CHAPTER X.

Churches - Adventists, Seventh Day - Amish Menonnites - Baptist Missionary - Congregationalists - German Evangelical Friends - German Evangelical Lutheran - Methodist Protestant - United Brethern - Presbyterian - Methodist Episcopal - Predestinian Baptist

SEVENTH DAY ADVENTISTS CHURCH

organized a class May 28, 1875, near Ruby station, which was named, Seward church. Local elder, Mathew Hackworth; first deacon, Alexander Hackworth; first secretary, Ella L. Hackworth. Organizing members in addition to the above officers were: Francis Morton, Drucilla Morton, Martha Rider, Alice Rider, Rebecca Hackworth, Abiatha Kennison, and Anginette Morgan. Present membership. about twenty. Prominent members that have died are: Abiatha Kennison, who died Jan. 26, 1877; E. D. Hoagland, in 1884. The denomination design to build a house of worship as soon as they feel able to do so. They have an active missionary and tract society of fifteen members; also a Sabbath-school of full fifty scholars, which is. in a prosperous condition.

AMISH MENNONITES.

A small colony of these people settled two miles west of Milford, April 3, 1878. Eight families constituted the first settlement. Their first communion was held October, 1875, by Rev. Christian Kopf, of McLean county, Illinois, who was sent by the conference held in Illinois that year. Membership at that time was eleven. In the spring of 1876, Rev. Paul P. Hershberger came from Henry county, Iowa, and that spring a church was organized with twenty-three members, and Rev. Hershberger became pastor for the season. Late. that fall communion was held by Rev. Noehzecker and Rev. Zeher, from Woodford county, Illinois. Three converts were baptized on. this occasion. In the spring of 1877, Rev. D. C. Miller, of Howard county, Indiana, visited the church and held communion, when two new members were received into the communion.

Rev. Hershberger conducted services until the spring of 1878, when Rev. Joseph Gersho came, who assisted Rev. Hershberger, and that season the church was built. It is situated on Sec. 9 in "O" precinct.

At that time the membership was fifty-five. Rev. Samuel Zoeher conducted the first service in the new church. In the fall, Bishop Joseph Schlezel bought a home with us. He held communion and baptized five persons. He took up his residence here in the spring of 1879, and has been pastor to the present time. We have enlarged the church and it is now 28x56 feet. The present membership is two hundred and forty.

The society is very prosperous, having at this time the largest membership of any single church in the county.

THE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH OF SEWARD

was organized March 1, 1870, with seven members, viz., Rev. E. L. Clark and wife, Mr. and Mrs. F. E. Pitt, Mr. and Mrs. Dr. L. Walker, and B. B. Archer. One hundred and seventy-six members have been received into the church during its existence up to January 1, 1888. Present membership, 48. Pastors in charge have been:

Rev. E. L. Clark, followed by Rev. H.. W. Brayton; then Rev. J. D. Newell, who was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Hall; then Rev. H. L. Badger. For a time the church was without a pastor, when Rev. E. Hapgood was called to the pastorate, and served for about two years. The church was again left for a time without a pastor, when Rev. John Barr was called, who served two years, and was succeeded by Rev. J. N. Webb. The church edifice was erected in the north part of town in 1872, and removed to its present location in 1876. Notable members that have died were, Rev. E. L. Clark and wife; Vinal Danniels, killed while at work on the church belfry, by a fall; Mrs. F. E. Pitt, Mrs. Elsie T. Walker, Stephen Payne, and Mrs. B. B. Archer. The first board of trustees: Dr. L. Walker, Rev. E. L. Clark, and B. B. Archer. First clerk, Dr. L.Walker.

Milford church was organized in September, 1870, with nine members, viz., Rev. W. Z. Hazelwood and wife, A. A. Messenger and wife, John Burkett and wife, S. K. Keyes and wife, and Mrs. E. Davison. The church flourished for some years and erected a house of worship, but many of the members moving away, and other causes, caused the church to disband.

Blue Valley church was organized in May, 1872, with six members. This little church flourished for four or five years, and at one time had eighteen members, but it disbanded and its members found homes in other churches.

CATHOLIC CHURCHES.

The Catholic congregation built a very creditable church edifice at Seward in 1877. They also have a substantial parsonage.

The Utica church was built in 1882. Each church has a large membership.

We would have been glad to give a more extended account of their churches, but the data were not attainable.

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES.

The first members were: Wm. H. Reed, Patrick Davidson, A. J. Waterman, Lee H. Smiley, Nancy C. Reed, Sophia Davidson, Elizabeth J. Waterman, Mary J. Smiley, Ester Smiley, Sallie M. Smith, Marian Hooker, and Sophia D. Hooker. A. J. Waterman and Patrick Davidson were the first deacons, and Lee H. Smiley was first clerk. A new brick church was erected in 1884, at a cost of $8,500. The membership at present is 64, and under the pastorate of Rev. S. G. Lamb, the church is in a flourishing condition.

HISTORICAL SKETCH, BY REV. H. A. FRENCH.

On the 10th day of April, 1869, a council met at Milford to assist in perfecting the organization of the Congregational church of Milford, and receive it into the fellowship of Congregational churches. Twelve persons entered into covenant with the church at its organization.

During the remainder of the year 1869, nine persons were received into membership by letter, and none dismissed. In 1870, ten persons were received into membership by letter, and two removed by death. In 1871, none were received, and four dismissed. In 1872, four were received by letter, one upon profession of faith, and two were dismissed. In 1873, eleven were received upon profession of faith, and four were dismissed. In 1874, nine were received upon profession of faith, and four were dismissed. Thus it will be seen that up to January 1, 1875, fifty-seven persons had been connected with the church, and sixteen dismissed, leaving the church with a membership of forty-one at the beginning of the present year.

Rev. T. N. Skinner became pastor of the church at its organization, and continued to sustain this relation till February, 1872, when the pastoral office became vacant. In the following May, H. A. French (a licentiate) was chosen to fill this office.

At first the church had no rules or regulations, except such as were found in the ecclesiastical society connected with it. In 1870, it adopted a code of by-laws. In January, 1873, it adopted a constitution and revised its by-laws; and in January, 1874, it again revised its polity and became incorporate.

During the year 1869, a house of worship—24x86—was built for the church, and situated on lots one and two, of block one, Milford, Seward county, Nebraska, and, according to the statement of the building committee, costing over sixteen hundred dollars. Of this amount, four hundred dollars came from the American Congregational Union.

There was at an early day a church at Beaver Crossing, but we are unable to learn anything of its history. There also appears to have been one at an early day at Germantown, which has disbanded.

Utica church was organized December 9, 1886, with the following charter members: Mrs. Nora Wright, Mrs. Emma Wright, Miss Barbary Davis, Miss Lillie Davis, Miss Hattie Davis, Clarence Wright, Charles Burnham, Mrs. Carrie Burnham, Mrs. Adie Brant, and Mrs. J. N. Liggett. Rev. A. B. Show organized the church and was the first pastor.

Seward church was organized May 9, 1887, with thirty-five members, most of whom had seceded from the Presbyterian church. The first officers were: Alex. M. Darley, pastor; J. C. Bradley and A. H. Bemis, deacons; F. H. McLain, clerk; S. R. Douglas, treasurer. Trustees, S. R. Douglas, Edmund McIntyre, L. R. Contrell, Henry Morris, and R. P. Anderson. Present membership, forty. They now have enclosed and nearly completed the finest church in the county, being a two-story brick structure with belfry.

GERMAN EVANGELICAL FRIEDEN’S CHURCH AT SEWARD
(BY REV. P. SPEIDEL)

was organized on the 22d of September, 1878, by Rev. Christian Bek, with the following members, viz.: John Schmidt, George Goetz, Mathias Schmidt, Heinrich Meinberg, and Carl Maier. Soon after the organization was completed, the congregation bought lots 1, 2, and 3, in block 43, in Cloyd’s addition, and built a neat little church edifice, and in 1885 they also built a parsonage, at a cost of $1,000. A flourishing Sabbath school is maintained, and also an elementary day school, and preparation for confirmation is maintained during the winter months. Present membership, forty. Charities consist in general church work, supporting the pastor, contributions to home and foreign missions, seminaries, orphan homes, and other benevolent institutions. The pastors were. Rev. Christian Bek, from 1878 to 1881; Rev. J. P. Welsch, from 1881 to 1888, and Rev. P. Speidel from June 1, 1884, to the present. The church is in a flourishing condition.

THE GERMAN EVANGELICAL FRIEDENS GEMEINDE CHURCH,
(WRITTEN BY REV. J. P. WELSCH,]

on the West Blue, is located in the south-east corner of Sec. 36, in O precinct, Seward county. The society was organized in the year 1874, by twelve members, viz.: Frank Bushboom, Andreas Budde, Heinrich Kemper, Arnold Kubitz, Herman Bruning, Heinrich Rogge, Robert Danekas, Heinrich Kartman, Gerhard Bruning, Wilhelm Kemper, John VanDeest, Wilhelm Riege. In a meeting of the society held on the 21st of June, 1874, it was resolved to buy the ten acres of laud in the south-east corner of Sec. 36, in O precinct, then owned by Victor Vifquain. Up to the year 1876 the society held its meetings in school and private houses, during which time several different ministers preached here, viz.: Rev. Regier, of Lincoln; Rev. Schaster, of Swan creek; Rev. Irion, of Germantown.

On the 22d day of December, 1875, Rev. Gaertner was chosen pastor, and in 1876 a parsonage and house in one was built, 16x28. In 1877 Rev. Gaertner accepted a place in Concordia, Kansas, and the society was without its own pastor, but was served alternately by Rev. Vertz, of Crete, and Rev. Bek, of Seward. In 1878 Rev. J. P. Welsch, of Burlington, Iowa, bought the south-east of Sec. 36, 0 precinct, as by some particular circumstance it was again sold, and he allowed the society to retain its land. This gentleman was unanimously elected pastor November 3, 1878.

We are at present building a church 28x40, with a steeple fifty-five feet high, at an estimated cost of from $1,800 or $2,000, including a bell and organ. Of the first twelve members there are at present but seven. Frank Bushboom died, Andreas Budde returned to Germany, Arnold Kubitz moved west and was killed by the Indians, Herman Bruning and Gerhard Bruning moved west, where the latter (lied shortly afterwards, John VanDeest moved away. There are now eighteen members. A Sabbath-school was organized about five years ago, and now numbers thirty—six children as scholars. The hopes for the future are encouraging.

EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH
[BY REV. K. T. GRUBER.]

The Evan. Lutheran Emmanuel’s Congregation of Middle Creek, and the Evangelical Lutheran Zion’s Congregation were both organized in the fall of 1870, the latter on Lincoln creek, near Marysville.

Trustees of Middle Creek Congregation were: Louis Leibrock, Died rich Brandt, Conrad Roehrkasse. Members were: Conrad Grots, Franz Thomas, August Waldman, Diedrich Wilkens, Frederick Roepke, August Malte, Conrad Bagle, Earnest Boese, Wilhelm Lubbe, Andrew Schultz.

Trustees of the Lincoln Creek Congregation were: Fred Hartman, Fred Schueman, John Schoepf. Names of first members were: August Daeling, Wm. Daeling, Mr. Burgaenger, W. Meyer, Mr. Heitman, Mr. Herman, Mr. Fehlhafer, F. Mayland, F. Hartman.

Rev. Karl Theodore Gruber was pastor of both congregations. Emmanuel’s Congregation on Middle creek built a parsonage on Rev. Gruber's homestead, near Grots school-house, in 1871.

The foundations of the stone church were laid May 8, 1873. The church 24x36, was dedicated June 14, 1874. They maintain a private religious school, four days in a week. Present membership or number of families, 45. Present pastor, H. Bode. A second parsonage was built in 1882.

The Evangelical Lutheran Zion’s Congregation, near Marysville, had at first in charge Rev. Karl Theodore Gruber, next Rev. J. Seidel, next Rev. Haessaler, and at present Rev. G. Weller. The first church was built and dedicated in the fall and winter of 1870. A parsonage was erected in 1872. A second and larger church was erected in 1874. The congregation is composed of 68 families at present. Prominent members that have died are: F. Scheuman and J. Schoepf. This congregation sustains a school, taught by Rev. Weller.

The Evangelical Lutheran Emmanuel’s Congregation was organized by Rev. L. Huber. First trustees welt: Henry Neujahr, R. Heitmann, and F. Gierhahn. A sod house, as a church, was erected in 1874, a frame church in 1876, and a frame parsonage in 1881. A new church was built in 1887, with a steeple 80 feet in height, and was dedicated December 4, 1887. First members were: K. Heitmann, H. Neujahr, D. Dey, F. Suhr, J. Suhr, F. Gierhahn, F. Stephens, A. Klebe, W. F. Voelske, Gustave Toenniges, A. Schultz, F. Neujahr. Number of members exceed 40. Rev. J. Seidel, Rev. Haessajer, and Rev. G. F. Gruber, my brother, born in Germany 1835, have been the pastors, and the latter is still holding the place. H. Neujahr died in 1884.

The Evangelical Lutheran Congregation of Seward, was organized by Rev. K. T. Gruber, December 10, 1877. First trustees were:
Herman Deirs, O. E. Benecker, and C. Kroeger. First members, F. Goehner, Wm. Schultz, H. Kimmel, Mr. Kortge, and Mr. Benecker, Sen. and Jr., etc. The church was built in the fail of 1879, and dedicated November 9, 1879. Ministers were, from 1875 to 1880, Rev. K. T. Gruber, from 1881 to 1883, Rev. C. Bode, and at present, Rev. F. Koenig. The congregation is erecting a fine parsonage.

A number of the members of the church on Lincoln creek held a meeting near Orton and organized themselves as Evangelical Lutheran St. Paul’s Congregation, April 8, 1885. Trustees were:

J. Metzner, F. Neujahr, and W. Neujahr. Other prominent members were: J. Schukai, G. Durher, etc. Number of families belonging to congregation, 12. A parsonage and church were built in 1885. The church was dedicated August 16, 1885. Present pastor is K. T. Gruber. They have a private school of 22 pupils, four days in a week, taught by Rev. Gruber.

There is also a small Evangelical Lutheran Congregation four miles south of Milford. They built a frame church in 1881. Pastor in charge, R. Gruber. Prominent members: A. Goldhammer, F. Krumirde, K. Kahle, etc.

METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH.
[BY REV. O. K. PHINNEY.]

Our first church was organized February 22, 1872, in L precinct at Prairie Grove. The class comprised nine members, and was organized by Rev. D. H. Walker. In September, 1873, Rev. C. E. Phinney received his appointment from the annual conference and took charge of the Seward mission, and under his care the following classes were organized: At Westfield, York county, January 10, 1874, a class of twenty-two members; in February of the same year, Pleasant Prairie class, at what is now Utica, with fourteen members, and April 29th following, a class was organized at Northfield, York county, in T. 11, range 1 west, with twelve members. He also organized a class in what is now J precinct, called South Prairie class, with eighteen members. In 1876 he organized Mound Prairie class, in what is now K precinct, with sixteen members. At this time the membership was 94. Rev. Phinney continued pastor until 1878, when Rev. C. S. Bradly served one year very efficiently. Rev. Phinney again took charge of the work for one year, when his health failed, and he was followed by Rev. Wynn, for one year, who was succeeded by Rev. A. L. Beggs, who had charge two years, and was followed by Rev. H. G. Claycomb, who had charge of the work nearly four years.

C. E. Phinney again took the work in the last quarter of 1887. January 1, 1888, Rev. A. Byers is pastor.

The work has changed somewhat. In York county the classes have all united at Waco, where they have erected a good house of worship under the pastorate of Rev. Phinney.

That part in Seward county was united, and they have a fine church edifice that was dedicated September 12, 1877, on Sec. 14, in L township, which cost about nine hundred dollars. The church is in a flourishing condition. They maintain a good Sabbath-school.

UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH IN SEWARD COUNTY.
[BY REV. K. W. JOHNSON.)

Rev. E. W. Johnson organized the first church at the Slonecker school-house, in 1872. This was four miles west of Seward.

The Seward church was organized by Rev. Johnson in 1878. Their church edifice was erected and dedicated in 1880, by Bishop Wright. The present membership is seventy-five.

The church at Slonecker school-house removed their membership to Seward in 1882. Rev. E. W. Johnson was the first pastor, in 187.2, and continued in charge until 1875, when Rev. Henry Lahr served the church one year. Rev. P. P. Landen was in charge in 1876, and was followed in 1877 by the Rev. E. L. Austin, when Rev. E. W. Johnson was again placed in charge in 1878, and served the church three years. Rev. M. Waltemire was pastor in 1881, and in 1882 Rev. J. M. Eads had charge. In 1883 Rev. O. D. Cone was pastor, and was followed in 1884 by Rev. J. M. Duffield. In 1885 Rev. Cone was again placed in charge, and died while in charge. He was followed by Rev. J. R. Hamer, who completed the year 1885. Rev. J. J. Lohr served in 1886, and was followed by the present incumbent, Rev. F. W. Jones.

A church was organized in 1886 at a school-house in the north part of "B" precinct, by the Rev. Lohr, and in the fall of 1887 the church have undertaken the erection of a house of worship at the new railroad station in "B" town.

Rev. O. D. Cone, who died at the post of duty, was a very worthy and intelligent minister, and was universally honored wherever known, and dearly beloved by all his parishioners. In his death the church sustained the loss of one of its most able and valuable defenders, and the community one of its most highly honored citizens.

[BY REV. F. W. JONES.]

The history of the church in "B" precinct has been a varied one. The United Brethren in Christ has been no exception. The cause has chiefly been the unsettled state of society. That restless spirit that obtains in the western people has led in the past many of the settlers of "B" precinct to seek homes elsewhere, and a large majority of the church membership were among the number. But a better day has dawned on the U. B. church in "B" precinct. It has within the last year taken on a permanent character. In the month of February, 1887, Rev. J. J. Lohr, responding to the pressing calls of time few faithful brethren that were holding the ground against great opposition, held a series of meetings at what is called and known as Bach-elder’s school—house near the present railroad station, "B," on the F., E.&M. V.R.R. This meeting resulted in a great awakening through-out the community. Many started in the way of a better life. The permanent work of Mr. Lohr at this place is most satisfactory. The result of his labors was the organization of a church of fifteen members, the most prominent citizens of the community being among the number.

The closing of the conference year, in March following, closed Mr. Lohr’s labors at this point. The conference held in Lincoln, Neb., in the same month, appointed F. W. Jones as the successor of Mr. Lohr, and up to this writing he is still in charge of the church. The work has been very prosperous so far this year. The church has a prosperous Sunday-school connected with its work. In August, 1887, the quarterly conference appointed a prospective board of trustees for said church. The names of these trustees are, J. W. Bachelder, W. Ford, T. J. Drake, D. T. Johns, and R. Cessna. As we have said, the object was only prospective, but after they, in conjunction with the pastor, had spied out the land, it was decided to proceed at once to build a church. house, and to locate it in the town of "B." A subscription was circulated for that purpose, and within six days after starting over six hundred dollars were secured.

The style of the building is modern in its architecture. The building when completed will be a neat frame structure, twenty-eight by forty-six feet, fourteen foot studding. The building has a tower in front, eight by twelve, and is about forty-three feet high. The building is now ready to plaster, and will be finished as soon as the spring opens sufficiently. It will cost when completed and furnished about thirteen hundred dollars. The outlook for the U. B. church in "B" precinct is flattering indeed. The church building will be a credit to the denomination and the community that are working so faithfully in its completion. This church has a bright future before it, and with its efficient and consecrated membership will go forward to bless and help many a weary soul on the way to a better life.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
(BY REV. T. L. SEXTON, D.D.)

The work of the Presbyterian church in Seward county began very soon after the state was admitted into the Union. On, the 25th of July, 1868, the Presbyterian church of Seward was regularly organized by the Rev. William McCaudlish, district missionary of the presbytery of Missouri river. The public services on this occasion were conducted by Mr. M. C. Wilson, a licentiate of the presbytery of Huntington, Pa., after which the following named persons were regularly organized as the First Presbyterian church of Seward, viz.: David Imlay, Dorcas Imlay, Sarah Ann Brown, Stites Wooley, Mary Ann Wooley, Wm. Imlay, Mary E. Imlay, Mary E. Pierce, Moulton N. Clark, and Louisa Josephine Imlay. David Imlay was elected elder, and Stites Wooley and Moulton N. Clark were chosen deacons. At this time an invitation was extended to Mr. M. C. Wilson to supply the church for one year, in connection with the Presbyterian church of Lincoln, but the records do not show that he accepted. From May 12 to September 2, 1870, Mr. G. B. Smith, a licentiate of Blairsville presbytery, supplied the church, and after completing his seminary course, in 1871, he returned and took permanent charge of the work.

Rev. Geo. B. Smith continued to labor as pastor of the church of Seward and throughout the county till May 1, 1876. The Rev. Chas. S. Marvin had charge of the church from June 1, 1876, to December 5, 1876. Rev. Enoch Benson was the minister in charge from May 1, 1877, to May 1, 1882. Vacant from May 1, 1882, to September 1, 1882. On the 16th of July, 1882, a unanimous call was extended to the Rev. Thos. L. Sexton, of Kossuth, Iowa, which was accepted by him, and he began work on the 1st of September, 1882. The church became self-supporting one year from this date, paying its pastor a salary of $1,000 without any aid from the Home Mission board. After laboring for three years and a half, till March 1, 1866, the Rev. T. L. Sexton resigned his pastorate to accept the position of superintendent of mission work in the state. After hearing several candidates, the church called the Rev. Alex Darley, of Storm Lake, Iowa, who began work June 1, 1886. This was unfortunate for the church, as it was divided by internal troubles before the expiration of the first year, and part of the members withdrew and organized a Congregational church. After being vacant several months, the Presbyterian church called the Rev. Nathaniel Chestnut, of Missouri Valley, Iowa, who entered upon the work September 11, 1887, and is the present pastor.

During all these years there have been added to the original members two hundred and fifteen names, many of which represent persons who have done much in moulding the moral character of the community. Many excellent families have gone forth from this church to render faithful and valuable service in other cities and communities. The present membership is seventy-five.

The Presbyterian church of Tamora was organized September 5, 1880, by Rev. Geo. L. Little, synodical missionary, with the following members: Mrs. Margaret Scott, Johnston W. Scott, Mrs. Nannie E. Scott, James B. Scott, Mrs. Carrie A. Scott, William Scott, Miss Mary Scott, Miss Anna B. Scott, Mrs. Cora I. Bisset, Mrs. Mary J. Bisset, Geo. W. Parker. Rev. Enoch Benson had charge of the church till January, 1884. Mr. W. C. Brass, a licentiate of the Binghamton presbytery, supplied the church from January to September, 1884. Rev. Oscar B. Thayer had charge from November 25, 1884, to November 25, 1885. Rev. B. F. Sharp began work November 29, 1885, and continued till November, 1887. Rev. Mark L. Milford is the present minister. The church building was erected in 1884, and was dedicated November 9, 1884, by Rev. T. L. Sexton, of Seward. The church is joined with Staplehurst in one pastoral charge.

The Presbyterian church of Staplehurst was organized by Rev. Geo. L. Little, synodical missionary, assisted by Rev. E. Benson, on the 16th of April, 1882, with the following named members: W. W. Hoops, Mrs. Lydia J. Hoops, Marcus Richtmyer, Mrs. Hannah M. Richtmyer, Martin Castle, Mrs. Emma Castle, H. G. Hosford, Mrs. Emma Hosford, Geo. Richtmyer, Miss E. Burhans, Mrs. Rachel McKay, J. W Gladwish, Mrs. Lena A. Gladwish, Thos. Corr, Mrs. M. Corr, Mrs. E. Young, Albert E. Bradley, Mrs. Mary A. Bradley, Mrs. E. A. Juhi, and Mr. Slupe. Nine of these are now left. The church building at Staplehurst was dedicated free from debt on the 29th of October, 1882, the sermon being preached by the Rev. Thos. L. Sexton, at that time the pastor at Seward. Staplehurst has been united with Tamora, and has enjoyed the services of the same ministers, and for the same length of time. The Presbyterian is the only church in the village.

M. E. CHURCH.
[BY REV. J. H. PRESSON.]

The history of Methodism in Seward county commences with its first settlement. It came with the first campfires that lit up the groves and prairies, it was found in the hearts of many of the rugged pioneers, who sang the songs of the Wesleys while they followed the plow that broke the virgin soil. The Methodist itinerant, with his saddle-bags, bible, hymn book, and discipline, helped to lead the advance of civilization, and to establish in this beautiful land the gospel of the Son of God. Some of this number—preachers and laymen and devoted wives and mothers—have passed over and are numbered among the redeemed. Others are still with us, and are rejoicing in their well-earned victories. They see and enjoy this beautiful land which they have helped rescue from the wilds of nature, and have transformed into a paradise of christian civilization, a land of home and plenty, where. God dwells in the hearts of many people, and where all may enjoy the benefits of our blessed Christianity.

In the year 1870 Seward was the head of a very large circuit. It was then a place of two or three hundred inhabitants. The preacher was the Rev. C. W. Comstock, his charge consisted of the north half of Seward, west half of Butler, all of Polk, and the north half of York counties. Milford at this time was the head of another large circuit, embracing the south halt of this county, part of Saline and York counties. The Rev. A. Blackwell was the pastor. The entire membership reported living within the bounds above mentioned was (85) eighty-five, except a few who lived in the extreme south-west corner of the county under the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Oliver.

In the spring of 1871 the Rev. Josiah Burlingame was appointed to Seward charge, then a mission, embracing the north-west part of Seward, south-west part of Butler, and all of Polk counties. The society at Seward at this time was the possessor of four lots situated just west of where our high school building now stands. These lots were the gift of Louis Moffitt, the original owner of the town, for the use of the society for a church and parsonage.

Milford this same year was supplied by the Rev. P. C. Braunon, under whose labors a great revival took place, and many of the best families of the town were converted and became members of the church. In 1872 Seward was left most of the year without a shepherd. In 1873 Rev. A. L. Folden was the pastor. During his administration the present church, a brick structure, was completed and dedicated. The Rev. Bishop Andrews, who was master of’ ceremonies, found it a hard task to provide for the debt, but through the liberality of a few of the members, some of whom are yet living in this vicinity, the amount asked for was subscribed, and the first M.E. church of Seward county was dedicated to the service of God on the 29th day of December, 1874. Some of the trustees are still living in Seward, among whom is the Hon. W. R. Davis, who with one or two others became personally responsible for the debt, which took a number of years to wipe out. Too much praise can not be given the men and women who did so much for the cause of Christ in those early days.

This same year there was a church built at Milford, under ‘the pastorate of the Rev. John Gallagher.

The Rev. T. L. McLean, who will he kindly remembered by many of the old residents as a man of ability and fine social qualities, served as pastor at Seward during the years 1875-6-7.

In 1878 Rev. J. W. Shank was appointed to Seward. Utica was made an appointment, and attached to Milford, with Thos. H. Worley as pastor. At the close of that year there were reported 184 members in the county. The parsonage—the main part of it—was built that year. It is amusing now to hear the ladies tell of the various methods used in order to raise money to pay for the home of their pastor. The following preachers have been from time to time appointed since at Seward: Rev. J. P. Roe, Peter Van Fleete, E. J. Willis, G. W. Selby, Geo. M. Morey, and the present pastor, Rev. J. H. Presson. At Milford, Van Fleets, Couffer, Rowe, Badeon, Morrison, and Campbell.

Milford is now an excellent charge, has a good frame church and parsonage valued at $4,000, a membership of 76, and in the midst of a flourishing district of country is bound to soon become a power for good. Utica, as an appointment, embraces at present the town of Tamora, has a neat and comfortable church and commodious parsonage in the town of Utica, and a church building at Tamora valued at $4,000; has over 100 membership, and is building up very rapidly. Many of the best families of both towns find a home and place of worship in the Methodist church. The pastors have been men of courage and ability. Germantown has no church building, and in consequence of this they have had a struggle to maintain themselves, hut they have a parsonage and with three other appointments connected, all within this county, she is doing well for the cause of Christ and Methodism. The membership at present is 100. There are now in the county five churches and five hundred members; seven Sunday schools, with seventy officers and teachers, and 500 scholars.

REGULAR PREDESTINARIAN BAPTIST CHURCH,

Called New Hope, was constituted by Elder James M. Tine and Isaiah Wagoner, in the early part of 1884, with twelve constituent members. It now numbers about thirty members, and has as its pastor and moderator, Elder J. M. True, and as deacon, M. A. McBride. The regular meetings are held on the second Sunday of each month, and the Saturday before, near the Butler county line, in Seward county.