Recorded 25th Anniversary and 75th Anniversary of Clarinda Methodist Church

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:  2^nd 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.