
best, and Mrs. Bresee, or some other good singer, would take up the tune, and
they would carry it along. Dr. Bresee stated that he considered it
quite probable that this method of beginning a hymn was somewhat humiliating
to the people, for he noticed that in a very short time they learned to sing
without hesitation or preparation at the end of a season of prayer.”
The parsonage was enlarged to accommodate
the Bresee family. “In 1879 he went to Creston, a railroad town. . . All the
churches there were weak, but the Methodist church was especially
so. Upon the arrival of Dr. Bresee and his family at Creston, on a
rainy day, nobody came to meet them. After stopping at the hotel
one day, they cleaned the parsonage, had their things brought in, and began
the work.”
The church was small. “Brother Bresee
started the work with his usual earnestness and zeal in the cause of the
Lord. As a result, the people came, and God began to pour out His
spirit, and crowd the little place clear out to the sidewalk.” A
“Revival for the first time attracted the railway men, who made rather a
unique congregation. They would remain until the time came for
them to get on their engines, when they would leave the church. If
somebody whom they did not like got up to preach, they would also leave the
church.” The pastorate was successful.
From Creston Dr. Breese moved
to Council Bluffs and then to Los Angeles, CA where
he served several pastorates. Dr. Breese carried on a continuing debate
within his pastorates regarding Holiness. He played a pivotal role
in the Holiness movement that resulted in the formation of
the Nazarene Churchin Los Angeles in 1895.
Though controversial, “Bresee was a man of
the times. . . he struggled over the issue of slavery. He favored
women’s rights and forged ahead in the 1890s, ensuring that women would have
full equality in the Church of the Nazarene. He recognized the
personal and social evils of alcohol, although he was too sanguine, perhaps,
about the ultimate success of prohibition. He consorted with the
nabobs of the Gilded Age and found them wanting. He was a pastor
to an emerging middle class. Bresee was attuned spiritually to
many of the deep human currents at the turn of the century. He
understood the growing concern of religious thinkers to counter the
mechanistic, reductionist skepticism that was an acid to Christian
belief. He countered reductionism by preaching on the Spirit that
gives life and hope. He used creeds and forms but placed his
emphasis on the life-giving Spirit at work in human lives and
history. When Bresee preached, deep called out to deep.”
The revival held in 1876 while Rev. Phineas
Franklin Breese was pastor appears to be the largest of the early
revivals. It was reported that “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.” Rev. Breese later founded the Nazarene Church.
At the time of the 25th church
anniversary, in 1878, W.A. Frazier was presented a gold watch for having
served as organist for 14 years.
1879-80
William Spearing Hooker
Rev. W.S. Hooker was born January 29, 1834,
near Portsmouth, England. He was converted September 29,
1847, and united with the Wesleyan Methodist Church. In
1855 he was licensed to preach by Rev. Thomas H. Squance. . . the only
survivor of the party of seven young ministers taken to India by Dr.
Coke in 1813. Rev. Hooker was married to Miss Sarah Humphreys, in
1861, who shared the toils and labors, the joys and success of a Methodist
preacher’s life until August 6, 1886, when she passed to her reward. . . Rev.
Hooker . . . joined the Des Moines Conference in 1870. Since then
he has been stationed at Decatur City, College Springs, Shenandoah,
Villisca, Wesley Church in Des Moines, Clarinda, Indianola and Creston.”
(2) At end of his first year in Clarinda he became presiding elder
of Council Bluffs district.
“Rev. Hooker had an enviable reputation as a
pastor and preacher and kept the church in complete working order he found
it. For several years there had been a mission school near the
depot. . . During Rev. Hooker’s pastorate a comfortable chapel, the outgrowth
of this Sunday school, was built for at a cost of about five hundred
dollars. Large collections were reported at conference and some
increase of membership.”
1880-81
Charles Wesley Blodgett (Dr.) Dr. Blodgett was the
pastor at the time the church celebrated its twenty-fifth
anniversary. It is his history of the church that appears in the
1909 History of Page County. In 1896 it was said that “his
pastorate was characteristic of the man. Energetic, able and
successful, he is still a noted minister in our Methodism.” “He
was a man of unique personality, and later occupied some of the greatest
pulpits of Methodism.”
Dr. Blodgett prefaced his record by writing,
“What Methodism is in the capital of the state, it will be to 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.”(4)
Rev. Blodgett’s history of the first
twenty-five years was printed in the paper in 1882. “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 the 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 lights. It is impossible to tell of the number of
marriages solemnized by former pastors and persons baptized, but they will
run up to many hundreds. The total contributions during these
years will not fall far short of $40,000. There have been
doubtless 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.”
He continues, “Between the sister churches
of this city and this (church) have always been genial fellowship. It
thinks the past will say, for this society, malice toward none, and 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’.
The twenty-fifth anniversary was quite a
celebration. On Tuesday evening Rev. Blodgett preached. On
Wednesday evening, Rev. Artemis Brown of Leon preached to a large
audience and greeted his old friends. On Thursday evening, Rev.
E.M. Holmes, son of Rev. J.M. Holmes (deceased) preached. While
only 21 years of age and preaching in his boyhood home town, it was reported
that the sermon “was in every way creditable.” He was assisted by
Rev. Mabee.
By Friday morning many of the old pastors
were present and the real celebration began. There were 625 people
counted in attendance. “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.”
Hon. W.P. Hepburn in his “unique and
eloquent manner presented to the church the silver communion set. . .”
“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.
On Sabbath morning Rev. P.F. Bresee occupied
the pulpit of the church. . .Rev. C.C. Mabee preached at the Presbyterian
church in the morning, and Rev. Artemis Brown at the U.P. church in the
morning and the Presbyterian church in the evening.”
At this time the church had 300 full time
members. Rev. Blodgett eventually served a pastor of the Methodist
church in Alleghany , Pennsylvania , one of the “great
churches of Methodism”.
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1881-83 Benjamin
F. W. Cozier Rev.
Cozier had been the presiding elder of the old Corning district. Rev. Blodgett
describes his successor Rev. Cozier as “a man of fine executive ability. 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.”
Rev. Cozier first
stated the need for a larger building in his report to the board on October 16,
1881. “Toward
a gracious revival of religion and a might enlargement of the church I shall
daily pray and labor. I
suggest that all concerned immediately begin to think and plan for a new
church, an improvement urgently needed. I think this year money
seems to be so abundant and the enthusiasm so decided in our town that the
auspicious hour has most certainly arrived for the first steps in such an
enterprise.”
Under his leadership,
in1882 the present church construction began. The building would seat
700 and was to be constructed at a cost $15,000. (14) It was
described as “built of solid brick masonry. It is a fine structure and is in a
charming spot with a good basement that serves for lecture room, classroom,
parlors for receptions, and business meetings.”
“The entire
building is heated by steam, is lighted by gas and is neatly carpeted and
furnished in modern style of church architecture. The audience room is provided
with nicely cushioned pews and the lecture room with easy chairs.
“The belfry
contains a 500-pound bell, costing $150. (An 1892 clipping tells that Henry
Loranz rang the same church bell that he had rung 40 years before in Illinois. “This
building was not dedicated and fully completed until January 1888.”
“All money shared
have been put up by this time, but there are men in all churches who expect to
get to the better world on 15 cents and get a front seat and the best robe and
harp and then they will growl because their wigs and crown do not fit.”
“The Methodists
will hold services in the Opera House until their church is completed.” On June 8, 1882
Cornerstone laid by Rev. Cozier and trustees and building committee. Young
people “expect to cool the multitude” with ice cream, lemonade and a lunch
counter at the county fair.
The “Topmost” spire
added Nov. 13, 1882, 120 feet from the ground, highest point in the city.
The present
church is this 1883 structure remodeled many times. The old church and lot
were sold to Elijah Beal for $6,000 and the land where the church is located
was purchased for $2,000. A
contract was awarded to N.A. Olson to build a new church for $9,600, with the
260,000 brick that they had already purchased to be furnished by the trustees.
The church was
completed and in use, but not dedicated until the debt was paid off in
1889. The
Page County History gives a good
description of the building. “The
present magnificent edifice was erected in 1882, at a cost of $15,000. It has a seating
capacity of nearly 700 and is built of solid brick masonry. It is a fine structure
and is in a charming spot. A
good basement serves for lecture room, class room, parlors for receptions and
business meetings. The
entire building is heated by steam, is lighted by gas and is neatly carpeted
and furnished in modern style of church architecture. The audience room is
provided with nicely cushioned pews and the lecture room with easy
chairs. The
belfry contains a 500 pound bell, costing $150. The building was not
dedicated and fully completed until January, 1888.”
The Democrat reported regularly on
the church construction. January
12, 1882: “The
new Methodist Church Building is now certain to be
built and all will be pleased to know this, as it is something much
needed. The
money is not all raised, but enough in sight to set the managers to work in
earnest. All
money shared have been put up by this time, but there are men in all churches
who expect to get to the better world on 15 cents and get a front seat and the
best robe ad harp and then they will growl because their wigs ad crown do not
fit. There
are a few of these kickers and as time goes on they will get warm under the
collar ad do their duty, a better church will be got then if management is not
done in a slovenly way.”
March 9,
1882: “For
some time our Methodist Brethren have been looking at plans and churches which
they thought would suit them, but failed to find just what they wanted.
They ordered our
townsman N.A. Olston to get up a plan and submit it to the building
committee. He
went to work and got up plans and they have been approved ad the church will be
built after them.
We will give an
outline of the building, so that our people can have some idea of it. The
size of the building on the ground will be 54 feet by 76 feet. Built in the shape of a
cross with 2 towers in front, a large one and a small one. The basement lecture
room will be 33 feet by 49 feet. There
will be 2 parlors, each 18 feet by 20 feet, and connected by sliding
doors. A
cloak room, 9 feet by 9 feet, a kitchen, 8 feet by 10 feet and a boiler room 8
feet by 20 feet. All
in the basement story.
The ceiling in
the basement will be 12 feet high. There will be 2 entrances,
one in each transept. The
entrance to the audience room will be from the front and go in straight with
wide stairs and stone steps on the outside. The auditorium will be
48 feet by 50 feet, study room 12 feet by 13 feet, gallery 14 feet by 38 feet,
rostrum 10 feet by 33 ½ feet, height of ceiling 28 feet. The seating capacity of
the church will be 500 persons.
The main tower
from the grade line will be 116 feet high. The building will be of
brick trimmed with stone in the Gothic style of architecture. When completed it will
be an edifice that will for years to come stand as a monument of the enterprise
of the church. We
are proud to know that Clarinda has an architect that is not excelled by any
who can get up plans and specifications that equal those of the best architects
of the great cities. The
church when completed will cost about $15,000 dollars.”
April 6, 1882: “The old Methodist Church is being taken
down. The
Methodist’s will hold services in the Opera House until their church is
completed.”
May 4, 1882: “Excavating is being
done for the church.”
May 18, 1882: “Brick was brought to
the site for the new Methodist Episcopal Church.”
June 8, 1882: “Friday at 5:30 p.m.,
the cornerstone of the Methodist Episcopal Church will be laid by Rev. Cosier
and Trustees and Building Committee. The ceremonies will be
interesting and all are invited to be present and witness it.”
June 13, 1882: “The young people of
the Methodist Episcopal Church have an eye to business. They have undertaken to
raise $500.00 for furnishing the new church and they will do it too. Mrs. Hinchman, their
President, is full of push and energy. They expect to cool the
multitude at the county fair with ice cream, lemonade and also run a lunch
counter all in connection with the Methodist ‘boarding house’.”
June 15, 1882: “On Friday afternoon
last, the corner stone of the new Methodist Episcopal Church was laid without
any display of trumpets, as is usually the case on such important
occasions. There
was a large number of people on the ground and the ceremony, as laid down by
the Methodist Episcopal Church was carried out to the letter, Rev. Cozier being
the conductor.
As to the
building itself, a good description of that was published in the Democrat some
time ago and of course we refrain from making any mention of that at this time.
After signing and
reading of a portion of scripture, Rev. Malcom offered up a prayer.
Bro. Bresee, who
had been telegraphed for and was present, then came forward and delivered an address
in his usual easy and eloquent manner, but we are not stupid enough to attempt
a synopsis of it.
Rev. D.C. Wilson
then made some appropriate remarks and congratulated his Methodist friends on
their good fortune at being able to erect so fine an edifice to worship in and
hoped it would not be many years until his people would be able to build
themselves a better church building.
Rev. Tucker, at
the request of Br. Cozier, then appeared and talked in a very pleasant
vein. He
remarked that he was a short man, and as it was getting late he would make a
short talk. He
said, from what had been said, and from those present, it was almost impossible
to detect that it was the laying of a corner stone for a Methodist Church . That in years gone by,
especially at the laying of a Baptist Church corner stone, this would not have
been the case, as much would have been said about water—DEEP WATER.
After this Br.
Cozier deposited in the box a Bible, a Methodist Hymn book, a Methodist
Discipline, a historical sketch of the church, list of subscribers to the
church, a sketch of the history and incorporation of the church, a copy of the
Democrat, Herald and Star, a list of county officers, Westminister SS Lesson
Leaf “THE TRANSFIGURATION”.
Champ Ballard,
the tinner, who had made the box, was on hand and soldered it up.
A.G. Dixion, had
prepared the stone by engraving the figures “1882” on its face and chiseling a
hole for reception of the box. After
the box had been properly sealed, Br. Cozier deposited it in the hole, in the
stone and then pronounced the Benediction.
Just at this time O.H. Park photographed the stone
and the crowd surrounding it, and if Br. Bailey’s beautiful face does not
appear in that picture, it will be on account of his unbelief of ungodliness. Mr. Dixion placed some
slate over the box and cemented it nicely and thus ended the ceremonies and the
crowd dispersed, glad to see the work progressing so finely and hoping to see
it finished without accident or hindrance.”
It was noted in
the Page County History that “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 trustees, by the Young People’s Aid Society, for the purpose of purchasing
the gas fixtures.”
November 13,
1882: “The
new Methodist Episcopal Church is to be heated with steam, lighted with gas,
have a pipe organ and cushioned and glided, grandly, beautiful. A matter of pride;
pride to the membership and pride to the young city that can point to this
splendid church . . .”
November 20,
1882: “The
topmost of the Methodist Episcopal Church spire was put up today, 120 feet from
the ground. This
is the highest point in the city. It is said that from
the top of the scaffolding, Creston can be seen with a field glass.”
From the Iowa
Conference Archives at Mount
Pleasant, Iowa we learn that “The Des
Moines Annual Conference with Bishop Matthew Simpson presiding was held at the First Methodist Church, Clarinda, Iowa,
September 12, 1883. . .”
The Page County
History tells us that Bishop Matthew Simpson was the Methodist Bishop who was
invited to give the national eulogy at the funeral of Abraham Lincoln.
The 1922
directory said of the church that “it was a mansion in those days.” The membership at the
time was 335.
Ruth Tritsch
provided a copy of her grandparent’s marriage certificate which was signed by
Rev. Cozier in 1883.
1883-85
Thomas McKendree Stuart Rev. Stuart was born in 1843 near Williamsburg , PA and died on April 3,
1911 in Council
Bluffs . His father was a farmer
and a teacher and finally a preacher in West Virginia. During the Civil War
Rev. Stuart enlisted in a West
Virginia company. He was admitted on
trial to the Iowa Conference at Osceola in 1865. While preaching he
attended Simpson College. In 1888 he was granted
a doctor of divinity degree from Little
Rock University.
He served many
churches: Monroe,
DeSoto, Chariton, Afton, Clarinda, presiding elder of the Corning district,
Broadway in Council
Bluffs, Grace Church in Des
Moines, Centenary in Beatrice, NE, Harlan, Glidden and
Dunlap.
His writings
include “Divine Inspiration” and “The Errors of Campbellism”. His obituary said “He
was a diligent and faithful student of the Bible and of men; a thinker of deep
thoughts. . . His power in debate was marvelous. . . he feared no foe. . . and
could smile in the presence of his foeman’s defeat with a peculiar sunny
sweetness which gave charm to his combativeness. . . His love of music, of
literature, of life, were to be noted. What an art was his in
the consecration and administration of our ritual in the sacramental services,
his like has never been witnessed in our Iowa churches.”
Locally he was
remembered “as a scholarly, faithful preacher and pastor, and left a large
circle of friends.”(3)
1885-87 Henry
H. O’Neal (O’Neil) The
100 year historical sketch says that Rev. O’Neal’s “strong pulpit deliverances
are still remembered by the older members.” It was during his
pastorate in 1885 that a new parsonage was built next to new church that was
quite a mansion for those days.
Blodgett says that, “with the
present equipment of the church and modern facilities of the parsonage, the
Clarinda charge is one of the best equipped in the Des Moines conference.” The membership at that time was
reported as 335.
1887-88
William Fox Burke Little is known about
Rev. Burke’s pastorate except that due to failing health, he had to give up the
work at end of year. He is remembered as a
faithful, conscientious Christian.
1913-17
Abram S. Woodard Rev.
Woodard came to Clarinda in 1913. It was during his
pastorate that the present beautiful structure was erected. “The old building was
used in the reconstruction, which gives us a property now that could not be
duplicated at present prices for $60,000”.
It is believed that the interior of
the sanctuary was remodeled at the same time.
The active congregational groups
included Epworth League, Junior League, Ladies Aid, Woman’s Foreign Mission
Society, Woman’s Home Mission Society, Woman’s Home Missionary Society Reading Circle , Queen Esther Society and Kings
Heralds. Charles Lankert
was the chorister and Mrs. Anna Lucas was the organist.
In 1915 C.E. Hoskinson organized Boy
Scout Troop 1.
It was also reported (17) that “the
largest ingathering into the church occurred during this pastorate, following
the Lowry Union Meetings, that shook the whole community.”
In February, 2003 letter his son,
John H. Woodard, sent the picture that was taken sometime after he retired at
the age of 72. In the
letter he tells that Rev. Woodard, “. . .had been District Superintendent of
the Bloomington , Indiana district from 1938 to 1944, then went
to 1st Church, Columbus , Indiana until his retirement. He was born in 1877 and died in 1975
before his birthday that year so he was 97. . . You’ll note he was born one
year after our country’s centennial and died one year before its bicentennial.
. .”
It is interesting to note that in
2003 the Clarinda church and some other churches served by Rev. Woodard
received a bequest of $5,000 from his estate. The local funds will be used to
replace the doors of the educational unit.
1917-19
Rev. Myron Milton Cable In a historical
sketch of 1922 it is reported that “These were the years of the world war, and
he did splendid service cooperating with all patriotic endeavors. . . The
church is now one of the leading charges in the
Des Moines
conference.
It has a membership of 850, and is
progressive along all lines.
It
went over the top in the Centenary drive during the pastorate of Rev. M.M.
Cable with a grand total of about $30,000 for the five year period of
missionary enterprises.
The
Sunday school is well organized, and all departments and auxiliaries of the
church are flourishing.
A
splendid spirit pervades.”
During this time worship music was
provided by a paid quartet. In
a 1927 interview, C.N. Tomlinson speaks of “the Big 4 Quartet, consisting of
Thomas Tomlinson, Watt Webster, C.R. Vance and Warren Hurlbut. They sang so well together that it was
a treat to hear them. . . With all due respect to our good and efficient
quartet choir, I for one, wish the young people of today would take the
opportunity, and esteem it a privilege . . . to develop their individual
musical talents as well as obtain mastery of themselves and thus become a
public asset as well as one of importance, leaving out all thought of pecuniary
gain which sooner or later comes to those who have ambition coupled with
ability.”
It was in 1918 that Mrs. Roy (Maude)
Collins began the Builders Class of High School girls that she taught for 41
years.
1919-22
James Michael Williams
In 1919 Rev. Williams, who had just been released from army service,
was appointed pastor.
In
his third year (1921) he wrote a historical sketch of the church.
He said of his own pastorate, “We will
just mention two items included in the present pastorate.
One is the reception of a large number
of new members in 1921 following the Harper meetings, and the other is the
improvements and modernizing of the parsonage in 1922 by the Ladies’ Aid
Society of the church.
According to the Page County Democrat, Rev. Williams
might have underestimated the impact on the community that the revivals
created:
Culminating in a mighty sweep with services
on Sunday declared by all to be among the most wonderful in the religious
history of Clarinda, the union evangelistic effort being conducted in Clarinda
by the Business Men’s Gospel Team of Fairfield had five hundred and
eighteen converts to its credit at the close of Sunday’s tremendous
effort. This
week the campaign has centered upon its final phase with the added momentum of
these new converts—far more than half adults—working hard to bring in their
friends, and with members of the Christian churches awakened and working as
rarely laymen work in the cause of religion. Sunday will see the
close of the six week’s work, and after a two weeks’ rest the Gospel team will
go to Ames, while the Christian churches of the city will endeavor to conserve
the wealth of new material and the awakened spirit of their own membership
which these meetings have aroused.
To accommodate the meetings, a “big shed” was
constructed. At
the close of the sessions, the lumber was sold with the exception of the
trusses for the seats which were shipped on to Ames.
Led by A.K.Harper, a manufacturer described as
the “hard hitting, plain speaking, fiery leader of the party”, the Fairfield group included a grocery
man, a high school principal, a department store owner, an elevator man, a
dentist and a good-natured “big Swede” singer.
There was concern that the road conditions had
prevented some of the farmers from attending until Saturday night. One of the most
impressive scenes was on “working man’s night” when a group of miners came
wearing white caps with their lights burning brightly. These lights would have
been candles or oil burning lamps affixed to their caps. The hymn of the evening
“Let the Lower Lights Be Burning” was reported to have been sung lustily.
Meetings were held in the schools with
students. There
were many sessions for businessmen and even one session for women. Prayer meetings were
held in homes. A
local gospel team was formed at the last meeting in the “big shed” tabernacle
to continue the local effort. The
churches planned special services the following week to receive new members
according to the preference expressed. On February 27, 1921,
there were more than 90 baptisms in just our own Methodist Church.
1922-27
Alfred T. Bishop, DD
Rev. Bishop joined the North Dakota Conference and served churches
in Steele, Oakes and Church’s Ferry. Prior to his Clarinda
assignment he served Iowa churches in Calamus,
Grand Mound, Miles, Sheffield, Tama, Iowa Falls, Vinton, Marion,
Osage and Perry.
During the pastorate of Dr. Bishop, the church
continued to thrive. In 1924, the entrance lobby, stairways and walls to the
main auditorium and the Gallery ad Belfry were all redone. The woodwork was
varnished, the plastering repaired and even the crossbeams refinished.
Church organizations continued to grow in
number—Epworth League, Queen Esther Circle, Junior Queen Esther Circle, Home
Guards, Mother’s Jewels, Standard Bearers, King’s Herald’s, Junior Standard
Bearers, Light Bearers, Ladies Aid Society, Woman’s Home Mission Society, and
Woman’s Foreign Mission Society were all functioning with elected officers and
monthly or more frequent meetings.
The Boy Scout work was being reorganized under
the direction of a committee from the churches and the Community Club. C.E. Hoskinson was
leader of the Methodist troupe. Dr. and Mrs. Bishop were active with the youth
groups. In
1924 they attended a Family Institute held in Mills County facilities in
Glenwood.
Sunday school classes were regularly invited
to their teacher’s home for a social time. June Logan recalls a
party in the upstairs apartment of her teacher Mrs. Freeman.
In 1927 the church sponsored a “Home-coming”
for past and present church members. The event was a method
of raising funds from the church and also a time of renewal of past
friendships. The letter of invitation sent out on March 16, 1927 reads in part,
1927-31
David Shenton David
J. Shenton was born in Coin in 1897 and was appointed to the Clarinda church in
1927. Prior
to Clarinda he had served appointments with the Perry Circuit in Russell, Blockton,
Allerton, Shelby, Audubon, and Winterset. He left the Clarinda
pastorate to become district superintendent of the Council Bluffs district and was then
appointed to a church in Jefferson.
At the time of
Rev. Shenton’s pastorate, there were 847 church members. He received an average
of 29 members per year during his ministry.
During his
pastorate a Men’s Brotherhood was organized. In 1928 Dr. Shenton
asked the ladies to divide into four groups, stating that the social problem
was the outstanding problem of the church. They divided into the
SE division with 23 members, NE with 24 members and the NW and SW totaling 94
in all.
Sometime during
the 20s the choir was reorganized and took over the work of the paid quartet
that had been providing worship music.
Alice Owen
remembers that her father, W.C. Lehman, was janitor for a time and she felt
really important when she got to ring the bell to call everyone to the church.
Mildred Bean
recalls a wood stove in Fellowship Hall where the fireplace is now. There was a huge
furnace down the steps in the furnace room. The fires had to be
built and the ashes removed. Her
father, W.C. Lehman, paid her to help. She deposited the money
she earned and had written a check for a new winter coat just the day before
the bank closed.
Dan and June Logan
remember that Rev. Shenton was an intellectual and very “Bible smart”, but he
was sometimes hard for young children to follow. Ruth Woolson Laning was
a flower girl at his daughter’s wedding and got to “throw pebbles”. His sermons are
remembered as being rather long, lasting until 12:30 or even 1:00. His sermons were called
“deeply spiritual and high in their educational value.” He married Russell and
Mary Price and had been the minister in Russell’s home church in Winterset.
1931-1937 Warren H. Meredith Rev.
Meredith’s first pastorate was Carlisle in 1917. Other
appointments included Manning, Greenfield, Guthrie Center and Atlantic . Rev. Meredith came to Clarinda in 1931. He is remembered as being quiet and scholarly.
Upon
the occasion of the 100th anniversary
of the church in 1983, his son, Gordon D. “Rick” Meredith wrote a letter to
the congregation that is worthy of quoting:
Dear
Pastor,
My
father would have been 100 years old this month if he was living. As it was he made it to age 91
before passing on in Atlantic in
1974.
Thus
in his memory and honor I would like the enclosed $100 to go for flowers on
the altar for 3-4 Sundays, and in memory of my mother also who was always
totally involved in the work of the church.
. . .
He pastored several southwest Iowa county seats, was D.S. at Council Bluffs,
a prime developer of the pastors’ pension fund and active on the board at
Simpson College. He never
totally said but I always thought he liked the Clarinda charge most of all
the work he did for the Lord.
He
and my mother spent their sunset years at Heritage House in Atlantic and both are buried there. She lived to age 85 so you can see
their years of service together were many.
I ran
across the enclosed print recently and it brought back memories of about 1935
when the sanctuary was remodeled. It
was a big project for its day about $35,000 I think. I learned much about church construction—some of which
I still use as chairman of the improvements committee of my church down here.
To me
Clarinda was the real role model of Middle
America at its best. I hope the present generation
appreciates what they have there.
I was
age 8-14 in that period and I can recall events there much plainer than when
I was in HS at Council Bluffs , which I never liked nearly so much
because of its bigness. We
had most everyting at Clarinda which a kid would want. Not much money, a depression in
session, but the finest fresh food on the table and events going on all the
time.
The
church had activities most every day. Boy
Scout Troup 203 sponsored by the church was one of the best. George Woolson from the Herald was
Sunday school superintendent and scoutmaster. I recall once we had a jamboree of
scouts at Shenandoah. Jack
Swisher and I were bragging over the soup his mother made for the Lion patrol
but Bob Williams came begging for a hot dish and I gave him some soup and his
Panthers edged out our Lions overall something like 848 to 842. The soup did it. . .
Please
express my sincere and best wishes to some of the old timers from the 1930s.
Bob
Caswell remembers some rousing monopoly games in the parsonage with
Meredith’s sons.
Rev.
Meredith carried on an annual Crusaders
with Christ campaign during Lent. Each Sunday service provided a special opportunity to develop
both morning and evening services around a theme. One year it was a “Program of the Loyalty Crusade”. The special services included Roll Call Day, “The Call to
Loyalty” (Women’s Night with music by the women’s chorus and Dr. Nira
Kilise-Grounds speaking); Family Day, “The Way to Loyalty” (Men’s Night with
music by a men’s chorus); A Stewardship Service, “The Fruits of Loyalty” (a
Service of Practical Religion with Dr. Sukov of the State Hospital speaking
on ‘Religion in Human Relations’); Neighbors Day, “The Influence of Loyalty”
(a Brotherhood Service for All Faiths); Symphony Day, “The Glory of Loyalty”
(Old Hymn Night); The Challenge to Loyalty (Esther Guild Service pageant and
special music); Palm Sunday Services, “The Pledge of Loyalty” (Laymen’s
Night); and Easter Triumph, “The Incentive to Loyalty” (with a young people’s
service and pageant).
In
the Pastor’s Report of 1935 we learn that “I have done the work as a pastor
in the homes of the people with increasing pleasure; and, I like to think,
with increasing efficiency. I have
visited the sick, cheered the dying, and given such comfort as I could to the
sorrowing. I have
conducted twenty funerals, ten of which were members of this church. With the remarkable fine work of Mr. William Markle, we have
placed in the homes of our people one hundred and seventeen Northwestern
Christian Advocates. . . We are using the fine little booklet ‘The Upper
Room’ in some 40 homes, with good success.
That
year he had received 39 by profession of faith, 37 by transfer, baptized 44
people, and solemnized 26 weddings. With the Clarinda Ministerial Alliance he had participated in
union activities. The
alliance had fostered and incorporated as a non profit the Tinker House
Community Work on East
Garfield in its work for mothers and children. Rev. Meredith served on the board of directors of the Page
County Social Service and did special case work.. He served as Chaplain at the State Hospital.
In order
to save coal and light, the prayer meetings and other meetings were held at
the parsonage along with some of the Sunday School classes. The contributions to the different benevolences were at a high point.
During
his ministry the church was remodeled. The altar equipment was set up and a new organ and echo organ
were installed. It was
reported that “his patience and kindness at a time when there was so much
difference of opinion within committees was providential and thus kept God’s
way first.”
The new
organ was housed in three large tone chambers—the Echo organ in the southeast
corner of the balcony, the Great and Swell organs in two large rooms back of
the reredos and grille back of the altar. The slow and cumbersome tracker action was replaced with an
electric action. The
entire organ is operated from a
three-manual Austin console. The high excellence of the organ was attributed to the chairman
of the music committee, Claude Annan; and to the great skill of its builder
Mr. C.F. Dunn. Mr. Dunn
was called a pipe organ architect. He was also a graduate musician and an accomplished
organist. He made
“a most valuable contribution to the rebuilding program . . . and built the
organ without financial gain to himself.”
At
the time of the organ dedication, a document called The Christian Symbolism of Our Sanctuary was included in the program. That document states in part:
One
of the greatest authorities on worship says, “A sanctuary is not a mere
auditorium, but an appropriate place of worship. In design and appearance, therefore, it should be dignified and
beautiful, an expression of true art.” To best “worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness” demands an
environment suggestive of holiness. For a church, like a sacrament, should be “an outward and
visible sign of an inward grace.”. . .
After speaking in depth about the early Methodists who were
denied beautiful surroundings for worship, the writer describes our sanctuary
(many of the symbols are still present):
In a
concert hall, it is expected that the singers are to be arrayed in banked
formation, so all can be seen. In
the sanctuary, however, the choir use their voices for another purpose, and
their seating is consequently differently arranged. Instead of being exhibited, they sit
inconspicuously on a low platform in parallel seats facing each other across
the chancel. . .
Approached
by the central aisle leading up to the altar symbolizing the Holy of Holies
the open chancel rail symbolizes the right of every man, whomsoever he may
be, rich or poor, learned or unlearned, young or old, to approach the Highest
and the Holiest without any human intermediary, be he minister, priest or
bishop. Truly ‘tis the
symbol of the Magna Charta of religious liberty.
The
three steps by which we rise from the common level of the church to the
higher level of the altar of our God, may symbolize the three conditions that
God lays down for entrance to His fellowship—repentance, belief, and
self-dedication.
The
design seen in various forms in the pew ends, the altar, the reredos, the
organ-grill, the pulpit, lectern, and the lanterns, is the trefoil or clover
design adapted to the Gothic. It
symbolizes the “Three-In-One,” the Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
In
the border of the grill above the altar may be seen what seems to be circles
with the letter “s” within. This
is a very ancient Oriental design called the “Monad.” It dates back at least to 3000 B.C.,
and probably originated in Persia,
the home of the Wise Men “who made long journey to lay their gifts at the
feet of the Babe of Bethlehem.” It represents “The Great Infinite,”
that which is without beginning or end, the Creator of all things, and before
whom all should bow and “worship in spirit and in truth.”
The
“seven-branched candlesticks” set in the Gothic niches on either side of the
altar, were made in Palestine and imported to this country. Their design was given to Moses on
the mount by inspiration as recorded Exodus 25:31-40. Such a candlestick of gold was
placed in the Holy of Holies in the ancient tabernacle, later in Solomon’s
temple, and copies of it were undoubtedly seen in the synagogue at Nazareth by the boy Jesus. Today it is the common heritage of
Jews and Christians of all faiths.
In
the circular window in the east gable is found the figure of the anchor,
symbolical of the surety of our faith in God, and the final triumphs of
righteousness, which is “an anchor sure and steadfast and which entereth into
that which is within the veil.” Heb.
6:19
In
the opposite window is the crown, the emblem of the reward that awaits the
true and faithful servant of his Lord who hath borne the cross lived the life
of faithfulness.
Memorials
and Gifts
v The
altar, reredos and grill in memory of Mr. A.T. Clark by Mrs. Clark
v Pulpit by Dr. Charles Collier in memory of Dr. Carrie Butler
Collier
v Lectern by Mr. John Sullivan in honor of Dr. Charles Collier
v Baptismal font by Mrs. J.M. Williams in memory of pastor Rev.
J.M. Williams
v Altar rail by Charles and William Sinn in honor of Mr. And Mrs.
George Sinn
v Illuminated altar cross by Harry Jones in memory of Mrs. Annie
M. Jones
v The seven-handed candlestick in the west niche in memory of M.W.
Whittaker
v The seven-handed candlestick in the east niche by Mrs. Max Mayer
v The Estey Echo organ is a gift of Mr. And Mrs. Claude Annan and
Mr. And Mrs. C.E. Hoskinson.
Following
his Clarinda appointment, Rev. Meredith became the Council Bluffs District
Superintendent. In
addition to being a Field Representative for the Reserve Pension Fund he
served churches in Chariton, Ankeny and Woodward. He
retired in 1956 and passed away in 1975.
1937-1940 W. Frank Lister Dr. Lister had a tremendous energy and ability to accomplish
work for God’s kingdom. Because
of his wisdom and sacrifice he was able to inspire many. It was under his leadership that the First Methodist Men’s
organization was formalized. Dr.
Lister’s Iowa churches
included Lacona, Patterson, Milo , Madrid , Greenfield and Des
Moines . He left
to become district superintendent of the Ottumwa district
of the Iowa-Des Moines Conference.
During
this pastorate the three Methodist Churches—Methodist Protestant, Methodist
Episcopal South, and Methodist Episcopal—were united in Kansas City in 1939.
The
Woman’s Societies of Christian Service (W.S.C.S.) was organized in
1940. Mrs. Lafe (Helen) Boman was the first president followed by Mrs.
George (Lucile) Woolson. This consolidation united the Ladies Aid, and the
Woman’s Foreign Mission and the Woman’s Home Mission. Dolores Bellairs recalls thinking that Helen Bowman was one of
the saints of the church. The grand
piano in the church sanctuary was given in her memory. Several parishioners remember that it was Mrs. Bowman who always
said, “you cannot retire from the Lord’s work. Do the best you can, that’s all the Lord requires of you.”
Methodist
Youth Fellowship (MYF) was also organized and supplanted the former youth
groups of the church.
The
Hi-den Sunday School Class taught by Bill Markle and later George Woolson was
very popular for high school boys. Many 2003 church members recall Mr. Markle’s willingness to
discuss morality issues. The class
gained national recognition and headlines when they accurately predicted (a
year in advance) the date World War II would start.
Bill
Markle is also remembered by those who were in the church at that time for
having his own “Amen” corner at services. He always wore a lapel full of award pins. Once when he had publicly lost his temper he discussed with the
class how wrong he had been and told the boys that “the devil had beguiled
him.”
Youth
activities were popular. This
continued to include social gatherings at the homes of the adults who
were in charge of the classes like the one shown in the following picture, a
gathering of junior high boys at the Markle home.
The
directory included a list of businesses that were owned by Methodists or
family members of Methodists with the advice that, “These folk have
contributed for the publication of this directory and since they are our church family we recommend that you
patronize them whenever possible.”
Ruth
Woolson Laning recalls his kindness and taking the time to talk to her when
her brother Paul died.
The
church remodeling was completed during this time. The men had not budgeted enough for
the remodeling, so the women of the church fed the Kiwanis Club for months in
order to pay for the new kitchen.
Rev.
Lister started children’s sermons in what he called the “junior
message”.
He
married Dan and June Logan.
Following
his Clarinda pastorate, Rev. Lister became Superintendent of the Ottumwa
District and then served churches in Boone and Bloomfield. He retired in 1957
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1940-45 Charles R. Rowe Rev. Rowe first joined a Methodist
Conference in Kentucky. In Iowa his church
appointments included Exline, Douds, Chillicothe, Burlington and
Grinnell. Rev. Rowe came to Clarinda in 1940. In his first
quarterly conference report (October, 1940) he records the family’s
arrival:
.
. . Since we arrived here rather late on Saturday, we were given a nice
room at the Linderman Hotel over Saturday night and Sunday. Then,
our moving expenses were paid. The ladies under the direction of
Mrs. Lafe Boman, helped organize things in the parsonage.
A
hearty reception was given the parsonage family. We like
Clarinda. We like the parsonage. We like the newly
decorated church. It is a beautiful, worshipful structure. Most
of all we like the people. They are just grand! . . .
We
are looking forward . . . We must go deeper spiritually, then go on to
widen our influence as a church. . .
Our
suggested goal is a 10% increase in all of our church organizations this
year. This includes the Church School, Worship Service,
Epworth League, W.S.C.S., and Men’s Club. .
At
that point of his ministry Rev. Rowe had already made 50 calls, preached 3
funerals, married one couple and preached 7 sermons. One of
today’s parishioners recalls that he wore a long-tailed coat while
preaching and often read poetry as a part of his sermons.
An
Honor Roll of boys serving in the army indicated the War Period which made
church work difficult. Both Mr. And Mrs. Rowe are remembered as
being kind and sympathetic. His sermons were filled with
sympathetic understanding of life’s problems.
The
choir sometimes combined youth and adults.
In
1940 the charter meeting of the Woman’s Society for Christian Service and
the Wesleyan Service Guild were held.
Under
his leadership and that of the Presbyterian deacon, the youth of the church
and the Presbyterian youth participated in the “University of Life”
each Sunday evening. There were talks, lessons, refreshments and
games. The young people got to do folk dances, but were careful
to call them folk games in order to avoid criticism.
During
Rev. Rowe’s ministry the Builders Class celebrated their 25th Anniversary
with Rev. Rowe as their guest speaker.
Rev.
Rowe married Bob and Norma Caswell.
The
congregation became quite attached to the Rowe family before they moved to Utah. They
were saddened to hear in 1946 that their daughter Margaret died of burns
suffered when a grass skirt caught fire while she was playing.
1945-49
Warren W. Bentzinger, DD
Prior
to coming to Clarinda, Rev. Bentzinger served churches in Kingston, Burlington ,
Winfield, Winterset, Mt.Ayr, Dallas Center, Grand
Junction and Brooklyn . Rev. Bentzinger is
remembered as being stoic and strictly business. He was regarded
as a perfect Christian gentleman.
Under
his leadership the church made financial gifts to the New Delhi Church in India through
the Certificates of Sharing program of the conference. The
conference Ministers Pension Fund and the Crusade for Christ were
completed.
In
May of 1946 he reported to the conference some of his priority goals were
increasing the attendance at church school, additional funds for relief,
and evangelism. It was during his ministry that the Lacour
Evangelistic Crusade was first brought to Clarinda by the Ministerial
Alliance.
Outreach
was important to Rev. Bentzinger. He reported that “Outstanding
in my experience this year has been the opportunity for me to meet a total
number of 147 Junior and Senior High School youth each week in Bible
Classes at school. I confess that I consider this one of the
greatest, if not the greatest contact that is afforded me as your
pastor. How effective these contacts have been, we cannot always
tell, but I feel we as a church are greatly indebted to the local School
officials for their permission to insert religious instruction into the
regular weekly school schedule and buildings.” Youth activities
and the “University of Life” were also priorities in his
ministry.
He
preached regularly at the state hospital and was active in supporting many
local organizations. In addition he had conducted 171
get-acquainted visits, 99 visits to the sick, and 77 visits to new people
in town that year. He had officiated at 17 weddings, 24
funerals, 4 communion services, and 26 baptisms.
Rev.
Bentzinger had a beautiful bass voice and sang “Old Man River” in the
Lions’ Club minstrel show. When he was criticized for that
participation he countered that this was the only opportunity for him to
see some of his parishioners except on Christmas and Easter.
The
choir loft was redecorated and beautiful large velvet drapes hung in the
chancel. The heating plant was overhauled and a new oil burner
installed in the church and the parsonage. The pastor’s office
was opened in the church and a part time church secretary was hired.
Youth
activities were strong. Some of today’s church members remember
George Woolson taking his Sunday School group to the woods where they swung
on saplings and came back to the church for chocolate waffles. At
one Sunday School party Mrs. Bayes held for her class, Paul Owen fell off a
pony and broke his arm.
There
was an MYF sub-district and rural young people came in for MYF. Young
people were expected to attend the revivals and slumber parties after them
were often held. Parents would pick their young people up on
Sunday morning so that they could attend church as a family.
Opening
exercises for Sunday School were important. Fred Fisher and
George Woolson led the singing. Norman Wynn recalls that it was
during opening exercises in 1947 that he gave Wanda a Valentine card and
locket.
Temperance
activities were on going. At one event sponsored by the WCTU,
Nellie Eastman set up a smoking machine in Fellowhip Hall to capture the
nicotine in a vial. This was injected into a sparrow to show the
deadly effect of nicotine. One member recalls hearing that one
in seven social drinkers become an alcoholic and that none of those
unfortunate souls intended that to happen.
After
the Clarinda assignment Dr. Bentzinger became chaplain at the Iowa
City Hospital and Oakdale Sanitarium in Iowa City.
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