Division BX7/4S Section • 'v /C D ; RK\'. REUBEN GAYLORD First Congregational pastor in Nebraska Congregational Nebraska BY y" MOTIER A. BULLOCK CONGREGATIONAL MINISTER LINCOLN: THE WESTERN PUBLISHING AND ENGRAVING COMPANY 1905 COPYRIGHT, 1905 THE WESTERN PUBLISHING AND ENGRAVING COMPANY PRESS OF JACOB NORTH & CO. LINCOLN, NEB. DEDICATION To my beloved 7oi/e, who, for more than twenty-five years, has shared with me the joys and trials of a minister's life, this book is affectionately inscribed by the author. PREFACE In preparing- this little book to celebrate the jubilee of Nebraska Congregationalism, the work continued to grow from a brief sketch to the present treatise. The range of study was larger than anticipated ; the sources yielded larger results ; the plan of work was radically changed ; and so a jubilee volume was undertaken. The success of my work I must leave the indulgent reader to determine. No one is more conscious of its imperfections than am I, but at the same time I am confident that there are some things in this volume that will be of interest to the churches, for many friends have kindly responded to the appeal for information and help, and what they have written has added much to the value of the book. The interest they have taken in my effort and the help they have rendered are highlv appreciated; and to them individually due credit is given in connection with their contribution. It has been my aim not to give a history of individual churches, but rather the historic development of a great denomination : and so I have used the Alinutes of the Gen- eral Association as the basis of that development. I have received much valuable help from Prof. A. B. Show's thor- ough work on Congregational Schools published in Cald- well's History of Education in Nebraska; the "Life and Labors of Reuben Gaylord" ; and other sources of infor- mation which have been placed within my reach. In refer- ence to the pictures of workers in the state, I have been fortunate in securing the photographs of some of the early pioneer fathers whose faces all will be glad to see on the printed page. I have failed to secure some that I especially desired to have. Some I was unable to find; others were VI PREFACE too feeble to sit for a photograph and had none which they could send. The Western Publishing and Engraving Co., which is publishing the Morton Illustrated History of Nebraska, printed by Jacob North & Co., has added several illustrations of Nebraska and Nebraska pioneers which have increased the attractiveness and value of the book. These illustrations could not otherwise have been obtained. I count myself happy and the public fortunate in the choice of publishers. With the exception of the Moderators of the General Association, and members of the Advisory Board, which is entering so largely in the development of modern Congre- gationalism in the state, I have asked no one" resident in Nebraska for his picture, unless he .had been twenty-five years in service in the state. If any other pictures have been introduced it is through the courtesy of the publishers. I may have overlooked some of the pioneers who should have had a place in the book ; if so, it was not intentional on my part but due rather to my lack of familiarity with the per- sonnel of the pioneer fathers, especially the laymen. I wish here, for valuable services rendered, to extend my thanks to Rev. G. G. Rice of Council Blufifs, Iowa; Rev. A. L. Riggs, D.D., of Santee, Nebraska; Mrs. A. N. God- dard of Connecticut ; Mrs. E. G. Piatt of Ohio ; Rev. A. F. Sherrill, D.D., of Massachusetts ; Rev. C. W. Merrill and Rev. John L. Maile of California ; Rev. A. A. Cressman of Iowa ; Rev. G. W. Mitchell of Clarks ; Supt. Harmon Bross, D.D., Mrs. H. Bross, Rev. Lewis Gregory, and Editor H. A. French of Lincoln ; Mr. C. S. Paine of the Morton Illus- trated History of Nebraska ; Pres. D. B. Perry, D.D., and Rev. Laura H. Wild of Doane College ; Dr. George L. Miller of Omaha; Col. S. S. Cotton of Norfolk; Supt. J. D. Stewart of the Congregational Sunday School and Publish- ing Society ; Rev. Charles G. Bisbee of Arlington ; Rev. C. PREFACE vn S. Harrison of York; Rev. John Gray of Basin; Rev. W. S. Hampton of Dodge; Rev. George E. Taylor of Pierce; Rev. A. E. Ricker of Aurora; Rev. George Scott, D.D., of Wisner; the scribes of the local associations who furnished valuable data not found in the state minutes, and, last but not least, to Rev. and Mrs. J. E. Storm of Lincoln, who prepared the major part of the tables in Part HI, which are of especial value for reference. These friends have contributed in no small degree to the value of this book, and if it is acceptable to the Congrega- tionalists in the state much of the credit is due them. Hoping that Congregational Nebraska may have a mission for good in the state, it is now given the general public. MOTIER A. BULLOCK. Lincoln, October i, 1905. CONTENTS PAGE Preface . . . . v Introduction ....... 3 Part I — Development of Church Life CHAPTER I The field ........ 9 CHAPTER II Congregational pioneers . . . . . -13 Gov. Richardson . . . . . . 13 Dr. Geo. L. Miller . . . . . -13 Rev. G. G. Rice ...... 15 Reuben Gaylord ..... 16-18 The Congregational Association of Iowa . . 19 CHAPTER III Development of Church life . . . . .20 Historic date ...... 21 Temperance work . . . . . -23 The Fremont Church ..... 23 CHAPTER IV The State Association of Congregational Churches in Nebraska ....... 25 CHAPTER V Some discouragements . . . . . .28 CHAPTER VI Early declarations ....... 30 CONTENTS CHAPTER VII A new era in Church development . . . -34 Railroad extension ..... 34 New towns and churches . . . . -35 CHAPTER VIII Gaylord as Home Missionary Superintendent . . 36 First visit of National Secretary A. H. M. S. . 37 The American S. S. Union . . . -37 Memorial to Pres. U. S. Grant, in behalf of Ne- braska Indians ..... 38 The Pawnee Indians . . . . -43 CHAPTER IX Removal of the capital . . . . . .46 Mr. Gaylord' s report ..... 46 The Fremont Church . . . . -47 CHAPTER X Rev. O. W. Merrill, Superintendent . . . .48 Father Gaylord ...... 48 The prayer-meeting . . . . . '50 The Pilgrim's idea and practice ... 50 Amos Dresser . . . . . . -51 Supt. Merrill's report ..... 52 Rev. J. B. Chase as acting superintendent . . 53 Organization of woman's work • • • 53 CHAPTER XI Rev. H. N. Gates, Superintendent . . . -54 The ravages of locusts . . . . . 56 Rev. Lewis Gregory . . . . -57 CONTENTS XI CHAPTER XII Sunda\- school development 5^ Letter from Superintendent Stewart . • ■ 5^ Translation of Reuben Gaylord . . . .60 Letter from ^Irs. A. N. Goddard .... 62 CHAPTER Xlll Rev. C. W. Merrill, Superintendent . . . -63 ^ilodern development of Congregationalism . 63 Nebraska Congregational News . . . -65 Organization Nebraska Home Missionary Society 65 Superintendent Merrill's report ... 67 The Nebraska Sunday School Assembly . . 68 The German work ..... 68 Letter from Rev. C. W. Merrill . . . .68 CHAPTER XIV Rev. J. L. Made, Superintendent . . • • 7^ Rev. H. Bross, General Missionary . . 71 Church activity . . • • • -73 Church polity 73 Letter from Dr. A. F. Sherrill . . . -74 Letter from Rev. J. L. Made .... 75 CHAPTER XV Rev. Llarmon Bross, D.D., Superintendent . . 81 Letter from Dr. Bross . . . . - 81 Reports from Superintendents Bross and Stewart, 85, 86 The frontier ....••• 86 Revs. G. T. Powell and George E. Taylor appointed General Missionaries .... 87 The drouth 87 The translation of Isaac E. Heaton . . 88 - A typical meeting . . . • • .90 The second drouth . . . . • • 9^ Dr. Crofts on the watch tower . . . -9^ XI 1 CONTENTS CHAPTER XVI Recent declarations . . . . . -94 Arn^y chaplains ...... 94 The Crete assembly . . . . . -95 Divorce and desertion ..... 96 Polygamy . . . . . . -97 The New Jersey Plan of Union ... 98 Dr. A. H. Bradford's letter . . . .98 The National Council (1904) on church union 99 Obstacles in the way ..... 99 The Geneva meeting and church union . . 100 Other declarations .... 100-102 CHAPTER XVII Centralization ........ 103 The State Advisory Board 104 The Nebraska Idea 107 The ecclesiastical standing of churches and ministers 107 Evangelism ......... 109 CHAPTER XVIll The outlook no The Lincoln convocation . . . . . 112 The incorporation of the Nebraska Home Missionary Society 115 The responsibility of the churches . . . 116 CHAPTER XIX Phases of Church growth . . . . . 117 Congregationalism in Lincoln, Rev. Lewis Gregory 118 The growth of churches . . . . . .121 The German work in Lincoln and in the state . 122 The German Pro-Seminary . . . . .123 Congregationalism in the Elkhorn valley — Col. S. S. Cotton 124 CONTENTS XUl Congregationalism in the Republiean valley — Rev. W. S. Hampton . .' . . .134 Rev. Geo. E. Taylor 134 Congregationalism in western Nebraska — Rev. A. E. Ricker 143 Ogalalla, Nebraska ..... 144 Jnlesburg, Colorado . . . . . -145 CHAPTER XX Pioneer exj^eriences ...... 147 Mrs. E. G. Piatt, missionary teacher among the Paw- nee Indians ....... 147 Rev. C. S. Harrison . . . . . , 154 The liquor war . . . . . . . .156 Rev. A. A. Cressman . , . . . . 158 Dr. George Scott ....... 161 Re^■. John Gray ....... 164 Rev. A. E. Ricker . . . . . . .169 "Father Barrow's Story" — Rev. J. E. Storm . 188 CHAPTER XXI Woman's work in Nebraska, Rev. Laura H. Wild . . . . . 191 List of presidents and secretaries, Mrs. PL Bross . 196 Part II — Congregational Schools in Nebraska CHAPTER I The Fontanelle school . . . . . .201 Letter from C. G. Bisbee ..... 206 Causes operating against P'ontanelle . . . 207 Discussion of new location for a Congregational school 209 College located at Crete . . . . . 211 The end of the Fontanelle school . . . .212 CONTENTS CHAPTER II Doane College ........ Dr. Willard Scott's address at the fifteenth anniversary Founding of Crete Academy . . . . . The founding of Doane College .... Financial struggle ....... Thomas Doane ....... The Head of the college ...... The deliberation of the trustees .... Foreign population ....... President Perry's reports ..... CHAPTER III Education in the state . . . . . The attitude of the General Association The minute of Chancellor Manatt . . . . The Pro-Seminary at Crete ..... A Committee on Education . . . . . 213 213 215 216 218 219 226 231 232 233 237 238 238 239 240 CHAPTER IV The college question Gates College .... Vote to recognize defeated Dr. Duryea's resolution Proposed consolidation of Doane and An educational commission The attitude of Doane College Trouble at Gates College . A third school— "Norfolk College" Gates becomes an academy Results of the controversy The standing of Doane College Attitude of the churches Gates 241 241 242 243 243 244 244 245 245 245 245 246 248 CONTENTS CHAPTER V Congregational academies in Nebraska, Rev. G. W. Mitchell 254 CHAPTER VI A comparative study 259 CHAPTER VII Santee Normal Training School .... 265 Character of the training .... 265 Pupils in the school 270 The Riggs family . . . . . . 271 Artemas Ehnamani ...... 272 The oversight of the Santee school . . 275 Missionaries at Santee ..... 275 Part III TABLES I Sessions of the General Association . . . 280 II Superintendents of home missions .... 281 III Corporate members of the American Board . . 281 IV On the foreign field . 282 V Delegates to the National Council . . . . . 283 VI List of churches dropped ...... 286 VII Land grants . . 290 xvi CONTENTS VIII Pastorates in living churches 298 IX Alphabetical list of ministers .... 323 ILLrSTRATIoXS Rev. Reuben C.aylonl .... frontispiece rit-a-le-shar-u. head cliiet arnard ...... Site of "Xebraska University." Foutanelle, 1905 Bellevue. Xebraska. 1856 .... Rev. A. F. Sherrill. D.D Some prominent laymen .... Dr. Geo. L. Miller Hon. FI. H. Shedd Deacon Geo. T. Lee Deacon Geo. S. Harris Sioux chief, Spotted Tail ...... 42 Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1870 44 A section of modern Lincoln ..... 45 Rev. O. W. Merrill 49 Rev. Amos Dresser 5^ Rev. H. X. Gates 55 Grasshopper scene, Plattsmouth, Xebraska, 1876 . 56 4 6 10 1 1 12 14 15 19 21 22 23 24 25 26 28 32 36 40 XVlll ILLUSTRATIONS Rev. J. D. Stewart 59 Sunday school, Greeley count)', Nebraska, photo fur- nished by W. H. Kimberly, Lincoln, Nebraska, State Sunday School Superintendent American Sunday School Union . . . . .61 Rev. C. W. Merrill 64 Rev. H. A. French and the Nebraska Congregational Nezus 66 Rev. John L. Maile, M.A 72 Rev. Harmon Bross, D.D. ..... 82 Group of portraits ...... 89 Rev. S. N. Grout Rev. VV. P. Bennett Rev. William Leavitt Rev. D. Dififenbacher 'Members of the Advisory Board .... 108 H. C. Herring, D.D., Chairman Rev. G. W. Mitchell J. W. Cowan, U.D. Rev. V. F. Clark C. B. Anderson, Crete . . . . . . 11 1 Falls of the North Loup river 114 Rev. Charles Little 117 First Congregational Church, Lincoln, t868 . .118 First Congregational Church, Lincoln, 1905 . 119 Rev. Lewis Gregory ....... 120 Rev. William Suess, Crete . . . . . 123 Col. S. S. Cotton . . . . . . .125 Col. Charles Mathewsou 126 Group of portraits . . . . . . .127 George Scott, D.D. Rev. J. W^ Kidder Rev. M. B. Harrison Rev. Georsre E. Ta^'lor • ILLUSTRATIONS XIX Group of portraits . . . , . . .138 Rev. W. S. Hampton Rev. R. S. Pierce Principal A. C. Hart Principal F. C. Taylor Rov. Henry Bates 137 Rev. S. C. Dean 139 Mrs. E. G. Piatt 148 Pawnee Indian village, 1854, from a drawing by Geo. Simons ... . . , . . 150 Rev. C. S. Harrison . . . . . . .154 Rev. A. A. Cressman . , . . . . 159 Group of portraits 165 Rev. John Gray Rev. J. E. Storm Rev. George E. Hall Rev. G. ^^^ Wainwright Group of portraits . . . . . . • i/l Rev. S. I. Hanford Rev. \V. J. Turner Rev. John Doane Rev. A. E. Rickcr Rev. E. Cressman Xorth Face of Pine Ridge . . > . ,174 Industrial scene on the Union Pacific railroad . 180 Toadstool Park, Sioux county Bad Lands, on Burling- ton and Missouri river railroad . . . .184 "\\'estern Nebraska under irrigation on Union Pacific railroad ........ 187 Logan Fontenelle, Omaha Indian chief . . . 202 Rev. C. G. Eisbee, Arlington .... 206 L'niversity of Nebraska ...... 208 Doane College, Crete . . . . . . 214 XX XI.LUS-TRATlONij' Group of portraits . . . . . . .217 Prof. A. B. Fairchikl Prof. J. S. Brown Prof. G. D, Swezey John L. Tidball Colonel Thomas, Doane . . , . . .221 President D. B. Perr>', D.D. . . . . . 228 Chancellor E. B. Fairfield, D.D 235 Chancellor I. J. Manatt, D.D., LL.D. . . . 237 Franklin Academy ....... 255 Gates Academy ....... 257 Weeping Water Academy . . . . , . 260 Chadron Academy ....... 262 Santee Normal Indian Training- School . . . 266 Rev. A. L. Riggs, D.D 267 High school pupils, Santee Indian Training School . 268 Group of Omaha Indians ..... 269 Rev. Artemas Ehnamani ...... 272 PART I DEVELOPMENT OF CHURCH LIFE INTRODUCTION In writing a jubilee volume commemorating- the work of Congregationalists in Nebraska the question arises, Where shall w^e drive the first historic peg? Shall it be at the or- ganization of the General Association of Congregational Churches of Nebraska, the coming of Reuben Gaylord, the beginning of organized w^ork in Omaha, or the advent of Congregationalists in the territory who were here ready to welcome the missionary when he came? Gov. O. D. Richardson came to Omaha from Michigan in September, 1854. It was he who persuaded Rev. Reuben Gaylord to come to the territory, or at least "gave him his call." Congregationalists were in the territory at that time. If we drive a peg here our jubilee year is passed. It was also as early as September, 1854, that Rev. G. G. Rice se- cured lots for the expected Congregational Church in Omaha. In January, 1855, Mr. Rice preached the first Congrega- tional sermon in Omaha, and in December, 1855, Rev. Reuben Gaylord began his work; 1905 may well, then, be taken as the jubilee year of Congregational Nebraska. May 4, 1856, the First Church, Omaha, was organized ; 1906 will then be a jubilee year for Omaha. August 8, 1857, the General Association of Congregational Churches in Nebraska was organized ; 1907 will be another jubilee year. And so it would seem our jubilee time of rejoicing and planning for larger things extends over a period of several years. We, however, make a mistake if w'e think that the first missionary work in Nebraska was as late as 1854-55. As early as 1843 ^I^s. E. G. Piatt, whose interesting letter will 3 PIT-A-LE-SHAR-U Head Chief of the Pawnees INTRODUCTION 5 be for.nd in the cha])tcr on rionccr lCx[)crioiiccs, began work as a teacher amonj^: the Pawnee IntUans in Nebraska. But she says she was invited to come by missionaries of the American Board. Who were they, and when did they come to Nebraska? Inciuiry at the rooms of the A. B. C. F. M. in Boston brought the following interesting information : Tlie American Board sent as missionaries to the Pawnee Indians in the Nebraska country in i8j;^: "Rev. John Dunbar, who was born in Pahner, Massa- chusetts, March 4, 1804; a graduate of WMlHams College in 1832, and Auburn Seminary in 1854; ordained Ithaca, New York, May i, 1834, and set out from Ithaca, ]\Iay 5, 1834, for Nebraska. He arrived at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, June 26, and at Bellevue, near Council IMuff, the following October. "The Chief of the Grand Pawnees (one of their four bands ) wished Mr. Dimbar to go with him on his trips. He went with this band on several of their long hunting expe- ditions. Mr. Dunbar returned to New England, September, 1836, married Aliss Esther Smith. January 12, 1837, and returned with her in May ; t ■';' '■ , -■-v'.. ■■'■^d.x :-.i.ierience for this general work that no one else was thought of. This man was Reuben Ciavlord. 'Gaylord's Life, pp. 25S fif. 36 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA YIII GAYI.ORD AS HOME MISSIONARY SUPERINTENDENT The state superintendent was then called "the agent," and Mr. Gavlord's field was Nebraska and western Iowa. [ ^•-^^ ii:*^«BHli /••# Jl ite ^« t ''•/• A ^ ii f / 1 ^ ^ ' ^ 9 ^ T>^ WM Ri:\'. A. F. SlIERRILL, D.D, He, however, ministered to the First Church in Omaha till the middle of November, when Rev. A. D. Stowell as- sumed the pastorate, which he held only a few months. GAYI.OKD AS HOME MISSIONARY SUPERINTENDENT 37 when he was succeeded by Rev. W. W. Rose, wlio remained two years. Rev. K. S. Pahncr then served the church two years, and after a few months' interval Rev. A. F. Sherrill began his long and successful pastorate, which left its im- press for i^ood on the city and state. He was ordained in Omaha in 1870 and remained with llie church ei.t;hleen years. It was in 18(17 '^^ the \\'eeping- \\'ater nK't'ling- that the Secretary of Ihe A. H. M. Society. Rev. Dr. A. II. Clapp, visited the association and greatly encouraged the brethren. The association said : "We have been greatly interested, cheered, and encouraged by the attendance with us at our associational meeting of one of the secretaries of the A. H. M. Society, Rev. A. H. Clapp. This, the first visit of the kind we have ever received, a visit that we expect to be productive of great good to the general cause of home missions in the new state of Nebraska.""' In this ])erio(l of our work the churclies w^ere feeling the need of larger evangelizing forces within the state. The work of the American S. S. Union in part produced this need, for the statement is made that "in Nebraska and southwestern Iowa more than two hundred and fifty Sab- bath schools were organized, comprising over thirteen hundred teachers and more than nine tliousand scholars. "- Other denominations were active, but in the rapidly grow- ing state there was work for all. The demand for w^orkers exceeded the supply. We could not ignore our responsi- bility. We bravely tried to meet it, a responsibility not only for the incoming settlers and their families but for the Indians of the plains as well. We inlierited the mis- sionarv spirit wliich luoved our fathers to nol)le deeds in behalf of others. ' Printcfl jMinntcs, 1807, pp. 0, 10. = Minutes, ISGS, p. 0. 38 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA 111 1869 the State Association met in P'reniont, and Rev. Charles Little, first pastor of the First Congregational Church of Lincoln, was the moderator. This meeting is noteworthy because of two strong appeals in behalf of the Indians within the state. One is to President U. S. Grant; the other to the American Board. The memorial to the President, though long, is of such historic interest that we reproduce it. It is another illustra- tion of the fact- that Nebraska Congregationalists were men of patriotism, strong convictions, and courage. "To His Excellency, Ulysses S. Grani, President of flic United States: "The General Association of the Congregational Churches of Nebraska, now in session at Fremont, Dodge county, Nebraska, send greeting. "Honored Sir — Believing that you are heartily interested in the temporal and spiritual interests of Indians ; as a re- ligious body in the immediate presence of these Indians, Vv'e venture, unasked, to make to you a few suggestions, as to what, — from our standpoint,-^seems a practicable, just, and Christian method of dealing with them. You are doubtless aware that a strong political pressure is now being exerted to remove the Indians from our state, and plant them on lands further removed from white settle- ments ; and to this end strong arguments are found in the following facts : "ist, The Indian reserves in Nebraska are now nearly surrounded by white settlers. "2(1, These reserves embrace some of the best lands in the state, and their opening for the settlement by whites would add somewhat to its wealth, population, and pros- perity. "3d, The Indians are unpleasant neighbors even when at peace. GAYLORD AS IIOMK MISSIONARY SUPERINTENDENT 39 "4II1, Their national fciuls arc continually provcjkin};" bloody conllicts anions;- themselves, even in the case of those Indians who are located on reserves, and in these quarrels the rii^hts of adjacent white settlers are often too little respected. "5th, The i)roximity of the reserve Indians to the white settlements gives a plausible excuse to the wild Indians of the plains to come within a striking distance of white settlers, thus ])roducing ct)ntinually a feeling of distrust and danger, which is very prejudicial to the rapid increase of population through immigration. "While these facts above stated are indisputable, we would recjuest your careful consideration of the following statements, which we believe to be e(|uall}' true and indis- putable : "ist. The reasons above given for the removal of the' Indians are all the natural results of the heathen character and customs of these imcivilized peoples, aggravated largely by the vices contracted and exasperations received at the hands of unprincipled white men. "2d, The vices contracted and exasperations received have been so productive of fatal results, because thus far the motives which have prompted intercourse between the whites and Indians have been so largely of a mercenary and vile character; and because the extreme border settle- ments are not often a fair representation of the words or manners of our professedly Christian nation. "3d, If these Indians are now removed for reasons given above, it will be but a short time before advancing immigra- tion will again bring about the same state of affairs, and with eqtial force call for another removal. "4th, It is manifest that might does not make right in our dealing with the Indians any more than with any other people ; and as a powerful Christian nation, while giving Dr. Geo. L. Miller Deacon Geo. T. Lee Hon. H. H. Shedd Deacon Geo. S. Harris SOME PROMINENT LAYMEN GAYLORD AS lIOMli MISSIOXARY SU1'I:RI.\TI:XI)I:NT 4I ihcni every just due. we slmuld also manifest such a spirit of triie benevolence as to lift lliein up to a Christian civili- zation. "5th. ]t is a fact that the present position of these Indians is becomiiii;' every day more favorable for their e\ani;e]ization and civilization; and that tliis work is al- ready beiui^- prosi'cuLed with some success anion^- the ( )nia- has, the Pawnees, and some bands of the Sioux. "dill. Jt seems possible to obviate almost entirely the (liFnculties, certainly all the dangers, already spoken of, which by sfriiigciit hnus keeping them on their reserves, forbidding all ivarlike and tJiiez'ing demonstrations by one tribe on another, and by the oecnpation of the eonntr\ bv sneJi posts of caz'alry as shall form an el'fieient proteetion from all einl disposed persons. "In consideration of these things w'c ask Your Kxcel- lenc\- to pass by all arguments for the removal of these unfortimate people, based on selfish, territorial, financial, or political reasons. "We believe that the new system which Your Excellency has recently inaugurated will succeed, if it be supported by a military arm sufficient to awe down the dissatisfied and lawless, and ;'/ the poliey be held without waz'ering for a time sniTieient to show the reasonable results. "To this end we pledge ourselves as a religious body to cooperate, so far as we can, in every effort for the evangeli- zation and civilization of these Indians. "Praying that the Lord would guide Your Excellency to adopt and execute the best plans for the welfare of all races found within the borders of our nation ; and that He will keep }-ou and strengthen you to acomplish all His holy will, with great joy to yourself, and a full assurance of everlasting life; we have the honor to remain. 42 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA "Your true friends and staunch supporters. In behalf le Gener Signed] of the General Congregational Association of Nebraska. J. B. Chase, Jr., "Charles Little, "J. J- Hawthorn, "Comviiffcc." SIOUX CHIEF SPOTTED TAIL This same committee, authorized by the association, sent a most earnest appeal to the American Board for mission- aries to the Indians, especially the Pawnees in eastern Ne- braska.^ 'Minutes of 1869, pp. G-10. GAVLORD AS HOMK MISSIONARY SUPERINTENDENT 43 In lliis appeal to llie American J'.oard the committee speaks of the I'awnccs as Ijcinj;- on their reservation withni seventy miles of Fremont to the number of twenty-five hnmlretl, and tliat one of their number had recently been on llie reservation. Mr. Albert W'atkins in the article on Nebraska in the Encyclopedia .Americana says that the Pawnees ceded all their lands south of the Platte river in 1833, and the rest of their possessions ntjrth of the Platte in 1S57. It is, however, evident from the minutes of the association that the Pawnees were in 1869 on a small reservation, a part of the larger one north of the Platte. They were removed to the Indian Territory in 1876. There is one Indian reservation in the northeastern part of the state occujMed by the Omahas, 1200 in number, and the W'innebag'os, iioo in number. The lands of the reser- vation hiwe been allotted to the Indians in severaltv, and they are all citizens of the state.* There is also the Santee agency. It would be interesting to know how the memorial to President ( Jrant was received, but we have failed to find anything bearing on the matter beyond what is here stated. Nebraska Congregationalists, however, made very plain ///('/;- position in this whole matter, and stood manfully for the protection of the weaker race, true to the historic si)irit of the denomination. ^Article '"Nebraska," Encyclopedia Americana. 46 CONGREGATIONAL NKl'.RASKA IX REMO\AL OF THE CAPITAL The removal of the capital* to Lincoln in 1868 (the en- abling act was June 14, 1867) turned the tide of immigra- tion to that part of the state, and Superintendent Gaylord, whose hard work began to tell upon his health, found the de- mands upon his strength were increasing with each year. The opportunity for establishing churches in southern Ne- braska was increasing each year. The Union Pacific railroad was extending its line westward up the Platte valley, and settlers were following in its track. The Burlington railroad was planning to cross the state, thus making the new capital city easy of access, and in time a railroad, as well as political and educational center. Southern Nebraska in prophecy and in reality was calling loudly for mission- aries and churches. In Omaha and surrounding covmtry the work was in- creasing rapidly. j\Ir. Gaylord in 1868 reports to the na- tional society : "The past year has been one of constant and increasing activity in respect to all material interests. Our great railroad (the Union Pacific) is extending its iron arms toward the Pacific, and even now is reaching to em- brace the mountains with their hidden treasures, which are soon to be laid at the feet of the nation. The popula- tion is increasing ; capitalists are constructing railways ; farms are brought under cultivation ; towns and cities are springing up ; and nov; is the time to lay the foundations of Gospel institutions for future generations. We 7nust repeat here the experience and policy of the early settlers of New England, if we would see a prosperous and glorious future. KKMOVAT. OF Til I'. ( AlM'l Al, 47 Along the whole river front of this new and rapidly de- Yelopins' ^tate your soeiety has hut two missionaries. W'c need a large reinforcement of lahorers without delay. Situated as we are, in the very heart of the continent, on the great highway of nations, destined to become the chief source of supply to the mountain territories, how impor- tant it is that this valley should he thoroughly evangelized, not only for its own sake but for the regions beyond."^ If our National Society could only have sent the needed men and money into Nebraska at that time, and stood by the work through that period of foundation laying, our con- stituency would be vastly larger than it is to-day. Much was indeed done, but eastern men did not have the large vision of opportunity for church extension which the men on the frontier had, and when the vision did come other denominations had seized the opportunity. r)Ut our men on the field were active and the work was constantly grow- ing. There is still a great opportunity in Nebraska. We need more men and money to develop our work. April 6, 1896, Mr. Gaylord alludes to the coming resig- nation of Rev. I. E. Heaton, the second Congregational pastor in Nebraska, and says, "This church | Fremont] furnishes a beautiful illustration of the fruits of patient, persevering labor in planting and watering the institutions of the Gospel on new ground."- The Fremont church is to-day one of the strong churches in the state and has been fortunate in the able men chosen for ]>astors. The list in- cludes Rev. I. E. Heaton, Rev. J. B. Chase, Rev. Rosewell Foster, Rev. George Porter, Rev. Albert T. Swing, Rev. Loren F. Eerry, Rev. William H. Buss, and the present pastor, Rev. John Doane. 'Gaylord's Life, p. 29'). 'Gaylord's Life, p. 296. 48 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA X REV. O. W. MERRILL, SUPERINTENDENT Mr. Gaylord resigned the superintendency of home mis- sions in Nebraska, March, 1870, and Rev. O. W. Merrill of Anamosa, Iowa, was appointed in his place. In his letter of resignation, Mr. Gaylord says.: "As I now lay down my work, I look ont upon a goodly family of churches, eigh- teen in number, the way to organize others preparing, and Gospel influences extending more rapidly than ever be- fore. . . . There remaineth yet much land to be pos- sessed, and in view of the present outlook of this frontier field, I earnestly hope that the resources of the society will enable it to enter and occupy the new openings for the Gospel that are constantly coming to our knowledge."^ As Mr. Merrill could not enter upon his work imme- diately, Mr. Gaylord continued to act for some time longer, and afterward took a trip to the Rocky mountain region in the interests of home missions. He later served the church at Fontanelle for a time, and finished his work in the state whose foundations for a great commonwealth he had helped to lay. He was a sturdy, active, wise,' and consecrated man. Congregational Nebraska owes much to "Father Gaylord," his devoted wife, and their noble and heroic work in the state. The State Association in its annual meeting 1870 passed the following resolution : "That this association tender to Rev. R. Gaylord our gratitude for all the wisdom of counsel and efifective aid he has rendered to the ministers and churches of our order iGaylord's Life, p. 303. REV. O. W. MEKRIi.L Second State Superintendent of Home Missions 50 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA as agent of the A. H. M. Society, and we pray the Great Head of the church to bless and direct him in the future in the paths of usefuhiess and pleasantness. "- THE PKAYER-MEETING This same association of 1870 gave expression to the views of the churches on one of the most practical and helpful institutions of the church — the prayer-meeting : "Resolved, That we deem the prayer-meeting of the highest importance to the Christian church ; that we deem it very desirable to have all the members of the church take ])art in the meeting, be they old or young, male or female, and that all professing Christians should come from their closets to the meetings, and that they should have special subjects for prayer."^ It also declared : "That the Pilgrim's idea and practice, religiously based and built upon the great doctrine of justification by faith, and governmentally upon the free, equal, and inalienable rights of all men before God and among themselves, de- serve and should receive the warmest gratitude to God from all their natural and spiritual descendants, and the most earnest and whole-hearted extension."''* These expressions show the trend of thought in the form- ative period of our church life, and illustrate the sound evangelical position of Congregationalism in the state. The Narrative on the State of Religion in ' the Churches, which was a special feature of the early meetings of the association, show"s that there had been precious revivals dur- ing the year, and several new churches added to the list. 'Minutes, 1870, p. 7. 'Minutes, 1870, p. 8. 'Minutes, 1873, p. 9, REV. O. W. MERRIF.I,, SUl'KRI NTENDENT 51 There were then twenty-three Congregational elmrches in the state. In 1871 the association met for the first time in Lin- coln, and Rev. Amos Dresser was chosen moderator. REV. AMOS DRESSER Better known as "Father Dresser" "Father" Dresser was a man who threw his w'hole life into the home missionary work of the state. He was a veritable circuit-rider, worked largely in rural fields, was beloved by all the churches, and filled a large place in the work 52 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA of the State. Rev. A. F. Sherrill, D.D., writes of Father Dresser :'" ''He was pretty near to pure stuff. I never rode with him ov^er the prairies to his appointments without profit. Fie kept up his studies and thinking as long as I knew him. With a very tender and solicitous heart always for the people in his parish. He used to own Butler county, as to religion." At the time of the Lincoln meeting — 1871 — thirty-two churches were represented. Among these was Crete, des- tined to become allied with the Congregational educational center, and a church of commanding influence. There were then only two churches, Omaha and Fremont, that were self- supporting. The history of the churches is largely the history of home missions in the state. In his annual report Superintendent Merrill made a plea for the missionary spirit, and uttered these significant words : "We are laying the foundations of churches and of a work tliat is to be among and for millions, instead of thousands, and these foundations must not be laitl in 'un- tempered mortar.' Permeating our work must be a F.ible- instructed conscience, and outgrowing in our lives must 1)e a deep sympathy with that redemption which Christ brought to our world. We can not afford to be narrow in our views of our duty, or to isolate ourselves from the great world-wide v.'ork of Christ through our great so- cieties.''*"' Reviewing the work from the beginning Mr. Merrill alluded to the fact that forty men had labored in the state, nineteen of whom were then in active service, and five were still residing in the state but not in regular service. This vear and the next were especially noted for the dis- ' Letter, August 10, 1904. 'Minutes, 1871, p. 8. UEV, 0. W. MF.RRILL, SUPEKINTEXDENT 53 cussion and final action on the location of the Congrega- tional colloge. The growth of Congregational churches in southeastern Nebraska was a large factor in that issue. Before another year had rolled by we find Superintend- ent O. \\\ Merrill prostrated with sickness and unable to continue his work. Rev. j. ij. Chase assumed temporarily a part of the bur- den and made the report for 1873. From this report we take the following passage which shows the rapid develop- ment of the state : "There is at the present time much work that needs to be done by us to fill up the demand made by the unparal- leled immigration of the past year. The frontier has been crowded along toward the setting sun from fifty to one hundred miles. There are some counties which had scarcely a settler one }"ear ago, that to-day are so fully occupied that there is scarcely a good homestead of government land that is not occupied. The counties north of the Platte need immediate visitation b}- the superintendent, and pro- vision for siji ritual necessity. South of the Platte, especially in what will be the garden of the state — the Republican val- ley — there are as many more."' The work was gro^ving. This association also resolved that "God's work would be honored and advanced by the organization of a woman's board of missions," and appointed Mrs. J. E. hLlliot, Mrs. A. Dresser, Mrs. A. B. Pratt, and Mrs. R. C. P)irge a com- mittee to "initiate the matter." Steps were taken to se- cure a "compact" with the Presbyterians to prevent fric- tion in the development of home missionary work. '^linutcs, isrn, p. 6. 54 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA XI REV. H. N. GATES, SUPERINTENDENT During the year 1873, Supt. O. W. Merrill was called to his eternal home and Rev. H. N. Gates of Minnesota was appointed to fill the office of home missionary superin- tendent. His first report shows that he was a man of intellectual strength, broad vision, and keen spiritual perception. He already had his work well in hand. The Association in 1874 said : "It is with devout thanksgiving to God that we record His goodness to us the past year. While we lament the ab- sence of our late beloved superintendent, a feeling of sad- ness comes over us that we shall hear his cheerful voice and listen to his wise counsel no more. We at the same time re- joice that his place is so richly filled by one in whom we find our hearts so readily and easily to confide. With this exception deatli has not been permitted to enter our ranks. While some who came with us last year have found fields of labor elsewhere, their places have been more than filled, so that our present working force is greater than it was a year ago. There has been a steady and, we trust, a healthy growth of churches and members."^ We begin to feel that we are reaching modern times, for already such names as D. B. Perry, H. A. French, and H. Bross are becoming familiar on the printed page. We note also that "The Ladies' " Association for Home and Foreign Missions is organized with Mrs. A. Farwell of Ashland as president, Mrs. G. W. Hall of Omaha secretary, and Mrs. H. M. Bates of Omaha treasurer. 'Minutes, 1S74, p. 14. RI-:\'. II. N. GATES Third State Superintendent of Home Missions 56 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA THE RAVAGES OF LOCUSTS It was a trying- ordeal through which Nebraskans passed. Crops devastated by the locusts ; people reduced to poverty ; many leaving the state ; many more unable to leave ; some resolving to remain at any cost, believing in the future of the new state. These had their reward. What kind of a GRASSHOPPER SCENE, PLATTSMOUTII, NEBRASKA, 1 876 report should we expect from the home missionary super- intendent? "I have to record the mercy of God to both churches and ministers during the past year — a year of unprecedented hardships and suffering to the people of the state, in con- sequence of the ravages of the locusts during the last sea- RIi:V. H. N. GATES, SL'PKRINTENDKN-f 57 son. I would also put on record the wonderful interposition of Providence in shielding our state during the past sitiiniicr from the ravages of the locusts, which, for several months, hung over us in numbers sufficient to have devoured every green thing; but by the hand of God we were protected from the evil, and instead of devastating fields and suffering families, our people are rejoicing in bountiful harvests and a plenty of all the necessaries of life. To God be all the praise."- 'J'his year some eleven new churches were organized, among them Hastings and Neligh. The work was strength- ened throughout the whole state. Sui)erintendent Gates reported eighty-one churches in all. We find in the minutes of this year the name of the Rev. Lewis Gregory, whose twenty-three years service as min- ister to the First Church, Lincoln, has made his name a household one in the state, and won for him the title of "The Nestor of Congregationalism in Nebraska." He has filled a large place in the state and has helped in large measure to make its history ; a man of rare wisdom, devo- tion, and loyalty to the churches. Retired from the active ministry, but active in business circles, he still lives among us, a help and inspiration to all who learn to know him. "Minutes, 1875, p. 12. 58 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA XII SUNDAY SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT The period of the '70s witnessed a steady development of church Hfe and the beginning of systematic state Sunday school work, which has been so ably carried on by Rev. J. D. Stewart, the only state superintendent of Sunday school work Nebraska has had. and the first superintendent appointed by our National Sunday School and Publishing Society, though preceded by Superintendent Made in actual service. Superintendent Stewart, formerly minister at Hastings, was called to the state Sunday school work in 1882; but it was in 1879 that resolutions calling for a national Sunday school secretary, and for Sunday school institutes, normal classes, and greater efficiency in Sunday school training in our Nebraska churches were passed.^ These were the initial steps which led up to the present system of Sunday school work in the state. A letter- from Superintendent Stewart telling of pioneer experiences may well be introduced here : "Pioneer work, laying foundations for Christian institu- tions and character, mostly on the frontier and in new towns, leaves fragrant and lasting memories. To preach tJie gospel of good citizenship to new communities, while enterprising business men sit on improvised seats in un- furnished store buildings ; to return after the women and children arrive, organize Sunday schools and develop them into churches, visit their homes, baptize their children, marry their young people, and bury their dead, is to estab- lish enduring relations with a multitude of families. To 'Minutes, 1879, p. 11. 'June 30, 1904. RE\'. J. D. ST liW'A in- First State Superintendent of Congregational Sunday School WOrl under the C. S. S. and P. Societj' 6e CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA travel in the country and find Christian women, mothers of large families, liying far away from all Christian privi- leges, waiting anxiously for the missionary to come and start Sunday schools, to hear their earnest prayers and see the tears in their eyes when their children are brought to Christ during special evangelistic meetings held with the mission Sunday schools, is enough to gladden any Christian heart. "To cooperate with pastors and superintendent, gather the people into churches, schoolhouses, halls, or tents, hold normal institutes, conventions, and grove meetings, teach Bible lessons, discuss the best way to make the Sunday school successful, to see the children and young people take notes, all anxioiis to learn 'more about Jesus,' is the most satisfactory work a man can be engaged in. This has been our experience for twenty-two years." In this realistic pen picture of missionary life we see how the Svmday school missionary is intimately connected with the home missionary superintendent in upbuilding Christian work in pioneer fields. The development of the state called for such help, and it was provided. The work continues. The railroad de- velopment in the state has enlarged the pioneer work of the missionary. There are whole counties with but few gos])el privileges. The demand for more men is urgent. Telephones are preceding the missionary in the sandhills and ranches of the West. TRAN.SLATION OF REUBEN GAYLORD January lo, 1880, witnessed the translation of the pioneer preacher and founder of Congregational churches in Ne- braska. A brief service was held in Fontanelle where he died, conducted by Rev. I. E. Heaton of Fremont, and more extended services were held in Omaha. At the fol- SUNDAY sciux.>i. iii:vF.iA>r.M i:nt 6 1 lowing;' state association hold in Hastings. C)ctol)cr. iSXo. api)r(i])riatc nioniorial scr\ices wore held. "The service was conducted by Rev. A. V. Sherrill, and after the nie- niorial paper jirepafcd by Rev. Julius A. Reed, remarks were made by Rev. J. (i. Spencer, Rev. A. Dresser, and Rev. Dr. (II. M.) Storrs. Extracts were read from letters written bv Rev. Dr. Salter of Dnrlinoton. Iowa. Rev. Dr. SUNDAY SCHOOL, AMITY, GREELEY COUNTY, NEIJKASKA Alagoun of Iowa College, and Rev. Daniel Lane of Iowa.""" In this service Nebraska paid loving- tribute to the memory of the man who has done more than any other one man to build up our Congregational Zion in the state. This year also Supt. H. N. Gates made his last report as superintendent of home missions. He returned to pastoral ^Minutes, 1880, p. 29. 62 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA work, taking charge of the church in David City for a few years, and then went to New England, where he passed the last years of his life. His sister, Mrs. A. N. Goddard, of New Britain, Connecticut, writes : "Ilis work to a great extent was organizing and encour- aging feeble churches, traveling some ten thousand miles a year in that state [Nebraska]. He spent the summer of 1876 at the East, preaching in many city churches, in the interest of home missions, and induced a number of theo- logical students to go west to work through their long va- cation, guaranteeing them $100 each, and the money was raised. Another time, when the home society could not meet the quarterly payments of the needy missionaries, he advanced the money to them, taking no interest, until they could repay. At the time of the grasshopper scourge, great quantities of clothing were sent to them, and he, with the help of his wife, distributed not only to missionaries, but other destitute families. He helped in founding Gates Col- lege, named for him contrary to his wishes, and felt a great interest in it, doing all by his influence for it in his power, and when it seemed best no longer to keep it as a college, was disappointed. His last years were quietly spent in Medford, Massachusetts, reading much, keeping up with the times, and waiting the Lord's time to take him. He talked much of the future and had no dread of the end."* Mrs. Goddard was with her brother the last nine and one-half years of his life and heard much from his lips of his experiences in Nebraska. Traveling over the state was more difficult in pioneer times than it is to-day with our splendid railroad systems, but even now a sixty-mile drive over sandhills and prairie is by no means uncommon. 'Letter dated June 29, 1904. REV. c. \v. mi:krim.. sl ri kintendent 63 XIII REV. C. \V. Ml^.RKILL, SUPERINTENDENT Superintendent Gates was succeeded in 1881 by the Rev. C. W. jMerrill of Waseca, Minnesota, as State Superin- tendent of Home Missions, and with liis ach'fut we may date TlIK MC/DERN DEVI-:i,()riM ENT OK CONC.REGATION ALISM IN Nia'.RASKA When Sui)erintendent Merrill made his first re])ort he found, out of the "136 nominal organizations 132 dc facto churches" ; of these fourteen were self-supporting. Sev- enty-foiu" cJuu-ches were supplied with regular services ; fifty-one a ])art of the year; and eleven had no regula" services. The (lerman Association, which has such an interesting history, had come into being with eight churches, and Rev. T. D. Stewart was soon to enter upon his duties as State Superintendent of Congregational Sunday School Work, so that Superintendent Merrill had the help of his valuable assistance, for the cultivation of a Sunday school mission field was often the most valuable preparation for vigorous church extension. The problems of the field were very similar to those which confront us to-day. During the first six and one-half months of Superin- tendent Merrill's service he traveled 12,595 miles, 580 of these by team. It was no sinecure office which he filled. He had a strong conviction that there was need of "a better understanding of the relation of the church to the A. H. M. S. The idea of some seems to be to get all that can be secured from the society, and the church make up REV. C. W. MERRILL Fourth State Siiperintendent of Home Missions REV. C. W. MKKRILL, Snri:Kl NTKNDKNT 65 the rest of pastor's salary; the idea of others, to ask and get a certain amount from the society and raise a certain amount themselves. "What is the true idea? Sim[)ly this: the Home Mission- ary Society is a helper. A thorough, careful canvass should he made of the church, the field, all who will give to sup- port the Gospel, and then an honest ansiver given to ques- tion twenty in the form of application, 'The least amount that will suffice from the A. H. M. S.' Pardon the blunt- ness, but in many cases that question is not honestly an- swered."^ The Board of Directors of the Nebraska Home i\Iissionary Society in their monthly meetings appreciate the application of these plain words to present-day condi- tions. Too many times a tliorough canvass of the local field has not been made. This may be natural, but it is not Christian. The association this year — i88i — recommended to the churches the Congregational paper "Church and Village," established and owned by Rev. H. A. French, then pastor at Mil ford. This pa})er was established in July, 1880, and in July, 1882, its name was changed to "The Nebraska Congregational News." It has held a unique place among the state Congregational papers of the country and is placed in the very front rank. Tt has been a valuable medium through which church and school news, secured in no other way, comes to our homes and has been published in Lincoln where Mr. French resides. The association in 1882 was able to record a marked in- crease in benevolences and conversions, and a "kindling enthusiasm in Bible study and Sunday school work." It also took measures to organize a State Home Missionary Society to take the place of the State Central Home Mis- sionary Committee. This organization was completed at 'Minutes, 1881, p. 29. 5 ASKA r()NGHi;(;\Tl()N.\L NEWS. _^»V-s^ REV. H. A. FRENCH AND THE NEBRASKA CONGREGATIONAL NEWS Rl-:\'. C. W. .MKRRIIJ., SUPliKIXTKNDENT 67 the meeting in York in 1883 with the following officers: President Rev. W. S. Hampton, Recording Secretary Rev. L. Gregory, Treasurer Rev. C. W. Merrill; Board of Di- rectors : Rev. H. Bross, Leavitt Burnham, Rev. L. Greg- ory, Pres. D. B. Perry, Rev. W. Scott, Rev. A. F. Sherrill, and Charles West. With this organization Congregational Nebraska came into line with the older states in the aggressive work of the churches. At the meeting of 1883 Superintendent Merrill reported that he had traveled during the year 27,173 miles, visited 130 churches and fields, and delivered 123 sermons and addresses. The churches had increased to 147. Fourteen churches had been organized during the year, five of whom were German. Omaha now boasted its second church, St. Mary's Avenue, organized Alay 8, 1883. Omaha has now, 1905, eight churches, the First, St. Mary's Avenue, Ply- mouth, Saratoga, German, Cherry Hill, Hillside, and Park Vale. It was generally the privilege of the association at its annual meetings to welcome representative Congregation- alists from the East and from other state associations. In the earlier days delegates from other state bodies were re- ceived, and the association appointed delegates to their state meetings. This pleasing custom gradually went out of use, but our missionary secretaries continue to visit us from time to time, and in these later days enterprising business committees have secured the presence of some of the most noted missionaries from the foreign field. They have thrilled us with their addresses, and have given us a larger vision of the world-wide work in which we all have a common interest. We shall not soon forget the visits of such men as Dr. W. S. Anient of China and Dr. R. A. Hume of India. 68 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA THE NEBRASKA SUNDAY SCHOOL ASSEMBLY In the '80s we find the Nebraska Sunday School assem- bly established, with Rev. A. E. Dunning, D.D., of Boston, as conductor. A Chautauqua assembly for some years was conducted at Crete with superior programs, which at- tracted visitors outside of the state, but the enterprise was not a financial success, and was, after some years' trial, reluctantly given up. It is a matter of sincere regret that this movemicnt, which gave prestige to the denomination and was developing a Congregational consciousness, should have failed for want of financial support. The reasons for this it is not our purpose to discuss. Opinions vary. The loss to the churches, however, is evident. THE GERMAN WORK The German work was sO' rapidly expanding that a general superintendent, the Rev. George E. Albrecht, was appointed with headquarters at Davenport, Iowa. Dr. Al- brecht, in the interest of the German work, visited the asso- ciation at its Norfolk meeting in 1S84. Dr. Dunning was also a visitor, speaking in the interest of the Sunday School Assembly, and Dr. Wm. M. Barrows, Secretary of the A. H. M. S., represented that society. At this meeting Superin- tendent Merrill closed his work in the state, having been enticed to resume pastoral labor in Minnesota. ]\Ir. Merrill is now in Saratoga, California, and in re- sponse to a request for some reminiscences of his experi- ences in Nebraska sends the following characteristic letter: "Saratoga, Cal., June 4, 1904. "Dear Brother — I send in this some crude material for vou to work over if you can make use of it. I have left it in 'the rare' because I had but little idea how much room you would wish to give, if any, to what I send. REV. C. VV. MERRILL, SUrERINTENDEXT 69 "I preached one Sunday in the First Church of Omaha ; the next Sunday the same sermon in a sod schoolhouse in northern Nebraska, the insects so thick I could hardly breathe without swallowing- bugs ; yet cultured and college- educated people in the schoolhouse could appreciate the best sermon as well as the people in the Omaha church. When the church at Arlington was organized there was not an original Congregationalist in the organization. Congrega- tionalism is the solution of such a situation. Church or- ganized at Phelps Center, the county seat. New railroad went through, and town of Holdrege started four miles away. Phelps Center in winter time was put on runners, every building, stores, schoolhouse, residences, and all and 'slid' over to Holdrege, four miles. "Student employed on one field of three points for the summer; preached every Sunday morning at one point, and in the afternoon alternated between other two points. I went on the field and wished to visit all three points in one day ; rode forty miles ; preached three times ; held three communion services ; held three church meetings ; reached home at midnight, or rather reached starting point; strong, hot south wind, mercury 107 degrees above zero; student used up riding around and looking on while superintendent next morning started on for other work. "Church building put up at Freewater in the Republican valley. Foundation had to be in by a certain time or largest sub.scription lapsed ; delayed in getting brick ; they came right in height of harvest, when the men could not be spared from the fields for a single day ; women took teams and went twenty-four miles to railroad, loaded the brick on wagons, drove them home ; foundation put in at night, subscription saved ; and building dedicated free from debt. These wo- men were of finest culture and education. 70 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA "Had correspondence with persons in Beatrice about church organization ; one night by telephone arranged for services the next Sunday ; conducted the services, completed the arrangements, laid the plans, called the council, and in- side two weeks the church was organized and services, regular services, established. "When I closed my work as superintendent, I received a call from this church, signed by every member, some over forty, in the church. ''When I began my work the First Church in Omaha was the only Congregational church in the city ; their idea was to have one strong central church. They saw their mistake afterward. "I secured Rev. Geo. Hindley to work in the neighbor- hood of the St. Mary's Avenue Church. In about a year effected an organization; secured Rev. Willard Scott from New York; had to give $750 from the missionary society on salary of $1500. Committee thought it very unwise; in third year the church came to self-support, and soon be- came one of the best churches in the state. "W^ent to Ogalalla ; no church, Sunday school, or any- thing of the kind. Just before I was there a fire burned down most of the business part of the town ; some men were gambling in a saloon ; saloon took fire, men moved their table into the street and w^ent on with their gambling by light of the burning buildings. "I secured a man to go there as teacher and preacher, and in a short time had council called to organize a church. "But I think T better 'say amen and quit.' "I don't know as I have come within forty rods of what you wish, but have at least shown my good will. "Most cordially yours, "C. W. Merrill." REV. J. I- MAILE, SUPERINTENDENT 7 1 XIV REV. J. L. MAILE, SUPERINTENDENT Rev. J. L. Mailc, formerly of Michigan, was chosen state superintendent in place of Mr. Merrill. During Mr. Merrill's service in the state the work had so expanded that we find in his last report that in this time, three years and eight months, he had traveled 93.712 miles: by team 2,666; by railroad 91,046, and had given 534 sermons and addresses. Forty-two churches had been organized with a membership of 646, and forty-three meet- ing-houses erected.^ A general missionary was also ap- pointed, Dr. H. Bross, for several years pastor at Crete, entering upon the work. Superintendent Maile's first report, given at Beatrice, 1884, shows that the list of churches had increased to 168. Seventeen of these were self-supporting. Nebraska was still a missionary state, and its history largely of home missionary work. The development of church and school was largely dependent on the fostering care of the Na- tional Home Missionary Society. The state itself is a large debtor to the generous aid of the home missionary societies connected with the diflferent denominations represented within its borders. It has not yet, nor can it easily, cancel its obligations. The churches in this period believed in the installation of pastors, and the year 1885 witnessed the following in- stallations by councils : Rev. W. P. Bennett at Crete, Rev. S. H. Harrison at York, Rev. C. E. Harwood at Fairfield, Rev. William O. Wheeden at Beatrice, and Rev. W. D. Page at Cowles. There were also ordained that year Rev. * Minutes, 1884, p. 24. REV. JOHN L. MAILE^ M.A. Fifth State Superintendent of Home Missions luiv. J. I.. MAii.F., siim:uixtkni)i:nt 73 George C. Hall, Rev. John Lich, Rev. George \V. Mitchell, Rev. A. B. Show, Rev. W. 1). J. Stevenson, Rev. W. O. Wliceden, Rev. W. D. Page, and Rev. J. W. Hadden. The following churches were dedicated that year: Be- atrice, Camhridge, Cumniinsville, Doniphan, Emanuel, L^-anklin, Fremont, Glo\ersville. Indianola, Liberty, Mar- tinsburg, Milford, Newcastle, Omaha Third, Pierce, Rich- mond, and West Cedar \'alley. Chadron, Cowles, Lincoln, Norfolk, Ogalalla, and Stratton had houses of worship nearly completed. - Such lists from year to year were not infrequent. These are noted as an illustration of the ccclcsiasticism of the period ; the development of a Congregational consciousness. There was "something adoing'' in the state all the time. The five years of Superintendent blade's service in the state represents a time of marked interest in the develop- ment of the educational interests of the denomination and in questions of church polity. At the Beatrice meeting 1885, Rev. W. P. Bennett read a strong paper representing the old view. "The second principle in our polity," which v/as published in the Congregational Neivs, and was spoken of as "especially timely in our own state," which indicates the conservative trend of thought at the time in reference to the fellozvship of the churches. The centralizing tendency in church polity of the present day would have been vigorously opposed then. In 1888 Rev. L. F. Berry of Fremont gave a masterful paper on "What constitutes a quorum of a council?" and by vote of the association it was ordered printed in the minutes.-'' It was this }ear that Dr. A. F. Sherrill closed his long pastorate in First Church Omaha and removed from the state, to the great regret of all the churches. 'Alimites, 1SS5, pp. IS, 19. "Minutes, 1888, pp. 15-33. 74 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA LETTER FROM DR. SIIERRILL In response to repeated and urgent requests Dr. Sherrill sends a jubilee message to the Nebraska churches: "Lee^ Massachusetts^ August i8, 1904. "Dear Brother — You ask me to give the relative status of the Congregational churches in Nebraska when I went there in 1869, and when I left in 1888. At the former date there were about twenty of our churches in the state. Some of them had a very plain frame meeting-house, more had none, and all depended on the Home Missionary So- ciety for help. In 1888 there were 168 churches in the state. Forty-seven were self-supporting, generally with good, modern buildings, some of which had cost $50,000 or more. The early churches, though few and small, cor- responded well with other growth and conditions in the state, and with their pastors were useful, and regarded well by the people. "The superintendents succeeding Mr. Gaylord kept pace with frontier progress, and preserved our good reputation as pioneer churches. Our first pastors were followed by younger men, as President Perry, Rev. Lewis Gregory, Superintendent Bross, and others, who came to the state to remain and do permanent work, and their services to the churches, to education, and other interests can not be overstated. When I left Nebraska, our denomination was in the forefront as to number and activity of churches, and Doane College with affiliated academies, illustrated our reputation everywhere for interest in Christian education. "In those earlier days we tried to plant churches only where they were plainly needed, avoiding sectarian ambi- tion, and keeping the responsibility for too many churches in the town where it belonged. In closing, let me pay a hearty tribute to the laymen of both sexes, whose worth, REV. J. L. MAILE, SUPERINTENDENT 75 g-enerosity, and devotion contriljutcd so largely, not only to the growth of the chnrches but also to all that enters into the fomidations of a good connnonwealth." Supt. j. L. Maile closed his labors with the Nebraska churches in 1889 at the Ashland meeting of which he was moderator. The Home Missionary Society expressed by vote its "high appreciation of the consecration and devotion he has mani- fested, and the efficiency he has shown in his five years of service with us ; and we heartily commend him for the work he has done, and bid him Godspeed in the work which lies before him."^ Mr. Maile has kindly furnislicd recollections of his work in the following letter: "Los Angeles, California, June i8, 1904. "Dear Sir — In line with your request for some recollec- tions of the events of my work in Nebraska, I send you the following: "As Superintendent for the Congregational Home Mis- sionary Society in Nebraska, I began my labor in October, 1884, attending the State Association at Norfolk, as a be- ginning of my work. "I relinquished my superintendency of state Sunday school work in Missouri to accept this appointment. Dur- ing the two previous summers I taught in the normal de- partment of the Crete Chautauqua assembly, directing the program during the second season. My previous acquaint- ance with the Rev. J. D. Stewart at Chautauqua, New York, led to these engagements. "From the acquaintance thus formed in the state, I was asked to succeed Rev. C. W. Merrill, resigned. He had successfully led the home missionary work for a number 'Minutes, ISS9, p. 24. 76 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA of years, following Superintendent Gates. I may say that as Secretary of our National Sunday School Committee, formed at Chautauqua, New York, in 1878, I there met Brother Stewart, and thus one contact and friendship led on to another. "Tlie work of this national committee led to the holding of a Congregational congress at Chautauqua in 1879, at which Joseph Cook, Lyman Abbott, Dr. J. O. Means, Dr. Hutchins, and others addressed our Congregational people. Our agitation of the need of an advanced movement in our denominational Sunday school work culminated in the ap- pointment by the directors of the Sunday School and Pub- lishing Society of Rev. A. E. Dunning, D.D., as National Secretary. "Under the reorganization, Rev. Jno. L. Maile was ap- pointed first on the list of superintendents to serve in Colorado, Rev. J. D. Stewart was next assigned to Ne- braska, and Rev. H. P. Case succeeded Mr. Maile in Colo- rado, the latter being transferred to Missouri. "TJiese successive steps in the development of our general Sunday school work are interesting and important because the prosperity of our home missionary work has been much assisted by the aggressive life of our Sunday school enter- prise. "My five years' work as superintendent of home missions in Nebraska occurred during a period of energetic expan- sion and occupancy of many communities on the advanc- ing of settlements. "Some sixty-one churches were organized during this period ; not all of these organizations were due to my initiation. I recall as having little to do with starting the work at Beatrice and Seward ; the German churches were not recipients of my care, although I cooperated for their welfare as best I could. REV, J. L. MAlLli, SUrKKlNTF.NDliNT 77 "General Missionary Harmon Dross, my most efficient and honored successor, started the work at Chadron, Craw- ford, Hay Springs, Heniingford, and other places. i vividly recollect the improvised meeting-house of Plymouth Church in Lincoln, with earth hanked well-nigh up to the eaves of the board structure, resultant in comfort during severest winter storm. In the council organizing the church at P.urwell, Rev. Lewis Gregory rendered very important assistance. "Thus 1 might recall the incidents occurring on many new fields. "At Curtis the work was started under very primitive conditions. Doniphan required persistent faithfulness on the part of Rev. J. H. Embree. The church at Dustin was due to the energetic efforts of Mrs. Dustin and family. They had come from Boston for the benefit of the health of a' son and daughter, and found a marked contrast in the manner of life at the metropolis, and in the distant valley of northern Nebraska. Mrs. Dustin rode her broncho from one isolated ranch home to another, and interested mothers and children in Sunday school and temperance work. "The work at Farnam was first led by Rev. John Wool- man, whose large family was domiciled in very small quarters, and at that time the people of the congregation were in the midst of the trials incident to pioneering in those days. Our Grand Island church was formed under cir- cumstances which led some good people to doubt the success of the enterprise. Rev. Mr. Comstock was the first pastor, and I judge a succession of efl^cient ministers have wisely led the church. •■'At Leigh I found a Dr. Geer. brother to a former fellow- student at Oberlin, and have since met him here in southern CaHfornia. This church enjoyed one or two genuine re- vival seasons, and was much strengthened thereby. 78 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA "I think it was at Newcastle that I made my first visit in northeastern Nebraska immediately after the association meeting in 1884. The elderly minister was in a peck of trouble, and the wisdom of the superintendent was drawn upon to solve sundry problems. I trust this work survives in strength. "At Ogalalla I assisted in dedicating the meeting-house. Mr. L. E. Brown, who was passing from the law into the ministry, was the young pastor. A successful series of meetings was held. The family of the station-master was specially interested and the work received a strong impulse. "Five churches were organized in Omaha during my administration, and I suppose they have had varying de- grees of success. 'T recall the beginning of the work at Strang and Sliickley, under the lead of Mr. Glen A. Taylor, who came direct from Yale Theological Seminary. Special difficulty seemed to attend these enterprises, but they were in good measure overcome. "Geneva was started by the Presbyterians, but was changed to our Congregational fellowship by the almost unanimous action of the people concerned. "At Trenton, well on toward the western line of the state in the Republican valley, Mr. and the Misses Hogg were the pillars in that church. If memory serves, a very ungodly man made a generous subscription toward build- ing the meeting-house, on the ground that he did not wish passengers, looking from the Pullman car windows upon the village, should consider it a heathen community because no church edifice was visible. I have met the Misses Hogg in Los Angeles, as indeed many old friendships have here been renewed. "My recollections of the details of the work are so im- perfect that I hesitate to write the above. Much more REV. J. L. MAILE, SUPERINTENDENT 79 mi^ht be said. A true spirit of consecration and of earnest desire to build up the Kingdom of Christ characterized our ministry and churches as a whole. I enjoyed the hearty cooperation anci friendliness of pastors of self-supporting churches. A. V. Sherrill, Willard Scott, Lewis Gregory, President Ferry, Professor Fairchild, J, D. Stewart, and many others might be mentioned whose inspiring friend- ship was of greatest value to me. "Mr. Charles West of Lincoln very efficiently served as Secretary of the State Board of Home Missions. He re- moved to Denver and there passed to the Beyond. "It was my privilege to serve as trustee on the board at Doane College. The inside views there obtained con- firmed my sense of the importance of education conducted under distinctly Christian auspices. Much quiet, hard work has gone into the young life of Nebraska from this insti- tution. Tiie affiliated academies are doing an equally im- portant work, the circle of institutions forming an ideal combmation for the attainment of the great ends they represent. "In my addresses to the churches, I frequently urged the im])ortance of dedicating promising young men to the Christian ministry, and since our churches were served by pastors who had been raised up elsewhere, w-e should de- velop our proportion of ministers for the time to come. I pressed the importance of sustaining our educational in- stitutions as an effective method of building up our churclies in the Christian life. "The impression was thus unwittingly made that I was specially interested in Christian education, and when the Educational Society at Boston was, in 1889, looking for some one to serve as college field secretary, I was asked to take that responsibility. I accordingly resigned my Ne- braska appointment, and in October of said year began in So CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA New England my work of representing western colleges and academies to the eastern churches. "Nine colleges, eighteen academies, and twelve mission schools were at times on our list to be presented in public and in private. I frequently met President Warren of Gates College (now of Yankton College) and other veteran presidents. "In 1895-97 I made a special campaign for endowment for Whitman College, Washington, and gathered much original data concerning the great work of Missionary Mar- cus Whitman in saving to our country the great northwest region of the Pacific Coast. "Health being impaired under the stress of continuous and heavy work, I sought a change by accepting, in 1897, the home missionary superintendency of North Dakota. I served in this field with happiness to myself until the effect of severe winter compelled the seeking of a milder climate. "Rev. James T. Ford, the veteran superintendent of southern California, having resigned, to take efifect April I, 1899, I entered the open door of that work, and am wholly rejuvenated by the restoring effects of the most attractive climate on earth. "1 treasure the remembrances of my Nebraska life as among my most precious treasures. It must be that such rich reminiscences will spring into new life in the realms of the Great Beyond, to which we are hastening, and where, perhaps, we shall perfect much that has been begun in this ])resent life under circumstances of limitation and imper- fection which the Master wishes to see perfected. "My affectionate greeting to many friends in the grand state of Nebraska. "Very sincerely yours, "John L. Maile.^' RKV. IIARMOX HROSS, SUPKRI XTICXnENT 8l XV REV. HARMON RROSS, D.D., SU IMIRI XTKNDKNT The logical successor to Superintendent Maile was Rev. H. Bross, D.D., the General ^[issionary of the state and superintendent of the Black Hills region. His long service as stated clerk of the association had kept him in touch with all the churches of the state. At the request of the writer, Dr. Bross has furnished a brief account of .some missionary experiences while he was general missionary. These serve as a valuable illustration of the pioneer work in the state in comparatively recent times. Dr. Bross writes : "LixcoLX, July 6, 1904. "After a pastorate of nearly eleven years at Crete, ex- tending from August i, 1873, to February i, 1884, during which time the church increased from a membership of fourteen to 185, and the present house of worship was built, T entered upon general missionary work in northern Ne- braska with headquarters at Norfolk. "At that time we had comparatively few churches in the North Platte region, and efforts were made at once to extend the work. The churches at Wisner, Pierce, West Cedar Valley, and other points which were nearly extinct were revived and strengthened. Special meetings were held in Dixon county, out of which the churches of New- castle and Daily Branch grew, also a church at Martms- burg now nearly extinct. The churches at Gloversville and Park in Antelope county also grew out of this work. Ainsworth had been organized but was nearly extinct ; it was revived and Long Pine added. The churches in Holt county were also gathered the following summer. 6 REV. HARMON BROSS^ D.D. AS DEPARTMENT COMMANDER G. A. R. Sixth State Superintendent of Home Missions RFA^ HARMON BROSS, SUPERINTENDENT 83 "During the session of the legislature in 1885 the coun- ties of northwestern Nebraska were organized and a great tide of settlement poured into that region. In the early spring I made an exploring expedition into that region, visiting the new towns of Gordon, Rushville, Hay Springs, and Chadron. "With the first train into Chadron, August, 1885, I went to begin permanent work. I made headquarters at Chadron and soon had- a gospel tabernacle ready for church and Sunday school. On Sunday, September 13, 1885, the three churches of Rushville, Hay Springs, and Chadron were recognized by council. Rev. M. L. Holt of Neligh being delegate from that church, and Mrs. Bross from the church at xN'orfolk, where we were then living. "Houses of worship were soon built at these three points; but later at Rushville, when the Methodists, Baptists, the United Presbyterians, the German Methodists, and the regular Presbyterians all crowded in, it did not seem wise to continue further expenditure of home missionary money, and that point was given up. With the extension of the railroad in the spring of 1886, chuich work was established at Crawford, where Ave now have a thriving church with a good brick house of worship and parsonage all paid for. The church at Chadron has also just come to self-support; has a good house of worship and parsonage free of debt. "September 29, 1887, the Northwestern Association was organized at Chadron, and later Chadron Academy was established. The work then extended into the Black Hills and into Wyoming and I was made superintendent of that region in connection with my north Nebraska work. "The extension of the Burlington road into northwestern Nebraska and the Black Hills in 1888-89 opened another large region, and population began pouring in. With Hem- ingford in Box Butte county as a center, preaching points 84 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA had been established throughout the county, and the church at Hemingford was organized in 1886. Then followed Hyannis and Reno and these formed the nucleus oi a large group of churches since gathered in the sandhills. "The aim had been to have our churches organized in groups, so that they might support each other and have fellowship among themselves. With this in view, we passed from Ainsworth 150 miles west before attempting the or- ganization of another church. These churches have proved very efficient and fruitful in their influence for good, and in developing Christian character among young people who have made themselves strong for good work. The church at Chadron has made a good history in this respect. The young people who have gone from there to college, and have become teachers, Christian business men, home keep- ers, will date their first impulses for the higher life to in- fluences emanating from the church and academy. One of our most influential international Y. M. C. A. workers was converted in that church and started on his career of usefulness. The community of churches in the Black Hills and in central Wyoming owe their existence and their strength largely to their close contact with this work in northwest Nebraska. "An interesting feature in the extension of this work was the use of Gospel tabernacles in the beginning. The success of the one at Chadron was suggestive of what might be done in other places, and in a short time the gen- eral missionary had at his disposal six canvas roofs which might be used for gospel tabernacles at various places. One of these had been purchased at Chadron by the Sun- day school of Farmington, Connecticut ; another was bought by money given by the Sunday school at Milburn, Illinois, and four were donated by the firm of J. V. Far- well & Co., Chicago. REV. HARMOX BROSS, SUPERINTENDENT 85 "At each place the use of a lot was secured, a collection taken to furnish sufficient lumber for the walls of the tem- porary building, and this was covered with the heavy duck- ing. No windows were needed, and one small door allowed entrance to the unique structure. In this way the church and Sunday school had a home at once with regular hours for service and a distinct place in the life of the community. "One of these tabernacles, that at Buffalo Gap, was used for eighteen months. When the one which had been used at Lusk for some time was not needed there, it was brought down to Ravenna and sheltered that church in its early history. "In December, 1889, when Rev. J. L. Mailc discontinued his work as superintendent, the writer was appointed super- intendent of the state work with iieadquarters at Lincoln. When he entered upon his work as general missionary February i, 1884, the denomination had 148 churches in the state with a total membership of 4,042, with 6,390 in Sunday school. There are now 203 churches with member- ship of 15,212; and 16,719 in our Sunday schools. "Our yearly contributions then for home expenses were $45,248; now $160,287. Our benevolences then were, per annum, $8,722; now $21,827. "H. Bross." In his first report to the Home Missionary Society Super- intendent Bross says : "The western hali of our state presents all the phases of work in a region where home missionary efforts have been in progress fifteen or sixteen years. There are the same difficulties, the same opjjortunities, the same mighty incen- tives to aggressive work. It is as yet almost entire mission- ary ground. We have there only five self-supporting 86 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA churches, and but about thirty in all, including several Ger- man churches."^ Superintendent Stewart says in his report : "In many places the people are entirely destitute of any religious services. The few Simday schools that have been organized are but little better than none, as ignorance and infidelity prevail to a great extent. The scattered settlers in those new communities consist very largely of those classes that care nothing for Bible study, and those who have been members of Sunday schools have been so long without them that in many cases they are indifferent ... In all that region (the western frontier) there are but few people who are competent for officers and teachers, and of these only a small number have consecration and Christian character sufficient to make the Sunday school a success."^ y\nd yet that year Superintendent Stewart organized twenty-one schools. The association of 1890 made a strong protest against opening the World's Fair on Sunday, and a stirring appeal for an amendment to the state constitution prohibiting the liquor traffic. A spirited address by the Rev. A. A. Cress- man upon "Work among the Bohemian population of the state" called forth vigorous resolutions, endorsing the work already done, and expressing sympathy with those engaged in that service. As we contrast this period with that of three decades preceding we find similar problems. The frontier has only been pushed to the western part of the state, and there the work is as truly pioneer as that in eastern Nebraska when Father Gaylord began work on the banks of the Missouri. In 1890 the State Missionary Society employed 'Minutes, 1890, p. 31. 'Minutes, 1890, p. 34. REV. HARMON BROSS, SUPERINTENDENT 78 two general missionaries, Rev. G. J. Powell and Rev. George K. Taylor, to supplement the work of the state super- intendent. At this time the American Home Missionary Societv was beginning- to reduce appropriations to Nebraska, and said : "Your churches should be made deeply to feel that what- ever new work is undertaken must come from the savings of the old work, and an increase in the contributions to the cause."'' It is not always understood that as the eastern portion of the state has become self-supporting, a vast empire in the western portion has sprung into being; that this is pioneer soil, and being more sparsely settled than eastern Nebraska will remain a missionary field for some time to come, and that in eastern Nebraska there are parishes, once self-supporting, which on account of removals and changes find themselves once more on the home missionary list. The missionary problem is always being solved, but each year new elements enter, and so it is ever with us. THE DROUTH This period is also remembered for the severe drouth which devastated homes, ruined the financial prospects of many, and was a staggering blow to the growth of the churches in the state. It was one of the elements then entering into the missionary problem. In alluding to this severe experience and emergence into a brighter outlook Superintendent Bross says : "The cities and towns that contributed money ; the farmers who shared their provisions with others ; the coal men who donated trainload after trainload of coal, asking 'Minutes, 1890, p. 30. 88 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA in return only enough to pay the miner for his under- ground work ; the railroads and express companies that transported, free, tons and tons of produce, goods, fuel, and seed, have added another chapter to the abundant testi- mony accumulated through the years, showing that we are, after all, one family and responsive to the same appeals for help. We gather this year in the presence of such abundant crops of all sorts that the transformation seems a miracle of Providence. In spite of losses and difficulties the year has been one of substantial progress."' We are not surprised that at this time there should be an unusual number of changes in the churches, and that vigorous words should be uttered in favor of permanence in the pastoral office. But the hopeful spirit which per- vaded the Fremont meeting of 1891 shows the vast recupera- tive forces resident in the state. In the following year a carefully outlined plan for the development of Sunday school work was presented bv Superintendent Stewart,"' and the whole work of the denomi- nation began to be more thoroughly unified and system- atically prosecuted. TRANSLATION OF ISAAC HEATON The Fremont church, and the churches of the state as well, were called to mourn the loss of the inspiring pres- ence and wise counsels of Rev. I. E. Heaton who was called to his eternal home September 17, 1893. One by one the early pioneers have disappeared. The memory of their devotion and heroism remains with us ; their works do follow us ; " But, oh, for tlie touch of a vanished hand And the sound of a voice that is still." ^Minutes, 1891, p. 50. 'Minutes, 1892, p. 37. Rev. S. X. Grout Rev. Wm. Leavitt Rev. W. P. Bennett Rev. B. Diffenbaclier go CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA Mrs. Heaton passed to her reward August 8, 1905, aged ninety-three years. Dr. Geo. L. Miller of Omaha, one of the first trustees of the First Church, still remains with us, but there are not many who can tell of the first beginnings of pioneer work in the state. It is the second generation of workers who are now called pioneers. But all have partaken of the same spirit and are doing a noble work in the development of a Christian state. A TYPICAL MEETING The practical treatment of live questions is characteristic of the State Association. This was well illustrated in the Beatrice meeting of 1893, with these topics for discussion: "Morals involved in the coinage question," by Rev. W. P. Bennett ; "Morals involved in the labor question," by Rev. Wilson Denney ; "Morals involved in the immigration ques- tion," by Rev. John Power; "The evils resulting from short pastorates and how they may be remedied," by Rev. H. A. French; "Why are not more young men in the Sunday school?" by Rev. T. W. DeLong; "More systematic and thorough instruction in Sunday school," by Rev. John Doane ; "How to secure trained and efficient superintend- ents," by Rev. A. G. Washington ; and "Are our churches doing their wliole duty toward destitute places within their reach?" by Rev. C. W. Preston. This meeting was selected at random from among the later meetings of the association, and the topics show, as do those of other meetings, that it is practical rather than doctrinal questions in which our churches are especially interested, although the doctrinal is not eliminated from the thought and life of western Congregationalism, and it only takes the occasion to bring it to the front. Life was real and earnest, and the churches of the state were, in the very struggle for existence, compelled to face stern every-day problems. REV. HARMON UROSS, SUPERINTENDENT 9I THE SECOND DROUTH The drouth again blasted the crops and the hopes of the people. The state superintendent's report at the Crete meeting, 18(^5, had a more pitiful story of hardships and loss than the one some years before, but with it a glad re- frain of thanksgiving on account of the practical and gen- erous sympathy of the outside world. "True to its genius and its history, Congregationalism did its work, not for itself but for the community. Carloads of coal and flour were wisely and carefully distributed in homes where the only condition was that of need. These offerings of clothing, provisions, and money came from all parts of the country, from Maine to California, and from North Dakota to Alabama. . . . These offerings were distributed in the counties of Antelope, Boyd, Brown, Cus- ter, Dav/son, Franklin, Frontier, Garfield, Grant, Harlan, Hayes, Hitchcock, Holt, Keya Paha, Knox, Lincoln, Loup, Merrick, Perkins, Phelps, Platte, Red Willow, Webster, Wheeler"; and adds Superintendent Bross, "I believe it will surprise you all, no matter how carefully you have been observing the changes among us, when I say that although the hardships of the year have been unparalleled in the his- tory of our state, only four of our home missionaries have left the state during the year. ... Of our vacant churches, correspondence is under way looking to the support of nearly all. There are only two or three that have been entirely without supply during the year."" There is hopefulness also in the Sunday school report of Superintendent Stewart for the same year: "Our corres- pondents write that whole families come to Sunday school now who never could be induced to attend before. One lady 'Minutes, 1895, pp. 28, 29. 92 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA says, 'Men who were scoffers, and who made Hght of the lesson quarterlies, calling them almanacs, are now regular attendants upon the Sunday school and students of those same quarterlies.' This is certainly some compensation for the shortage in crops during the last three years. Possibly this is the purpose of God's providence in withholding the rain. . . 'Neither tribulation, nor distress, nor persecu- tion, nor famine, nor nakedness, nor peril, nor sword, can separate them from the work that God has given them to do.' "^ In these later years we have had an abundance of rain ; they have been "years of plenty," and the work of our Congregational Zion has been making steady progress. The annual appropriations for missionary work have been gradually reduced, and the work steadily advanced, and yet we could wisely expend double what we receive. DR. CROFTS ON THE WATCH TOWER The Committee on State of Religion, Dr. George W. Crofts, chairman, at the David City meeting, 1898, gave a happy expression to the outlook in Nebraska then. With an increase in figures quoted it is applicable to the outlook in 1905. "As you open the gate of the year and look over the field of Congregational Nebraska, what do you see? You see our state superintendent, our apostles, going about as they did in early days, strengthening the churches, flying as compared with the means of transportation in those days, like the angel of the Apocalypse with the everlasting Gospel. You see 105 pastors and preachers shepherding their various flocks comprising the sum total of over 13,000 souls. You see these men, men of culture, men of consecra- ' Minutes, 1895, pp. 40, 41. REV. HARMON BROSS, SUPERINTENDENT 93 tion, men of God, self-sacrificing. pra)erful, faithful, and efficient. Vou see an army of over 15,000 Sunday school children hchv^; matured in the Christian faith. You see 6,000 Christian Endeavorers, not only being trained for act- ive service in the cause of Christ, but doing service for Him that is telling on the spirituality and energy of the church for great good. You see our colleges and academies promoting Christian education, and presenting year by year a company of young men and women to the Master for His work in the world in every avenue of life. You see nearly a thousand born from above coming into the Church on confession of faith. You see increased benevolences. You see debts melting away like snow banks in spring. You see silvery streams of Congregational, Christian literature irrigating the moral soil of the state and making the desert with its sage-brush of sensuality bloom like a garden. You see all this activity and faithfulness. You see unity and peace and fraternity and fellowship, and that charity which edifieth. You see less restlessness and more contentment amongst pastors and people. You see a tendency toward longer pastorates, and hence a larger degree of confidence and forbearance, more of Christ and less of criticism. You see all these factors working harmoniously together, work- ing as though impelled by a divine principle. And then you ask, 'What is the state of religion in Nebraska?' "There is a dark side, but there is a bright side, and it is encouraging to look at it. Even the dark side is bright compared with what has been seen in the past history of the Church, in the times of Savonarola, of Luther, and of Wesley. Let iis thank God and take courage."^ Nebraska is looking up and reaching out, ready to seize any- new opportunity to extend more widely the Kingdom which is within it. 'Minutes, 1S9S, p. 28. 94 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA XVI RECENT DECLARATIONS The deliberations of a body of Christian men and their mature conchisions reflect in large measure the thought and life of the people whom they represent. . We have seen how in the early days of our histor}^ Con- gregational Nebraskans were keenly alive to all that was going on in their own midst and in the country at large. Recent declarations in the meetings of the State Associa- tion show the same characteristics. The Ashland meeting, 1889, appointed a committee, Rev. M. L. Holt, chairman, to report upon "The religious and moral condition of our army" ; originally to "cooperate with army chaplains for the better welfare of our soldiers." This committee at the Fremont meeting, 1891, reported the following, which was adopted : "To the Nebraska delegation of Honorable Senators and Representatives in the United States Congress: "Gentlemen — We, the Congregational churches and min- isters of Nebraska, in Annual State Association assembled, recognizing our obligation to the national army and navy for their moral and spiritual training and development, do most respectfully urge upon you the importance of the passage of the bill entitled 'An act to increase the number of chaplains in the army of the United States ; to define their duties and increase their efficiency.' We do, moreover, pray that a moral condition of promotion be at once established in the army and navy, whereby no man of immoral charac- ter of any rank shall be promoted over one of pnre moral character. This we do in order that everv incentive be used RECENT DFXLARATIONS 95 to encourage the army and navy to combine in an effort to remove from among- them the debasing immoral practices which to so large an extent prevail."^ \n the '90s our churches were considerably interested in the Chautauqua movement, and maintained for some years an assembly at Crete. Many have regretted that the as- semblv was ever given up. This is what was said of the movement at the Omaha meeting, 1892: "Whereas, The Chautauqua movement has proven to be strongly helpful to our churches, Sunday schools, Bible students, and Christian workers ; and "Whereas, The Crete assembly has special claims on us as a denomination, therefore "Resolved, That we commend to our ministers and churches the wisdom of promoting local training classes in harmony with the assembly work, of preaching an annual sermon in the interests of the Chautauqua endeavor, of se- curing a large attendance at the summer assembly, and of acquiring a proprietary interest by the purchase of as- sembly stock."- The Crete assembly had the reputation of presenting an- nual ]:)rograms of high order of merit ; and from the stand- point of literary, moral, and spiritual benefit was a great success. The management secured men of national reputation to lecture from its platform ; but as a financial venture it failed, and after a few years' trial was given up. It is a question well worth considering, if the time has not now come when the denomination should take up some phases of Bible study, normal training and correlated subjects in a summer assembly established at a center like Lincoln, where a larger attendance could be secured with better financial 'Minutes, 1891, pp. 11, 12. 'Minutes, 1892, p. 18. 96 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA prospects. The difficulty is in reviving an effort which has once failed for want of financial support. The association at its meeting in 1891 appointed Rev. John Power, Dr. Joseph T. Duryea, and Rev. Lewis Greg- ory a Committee on Divorce Legislation. The next year this committee made the following report, which was adopted : "To the General Association of Congregational Chnrches of Nebraska: "Your Committee on Divorce Legislation recommend that the following petition be presented to the legislature of the state of Nebraska : "'To the Honorable Legislature of the State of A'ebraska: " 'Whereas, By the law of the state no remedy is pro- vided for a deserted husband or wife within the space of two years from the date of desertion, and then only by an action for divorce ; and, " 'Whereas, Alimony, when allowed, is to be collected only as a civil debt, and consequently, in most cases, not to be collected at all ; and, " 'Whereas, Marriage, followed by immediate desertion, is the easiest method of escape for an unmarried man from the conseciuences of an action for seduction or bastardy, and has been frequently performed for that very purpose; and, " 'Whereas, A divorce may be obtained from an absent respondent where due diligence has not been used to notify such respondent that action for divorce has been com- menced ; " 'Therefore, we, the undersigned, do respectfully petition your honorable body that during your present session such Emendation of the law may be made as shall " 'First — Make desertion on the part of a married person a penal offense. RECENT DECLARATIONS 97 " 'Second — Subject a man ai^ainst whom desertion has been proven to the same conditions as one against whom bastardy has been proven. " 'Third — Give this remedy independent of any action for divorce. " 'P'ourth — Prohibit proceeding in any action for divorce until due (Hhgence has been used to bring the respondent into court. " 'And your petitioners will ever pray.' "Your committee further recommend that this petition be presented to the legislature by a delegation from this association, and that the W. C. T. U. and other associa- tions be invited to cooperate in urging the matter upon the legislature."" Some of the evils petitioned against have been removed by recent legislation, jmd desertion in some cases is made a criminal offense, and in other ways the law has been improved. Spirited resolutions are sent to the President of the United States, requesting that vigorous measures be taken to protect American citizens, and maintain the treaty rights in the Ottoman Empire.* Again "Recognizing the increased activity of the Alormon church, and the aggressiveness on the part of the polyga- mous propaganda, be it therefore "Resolved, That we hereby most respectfully call upon our United States Senators and Representatives to use their utmost endeavor to secure early action by Congress proposing an amendment to our Federal Constitution for- ever prohibiting the practice of polygamy in any place sub- ' Minutes, 1892, pp. 19, 20. * Minutes, 1896, p. 14. 7 98 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA ject to our governraental jurisdiction, and providing for the disfranchisement of those who are guilty of this crinie."^ Some years ago a plan of church union of all Protestant bodies in this country was proposed. It was called the New Jersey Plan and was considered by the Nebraska churches during 1894 and 1895, but the association came to the con- clusion that "We are unable to find a feasible way to such unity in what is known as the New Jersey Plan.'"^ The time, in the estimation of the association, had not come to agitate the question of the organic union of the Protestant bodies, but the Plan itself is of interest. The essential features of this plan are stated by Dr. A. H. Brad- ford of New Jersey in a letter dated January 6, 1905 : "The New Jersey Plan for the Union of Protestant Evangelical Churches was based on four proposals namely : I, The acceptance of the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, inspired by the Holy Spirit, as containing all things necessary to salvation, and as being the real and ulti- mate standard of Christian faith. 2, The discipleship of Jesus Christ, the Divine Lord and Savior, and the teacher of the world. 3, The Church of Christ, which is His body, whose mission it is to preach the Gospel to the world. 4, Liberty of conscience in the interpretation of the Scriptures and in the administration of the Church. "I have iiot given the proposals in the exact form in which they were originally presented, but in their substance. You will find them in the Minutes of the National Council of 1895, page 36. "Very sincerely yours, "Amory H. Bradford." The plan of churcli union in some form has, however, been kept before the Church, and the action of the National 'Minutes, 1900, p. 17. •Minutes, 1895, p. 14. KliCIiNT DliCLARATIUNS 99 Council, October, 1904, in adopting the report of the com- mittee appointed in 1901 to confer with other denomina- tions, especially the United Brethren and Methodist Prot- estants, has made this a live question, and it is possible that some kind of federation may be adopted in which these denominations, together with the Free Baptists and Con- grcgationalists, may come into much closer fellowship, and perhaps eventually mto organic union. This is for the churches of all the denominations to say. There can be no coercion. Local and state bodies are discussing it. De- nominations are coming closer together, but there are many obstacles to be overcome before organic union can be realized. The readjustment of missionary boards and church papers, of publishing houses and Sunday school lit- erature, is a tremendous undertaking ; but this is a simple ]M-obleni as compared with that of bringing the individual churches into line with the movement, and ''delivering the goods." There will doubtless be a cleavage when it is under- taken. Some United Brethren and Methodist Protestants will prefer the M. E. Church to the proposed Union Church ; some Congregationalists will prefer to remain Independent ; and so there is a danger of the proposed union of denomina- tions resulting in the organization of still another, and the weakening of those that remain. Much will depend on the skill, wisdom, and patience of the leaders in the movement. Congregational Nebraska at the Geneva meeting, 1903. unanimously adopted the following resolutions, which may be said fairly to represent the thought and desires of our churches : "Whereas, There is at the present time a movement look- ing toward a closer federation and possibly organic union of different denominations with the Congregational body; therefore lOO CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA "Resolved, That we hail hopefully the movement for a closer association with sister denominations, trusting to find in it the begmning of that consummation of Christian fel- lowship so long desired and prayed for by the Church. The end sought is worth sacrifice, and while we still cherish the constitutive principles of our order — the independence of the local church, and the fellowship of the churches — with a conviction too profound to be surrendered, we stand ready to sink personal preferences and all non-essentials of method and tradition that we may strike hands in love and labor with the voider fellowship. "Resolved, That it should be the aim of our churches to strengthen the denomination through the development of an inner life, and the application to all our work of those his- toric ideas which have left such a profound and beneficial influence upon the development of oiu" national life, as well as upon the educational and spiritual life of our churches. "Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the next National Council as a testimony of the position of our churches in the state of Nebraska."' These represent a friendly attitude toward a closer affilia- tion of Christian workers in all denominations, but em- phasize the need of the "development of an inner life, and the application to all our work of those historic ideas which have left such a profound and beneficial influence upon the development of our national life, as well as upon the educa- tional and spiritual life of our churches." Tlie same Geneva meeting in connection with the preced- ing adopted the following resolutions on the Bible Society ; Labor and Capital ; Temperance and the Observance of the Lord's Day : 'Minutes, 1903, p. 31. RECliM DliCLAKATlONS lOI "Whereas, The American Dible Society, throu.y^h its trans- lation of the Holy Scriptures into many languages and the distribution of the same in mission fields, has become an indispensaliie agenc\' in the (le\eloi)ment of our riiissionary v.'ork ; therefore l)e it "Resolved, That we heartily commend the American Bible Society to our churches as worthy their mural and financial support. ''Resolved, That it is tlie sense of this association that the Bible Society should also print the very best English version, and we therefore respectfully request that the so- ciety publish the American Revised Version of the Holy Scriptures for general distribution. "Resolved. That the state registrar be requested to send a copy of these resolutions to the officers of the Bible Society in New York. "Resolved, That without at present expressing ourselves as to the merits of the controversy between organized labor and capital, we heartily approve of the appointment by the National Council of a labor committee to inquire into the facts as to labor and its relation to capital and to the churches, and recommend the appointment by this body of a committee to cooperate with the national committee as requested. "Whereas, We recognize in the use of alcoholic liquors, and in their agent, tlie liquor traffic, after sin in the heart, the most destructive foe to the progress of the Kingdom of our Redeemer in the hearts and lives of men ; be it "Resolved, i, That we pledge ourselves to favor total abstinence on the part of individuals and total prohibition of the traffic on the part of the state and nation. "2, That working toward this we favor vigorous presen- tation of the evils of intemperance and vigorous enforce- ment of existing laws, and as rapidly as possible the enact- I02 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA ment of new restrictive measures until the traffic is wholly outlawed." "We deplore the growing laxity in the observance of the Lord's Day and urge upon our ministers and churches the necessity of recovering the reverent regard for the Lord's ]Day so valuable to family life and to the Kingdom of Christ." The Lincoln meeting, October, 1904, was alive to the inhuman treatment of the natives in the Congo valley and adopted the following resolution : "In view of charges made by responsible parties that grossest outrages are being perpetrated upon the native people of the Congo valley, reducing them in many in- stances practically to a condition of slavery, "Resolved, That the General Association of the Con- gregational Churches of Nebraska urges upon Congress a thorough investigation of the charges made against the authorities of the independent state of the Congo, to the end that if such charges are found to be true, the United States unite with other western powers to secure to the native people of the Congo the humane and just govern- ment which is their right." In all these, and in other declarations, the churches of the state show an active interest in the questions which affect not only the denomination but our common humanity as well. Congregational churches would be untrue to their historic life if they failed to keep in touch with the great movements in thought and life which characterize the pres- ent century. A new and interior state feels the throb of this vigorous life as well as those states nearer the great com- mercial centers of the country. CENTRALIZATION IO3 XVII CENTRALIZATION Interested as our churches arc in the movement looking toward a closer affiliation with other denominations, it is even more interested in the trend of thought and action in favor of a more centralized government. There has been. mucli discussion of late of some one or more phases of this question. Congregationalists "to the manner born" and those who have drunk deep of the historic spirit of the denomination will hardly surrender their freedom for a centralized gov- ernment, acting with authority and assuming legislative functions. It is the independence of the local church to conduct and manage its own affairs, subject only to the laws of fellowship, which makes pulpits in our churches so attractive to ministers in other denomina- tions. We rejoice in our independence, but we are not In- dependents ; we are Congregationalists, because we are bound together by the law of fcUoivship. We shall see how the application of this principle may work out the unification of the churches, without surrendering our first constitutive principle, the independence of the local church. It is also historically shown that our freedom has been as valuable a safeguard to the orthodox faith of the churches, colleges, and theological seminaries as the more centralized government of other denominations. On the other hand, it is felt that if, as a body of churches, we can work in closer touch with one another, we may largely increase our efficiency in the Kingdom of God. It was to secure this that Congregational Nebraska at its Geneva meeting, 1903, appointed a State Advisory I04 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA Board, which has been widely commented upon in the re- Hgious press. The board is an experiment in Nebraska CongregationaHsm, and will be continued only as it proves that it has a mission for good, a mission in harmony with the genius of our polity, in the development of a vigorous, healthful church life dominated by the dcuiocratic spirit in fcllozvsliip with the best thought and life of the churches. After a year's trial the churches at the Lincoln meeting, October, 1904, with only one dissenting vote, gave their most hearty approval of the work of the board, and en- larged its membership from three to five members. It has done mucli in helping pastorless churches to secure minis- ters ; in planning for fellowship meetings, evangelistic ser- vices, and in other v.^ays promoting Congregational interests. The board is the child of the fertile brain of the large-* hearted pastor of the First Church in Omaha, Rev. H. C. Herring, D.D. The following resolutions and explanatory statement, adopted by the association, were prepared and introduced by him, and are here given in full because of their historic value : "Resolved, i, That there be appointed by this associa- tion two of its number who, with the State Superintendent of Missions, shall constitute a body to be known as the State Advisory ]]oard ; one of the two named to be chosen for one year and one for two years, and hereafter one to be chosen each year for a term of two years. "2, That this board be instructed to associate with itself at its discretion, and as may be arranged with the Home Mission Board, the General Missionary of the state in order that his work may be coordinated with its own. "3, That this board be charged with the duty of aiding the churches of the state in their work in all ways within its power, so far as they are willing to accept such aid. CKNTRxVLIZATION 1 05 Especially is it charged to seek to he helpful to the churches in the following- particulars : "a. The promotion of evangelistic effort through the services of the general missionary, through the introduction of other evangelists in whom it has confidence, and through the culti\-ati(in of the e\angelistic spirit. "b. The settlement of pastors hy placing at the disposal (^t vacant churches the information it may possess or may (jhtain concerning ai>plicants, by seeking to bring good men into the state, and by endeavoring through personal con- ference to guide the churches in wise methods of seeking pastors. "c. The strengthening of weak fields through the con- centration of workers in them for brief periods. "(/. The investigation of eligible localities and the de- velopment of Congregational churches there when feasible. "c. The cultivation of systematic and effective methods of missionary giving among the churches. "/• The promotion of the circulation of our denomina- tional literature among the churches. ".ij". The furthering of tmion locally between our churches and the Methodist Protestant and I'^nited brethren churches wherever it may seem desirable. "4, The itiembers of this board shall be chosen by ballot from six names to be submitted b\- the nominating com- mittee. In subsequent years the number submitted shall be three, from whom one shall be chosen. ''ex pla n atorv statem ent "The aim of the accompanying resoltitions is five-fold : "i. To secure for the .State Association a continuous executive agency, speaking with such authority as is com- patible with our independent polity. There would thus come to be in tiiiie a consciousness amont'" the churches that our I06 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA work has a unity and coherence of which they are largely unconscious now. "2. To secure a definite instrumentality for furthering the lines of eft'ort mentioned in the resolution, such further- ance being made possible by the fact that two of the board give their whole time to the work and the other two con- stant oversight and counsel and it is expected some measure of personal activity. "3. To reinforce the home mission superintendent in all the relations which he now sustains to the home missionary churches, and to extend the same relationship of advisory helpfulness to the self-supporting churches. "4. To protect the churches against unworthy ministers and evangelists and to attract worthy men to the state. "5. To promote the organizations of Congregational churches in the many promising fields now open to us throughout the state. "The reasons for the existence of such a board are three- fold: "i. The acknowledged weakness of our churches in all enterprises calling for united efifort and the frequent laxness with which the afifairs of the local church are managed. '■2. The fact that in our whole state system there is but one common and continuous meeting point for the churches, viz., the home mission superintendent, and he, of course, is unrelated to the self-supporting churches and can not possibly compass much beyond the routine duties which de- mand attention in connection with the churches under his care. "3. The fact that the value of an advisory or executive agency is in proportion to its permanence and prominence before the eyes of the churches. "For this reason the resolutions suggest that the functions of the Evangelistic and the Benevolence Committee be con- CENTRALIZATION IO7 ceiitratcd in this committee in connection with its other duties. It is hoped that an agency such as this might in process of time exercise an important influence in l)ringing our state to self-support."^ In adopting this measure the General Association ap- pointed as members of the Advisory Board: Rev. H. C. Herring, D.D., Rev. J. W. Cowan, D.D., and Supt. H. Bross, D.D. The following year Rev. G. W. Mitchell and Rev. V. F. Clark were elected additional members. The work of the board will be watched with growing interest by the churches. There are those who think that in this board, or some development of it, we have the happy solu- tion of the more "centralized government" which some be- lieve is necessary to the vigorous prosecution of our church work. It is the "Nebraska Idea." How far it may enter into the life of the churches in other states remains to be seen. It will be noted that this is an effort to unify the churches and secure greater efficiency along the line of a command- ing fellowship, and not through a legislative body with au- thority over the churches. It is doubtful if we ever go beyond this. And whatever centralization the churches may sanction will be along Congregational, not Presbyterial nor Episcopal lines. ECCLESIASTICAL .STANDING The development of the constitutive principle of fellow- ship has placed an emphasis on the ecclesiastical standing of churches and ministers in the association of churches. This is thoroughly Congregational. A church can not organize itself, call whomsoever it will as pastor regardless of moral and doctrinal fitness, and then say "We are a Congregational church, and our pastor is a ' Minutes, 1903, pp. 8-10. H. C. Herring, D.D. J. W. Cowan, D.D. Rev. G. W. Mitchell Rev. V. F. Clark MEMBERS OF THE ADN^ISORY BOARD H. C. Herring, D.D., Chairman CENTRALIZATIDN IO9 C'oni;regalii)nal ])aslor ami inusl ]k- received as sueli." iL inav he an liulependcnt church and its pastor an Independ- ent minister, but neither church nor minister can lay claim to the name Congregational until recognized by a Congre- gational council, or received into a Congregational associa- tion which is responsible for the standing of both church and minister. The old idea of ministerial standing in the local church is a relic of independienc_v zvithout fellowship. Modern Con- gregationalisiu has long since repudiated it, and the western churches have been among the foremost in pushing forward this development of Congregationalism, holding in even bal- ance its two constitutive principles, the independence of the local church in the management of its own affairs, and the fellowship of the churches in a united body — the denomina- tion. Any future centralization in government of the de- nomination must continue to lioUi in cz'cn balance these tzco constitutive principles if our churches remain Congrega- tional. There is no indication that Congregational Nebraska is ready to renounce its birthright and disown its inheritance. EVANGELI.SM But there are tokens of a vigorous denominational life, a truly Congregational life. The action of the recent Na- tional Council at Des Moines in creating a Committee on Evangelism, representative in ever\' way, earnest and de- voted, a committee who mean business, is already sending a purer blood through our denominational veins, and with the development of a new spiritual life there is coming also into our churches a strong Congregational consciousness, which indicates a more rapid growth in churches and a commanding influence in the management and life of our great missionary societies and institutions of learning — the congregational academies, colleges, and theological seminaries. no CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA XVIII THE OUTLOOK At the Geneva meeting Superintendent Bross in his an- nual report makes mention of the fact that the Nebraska State Missionary Society had ahiiost reached its majority, which to-day it boasts, in the following- words : "twenty YEARS "This is the twentieth anniversary of our Home Mission- ary Society. The history of the years has much to show of progress. Then we had a membership of 4,042, now 16,005 - then our home expenses were $45,248, now $150,030; then we raised for our benevolences $8,723, now $19,479. While then we had nominally 147 churches, many of them were so only in name, and even their names have since dis- appeared. Only seventy-seven of our present 205 churches had then been organized. We often mourn over our lost churches, and in many cases we ought not only to weep but to humble ourselves in dust and ashes that we forsook them in the time of their dire extremity ; but it is worth remember- ing that the total membership of the churches whose names have disappeared from that list of twenty years ago amounts to only 453, only four or five of them having a membership above twenty. "NEW FEATURES "Three features of the work of the past year I wish to emphasize, viz. : the Lincoln Convocation, the advent of the Yale Band, the efiforts of the board to take advantage of this occasion to increase the volume of our work. 112 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA "The Lincoln Convocation [presided over by Hon. C. B. Anderson of Crete] March 23, brought together many representatives from dififerent parts of the state and gave utterance to the deep conviction on the part of many that we need an awakening interest in our Congregational ranks. Dr. Herring evidently interpreted the feeling when he said : 'I am oppressed with the sense of the weakness of our Congregational Zion.' "For a whole day, from 8 :oo o'clock in the morning until 9 :oo in the evening, the convocation faced the question of ways and means for an advance along the line. Prayer and conference, addresses and resolutions, the best wisdom and concentrated attention in committee meetings combined to make the day memorable in our Congregational history. The publication in the Congregational News of April of Dr. Herring's strong address and the resolutions adopted brought the message of the meeting into many of our homes. The paper ought to have gone into many more homes. "Among the resolutions adopted was the following: Tn our judgment the time has come to set a higher standard for our missionary gifts. Especially in the matter of home missionary offerings do we feel that our 15,000 members ought not to attempt to raise less than $10,000 per year, nor to be satisfied to fall short of it.' This certainly struck a high note, none too high, for our home missionary gifts. The meeting also expressed the conviction that in view of the great need of laborers, the superintendent should visit eastern seminaries and appeal to the young men to come to the rescue. Upon reporting this matter to New York it struck a responsive chord there, and Secretary Choate, with- out waiting to write, wired the superintendent at once ad- vising the Ansit. . . . "It has been felt by the board and the superintendent that the coming of this band in connection with the utter- THE OUTLOOK I I3 anccs of the Lincoln Convocation ought to mark the begin- ning of better things in the tlevelopment of our work. Evi- dently we ought to be moving more rapidly toward the goal of self-support. In the hard-time years we could not press forward with much momentum. We have outgrown hard- time conditions. It is amazing to witness the recuperative power of our great state. Churches in eastern Nebraska that have almost reached self-support need to make the ad- ditional effort to complete the work. ■'But especially do we need to bestir ourselves for in- creased contributions. With this fact in view, the board has given much time of late to this aspect of the work. The sessions have not been simply to pass upon applications but to advance the interests of our Congregational Zion. One result of these deliberations has been the publication in a red-letter circular of a statement and an appeal to the churches for the raising of $8,000 the present year. Enough of these have been prepared to circulate among our fam- ilies, or at least in groups of families. This is a red-letter edition, and it is hoped that pastors will make free use of them in connection with their annual collection. Take sam- ples of them to your homes. The other is along a different line and I can not use three minutes of your time to better advantage than to read it. "the christian stewardship ijand "Dear Friend — In view of the abundant means now in the hands of Congregational Christians in Nebraska, many of the more conscientious are seriously asking the question whether it is right for us to look to eastern givers — many of whom are less able than we — to provide two-thirds of the financial help needed for the home missionary work in our state, when the Lord has placed in our hands ample means for this work if we are willing to use it in any way. 8 114 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA A movement is therefore on foot to band together such as recognize the claims of Christian stewardship, for the pur- pose of doing more thoroughly our fair share of this im- portant work within our own state. Recognizing the fact that the amount received from church collections is not suf- ficient for these important lines of Christian work, many persons in the East contribute annually, as individuals, to the work, because they firmly believe that no agency is as FALLS OF THE NORTH LOUP RIN'ER well fitted to strengthen and develop the institutions of free- dom inherited from our Pilgrim forefathers as are the churches and Sunday schools, and that these should be planted and kept actively at work in each local community. Many in Nebraska share in these convictions, and to such this letter is addressed. "Out of over 16,000 Congregational Christians in the state it is believed that from 300 to 500 at least can be found who are able and who will be willing to contribute in sums THE OUTLOOK II5 of $10, $25, $50, or $100 a year for this specific work in addition to' what is usually given in connection with the annual church offering. In this way it is hoped at least $5,000 additional can be raised for this work. At present, of the $12,000 and more of home missionary money used in the state, the Nebraska givers furnish less than $5,000. The Christian Stewardship Rand is a recognition that this sum is no fair proportion of the abundance with which the Lord has blessed us and is an effort to organize a 'band whose hearts God hath touched,' to the end that Christ's work may receive the same businesslike attention which is given the less important secular enterprises of the state. "If this movement meets your approval and you are will- ing to join us in it, please fill out the enclosed pledge form for such sum as you are willing to invest in the work and forward it to Supt. H. Rross. D.D.. Lincoln, Nebraska. DO IT NOW. "Yours in the Master's service, "S. I. Han FORD, "W. A. Selleck, "H. Bross, 'Tommiftcc."'- At the Geneva meeting steps were taken looking toward the incorporation of the Nebraska Home Missionary So-' ciety. This was accomplished a year later at the Lincoln meeting, and the Nebraska Home Missionary Society is now a corporate body, and is looking forward to the near fu- ture, when it shall be independent of the National Congre- gational Home INlissionary Society and administer its own funds, commission its own missionaries, and be able, through the C. H. M. Society so long its foster mother, to do something for "the regions beyond." 'Minutes, 1903, pp. 44-47. Il6 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA In incorporating, the society elected the following officers : President John E. Tuttle, D.D., Lincoln; Secretary Rev. A. E. Ricker, Aurora ; Treasurer Rev. Lewis Gregory, Lin- coln. Board of Directors : Prof. A. C. Hart, Franklin ; W. A. Selleck, Lincoln ; Rev. J. D. Stewart, Aurora ; Rev. S. L Hanford, Weeping Water; M. A. Bullock, D.D., Lin- coln; Rev. George E. Taylor, Pierce; Rev. A. E. Ricker, Aurora ; Supt. C. H. M. S. for Nebraska Harmon Bross, D.D., Lincoln. Officers of the board: M. A. Bullock, D.D., chairman; Rev. George E. Taylor, secretary. Before, however, the State Home Missionary Society can become self-supporting there will have to be a vigorous growth of the feeling of responsibility for our home mis- sionary work on the part of our churches. Our contribu- tions will have to be increased three-fold before we can as- sume self-support, and four-fold before we can do an ag- gressive work in the state. The society awaits the response of the churches. The society has secured the help of Rev. N. L. Packard as general m.issionary and he entered upon the work November i, 1904. He combines evangelistic work with that of caring for pastorless churches, and great good is expected from his labors in the state. PHASES OF CHURCH GROWTH 117 XIX PHASES OF CHURCH GROWTH We have noted in a general way the growth of our churches throughout the state "beginning at Jerusalem," REV. CHARLES LITTLE First pastor First Congregational Church, Lincohi, 1867 in this case Omaha; seeing the little church organized by Father Gaylord growing in strength and numbers, sending ii8 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA colonies here and there in the rapidly growing city until our Congregational Zion numbers in that city eight churches. We have seen Fremont become a strong and leading church under the successive pastorates of able men. We have noted the increase in the number of churches and men, but have felt constrained rapidly to pass by the development of church life in various places. A chapter devoted to some phases of church life in differ- ent parts of the state may be of positive value. Especially is this true since the writer has been able to call to his aid FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, LINCOLN, 1868 the help of men who were on the field and entered largely into the work concerning which they write. It is a source of great gratification to the writer that these busy men have been willing to take the time to give this valuable service to the churches. The first to respond is Rev. Lewis Gregory, who for twenty-three years was pastor of the First Congregational Church in Lincoln, and is now president of the American Savings bank in that city. Mr. Gregory writes of CONGREGATIONALISM IN LINCOLN "Congregationalism in Nebraska was ten years old and had ten churches when it began regular services in Lancas- ter countv. This was one of the least settled of the eastern PHASES OF CHURCH GROWTH 119 eounties. Only 116 votes were polled in the county at an exciting- election in 1866. A county seat, the present site of Lincoln, was laid off in 1864 and named Lancaster. "Rev. E. C. Taylor preached here occasionally as an out- station of Greenwood. In August, 1866, a little church of FIRST CONGREGATIOXAL CHURCH, LINCOLN, I905. Cut loaned by the I^incoln business College six members was organized. This is the oldest existing church in Lincoln. The minutes of the council state that there were then seven buildings in the town, viz., a school- house, a store, a blacksmith shop, and four dwellings. In the follow^ing summer it was decided to locate the state capital here, and call the town Lincoln. In December of I20 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA the same year (1867) Rev. Charles Little, having been chosen pastor of the Congregational Church, set about se- curing for it a meeting-house. This was erected in 1868 at a cost of $2,778, and Vv^as the first permanent building dedi- cated to the worship of God in Lincoln. REV. LEWIS GREGORY ' "For a few years there was an ecclesiastical society con- nected with the church, after the old New England fashion, but was discontinued in 1873. After an arduous and self- sacrificing pastorate Mr. Little resigned in 1870, leaving a church of thirty-four members. Mr. Little afterward re- turned to Lincoln, where he and his wife are buried. "His successors. Rev. L. B. Fifield and Rev. S. R. Dim- mock, were men of scholarly ability and oratorical gifts. PHASES OF CHURCH GROWTH 121 Considerable additions were made to the churcli, but there was so much going as well as coming that the residue was small. However, the congregation of strangers kept in- creasing. The church building was enlarged and mortgaged. "B}' act of the state legislature of 1869 lots were given to churches erecting buildings within two years. As a con- sequence there was an unfortunate division of effort and multiplication of church edifices. All the parishes were in debt; religious interest declined. When Mr. Dimmock re- signed in 1875 there were only about fifty active members on the roll. "The church seriously considered whether it was not best to disband. In the good old Congregational way they called a council to advise on the matter. The council dis- couraged the idea of disbanding, and the church decided to go forward. "The failure to ask advice, and the mistake of looking only on the surface for the results of the first hard years of pioneering have wrecked many Nebraska churches. They abandon the foundations laid, and leave the good seed sown in tears, when onl}- a little more persistence and patience are necessary to justify the years of labor seemingly spent in vain. Later in the same year (1875) a call was ex- tended to Rev. Lewis Gregory who continued in the pastor- ate twenty-three years. He was succeeded in 1898 by Rev. W. H. Manss, followed in 1903 by Rev. J. E. Tuttle. D.D., the present minister. "These thirty years have witnessed a steady growth. The church is now the largest of our order in the state. It shares with its seven sister churches of our order in the city, with their united membership of 1,773. the honor of contributing largely to the religious life of Lincoln and Nebraska. 122 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA "It is to the credit of our denominational fellowship that none of these churches, Lincoln First, Plymouth, First German, Vine Street, Butler Avenue, Swedish, Zion, and wSalem, sprang out of dissension or rivalry. Each, with the approval of all, is located in a distinct parish in centers of influence. Each has been established in turn to meet the growing- iieeds of population and the general interests of Christ's Kingdom. ''The history of the German churches of Lincoln is of special interest. The largest German church of our order is located in Lincoln. More German Congregationalists are here than in any other city of our country. The origin of this work in 1889 came of the helping hand extended by the Congregationalists of the city in suggesting and contribut- ing to a place of worship for the German people coming here, poor but thrifty, to escape the exactions of Russian despotism. Li the way of sympathy, advice, and little courtesies, mutual good will has grown until in apprecia- tion of its liberty and fellowship Congregationalism has no more loyal children than our German brethren of Lincoln." It may be added that Mr. Gregory's characteristic mod- esty prevented him from saying how large a factor he him- self was in building up the First Church, erecting its present attractive church building, establishing the other Congre- gational churches, and in helping our German brethren to see in our church polity the freedom for which they had hungered when in their German villages in Russia. Whole villages of these Russo-Germans emigrated in a body from Russia to Nebraska. A people intensely religious and de- voted, liberty loving, and loyal, they soon found in our fellowship a congenial church home. We nov/ have German churches in Alliance, Butte, Crete, Deweese, Friend, Germantown, Guide Rock. Hallam, Hast- ings, Hayes County, Inland, Lincoln, McCook, Napier, PHASES OP CHURCH GROWTH 123 Omaha. l''rinccton, Stoclcham, Superior, Sutton, Timlier Creek, and Turkey Creek. The church at Crete, organized in 1876, is the oldest, and \n that town for some years was located the German Pro- REV. WILLIAM .SUESS, CRETE Seminary which for a time had a loose connection with Doane College. This' pro-seminary, designed to prepare students for the German department of Chicago Theolog- ical Seminary, was transferred to Wilton Junction, Iowa, and became the Wilton German-English College in Septem- 124 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA ber, 1894, the Wilton Congregational Academy, with two brick buildings and several acres of land, being turned over by its trustees to the German brethren for this purpose. In September, 1904, the Wilton school was consolidated with Redfield College, South Dakota, and the property in Wilton was disposed of for about $4,500 in favor of the town, and the sum applied on indebtedness. The location of Redfield College is near the territory from which a large number of German students come, and the change is thought to be desirable in every way. Rev. F. C. F. Scherff of Minden, Iowa, writes ■} "The new articles of incorporation of Redfield College provide a full German course for German theological stu- dents. It is believed that the college under the new condi- tions will have more sympathy and financial aid from the German churches. Prof. H. Seil has been elected presi- dent." This digression has come naturally through following out the history of a Nebraska institution, sprung from our German work, a large part of which is in the city of Lincoln. CONGREGATIONALISM IN THE ELKHORN VALLEY Col. S. S. Cotton of Norfolk has kindly furnished the following account of church life in the Elkhorn valley : "Until the year 1867, the Elkhorn valley was uninhabited by white people. Only Indians roamed over it in search of game, or interchanging visits among the dififerent tribes. This v/as a part of the country considered by eastern peo- ple to be 'the great American desert.' "It was Albert D. Richardson who, perhaps half a century ago, traveled through this country in company with Horace 'Letter, August S, 1904. PHASES OF CHURCH GROWTH I 25 (Ircclcv and published a work, 'i]c\ond the Mississippi/ and gave a faint idea of its wonderful possibilities, its vast commercial, mining, and agricultural resources. What he prophesied as possibilities then are realities now. COLONEL S. S. COTTON "With the march of progress, the mission church has held a foremost place. P'rom the beginning until now, Norfolk Church has been a center to which the younger churches have looked for inspiration and help. "Col. Charles Mathevvson, the main founder of the Nor- folk Church, was a man eminently fitted to be a leader in this work of beginnings. He was clear headed, with a 126 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA great heart fttll of sympathy for everything looking to the upbuilding of church life. A royal welcome to his home always awaited the workers in the little sister churches. They could not fail to catch encouragement from his genial, hopeful nature and inspiring advice. COLONEL CHARLES MATHEWSON "The Norfolk Church had its beginning with the settle- ment of the town. In the summer of 1869 Colonel Mathew- son, with his family, located in Norfolk, building a flouring mill and the first house. His birthplace was Pomfret, Con- necticut, a town noted in history as the home of the Revolu- tionary patriot, General Putnam. Geo. Scott. D.D. Rev. M. B. Harrison Rev. J. W. Kidder Rev. Geo. E. Taylor 128 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA "Religious meetings were frequently held in the Mathew- son home, but in 1871 it was decided to organize a church Knd erect a church building. When this was known in Pomfret, $200 was forwarded from the friends there as a greeting to the Norfolk organization. I have the names of the donors in my possession — thirty-four in number. All but five have joined the Church Triumphant. Of the five, two are now living in Norfolk, enjoying the benefit of that early benevolence. "In all $900 was raised for the church building. The Congregational Union added $500 more. In May, 1871, a church was organized with ten members : Rev. J. W. Kid- der, from Michigan, was called to the work. He continued his services until 1878, when he was succeeded by Rev. M. H. Mead, who in turn resigned May, 1881. In February, 1882, Mr. Spencer was called as pastor and remained three years. During these pastorates, a period of fifteen years, the church was fostered by the Home Missionary Society. "At its organization and for several years afterward this was the extreme frontier church in northern Nebraska of any English speaking denomination, and the only Congre- gational church west and north of Fremont, except the one^ at Columbus. "In 1885 the town had grown so much that our little church seemed about to be crowded out by the business blocks, which were approaching very near, and the building was too small for the growing audiences, so a beautiful church was erected upon new lots in the residence part of tov/n. "Rev. J. J. Parker of New York was called to the work. His coming had almost the touch of romance. Some one had heard of Mr. Parker in a roundabout way. The clerk of the church wrote, inviting him to come and preach four Sundays, and if there was mutual satisfaction he was to PHASES OP CHURCH GROWTH 1 29 become the pastor ot the church ; otherwise he was to return to New York. A distance of 1,000 miles to travel, unacquainted wnth a single person in the town, $30 for re- muneration — it took a brave man to accept such conditions, but it was done to the lasting satisfaction of all parties. Some men are born preachers. This was Mr. Parker's good fortune. Sixteen years this pastorate continued, with strengthening affection between pastor and people. It has mau\- times been said that during this period Mr. Parker never preached a poor sermon. '"A temperament capable of preaching with great earnest- ness and fire must sometimes flame. If this was so with Mr. Parker, we must recall the words of President Roosevelt, 'The only man who never makes a mistake is the man who never does anything.' Norfolk Church and the name Parker will g'o down the years together. "August 5, 1899, ^ great grief came to Mr. Parker and the church in the death of Mrs. Parker. The mother of ten children, she was of necessity a home keeper, but no 'servant question' troubled her, for she took care of her own family, yet foimd time and strength for all the devo- tional meetings. Mrs. Parker was a woman of calm, sweet nature and great spirituality. The uplifting power of her prayers will always remain as a benediction upon this church. 'T think every one present at a State Association in Nor- folk will recall Mrs. Parkers coming forward, holding her baby boy, and saying, 'I have not silver nor gold, but I give this baby boy to the Lord, and to His service.' Who can estimate the meaning of such a gift? Perhaps the sainted mother can. "Rev. W. J. Turner was called to the church in 1902 and is still the pastor. He preaches good sermons, is of sweet spirit and fine social nature. The church prospers under his influence in all departments of its activity. The mem- 9 130 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA bership now numbers more than two hundred. The church has had its vicissitudes, but out of small numbers and weak- ness and poverty it has arisen, strong and vigorous, to do valiant service for the Master. "Every little town in the Elkhorn valley wanted a church. It was needed as a check to lawlessness, and as an induce- ment for respectable citizens to settle. This idea was illus- trated in a neighboring town. The citizens wanted a church. There was not a church member among them. Not one had attended church enough to be interested in any particu- lar organization. They decided to take bids from the differ- ent societies. The Congregationalists oft'ered the most inducements. "In the early times home missionaries often passed through Norfolk, as it was a railroad center. Many times it was convenient for them to stay over a day or two. A large corner room was always ready for them in our home, and one of our greatest privileges was the entertain- ment of these heroic pioneers. "Chief among them, and counselor for them all, was the Rev. Dr. Bross, General Missionary, and afterward Superin- tendent of Home Missions. He was many times an honored guest in our home, but never for long. It was always 'move on.' I well remember one Sabbath. The Doctor told a most eloquent story of his work in our church in the morning. He was due at Pierce in the evening. At noon a blizzard began. Snow falling fast ; wind blowing faster still. Unavailing were all entreaties to prevent his ventur- ing on the perilous drive of twelve miles. His faithful wife insisted on keeping him company. The Lord needed them for future work, and they arrived safely. Where is the ro- mance to liome.missions ? "Many interesting experiences were related by these visitors in our homes. One missionary said, T shall never PHASES OF CHURCH GROWTH I3I forget the day ihat fixed our choice on this work. My hus- hand came in with two letters. One contained an offer of a home missionary church in Neljraska with a salary of $700 ; the other an invitation to a church in a pleasant east- ern town with $1,400 salary. He looked at me, "Which shall it be?" he questioned. I answered, "You say," and he did. It was to go to the frontier on $700 a year.' Then she spoke of some of their hardships. One winter the roads were all blocked, and very little fuel could be bought. Tiiey shared what they had stored with others. When all was exhausted, the mother and two children went to bed to keep from freezing. They stayed there one week, not knowing but it might be a month; then relief came. One day, she said, her husband dug down eight feet and hauled out five sticks. She said, T cried when he gave a neighbor two.' "Another missionary told of work in a little mountain town, where even the saloon-keepers closed up and attended church. In the same town were men living in tents, who baked cakes and sent them to a children's entertainment. "A pleasing incident comes to mind in connection with Green Island (now Aten) Church. In 1879 a niece of Colonel IMathewson was teaching in the Pomfret, Connecti- cut, Sunday school. She had a class of well-grown boys, restless, eager, young fellows, and, anxious to interest them in home missions, she conceived the idea to have them raise money to buy a bell for the little church at Green Island. The boys entered with enthusiasm into the plan, and soon the bell was pealing forth on the little mission church. Later the Lord called this teacher into His higher service. The boys scattered and entered life's work. In 1882, the year of great floods, I one day read in the paper that Green Island was entirely swept away by an ice gorge in the Mis- souri. The church was seen floating down the river, the bell ringing. Instantly there came to mind the bright class of 132 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA boys, the devoted teacher, the ringing of their bell drowned by the roaring water of the Missouri. Was its mission ended ? Or will its tones echo down the ages, kept in tune by those who know the story — by the seed sown in the hearts of young manhood in their first effort for home missions ? ''Do we not sow sometimes better than we know ? A little seed dropped here and there. Only the Master Gardener can tell of the harvest. What encouragement for weary workers ! If the outcome of their working, watching, wait- ing was only what their eyes could see, they might well be faint-hearted. But with the Master's touch upon it all, and all effort is in vain without it, how can these heroic workers be cast down? '"The work grows so gradually. Its magnitude can hardly be realized except as we pause and take in the retrospect. Thirty years ago, how few the churches in all this region of country ! How bare and unadorned they were ! How small the congregations ! With what struggling they main- tained the preaching! Now, dotting the landscape every- where, are beautiful houses of worship, with earnest and increasing memberships. "And let it not for one moment be forgotten that the home missionary and the church building societies are the parents of them all. They have all been helped into exist- ence, and sustained until strong enough to stand alone, by these societies. "The dear little church on the prairie ! If all the boards could speak, what a story they would tell of the dollars that nailed them there ! But the record is not lost. God has the story written dovi^n in His own book. All the consecration, all the self-denial that has planted His houses is put down in letters that time can never blot out." Rev. W. S. Hampton Prin. A. C. Hart Rev. R. S. Pierce Prin. F. C. Taylor 134 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA Colonel Cotton in this attractive story of church life speaks as a pioneer who has witnessed the development from the beginning. One riding to-day through the Elkhorn valley thickly covered with beautiful and productive farms, with good houses and barns, thriving towns here and there, can hardly realize that a little more than a generation ago this was virgin soil, the home of the Indian and hunter, where occasionally the buffalo might be seen. Now it is one of the richest portions of the state, and in these prosper- ous towns and settlements Congregationalism has taken deep root, has already a history which is the prophecy of a bright future of service in the Kingdom. CONGREGATIONALISM IN THE REPUBLICAN VALLEY The Republican valley is known for its rich alfalfa fields. It is a veritable garden spot. A good alfalfa farm in this valley is a fortune. The tov/ns are not large, but are well located to accommodate the settlers. In this valley Franklin Academy, which is doing such noble service, is located. Congregationalism, as well as alfalfa, has here found con- genial soil. Two men, Rev. W. S. Hampton and Rev. George E. Taylor, commissioned as general missionaries, had a large share in laying the foundations of Congrega- tionalism in southwestern Nebraska. They have kindly con- sented to tell in brief something of their work. Rev. W. S. Hampton writes : "In April, 1880, I was commissioned as General Mission- ary for southwest Nebraska. West of Franklin county there w"ere very few people who had been resident more than two years except along the streams. The country was filling rapidly v/ith homesteaders and small tradesmen in the growing towns. The railroad was just completed to Indianola. The Texas cattle trail entered the state near where the Driftwood creek crosses the state line. Culbert- PIIASFS 0|- (IIURCII GROWTH 135 SOU was IIk' objective point for al! cattlemen for that region. Thousanils of cattle were driven across the valley annually on their way to the ranches of the big cattlemen of Ne- braska, Wyoming-, and the regions farther north. A church organized on the Driftwood not far from the trail was scattered to the four winds by the severe drouth and the sharp hoofs of the cattle. I have seen a large herd turned aside from the old trail to trample out the scant crop of a poor homesteader. The homesteaders would ruin the busi- ness of the cattle king. The prairies were covered with cattle. At the spring round-up a large number of cowboys were in town. A stranger just arrived with broadcloth suit, polished boots, a gold headed cane, and a shining silk hat. Offended at the conduct of some of the cowboys he re- buked them. Soon after, when crossing the street, he was surprised by the crack of a revolver, the whiz of a bullet and a little cloud of dust at his feet. This was followed by another, and still others from different directions, keeping him jumping to escape the bullet striking at his feet, until almost breathless, hatless, and covered with perspiration and dust he was given a rest. He purchased a new hat, hired a livery team to drive to Tndianola, vowing that he had enough of the cattle business. "Better listeners I never had than those same cowboys. I preached the first sermon ever preached in the village of Cambridge in early May, tS8o. The only building avail- able was an imfinished store building. I obtained permis- sion to use it for Sunday services. Saturday evening after the men had finished their day's work, with coat off and broom in hand. 1 was doing my best to get it ready for next morning. I was reinforced by a young man engaged in Sunday school missionary work who was also looking for a place to hold service and organize a Sunday school. He introduced himself as X. D. Hillis, and wished to secure 136 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA the use of the building. A few words of explanation re- sulted in his taking- oft his coat and assisting in arranging seats as best we could with boxes, nail kegs, and boards. I preached the next morning, and N. D. Hillis in the evening. At that time I believe I could preach as well as he. He is now pastor of Pl3mouth Church, Brooklyn. "My next service in Cambridge was in an unfinished blacksmith shop with roof partly shingled, dirt floor, and improvised seats as before. For the winter we used the 'barracks,' as the building was called. It was three stones long, the west sod, the center log', and the east boards, all on the ground. We occupied the log story. It had been used for a dwelling, and sometimes called a hotel. All the inhabitants had not moved out. The warm spring days seemed to bring them forth, and their gamboling up and down the walls and elsewhere compelled us to seek other quarters. A frame building was secured for a school house, and we used that until better accommodations could be had. "I preached the first sermon in Oxford in an unfinished store building. The next time I was there the services were held in a grove where a platform had been erected for Fourth of July celebration. We used that until cold weather forbade. We then accepted the ofifer of a Mr. Mugg of the space between the counters of his drug store, which we used till spring. Mr. Mugg furnished fuel and seats. "I preached in sod dwelling houses, in dugouts and in the open air, wherever there was need and people could be gathered together. ''At one place we found a novel Sunday school. Chris- tians were scarce, but the people wanted a school. Several men, only one of them claiming to be a Christian, agreed to superintend one month each, thus distributing the burden. It was a success. We now have a Congregational church in the town. I think N. D. Hillis assisted the school when REV. HENRY BxVTES 138 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA on his way up the valley. I do not know that the plan was his. "When Franklin was first seen by nie there were three buildings on the. present town site, a dugoiit, a log cabin, and a small frame building unoccupied. I preached there in October, 1880, in a schoolhouse, part dugout and part log, with sod roof. In company with Rev. J. M. Strong I took dinner at the home of A. E. Rice, now of Hillsboro, Oregon, Our conversation drifted naturally to the subject of Christian education. Mr. Rice w^as anxious to give his children as good an education as possible. He was ac- quainted with the history and work of Denmark Academy, Iowa. The need of an academy for the Republican valley was considered, and from that time plans were thought out which resulted in Franklin Academy. My plans were for the institution to be further west in the valley, but I was content with the location, as at the time that seemed best. Everywhere I went parents were discussing the educational problem. Young people were anxious to have better ad- vantages than the sod schoolhouse afforded. It was not strange that the first term of Franklin Academy opened with fifty-five students. "My experiences during my work as general missionary were an inspiration to me. The strong faith of the people In the possibilities of the valle}', and their determination to win victory out of every seeming defeat were worthy the heroes of any age. The gracious revival in Franklin in January, 1882, followed by constant revival in the Academy, the campaign of Mrs. S. M. I. Henry at Riverton, Alma, Bloomington, Franklin, and Red Cloud in the winter of 1884-85, have left their impress upon all that region, and have reached to far distant places through the immigration of converts. "These seasons of spiritual refreshing haA-e been among the most precious remembrances of my life." W^: REV. S. C. DEAN 140 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA Rev. George E. Taylor writes as follows :* "The year 1880 was notable in the development of south- western Nebraska. The region was reviving after the pro- longed drouth that had discouraged all but the most per- sistent of the early settlers. The B. & M. railroad was extending its line up the Republican valley. The flickering churches at Guide Rock, Red Cloud, Riverton, and Franklin were being fanned to increased ardor under the new leader- ship of Rev. George Bent at Red Cloud, and Rev. J. M. vStrong at Riverton. '"At the uttermost frontier in Red Willow county, the venerable Amos Dresser was heroically at work. In the north part of Franklin county a little church had gathered about that herculean Vermonter, the Rev. S. N. Grout, 'hold- ing down' a homestead at Macon. In the spring of 1880 Rev. W. S. Hampton of Arborville was commissioned for general missionary work in the Republican valley with head- quarters at Cambridge. During the year eight churches were organized, mostly under his care. "In the northwest corner of Franklin county Amos N. Dean was one of the sod house dwellers. In his Iowa home he had served as county superintendent of schools, also as an elder in the Presbyterian church. In his new prairie home he was an efficient teacher in Sunday school. With no minister in the region he could not resist the call to unfold the Word of God to the congregations which crowded the schoolhouses at Freewater and Morning Star. Churches were soon formed at both these points. Mr. Dean, well passed his fiftieth year, responded to the invitation of the two churches to become their pastor, and was ordained by council. In 1881 Mr. Dean was called to Cambridge, where for nearly ten years he was a beloved and efifective pastor and an esteemed brother and father in the association. PHASES OF CHURCH GROWTH I4I "In the autumn of 1880 some seventeen churches united in forming" the RepubHcan Valley Association of Congrega- tional Churches. Early in 1881 the association founded Franklin .\cademy. P'rom the first this school has been a loved and loving child of the churches, a bond of fellowship, a force for spiritual and intellectual life. The men who have wrought themselves into tlie school are those who have most effectually built up the Kingdom of Christ from Hastings and Red Cloud to the Colorado line. "Rev. Amos Dresser, then pastor at Indianola, prayed, toiled, and won for the academy a constituency extending to the eastern seaboard. Rev. W. S. Hampton relinquished the pastorate of six frontier churches to become the first principal. Rev. C. S. Harrison, pastor at York, assisted Republican valley pastors in evangelistic work and gave tremendous impulse to the academy movement. Later, in 1884, Mr. Harrison accepted the call of the Franklin church to become its pastor. As pastor of the church and 'father of the academy,' he toiled with masterful efficiency till 1892, when he devoted himself to the wider academy interests. "Mr. Harrison was succeeded by Rev. G. W. Mitchell, less massive in form but mighty in faith, love, and capacity for effective work. As pastor, as chairman of academy trustees, as member of association, he made his impress on every church and on nearly every Congregational house- hold in southwestern Nebraska through a period of ten years. "Since 1888 Alexis C. Hart has been headmaster of the academy. Peerless as administrator, as teacher of youth, as trainer of teachers, he has proven not less a spiritual father and wise counselor. It is doubtful whether there is a church in the Republican valley and Frontier associations that has not been helped by his kind and timely influence. 142 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA "The construction of the 'Kenesaw Cut-off' in 1884; of the DeWitt-Holdrege-Cheyenne divisions in 1885 and 1886, and later the Frenchman valley line of the Burlington & Missouri railroad opened many fields for aggressive work. At its fall meeting in 1887 the Republican Valley Associa- tion adopted a memorial to the State Board presenting the urgent need and asking the appointment of a general mis- sionary. .The proposition was cordially approved at Lincoln and New York. Rev. George E. Taylor, pastor at Indianola, was appointed for the work. The association authorized its home missionary committee to hold monthly sessions in conference with the general missionary. The following years were marked by careful oversight of feeble churches, prompt occupation of new and needy fields, constant en- deavor to secure effective ministers, the equipment of each church with a commodious house of worship and progress of churches in careful and forceful administration. "In 1890 the churches along the Holdrege-Cheyenne divi- sions of the Burlington railroad withdrew from the Republi- can Valley Association to form the Frontier Association. "The limits of this review do not permit appreciative men- tion of many worthy ministers and laymen whose sustained devotion, faithful and wise labors have built up churches and established Christian institutions in southwestern Ne- braska. Some are yet there, some are in other fields, and some have gone to their reward.'' From these reports of the work in southwestern Ne- braska it would seem that the foundations of our Congrega- tional work are well laid ; that Congregationalism is a growing tree whose roots, like the alfalfa of the region, strike down deep to the springs of living water. The Republican valley represents a strong and aggressive force in Congregational Nebraska. PHASES OF CHURCH GROWTH 143 \vn:sTi:RX xkhkaska Rev. A. E. ivickcT, who has had much to do with the pioneer work in western Nebraska, has kindly furnished the following- account of our wcjrk in western Nebraska : "In the autumn of 18S3 a httle company of Christian people met in the parsonage of the Methodist minister in the town of Si(hiey. It was a very small company, per- haps not more than six or eight persons, including- the Methodist pastor. Rev. Leslie Stevens, now departed hence, and his devoted wife. The occasion of that meeting was the regular prayer-meeting of the Methodist-Episcopal Church of Sidney. In those days the people of Sidney, however pious the}- may have been, did not manifest their religious proclivities by excessive attendance upon the week- day meeting of the church. ■'Though this particular meeting was so small its influence has been large. Among the number present were Rev. C. W. ]\Ierrill, then Superintendent of the A. H. M. S. for Nebraska, a young Congregational preacher who was that year teaching the Sidne}' high school, Rev. L. E. Brown, and the writer of these words, who was just about to begin study for the ministry. "During the evening, conversation naturally turned to the religious needs of the surrounding regions of western Ne- braska. The town of Ogalalla, especially, was mentioned as a point of a few hundred people where there was no regular preaching and almost no religious work on foot. "Superintendent IMerrill turned to Mr. Brown with the question, 'Why couldn't you go down to Ogalalla and preach for them occasionally, during the time you are teaching here?' Little more was said on the subject, and presently the little company scattered. Although it is probable no definite agreement was made, I think there was an under- 144 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA standing between Superintendent Merrill and Mr. Brown, at the close of the prayer-meeting, that the latter should visit Ogalalla and establish a preaching station. This was the real origin of the Congregational Church of Ogalalla, Keith county, Nebraska, for shortly after that hint of Mr. Merrill's Mr. Brown went down from Sidney to Ogalalla, a distance of seventy miles, and preached, leaving an ap- pointment for another preaching service in two weeks. This appointment was filled, the writer himself being present at one of these services, which was held, as were the other meetings of that period, in the old frame schoolhouse. And I am nearly certain that Mr. Brown kept up preaching ser- vices every two weeks during that winter — 1883-84 — and the following summer, and quite so that he preached fre- quently, even if not so often during this time. For to meet one of these preaching appointments the writer made his first effort in the pulpit; this was June 9, 1884, in the schoolhouse of Ogalalla. "I can say from personal knowledge that Mr. Brown came to Ogalalla as a Congregationalist, and that his work was the first regular and permanent work ever taken up in the town. The school board of Ogalalla employed Mr. Brown to teach the town school for the year beginning September, 1884, and in connection with his work as teacher of the village school, he kept up stated preaching services. He was presently ordained to the Gospel ministry, and in due time a Congregational church was organized, and recognized by an ecclesiastical council in the orderly Con- gregational way. "These facts are of considerable importance because the Ogalalla church has since become a center of evangelistic movements that have afifected the town and the regions about for many miles. Following Mr. Brown's work have been the labors of Rev. J. A. Thome, closing about 1887, PHASES OF CHURCH GROWTH 145 Rev. A. E. Ricker, 188S-91 ; Rev. W. E. Pease, 1892-93 ])erhaps ; Rev. \\'. S. Hampton for several years; then Rev. G. W. Knapp, and the present pastor, Rev. Mr. Duncan. "During- Mr. Hampton's pastorate wide-reaching revivals occurred, and the work was pushed into outlying rural re- gions, resulting in the organization of at least three churches which now cluster ahout Ogalalla as a center. "jULESBURG, COLORADO ''While, strictly speaking, it is not a part of the history of Nebraska, the beginning of the work in Julesburg was the outgrowth of Nebraska influences, and indeed during .Sui)erintendent Maile's time, by agreement with the Colo- rado superintendent, this town was reckoned as a part of the Nebraska field. "In the spring of 1885, returning from Chicago Seminary to p.iy parents' home in Sidney, I called on Superintendent ■\Iaile in Omaha, and he suggested that during my summer vacation I look about m that western part of the state, and if I found a needy field, establish a preaching station, and see what I could do. So early in May, going down from Sidney, I visited the town of Julesburg. It was in the midst of the liveliest boom and buildings were going up everywhere. Perhaps there were 300 people then in the town and 'land agents' were doing a thriving business 'locating' new corners on their claims. I succeeded in find- ing some Christian people and others who were interested in having; preaching services. Finding accommodation in the dining room of a hotel, I held the first religious meet- ing in tlie history of the town, and continued preaching statedly through that summer, going down from Sidney and preaching once in two weeks. , "A vSabbath school was organized in an empty saloon building, and toward the latter part of the summer, a Con- 10 146 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA gregational church was organized of about twelve mem- bers. Rev. H. P. Case, now Sunday school missionary in southern California, was present and assisted in the or- ganization of the churcli. The meeting for the organization was held in the waiting room of the Union Pacific depot, and I remember that the meeting had to be hurried a bit to get out of the way and remove all evidences of the meet- ing before a passenger train went through toward evening. "This first organization was suffered to lapse, but at a later date was revived and the Julesburg church has main- tained a continued existence. "It was my privilege again to minister to this church for about a year from the summer of 1890, preaching ever}' alternate Sabbath there while pastor at Ogalalla. Two or three weeks of special meetings were held during the winter of 1(890-91, several converts resulted, part of them joining the Congregational church, and part of them the M. E. church, wdiich at that time was without a pastor." This rapid survey of Congregationalism in western Ne- braska completes the survey of church extension as we have seen it, beginning with Omaha and eastern Nebraska, ex- tending up the Elkhorn valley and into the sandhills and cattle ranges of the northwest, in the Republican valley and the western part of the state. In much of this territory pioneer work is going on to-day, and western Nebraska is especially home missionary ground. Whenever irrigation is extended in western Nebraska, there we find rich farms and growing settlements, and there is a field for home missionary enterprise. With the extension of irrigation canals there will be an enlargement of mis- sionary work. In other parts of the western half of the state we find the large cattk ranches, with few settlers, and correspondingly small opportunities for church growth. riOXEKR KXPF.klKNCKS I47 XX PiOXIiKR KXPERHiNCKS Years before l-'atbcr Gaylord came to the territory of Ne- braska, Congregationalism had a Congregational teacher among the Pawnee Indians. Mrs. E. G. Piatt, now of Ober- lin, Ohio. Though hardly recovered from a severe illness during which for days she was supposed to be lying on the border- land between this and the life beyond, she has kindly con- sented to give a brief account of her experiences among the I'awnees. It is fortunate that we can have these remi- niscences from the pen of Airs. Piatt herself. The oppor- tunity to hear from any of the nrst pioneers will soon be gone. But few of them remain. Airs. Piatt writes: "Oberlix, Ojiio, Xovember 29, 1904. "In 1843 I went whli my huslxind, L. W. Piatt, to the Pawnee villages situated in the Indian territory, in that part of the land nov.' known as Nebraska. We went in response to a request made by the missionaries of the A. B. C. F. M. who were stationed there. In a treaty which these Indians made with our government they were promised teachers, and the missionaries, wishing to secure those who would cooperate \A'ith them in their work, had invited us to join them. We were successful in learning to converse with the Pawnees, won their confiflence, and in 1846, when they started on their summer hunt, tliev left twenty of their chil- dren with us to teach. "But the Sioux came down upon us that season, often making war-like demonstrations, thus hindering the work MRS. E, G. PLATT PIONEER EXPERIENCES I 49 of the men in the Rcld, and at last tiring' upon some of the company, and so it was deemed unsafe to remain, and all, both missionaries and government employees, left the sta- tion, going to Ijellevue, the seat of Council IjlutTs agency for the Otoes, Omahas, and Pawnees. "The missionaries were requested by their board to leave the field, but we remained with our school. "There was no agent there at that time, as our good tem- perance agent had been dismissed through the influence of the fur traders, as he had given orders to his employees to destroy all liquors they found designed for sale to the Indians. "Finding an old log building infested with fleas and rats, we made it our school home and reported to the superin- tendent of western Indians who was in St. Louis, the build- ing being a government storehoitse. There, under many difficulties, I taught the children, having great pleasure in my work, as they learned their English lessons well, de- lighting to perform any work given them to do, and when given a play time, asking for Bible stories instead. "When the new agent arrived, he proved to be a man with whom whisky lovers and dealers readily affiliated, per- mitting the Indians near the agency to ride through its streets with bottles of the vile stuff in their hands, giving their drunken yell, thus so alarming us at the school it seemed wise to draw curtains, lock the door, and go to the second floor where we would not be seen. "The winter was very cold which we spent in that store- roon.i, and we hailed the warmth of spring joyfully. Cut our joy was of short duration, as the new agent decided on appointing a teacher more in harmony with him, and in 'Slav, 1847, I delivered my charge with aching heart to those who. I knew, would not do duty by them ; and cross- ing the Missouri river ]\Ir. Piatt and I w^ent down and PIONEER EXPERIENCES I51 made our homo four miles above old Ft. KeaiMiey, now Ne- braska City, still keeping- a friendly conmiunication with the Pawnees by ^■isitino■ the:ii. receivin.q- them as guests, and keeping one or more of them in our family. "In 1857 the Pawnees made a new treaty with our govern- ment, as they had wandered hither and thither during the years of our separation. '^'\gain they were pledged teachers, and after waiting four years to learn of the establishment of a school, and finding none had been given them, in 1861 we returned, I being appointed as teacher and Mr. Piatt as trader, a posi- tion which, through treachery, he never filled on the reser- vation, and it was months before I was permitted to have a room in v/hich I could open a school. "This was not accomplished till a company of the em- ployees to whom the agent had failed to fulfil his pledges tmited and so proved their case at W^ashington that he was removed, and one sent who permitted the gatherinig of the school. This was not difficult to do as we spoke Pawaiee and many of our old friends were left. "Aly work was pleasant and all went prosperously till a young Methodist minister was sent to assist in the school. The Methodists of Nebraska, learning there was an appro- priation for schools for the Pawnees, wished to obtain it to establish a mission among them, and as there was one of their society at the head of the Indian Department at that time they felt quite sure of obtaining it. "Good Congregationalist as I tried to be, I made an effort to harmonize wdth my associate teacher, but in 1864 it seemed wise for us to separate, lest those who had come to that savage people in the name of the Prince of Peace sliould dishonor their Leader: and I kft my beloved school, going to work in the Christian Commission till the close of the war, and then acting as matron for the Iowa Soldiers' 152 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA Orphan Home till in 1866 I was called back to take charge of my Pawnee school. There being an Episcopalian in charge of the agency at that time, . Bishop Clarkson of blessed memory asked the rector of the Columbus church, Rev. Mr. Goodale, to look after the lambs in the Pawnee school. As he was the son of a Congregational minister, we wrought together most pleasantly. During his stay with us, coming each month to hold service in the school build- ing, there was a large class desiring baptism, and by his request properly to instruct them as to the meaning and design of the solemn sacrament, I used a catechism prepared by his society for instructing the young, and found it very helpful. "The Sabbath morning when the ceremony was to occur, as I passed through one of the halls, a small girl who had been present during the training of the class, but had not been reckoned as one, met me and in beseeching tones said, 'Mrs. Piatt, I want to be baptized.' 'O Maria,' I said, T am afraid you do not understand.' With pathetic tone and look she answered, 'Yes, I do.' "Consulting with Mr. Goodale, we decided if a lamb stood bleating at the gate, we would not forbid her entering the fold, and she v/as baptized with the twenty-seven. "While absent on my vacation that summer she died, and my assistant teacher told me that the morning of her death she said to Maria, 'Do you know we think God will call vou to Himself to-day?' Her answer was 'I am ready.' "Our good helper continued with us till Grant's Quaker policy was inaugurated, when his church thought it honor- able to withdraw, and he left the field for others to occupy. "The Rev. Mr. Elliott, who was a home missionary sta- tioned at Columbus twenty miles distant, soon visited me, he being a Congregationalist, and I a charter member of the church in his care. With his wife he often came to hold service and give aid and courage to those of us con- I'lOXEliK liXI'KKlliXCKS I 53 iioctctl w ith tb.c school. While he was thus assistin^^ us one of our caretakers asked for baptism, and two of our Indian boys wished- to unite with her. They were brothers, and the elder was one who was obliged to assist the men on the reservation farm. The younger was a gentle, loving brother. They hesitated about presenting themselves, as ~the elder brother feared he should dishonor the Savior by getting angry when the farm men swore at and kicked him, but as the younger refused to go without him they at last pledged themselves to the service of our Lord in the coveted rite. The younger, our gentle Richard, was, soon after called to leave us for his Heavenly Home. "Our Quaker agent was catholic in his views, and the years we wrought together were those of Christian friend- ship. But at last there came an editor from the East to view our work, and on his return he commenced his report by writing, 'It is just two years since an effort was com- menced to christianize and civilize the Pawnees,' and closed by adding, Tt is very incongruous that a school under the rule of the Friends should be in charge of an orthodox Congregationalist.' "It was not long before I was requested to leave my children, and with a heart full of sorrow I went. "Between these lines lie veiled volumes of broken govern- mental treaties, of robbery and deceit and treachery and uncleanness practiced by those sent to the Pawnees to teach them the arts of civilization which proved to be to them a curse, and which, if uncovered, would lead us to feel it were better that they had been left in their waldness and ignorance. "Yours in Christian bonds, "Mrs. E. G. Platt." Mrs. Piatt's severe arraignment of government ofificials only shows that in too many cases the government has been 154 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA as treaclierons in its dealings with the Indians as have been the Indians before their christianization in their rela- tions to the whites. The treatment of the Indians by the government is a sad chapter in American history, and Mrs. Piatt's experience ai\". C. S. HARRISON among the Pawnees shows how politics enters in to disturb a Vi'Ork which, if protected, would result in great good. REV. C. S. HARRISON All Nebraskans know Rev. C. S. Harrison as a cultivator and propagator of beautiful and rare plants and flowers. rioxEi-:R i:xri:Kii-:Nci^s 155 But tlic pioneers know him better as a courageous, Ixjld, successful, and devoted ])ionecr preacher and worker. 15y re([uest Mr. Harrison has furnished the following- REMINISCENCES '.'Jn the fall of '71 while pastor of the Congregational church of Earlville, Illinois, I received a request frt)ni George S. Harris, land commissioner of the Burlington & Missouri railroad, to take charge of a colony. I came out to look the ground over. ■'Lincoln was but a village with plenty of room to grow. The railroad terminus was Sutton. 1 rode out on a load of railroad ties. The track was so rough the bell rang of its own accord. Sutton had three shanties ; two of these were saloons, and I noticed that towns started that way were tainted for a long time after if not permanently. ■'Finally York was settled upon. The place had six shan- ties, and one of these was built of sod. I believe I preached the first sermon in York. November. 1871. Service was held in an unfinished store, and it was very cold. There were fourteen persons present and the service was short. The county was new and raw ; hardly a house to obstruct the vision, and those that were seen were miserably built of sod. The Congregational church was organized with only a few members in an unfinished land office in the spring of 1872. Soon after a little schoolhouse was built. "the ACADEAIY "One of the inducements ofi:'ered a colony was. that an academy should be built. For this purpose forty acres of land were donated, and in those early days, when the locust invasion was the worst, a fine building went up as a glorious hope in the midst of despair. 156 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA "On account of its proximity to Crete it was thought best not to open the academy. It was used for our church. About this time the Methodists located their college at York, and we freely gave them the use of the building. It was eventually sold at half cost, and the proceeds went into the church building. I think in the year 1873 I organized the church at Arborville with six members, in the parlor of Deacon Twichell, the son of a faithful pioneer missionary, Rev. Royal Twichell, who did heroic work in Minnesota. The old man was a father to me when, sick and discouraged, 1 went to that new state in 1857. I attended his funeral in Arborville. It was like burying a father. "Having organized a church I knew it was necessary for them to have a home, and so we erected a building 26 x 40. That was then the largest in the county. I held at different times two series of meetings there which resulted in quite an ingathering. We had to haul the lumber thirty-six miles. I gave much time and a block of land, and preached a year or two without a cent of salary. The people were very poor. But now they have a fine new church, an able and beloved pastor, and the work and sacrifice paid. Six churches were organized in York county, and those I or- ganized and fostered are the only ones alive. "the liquor WAR "Yes, it was war ! I was the means of bringing in about 600 people into the town and county and these w^ere mostly in favor of education and temperance. But 'Satan came also,' and we determined to keep him out, and so there v/as war. , "At first, knowing the tremendous malignity of the liquor power, we were afraid to prosecute. Finally I suggested that seven of us should unite. We did so, and with such a backing there was dismay in the ranks. That, hovk'ever, was I'lONEliR KXl'KRlliNCKS 157 • the timidity under the first fire. When they threatened to kill nie and started out to do so, and nearly killed a witness, all fear was hanished, and I entered prosecutions thick and fast. 1 raised $1,500 one night with which to fight it out. We fought to the finish. The thing seems settled. The matter does not come up at all at our elections. ''Crete and Seward had a far better start, and far better locations, but York went ahead two to one because it kept clean. It has over 6,000 population to-day. "It was hard to give up the academy idea. Our edu- cators had not yet realized the importance of having feeders for the college, and it was a long time before the present attitude was reached. "In the last of the '70s I was helping Rev. Mr. Strong in a series of meetings in Rloomington, Nebraska, and the idea of an academy came up. We talked till midnight over it. 'Where should it be?' 'At Franklin,' a new town with six houses, no saloon, and the right kind of people. I was so much impressed that T walked down, wading through snow- drifts, got the leading people together, outlined the plan, and the academy was located there. I was called in 1883 from the pastorate of Pueblo, Colorado, to become pastor at Franklin. I put in there eight of the most important years of my life. It was a work of faith, in ways new and strange. The Lord opened unseen gates for us, and money rained down upon us, twice $500; once $1,000. "I was called thence to be Field Secretary of the Educa- tion Society at Boston. I continued in that work two years, till my health failed. "Rising from the borders of the grave from rheumatic fever, I was called to the pastorate of the Weeping Water church. There I had the hardest work in my life. The church was about $10,000 in debt, and discouraged. The times were the hardest. The academy was worse than 158 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA bankrupt. Tlie church debt was paid. The academy was placed on the list of the Education Society, and a good deal of money was raised. Buildings were hired and furnished, and to crown all, a blessed revival added over 100 to the church within a month. "Now the nation on Thanksgiving Day, 1904, celebrates my seventy-second birthday, and I bless the Lord that He has permitted me to live and work for Him. '"When a bo}^ in 1844 I hunted the dirty little village of Chicago over for a peck of potatoes. I have seen the mighty West grow up from babyhood. "In 1857 I began Vork in Minnesota; was often nearly frozen ; once a horse sank with me three times and I was nearly drowned. I have had the bitter with the sweet. "To sum up : I helped to found two academies ; built and paid for ten churches ; have been in above forty pre- cious revivals, and I hope to meet a thousand souls in glory. And I now wait on the hither shore among my flowers, adorning Eculah Land, making it prophetic of the glory beyond. "Yours, "C. S. Harrison." REV. A. a. CRESSMAN Rev. A. A. Cressman served in the work of the churches for twenty-five years, most of the time as a home mission- ary. A brief sketch of his work in Nebraska is here given: "I came into Nebraska from the Presbyterian church in Monroeville, Ohio, in March. 1879. I took charge of the Congregational church at Camp Creek, where T remained one year. I organized a church at Sheridan which after- ward disbanded ; was called to Congregational church at Albion. The organization was small, having no church pioNKKK kxi'i:rii".xcks 159 building'. I served also every alternate Sunday the ehurches at Boone and Cedar Ra])ids for several years. Both churches later disbanded. I was at Albion six years ; while there a house of worship was erected and the church brou^2;ht to self-support. Durino- this time 1 also served as county REV. A. A. CRESSMAN superintendent ot schools for four years, and preached at a number of schoolhouses. "A more devoted and loyal people I never served. In April, t886. I took charge of the Congregational church at Wahoo, ha\ ing- a membership of some twenty-five. We paid a debt of $300 on Ixnld'ng, and built a commodious parsonage. The cliurch. contriliuLed $900 for l^enevolent l6o CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA objects other than her own work, and received eighty-six members, of whom sixty-six were received on confession of faith. I resigned, April i, 1892, after serving the chnrch six years. While at Wahoo I was secretary of the city school board. "I commenced my pastorate of four and a half years with the church at Fairmont, April i, 1892. There we built a parsonage, paid a church debt, raised over $700 for benevolences. The church was self-supporting. I also served during this pastorate the churches at Strang, Shick- ley, and Bnming, preaching at all three churches once a month, for which I received home missionary aid. I was also a member of the Fairmont school board for two years. While pastor here ninety-six members were received, sixty of v/hom came into the church on confession of faith. "I resigned September i, 1896, to become state secretary of Doane College, which position I held until September i, 190 1. While secretary the first two years I supplied every Sunday the church at Grafton, and the next two years the church at Waverly, and for a few months the Rokeby church. As secretary I visited and addressed nearly all the high schools in the state, and most of them a number of times, traveling over 65,000 miles. I preached in nearly all the Congregational churches in the state, and lectured over 200 times in the interest of institutes and high schools. T sers'ed as chaplain in th.e state senate of Nebraska during the sessions of 1899 and 1901. "I took charge of the church at Grand Island, September I, T901, and remained as pastor until March i, 1904, when 1 left to take charge of my present field, Farragut, Iowa, rounding out just twenty-fi\e years of service in Nebraska. During this time I received into the church by letter no; on confession of faith 180; total 290. I officiated at 130 funerals and 65 weddings, was Moderator of the General PIONEER EXPERIENCES l6l Association at Hoklrege in iS*.j(j, and have been elected .delej^ate to five National Councils. '"When I wenr to Albion in j88o most of tlie houses out- side of town wore built of sod, and so were the schoolhouses. It seems to me my happiest days were \\'hen visitino^ in, and ])reaching' to ]-e()ple crowded into these sod liouses. The people in those early days were eag'cr to listen to Gospel truths. They did not remain at home on account of poor clothes or distance from place of preaching;-. They came in all sorts of clothes and vehicles. Many walked three and four miles to the sod schoolhouse where the Sun- day school and services were held. A larj^e number of the young" people ni the Sunday school then are now the fore- most leaders in our churches. The seed sown is yielding fruit in many cases a hundred fold." One must read between the lines in such a rapid survey of work to appreciate fully the busy life of a i:»ioneer pastor. DR. GEORGE SCOTT Rev. Dr. Scott is an Englishman who came into Ne- braska in an early day, worked with a sister denomination for a time until he finally "came unto his own." He has also served the government as United States consul in Odessa, Russia, from 1884 to 1886, and is well known in afifairs of state. He served as chaplain of the Nebraska house of representatives in a special session in 1882, and in the regular sessions of 1883 and of 1903. Dr. Scott writes as follows : "While I was engaged in missionary work among the coal miners in the north of England, the call came for men to preach the Gospel in the great West to the large body of immigrants who had gone to the states after the close of the Civil war. 11 1 62 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA '"I felt perfectly sure that a mail could be secured to fill my position in England very much easier than for the work across the sea. So although I had been in this par- ticular work for six years, and was much attached to it, I decided to heed the 'call, and in May, 1871, I, with my wife and infant son, started for Nebraska. "We entered Nebraska from Sioux City, Iowa, at Cov- ington, and thence toward the frontier, fifty miles from railroad, with the mail carrier in his open democrat wagon. "The people had not had a minister for a year, and al- though they v/ere anxious for one, they had not expected one and had made no provision for him. There was no parsonage nor any house that could be rented, so we lived around among the people in their poor narrow quarters. The hearty welcome accorded us compensated for the rough- ness of the living. "I found that the only place for holding meetings was in a poor log schoolhouse with rough home-made benches. But the old schoolhouse became a Bethel to many. "That winter we held a series of meetings lasting for thirty nights, to which many came regularly, even as far as twelve miles, and great numbers were converted. We knew that there could be no permanent success without a church home, so every one put his shoulder to the work, and the next summer a church building and parsonage were built and dedicated, out of debt. "When we got into the new clean church the men kept up their old practice of chewing tobacco and making the floor a cuspidor, as they had in the old schoolhouse. I made up my mind that this must be stopped, so before preaching one Sunday morning; I said, 'You people used to chew tobacco and spit all about the schoolhouse, but now we are in a beautiful church building and I wish you would not do it. I know it will be hard work for some of you to PIONEER EXPERIENCES 1 63 quit for an hour, but if you make an effort I believe you can do it. Jf you can not succeed we will get a log of wood and place it outside the door, on which you can place your quid when you come in, and it will not be considered an interruption of the service, if you find you can not endure the abstinence, if you retire and take your quid and chew it a few times and then return to the church.' I added, 'I'll guarantee that you will find your tobacco where you placed it, for there is not a hog in town that would touch it." The cure was perfect. "Xext summer the grasshoppers came in such numbers that the heavens were darkened. Wherever they alighted, in a few hours the crops were destroyed. The people were helpless ; nothing to sell ; no money to be had. Many be- came subjects of charity. For a long time I had not enough money to buy a postage stamp. Friends in England offered to send money to take us back again ; our answer was, 'We have made our choice to preach the Gospel to this people, and we v.-ill continue to work here.' "These were hard times, but it paid. Sixteen years after this I returned to visit one of the settlements. I preached to them two evenings and held a fellowship meeting. In the experiences that were given, numbers testified that they were converted in the old log schoolhouse sixteen years be- fore. Among those giving experiences was the pastor of the church, who said, 'I was converted at the close of a meeting held by Brother Scott in my father-in-law's house.' His wife bore the same testimony. It pays to make sacrifice for the Lord. "The harness that I was required to wear for seven and one-half years in Nebraska never did fit me, so I determined to put it aside and chose a system of church government that was more in accord with mv views. 164 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA "In the fall of 1878 I made application for admission into the Columbus Association of Congregational Churches. After due and strict examination I was accepted. "The Rev. Hiram Gates, who was then Superintendent of Home Missions, asked me what I intended to do and where I expected to preach. My answer was that I did not come to the Congregational church for financial consid- erations, nor to step into work commenced by others, but intended to go to West Point and Wisner to organize two Congregational churches and bring them with me into this fellowship. And imder God's leadership and blessing this was accomplished. The church building which now stands in West Point was erected during that pastorate. After serving three other churches I am back again at Wisner, one of my first Congregational fields." REV. JOHN GRAY Rev. John Gray represents still another type of pioneer life and work. From a lengthy communication, for all of which there is not place, the following extracts are taken : "At the suggestion of Superintendent Gates I went to Sutton and preached for them on Sunday, and then visited Kearney, where I in\/ested in land. Coming back to Sutton, I returned to my home in London, Illinois, and there de- cided to accept my call to Sutton. 'Grasshoppers or no grasshoppers, I would go there.' "I preached my farewell sermon in Lyndon from the text, 'The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.' The next day, riding with Simeon Gilbert, the axle of the buggy broke, and stepping out on a rolling stone, I broke my ankle, and was laid up seven Aveeks. 'How about that step?' said one of the facetious. 'Oh, it is all right,' I replied. The saints collected $75 for me to help me in this calamity. The sinners said, 'We have never done anything for Mr. Rev. John Gray- Rev. Geo. E. Hal Rev. J. E. Storm Rev. G. W. Wainwright 1 66 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA Gray ; let us do as well as the saints,' and so they brought me $75 also. '"After seven weeks of inaction I thought I was well enough to travel. The people said, 'Do not go out West where you will have to feed your children on grasshopper soup.' But T said, 'I must go to those poor people as I promised.' 'Well then,' they said, 'we will put vegetables and provisions on your car to provide some living for you.' So they brought potatoes, squashes, and other vegetables to supply our needs. Alas ! they were all frozen. During the grasshopper winter friends from Illini, Illinois, sent barrels of wheat, oats, corn, and potatoes as their contribu- tion to Congregational ists in Nebraska. "When I reached Siitton there was no decent house to be obtained, so I had to pack my wife and six children and furniture into an unpleasant shack 12 x 14 feet which had been used for a stable. I began to preach in the courthouse and afterward we hired the Odd Fellows' hall. People came to the services. "That winter, after New Year's, was three days' storm, three days finer weather. The week of prayer I began meetings and continued them everv^ fine night for seven weeks. There was quite a revival, and the membership of the church was increased from about thirteen to thirty. "During December we had a series of fellowship meet- ings. Brothers Bross and Piatt traveling on train, Brother French and I by team. We held one all-night meeting at each town from Ashland to the first station beyond Hastings encouraging the people and doing good. "As soon as spring came we started to build a church at Sutton, though impoverished by the grasshoppers. I said, 'We can build. Tlie C. C. B. S. will help us $500.' This enthused them so that saint and sinner started into the work. One man opposed. A profane man with an oath PIONEER EXPERIENCES 1 67 replied, 'Go home; little Gray has started into building a church, and we are going to help him, and don't you talk against it.' "One told me several years afterward, 'Gray, you came to me al'out the thiid one for a subscription for the church building. I put down a liberal sum, but I never expected to pay it. You were so smart in earnest, that I did not dare to discourage you, but I thought when you got further along ' you would get discouraged and give it up.' 'But you found,' I spid, 'I was not that kind of man, but went through with the thing, till it was done and paid for, and you remember that the lumberman in Omaha said that he had never been paid as promptly by any church as he had by the church- at Sutton.' "Having finished the church at Sutton I raised a sub- scription of $1,000 for a church at Harvard. During all this time I had not neglected preaching in every school- house about four miles apart in all the northern part of Clay county. North and south, east and west of Harvard I established Sabbath schools and preaching stations, and had I had more experience I would have organized churches. But I was new to the West, and simply wanted to preach the Gospel to all th.e people I could reach. Sometimes I preached five times on a Sabbath. My good team got the schoolhouse habit and would stop of their own accord at every schoolhouse, supposing of course that their master would hold a service. "\Miile at Sutton the grasshoj^pers had so impoverished the people that times Vv^ere hard. The merchants could give no credit. I was refused trust for a bag of flour. A wealthy Russian loaned me $100. There was no bank at Sutton in those days. A great many of the farmers suf- fered severely. I weut to see the sick, and as long as mv pocket A\ould stand it, I would take a parcel of meat and l68 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA groceries with me, and while I was praying" with the sick my boy would manage to convey the parcel into the house where they would find it after we were gone. In many cases sickness was caused by lack of nourishing food. When my own pocket gave out I wrote eastern friends who furnished me with clothing and money, so that I could supply the needs of the people. Men came to church with their feet tied up in rags to keep them warm. It was hard times indeed. "Later on I preached at Wahoo, Cedar Bluff, Weston, and other places, and sometimes I would cover forty miles Saturday and Sunday ridin.g to my appointments, but I never failed, blizzard or no blizzard. I encountered storms of wind and dust, rain and snow. I have been so cold that I had to be lifted from the buggy almost frozen. A brother said to me once, 'Brother Gray, if I keep on preaching and give up farming I shall be as poor ten years from now as I am to-day, but if I give up preaching and go on farming in ten years I will be worth Sio,ooo.' I said, 'Woe is me if I preach not the Gospel, I shall go on with preaching.' 'W^ell,' he said, 'I sliall farm.' I saw him later on at York, and reminded him of what he said. 'I don't remember say- ing that,' he replied, 'but I have the $10,000.' 'All right,' I said, 'I am still preaching.' "When pastor at Columbus I often went to Neligh as one of the trustees of Gates College, and heard a great deal about the country west of Neligh, and that we were doing nothing there. So when I took my vacation, I went up to the country reputed to be in the hands of Doc Middleton and Kidd Wade's band of horse thieves. Leaving the team at Atkinson I took the train to Ainsv/orth, where I found a student who had preached during the summer, and had gathered a few members ready to join a church. The pastor at Neligh came up for a Sunday and we formed a IMOXKliK KXrKRlliXCES • 169 council and organized a L'oni^rcyational church. Monday I went on to X'alcntine, saw Inchans. and looked over the prospects for work. I wrote to Xew York concernin.2: the needs of the field. The next year Brother Uross was ap- pointed to take up that work which he so ably did. As 1 was returning- from Valentine information came to me that led me, when I reached Atkinson, to write back to the stu- dent at Ainsworth and tell him to ,i>o out on the street and talk Cong;retj,-ational church building- next morning-, and that 1 could g-et $400 from Xcw York to help erect the i-iieeting-honse. This he did. The result was that 1 re- ceived a letter at Columbus, asking me to come up and advise them how to proceed. So at a personal expense of S35 to $40 I went up and drew plan of building, wrote out specifications for workinen, and started the deacon out with subscription paper. They w^ent on and built the church, and a vear later were able to pay $400 toward the support of a pastor. "I remember some of cwr early financial struggles. At one ti;-ne I could not buy a postage stam]), but going to the post-office I took out a letter containing $3 which the writer said I should use. Then 1 had to go out eight miles to marrv a couple Xew^ Year's day. It was grasshopper time, and the man gave me $20 for a fee, the largest I ever re- ceived anywhere, and I never wanted it worse, as I had to feed my horse on stra-\\-, the rains having washed away my hay, some thirty tons. In some way the Lord ])rovided for our wants.'' REV. A. E. RICKER Rev. A. E. Ricker is one of our younger men in the prin-ie of strong i-nanhood, and the pastor of the Congregational church at Aurora. The following pages from his pen are like the fresh breezes from the northwest — full of life : 170 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA "It was in the year 1886 that I was directed to go to Crawford and begin work under the auspices of the Con- gregational Home IMissionary Society. I was young and inexperienced, although the summer before, as a seminary student, I had preached the first sermon and organized the first Sunday school in Julesburg, Colorado. "Taking the train at Chicago for Sidney, Nebraska, where I paid a short visit to my parents, I started by stage from Sidney to Ft. Robinson, 125 miles north. I think I shall never forget that ride. The stage was not a stage, but a stiff buckboard, with two seats, capable of carrying three passengers besides the driver. The company made two or three trips a Vv^eek, and the principal business was the carrying of the United States mail. "It was about 9 :oo o'clock of a bright, cool morning in early May that our buckboard started for the long trip. It was twenty-four hours later when we rode down into the White river bottom, and finally stopped at the station near Ft. Robinson and Crawford. And that twenty-four hours ! The horses and drivers were changed at intervals during the journey, but the passengers sat through steadily from first to last. Didn't they stop? Yes, to feed the horses and get meals at the stage stations, perhaps pauses of anTioiu", and then on we went another weary expanse of prairie and along the interminable road. But such meals as those were at the stage stations ! The best thing about them was the price, fifty cents — quite metropolitan ; but the meals ! "We came into one station just as the gray streaks of morning struggled feebly up the eastern horizon. The family — it was the home of our driver — were just begin- ning to stir. It was a lone log house, meanly built, with various sheds and pens round about. On one side the tim- bers that supported the roof projected foiu" or five feet from the eaves, and were covered with brush and earth, as was Rev. S. I. Haiifonl Rev. A. E. Ricker ,, T , T^ Kev. W. J. Turner Rev. John Doane ^^^^_ ^_ Cressnian 172 CONGREGATIONAl, NEBRASKA the whole roof. This formed a sort of piazza. A stove- pipe had been run up through this extension of the roof, and the cookstove was out on this veranda. The process of getting breakfast was going forward. We were both cokl and hungry, and it was natural for the travelers to gather about the stove and watch the preparations for our regalement. "T think the chicken house must have been near, not sim- ply because chickens were present, but because they dis- played such fearless familiarity Avith the other members of the familv, and such interest in what was going on. The cook and hostess was busy frying potatoes on the stove, for one item in our bill of fare. She was also setting the table in a room in the house. When she bestowed her attention on the potatoes she turned them with a knife. When she went into the house to the table, she laid the knife on a low bench, and the chickens jumped up on the bench, walked over the knife, and picked off bits of potatoes that adhered to its blade. The hostess came out, shooed the chickens off, picked up the knife they had walked around on, and turned over the potatoes with it some more. Now we like our potatoes turned and fried on both sides, but we did not feel much like eating these potatoes. "When I sat at the table in a dark room dimly lighted with one small, dirty, smoky chimneyed kerosene lamp, I wondered what articles of food would be most likely to have least dirt in them. I was desperately hungry. 1 had to eat something. I thought there was as little risk about the coffee as anything — maybe any unnecessary ingredients would settle to the bottom of the cup. I drank about half of my coffee as quickly as possible, and then concluded I had made one mistake anyway. I thought it would be run- ning great chances trying bread — it looked of a tremen- dously questionable color. I knew T did not want any of PIOXRKR F.XrKRlKXCES 1 73 those potatoes. I selected a little that seemed to promise as small amount of risk as anvthini;" and swallowed a few Lmn.'iished mouthfuls. After paying- my fift;.' cents 1 thouiiht to myself that i had never yet paid more money for less value received in my life's previous experiences. "The morninp;- was crisp and cold as we rode down from the lal:>le-land into the valley of the White river. At one point we passed a freighters' camj). The horses were pick- eted near at hand ; th.e wagon with its canvas top stood be- side tb.e road, and under it, wrapped in th.eir blankets, the freighters were still aslee]). "The scene as we wound down into the valley was indeed beautiful in the early morning light. Beneath us the deep v/inding valley, and beyond the strange rugged bluffs, just north of Ft. Robinson, their bare rocks like the turrets of some vast castles, lifting themselves against the sky, while at their base grew the dark green pines. Away off to the right — that is, the east — extends the uneven line of the Pine Ridge with 'Crow Butte" standing out. prominent, against the morning sky like a giant captain of a g'ant host. "Presently the driver turned the heads of his horses into a }-ard in v.diich was a long, low log house, with sheds for horses. A woman stood in the door. Children and dogs and domestic animals of various orders uttered for us each his peculiar greeting. Here our horses stopped, and our journey was ended, so far as staging was concerned. "T could see nothing but open and apparently uninhabited ])rairie. and \ looked around with some interest, not to say foreboding, for the town in which my missionary labors were to be. After scanning- the landscape with some care in silence T asked the driver, AVhere is Ft. Robinson?' Pointing off across the valley and toward the buttes, he said, 'Just over th' hill an' th' trees a little ways ; yer can't see it f'm here.' I gained a little encouragement and asked. PIONEER EXPERIENCES 175 'Where is Crawford?' 'Wall th' aint much Crawford now. T's goin' to be over thar. Yer ken go out t' thct ridge thar an' see all ther is.' "I went as directed. I could see a small, clear stream winding along under cottonwood trees and brush. I could see a line of embankment, evidently a partial grade for a railroad, and where the grade approached the stream a pile- driver was sending down the heavy posts for a bridge. That was a sign of coming life, but it wasn't a town. Over a little farther I could see a tent,, and beside it a few pieces of limber sticking up in the air. Evidently some one had begun a building of some sort. That was all I could see. That was all there was to see. That tent contained the first stock of goods that was ever brought upon the site of the present city of Crawford, and those pieces of timber were the posts of the first frame building — a hardware store — erected in the town. That was Crawford as I saw it first in May, 1886. *'For a few days I was kindly entertained in the home of an officer at Ft. Robinson, and then I met Mr. Bross and a company of three of my fellow' students from the semi- nary. They were traveling with a wagon, in real emigrant style, on their way to points still farther up the line of the projected railroad. After a pleasant dinner about the camp- fire with them, and consultation with the General Mission- ary, which gave me a notion of what he wanted me to do, I bade my companions farewell and saw them move out of sight on the trail to Wyoming. Then I turned to the task before me. "The town of Crawford had not come yet. and there was nothing to do at that point. But down the valley twelve miles farther was a little hamlet called then Earth Lodge. There my work was to begin. That same afternoon the ambulance, at the generous command of the oflticer who was 176 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA my host, took nie to the settler's cabin at the foot of Crow Butte, to which Mr. Bross had directed me. There I found a Christian brother and a Christian home, housed in a log cabin. That evening was pleasantly spent in conversation, in singing gospel hymns, for this brother was a singer, and after the season of worship came rest and refreshing slumber. "And there was sort of a weird, poetic charm about it. The slight shelter of that frail cabin, on the utmost rim of the regions inhabited by man, the mighty and desolate plains everywhere, and the great buttes, shadowed with pines, lifting swarthy shoulders into the night close at hand, and the silence of the great plains that stretched darkly beneath the starry heavens — all these spoke a mystic lan- guage, oppressive, yet enchanting, saddening, yet delight- ful. But the stars looked through the cabin window from their mighty heights and thoughts of home and thoughts of God sang a glorious lullaby. "Early the following morning the brother took me to the corner of his farm and pointed out the location of Earth Lodge, and directed the way to it. Taking my grip from his hand, I trudged along afoot and finally found my way to Earth Lodge. Ten or a dozen small houses huddled to- gether on the banks of the White river constituted the hamlet. "Then I sent out the announcement of preaching for the next Sabbath, and began the work of getting acquainted with the people. I found Christian men and women, started^ a Sunday school, and kept up a preaching service during the summer. One thing may be of interest, and that is the straits to which I was put to find a place to study and prejDare my sermons for Sunday. There was a 'hotel.' It consisted of three rooms and a shed kitchen. Tliere was no room in which I could be b}^ myself day times. A few hundred yards away ran 'Ash creek/ a small nOXF.ER I'.XPF.RIENCES 177 Stream w hose banks were ([uite steep, and in the creek bot- tom were some trees. Under one of them was a lo^;;. quite well shaded b\- foliaj^v. That shad\- nook I appropriated t\)r a stud\'. and (hirinj;- the most of that summer wliat reading- I could do and the work of preparing; my Sabbath sermons were done almost wholly in that outdoor study. My Bible and the commentary of nature were all the helps I had. "Sabbath services at first were held in an empty store- room, in one corner of \\ hich was a land office, and boards with such supports as could lie a])propriated served as pews. Later in the summer, after the railroad came through, the town was removed to a site near the station and the name changed to Whitnex". A 'tabernacle' boarded u]) to the eaves, the roof covered with canvas, served the purposes of a sanctuar}-. The work at Whitney was ke])t up during that summer, l)ut the town failed to develop. Congregation- ally speaking. "Within about two weeks of the beginning of my work at Earth Lodge, nee Dawes City, nee Whitney, a rumor came that people were coming into Crawford. Promptly securing a pony, I rode down to investigate. Lnagine my surprise when I came in sight of the place where I had seen, a fev; days before, a solitary tent and a part of a frame building, and beheld a village of at least two hundred inhabitants. The railroad graders were at work in the immediate vicinity of the town and things were 'booming.' There were two or three frame business houses of the fron- tier sort— light frame, rough boards, battened over cracks, no paint, no plaster, no finish, — the rest of the town con- sisted of tents, some of them stretched over a frame of two by fours, some with walls of wood ; in fact every sort of a contrivance to make a temporar\' shelter for goods or workmen. 12 J 78 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA "It was a strange looking town. It was a motley col- lection of people. It was humanity in epitome. Business men, American and Jew ; workmen, mostly carpenters, blacksmiths, and day laborers ; frontiersmen of every stripe, hunters, freighters, cattlemen, land agents, railroad men of the various 'gangs' ; negro soldiers of Ft. Robinson close at hand, and the floating population that infests- a new town, toughs, gamblers, saloonkeepers, lewd women, and various other grades and sorts of degenerate humanity. "One thing I soon noticed. There were no hotels and no residence houses. Every building was some sort of a business house, or shop, or office. Men, and. their families if they had any, lived in their places of business. Restau- rants there were, but no rooms for lodging. Every man was supposed to have his own roll of blankets and find a place to sjjread them under his own or some one else's canvas. I soon discovered my former friend with whom I had lodged at Crow Butte on my way to Earth Lodge and covenanted with him for six feet of space on the floor of his wagon shop. My first step was to find a place in which Sabbath services could be held. After some inquiry, I learned of a large tent that was only partially occupied as a storeroom for a feed store, and from the owner I gained permission to use it for a preaching place. Then the an- nouncement was given out, and on the following Sabbath I preached the first sermon in Crawford. The tent was well filled. In one corner of it a young man had placed a barber's chair and was plying the tonsorial art Sabbath day. It was not until after the service had proceeded for some time that he ceased work. "The audience consisted of representatives of nearly all the classes I have enumerated above as dwellers in the vil- lage, and were seated somewhat irregularly on boards and blocks ; some on bran and meal sacks of various heights, \ PIONEER EXPERIENCES I 79 and many stood. But all were respectful and listened to the young and inexperienced missionary less critically, I am quite sure, than some much more highly favored au- diences would have done. I remember distinctly the text. Zech. 8:16-17. 'These are the things that ye shall do; speak ye every man the truth with his neighbor; execute the judg- ments of truth and peace in your gates : And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against your neighbor ; and love no false oath, for all these are things that I hate, saith the Lord.' Whatever may have been the tenor of the ser- mon, such a text certainly contained wholesome sentiment for such an audience and such a time. "At the close of the sermon the question of Sunday school was presented. The blacksmith moved that we have a Sunday school 'to-day,' and the motion having carried, the audience resolved itself into classes, disposing itself among the planks and grain sacks to the best advantage possible, and an hour was spent in the study of the Sabbath school lesson. "Preaching services were maintained from that day dur- ing the whole summer. "In the earlier portion of my stay there we never knew one Sunday where the service would be held the next. Empty rooms in partially completed buildings were the favorite refuge, but the dining room of a hotel — when one was built — the waiting room of the depot are among the places which I remember served our purpose. Then I se- cured some posts and boards, set the posts in the ground, nailed the IxDards on, put up the frame of a roof, took some heavy ducking to the home of a lady and stitched the seams myself on her sewing machine, put this over the roof; my friend the wagon-maker assisted in making some benches, and we had a place to worship of our own. To be sure, the floor was mother earth, and our carpet the velvet grass, '^ 2 rt >> re 8< s O 11 P i2^ C P fs.c OJS o rt -M d •~ — OJ rt o ;^ -2 ^ Ij '3 r- > 2 r- ° ^'£ btiC 'B ■-~~ ,^ o -o .r' U C trj a 4J £ ^ !« - Z-T^ rt U <« r~ SJ i^ tAj ° > — ^ ?- aj -^ - — ^ " -^ c < PIONEER EXPERIENCES i8 i)ul in;inv worshipers among- those whom the Father seek- eth to worship Him have hfted spiritual son^- and fervent praver to the (/iod and l-"athcr of us all in i)laces less at- tractive and comfiMiable. "Amono- the farmers who had settled in the country round about, and among- the merchants, shopkeepers, and workmen 1 found C'lirislian men, and also Christian women. A little band of these gathered each Sabbath, participated in the worship, assisted in the Sabbath school, and in a nndtilude of wavs held up the hands of the young mis- sionarv. Our superintendent, a young man from the east- ern part of Nebraska, would have done credit to any Sun- dav school, and our teachers did faithful work. "At the close of the sunnner a dozen names had been g-athered for membership in the church to be organized, and a provisional organization was effected, and at that service one woman who united on confession was baptized. "So far as my connection with this Crawford work is concerned, it remains only to add some details, and some incidents that may be of interest to the friends of home missions. After the work was started at both Whitney (Earth Lodge) and Crawford my plan was to preach every Sunday in each place. After the morning service at Whit- ney, T put my Bible and gospel songs in a sack, and tied them on the back of m\- saddle and rode to Crawford — twelve miles. There I preached in the afternoon. At first T tried to take a liast\- dinner before starting for my second a])pointment, but I found that the motion of the horse made it impossible for me to get to Crawford ivifh my dinner. So, of necessity, I had to postpone my Sunday meal until after the afternoon service. "Among the most blessed experiences of that summer's work were mv rides back from Craw^ford to Whitney, on Sabbath evenings, after the messages of the day had been 1 82 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA delivered and its work done. Nebraska, especially in its western portions, is a land of beautiful evenings. As my horse sauntered leisurely homeward, the shadows would fall softly on the rolling prairie, the western heavens would be painted on cloud and glowing blue in colors delicate, bril- liant, glorious, as with pencils of light in the hand of God. Through skies as clear as those of Italy or Syria the stars would look down, and then, over the glorious pine-fringed outlines of the eastern hills, would come forth the silver moon, shedding her soft indescribable glory over a land- scape that seemed to tremble for joy in the mellow light. And how could such a symphony fail to impart itself to the heart of man? But through the waning moonlight and above the voices of nature there came oft to the missionary a higher communication. The consciousness of the Father's presence, the approval of the Savior whose message had that day been delivered, however weakly, the deep gratitude to Him who had guided and supported the weakest of His servants in situations where the strongest would have been as tow to the fire without His grace, the deep sweet delight of fellowship with God in that lonely road : — these and a myriad emotions no pen can write down made that ride of a solitary horseman a pleasant and a blessed part of his life's experiences. "Another little incident of delightful memory is con- nected with the process of securing the little tabernacle at Crawford. To get the lumber it became necessary to make a trip to a sawmill. This was located well up among the hills east of Crawford, toward the head of a huge gully, or small canyon, that made down from the 'Pine Ridge' into the plain below. After a brisk horseback ride in the crisp .-rk for Woman' by .Mrs. FarwcU, read before the State Association itself, was so well received that it had the honor of being incorporated in the minutes of that botly. There were twelve auxiliaries then. In 1879 a milestone was passed when the women de- cided to attempt the support of a missionary, Miss Van Duzee of Turkey. 'Tn 1880 it was resolved to raise an equal sum for home missions. The report of this year says, 'Our infancy is jmst, and we enter upon our next stage with great promise.' Four hundred and sixty-two dollars were raised that year, three-fourths going to foreign work and one-fourth to home. It has taken Christian people longer to realize that there is as much of a responsibility upon us for home missions as for foreign. "The Nebraska Woman's Board of Missions was or- ganized with that fact in view. It was to be a union effort, one society working for the entire missionary field. But owing to the tardiness of the home missionary consciousness and urgent foreign missionary pressure from the Woman's Board of the Interior, which had been organized in 1868, it was the foreign work which received the lion's share of the gifts. Airs. Sherrill writes in 1880: 'The proposition to change our name and. constitution, and limit our work to foreign missions so as to become auxiliary to the W. B. M. I., has been discussed every year, but the feeling pre- vails that we can not exclude from our thought and prayers and gifts the society that is working to Christianize our own land, both because that society needs our allegiance, and because we need that our intelligence and activities be stimulated by connection with it.' "Nevertheless the receipts fell off, and because the so- ciety had pledged a definite amount for the support of their foreign w"orkers, it was the home cause which suffered. 1 ^ 194 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA "In 1883 two treasurers were appointed. In 1884 the W. B. M. I. called for $750. That year there was raised for foreign missions $892.66, for home missions $313.89, for the Educational Commission $2, for the A. M. A. $22, for the American Congregational Union — our present Church Building Society — $5. These sums show the rela- tive importance, in the eyes of the women, of these various societies. "While the amounts increased and home missions gained as the years went by, and many of the founders and strong supporters of the society believed most earnestly in union, it was voted in 1887 at the meeting held in Lincoln that 'the Woman's Missionary Association limit its work to foreign missions, being auxiliary to the W. B. M. I., and that we form a Woman's Home Missionary Society of Nebraska.' This accounts for the fact that the Branch (the foreign work) reports date of their meetings from the very begin- ning, 1873, and the Union (the home work) from 1888. That is, the annual report of 1904 is the thirty-first of the Branch and the seventeenth of the Union. "From that time to the present there have been two sets of officers and two state headquarters, but the meetings "are always held together at the same place, and the local soci- eties have never divided. There is the utmost harmony in the work, a mid-winter fellowship and consultation of the officers of both societies having been held in 1888 and 1904. The first reports after the division were published together ; then each pursued her own way until 1903, when they were published together once more. "After the division there were more active efforts put forth for the home missionary cause. Special circular let- ters w^ere sent to every pastor, and there were added thirty- three new auxiliaries during the year. The church in Ken- sington, Connecticut, sent $100 to encourage the new-born WOAIKX S WOKK IX XKIiKASKA 195 child. \l ihc close i)f the }ear there were fifteen juni(jr and juvenile societies, one of them being a boys' club in South Uend. J'oxes for the home missionaries were pre- pared. There was raised for the home work $1,105.82, including; the $100 from Connecticut, against $513 the year before. The foreign work saw quite an increase also, $1,000 coming into its treasury. "There was a steady increase in gifts, with some fluctua- tions, until the year 1892, when the high-water mark was reached for the Union — $2,002.43, the Branch that year rais- ing $2,185.34, and the next more still, $2,345. "Then came on the hard times and a most discouraging drop, falling down in 1897 to $1,280 for the Branch and in 1899 to $1,091 for the Union. "Again prosperity is making itself felt throughout the state, and this time of a more solid character. Receipts are rising. But just as business men are more cautious in their ventures the women are not as liberal accordingly as they were in earlier days. But each year a higher goal is set, and it is hoped soon not only to reach but to pass our former high-water mark. "During the last two years there has been broader intelli- gence concerning foreign missions owing to the svstematic study of the most admirable books prepared by the national boards, and consequently a more real interest in those aux- iliaries where such study is carried on. Mention should be made of the special library fund raised by the Union, by the ])ublishing of a serial story called 'Inasmuch.' Twelve chapters were written by well-known women, including Mrs. Caswell and Mrs. Sangster. The sale of these books at twenty-five cents has brought in enough money to buy and circulate a library of forty home missionary volumes. The liranch also has a half dozen books in this collection. 196 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA "Nebraska has two young ladies" missionary societies, one at Vine Street Church, Lincoln, and one at Weeping Water. These have a splendid record, but for the most part the young ladies' work has been merged in that of the C. E. S. The children's department has been quite success- ful, with special objects to work for. Of late years in some of the larger churches the departmental plan has been adopted, all the women in the church being united in one association with various departments, chosen according to individual preference. The missionary department of such, associations is counted as an auxiliary. In 1894 there was one German auxiliary organized by the pastor at Princeton. The same year Mrs. Caswell spent several weeks in the state visiting the local societies in the interest of home mis- sions, and in 1898 Miss Wright, Field Secretary of the W. B. M. I., did the same. "The women's work in Nebraska has had in the past most faithful women at the helm, pouring into it effort, strength, and patience of which few will ever know. The result has been not a brilliant record, but a creditable one in its breadth of view, practical methods, financial fruitage, and warm Christian fellowship." The following list of presidents and secretaries of the women's work in Nebraska has been compiled by Mrs. H. Bross, and is of no little interest : PRESIDENT.S Mrs. Asa Farwell, 1875-76. Mrs. S. C. Dean, 1876-87. "branch" presidents Mrs. S. C. Dean, 1887-88. Mrs. F. L. Fitchett, 1894-99. Mrs. G. W. Hall, 1888-93. None, 1899-1900. Mrs. J. G. Haines, 1893-94. Mrs. E. H. Wood, 1900-. women's work in nehraska 197 ''union'" I'UESIDENTS iMrs. S. H. Lcavitt, 1887-91. Mrs. J. T. Diiryea, 1893-95. Mrs. Whitfield Sanford, Mrs. D. B. Perry, 1895- 1901. 1891-92. Mrs. M. A. Bullock, 1901-03. Mrs. S. H. Leavitt, 1892-93. Rev. Laura IL Wild, 1905-. SECRETARIES Mrs. J. E. Elliott, 1873-74. Mrs. A. F. Sherrill, 1879-83. Mrs. G. W. Hall, 1874-75. Mrs. H. A. Leavitt, 1883-84. Mrs. H. Bates, 1875-79. Mrs. E. L. Childs, 1884-87. "URAN'Cn" SECRETARIES Mrs. N. C. Bosworth, 1887- Mrs. W. H. Russell, 1894- 90. 1900- Mrs. A. R. Thain, 1890-94. ^Irs. W\ A. Higgin, 1900-. "union" secretaries Mrs. L. F. Berr}-, 1887-90. Mrs. S. C. Dean, 1893-94. Mrs. E. S. Smith, 1890-92. Mrs. H. Bross, 1894-. Mrs. W. R. Dawes, 1892-93. h PART II CONGREGATIONAL SCHOOLS IN NEBRASKA I I Congregational Educational Institutions THE FONTANELLE SCHOOL At the second meetini; of the State Association held at Fremont, October 30, 1857, and called "The First Annual Meeting," a preliminary meeting for organization having been held in Omaha, .Viigust 8, 1857, it was "Resolved, That we deem it expedient to take measures to lay the foundation of a literary institution of a high or- der in Nebraska. "Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to take into consideration the location of the literary institution. "Resolved, That R. Gaylord of Omaha and P. Allen of Ft. Calhoun be two of this committee, and that F)rother Gaylord select the other in Omaha. Voted, That this com- mittee view locations, receive propositions, and, if thought expedient, call a special meeting of the association."^ This is the first record of action looking toward Congre- gational education in Nebraska. Our pioneer fathers could not well be good Congregationalists without building a college. True to the historic spirit of the denomination they be- gan building up a Christian school as soon as they were organized into an association of churches. In compliance with the preceding resolution JNIoderator Gaylord called a special meeting of the association at Fon- tanelle, January 5, 1858, to consider the question of found- ing an institution of learning. ' ATanuscript Minutes, 1857, p. 10. 201 202 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA Mention has been siiade in a preceding chapter- of the effort of Dr. John M. Ellis to locate a colony and establish a Congregational college. A year earlier than that, "on the 24th day of June, 1854, less than thirty days after the LOGAN FONTENELLE, CHIEF OF THE OMAHAS passage of the Kansas-Nebraska act, a little company of Qiiincy (Illinois) people met together and organized the 'Nebraska Colonization Company.' "^ ^Part I, chap. 11. 'Caldwell's Education in Nebraska, p. 165. THE FONTAXELLE SCHOOL 203 This company, in carryiiio- out their project, legated, Scp- teniher 15 of the same year, the town of Fontanelle on the east side of the Elkhoru river a few miles northwest of Omaha, and named after Lot;an Fontenelle. a half-breed Indian, chief of the Omaha tribe, who had rendered them valuable assistance. There a tract of 112 acres was set apart for Nebraska I'niversity. Says Prof. A. B. Show: "It would be difficult to find a more satisfactory location for a college. The westward view is broad and charmin_e;-, embracing- in its sweep not only the Elkhorn and its tribu- taries, but also the wide valley of the Platte many miles to the south. It did not seem visionary to expect that some day a half score of substantial college buildings would look down from this height upon a thickly populated and pros- perous community."'* Rev. W. W. Keep, a Baptist clergyman, was one of the leading promoters of the colony, trustee and financial agent of the university, and it may be it was intended to establish a Baptist colony and build up a Baptist college. Professor Show says: "The evidence is not clear and satisfactory. . . . In the first board of trustees of which a record re- mains, that of 1856-57, three out of eight trustees were already members of the Fontanelle Congregational Church and two others were members before i860. In the next board of trustees, elected before the question of transferring the management had been raised, five out of eleven were Congregationalists, but the chairman. Rev. J. M. Taggart, was a Baptist clergyman."^ ^Caldwell's Education in Nebraska, pp. lG7-f)S. Professor Show, who writes of Congregational educational institutions in Education m Nebraska, has done such thorough and scientific work that when we quote from him we are assured there is no need for further re- search in the matter quoted. °Ibid., p. t71. 204 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA The firsr. church organized in Fontanelle° was Congre- gational, and "quite a number of these were from the Con- gregational Church of Quincy, Illinois,"' showing that they were a part of the colony. The First Church in Omaha was organized May 4, 1856. One week later the church in Fontanelle was organized with twenty-three members. It is quite evident that Congregationalists predominated in influence, for when Mr. Gaylord called a special meeting of the State Association at Fontanelle, January 5, 1858, the Nebraska Colonization company and the trustees of Ne- braska University were ready with proposals to transfer the college to the Congregationalists. In view of these pro- posals and of donations by the citizens of Fontanelle, the association voted, January 6, 1858, to locate the college at Fontanelle, Dodge county, Nebraska.^ The next day the association considered the question of a charter for the new college, appointed a committee to look after the matter, and instructed the moderator and clerk, as a committee, "to draw up and arrange a contract with the previous trustees and Nebraska Colonization company."^ In accordance with this contract^" the State Association of Congregational Churches undertook to erect a "building for a preparatory department of sufficient dimensions to accommodate 100 pupils" before the third Monday of the next October, and "a good and substantial building for college purposes of architectural proportions" within a pe- riod of five years. The revised charter of the Nebraska University secured by act of the legislature October 25, 1858, "changed en- "The modern spelling — Fontanelle— is used throughout this work. 'Gaylord's Life, p. 188. 'Manuscript Minutes, p. 12. 'Ibid., pp. 12, 13. '"Ibid., p. 14. TllF. FOXTANIiLLK SCHOOL 205 liroly the mode of electini;- trustees, that power henceforth being- vested solely in the Congregational Association."^^ In the Ft. Calhoun meeting of the association, October, 1858, "much interest was manifested concerning the present and future prosperity of the institution."^- It was now a child of the church, and had a lofty ambition to become a leading western college. A series of misfortunes made its history a checkered one. Hard times interfered with its material advancement; the discover} of gold at Pike's Peak took away many of the inhabitants of Fontanelle ; the Indian scare of 1859 l"''^'^' ^ depressing effect; and, above all, in i860 it was, by act of legislature, detached from Dodge county and made a part of Washington county. The, coveted county seat of Dodge county went to Fremont, which secured also the Union Pacihc railroad, leaving Fontanelle to one side and with hopes of the future largel\ blasted. College work was sus- pended for a time, debts increased, and Mr. Gaylord be- came actively engaged in securing funds from the East. \Miilc these changes and disappointments "proved the death blow to the future prospects of Fontanelle as a city,"^-'' yet the pioneer churches stood by the infant college with a heroism worthy of larger results. In 1864 the school resumed work under Miss A. B. Sav- age, w ho had charge of the "preparatory and ladies' depart- ment." and in the following spring Prof. Henry E. Brown, a graduate of Oberlin College, was engaged as "professor of languages and principal of the preparatory department." Professor Brown began work in midwinter (1866?), and he and Miss Savage continued the w^ork until the spring of 1867, when Professor Brown retired from the school. " Education in Nebraska, p. 174'. '"]\ranuscript Minutes, p. 22. ^^ Education in Nebraska, p. 176. 206 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA Rev. Charles G. Bisbee, who for a year had been pastor of the Fontanelle Church, assumed charge of the school, and remained for some three years. "He was assisted in teachinj;- by Mrs. Bisbee, Miss Sarah Jenny, Rev. J. F. Kuhlman, and perhaps others. The REV. C. G. BISBEE records do not indicate precisely the attendance of students during- these years. Obviously, in that respect it was the most flourishing period in the life of the school, but at the best the number was small. "^* Rev. C. G. Bisbee now resides in Arlington, and writes :^^ ^* Education in Nebraska, p. 179. ^^June 14, 1904, letter to writer. TiiK fontani-:llk school 207 "You ask for reminiscences in regard to tlie early history of Congregationalism in Nebraska. I am >iot one of the pioneers. There were Congregational churches in Ne- braska fen years before I came. I attended the meeting of the State Association of Congregational Churches at Fon- tanclle in September, 1866. The ministers and delegates attending that meeting were in all thirteen. None of them are now living but myself. At that time I was elected stated clerk, and the minutes of the association were printed that year, I think for the first time . . . At the same meeting I was elected a trustee of the Nebraska University, the first school of high order which the Congregationalists of Nebraska undertook to sustain. At the meeting of the board of trustees I was elected secretary of the board and clerk of the executive committee. I kci)t the records of said institution while it lasted. Said records can be found among the archives of Doane College. '•From the minutes of the State Association and the records of the Nebraska University you will find the im- portant facts for your history (of that period). But the diftkulties, trials, and arduous labors attending the estab- lishing and building up of the Redeemer's Kingdom in those early days can not be told in a brief history. This state is one of magnificant distances. "Yours truly. "C. G. Bisbe:e." "About the beginning of 1871 Mr. Bisbee resigned, and Mr. T- T- Boulter was engaged to conduct the school. Un- der his supervision instruction continued until some time in 1872, when it was given up never to be resumed." ^"^ Dififerent causes brought about the downfall of the school : The first in point of time was doubtless the failure of Fon- '" Education in Nebraska, p. 180. THE FONTANELLE SCHOOL 209 tanclle to develop as a town, due to its failure to secure the railroad and the county seat. In the beginning it tried also to secure the capital of the territory. These disappointments resulted in the collapse of the town, which niigiit have become a small college town had not a second factor entered into the problem of its exist- ence — the removal of the capital from Omaha to Lincoln. This and the establishment of the state university at Lin- coln caused the more rapid development of southern and southeastern Nebraska. Immigration went that way. Con- gregational churches were organized, and by 1871 there was a strong sentiment in favor of a new location for a Congregational college, ^^'eeping Water with its compara- tively strong church made a bid for it. ]\Iilford with its academy already in operation wanted it. Crete with its academy, with its pastor Rev. Fred Alley, backed by the strong influence of Mr. Thomas Doane, and the Burlington & Alissouri river railroad was persistent in asking for the college. It also put in the plea of having a central location, and Nebraska is a large state. It began to look dark for Fontanelle. At the Freniont meeting of the General Association, 1869, the report from Fontanelle was discouraging. One must read between the lines to catch the spirit of the meeting. The following resolution was adopted: "Resolved, That a committee be appomted to have power to convey all the property, right, and title we possess in the Nebraska University to tlu; citizens of Fontanelle, as oer original contract, or to such other persons as the trustees may decide upon.'"^' In 1870 the association heard a report from Fontanelle but took no action. "Minutes, 1869, p. 16. 14 2IO CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA In 1 87 1 the association met in Lincoln. Something evi- dently had been done during the year. The Burlington & Missouri river railroad compaijy gave the association a free excursion to Crete and return. While at Crete the associa- tion assisted in laving the cornerstone of the nev/ academy building. College matters were generally discussed. The following significant resolutions were adopted : "I. Resolved, That we believe the time has come to take measures for the establishment of two or more academies. "11. Resolved, That Fontanelle has strong' claims upon the association for sympathy, and we commend the institu- tion at that place to the confidence of our people. "HI. Resolved, That the people of Milford and Crete shall have the sympathy and good will of the association., to do all they can in establishing first-class academies at their respective points. 'TV. Resolved, That the thanks of the association arc due to the people of Milford and Crete, and also to the Burlington & Missouri river railroad company for the very generous offers they have made us in the matter of locating a college; and that the association respectfully :isk further time for considering the matter. "^^ At this same meeting Supt. O. W. Merrill introduced the following resolution which was also ndopted: "Resolved, That it is the sense of this association that we should concentrate our educational efforts on our acade- mies and our one college for our order in the state."^" That emphatic "one" has a peculiar significance. The resolution is prophetic. Doane College has its "Merrill Hall." ''Minutes, 1871, p. 12. '"Ibid. THE FONTANELLE SCHOOL 211 Milford and Crete at this meeting of the association pre- sented definite bids for the college. Rev. O. W. Merrill, Rev. Julius A. Reed, and George Lee were appointed a com- mittee to supervise the general educational interests in the state until tlio next meeting of die association. This committee in a voluminous report of marked literary flavor, the following year, 1872. recommended that Crete be chosen as the location of the new college. In the mean- time Weeping Water presented a strong showing in favor of the location there, so that there were three competing points, }^lilford, Crete, \\'ecping Water. The report of the committee aroused a spirited discussion. It was shown in the report that in 1S70 Nebraska had sent thirty-tv;o pupils to Tabor College, Iowa — "enough at that one school to make a respectable beginning were they gathered into a school of our own." This, too, because Nebraska had no school for them ! "The conclusion to which we come is that we have al- ready waited too long, and that we can not move too soon or too vigorously.'" Some wanted to postpone action till the next October. This was voted down, and the recommendation of the com- mittee that the college be located at Crete was adopted by a decisive vote.-" The association then appointed trvistees for the new col- lege and took initial steps to establish it. A paper respecting "Fontanelle University" was referred to a committee consisting of Rev. Messrs. A. Dresser, John E. Elliott, and T. E. Heaton, to report on the following year, and when the re])ort was calletl for. it was "N^o cause of action."-^ '"Minutes, 1872, pp. 6-11. "Minutes, 1873, p. 10. 212 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA This ends the history of Nebraska University so far as the State Association is concerned. "It can not be said that the enterprise — the Fontanelle School — ever reached secure footing, or even promised permanent success. At the outset the time was not ripe for such undertaking, and long before the general conditions were favorable, the particular lo- cality selected for the school had ceased to claim attention. "-- The institution came to an end in August, 1873, but "May 15, 1874, the trustees held their last meeting and concluded tlieir work.'"-^ This might be called the official ending of the Fontanelle school. Mr. Gaylord was wont to speak of the ''rcmovaV of the college from Fontanelle to Crete,"* but the minutes of the association show that Fontanelle was abandoned and a new college oroanized at Crete. "Education in Nebraska, p. 183. ''Ibid., p. 182. ■' See Gaylord's Life, pp. 327, 430. DOANF, COLLEGF 213 II DOAXK COLLEGI-: Doane Collci^o was more fortunate in its foundinj;- than was Fontant-lle. It had a better financial backinc:. Mr. Thomas Doane, a native of Massachusetts, and at the time chief enf,nneer of the lUirh'ngton & Missouri river railroad in Nel)raska, became interested in the establishment of an educational institution in the state. Dr. Willard Scott, at the time pastor of St. Mary's Ave- nue Church in Omaha, gave an address at the fifteenth an- niversary exercises of Doane College and presented a graphic picture of the preliminary work attending the planting of Crete Academy : "Our attention is now directed to Plattsmouth. The Bur- lington & oMissouri river railroad company in Nebraska was operating its construction from that place and pressing westward. At the Brooks House we are asked into a room in the winter of 1870-71. It is small; so small that when the necessary articles of furniture are placed, there is room only for two large easy chairs and a fur robe, kept rolled up and strapped ready for use at short notice, in a nook between the bureau and the table. Here evening by evening — and long evenings they seemed to the lady seated upon the fur robe — sit in the easy chairs two gentlemen, a civil engineer and a preacher, the pastor of the First Congregational Church at Plattsmouth. The theme is a college and the idea seems to the lady on the fur robe as 'impossible as es- tablishing one in the moon.' 'Can we secure the land ? Where is the best place for it?' Crete is proposed 'as being beautifully situated upon the Big Blue.' DOANE COLLEGE 215 "Before February 20 Mr. Alley h8. To this union five children were born, viz.: Mrs. David J I. Perry, wife of the President of Doane College-; Mrs. William O. W'eeden, Concord, jNlassachusetts ; Mrs. Henry P>. Twombly, Summit, Wnv Terse\- ; the Rev. John Doane, Fremont, Ne- braska ; and TlTomas who died in infancy. November 19, 1870, Mr. Doane was married a second time to Miss Louisa .\. Parber of Brattleboro, Vermont, who was in close sym- pathy with him in his Nebraska enterprises, taking an active part in the first efl'orts to establish the college at Crete. October 22, 1897, after a short illness and while on a visit at ^^'cst Townshend, Vermont, he departed this life. It was fitting that he should pass away among the rock-ribbed hills and amid the trees he loved so well, the maples all aglow with autumn's choicest colors. His grave is in the old family burial ground at Orleans, Massachusetts, a com- manding knoll which looks out over a pleasantly diversified landscape and the great sea, an environment rich in ances- tral associations. Of him it may be well said that the world was better because of his having lived. Successful in the management of his own business afifairs, he took delight in assisting others, and he was never more ])leased than when doing something to help those about him to higher and better things. The long line of generations constituting the Doane family contains many illustrious men, but none was more so than Thomas Doane, founder of Doane College. The family is an old one, probably of Nomian origin, its history being traceable to the year 1000. There were Doancs with ^^^illiam the Conqueror ; Doanes were promi- 15 226 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA nent in English church history ; they were conspicuous in the civil life of England. When the good ship Fortune sailed from Wales in the wake of the historic Mayflower a Doane placed his name upon the passenger register and established the family in the new world. "From such stock as this sprang the eminent engineer and philanthropist whose monument is the splendid college upon the upland overlooking the beautiful valley of the Big Blue where the river, as seen from college heights, turns sharply to the west to make room for the picturesque little city of Crete, Nebraska. Not marble shaft or polished brass can best perpetuate his memory, but it will live forever in the minds and hearts of thousands who have been, and will yet be made better and more useful citizens by reason of his integrity, his wisdom, his enterprise, his liberality, and his devout Christianity." THE HEAD OF THE COLLEGE In 187 1 Mr. David Brainerd Perry, graduate of Yale College and Theological Seminary, traveler and student in Germany, Italy, and Switzerland, tutor in Yale College, de- cided to be a missionary on the western frontier, and asked for one of the hardest fields. He was stationed at Aurora, - and the same year, 1872, was ordained at Crete to the Gospel ministry. Mr. Perry was the man whom the trustees decided to call to take charge of the new college ; he accepted the call and began service in the autumn of 1872, being, during the first year, the only teacher in the school. Thirteen students were in attendance, but at the end of the year five young men, examined and approved by the trustees July i, 1873, entered the freshman class of Doane College, and at the July meeting, 1873, the trustees elected Mr. Perry professor of Greek and Latin, and also Miss Mary W. Merrill as DOANE COLLEGIA 227 principal of the preparatory department and teacher of Ger- man and French. As yet the office of president had not been created, but Professor Perry had charge of the institution. He has tlie unique record of being the first teacher in Doane College, its first professor in charge of the school, and its first and only president, being elected to that office, and Perry professor of mental and moral philosophy in 1 88 1. A man who has been and still is so intimately con- nected with the development of Congregational educational interests in the state is worthy of the more extended sketch of his life which we are permitted to use, and it is here introduced. DAVID BR.'\INERD PERRY, D.D. "David Brainerd Perry, president of Doane College, Crete, was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, March 7, 1839. His ancestors on his father's side came from England to Massachusetts at a very early date, and the old home- stead farm bordering on the city of Worcester was for many generations a permanent and noted family possession. Sam- uel Perry, the father of the subject of this sketch, inherited the sturdy characteristics of his family and was a thrifty farmer. Possessing the respect and confidence of his neigh- bors to a rare degree, he was an important member of the community in which he lived and a generous supporter of religious and educational enterprises near and far. The aid he rendered to Doane College at an early and critical period in its history was invaluable. He married Alary Harring- ton, who in addition to the care of her own family of ten children, was an efficient and much loved medical adviser for the neighborhood. "In his early boyhood Brainerd Perry preferred work on the farm to attendance at school. Perhaps few boys have PRESIDENT D. B. PERRY, D.D. DOANI-: COLLEGE 229 been more fond oi an outdoor, active life. Few boys took more interest in the .qreat anti-slavery agitation with which Xew England was at that time all alive. As he was too young to go in person to Kansas to take part in the struggle for freedom he did the next best thing — he sent his small earnings to buy Sharps rifles. When at the age of seven- teen his life work had been chosen, he gave himself with intense purpose to making amends for lost educational time. He fitted for college in the Worcester high school, an in- stitution of high grade. He vrent to college for the purpose of preparation for the Christian ministry. His high school teachers, who were recent graduates of Yale, did much to determine his choice of a college. He entered Yale in 1859 and graduated in 1863 with the degree of A.B., taking sec- ond rank in scholarship in a class of 122. During his train- ing at Yale the freshman and senior college societies were in high favor, but he carefully avoided the sophomore so- ciety and used that of the junior year simply as a stepping stone to the senior society. The war for the Union was being fought out while he was in college and he would gladly have thrown himself into the conflict, but he was , held back by the advice of friends. "Immediately after graduation from Yale he took one year of theological tr-aining at Princeton Seminary, New Jersey. For an interval during this year he was able to give himself to the service of the Christian Commission in Virginia where he saw the camp-fires of the enemy. "He spent the following year at Union Theological Sem- inary. New York city, and engaged in religious work in Iowa during the summer vacation. He had gone to An- dover, Massachusetts, for a third year in the theological seminary at that place when he received an invitation from President Woolsey to become a tutor in Yale, which led him to change his plans and to take his third seminarv year 230 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA in the Yale Divinity School during the two years of his college tutorship. "President Perry graduated from the Yale Divinity School in 1867 with the degree of S.T.B. In the following year he went abroad and continued his study and travel for fourteen months. Upon his return he was engaged for nearly two years again as a tutor at Yale. At the end of his student life his health, which had always been excep- tionally good in his college days, was so much impaired that he asked the Congregational Home Missionary Society for a frontier parish, where he could have outdoor life and breathe the high, dr}^ air of the plains. Superintendent O. W. Merrill assigned him to Hamilton county, Nebraska, where he lived near Aurora from April to September, 1872. In a short time the north half of Clay county was added to his parish, and he was then in charge of three little churches. "Efforts that had been put forth for some time to estab- lish a Congregational college in the state culminated in June of this same year, and Mr. Perry was at once urged to take up educational work in the new institution soon to be known as Doane College. During his first year of service at Doane, 1872-73, he was sole instructor with the title of tutor, and was engaged in preparing a few students to enter a freshman class. Then he became professor of Latin and Greek, and afterward successively senior professor, acting president, and, in 1881, president. He received from Yale the degree of M.y\. in 1866, and of D.D. in 1898. "His sympatliies have always been with the Republican party, but he has taken no active part in politics and has neither held nor sought public ofiice. He is a member of the Crete Congregational Club, the oldest organization of its kind in the state, and the Schoolmasters' Club, which was organized in 1898. He was married July 3, 1876, to DOANE COLLEGE 23 1 Helen Doane, and five children were born to them : Thomas Doane, born May zy, 1877; Brainerd Clark, August 13. 1879 (died July 21, 1880) ; Charles Boswell, January 25, 1884; Helen Clark, February 17, 1888; Henry Eldridge, October 8, 1889. "If, contrary to expectations, the college'educator speed- ily took the place of the frontier home missionary, President Perr\- has never forgotten the missionary work that drew him to Nebraska, and he has lost no opportunity to identify himself with the religious life of the state. He has sought to come in close touch with every phase of school life whether public or private. It has seemed to him that there should be no divorce between education and religion, but that each siiould help the other to what is highest and best. The college of which he has been the head for thirty years has taken a high rank, and it is his ambition that he may be a part of its vitalizing power in the generations to come. He still fills the office of president of Doane College ac- ceptably to all who are concerned in its welfare." THE DELIBERATION OF THE TRUSTEES In this sketch we have anticipated somewhat the action of the trustees of Doane College. They were very careful in making a choice of president and took time thoroughly to study the question. In 1875 the State Association by resolution^ recommended to the trustees that "as soon as possible and expedient they secure a suitable man to fill the place of president of the institution."' But still they waited, it may be to watch more fully the development of the young head professor whom they had in mind and whom they finally chose. The association the same year unanimously recommended "to the trustees of Doane College that they take measures * Minutes, lS7o, p. 8. . 232 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA to open at the earliest possible date a training school for ministers competent to work among the Germans and other foreign populations of our country, and. to call upon the churches of our state and such others as may be interested to carry out the needful work/' and also resolved to "take steps to raise $10,000 to be appropriated to the erection of a permanent building, to be called Merrill Hall, in memory of O. W. JMerrill, one of the earliest and stanchest friends of the enterprise."" The churches of the state, which at that time, 1875, numbered only seventy-seven with a mem- bership of 2,002, had no small task before them — the i^rose- cution of missionary work, the building and equipping a Christian college, and the training of men for service among the foreigners in our own state. How large this foreign work was we may not fully realize, but the churches and the college as well felt the imperative need of nnmediate action and earnest effort. Professor Perry in 1876 reported : "In less than five years in Nebraska I have met the rep- resentatives of sixteen different languages. In this number I do not include various Indian tribes of discordant tongues, nor the African, whose speech, like his nationality, has been merged in our own ; nor certain of American parentage, who were born in Asia and first learned to speak JMahratta; and I am reckoning respectively as one. Englishman and American, Hollander and Frisian, Dane and Norwegian. The rest are Sv^^ede, German, Pole, Bohemian, Russian. French, Italian, Portuguese, Irish, Scotch, Hungarian, and Jew. Within a radius of twelve miles of Doane College I can count the representatives of more than twelve different nationalities."^*' We do not wonder that in. 1877 the association votes "especiallv [to] welconie foreigners and their children to 'Ibid., p. 8. *° Minutes, 1876, p. 8. DOANF. COLLEGE 233 the lialls ni the ccUc.uc;"" and thai in 1S71J it "Resolved. That we regard the clhirt lo found a liennan Theological Scniinarv at Crete with deep interest, and are glad to learn that its friends have succeeded in raising about $9,000 to- wards tlie endowment, and hope that success will coiUmue to attend their effort. "*- The establishment of a ( lermau deparlnient in the Lhi- cago Theological Seminary made the organization and de- velopment of a German Theological Seminarv in Crete un- wise, but a '-pro-seminarv" was eventually organized and later on moved to Wilton. Iowa, and sliil later to Redfield College, South Dakota, as stated in a preceding chapter. .\s the "pro-seminary"' movement began in Crete, the Ne- braska churches from the first have followed its develop- ment with deep interest and contributed to its support at the time thev were seeking to build and equi]j Doane College. The active interest of Congregational Neln-aska in Chris- tian education in general, and in Doane College in particu- lar, was marked and abiding, and found expression in the meetings of the association from year to year. PRFSIDEXT perry's REPORTS President Perrv's reports on Doane College were a uni(|ue feature in former meetings of the association. They had the true ring in them, and many of them were classics. It is a decided loss to the association that it does not provide for their continuance. They could follow the reports of the Committee on Education, and the churches would be the gainer thereby. President Perry's utterance on religion in our schools before the Fremont meeting in 1878 was timely and strong: "Minutes, 1S77, p. S. '-Minutes. 1879. p. 13. 234 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA "There are special hardships involved in legislating the Bible out of the school. No other place is so treated. The president-elect of the United States is inaugurated with ceremonies which culminate as he presses his lips to the sacred volume ; halls of legislation have their chaplain ; civil tribunals administer the solemn oath ; the lawyer knows that the Bible underlies Blackstone; the general understands that men who carry the New Testament in their vest pocket and drink in its spirit, like CromwelFs old Ironsides, make the best soldiers. But the great army of boys and girls, a mightier host than king or emperor can marshal, gathering in every town and school district, soon to join the ranks of those engaged in fighting the battle of life, standing in need of the same sanctions, warnings, and encouragements — these forsooth in the most plastic period of their lives must be far removed from Bible, oath, and chaplain. "Even where free thought has not full sway religious in- fluences are greatly diminished. It can not be denied that there is a strong tendency toward the divorce of religion and education in oar public schools. How shall education be kept Christian becomes an important question. The bal- lot can not be relied upon, nor the secular press. The classes to be reached are largely inaccessible to preaching. The great remedy lies in the Christian college."^^ "We all believe in the common school system, but how shall it be kept Christian? Maintain the Christian college; make the Christian college a success, and the light which shines from it will attract with more than magic power. From the higher institutions of learning go forth the teach- ers who are to shape and fashion the minds of the young people all over our great state. They who mould these young people determine the destinies of the next genera- " Minutes, 1878, p. 19. CHANCELLOR E. B. FAIRFIELD, D.D., LL.D. Cliancellor of the State University, prominent Congregational minister and author, formerly president of Hillsdale College, Michigan, and lieutenant governor of Michigan. 236 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA tion. . . It is of the utmost importance that they who teach others should first have been taught l)y the Great Teacher."^'' These strong words met the hearty approval of the churches, and it will be noted that Congregational Ne- braska, in most hearty accord with Christian education, has a deep and growing interest in the public schools of the state from the primary school to the State University. It believes with President Perry that we need the Christian college for the sake of the better moral influence of all these schools, common school, high school, normal school, and State University. We need the Christian college for what it is, for Avhat it is doing directly and indirectly, for what it may do in conserving the best interests of the state, and in counteracting the "godless" influence which here and there seeks to control public action in education and government. 'Minutes, 1879, p. 22. EDUCATION IN TIIK STATE 237 III EDUCATION IN THE STATE We shall find in the endorsements of the State Associa- tion the general altitude of the churches toward education in the state. IRVING J. MANATT, D.D., LL.D. The steady prog:ress of Doane College was a source of satisfaction. Merrill Hall has a companion in Gaylord Hall, fittingly named after Reuben Gaylord, whose widow expressed in substantial ways her sympathy and interest. 238 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA An observatory well adapted for practical use in due time appeared ; a library building was added to the group ; debts are paid ; an endowment is being planned for, and the trus- tees are looking forward to a much larger and better equip- ment. In all these things the churches take a profound in- terest and help on in the work. But they can not forget that they are a part of a great state; and state interests have their claim. How shall they express themselves in reference to these? What is their relation thereto? At the Beatrice meeting, 1885, Chancellor Manatt of the State University presented a minute bearing on this general matter, and it was adopted by the association. It is inter- esting in showing not only the attitude of the association toward education in the state, but is also a good illustration of some of the problems with which the state had to deal, and though somewhat lengthy it is worthy of record here : "I. The entire education of the commonwealth is one common interest, to be administered with a single view to the highest intellectual and moral improvement of the whole people and the people as a whole. 'TI. In order to its administration with economy and effectiveness, its promoters must act on the principle of co- operation rather than of competition. "HI. We recognize as constituting our system of educa- tion in Nebraska: (a) the common schools and the private elementary schools; (b) the public schools. and the acad- emies; (c) the University and the chartered colleges. "IV. (a) We believe that in this system elementary edu- cation is for quantity abundantly provided for, while we urge the importance of improving its quality as a prepara- tion for life, and particularly as a means of moral discipline. (b) We recognize as a weak point in this system the want of good secondary schools. While Massachusetts has nearly 300 high schools and academies, training 30,000 pupils, EDUCATION IN THE STATE 239 from whose numbers five colleges are recruited, Nebraska lias a smaller number of genuine jircparatory schools than of colleges. We therefore urge the building up of good, honest high schools and academies throughout the state, at carefully chosen points, with an ultimate view to providing thorough preparation for college, as well as a sound English education, in at least one place in every county. ( c) In the higher education we hold, that concentration is the neces- sary law. The multiplication of colleges, out of all propor- tion to the provision for secondary and the demand for higher education, violates every principle of economy, and tends inevitably to the degradation of college stamlards and degrees. The fact that young Nebraska, with but a fraction of her sod turned over, has now three times as many col- leges as old Connecticut, nine times as many as New Hamp- shire, must convince even the wayfaring man that it is high time to call a halt. "V. In view of these principles, it is the sense of this as- sociation : (a) that the founding of new colleges is unwise and inexpedient; (b) that those now existing should be supported on their merits; (c) that the best interests of education would be promoted by such concert of action on the part of the University and the other colleges as to secure substantial uniformity in standards and degrees."^ Doubtless the association remembered its attitude and vote at this time when soon after it was called upon to de- cide whether it should support a second college in the state. Nor are we surprised that the next year, 1886, Chancellor Manatt, as visitor to the German Seminary at Crete, recom- mended that it should be affiliated with Doane College in the interests of economy and efficiency, having as much of the work as possible done in the college, and that the Com- ' Minutes, 1885, p. 11. 240 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA niittee on Education, Rev. Willard Scott, D.D., chairman, to whom the Chancellor's report had been referred, recom- mended that the report and suggestions be referred to a committee consisting of President Perry, Supt. George E. Albrecht, and Rev. Wm. Suess for such action as "in their united judgment may seem best.'' The Committee on Education also recommended "that a committee be raised to consist of one representative from each of our educational institutions in the state, to be ap- pointed by itself and the Chancellor of the State University, to consider the general educational interests of our denomi- nation in Nebraska, and to report at the next meeting of the General Association. "- -Minutes, 1SS6, pp. 12, 18. THE COLLl-X.K OUKSTION 24I IV TH1-: COLLIiGK QUESTION The General Association in 1887 met in Lincoln, and in its sessions considered largely educational matters. A new college knocked at its doors for recognition. Its origin may be briefly stated. With returning prosperity in 1880 the northern counties of Nebraska began to ask for an educational institution, and took steps to organize a second Congregational college. The Columbus Association was active in the movement. In its annual meeting, t88i, it de- cided to ask for bids for the location of "an institution of academy or seminary grade." Neligh, Antelope county, secured the institution. The articles of incorporation gave it the name of GATES COLLEGE^ The institution was named in memory of former State Superintendent of Home Missions, Rev. H. N. Gates. The college came into legal existence September 29, i88r, but for the first four years it did only preparatory work, and was recognized by the association as doing academy work. The association was loath to recognize a second college, and in 1885, as we have seen, deemed the "founding of new colleges as unwise and inexpedient," and in 1886 a commit- tee, formed of representatives from the. educational institu- tions and local associations, together with the Chancellor of the State University, in accordance with the instruction of the association, took the whole matter under advisement 'For further account see Education in Ncl'raska, pp. 2,19-2G. Our object is only to show the organization and place of Gates College in the development of Congregationalism in the state. 16 242 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA and presented a lengthy and in part divisive report before the association in Lincohi in 1887. This report was favor- able to the academies, recommending the endowment of those already existing, and the planting and endowment of others "in wisely selected locations throughout the state" ; it endorsed the German Theological Seminary at Crete. But on the number of colleges to be encouraged the report was divisive. A part of the committee consisting of H. Bross, Geo. E. Taylor, Wm. Suess, A. V. Rice, John Schaerer, and G. A. Gregory reported in favor of endorsing Gates College as a college, but deprecated "the further in- crease of the number in the state." The other members, con- sisting of W. P. Bennett, D. B. Perry, Willard Scott, George Hindley, C. PI. Dye, Irving J. Manatt, and J. B. Parmalee, reported to recognize and endorse Gates College as a useful preparatory institution. "But it is the sense of this commit- tee that its highest usefulness and the interest of our gen- eral educational work in the state will be best served by limiting its work in the main to its preparatory department."^ On the program of this meeting of the General Associa- tion we find such questions as these : "The need for a col- lege in northern Nebraska," Prof. R. A. Harper of Gates College ; "One college or two," Dr. Willard Scott. It is easy to conjecture that the interest in the general question was intense and growing. The following years committees were appointed to visit, and reports were received from both Doane and Gates col- leges, but it does not appear that there was any particular discussion of the college question until 1 891 at the Fremont meeting, when the recognition of Gates College was given a special place on the program of the association, and the issue was squarely met in the discussion of the question. 'Minutes, 1887, pp. 39-41. THK COLLEGE QUESTION 243 "Resolved, That the association endorse Gates Colle£j:e as a Congregational college." Before the vote on the ([uestion "it was voted that, imme- diately upon announcement of the vote, the congregation rise and sing the doxology, 'Praise God from whom all hlessings flow' " ! "The resolution was defeated by a vote of 107 to 124." And "upon the announcement of the vote the members arose and united in singing the doxology." Dr. T. T. Dnr\ea of Omaha then introduced the follow- ing resolution, which was adopted : "Resolved, That the association advise the trustees of Gates College to direct their efforts for the present to the development of the preparatory department, extending its course as far as the end of the sophomore year, and in case thev decide to adopt this advice, that they be commended to the churches for aid."" But the college question was by no means settled. It assumed the form of a relocation of the Congregational college and a union of Doane and Gates. Dr. Duryea of- fered the following, wdiich was unanimously adopted : "Whereas, In the course of the discussion of the endorse- ment of Gates College it was suggested that there might be a union effected between Doane College and Gates College ; "Resolved, That the whole matter of the policy of the churches of Nebraska in respect to its educational institu- tions be referred to a commission of nine members, select- ing one from each local association, which shall report at the next meeting of the State Association."* The Omaha meeting of 1892 will long be remembered for the discussion on the report of the educational commis- = Minutes, 1891, pp. 12-14. * Minutes, 1891, pp. 15, 16. 244 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA sion. The question of the proposed consohdation of the colleges was before the meeting'. The excitement was in- tense, the discussion spirited, the appeals from the floor confusing to both moderator and people, and the confusion at times distracting. It is said that the devotional service which came in the midst of the heated discussion, and was led by Dr. S. Wright Butler, subdued the feeling, brought the members into a more normal condition of mind and heart, and made possible a course of action which was cred- itable to the association if not acceptable to all. The result was the creation of a new educational commission, consist- ing of Rev. A. A. Cressman, A. G. McGrew, M.D., Rev. F. C. Cochran, O. W. Ne'edham, Rev. T. W. De Long, F. P. Wigton, Rev. Geo. S. Biscoe, V. S. Abraham, Rev. William Fritzemeier, John Asmus, Rev. L. Gregory, C. M. Root, Rev. F. L. Ferguson, Rev. G. J. Powell, Rev. W. H. Buss, William Fleming, Rev. George E. Taylor, and Prof. A. C. Hart, "whose duty it shall be to incorporate themselves into a board of trustees of one union Congregational college in Nebraska, as soon as they are definitely assured by the official boards of Doane and Gates colleges that all trans- ferable assets of said institutions will be transferred to the new corporation, whose duty then shall be to take all possible action looking toward such consolidation, receive bids of donations, and report at the next annual meeting of the association."^ This commission through its chairman. Rev. G. J. Powell, reported the following year — Beatrice, 1893 — that "it was found impossible to accomplish anything in accordance with the resolution under which the commission was appointed."*' Doane College did not see its way clear to surrender its charter and turn over its assets, amounting \Minutes, 1892, pp. 10-16. 'Minutes, 1893, p. 47. THE COLLEGE QUESTION 245 then to $200,000, to a new corporation, although Gates was favorable to the proposition." This ended the eft'orts to consolidate the two institutions. Other causes were operating to bring about an end to the controversy. "In 1895 the trustees of Gates College, confronted with a grave financial deficit, voted to remove the college from Neligh to Norfolk, at which place they were promised a constderablc eift in lands and moneys. To prevent this action the citi^zens of Neligh, including several trustees, in- voked the aid of the courts. But the major part of the trustees, the president and part of the faculty, resigned and threw their support to a new institution at Norfolk, which they christened Norfolk College. The result was not the removal of Gates College, but the founding of a third col- lege in competition with it. For about three years this division of forces continued. In 1898, in deference to the findings of a "committee of investigation" of representative Congregational clergymen from Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, and'^Cotorado, the institution at Norfolk closed its work, leaving the field to Gates College ; but the long controversy had so far weakened its strength that Gates College was unable to maintain its position ; and in the spring of 1899 it resigned its college charter and became an academy."^^ The years of controversy were unfortunate; they hin- dered the real advance of educational work in the state. A divisive question unsettled the people, caused some to lose interest in Doane College, and prevented the college from doing its best work, because of meager equipment, at a time when it should have had the individual support of all the churches, and yet during all this time Doane was overcoming great difficulties, was doing splendid work, was 'Minutes, 1893, pp. 46, 47. "Education in Nebraska, p. 223. 246 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA slowly increasing its assets, and paying its debts. It was securing an accredited standing among the colleges of the land, and the high merit of its work was recognized by the State University. Members of the faculty, for the good work which they did, were called to other institutions — Prof. F. L. Kendall to Williams College ; Prof. A. B. Show to Leland Stanford Junior University ; Prof. G. D. Swezey to the University of Nebraska." When Professor Perry became President Perry in 1881, Doane College reported the following professorships : men- tal and moral philosophy, D. B. Perry ; mathematics, Arthur B. Fairchild; natural sciences, Goodwin D. Swezey. And a year later there were added to these, chemistry, John S. Brown ; German and French, Francis L. Kendall ; Greek, Howard F. Doane. Besides these there were several in- structors, but the college had not reached the eight full professorships which now are deemed necessary to secure recognition as a high grade college of front rank. It, however, was making progress year by year, and the catalogue of 1904 gives a corps of professors and instructors of whom it is justly proud, men whose magnificent work would be even better if Doane College had the larger and better material equipment which it is now seeking to secure, and which its growing number of students demands. The following is the register of 1904: DOANE COLLEGE, I904-5 Faculty and Instructors. — Rev. David Brainerd Perry, D.D. (Yale), President, Perry professor of mental philoso- phy and history; Arthur Babbitt Fairchild, A.B. (Berea), David Whitcomb professor of economics and ethics ; John 'Historical Glimpses, p. 30. THE COLLEGE QUESTION 247 Sewall Rrown, A.M. (Bates), principal of academy and professor of ancient languages ; Howard Freeman Doane, A.B. (Harvard), Boswell professor of Greek and Latin; Margaret Eleanor Thompson, S.B. (Doane), A.M. (Uni- versity of Nebraska), professor of English literature and instructor in history of art; William Everett Jillson, A.M. (Brown), professor of German and French and instructor in elocution; Henry Hallock Hosford, A.M. (Western Re- serve), professor of chemistry and instructor in physics and astronomy; Joseph Horace Powers, S.B. (University of Wisconsin), Ph.D. (Gottingen), Crete professor of biology; John Newton Bennett, A.B. (Doane), A.M. (University of Nebraska), professor of mathematics and assistant principal of academy; Hiram Gillespie, A.B. (University of (Chi- cago), A.M. (Yale), acting professor of Greek and Latin; Mildred Ethel Vance, A.B. (Doane), principal of women's department and instructor in history and physical training; Laura Hulda Wild, A.B. (Smith), instructor in Biblical literature ; Walter Guernsey Reynolds, diploma from Mans- field (Pennsylvania) State Normal Conservatofy of Music, private pupil of M. Guilmant and Madame de Picciotto, Paris, musical director, singing, pianoforte, organ, theory ; Jennie Chamberlain Hosford (Mrs.), A.B. (Smith), piano- forte; Robert Lithgow Dick, S.B. (Doane), private pupil of ^Nliss Silence Dales and Gustav Menzendorf, violin and harmony; Sadie Davis Reynolds (Mrs.), S.B. (Lawrence University), instructor in art; John William Fuhrer, phys- ical director for men ; Oscar Tretonious Swanson, instructor in bookkeeping ; George Roger La Rue, teacher of biology ; Perry Clayton Swift, teacher of stenography ; George Joshua Taylor, teacher of mathematics ; Flora May Waldorf, teacher of physics ; Henry William Wendland, teacher of mathematics. 248 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA Officers. — Hiram Gillespie, registrar ; Joseph Horace Powers, secretary of faculty; William Everett Jillson, librarian: Mrs. Eliza ?\Iargaret Boeline, matron. Committee on Scholarship Funds. — David Brainerd Perry, John Sewall Brown, Arthur Babbitt Fairchild. - Student Assistants. — William Everett Jillson, Jr., as- sistant in Whitin Library ; Genevieve Krainek, assistant in Whitin Library ; George Roger La Rue, weather bureau observer in charge of Boswell Observatory ; Arthur Walton Medlar, assistant in treasurer's office ; Alonzo Loudon Moon, assistant in Whitin Library ; Ernest CliiTord Potts, assistant in Whitin Library. Congregational Nebraska in its educational work now concentrates its effort to the upbuilding of Doane College and the five academies which enter into its unique educa- tional system — Crete, Franklin, Chadron, Gates, and Weep- ing Water; but it takes a profound interest in the public schools of the state, in its normal schools and State Uni- versity, and rejoices in the Christian men and women called to service in these institutions. It would gladly see the whole state Christian in the highest and best sense of the term. The present attitude of the churches to the educational work in the state is expressed in the report of the Commit- tee on Education at the Hastings meeting of the association in 1900. The report was presented by the writer as chair- man, was unanimously adopted, and is in part as follows : "Your Committee on Christian Education desires in the beginning to express its belief in the great need of a clear understanding of what is involved in the use of the term 'Christian education.' "j. It does not believe that the term has reference simply to an education received in a denominational or church school which may or may not be Christian. THE COLLEGE QUESTION 249 "2. It does not believe that the term necessarily rules out an education which is received in our ])ublic schools, some of which are decidedly Christian in their influence, while others may be far from it. "3. X'either does your committee believe that Christian education is all summed up in the chapel exercises, reading the Bible in school, and in devotional services of various kinds, valuable and helpful as these are in the development of Christian character. Indeed, these may be so conducted as to narrow rather ihan to enlarge the student's spiritual range of vision and limit the field of his spiritual activities. "4. Your committee does believe that Christian education brings into harmonious relations and adjustment scientific an(,l philosophical truth and the teachings of the Gospel of Christ. "(i) It is just as easy to create a sect in scientific or philosophical teachings as it is in religious instruction. Christian education avoids both, but ever seeks to discover the truth, and then show that truth is not inconsistent with itself, but in the ultimate analysis is in perfect harmony in all. its relations. ■''(2) Christian education goes" still further and empha- sizes the personal relation of Him who is the embodiment and incarnation of truth with and to the individuals, so that the feeling of personal responsibility and accountability is established and maintained, and human conduct regulated by the teachings of the Scriptures. "(3) It is evident, then, that the determining agent in making evident the character of a school is the teaeher him- self. Are the teachers in our schools men and women of broad culture, sterling integrity of character, possessed of the true Christian spirit, who have the ability to show that the truths which they are called to teach harmonize with the religion whose center and life is Christ himself, who 250 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA comes into personal relation to those whose eyes and hearts are opened to the reception of all truth as it is made known to them? With rare exceptions we believe they are. We also believe that the greatest care should be exercised in the selection of such teachers. "5. Your committee still further believes that in estab- lishing and maintaining the Christian school and academy the location should be such as to make imperative the de- mand for the Christian school in that place. "(i) What are the elements which enter into this de- mand? (a) The inefficiency of the public schools to do the necessary work, due to a lack of equipment, mental, nioral, and material, (b) The failure of the public schools to maintain Christian instruction in accordance with the above interpretation. (c) Inability on the part of the public schools to afford thorough preparation for our colleges or universities should be deemed sufficient reason for the es- tablishment of a first-class secondary school in the destitute region. "6. Your committee is also convinced that the determi- nation to maintain, for the present at least, only one denom- inational college in the state is eminently wise, and that earnest efforts should be made to increase the endowment and enlarge the field of operation of that institution which is already the pride of the state and whose superior work is its best recommendation to the citizens of Nebraska, viz., Doane College of Crete. Doane College and Academy are seeking to afford opportunities for the best instruction in college work, and, through the application of modern meth- ods, to bring out the best thought of the student in the de- velopment of the symmetrical education, which is not only literary, scientific, and philosophical, but decidedly Christian. Through personal visitation and examination of w^ork done, your committee is assured that Doane College has an able THE COLLEGE QUESTION 25 1 faculty whose instruction is limited only by the equipment of the institution, and that the enlargement of its work must be preceded by the enlargement of its endowment. In a commonwealth whose State University has entering into it such a large measure of Christian influence as we are glad to see in our state university, a denominational college, to hold its own in educational competition, must be able to give the very best service in laboratory and class room, to- gether with a personal influence which may be lacking in the larger imiversities. It is right here that the small college has a distinct and unique field oTF usefulness. It is not so much that the student in the large university does not come into ]:)ersonal contact with the head professors as it is that he is liable, in the course of his university life, to come under the influence of some one or more teachers of agnostic trend of thought who unsettle the Christian belief of those whom they may influence. In this respect the Christian college holds a preeminent position of influence for good, as it is the business and aim of its trustees to keep in its faculties only men of positive Christian faith as well as of sound learning with ability to teach. It is not always easy to do this in a state institution where political and other reasons may influence, to a greater or less degree, the action of its regents. But in all these institutions their influence will be determined by the character of the teachers and the spirit of the student body which is in part determined by the gen- eral influence of the faculties. "The demand, then, for a Christian college of broad cul- ture, large equipment, modern methods of instruction, pos- itive Christian character, where students of small means may receive the very best instruction at moderate cbst, will continue and grow m.ore imperative with passing years. We believe that Doane College has such possibilities, and that it is for the Congregationalists of Nebraska to say how 252 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA largely these possibilities shall be realized. In order to realize them, Doane College must have a material equipment second to no college in the West. "7. It is not the aim of this report to enter largely into the individual needs of our different institutions. These are presented in the special printed and other reports at hand. Nor is it in the province of this committee tO' apply the prin- ciples of Christian education to these different institutions. They are applying them themselves, and are their own best exponents of their right to be and their right to ask a gen- erous support. But your committee does feel convinced that, if these institutions of Christian learning are to have a healthful, vigorous development it must be through the generosity of Congregationalists in Nebraska. One college and five academies looking for financial support and for stu- dents among two hundred churches, a large number of which are on the home missionary list, is a heroic test of faith! It is not to be wondered at that these institutions aft'ord examples of painful self-sacrifice and self-denial. 'Tt is evident that the growth of these institutions will depend largely upon the growth of Congregationalism in the state. The enlargement of the work of our Home Mis- sionary Society will enlarge the foundation for their greater pro.sperity. ''The growth of our churches must precede the growth of our educational institutions, or churches and institutions will enter upon a period of arrested development. 'The de- nomination which educates' is the denomination which evan- gelizes that it may educate. The churches must be the base of our educational pyramid and furnish the power which generates the light streaming from its apex through college and academy, a light to the world, or that light will be flick- ering and uncertain, and leave us in total darkness when electrical storms of agnosticism, infidelity, and pessimism THE COLLEGE QUESTION 253 are upon us. For the sake of Christian education in Ne- braska, increase the Congregational forces in the state. And, for the sake of an enhghtened Congregationalism, enlarge the equipment and increase the efficiency of our Christian institutions of learningf. "M. A. Bullock, "L. A. Turner, "J. H. Beitel, "Committee on Educaiioii."'^^ '"iviHuites, 1900, pp. 50-54. 254 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA V CONGREGATIONAL ACADEMIES IN NEBRASKA At the request of the writer the Rev. G. W. Mitchell, for ten years pastor at Franklin, chairman of "The Academy Endowment Fund," prepared the following statement of the academies which enter into our educational system. As Mr. Mitchell is thoroughly acquainted with the work and needs of the academies, no one is better qualified than is he to give this brief resume of the Congregational acad- emies in Nebraska : "Doane College is the center of a Congregational educa- tional system in Nebraska that has, in addition to Crete Academy, its ov/n preparatory department, four outside academies, which stand to it in the relation of feeders, though there is no organic connection. "These academies are at Chadron, in the far northwest corner of the state, at Franklin, in the southwest, at Neligh (Gates Academy), in the northeast, and Weeping Water in the southeast. The total student enrolment in this system, in the year 1903-4, vvas 768, of whom 555 were in the four 'corner' academies. "Franklin and Gates academies were established in 1881, soon after the homesteaders settled the new country. At Franklin, in 1880, four or five men, members of the little home missionary Congregational church, used to gather fre- quently at the home of one or another of them, and talk and plan and pray for their children and the welfare of the new country. They agreed at last that a Christian academy would be the best contribution they could make to the new region in which they had located. 256 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA "This mutatis mutandis might be stated as the origin and motive of each of the other three academies. Frankhn Academy has three good buildings set in a campus of ten acres with an athletic field of five acres adjoining. The first principal was Rev. W. S. Hampton, who for five years did a splendid work in organizing and laying foundations. Prof. Alexis C. Hart, principal since 1888, the Nestor among academy people in Nebraska, has made Franklin Academy the foremost Christian academy in the West. "Gates Academy, the predecessor and successor of Gates College, at Neligh, was opened in Septem-ber, 1882. In 1886 college work was begun; in 1899 the college charter was given up, and the institution continued as an academy. It has two substantial brick buildings, a library of 5,000 volumes, well equipped laboratories, and in 1903-4 enrolled 171 students. "Weeping Water Academy was started in 1885 in the hearts of a few Christian people who wanted their own boys and girls to prepare for college. The students have come from many counties in southeast Nebraska, and an unusually large per cent of them have gone on to college. Its home has been the old church meeting-house. The first new permanent building, Hindley Cottage, a dormitory for young women, is now completed at a cost of $9,000. "Chadron Academy was established in 1888. In 1890 a fine brick building was erected which, two years later, was totallv destroyed by fire. School continued without a day's delav, and a new brick building was soon erected. Cha.dron Academy has a contributory territory of not less than 35,- 000 square miles, a region of vast cattle ranges, isolated ranch homes, and scattered farms. It is just the place for a Christian academy, and has well fulfilled the ideal and purpose of its founders. GATES ACADEMY, NELIGH, NEBRASKA 1 Ciirls' durmitory. 2^Main building. 3- Laboratory, 17 258 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA "Not less than 5,000 different students have attended these four academies, about 500 of whom have completed the full three-years courses, and 400 of them prepared for college. "January i, 1902, a committee of five was organized to help the academies secure funds to pay off all debts, pro- vide for current expenses, and raise a permanent endow- ment fund of $100,000. June 30, 1904, the committee reported : Cash received $58,300 00 Pledges still unpaid 5)i7o 00 Making a total of $63,470 00 "The cash received, $58,300, was enough to pay all ex- penses of the four academies for the two and one-half years, covered by the canvass, and leave a surplus of about $13,000 for debts, endowments, and new buildings, besides the $5,000 of pledges still unpaid." A C(i.Ml'AUA'l"i\ !•: STLDV 259 VI A t'O-MrAKAllN'li STUDY The (iiR'slion is soiuctimcs asked, Would it iiol l)e better to have all (Uir Congregational scliools loeated in one place? Would we not administer the schools for less money, and reach just as many students? The M. E. Church in Xebraska, which numbers some 55,000 members to our i(t,ooo, has all its educational work centered in one institution, the Nebraska Wesleyan Univcr- sit\ at Cniversity i'lace. This gives a good opportunity to compare tlu^ two systems. Naturally we should expect a nnich larger number pf students in th.c Afethodist institu- tion because the Methodist membership in the state is more than three times as large as the Congregational. The fol- lowing study will be of interest : Students graduating in 1904 from — \Veeping W'ater academy ( 1 ) In college ])reparator}'. 7 (2) Commercial (3) Music Gates Academy ( 1 ) In college preparatory 5 (2) Commercial (3) Music Chadron Academy ( 1 ) In college preparatory 4 (2) Commercial 9 '(3) Normal 2 (4) Music ]\IAIN BUir.DING WEEPING ^\'ATER ACADEMY, WEEPING WATER Old First Congregational Church U/1COL/1 /lE& ?IINDLEY COTTAGE, WEEPING WATER ACADEMY A COM I'ARAIlNi: STTDV 261 I'rankliii Ai-;i(k'im- ( 1 ) In college prei)riiMlory 8 (2 ) Commercial 4 (3) Music 12 Crete Academy ( I ) In college preparatory 10 Total ])reparatory graduates from academies 34 Number normal graduates 2 Total 36 Preparatory graduates Xebraska W'esleyan ITniversitv — Academy 16 Normal z^ij ^ lusic : 3 The normal students in W'esleyan University have from two to three years' work in college courses, so that they can hardly be classed as academ_\- pre])aratory or college students. They are normal students. Number of students graduating from Doane college in 1904 ly X umber of Doane alumni 2i(j Xumber graduating from W'esleyan Cni\ersity in 1904.. 16 Number of A\'esleyan alumni 203 College preparatory students in — Weeping Water Academy 37 Gates .\cademy 3:^ Chadron Academy 28 Franklin Academy uji Crete Academy c^- Total in Congregational schools 206 College preparatory students in X'ebraska \\'cslevan Universitv 186 A (OMrAKATlVE STUDY 263 Ky college preparatory we mean those who, upon orad- uation, are entitled to enter the eollege or university. luirolment in — Weeping Water Academy 69 Gates Academy ^7^ Chadron Academy • H9 Franklin Academy ^o^ Doane College and Crete Academy 180 Total number students in Congregational schools. 750 Students in Nebraska W'esleyan University in all de- partments including summer school 803 Total number for school year 7^0 Total expenses oi schools for 1903--4— Weeping Water Academy $ 3-239 00 Gates Academy 3-586 00 Chadron Academy 4,800 00 Franklin Academy 7.150 00 Doane College and Crete Academy 21.850 00 Total for Congregational schools $40,625 00 Nebraska Wesleyan University $33464 H This enumeration does not include moneys for new budd- ings, which should be classified as special, and will vary from time to time in each institution. Wesle\an spent last year for conservatory of music $10,261.97; for greenhouse, gymnasium, etc., $2518.71. Weeping Water spent for new building, a dormitory for girls, $9,000. 264 CONGREGATION AI, NEBRASKA Total luunber of teachers employed jn — Weeping Water Academy 5 Gates Academy 5 Chadron Academy 6 Franklin Academy 8 Doane College 18 Total number in Congregational schools 42 Number of teachers in Nebraska Wesleyan University. . 38 Estimated cost or value of buildings and grounds — W^eeping Water Academy $ 12430 00 Gates Academy ^7-536 00 Chadron Academ}^ 12,806 00 Franklin Academy 20,000 00 Doane College including Crete Academy.. . 116,500 00 Total cost or value of Nebraska Congre- gational schools $179,266 00 Estimated cost or value of Nebraska Wesleyan University Methodist-Episcopal $175,000 00 Indebtedness — Doane College $2,300 00 Wesleyan University In this study tlie reader is asked to draw his own con- clusions as to the advantages of either system. This will not be difficult to do. He can easily see which thus far reaches the larger number of students and which costs the more money per year. The two systems have been in exist- ence side by side now for several years, and this study for the Year 1903-4 may fairly be taken as representing the comparative merits in the educational work of both denominations. sAX'ii'i: xokMAi. ikaimm; S'. iimoi. 265 VII SAX'IF.l'. NOUMAl. •|■|^\1NIX(•. SCIIOOI- Thc Indian school at Santec. while not supported directly In- the Cong:regational churches in Xehraska, is a part of the educational v.ork in the state. The school was founded in 1870 by the American Board, but in the readjustment of our missionary work it was later on transferred to the American Missionary Association. Situated in the northeast corner of Nebraska it is well located to accommodate the Indians of the Northwest. The principal of the school is the well-known Rev. A. L. Ri.crgs, D.D. Santee is neither a college nor academy, but, as its name sio-nifies, is a normal training school. Prof. F. B. Riggs. M.A., the assistant principal, has given a concise account of the object of the school in these words : "The fundamental pur])ose of Santee is the preparation of Indian voung men and women for missionary and edu- cational leadership among their own people. Active Chris- tians and working churches are the result of Christian edu- cation. •■Government schools d l^n ^ '''.^^I^I^^^^^H '*' ,^ ^^^H S^^H ^liL ..^^^^1 REW ARTEMAS EHNAIMAXI leaflets and personal letters from Rev. A. L. Riggs, D.D., of Santee, who more than any one else is conversant with the facts of his life. SANTKF. NOinrAL TRAINING SCHOOL 273 Artemas Ehnaniani was born at Red Wing, Minnesota, in 1825. His boyhood days were passed along the banks of the :\Iississippi river. As a young man he was tall, attract- ive, a lover of the chase, and ready for the war patji, es- peciallv when opportunity came to strike a blow against the Cliinpewas, the- enemies of his people. He also won for his bri.le the maiden of his choice, the most beautiful one in the tribe, and in this contest he had many noted rivals from the voimg men of renown. While yet in the prime of life he and his tribe ceded their ancestral homesteads along the T\'lississippi and moved on 10 the .Sioux reservation on the Minnesota river. Ehnamani was a participant in the Sioux outbreak of 1862. and with the other leaders was captured, imprisoned at Mankato. Minnesota, and Davenport, Iowa, and con- demned to death. While in prison he was converted, and became a devoted Christian, and was eventually pardoned by President Lincoln. His one book was the Dakota Bible, and the prison was his school. When he and the others were released from prison, they found that their families had been removed to Northeastern Nebraska on the banks of the Missouri River. Ehnaman.i was soon chosen one of the preachers and pastors in the reorganized church. He served Pilgrim Con- o-regational church as pastor for thirty-five years and was translated on the eve of Easter Day, 1902. His wife also became a Christian, and in many ways a helper in his work. Ehnamani was an out-and-out Christian: his faith was genuine, his experience real. He rejoiced in Christian fel- lowship, and believed strongly in the brotherhood of the church. He was a successful leader, tender, compassionate, a man of wisdom and rare executive ability. He was a veri- 18 274 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA table missionary superintendent among the Indian workers of his day, and yet was as humbly amenable to the discipline of the church as any other member. Dr. Riggs says that he "very humbly and courteously accept'ed the investigation and reproof of the Board of El- ders when he was accused of having fired off a gun to kill the spirits causing the sickness of his wife. The truth was that he was humoring the whim of his wife, made childish and half demented by her sickness." His message to his people was that of the Risen Savior and Lord. He often made trips among the wild tribes of the Sioux and Dakotas as a Gospel missionary. He was licensed to preach in 1866, and in 1867 was ordained pastor of Pilgrim Church at Santee agency and held that position until his death in 1902. On account of railroad facilities Santee affiliated with the South Dakota Congregational churches more than with the Nebraska churches with which it is connected. However, from time to time Pastor Ehnamani attended the State As- sociation of Nebraska, an interested spectator of its pro- ceedings, and one of its principal speakers, though speaking through an interpreter. He has the distinction of serving a Congregational church as pastor longer than any other minister in the state. Ehnamani's second son, Rev. Francis Frazier, is pastor of Pilgrim Church which his father served so many years. The eldest son, Albert Frazier, preaches to the Bazile Creek Church, Santee reserve, some ten miles away from Santee, but he has not yet (January, 1905) been ordained And so the work of Santee, under the efficient leadership of the Riggs family, goes on, the Indian pastor's son follow- ing in the footsteps of his father, and the noted missionary's son trained to the work from infancy, a leader among men, SANTli!!-: NORMAL TRAINING SCHOOL 275 a scholar and teacher of that science which makes for per- fect manhood. Santce mission was under the American Ijoartl from i o a o !U O x; ^ (-H OJ j:; E5 '-'•' ^1 H-^ uo ^ r^ U n?^"S^'-''-''a'U. t-. • • y o • • • • <1 w • • fl c • • • • « Is < w « CO »— < +-1 incoln . lyville .. antee Age antee Age teele City -vington . rlington incoln . . aleiTi .... CO .5 13 'h^pC C cc c h-imc«cfia:iM-^ en !-H , . ^ « S . nJ ■ ^ • m t/i r/i '" - tn (fl en en cfl t/) a S 3 ?a , 24, block 120 4, 5, block 121 35, block 121 20, block 122 12, block 125 20, block 1-8 1, 2, block 129 22, block 14:2 (3, block 144 16, block 159 11, 12, block 11, 1 6, 7, block 187 School Dist. Dist. No. 24 First Cong. Church vSchool Dist. No. 42 f Cong. Church of \ Greenwood Church of Christ Catholic Church M. E. Church Baptist Church Doane College Doane College Doane College Doane College Doane College Doane College Doane College Doane College Doane College Doane College Doane College Doane College Doane College Doane C ollege Doane College Doane College Doane College Doane College Doane College Doane College Doane College Doane College Doane College Doane College Doane College TAT5LES LIST OF LOTS DONATED— Cow. 291 Crete Crete Crete Crete Crete Crete De Witt. . . . Dorchester Dorchester Dorchester Dorchester Fainnont . . Fairmont . . Inland Sutton, 1st add Sutton Sutton Harvard . . . Harvard . . . Juniata Juniata Juniata Kenesaw. . . Kenesaw . . . Lowell KearucY Junction York York York LOT NOS. 11, 12. block 192 9, 10, block 193 11, 1-J, block 203 11, 1-2, block 210 7, 8, 9, block 240 ( 7, 8, block 118, for consid. of §30, \ equal to a donation of one lot . . . 660, 661 r)03. 504 707,708 787 788 j r 1237, 1238,' ivi .' " K. Church for a I j consideration of §25, equal to a i donation of one lot I 662 674,675 SCHOOL OR CHURCH 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91 , 92. 93, 94,95,96 13, 14, 15, 16. block 4 11, 12, block 28 1. 2. block 29 54 186,187 834, 835, 836, 837, 838. 839. 861, 862, 863 1022,1023 11. 12. 13. 14. 16 562, 563, 564 . 63, 64 4, 5, block 40 1, block 12... 4,5 Doane College Doane College Doane College Doane College Doane College Episcooal Church M. K. Church School Dist. No. 44 Christian Church Couij. Church M. E. Church M. E. Church Presbytcr'n Church I School Dist. No. \ 17, Adams Co. Ger. Immauuel Ch. Rt.Rev.J.O'Conncr 1st Cong. Church 1st Cong. Church vSchool Di.st. No. 11 School Dist. Juniata M. E. Church f German Baptist \ Brethren Church I School Dist. No. I 3, .A.dams Co. Baptist Church f School Di.st. No. 2, \ Kearney Co. / School Di.st. No. 7, \ Buffalo Co. School Dist. No. 12 Piesbvter'n Church Methodi.st Church Aside from the above list of town lots donated for school and church purposes, a great many lots were given by the South Flatte Land company for the promotion of immi- gration and for the furtherance of local business enter- prises, such as hotels, newspapers, and stores in nearly every town in the territory of said company. 292 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA NaHHxaH aaxiMil NVHHHiQT < o Q < O W u Pi < avonao -NVAa ^vdo^SI<^a TVKOIiVO -aaoNOD NVIXSIHHD DnOHiVD : :< ' .-I • CO r NVIHHX -AasaHd iSiaoHiaiM a| S 5 ^' 5 ^ 2 o 3,, nTjS •_r-crHC«p^St^aCr-l-l-'''-''-'CJ Z o .^ . . . ■ 7 ,Q • cd _ H t^ ^' J1 Cv; cs ZM 1—1 t*^ r^ /i! -£ o =« O r « r- !_, Vh >, - Oh .-5 43 -/ ° ^ " o ti- •^ i i ■ 2 « U (J CJ CJ CJ o o o o» o u o OJ • ^ V o — _■ a; T. ^ ^ S K '^ W 2 W W 294 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA ajxiNn I NVHHHim iVDnao -NVAa ' XW • • • \(>J TvaoDsida TVNOIXVO I -aaoNOD NVI1S1HH3 I D:aoHxvD NVIHHi I -Aasaad I xsiaoHxaiM ■(^ ■ (M l-Hi-H O rQ U /3 ■ • a; ti ii +j C .- . r- TO ^ _ i;^ \ « CO 1—1 »— xc) 1—1 coco •— 1 • 1— 1 T-H ^ iH rH I— 1 ^_i i-H tH (M (M .— 1 1—1 t— I i-t \ 1—1 "5 > "a; Z 1 % CO CO V." ■Si Z u 13 Z H H z z > "aJ Z 0" > z z "5 • z : ^ > z Z c 3 c3 u z z (U Z 1 '0 298 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA VITI PASTORATES IN LIVING CHURCHES OCTOBER I, I905. The following table of pastorates in living churches was prepared by Mrs. J. E. Storm. Its value is apparent to those who wish to study the record of any given church. This table is as correct as could be made from the printed minutes. Present pastors marked ■ — . Addison (Bloomfield) — Organized 1889. — Revs. G. R. Berry, 1890; J. W. Hardy (Lie), 1891-92; E. Martin, 1893-96; E. S. Sarkis, 1896-98; R. Y. Grey, 1898; C. Anderson, 1899; Mrs. J- W. Mason, 1902; R. Graham, 1903 ; A. J. Iden, 1903 ; N. Sherman, 1904 — . AiNSWORTii — Organized 1883. — J. Herbert (Stu.), 1883; Revs. T. Gray, 1883; N. E. Packard, 1884; J. A. Mil- ligan, 1884-86; T. V/; De Long, t888-<)S ; S. Eveland, 1896-98; H. M. Triplett, 1898-1902; C. D. Gearhart, 1902-3 ; R. F. Paxton, 1905 — . Albion — Organized 1872. — Revs. C. C. Elumphrey, 1874- 78; J. Armstrong, 1878-80; A. A. Cressman, 1880^86; E. S. Chandler, 1887; W. J. Turner, 1887^1: F. W. Peas, 1892-95; L. H. Stoughton, 1895-1900; C. Doug- las, 1900-3; A. C. Townsend, 1903 — . Alliance (German)- — Organized 1903. — Rev. Otto Roehrig, 1903 — . A r.M A- -Organized 1888.— Revs. Wm. Marshall, i88t ; J. AV. Hadden,. 1884-85: G. L. Dickenson, 188&-90; A. E. Ricker, 1891-95; R. M. Travers, 1895; W. S. Hills, 1896-98; ¥. W. Peas, 1 899-1902 ; A. J. Folsom, 1902-3 ; \V'm. LFauptman, 1904-5 ; D. H. Piatt, 1905 — . Almeria — Organized 1905. — Rev. T. Evans, 1905—. TABLliS 299 Arbornu-I-i: — Organized 1876. — Revs. C. S. Harrison, 1875-76; W. S. Hampton, 1877-80; S. S. Haines, 1881 ; J. W. Young, 1882-84; D. E. French, 18S4; J. E. Storm, 1885-87; G. W. Alitchell, 1888-92; J. A. High, 1892-93; N. E. Gardner, 1895-99; W. W. Hart, 1899- 1902: W. B. Payne. 1900-2; G. R. Martin. 1902-3; D. E. French, 1903 — . Arcadia — Organized 1889. — Revs. H. Hitchcock, 1889- 90; M. J. P. Thing, 1891-95; J. F. Smith, i895-i)8; W. H. Houston, 1898-1900; F. G. Appleton, 1900-2; Harold Hunting (Stu.). 1903; H. A. .Shuman, 1903 — . Arlington — Organized 1883. — Revs. B. F. Dififenbacher, 1883-85; W. P. Clancy, 1885-87; A. Otis (Stu.), 1887; J. P. Bidwell, 188S-89; A. W. Ayers, i889-<)2; J. W. Kidder, 1S93-94; F. G. Appleton, 1899; L. S. Hand, 1 900- 1 ; G. H. Rice, 1902-3; G. Rindell, 1904 — Ashland — Organized 1871. — Revs. Asa Farwell, 1871-77; Wm. Eeavitt, 1878-86; J. E. Brereton, 1886-92; W. Denney, i892-<)7; T. W. C. Cheeseman, 1898-1900; W. C. Blakeslee, 1900-2 ; J. W. Carson, 1903 — . ATEx—Organized 1882.— Revs. R. H. Baker, 1884; W. H. Stuhbins. 1884-87; L. Belknap, 1888; G. R. Berry, 1889-91; E. Durant, 1891-92; J. Hardy, 1893-94; W. T. Williams, 1895-1902; A. J. Iden, 1903-4; T. Dyke, 1905 — . Aurora — Organized 1872. — Revs. D. B. Perry, 1872; A. Maxwell. 1873; Rev. Mr. Hill. 1874-75; W. Woolman, 1876-80: A. L. Seward, 188(^84; J. G. Spencer, 1885- 86: E. Crcssman. 1887: M. Baskerville, 1888-01; S. I. Hanford, 1891-97: W. H. Hopkins, 1898-1901 : A. E. Ricker, iqoi — . AvocA— Organized 1865.— Revs. F. Alley, 1866-68; C. B. Taylor, 1883: J. ilorley. 1884-87: G. W. Mitchell, 1887-89: D. L. Hillard, 1889-90: G. C. Hicks, 1891- 300 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA 94; C. J. Sage, 1897-99; J. H. Andress, 1S99-1901 ; J. H. Bennett, 1901-4; M. B. Bird, 1905 — . Baker — Organized 1900. — Rev. G. W. Martin, 1900; Rev. J. B. Brown, 1905 — . Bassett — Organized 1903. — Rev. Wm. Haresnape, 1903 ; Mr. A. Mygatt (Stu.), 1904—. Bazile (Niobrara) — Organized 1888.— Revs. A. Ehna- mani, 1888-91 ; J. Garvie, 1891-94; F. Frazier, 1905 — . Beatrice— Organized 1884.— Revs. M. F. Piatt, 1884; Wm. O. Weeden, 1884-86; E. H. Ashman, 1886-88; Mr. A. Hertel (Stu.), 1888; E. S. Smith, 188&-92; G. W. Crofts, 1892-1904; E. Booth, Jr.', 1904 — . Beemer — Organized 1899. — Revs. A. W. Ayers, 1899- 1903 ; Geo. Scott, 1903 — . Bertrand — Organized 1885.— Revs. C. H. Huestis, 1886- 88; A. W. Coffman, 1888-90; U. C. Bosworth, 1890; J. Kerr, 1892; H. C. Snyder, 1893-94; F. D. Healey, 1895-99; J. S. Calhoun, 1899-1901 ; J. Embree, T902-4; J. Crocker, 1904; H. F. Holton, 1904 — . Bingham — Organized 1900. — Mr. M. W. Williams (Stu.), 1S90; Revs. H. C. Cleveland, 1898-1900; J. E. Storm, 1900^2; W. D. King, 1903-5; W. T. Hadsel (M. E.), 1905—. Bladen— Organized 1886.— Revs. D. O. Smith, 1886-87; W. H. Houston, 1889-90; B. O. Snow, 1891-93; W. A. Davies, 1894-96; A. S. Heathcote, 1897-98, F. W. Grupe, 1900-1 ; T. F. May, 1904 ; J. T. Ellis, 1905 — . Blair- Organized 1870.— Revs. M. S. Sperry, 1868; M. Tingley, 1869-77; R. Campbell, 1878-80; G. W. Wain- wright, 1880-82; Mr. Fink (Stu.); H. M. Goodell, 1882-84; A. M. Case, 1884-87; A. Rogers, 1887-88; J. Powers, 1889-92; T. D. McLean, 1893; G. B. Per- kins, i894-c)7: F. W. Gardner, 1899-1900; J. W. Lar- kin, 190 1-3 ; A. G. Axtell, 1904 — . TABLES 301 Bloo.aj FIELD — Organized i8yi. — Revs. J. W. Hardy, 1891- 92; E. ^fartin, 1893-96; E. S. Sarkey, 1896-97; C. Anderson, 1898-1900; E. Ijootli. jr.. 1900-3; (i. I.. j\TcDou£;:al, 1903; R. Graham, 1903 — . Brewster — Organized 1899. — Mr. T. A. Dungan (Stu.), 1899; Revs. T. Evans, 1900-4; J. C. Noyce, 1904 — . Bri'le — Organized 1896. — Revs. W. S. Hampton, 1894- 97; F. S. Perry. 1898; G. W. Knapp, 1898-1902; Mr. II. H. Rhule (Stu.), 1902; T. Jones (Stu.), 1903-4. Bruning — Organized 1890. — Revs. E. L. Ely, 1890; F. Fox, 1891; E. Martin, 1892; G. J. Battey, 1893-95; W. R. Griffiths, 1897; A. L. Squires, 1898; W. A. Al- corn, 1S99-1902; D. E. Thomas (Stu.), 1903; M. J. [Millard, 1904 — . Brunswick — Organized 1891. — Revs. H. Griffith, 1S91- 92; W. A. bavies, 1893; S. A. Bear (M. E.), 1894; G. T. Noyce. 1 895-1 901 ; W. J. Isaacs, 1901-3; C. M. Thomas, 1903-5 ; J. ^I. Kokjer, 1905 — . Bl-r\vi-:ll- Organized 1888.— Mr. J. A. Otis (Stu.), 1888; Revs. G. F. McHenry, 1888; A. W. Connett, 1889-90; D. W. Comstock, 1890; C. E. Walker, 1891 ; A. A. r.aker, i8<}2-(}3; A. L. Squires, 1894; H. M. Evans, i8(;5-97: J. E. McKenney, 1897-98; C. E. Campbell, 1899-1902; H. A. ."^human, 1902; J. B. Stocking, 1903—. Butte — Organized 1891. — Revs. W. Loney, 1893-95; W. A. Hensel, 1896-98; J. Gray, 1898-1901 ; P. B. West, 1902-4; J. M. Brown, 1905 — . lU'TTE (German) — Organized 1895. — Revs. J. Single, 1898-1901 ; H. J. Dietrick, 1901-3 ; H. Pless, 1003 — . CA.ArRRiDGK — Organized 1883. — Revs. W. S. Hampton. 1880-82; F. W. Barber, 1883: J. W. Hadden, 1884; A. N. Dean, 1885-89; H. S. MacAyeal, 1889-95 ; D. R. 302 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA James, 1895-96; J. Foster, 1897-98; W. Hardcastle, 1899-1903; J. P. Ratzell, 1903 — . Campbell — Organized 1875.- — ^I'"- Gardner (Stu.), 1886; Revs. D. O'. Smith, 1886-89; W. H. Houston, 1889- 91; B. O. Snow, 1891-93; S. A. Mounts, 1893; W. A. Davies, 1894-96; A. S. Heathcote, 1897-99; G. W. Grupe, 1900-2; F. Pile, 1903; T. F. May, 1904-5; J. T. Ellis, 1905 — . Camp Creek — Organized 1868. — Revs. R. Foster, 1868- 71; C. C. Humphrey, 1871-73; A. B. Pratt, 1873-75; J. E. Lowes, 1876-78; A. A. Cressman, 1879-80; L. T. Mason, 1881-82; E. C. W. Hill, 1883-85; A. Dresser, 1886-96; J. L. Fisher, 1896-97; G. B. Spangler, 1898- 1902 ; J. Jeffries, 1902 — . Carroll (Welsh) — Organized 1891. — Revs. S. Jones, 1891-IQ01 ; D. T. Morgan, 1902-3; J. V. Jones, 1905—. Center — Organized 1902. — Mr. J. H. Mason (Stu.), 1902; Revs. J. A. Kraemer, 1903 ; R. Graham, 1905 — . Chadron — Organized 1885. — Revs. H. Bross, 1885 ; G. J. Powell, 1886-88; J. A. Thome, 1888-90; F. L. Fergu- son, 1890-92; J. Powers, 1893-94; A. E. Ricker, 1895- 1900; J. H. Andress, 1901 — . Clarks — Organized 1878. — Revs. B. A. Dean, 1878; G. S. Biscoc, 1879-85; G. W. Brownjohn, 1886-87; Miss E. K. Henry, 1887; J. A. Thome, 1888-89; J. E. Storm, 1890-91; C. W. Terrell, 1892-93; Mrs. E. B. Perkins, 1893-95; H. J. Hinman, 1897-98; Mrs. E. B. Perkins, 1899-1904; G. W. Mitchell, 1905- — . Clay Center — Organized 1882. — Revs. G. E. Taylor, 1881-86; E. Southworth, t886; R. R. Williams, 1887- 90; Mr. F. L. Johnston (Stu.), 1890; E. H. Baker, 1891-93; B.. L. Webber, 1894-95; Mrs. E. B. Perkins, 1896-99; J. E. Storm, 1899-1900; C. S. Harrison, 1901-2 ; R. M. Travers, 1903-4 ; J. H. Bennett, 1904 — . TABLES 303 Clemen— Organized 1901.— Mr. J. W. Ellis (Stu.), 1901 J Revs, J. C. Noyce, 1901-3 ; T. E. Nugent, 1904. Columbus — Orjc^anized 1867. — Revs. J. B. Chase, 1868- 69; J. E. I":iliot, 1870-75; C. C. Starbuck, 1875; T. P.ayne, 1876-78; E. L. Sherman, 1878-81; J. Gray, 1882; O. V. Rice, 1883-89; G. Morton, 1889; W. S. Hunt, 1890-91; O. D. Crawford, 1893; A. J. Rogers, 1894-99; G. .'\. Monroe, 1900 — . CoMSTOCK — Organized 1903.- — Revs. Mrs. Mary A. Helscr, 1903; S. A. Van Luvan, 1904-5; J. H. Kraemer, 1905—. CoRTLANi) — Organized 1875. — Revs. C. H. Heustis, 1884; H. Bates, 1885-87; H. C. Halbersleben, 188&-90; G. R. Battey, 1890-93; F. G. McHenry, 1893-96; E. E. Sprague, 1898; G. Scott, 1899-1903; C. G. Oxley, 1904; W. H. LeBar, 1904-5. CowLES — Organized 1883. — Revs. A. [Martinis. 1884: \\\ D. Page, 1885-88; H. D. Piatt, 1888-93; S. Deakin, 1893-1900; J. M. Kokjer, 1901-3 ; S. Deakin, 1904 — . Crawford — Organized 1889. — Mr. I. Meredith (Stu.), 1889; Revs. E. H. Pound, 1889-90; I. J. Gardner, 1891; H. R. Baker, 1892; J. Jeffries, 1893-95; H. V. Rominger, 1896-98; A. C. Townsend, 1899-190T ; G. L. Shull, T901 — . Creightox — Organized 1872. — Revs. C. H. Emerson, 1871-83; J. P. Sparrow, 1883-84; T. Kent, 1884-86; J. P. Preston, 1887-89; J. W. Barron, 1890-93; G. W. James, 1894-1900; C. J. Rogers, 1900; E. L. Wismer, 190 1-2 ; A. A. Brown, 1903 — . Crete — Organized 1871. — Revs. F. Alley, 1871-73; H. Bross, 1873-84; W. P. Bennett. 1884-96; M. W. Morse. 1896-1901 ; J. \y. Cowan, 1901 — . Crete (German) — Organized 1876. — Revs. C. F. Veitz. 1875-79; F- Falk, 1880; P. Weidman, 1881-84; J. 304 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA .Schaerer, 1884-91; VV. Fritzemeier, 1892-97; F. Eger- land, 1897-1901 ; K. L. Stahl, 1902-4; FI. C. Stahner, 1905—. Crofton — Organized 1896. — Revs. W. T. Williams, 1896- 1902 ; A. J. Iden, 1903-5 ; T. Dyke, 1905. CUMMINGS Park — Organized 1900. — Revs. S. Deakin, 1901-4; T. Evans, 1904. Curtis — Organized 1888. — Revs. W. D. Page, 1888-90; C. W. Preston, 1892-1900; E. U. Menzi, 1900; J. L. Plsher, 1901-3 ; F. W. Gardner, 1904 — . Daily Branch — Organized 1883. — Revs. G. H. Rice, 1898- 1900; F McRae, 1900-2; G. W. Schroeder, 1903-4; J. Roberts, 1905 — . Danbury — Organized 1898. — Revs. L. A. Turner, 1898; Mr. T. A. Dungan (Stu.), 1898; C E. Flayes, 1898- 99; H. C. Cleveland, 1900; H. C. Halbersleben, 1901-3; J. W. Mason, 1905 ; F. Hall, 1905 — . David City — Organized 1878. — Revs. M. A. Crawford, 1878; A. W. Curtis, 1879-81; H. N. Gates, 1881-82; T. H. Avars, 1883-84; Jas. Oakey, i88f^88; V. F. Clark, 1888-92; A. V/. Ayers, 1892-95; W. A. Schwimley, 1896-99 ; H. J. Hinman, 1900-1 ; E. Booth, Jr., 1902-4; V. H. Ruring, 1905 — . DeWitt- — Organized 1874. — Revs. F. Alley, 1874; F Good- ell, 1876; D. J. Jones, 1877; J. Winslow, 1878-79; E. E. Webber, 1880-81 ; J. ^1. Woodward, 1883; C. H. Heustis, 1884-86: D. E. Hathaway, 1886-88; F T. Hull, 1889-90; J. E. Storm, 1891-93; G. T. Tangeman, 1S94-96; R. M. Travers, 1899-1900; C. E. Campbell, 1901 ; M. J. Millard, 1902-4; J. E. Storm, 1904-5. Dodge — Organized 1887. — Revs. W. D. J. Stevenson, 1887; Mr. G. F Parrish (Lie.), 1887; S. Pearson, 1888-90; P. H. Hines (Evan.), 1891-93; A. Farnsworth, 1894- 95; E. Cressrnan, 1896; W. A. Davies, 1897-99; C. E. TABLES 305 Howard, 1900-2; A. C. Miller. 1902-4; \V. S. Hamp- ton, 1905—. Doniphan — Organized 1884. — Revs. I. C. Hughe--. 1883- 84; 1. n. Embree, 1885-90; E. Cressman, 1891-95; R. M. Travers, 1896-98; C. H. Heustis, 1 899-1901 ; W. A. Alcorn, 1902-4; R. Jones, 1904 — . I^rN.xixt; — Organized 1900. — Revs. C. W. I'reston. 1900-4 ; J. C. Noyce, 1904 — . Di;sTix— Organized 1S86.— Revs. G. W. Mitchell, 1886; E. H. Lihbv, 1887; S. \\'. Johnson, 1889; W. T. Wil- liams. 1890-93; J. J\f. Kokjer, 1895-99; O- ^'- Kenis- ton, 1899; ^^- -^- Hensel, 1900-1 ; J. T. Ellis, 1903-5. Eacle— Organized 1885.— Revs. W. .S. Hills, 1886-87; J- F. Tucker, 1888; l\. C. Preston, 1889; A. N. Dean, i8f)0-02; W. Haynes, 1892; S. P.. Crosby, 1893-94; B. F. Diffenbacher, 1898-99; C. H. Huestis, 1902. Eureka — Organized 1896. — Rev. J. H. Beitle, 1898-1901. Eu.'^.Tis — Organized 1S94. — Revs. O. E. Ticknor. 1894-95; Mrs. C. W. Preston. 18CJ7-98: A. E. Davies, 1899; A. G. Axtell, 1900-1; J. L. Fisher, 1902-3; G. A. Gardner, 1904-5; C. M. Thomas, 1905 — . Exeter — (organized 1872. — Revs. T. X. Skinner, 1872-73 ; C. Hibbard. 1874-75; B. G. Page, 187^^78; B. A. Dean, 1880-83; M. L. Butler, 1883-85; J. B. Gilbert, 1886- 90; Wm. Haynes, 1891 ; C. Fl. Huestis, 1892-99; H. C. Halbersleben, 1899-1901 ; \\\ B. Payne, 1902 — . Fairfield — Organized 1873. — Revs. T. Pugh, 1872-78; A. Abbott. 1878; R. R. Williams. 1879-83; C. E. Har- \vood, 1884-89; R. C. Morse, 1889; A. W. Connett, 1890; E. L. Sherman, 1891-95; B. O. Snow, 1896-97; G. H. Hull, 1898^9; P. S. Bandy, 190(^2; G. H Wright, 1903-;-. 20 3o6 CONGRIiGATEONAL NEBRASKA Fa[RMOnt — Organized 1872.— Revs. A. Maxwell^ 1872; C. Hibbard, 1873-75; ^- Cockran, 1876-77; H. C. Aber- nethy, 1878-87; W. W. Fellows, 1887; F. R. Bunker, 1888; T. W. Cole, 1889-91; A. A. Cressman, 1892-95; G. T. Tangeman, 1896-98; C. H. Beaver, 1899-1905; C. A. Gleason, 1905 — . Fairview (Dodge) — Organized 1896. — Revs. D. Donald- son, 1895-96; W. A. Davies, 1897-99; C. E. Howard, 1900-2. Fairview (Trenton) — Organized 1895. — Revs. D. F. Bright, 1893-96; C. E. Campbell, 1898-99; A. G. Ax- tell, 1902-3 ; G. T. Noyce, 1904 — . Earn AM — Organized 1887. — H. S. Snyder (Stu.), 1887; Revs. W. Woolman, 1887-89; J. B. Doolittle. 1890- 92; E. E. Sprague, 1893-97; E. W. Grupe, 1898-99; G. J. Battey, 1900-2 ; J. E. Craig, 1903 — . Franklin — Organized 1873. — Revs. S. N. Grout, 1872- 80; J. M. Strong, 1880-82; W. S. Hampton, 1882-83; C. S. Flarrison, 1884-92; G. W. Mitchell, 1892-1902; T. O. Douglas, 1902—. Fremont — Organized 1857. — Revs. L E. Heaton. 1856- 69; J. B. Chase, 1869-72; R. Foster, 1872-75; G. Por- ter, 1875-78; A. T. Swing, 1878-86; L. F. Berry, 1886-90; W. H. Buss, TV890-1901 ; J. Doane, 1902 — . Friend — Organized 1875. — Revs. B. G. Page, 1874-78; J. Winslow, 1879-83; O. C. Clark, 1883-84; Sidney Strong, 1885-87; W. E. Davidson, 1887; J. Sharrett, 1888; E. P. Dada, 1889-94; A. N. Dean, 1895-96; W. B. Payne, 1897-1900; W. W. Hart, 19003; P. A. Sharp, 1903 — . Friend (German)— Organized 1884. — Revs. E. Jose, 1883; J. I.ich, 1884-88; L. Newman, 1889-90; F. Reichardt, 1891; P. Lich, 1892-95; G. EssLg-, 1896-97; G. L. Brakemeyer, 1898-1904; W. F. Vogt, 1904-5. TABLES 307 Gkneva — Organized 1886. — Jar. 1899-1900; G. T. Xovce, 1901-04; G. I. Reeves, 1905 — . Hu'.DRKGE — Orpranizcd 1883. — Revs. W. H. Forbes, 1883- 85: V. F. Clark. 1892-96; A. E. Squire. 1897; F. F. Lewis. 1898-T901 : T. A. Stubens, 1901 ; Miss A. E. Switzer, 1902-3; J. F. Lansborough, 1904-5; C. \\\ Duncan, 1905 — . HowEixs— Organized 1887.— ^[r. J. Dunlai) (Stu.). 1887; G. Parrish (Lie), 1887; Revs. S. Pearson. i888-(;i ; P. H. Hines (Evan.). 1892; A. L. Brown, 1893; A. Farns- worth. 1894-96; E. Cressman, 1896; \\\ A. Davies. 1897-1900; A. C. IMiller. 1902-4; W. S. Hampton. 1905—. HvAXXis — Organized 1889.— Mr. M. W. \\'illiams (Stu.), 1890; Revs. J. B. Brown. 1890-94; O. li. Ticknor 1895; E. E. Preston, 1896: B. H. Jones, 1897; H.- C. Cleveland. 1898-1900; J. E. Storm. 1900-2; W. D. King, 1903-5: W. T. Hadsei. i(;o5 — . Indi.\n Creek (Red Cloud) — Organized 1897. — Revs. F. W. Dean. 1898-190T ; ^^^ Hauptman. 1902-3; (]. H. Rice, T904 — . IxDiAxoLA — Organized 1875. — Revs. T. Pugh. 1878; A. Dresser, 1870-82; G. Dungan. 1882-84: G. E. Taylor, i88fV88; J. Flook. i888-<)2; C. D. Gearhart. 189^-94; .\. S. Housti>n. i8(;5-07: L. A. Turner, 1 897-1900; 310 %» CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA J. S. Calhoun, 1900; H. C. Halbersleben, 1901-3; N. H. Hawkins, 1903 — . Inland (German) — Organized 1876. — Revs. E. Jose, 1881- 84; G. F. Stiiecklin, 1884-85; G. Grob, 188(^3; P. O. R. Onarder, 1893; G. W. Goerlitz, 1894; C. W. Wuerr- schmidt, 1895-1902; J. Smit, 1904 — . Irvington — Organized 1866. — Revs. E. B. Hurlbut, 1865- 70; J. J. A. T. Dixon, 1871 ; A. Fitch, 1874; J. G. Spencer, 1875-81; J. P. Preston, 1882-86; J. T. Otis, 1887-93; G. T. Noyce, 1893; B. O. Snow, 1894-96; H. C. Halbersleben, 1896-99 ; A. L. Brown, 1899- 1900; B. F. Diffenbacher, 1900-4; G. H. Rawson, 1904—. Kearney — Organized 1872. — Revs. L. B. Fifield, 1872-78; W. L. Camp, 1878; A. D. Adams, 1879-80; T. H. Avars, 1880-83; Mr. Fisk (Stu.), 1883; J. Askin, 1885- 93; T. H. Hoffman, 1893; T. Powers, 1894-96; J. P. Burling. 1897-1900; J. J. Parker, 1901-2 ; J. Flook, 1903—. Keystone (Looniis) — Organized 1896. — Revs. G. M. Ken- iston, 1898-99 ; J. H. Embree, 1900-3 ; J. Croker, 1904—. Keystone (Bertha) — Organized 1900. — Mr. E. Bacon (Stu.), 1898; Mr. W.^H. Flotze (Stu.), 1899; Mr. C. A. Javne (Stu.), igoo; T. Jones (Stu.), 1903-4. Leigh — Organized 1887. — Mr. J. Dunlap (Stu.), 1887; G. Parrish (Lie), 1887-88; Mr. O. Ostrum. (Stu.), 1888; Revs. R. M. Travers, 1889-92; F. S. Perry, 1892; A. G. Washington, 1893-94; J. Lange, 1895-99; J. F. Smith, 1899-1905. Liberty Creek (Deweese) — Organized 1896. — Revs. P. Lich. 1895-98; J. B. Happle, 1899-1900; W. F. Vogt, 1901-3 ; J. Smit, 1905 — . TAl'.I.KS 3'^ Lincoln (First)— Organized 1866.— Revs. C. Little, 186&- 69; L. B. Fifield, 1870-72; S. R. Dimmock, 1873-75; L. Gregory, 1875-99; Wir.. Manss, 1899-1903; J. E. Tiittle, 1903—. Lincoln (Plvmouth)— Organized 1887.— Revs. E. S. Rals- ton. 1887-91; N. IMass, 1891-93; J. Doane, 1893- 11)02; C. R. Hamlin, 1902-4; C. H. Rogers, 1904—. Lincoln (German)— Organized 1889.— Revs. H. H. Sal- lenbach. 1875-86; J. B. Cnnz, 1880-81; A. Trandt, 1888; J. Lich, i889-(:.7; C. E. Osthoff, 1898-1900; G. L. Henkelmann, 1900-2; J. Lich, 1902—. Lincoln (Vine Street)— Organized 1890.— Mr. J. E. Hunter (Stn.), 1890; Revs. H. S. Wannamaker, 1890- 93 ; A. F. Newell, 1893-99 ; M. A. Ikillock, 1899—. Lincoln (Bntler Avenue)— Organized 1895.— Revs. A. F. Newell, i895-<)9; O. L. Anderson, 1899-1900; Miss L. a. Wild,' 1901-5 ; C. W. Preston, 1905—. Lincoln (Swedish)— Organized 1895.— Revs. J. M. Till- berg, 1893-96; J. Johnson, 1897-98; C. E. Peterson, 1899-1901 ; J. E. Swanson, 1902-4; A. Poison. 1905—. Lincoln (Zion)— Organized 1900.— Rev. S. H. Schwab, 1901 — . • Lincoln (Salem)— Organized 1899.— Rev. A. Suffa, 1901 — . LiNwooD— Organized 1873.— Revs. A. Dresser, 1873-78; B. Beal, 1880-83: AL J. P. Thing, 1884-87; J. O. Tasker, 1887-92; H. C. Halbersleben, 1892-96; W. A. Davies, 1896-98; F- G. Appleton, 1898-1900; R. M. Sargent, 1901-2; Mrs. M. J. Dickenson, 1902—. Long Pine— Organized 1884.— Revs. N. L. Packard, 1884; J. A. Milligan, 1884-86; S. I. Hanford, 1887-91 ; Wm. Walters, 1892-93; J. S. VanAlstine, 1894-95; T. H. Andress, 1896; J. E. Storm, 1897-98; E. Booth, Jr.. 1899-1901; Wm. Haresnape, 1901-3 ; Mr. A. Mygatt (Stu.), 1904; M. Weidmp-. 1905—. 312 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA LooMis — Org-anized 1898. — Revs. G. M. Keniston, 1898- 1900 ; J. H. Embree, 1900-3 ; J. Croker, 1904 ; W. E. Hannan, 1905 ; C. M. Thomas, 1905 — . Madrid — Organized 1889. — Revs. H. B. Fry, 1889-93; G. W. Knapp, 1894-98; O. L. Anderson, 1898-99; J. Croker, 1900-4; F. Barnard, 1905 — . Mat'le Creek — Organized 1 891. —Revs. C. B. Fellows, 1890-91 ; A. G. Washington, 1892 ; F. O. Hellier, 1893 ; H. M. Lyman, 1894-96; J. J. Klopp, 1898—. McCooK — Organized 1884.— Revs. G. W. Dungan, 1882- 86; J. S. Kelsey, 1886-90; W. C. Stephenson, 1891- 93 ; H. L. Preston, 1894-97 ; W. J. Turner, 1898-1902 ; F. W. Dean, 1902-4; G. A. Conrad, 1904; G. B. Hawkes, 1905 — . McCooK (German) — Organized 1887. — Revs. Wm. Suess, 1887-89; H. Buettner. 1889-92; E. T. Bettex, 1892; A. Hodel, 1893-96; W. F. Vogt, 1897-99; G. Essig, 1899-190.2; G. L. Henkelmann, 1902—. MiLFORD — Organized 1869. — Revs. T. N. Skinner, 1869- 71; H. A. French, 1872-83; S. G. Lamb, 1883-90; G. S. Biscoe, 1890-91; R. M. Travers, 1892-94; G. A. Monroe, 1895-1900; J. Jefferies, 1901-2; G. R. Mar- tin, 1903 ; F. Wrigley, 1904-5. MiNERSViLLE — Organized 1893.— Revs. A. Dresser, 1893- 95; J- L. Fisher, 1896-97; G. B. Spangler, 1898-1901 ; J. Jefferies, 1902 — . Monroe — Organized 1869. — Revs. J. B. Chase, 1868-70; J. E. Elliot, 1870-73; C. C. Starbuck, 1875-79; J- P- Dyas, 1880-82; H. C. Crawford, 1883; Q. C. Todd. 1884-86; U. C. Bosworth, 1887-88; R. Killip, 1888- 89; R. W. Gammon, 1890; G. B. Clark, 189 1 ; H. A. Shmiian, 1892-98; W. A. Davies, 1900-1 ; C. M. Lowe, 1902; W. F. Benjamin, 1903; G. O. Heide (Bapt.), 190-1—- TAlil.KS 3^3 MuKNiXG Star (()i;alalla) — (^ri^anizcu i^jft. — T. Jones (Stu.), 1903-4- Afoi'i.TON — Orc^anizcfl 1905. — Rev. J. C. Xoyce, 1905 — . ^klL-MPKR— Organixed 1901.— Mr. J. W. Ellis (Stu.), 1901 : Rev. J. C. Xoyce, 1901-3. Xaimkk (German; — Organized 1893. — Revs. J. Single, 1898-1901 ; H. J. Dietrick, 1901-93; H. Hess, 1903 — . Xai'IER — Organized 1899. — Revs. W. A. Ilensel, 1900-4; J. T. Ellis, 1904-5. Xaponei:-— Org-anized 1881.— Revs. W. Marshal. 1881-83; .\. X. Dean. 1884; \Vm. Woolman, 1885-88; G. L. Dickenson. 1889; S. A. Pettit, i8()(^93; A. E. Ricker, 18(^-95; W. S. Hills. 1896-98; H. C. Cleveland, 1900-2; W. C. .\rcher, 1902-3; T. D}ke, 1904; J. H. Beitle, 1905 — . Xkligh — Organized 1875. — Revs. H. Griffiths, 1874-81 ; J. Woodruff, 1882; A. F. Marsh, 1882-87; J. W. Davies, 1888-90; W. J. Turner, 1891-93; J. T. Ellis. 1893-0)4; J. P. Bacon, 1 894-1900; F. V. Moslander, 1900-3 ; Y. F. Clark, 1903 — . XiocRARA — Organized 1905. — Rev. A. Frazier, 1905 — . Xkwca.sile — Organized 1884. — Revs. G. W. Mitchell, 1884-85; Wm. J. Paske, 1886-88; J. Roberts. 1888- 98; G. H. Rice, 1898-99; I. McRae. 1900-2; G. W. .Schroeder, 1903-4; J. Roberts, 1905 — . Xewmax Grove — Organized 1900. — Revs. C. D. Gear- hart. 190C-2; E. L. Wismer, 1903-4; H. L. Preston, 1905. Xoiuj-: (Indianola) — Organized i8'99. — Revs. L. A. Turner, 1900; J. C. Calhoun, 1900-2: X'. H. Hawkins. 1904 — . XoRFOLK (First) — Organized 1870. — Revs. T. W. Kidder, 1870-78; M. H. Mead, 1878-81; J.^ W. Laughlin (Stu.), 1881; J. G. Spencer, 1882-84; J. J. Parker. 1885-1901 ; W, J. Turner, 1901 — . 3f4 CUNGKKGATIONAL NEIiRASKA Norfolk (Second) — Organized 1893. — Revs. A. Farns- worth, 1893-94; J. Jefferies, 1896^1901; F. Baker, 1901-2 ; Wm. Haresnape, 1903 — . Ogalai.la — Organized 1884. — Revs. L. E. Brown, 1884- 85; J. A. Thome, T88i>-88; A. E. Ricker, 1888-91; Mr. J. R. Danforth (Stu.), 1890; W. P. Peas, 1891- 93; W. S. irampton, 1893-97; F- S. Perry, 1898; G. W. Knapp, 1898-1902; J. Watson, 1902; C. W. Dun- can, 1903-05. Or.TVE Branch (German) — Organized 1875. — Revs. Wm. Siiess, 1877-85; G. Scheuerle, 1885-86; J. Morach, 1887-95 ; Wm. Fritzemeier, 1895 ; Wm. Suess, 1896 — . Omaha (First) — Organized 1856. — Revs. R. Gaylord, 1855-6.J.; W. W. Rose, 1865-67; E. S. Palmer, 1867- 69; A. F. Sherrili, 1869-88; J. T. Dnryea, 1888-95; F. A. Warfield, 1896-98; H. C. Herring, 1898 — . Omaha fSt. Mary's Avenue) — Organized 1S83. — Revs. W. Scott, 1 883-9 T ; S. W. Butler, 1S92-99; C. S. Sargent, 1900-1 ; R. Yost, 1902-5 ; C. O. Baird, 1905 — . Ojmaiea (Plymouth) — Organized 1885. — Revs. G. S. Pel- ton, 1883-86; A. B. Penniman, 1886-88; A. R. Thain, 1889-94; J. A. Fisher, 1894; H. S. MacAyeal, 1895-99; F. A. Hatch, 1900-3 ; A. J. Folsom, 1904 — . Omaha (Saratoga) — Organized 1886. — Revs. J. A. Milli- gan, 1887-88; F. S. Forbes, 1888; H. N. Smith, 1889- 90; G. A. Conrad, 1891-93; E. L. Ely, 1894-96; L. S. Hand, 1896-1900; F. E. Henry, 1900-4; B. F. Diffen- bacher, 1904 — . Omaha (German) — Organized 1885. — Rev. F. H. W. Bruechert, 1885. Omaha (Cherry Hill)— Organized 1886.— Revs. J. A. Mil- ligan, 1887-91 ; W. A. Lipe, 1891 ; E. L. Ely, 1894-96; L. S. Hand, 1896-1900; T. A. Williams, 1900-1 ; P. A. Sharp, 1901-3 ; H. L. Mills, 1903-4; W. D. King, 1905—. TAHI,KS 315 L>.MAiiA ( llillsi(lc) — Urj^ani/.cil i88< . -]\t.'\s. II. C Crane, 1886-90; H. H. Morse, 1890; A. H. Ross, 1891 ; G. J. rowcll, 1892-95; J. Flook, 1895-1900; H. G. Crok-cr, 1902 ; W. F. IBergcr, 1903 ; II. L. Mills, 1904 — . Omaha (Park Vale)— Organized 1887. — Revs. M.L.Holt, 1887-90; A. Torbet, 1890; W. J. Paske, 1891-93: W. H. LeBar, 1895-96; F. H. Anderson, 1897-1900; T. A. Williams, 1900-1 ; P. A. Sharp, 1901-2; H. L. Mills, T903-4; W. D. King, 1905 — . Paislky (Unadilla)— Organized 1892. — Revs. Thos Bell, 1893-96; D. K. Miller, 1897-1900; H. W. Cope, 1900-2 ; C. L. Myers, 1903 ; C. E. Buck (M.E.), 1904 — . Pai.isaim: — Organized 1889. — Revs. Wm. Woolman, 1889- 90; J. H. Beitel, i8gi-<)4; T. C. Moffatt, 1894-97; H. C. Halbersleben, 1904 — . Pakk (Elgin) — Organized 1885. — Revs. H. Griffiths, 1885-87; B. F. Pearson, 1888-91; A.C. Tueber, 1891- 92; C. D. Thompson, 1893-95; C. H. Kershaw, 1896- 97: W. Debenhani, 1898; O. E. Ticknor. 1899-1900; J. Roberts, 1901-5. PETER.SBURG — Organized 1^)4. — Revs. T. Griffiths. 1895- 97; S. Eveland, 1898; J. Roberts, 1 898-190 1 ; R. M. Travers, 190 1-3 ; J. M. Kokjer, 1903-5. PiCKRELL— Organized 1886.— Revs. H. Bates, 1885-87; H. C. Halbersleben, 1888-89; ^^- J- Battey, 1891-93; F. G. McHenry. 1893-96; E. E. Sprague, 1898; Geo. Scott, 1899-1900; H. Langley, 1902; J. S. Medlin (M. E.), 1903; R. E. Pogue (M. E.), 1904-5. P I F.RCE— Organized 1883.— Mr. ]■ W. Brooks (Stu.), 1882: Revs. E. P. Dada. 1884-85: D. J. Baldwin. 1886-88; W. J. Paske, 188S-91 ; A. G. Brande. 1891-95; C. D. Gearhart, 1896-1900; G. E. Taylor, 1900 — . PiXE Camf — Organized 1905. — Mr. Albert Mygatt (Stn.), 1905—. 3l6 CDNGKEGATIONAL NEBRASKxY Plainview — Organized 1903. — Rev. J. J. Parker, 1903 — . Plymouth ist. — Organized 1872.- — Revs. H. Bales, 1872- 78; J. Winslow, 1878; E. E. Webber, 1880; S. C. Dean, 1882-85; D. E. Hathaway, 1886; E. Cressman, 1888; L. B. Wharton, 1889; J. Cooper, 1890; J. B. Doo- kttle, 1893; G. J. Battey, 1895-97; A. L. Brown, 1898; J. A. Jones, 1898-1900; G. R. Martin, 1900-1 ; J. E. Storm, 1902-4; A. W. Nevill, 1904 — . Princeton (German) — Organized 1875. — Revs. G. Schenerle, 1S84-86; J. Morach, 1887^)7; R. Hilker- baenmer, 1897- 1903 ; F. Gafert, 1904 — . Ravenna — Organized 1886.— Mr. Barstow (Stu.), 1886; Revs. R. M. Travers, 1886-88; C. B. Taylor, 1888-89; Wm. Flaynes, 1889-90; J. B. Gilbert, 1891^2; T. W. Cole, 1893-94; F. W. Peas, 1895-99; C. J. Sage, 1899- 1901 : A. C. Townsend, 1901-3; S. H. Buell, 1903 — . Red Cloud — Organized 1874. — Revs. A. Maxwell, 1874- 79; Geo. Bent. 1879-82; O. C. Todd, 1882-84; J. G. Aikman. 1885-86: M. C. Butler, 188(^88; C. E. Tag- gart, 1889-91: E. L. Ely, 1891-94: H. O. Spellman, i8(H-95; O- E. Ticknor, 1896-98; F. W. Dean, 1898- 1902 ; W. Hauptman, 1902-3 : G. H. Rice, 1904 — . Reno— Organized 1891.— Mr. M. W. Williams (Stu.), 1890; Revs. J. B. Brown, 1890-95: E. E. Preston. i8c)6-98; G. J. Battey, 1899-1900: J. B. Brown, 1901-2; J. H. Enibree, 1903 — . Rising City — Organized 1875. — Mr. E. T. Lee (Stu.), 1881; Revs. J. E. Storm, 1883-85; J. C. Otis, 1887; W. P. Peas, 1887^1: F. C. Cockran, 1891^4; C. J. Sage, i894-<;.7: J. L. Fisher, 1898-1900; H. A. Shu- man, 1900-2: F. G. Appleton, 1903-4; T. Jones (Stu.), 1904-5. RiVERTON — Organized 1874. — Revs. S. X. Grout, 1875-79 • J. M\ Strong, 1879-82; O. C. Todd, 1882-83; F- Bar- lAin.i-.s 317 ])cr. i8S3-!^f); W. S. 1 Jaiiipion, uS8f)-88; 1). \V. Coin- stock. i88(); 1. W . IhuUlen, 1890; F. Lawson, 1891-94; S. Williams, 1 894-1905. RoKKiJV — Organized 1893. — Revs. J. Doane. 1803-1900; Miss L. A. Wild, 1901-2. RoSEFiKi.i) (Trenton) — Organized 1890. — Revs. C E. Campbell, 1898; (.',. K. Lincr)ln, 1809-1900; G. T. Xoyce, 1904 — . Santee — Organized 1836. — Revs. Artemas Khnamani, 1867-1902; F. Frazier, 1902 — . Sargent — Organized i8t)3. — Revs. J. V. Smith. i8o3-(j5; C. F. Howard, 1897-1900; Jl H. Jones, 1900-1 ; J. H. and Ah-s. llelser. 1901-2; S. A. Van Lnven, 1904 — . ScRU'.XER — Organized 1871. — Revs. W. Bruce, 1869-77; .\. L. Seward, 1878-79; A. Doremns, 1879-So; M. li. Harrison, 1881 — . Sexkca — Organized 1904. — Mrs. C. W. Preston (Lie), 1904-5. Skwari) — Organized 1887. — Revs. A. AL Darley, 1887; J. A. Dobson. 1888-90; G. A. Ray, 1891-92; C. B. Carlisle. 1893-94; T. W. C. Cheeseman, 1896-97; E. C. Burhans, 1898-1900; F. W. Feavitt, 1903 — . Shickley^ Organized 1887. — Revs. J. G. Robertson, 1887; C. H. Eaton, 18S7; F. L. Fly, 1889^1 ; F. Fox, 1891 ; E. Martin, 1892; G. J. Battey, 1893-95; W. R. Griffith, 1897; A. L. Squire, 1898; W. A. Alcorn, 1899-1901 ; E. A\'. Altvater, 1901-2 ; C. L. FTammond, 1903 — . Silver Creek — Organized 1874. — Revs. C. C. Starbuck, 1878; J. P. Dyas, 1880-82; M. H. Mead, 1883-85; J. Roberts. 1886-88; W. H. Houston, 1888-89; ^^i". E. L. Alarsh (Stu.), 1889; H. C. Halbersleben, 1890- 92; L ]. (jardner, 1892; N. E. Gardner, 1893-94; Mr. W. B.Allis (Stu.). 1890; Mrs. E. B. Perkins, 1895- 31 8 CONGREGATEONAL NEBRASKA 97; W. S. Hampton, 1898-1900; W. A. Davis, 1901-2; N. E. Gardner, 1903-4 ; G. W. Mitchell, 1905—. South Platte (Doniphan) — Organized 1894. — Revs. C. H. Huestis, 1 899-190 1 ; J. L. Cross (Stu.), W. A. Alcorn, 1902-4; R. Jones, 1904 — . Spencer — Organized 1891. — Revs. W. Loney, 1893-95; W. A. Hensel, 1896; G. Wadsworth, 1897-99; G. R. Martin, 1899-1900; F. Pile, 1901-2; W. J. Isaacs, 1903—. Springfield — Organized 1878. — Revs. J. B. Gilbert, 1882- 85; E. P. Dada, 1886-89; M. J. P. Thing, 1889-91; W. Radford, 1891-94; J. E. Storm, 1894-97; E. Cress- man, 1897-1900; J. Foster, 1901-2; H. M. Triplett, 1902 — . Springview — Organized 1887. — Revs. J. E. Power, 1887- 89; Mr. J. D. Hoffman (Stu.), 1889; J. W. Hadden, 1891-93; J. S. Van Alstine, 1894-95; S. Eveland, 1896; J. Kokjer, 1897-1900; W. A. Hensel, 1900; Wm. Haresnape, 1901-2 ; E. B. Sikes, 1904 — . Stanton — Organized 1870. — Revs. J. W. Kidder, 1870-78; .M. H. Mead, 1878-82; J. W. Laughlin (Stu.), 1881 ; W. B. Dada, 1882-86; T. Kent, 1887; F. D. Green, 1888-89; C. B. Fellows, 1889-92; A. G. Washington, 1892-93; F. O. Hellier, 1893-94; H. M. Lyman, 1894- 96; J.'j. Klopp, 1898-. Steele Ciiy — Organized 1872. — Revs. S. C. Dean, 1872- 82; E. Cressman, 1882-86; H. J. Macomber, 1887-88; E. Durant, 1889-91; D. W. Comstock, 1891-92; Z. K. Heinzman, 1893-94; H. H. Avery, 1 894-1 902 ; E. Cressnian, 1901-4 ; A. W. Nevill, 1904 — . Stockham (German)- — Organized 1884. — Revs. G. Grob, 1888-90; M. Trieber, 1890-91; J. Bruse, 1893-94; R. Hilkerbaeumer, 1894-97; G. Essig, 1898; G. Grob, 1899 — . TAIU.ICS 3 ■ 9 Stockville — Organizetl i8go. — Mr. II. F. Gilt (Stu.) 1888; Revs. A. C. Bartlctt, 1893-97; A. G. Axtell, 1900-3 ; J. E. Craig, 1903—. Strang — Organized 1886. — Revs. G. Taylor, 1886; J. G. Robertson, 1887; C. H. Eaton, 1887; E. L. Ely, 1889- 91; F. Fox, 1891; E. Martin, 1892; G. J. Battey, 1893-95; W. R. Griffiths, 1897; A. L. Squire, 1898; W. A. Alcorn, 1899-1902; D. E. Thomas (Stu.). 1903; M. J. Alillard, 1904—. Superior (German) — Organized 1893. — Revs. F. Bren- necke, 1894-96; P. Lich, 180)7-98; J. B. Happel, 1899- 1901 ; W. F. Vogt, 1 90 1. Sutton — Organized 1872. — Revs. D. B. Perry, 1872; C. H. Hibbard, 1873; J. Gray, 1874-77; C. F. Graves, 1878- 80; Geo. Scott, 1881-83; E. H. Baker, 1883-86; H. B. Fry, 1887-88; F. C. Cockran, 1889-01 ; J. Flook, 1892- 95; F. D. Jackson, 1896-97; J. B. Loscy, 1898-1902; T. A. Dungan, 1903 — . Sutton (German) — Organized 1880. — Revs. E. Jose, 1880-83; H. Bentz, 1884-87; M. Treiber, 1888-91; J. H. Schlechter, 1892; J. Bruse, 1893; R. Hilker- baeumer, 1894-97; G. Essig, 1897-99; G. Grob, 1899 — • Syracuse — Organized 1871. — Revs. J. Hall, 1875-76; J. M. F. Chessington, 1877-78; H. S. Thompson, 1879-81; M. F. Piatt, 1881; E. H. Ashman, 1882-86; E. H. Baker, 1886-87: P. St. Clair, 1888-89; G. F. McHenry. 1889-91; C. W. Anthony, 1892-93; E. V. Gardner, 1894-98; J. Foster, 1899-1900; F. F. Lewis, 1901-4; F. E. Henry, 1904 — . Taylor — Organized 1893. — Revs. D. F. Bright, 1893-96; J. Poeton, 1896-99; E. L. Wismer, 1899-1900; S. Deakin, 1901-4; T. Evans, 1904 — . Thedford — Organized 1899. — ^1^- E. W. Ellis (Stu.), 1899; Revs. G. H. Rice, 1900; C. W. Preston, 1900-5. 320 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA T.i:.ir.Eii Crei:k (Wolbach) — Organized 1897. — Revs. W. F. Essig-, 1898; G. Henkelmann, 1899; F. A. Stoelting, 1900; J. B. Happel, 1901-2. TuENTON — Organized 1886. — Revs. G. W. Rich, 1886-87; U. C. Bosworth. 1888-90; J. H. Beitel, 1891-94; O. A. Palmer, 1894; D. Donaldson, 1895; D. F. Bright, 1896- 97; G. E. Lincoln, 1899-1901 ; A. G. Axtell, 1902-4; G. T. Noyce, 1904—. Turkey Creek (German) Friend — Organized 1894. — Revs. P. Lich, 1893; G. Essig, 1896-97; G. L. Brake- meyer, 1898; W. F. Vogt, 1904-5. U[.YSSES — Organized 1877. — Revs. S. Barrows, 1876-82; J. F. Roberts, 1882; E. T. Lee (Stu.), 1882; J. E. Storm, 1883-85; J. F. Otis, 188^^87; W. S. Hills, 1888-90; O. A. Palmer, 1892-94; B. F. Diffenbacher, 1894-97; H. A. Shuman, 1898-1900; W. S. Hampton, 1901-5 ; A. J. Fitt, 1905 — . Urt?ana — Organized 1884, — Rev. R. S. Pierce. 1884 — . Venango — Organized 1888. — Revs. W. S. Hampton, 1889- 92; G. W. Knapp, 1894-98; J. Croker, 1900-4; F. Barnard, 1905. Verdon— Organized 1868.— Revs. W. S. Hills, 188T-84; M. H. Al^ead, 1885-87; J. T. Hull, 1887; C. W. Preston, 1888-92; D. L. Hillard. 1892-93; J. L. Fisher, 1894- 96; W. J. F^aacs. 1896-1900; L McRae, 1903-4; H. F. Bonn. 1904 — . Watioo — Organized 1871. — Revs. J. F. Clarkson, 1874; W. B. Atkinson, 1897; J. Gray, 189(^81; E. E. Webber, 1882; H. M. Goodell, 1884; A. A. Cressman, 1886-92; J. G. Lange, 1892-95; W. H. Brearley, 1896; S. Wood, 1897; J. B. Stocking, 1899-1903: R. W. Burton, 1904-5. TAi!Li:s 321 W Ai.i ACK— Or-anized 1888.— Revs. II. W. Fry, 1889-yi ; (I. S. Biscoe, 1891-94; C. J. ^lurphy, 1894-98; I. Mc- Kae, 1898-1900; J. L. Fisher, 1900-1; A. W. Nevill, 190J-4; F. W. Gardner, 1904 — . \\'avi:rlv— Organized 1876.— Revs. M. J-". i'latt, liiyiy-/^; K. Cressman. 1879-81; R. Cam])bell, 18S1-84; (]. \V. Richards, 1884; G. S. Biscoe, 1885-90; C. E. Enlow. 1891 ; I. L. Lowe. 1895-97; -'^- -^- Cressman. 1898-99; O. L. Anderson, 1900; C. 11. Mnestis, 1902-5; T. Jones, 1905 — . \Va\'i-:rly (Swedish) — ()r<;anized 1904. — Rev. J. E. Swan son, 1904 — . \\'i:!:i';.\c; \\'ati:k — Organized i86o. — Revs. F. Alley, 1866- (xj: S. Barrows, 1870-73; J. B. Chase, 1874-78; C. F. Graves, 1880; G. Hindley, 1883; C. S. Harrison, 1-^93-7; S. I. Hanford, 1898—. Wkscott (Comstock) — Organized 1889. — Revs. H. Hitch- cock, 1890; M. J. P. Thing, 1891-93; J. F. Smith, 1893-96; C. E. Howard, 1897-1900; B. H. Jones, 1900; J. H. and Mrs. Helser, 1901-3 ; S. A. Van Liiven, 1904 ; T. H. Kraemer, 1905 — . West Cedar Valley (Elgin) — Organized 1874. — Revs. H. Griffith, 1874-83; D. E. French (Stu.), 1&84; J. A. ^lilligan, 1S84; H. H. Avery, 1884; H. Houlding, 1885 ; S. Pearson, 1887-89: H. O. Spellman (Stu.), 1889; A. C. Trieber, 1891 ; C. D. Thompson, 1893-95; C. H. Kershaw, i896-rj7; J. Roberts, 1901-5. West Hamilton (Doniphan) — Organized i878.---Revs. \A'm. Woolman, 1876-77; T. Pngh, 1879-80; Wm. Woolman, 1882; I. C. Hugh, 1883-85; J. H. Embree, 1885-90; E. Cressman, 1891-95; R. M. Travers, 1896- 98; C. PL Huestis, 1899-1901; W. A. Alcorn, 1902-4; R. Jones, 1904 — . 21 322 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA West Point — Organized 1878. — Revs. Geo. Scott, 1878- 81; J. Oakey, 1881-85; G. C. Hall, 1886-87; C. H. Huestis, 1888-90; Wm. Haynes, 1890; S. Pearson, 1891-99; F. W. Leavitt, 1 899-1 903 ; C. A. Gleason, 1903-5- Wilcox — Organized 1886. — Revs. J. W. liadden, 1886- 88; Mr. C. M. Severance (Stu.), 1888; W. S. Hamp- ton, 1888-89; ^- H. Huestis, 1890-92; W. P. Peas, 1893-94; S. I. Unger, 1895-96; O. E. Ticknor, 1897- 98; W. H. Le Bar, 1899-1900; G. T. Noyce, 1901-4; G. I. Reeves, 1905 — . WiLLOWDALE (Plainvicw) — Organized 1881. — Revs. G. T. Noyce, 1895-1901 ; W. I. Isaacs, 1901-3 ; C. M. Thomas, 1903-5. WiSNER — Organized 1880. — Revs. Geo. Scott, 1878-81 ; J. Oakey, 1881-84; G. C. Hall, 1885-86; G. W. Brown- john, 1887-90; D. L. Hillard, 1890-92; P. H. Hines, 1893-95; J. Foster, 1896; A. W. Ayers, 1897-1902; F. Baker, 1902 ; Geo. Scott, 1903 — . Wymore — Organized 1882. — Revs. C. E. Flarwood, 1882- 84; G. A. Coleman, 1884; J. V. Dimon, 1885-90; W. S. Woolworth, 1890; J. A. Milligan, 1891 ; J. V. Willis, 1892; S. F. Wilson, i893-<)4; W. S. Hills, 1895; T. C. Moffatt. 1897; W. F. Berger, 1903-4; R. M. Travers, 1904—. York — Organized 1872. — Revs. C. S. Harrison, 1873-75; H. Herrick, 1875; C. S. Harrison, 1876-82; C. H. Mc- intosh, 1882-83; H. S. Harrison, 1884-86; R. S. Lind- sey, 1887-89; E. R. Leeper, 1889-92; R. T. Cross, 1893-1903 ; W. H. Medlar, 1903 — . TAULliS 323 IX AI.IMIAI'.KTICAL LIST OF ALL MINISTERS WORKING IX THE STATE The tigures represent the pastors. I'^or correct showing- oi length and nnniber of pastorates see Table VIII. The pastorates still continuing are marked with a — . Abbott, Rev. Amos Fairfield, 1878-79. Abernethy, Rev. H. C. . . . 1^'airmont, 1878-87. Adams, Rev. A. D Kearney, 1878-80. Aiknian, Rev. J. G Red Cloud, 1883. Alcorn, Rev. Wm. A Shickley, 18Q9-1902, Doniphan, 1902-04. Alley, Rev. F Weeping Water, 1866-67, Ord, 1867, Plattsmouth, 1869-71, Crete and Wilber, 1873. Dorchester, 1878. -Altvater, Rev. Ernest W. . Shickley, 1901, Grafton, 1903. Anderson, Rev. Charles. . Gloversville, 1896. Bloomfield, 1898, Addison, 1899. Anderson, Rev. O. L ( irant, 1899. Lincoln Butler Avenue, 1899. Waverly, 1900-02. Anderson. Rev. Samuel. . ( iermantown, 1902. Andress, Rev. J- H Grafton, 1894-96, Long Pine, 1896, Avoca, 1899-1901, Chadron, 1901 — . Anthony, Rev. Charles W. Evangelical Association. S\racuse, 1892-94. 324 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA Appleton, Rev. Fayette Cj.Linwood, 1898, Arlington, 1899, Arcadia, 1900, Rising City, 1903. -Vrcher, Rev. Wm. C Naponee, 1902-03. Arnold, Rev. John (Jsborn (Ger.), 1886-88. Armstrong, Rev. J Vlbion, 1878. Ashmun, Rev. E. H Syracuse, 1882-86, Beatrice, 1 88(^88. Askin, Rev. John Kearney, 1885-93. Atkinson, Rev. W. B Wahoo, 1876. Avery, Rev. Holly H Iveya Paha divide, 1884. Steele City, 1894-1901. Axtell, Rev. .Vrchie G. . . . Eustis and Stockville, 1900, l^renton, 1902, Blair, 1904 — . Ayars, Rev. T. H Kearney, 1880-82, David City, 1883-86. Ayers, Rev. Alfred W. ... Arlington, 1889-92, David City, 1892-96, Omaha Pilgrim, 1896-97. Wisner, 1 898-1902. Bacon, Rev. J. E Neligh, 1895-99. Baker, Rev. Arid A Bnrwell, 1S92. Baker, Rev. Henry Rolfe. Crawford, 1892. Baker, Rev. E. H Sutton, 1883, Bradshaw, 1888-89. (irafton, 1889, Clay Center, 1890. Baker, Rev. Eranklin. . . . Wisner, 1902. Baldwin, Rev. David J... Pierce, i88(>-88. Bandy, Rev. Paul S Ft. Calhoun. 1899, Fairfield to 1902. Barber. Rev. Frank W.. . Cambridge. 1883, Rivcrton. 18S2. Moline, 1886. Barnard. Rev. Fred Grant, 1905, Madrid and Venango. 1905 — . Barron. Rev. Tf^hn W. . . . Creighton, 1890. TABLES 325 Harrows, Rev. S Weeping Water, 1870-74, ( >sce()Ia, 1874-79, Ulysses, j88j. JJanlett, Rev. Albert X. . . Stockville, .1800-93. liaskervillo, Rev. Mark. . .Aurora, 1888-91. I'ates, Rev. Henry I^lymouth ist, 1872-82, IMekrell, 1885. IJalty. Rev. George j Cortland, 1890, Shickle}-, Strang, Bruning, 1893, i larbine, 1895, Grand Island, 1898, Memingford, 1899, I-arnam, 1900. l>aync. Rev. Thomas. ... Columbus, 1876-78. Heal, Rev. Byron Butler Co. ist, 18S0, Cedar Rapids and Linv.'ood, 1884. r.ear. Rev. S. A. ( AI. E.) .'Brunswick, 1894-95. Beaver. Rev. C. H b'airmont, 1899-05. Beitle, Rev. Julius H I'alisade, Trenton, 1891, Hayes Co. ist, 1892, Eureka, 1898, S. S. and P. Missionary, Xaponee, 1905 — . I'ell. Rev. Thomas Balm^Ta, 1871, Paisley, 1893. Belknap, Rev. Lafayette. . Aten and Plerrick, 1888. Benjamin, Rev. W. F (Bap.) -Monroe, 1903-05. Bennett, Rev. W. P C'rete, 1884-96. Bennett, Rev. J. H \voca, 1901-04, Clay Center, 1904 — . Bent, Rev. George ]\ed Cloud, 1879. Benton, Rev. L. E Talappa, Glenco, Mapleville, 1875-76, Beaver Crossing, 1878. 326 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA Berger, Rev. W. Francis .. Wymore, 1903, Omaha Hillside, 1903-04. Bentz, Rev. H Friend (Ger.), 1884, Grafton (Ger.), 1885. Berry, Rev. Geo. R Aten, 1889-90, Addison, 1890. Berry, Rev. Loren F Fremont, 1887-90. Bettex, Rev. Edward T. . McCook (Ger.), 1892-93. Bidwell, Rev. John P Arh'ngton, 1888. Bisbee, Rev. C. G Fontanelle, 1866-67. Instructor in School, 1870-75. Supplying many of the smaller churches for a number of yrs. Bird, Rev. M. B Vvoca, 1905 — . Biscoe, Rev. Geo. S Glarks, 1879-86, Waverly, 1886, Milford, 1890, Wallace, 1891-94. Bohn, Rev. H. f" Vcrdon, 1904-—. Bosworth, Rev. Uriah C. .Genoa and Monroe, 1887, Trenton, 1888, Bertrand, 1890. Booth, Rev. Edwin, Jr. .. Long Pine, 1899, J'loomfield, 1900-02, David City, 1903, Ikatrice, 1904 — . l*)rakemeyer. Rev. Gus- tavus L Friend (Ger.), 1898-04, Germantown, 1904 — . Brande, Rev. Alfred G. .. Pierce, 1891. P)reareley, Rev. Wm. H..\\ahoo, 1896. Brennecke. Rev. Frederick (Ger.) Superior and Beaver Creek, 1894. Brereton, Rev. James E. . . Ashland, 1886-92, Sec. for Doane College, Geneva, 1893-96. Brett, Rev. Geo. Southwell, ( u-ant, 1892-93. TABLES 32 r.n-iit, Rev. D. Franklin. Taylor. 1893. I'airview (Trcnlonj, 1896. Bross, Rev. H Crete. 1873-84, Chadron, 1885, C.en. Miss, in N. W. Neb., 1886- 90, State Supt. of Home Mis- sions, 1890 — . rirown. Ivcv. Aniasa A . . . 1 farvard, 1901, Creighton, 1903 — . BpAvn, Rev. .\urelian L. . .Douglas, 1891, Howells, 1893, Harbine, 1898, Irvington, i8(,)9, Talmage, 1901. I'.rown. Rev. H. E Ordained by Gen. Assn., Pastor Fontanelle. 1866-67. l^.rownjohn. Rev. G. W...Clarks, 1886, Wisner, 1887-90. Brown. Rev. James M Butte, 1905 — . Brown. Rev. J. B Snake Creek, 1889, Hyannis, 1890-95, Reno, 1902. Brown. Rev. L. E Ogalalla, 1884. Bruce. Rev. W Glenco, 1876-78. Bruechert, Rev. F. H. W.Omaha (Ger.), 1885—. Buettner, Rev. Henry McCook (Ger.). i889-<)2. Bruse. Rev. John Stockham, 1893, Sutton (Ger.), 1893-94. Buck, Rev. Charles E. (M. E.) Paisley, 1904 — . Buell. Rev. Seth A Ravenna, 1903—. Burhans, Rev. Paul C Seward, 1898. Burling. Rev. Jas. P Kearney. 1897. Bullock, Rev. Motier A.. Lincoln Vine St., 1899—. Bunker, Rev. Fred R Fairmont. 1888-89. Burt. Rev. J. S Itinerant Licentiate. Burton. Robert W Havelock. 1902, Wahoo. 1904— Butler. Rev. M. C Exeter. 1883-86. Red Cloud. 1886. 2y CONGREGATIONAL XKBRASKA i'.utlcr. Rev. S. Wright. .. Omaha St. Mary's Ave, 1892- 1900. ]')uss, Rev. William Fremont, 1890-1902. Calhoun, Rev. John S. . . . Kertrand, 1S99, Tndianola, 1900. (."amp, Rev. W. L Kearney, 1878, Wheatland, 1878. Campbell, Rev. C. E Fairview (Trenton), 1898, Ijiirvell, 1899-1902. ("ampbell, Rev. Randolph. Blair, 1878, ^^'averly and Pleasant View, 1881-85. Carlisle, Rev. Charles B. . Seward, 1893. Carson, Rev. J. W'illiam. . Ashland, 1903 — . Case, Rev. A. M Blair, 1884-87. Chase, Rev. J. B Butler Co. ist, 1868, Fremont, 1869-72, Fontanelle, 1873. Cheesman, Rev. T. W. C. Seward, 1896, Ashland, 1898. Chessington, F^ev. (i. ¥. ]\L S\raeuse, 1877. Clancy, Rev. W. P Arlington, 1885. Cleveland, Rev. H. C Hyannis, 1898, Xaponee, 1900-02. Clark, Rev. Allen Nebraska City, 1887. Clark, Rev. G. B Monroe, 1891-92. Clark, Rev. O. C Friend, 1883-85. Clark, Rev. V. F David City, 1888-92, Floldrege, 1892-97, Xeligh, 1903 — . Clarkson, Rev. J. F Wahoo, 1874. Cockran, Rev. Florenzo C. ^>utton, 1886, Rising City, 1891, Cireenwood. 1895. Cockran, Rev. Warren. . . Fairmont, 1876-78. Coffman, Rev. Arthur W. Bertrand, 1888-89. Cole, Rev. Thomas W. . . . T<"airmont, 1889, Ravenna, 1893, Grand Island, 1894. TABLES 329 Coleman, Rev. ( icori^c A. . Wvniore, 1884-85. C'dllicr. Rev. J. I Xehraska City, 1877-79. e'oiiistock. Rev. Havillo W.' iran.l Island, 1887, Kiverton, 1889, J^>iii'well, i8(;o. Connetl, Rev. .Mien W . . . Rnrwell, 1881), Iviirfield, 1890. C'onrad. Rev. Geo. A ( )nialia Saratoga, 1891, McCook, 1903-05. Cooper, Rev. James Ilarbine and Plymouth, 1890-93. Cope, Rev. H. W. (M. E.) Paisley (Cnadilla), 1900-02. Cowan. Rev. J. W '."rete, 1901 — . Crai.c:, Rev. John K Farnam and Stoekville, 1903 — . Crane, Rev. H. C ( )maha Hillside, 1887-90. Crawford, Rev. C. H (ienoa and Monroe, 1883-84. Crawford, Rev. M. A David City. Crawford, Rev. Otis D. .. Columbus, 1893-94. Cressman, Rev. A. A.... Camp Creek, 1879, Albion and Boone, 1880, \\'ahoo, 1886, Fairmont, 1892, Grafton, 1896-97, Waverly, 1898-igoo, Field Sec. for Doane College, Grand Island, 1901-04. Cressman, Rev. F ^Vaverly, 1879, Steele City, 1881, Aurora, 1887, Plymouth, 1888, Doniphan, i8(;)r, Dodg-e and HowelLs, 1897, Springfield, 1898, Steele City, 190T-04. Cresswell, Rev. William (Pres.) Ft. Calhoun, 190T. Crocker, Rev. Herbert G. .Omaha Hillside, 1902-03. Croker, Rev. John Grant, 1900, Bertrand and Loomis, 1904. Crofts, Rev. Geo. W Beatrice, 1892-1904. 22 330 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA Crosby, Rev. Samuel B.-Loomis, ivcastle and Martinsbnrg, 1883-86. King, Rev. Willet D ] lyannis, 1903, Cherry Hill and Park Vale On-'.aha, 1905 — . Klopp, Ivcv. John J Stanton and Alaple Creek, 1898 — . Knapp, Rev. George W. . Grant, 1894-98, Ogalalla, i8c)8, Hay Springs, 1902 — . Knowles, Rev. David Salt Creek, 1869, Greenwood, 1879-83. Kokjer, Rev. Jordan M. . .Springview, 1897, Cowles, 190T, Petersburg, 1903-05, Brunswick, 1905 — . Kraemer, Rev. Julius H. .Center, and Wescott and Comstock, 1905 — . Lamb, Rev. G. S Milford, 1883-90. Lange, Rev. John G Wahoc, 1892, Leigh, 1895-99. Langley, Rev. Harry Pickrell, 1902. Lansborough, Rev. J. F..Holdrege, 1904-05. Larkins, Rev. James W. . . Blair, 1901-03. Lavvson, Rev. Francis. . . . Riverton, 1891. Leavitt, Rev. William Ashland, 1878-86. Leavitt, Rev. Fred W. . . .West F*oint, 1899-1903. Seward, 1903 — . LeBar, Rev. William H. . . Omaha Park Vale, 1895, Wilcox, T899, Hiland Center, 1905, Cortland, 1904-05. Leeper, Rev. Edward R..York, 1889-92. 344 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA Lewis, Rev. F. F Holdrege, 1898-1901, Syracuse, 1901-04. Lewis, Rev. E. M 1864. Lewis, Rev. Thomas G. . . Pleasant Ridge, 1887. Libby,' Rev. Edward H. . . Cuniminsville, 1886-1902. Lich, Rev. John Friend and Grafton ( C>qv.), 1885-89, Lincohi (Ger.), 1902 — . Lich, Rev. Peter Friend (Ger.), 1892, Deshler, 1895, Superior, 1897-99. Lincohi, Rev. George E.. Trenton, 1899. Lindsay, Rev. Robert S..York, 1887-89. Linskea, Rev. J. B Wilber, 1880. Little, Rev. Charles Lincoln ist, 1868-69. Lipe, Rev. W. A Omaha Cherry Hill, 189 1. Loney, Rev. Wesley ( Ch. of Disc) Butte and Spencer, 1893. Losey, Rev. John B Sutton, 1898. Lowe, Rev. C. Marshall. . Genoa and Monroe, 1902-04, Wattsville, 1902-02. Lowes, Rev. J. E Cedar Creek and Boone Co. ist., [872. L}-man, Rev. Henry Mar- tin Stanton and Maple Creek, 1894. Macomber, Rev. Hiram. . Steele City, 1887. Made, Rev. John State Supt. Home Missions, 1884-89. Manss, Rev. William H. . . Lincoln ist, 1898-1903. Manwell, Rev. B. T Plattsmouth, 1871. Marsh, Rev. A. F New England Valley, 1882, Neli^h, 1882. TABLES 345 Marsh, Rev. L. J Grand Island, 1904 — . Marshall, Rev. William. .. Alma and Naponee, 1881. Martin. Rev. Edwin Shiekley, 1892, Addison, 1893-96. Martin, Rev. George R. .. Spencer, 1899, Harbine, 1900, Arborville, 1902, Milford, 1903-04. Martinis, Rev. A Cowles and Wheatland, 1884-85. Mason, Rev. James W. . . . Danbiiry, 1905 — . Mason, Rev. L. T Camp Creek, 1881. Maxwell, Rev. A Fairmont, 1872, Aurora, 1873, Red Cloud, 1874, Wheatland, 1878, Loup City, 1880. ]May, Rev. Jacob Culbertson, 1888-89. May, Rev. Thomas F. . . . Campbell, 1904 — . MacAyeal, Rev. Howard S. Cambridge, 1889-95, Omaha Plymouth, 1895. McDougall, Rev. Geo. L. . Bloomfield, 1903. ?iIcHenry, Rev. Feargus .. Syracuse, 1889, Cortland, i89'3. McFIenry, Rev. Geo. F...Burwell, 1888. Mcintosh, Rev. C. H York, 1882-84. McKinncy, Rev. James E.Havelock, 1897. McLeary, Rev. Owen L. . Clearwater and (jloversville, 1893. McLean, Rev. Thomas D. Blair, 1893-94. McRae, Rev. Isaac Wallace, 1898, Newcastle, 1900-02, Verdon, 1903, Havelock, 1904 — Mead, Rev. M. H Norfolk, 1878, Stanton and Silver Creek. 1883-85, Verdon, 1885. Medlar, Rev. William H. .York, 1903 — . 23 346 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA Mecllin, Rev. J. S. (M. E.) Pickrell, 1903-04. Menzi, Rev. Ernest U. . . . Curtis, 1900-01. Merrill, Rev. C. W State Supt. of Home Missions, 1880-84. Merrill, Rev. Elijah W. . . Pleasant View, 1883. Merrill, Rev. O. W State Snpt. of Home Missions, T 870-74. Myers, Rev. L. L Paisley, 1903-04. Miles, Rev. M. N Calla, 1870. Millard, Rev. Martin J. ..DeWitt, 1902, Strang and Benning', 1904 — . Miller, Rev. Albert C... Dodge, 1902-04. Milligan, Rev. J. A Ainsworth, 1884-86, Long Pine, 1886-87, Omaha, Saratciga and Cherry Plill, 1887-88, Wymore, 1891-92. Mills, Rev. Herbert L. . . . Omaha Cherry Hill, 1903, Hillside, 1904 — . Mitchell. Rev. G. W Jmiiata, 1882 (Stu. 3 Mo.), P.ethel, 1884, Newcastle, 1885. Dustin. 1886, Avoca, 1887, Arborville. 1888-92, Franklin, 1892-02, Clarks, 1905 — , Silver Creek. Moffatt. Rev. T. Clemence. Hayes Center and Palisade, 1894, Wymore, 1897- 1903. Mollenbeck, Rev. B Fairmont (Ger.). 1873. Monroe. Rev. Geo. A Milford, 1895, Columbus, 190a — . Morach, Rev. Jacob Olive Branch, 1887, Hallam, 1893-97. Morley. Rev. John Avoca. 1884-87, Victoria, 1887. TARLKS 347 Morse, Rev. Henry H. . . . < huaha Hillskle, i.Sgo-yi. Morse' Rev. M. W Crete. iSijf^ujoi. Morse, Rev. Robert C. . . . Fairfield, 1889-1890. Moslander, Rev. Frank- lin \' Xelii^h, 1900-03. Monnts. Rev. S. A Upland, 1892, Canii)1)e!l. iS^Av Murphy, Rev. Charles J-- Wallace, 1894-98. Mygatt, Mr. Albert I'.assett, 1904—, Pine Camp, 1905 — . Nelson, Rev. L ^\■ Flastings, 1898-1902. Neuman, Rev. L I'Hend (Ger.), 1889-91. Neunian, Rev. Isaac I'.eaver Creek (Ger.), 1888-89. Newell, Rev. A. F Lincoln Vine St., 1893-99. Nevill, Rev. Alfred W. (Friend) Wallace, 1902-04, Harbine, Plymouth and Steele City, 1904 — . Nichols. Rev. Joseph (■ i\[_ E.) Calhoun, 1894. Norcross, Rev. L. P Osceola, 1879-82. Norval, Rev. W\ O \^ailton, 1888. Novce, Rev. Geo. T Irvington, 1893-94, Brunswick, 1895, Wilcox, Hildreth, Trenton, T901-04. Fairview, 1904 — . Noyce, Rev. Joseph C Clemen, 1902, Mnmi^er. r(jOi~03, Brewster, 1904-05, Moulton, 1905 — . Oakev. Rev. Tames West Point and Wisner, 1881, David City, 1886-88. Osgood, Rev. Robert S. . . Harvard, 1898-99. Otis, Rev. A. J Bradshaw, 1889. Otis, Rev. Jonathan T Ulysses and Rising, 1886, 348 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA Irvington, 1887-93. Osthoff, Rev. E. C Lincoln (Ger.), 1898-1900. Oxley, Rev. Charles G. . .Corlland, 1904-04. Packard, Rev. N. L Ainsworth, 1884, Gen. Aliss., 1904 — . Page, Rev. B. G Dorchester, 1873, Friendville, 1875-78. Page, Rev. H. P Harvard, 1877, Exeter, 1878. Page, Rev. W. D Cowles, 1885, Guide Rock, 1886, Curtis, 1888. Palmer, Rev. E. S Omaha, 1867. Palmer, Rev. Oscar A. . . . Ulysses, 1892, Trenton, 1894-95. Parish, Rev. Geo. R Leigh and Howells, 1887, Harvard, 1888-89. Parker, Rev. J. J Norfolk, 1885-01, Kearney, 1901-02, Plainview, 1903 — . Paske, Rev. William J Newcastle, 1886, Pierce, 188S Omaha Park Place, 1891. Payne, Rev. W. B Friend, 1897, Arborville, 1900-02, Exeter, 1902 — . Paxton, Rev. R. F Ainsv\^orth, 1905 — . Pearson, Rev. B. F Gloversville, 1888. Pearson, Rev. Samuel. . . . Bethel and Martinsburg, 1886, Oxford, 1887, Dodge and Howells, 1888-91, West Point, 1891. Peas, Rev. Frank W Albion, 1892-95, Ravenna, 1895, Alma, 1899-1902. Peas, Rev. W. P Rising City, Irvington, 1890, Ogalalla, 1891, Freewater, 1893, Wilcox and Hildreth, 1894. Hay Springs, 1894-98. TAIJLKS 349 J V'ltt)!!, Kcv.'Gco. S Omaha 3d, 1883. IVnniman, Alfred 11 Omaha 3d, 1887. I'crkins, Rev. Mrs. E. B. . Clarks, 1893, Silver Creek, 1895, Clay Center, 1S96-99, Clarks, 1899-1904. Perkins, Rev. Geo. B Blair, 1894. Terry, Rev. D. B Aurora, 1872, Called to Doane Col., 1872^ Perry, Rev. Frank S Peigh, 1892-93. I'rule and Ogalalla, 1898. Peterson, Rev. C. E Lincoln (Swedish), 1898-1902. Pettit, Rev. Samuel A. . . . Naponee, 1890, Moline, 1891, Clearwater, 1892, Gloversville, 1892-93. Phipps, Rev. \Vm. C Wescott, i8c)7. Pierce, Rev. Robert Phelps (Welsh), 1884. Urbana, 1884—. Pile, Rev. Francis Spencer, 1901, Campbell, 1903-04. Plass, Rev. Norman Lincoln Plymouth, 1893. Piatt, Rev. H. D Cowles, 1888-93, Alma, 1905— Piatt, Rev. M. F Weeping Water, 1865, Hastings, 1874-76, Waverly, 1876, Juniata, 1879, Rock Creek, 1880, Syracuse, 1882, Greenwood, 1883, Beatrice, 1884. l^oeton. Rev. Josiah Taylor, 1896-99. Poison, Rev. August Lincoln Swedish, 1905 — . Porter, Rev. George Fremont, 1875-78. Pogue, Rev. R. E. (M. E.) Pickrell, 1904-05. Pound, Rev. E. H Crawford, 1889-91. Powell, Rev. F. S Hastings, 1892. 350 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA Powell, Rev. Gregory J. . . . Chadron, 1886, Omaha Hillside, 1892-95. I'ower, Rev. John Springview, Blair, 1889-93, Kearney, 1894. Pratt, Rev. A. B Camp Creek, 1873. Preston, Rev. B. C Eagle, 1889-90. Preston, Rev. C. W \'erdon, 1888, Curtis, 1892-1900, Thedford, 1900, Lincoln Butler Ave., 1905 — . Preston, Rev. Mrs. C. W. . Eustis, 1897-99, Dunning, 1900-03, Lincoln Butler Ave., 1905 — . Preston, Rev. Elmer E. . . Plemingford, 1896, Hyannis, 1896-97. Preston, Rev. H. L AlcCook, 1894-96, Newman Grove, 1905. Preston, Rev. Joseph P. . . Irvington, 1881, Creighton, 1887-90. Price, Rev. John Elmore, 1858. Pugh, Rev. Thomas Jalappa, 1870-73, Fairfield, 1873-78, Tndianola, 1878-79. Ouarder, Rev. Paul O. B.Hastings (Ger.), 1892-93. Radford, Rev. Walter. . . . Springfield, 1891-94. Ralston, Rev. Edward S.. Lincoln Plymouth. 1887-91. Ramser, Rev. Jacob Llighland (Ger.), 1888. Ratzell, J. Perry Crawford, 1903, Cambridge, 1904 — . Rawson, Rev. Greggs H. . Irvington, 1904 — . Ray, Rev. Geo. A Seward, 1891. Reichardt, Rev. Frederick. Friend (Ger.), 1891-92, Reeves, Rev. G. I Hildreth and Wilcox, 1905— TABLES 35 ' Rico. Rev. Guv H Xcwcastlc, 1898-iyoo, ThcdfoiHl, 1900, Arlington, 1902-03, Red Cloud, 1904—, and Indian Creek. Rice Rev. O. Y Columbus, 1884-89, Harvard, 1889. Richards, Rev. George W. Stratton, 1886-89. Richards, Rev. lunanuel. . Sutton, 1885. Richardson, Rev. Charles H (iencva, 1895. Kicker. Rev. A. E Ogalalla, 1888, Alma, 1891-95, Chadron, 1895, Aurora, 1901— . Richert, Rev. Cornelius. .. Germantown, 1891. Riggs, Rev. Alfred L. . . . Santee Agency for many years—. Rindell, Rev. Gilbert T. . . Arlington, 1904—. Robberts, Rev. J. F Ulysses and NevVlands, 1882-83. Roberts. Rev. lohu Silver Creek, 1886, Newcastle, 1888, Petersburg and Park, 1901, Newcastle and Daily Branch, 1905—- Rockwell, Rev. J. H Palmyra, 1873- . Rogers, Rev. Alonzo Blair, 1887. Rogers, Rev. A. J Columbus, 1894, ' ' Harvard, 1899-1901. Rogers, Rev. C. H Lincoln Plymouth, 1904—. Rogers, Clarence J Creighton, 1900. Roiiring, Rev. Otto Alliance (Ger.), 1900—. Rominger, Rev. H. V .... Crawford, 1896-^)9. Rose, Rev. A. H Omaha Hillside, 1891-^2. Rose,' Rev. L. P Hastings, 1895. Rose, Rev. W. W Omaha, 1865-67. Roser, Rev. Theodore Inland, 1883. 352 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA Rundiis, Rev. John Wilber, Bethlehem, 1892. Ruring, Rev. Victor H. . . David City. 1905 — . Sage, Riv. Charles J Rising City 1898-99, Ravenna, 1 899-1902. Sallenbach, Rev. H. H. . . . Lincoln (Ger.), 1877. Sargent, Rev. Clarence S. Omaha St. Mary's Ave. ,1900-02. Sargent, Rev. Robert M..Linwood, 1901-02. Sarkeys, Rev. Elias S A.ddison and Bloomfield, 1896-98. Schaerer, Rev. John Crete (Ger.), 1884. Schaufield, Rev. Paul M, . Nelson and Deshler, 1894. Sclieuerle, Rev. G Emanuel (Ger.), 1884-85, Olive Branch, 1885. Schlechter, Rev. Jacob. . . . Sutton (Ger.), 1892. Schroeder, Rev. Geo. W. . Newcastle, 1903-04. Schwab, Rev. S. Herman . Lincoln Zion (Ger.), 1901 — . Schwimley, Rev. William A David City, 1897-1900. Scott, Rev. George West Point, 1878-81, Sutton, 1 88 1, Cortland, 1899-1903, Wisner, 1903 — , Scott, Rev. Willard Omaha St. Mary's Ave., 1883. Seccombe, Rev. Charles. . Monroe and Grand Island, 1875. Seward, Rev. A. L Glencoe, 1878, Aurora, 1880. Sharpe, Rev. Perry A..., Omaha Cherry Hill, 1902-03, Friend, 1903 — . Sharrett, Rev. James Friend, 1888-89. wSherman, Rev. E. L Columbus, 1878-81, P^airfield, 1891-96. Sherman, Rev. Newton. . . Bloomfield, 1904 — . Sherril, Rev. A. F Omaha ist, 1869-188S. Shull, Rev. Gilbert L. . . . Crawford, 1901 — . Show, Rev. A. B Waco, 1885. TABLES 353 Sluiinan, Rev. Henry A. . Ulysses, i8(j8, Rising- City, lyoo, Burwell, 1902, Arcadia, 1903 — . Shunian, Rev. S, H ^Monroe, 1892. Sikes, Rev. Eric B Springview, 1905 — . Single, Rev. John Butte Zion (Gcr.), 1898-1902. Skinner, Rev. J. H Mascott, 1897. Skinner, Rev. T. N Milford, 1869-70, Dorchester, 1872-73, Smitt, Rev. John Inland (Ger.), and Liberty Creek, 1904 — . Smith, Rev. David O Campbell, 1886-89. Smith, Rev. E. F Juniata, 1877. Smith, Rev. Edwin S .... Beatrice, 1888-92 Smith, Rev. Howard N... Omaha Saratoga, 1889 -c)i. Smith, Rev. J. A Avoca, 1888. Smith, Rev. J. Franklin. , Sargent, 1893, Arcadia, 1895-98, Leigh, 1899-05. Smith, Rev. J. P Fontanelle, 1868-70. Smith, Rev. L. Adams. . . . Stratton, 1889. Smock, Rev. W. D Schuyler, 1883. Snow, Rev. Beecher O. ..Bladen, 1891, Upland, 1892-93, Irvington, 1894-96, Fairfield, 1896. Snyder, Rev. Henry C Bertrand, 1893. South worth, Rev. Ed v/ard. Harvard, 1883, Clay Center, 1886-88. Spangler, Rev. George B.Camp Creek, 1898-1902. Spellman, Rev. Henry O.Red Cloud, 1894. Sprague, Rev. Elmer E. . Farnam, 1893, Cortland, 1898-99. Spencer. Rev. J. G Irvington. 1875, Norfolk, 1882. Sperry, Rev. W. S Blair,' 1868. 354 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA Sparrow, Rev. J. P Knox Co. ist, 1882-84, Lakeside, 1885-87. Squire, Rev. A. L Eurwell, 1894-95, Holdrege, 1897, Shickley, 1898-99. Stahl, Rev. Carl D Crete (Ger.), 1902-04 Stahner, Rev. H. C Crete (Ger.), 1905—. Starbuck, Rev. C. C Columbus and Monroe, 1877, St. Clair, Rev. Peter Osceola, 1883-86, Rushville, 1887. Syracuse, 1888-89. Stephenson, Rev. Wm. D. J Lakeside, 1887, ^Clearwater, 1889-90. McCook, 1 89 1. Stewart, Rev. J. D Hastings, 1879-83, Supt. of State S. S. work from 1883-1905 — . Stocking, Rev. James B..Wahoo, 1898-1902, Bur well, 1903 — . Stoelting, Rev. F. A Timber Creek, 1900-01. Storm, Rev. J. E Rising and Ulysses, 1883, Arborville, 1885, Clarks, 1890, DeWitt, 189 1, Springfield, 1894, Long Pine, 1897, Clay Center, 1899, Hyannis, 1900, Harbine and Plymouth, 1902, DeWitt, 1904-05. Stoughton, Rev. Lewis H.Albion, 1895-1900. Strong, Rev. J. M Inavale, 1879. Franklin, 1880-82. Strong, Rev. Sidney Friend, 1885-87. Stubbins, Rev. W. H. . . . Burwell, 1883. TABLES 355 Stuocklin, K'cv. (1. I" Inland (Gcr.), 1884. Snffa, Rev. Andrew l.inr.iln Saleni ( C.cr. ), ujo\ — . Suoss, Rev. William I'.uda Mat, 1875, Culbertson, 1885, McCook (Ger.X 1889, Olive Ih-ancli, 1896 — . Swanson, Rev. John E... Lincoln Swedish. 1902-04, Waverly Swedish, 1904 — . Switzer, Rev. Miss A. E. Holdrege, 1902-04. Swinj:;^, Rev. A. F Fremont, 1878-87. Taggart, Rev. Charles E. . Red Cloud, 1889-91. Tangeman, Rev. Gottlob D. Grant, 1893, DeWitt, 1894, I'airniont, 1896-99. Tasker, Rev. Joseph O. . . Linwood, 1887-92. Taylor, Rev. C. B Ravenna, 1888-89. Taylor, Rev. E. C In State, 1866, Ord, 1867, Letter to Iowa, 1869. Taxlor, Rev. George E. . . Harvard, 1880-83, Clay Center, 1883-86, Indianola, 1886-88, Pierce, 1900 — . Taylor. Rev. Glen A Strang and Geneva, 1886-87. Taylor, Rev. J. G Nebraska City, 1872-76. Terrell, Rev. C. W Genoa, 1890-92, Clarks, 1892-93. Thain, Rev. A. R Omaha Plymouth, 1889. Thiel, Rev. P. J Hastings (Ger.), 1904 — . Thing, Rev. Milo J. P Butler ist and Linwood. 1884-87, Springfield, 1889, Arcadia, 1801-95. Thomas, Rev. Charles 'M . Brrmswick, 1903 Loomis aiul Eustis, 1905 — . 356 CONGREGATIONAL NEBRASKA Thompson, Rev. Carl D. . Clearwater, 1891-92, Park (MentorvilleJ, 1893. Thompson, Rev. H. S Syracuse, 1879. Thompson, Rev. J. C Nebraska City, 1879. Thome, Rev. James A. . . . Ogalalla, 1886, Grant, 1887, Clarks, 1888-90. Ticknor, Rev. Owen E. . . Eustis, 1894, Hyannis, 1895-96, Red Cloud, 1896, Free water and Wilcox, 1897, Park, 1899. Tillbery, Rev. John M. . . . Linwood Swedish, 1896-97. Tingley, Rev. M Blair, 1870-77. Todd, Rev. O. C Red Cloud and Riverton, 1882, Monroe and Genoa, 1884. Torbet, Rev. Albert Omaha Park Place, 1890-91. Townsend, Rev. Arthur C. .Crawford, 1899-01, Ravenna, 1901, Albion, 1903 — . Traudt, Rev. Adam Lincoln (Ger.), 1888-89. Traverse, Rev. R. M Ravenna, 1887-88, Leigh, 1888-92, Milford, 1892, Alma, 1895, Doniphan, 1899, DeWitt, 1899-1902, Petersburg, 1902, Clay Center, 1902, Wymore, 1903-04. Treiber, Rev. Michael Sutton (Ger.), 1888, Stockham and Sutton, 1890. Triplet, Rev. H. M Ainsworth, 1898-1902, Springfield, 1902 — . Tucker, Rev. John F Eagle, 1888-89.. Tueben, Rev. A. C Park, 1891. Turner, Rev. L. A Plymouth and Kilpatrick, 1895, Indianola, 1897-1900. TABLES 357 Turner, Rev. W. J Mbion, 1887, Neligh, 1891-93, -McCook, 1 898-1902, Norfolk, 1902-—. Tnttle, Rev. John E Lincoln ist, 1903—. Uber, Rev. William Received 1867. Ung-er, Rev. Samuel L. . . Hiklreth, 1895. \^anAlstine, Rev. Sylvester. Genoa, 1892-94, Long- Pine. VanLuven, Rev. Sanford A Sargent and Comstock, 1904 — . Vietz, Rev. C. F Crete (Ger.), 1875-76. Vogt, Rev. William F Culbertson (Ger.), 1897, McCook, 1897-99, Beaver Creek, 1901, Friend (Ger.), 1903-05. Wadswortli, Rev. George. Spencer, 1.898. ^^^ain^vright, Rev. Geo. W. Blair, 1880-82, Representative of A. B. S. from 1882 nearly 20 years. Walker, Rev. Cornelius C. Burwell, 1891-92. Waller, Rev. Theodore. .. Fontanelle, 1857. Walters, Rev. William Hastings, 1886-92, Long Pine, 1892. Wannamaker, Rev. H. S. Geneva, 1887-90, Lincoln Vine St., 1890-93. Warfield, Rev. Frank A. . Omaha ist, 1896-98. Wark, Rev. W. O Harvard, 1892-93. Warwick, Rev. Andrew. . Glencoe, 1872. Washington, Rev. Alonzo G Maple Creek, 1892, Leigh, 1893. Watson, Rev. Jonathan. .. Ogalalla, 1902-03. 358 CONGREGATIONAL NP:BRASKA Webber, Rev. Bertholcl L.Clay Center, 1894-95. Webber, Rev. E. E DeWitt, 1880-S2, Wahoo, 1882-84. Weeden, Rev. William. .. Beatrice, 1884-86. West, Rev. Parley B Butte, 1902-04. Wiedenhoeft, Rev. Wil- liam Hemingf ord and Xonpareil, 1890. Wiedmann, Rev. P Crete (Ger.), 1881-84, Emanuel, 1885, Beaver Creek, 1887-88. Weidman, Rev. Mile Long Pine, 1905 — . Wharton, Rev. Lawrence B. (Bap. ) (Jmaha Plymouth, 1889. Williams, Rev. R. R Fairfield, 1878, Clay Center, 1887-90. Williams, Rev. Samuel. .. Riverton, 1894-1905. Williams, Rev. Thistle A.Omaha Cherry Hill, 1900-02. Williams, Rev. William T. Dustin, 1890, Aten, 1895, Blyville, 1896, Crofton to 1903. Wild, Rev. Laura A Lincoln Butler Ave., 190T-05, Doane Professorship. Crete, Neb., 1905 — . Willis, Rev. J- Vincent. . . New Hope, 1892, Wymore, 1892-93. Wilson, Rev. Samuel F. . . New Hope, 1893, Wymore, 181^3. Wilson, Rev. Henry Hastings, 1883-85. Winslow, Rev. Jacob Hastings, 1876-78, DeWitt, 1878-80, Friend, 1880, Bradshaw, 1883. Wismer, Rev. Ernest L. . . Taylor, 1 899-1901, Newman Grove, 1903-04. TAI'.LES 359 Wood. Rev. Saimicl I [avclock, 1893-97, W'ahoo, 1898. Woolnian. Kc\ . W \urora, 187(5-78, liradshaw, 1880, MayHower, Prairie Home, West Hai^iillon. 1882, Xa])onee, 1885. Molinc and ]""arnain. i88r)-(S7, i'alisade, 1889-91. Woolworth, Rev. William S Wvmore, 1890. \\'oth. Rev. Friedrick Germantown, 1891-99. V\'right, Rev. Garvin H. .. Fairfield, 1903 — . Wrigley, Rev. Franeis Milford, 1904-05. Wuerrschmidt, Rev. C. W. Hastings (Ger.). 1895-1904. Wycoff. Rev. Edwin D. .. Omaha Pilgrim, 1900. Yost. Rev. Robert Omaha St. ^Mary's Ave., 1902-05 Youngs, Rev. J. W Vrborville. 1882. Zercher, Rev. Flenry J- •••Geneva, i890-<)3. Tables \'11I and IX ])resent the history of eaeh church and each minister in their ecclesiastical relations. W^e can only hope that they are approximately correct. Church scribes were not always particular in reporting the changes of pastorates with the i^roper dates. We have found at times the printed minutes at fault. In such a number of names and dates we can not hope that we have made no mistakes, but these tables have, been prepared with much labor and painstaking, and we trust they will prove to be of permanent and real value to the churches. Where appar- ent discrepancies occur Table VI 1 1 may be considered as the standard authoritv.