no labor to lead the enterprise to a successful culmination. The
dedicatory service was held Feb. 11, 1912, conducted by Rev. G.
Heinmiller, of Cleveland, Ohio. The membership at the time
was 175.
WICHITA
A mission was located in Wichita, Kansas, by the Annual
Conference held in the spring of 1912, after the preliminary steps
had been taken a year previous. A committee consisting of the
presiding elder of Newton District, the presiding elder of Abilene
District, and the pastor of Derby Mission, was appointed to take
the matter in hand and act according to their judgment in locating
a mission. An appropriation of $1,000.00 was made from the Mis-
sionary Treasury to encourage the enterprise. During the spring
of 1911 arrangements were made to take up an appointment, which
was placed under supervision of I. B. Miller, pastor of Derby
Mission, with Geo. Gick as assistant. Steps were taken at once
to erect a building for a parsonage, which at the beginning was
used for church services. The first service was held on the first
Sunday in August, 1911, by Brother I. B. Miller, who preached
from the text 1 Cor. 3: 11, and from that time on services were
held regularly, the pastor and his assistant alternating. A Sun-
341
1912
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
day-school was organized at the time, and J. V. Glazer elected su-
perintendent.
The organization was effected Dec. 28, 1911, with ten mem-
bers, as follows : Rev. J. W. Keiser and wife, Levi Keeler and wife,
Frank Greer and wife, Mrs. Emma Jett and Rev. Geo. Gick. Levi
Keeler was chosen class-leader, and Frank Greer, exhorter, J. V.
Glazer, superintendent of the Sunday-school, and Rev. J. W. Kei-
ser, J. V. Glazer and Levi Keeler, trustees. At the session of 1912
I. B. Miller was stationed to Wichita as pastor of the new mis-
sion. A Young People's Alliance was organized in June, of which
Harold Miller was chosen president, and Myrtle Holden, secretary.
During the year plans were matured to build a church. The base-
ment was commenced in June, and completed so that the first
service could be held Sept. 22, 1912, on which occasion $500.00 was
pledged by the congregation for the church furniture. The cost of
the basement complete was $4,000.00, and the parsonage $3,000.00.
A Woman's Missionary Society was organized April 17, 1913, with
ten members. Mrs. R. L. Glass was elected president and Mabel
Miller, secretary.
woman's missionary society quadrennial convention
The holding of the sixth Quadrennial Convention of the Wom-
an's Missionary Society at Holton, Kans., Aug. 31-Sept. 5, 1911,
formed a new epoch in the history of the Woman's Missionary So-
ciety in the Kansas Conference. The expectations ran high, but
were more than realized by the results of the convention. Nine-
teen Conference Branches were represented by 55 delegates, be-
sides ten general officers and a large numbr of visitors from var-
ious parts of the church in America.
The presence of Dr. F. C. Krumling and wife, from Shenchow-
fu, China, Bishop S. P. Spreng of Cleveland, Ohio, Rev. A. Giuli-
ani, of Milwaukee, Wis., Miss Alice Niederhauser and Florence
Erffmeyer, the two latter under appointment to the foreign mis-
sion field, added much to the interest of the convention. The at-
tendance was so large that the church was filled at the daily ses-
sions. Larger quarters were found in the more spacious Metho-
dist church for the evening and Sunday services.
On Friday evening a Jubilee Banquet was given by the men
of Holton to the visiting guests of honor in the Armory, which
342
1912
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
was greatly enjoyed by these at home, and those from abroad. The
following from the pen of the editor of the "Missionary Messen-
ger" describes the impression made upon visiting friends who were
in attendance, as well as the work done in the convention:
"Never before in the history of our church were there so many
Evangelical women gathered together at one place, at one time,
with the purpose and intent to know, to hear, to feel, and then go
home and do. Never before has the center, the hub of the Wom-
an's Missionary Society, seemed to be so far west. But any doubt
as to Holton's being the center was dispelled as soon as foot was
set on Kansas soil. The entertainment was everything that could
be wished. Every arrangement for the comfort and convenience
of the members of the convention was made, and the slightest wish
seemed to be anticipated.
"Never before were the women of the Society so honored as
at Holton. The men, our brothers, tendered a banquet to the
women of the convention and of the city. Three hundred women
and about twenty-five men were most royally served by the men of
the Holton congregation. Mrs. E. M. Spreng was 'The Toast Mis-
tress' of the occasion, and in her genial way succeeded in making
the toasts served a very enjoyable time.
"So much for the things that pertained to our physical com-
fort and happiness, but what of the things that were after all the
real true purpose upon which all were intent? With the greet-
ings and benedictions of Holton still fresh in our ears, we thank
God for the precious women we met there, their good words, their
unselfish service and the strength and courage their presence
brought us. Only those who have entered into fellowship with
each other in some unselfish work for Christ know how sweet
is that communion, or how strong is that tie. And what rare
occasions our quadrennial gatherings are for the strengthening
of Christian bonds, and for the joys of Christian fellowship. But
we thank Him also for the host of brave, loyal women who have
also entered into this sweet fellowship, but whose faces were not
seen at the convention in Holton. In our thought for the quadren-
nium upon which we are now entering, our waiting eyes are to-
ward them. We rest in their faith and steadfastness in the work
of the Lord."
"We have had our seasons of refreshment. Our convention
was to all a veritable Bethel. We were strengthened, uplifted,
343
1912
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
inspired for the work of the future. It was said by many that
the addresses had not at any previous convention reached such a
uniform high order. The subjects were most helpful. Indeed all
were vital and opened up to our view possibilities of service, of at-
tainment, we should like to reach. Every session was full of in-
spiration and enthusiasm, but Sunday seemed to be specially full
of good things. The sermon by Bishop S. P. Spreng gave to all
of us new visions of what there is yet to be done, and can only be
done by women. Life and honorary memberships were solicited
during the day, pledges for the support of orphans in China were
secured, and a liberal offering was given amounting in all to over
SI, 200.00 for the day. Our church was too small for the crowd
that gathered, so our Methodist friends graciously and generously
gave us the use of their large church for Sunday morning and
evening services.
"The presence of Dr. and Mrs. Krumling, Miss Alice Nieder-
hauser and Miss Florence Erffmeyer, all to sail for the Orient
in a few weeks, added much to the interest of the occasion. Their
bright cheery faces, their evident eagerness to be gone from even
go pleasant a place as a convention in Kansas, to their work in
China and Japan, made a deep and lasting impression upon us all.
Our work among the Italians was ably represented by Miss Min-
nie Koenig of Chicago, and Rev. Giuliani of Milwaukee. The story
of Rev. Giuliani's conversion was a most thrilling one, and deep
impressions were made.
"Every branch but one was represented by one or more dele-
gates. The interest from first to last was intense, and the sea-
sons of tarrying at the feet of the Master most refreshing and
sweet. The days spent in convention were days of intense stress
and toil, but the heat was lessened, and the tired nerves refreshed
by the thought that it was all for Christ."
Many visitors were present from the bounds of the Kansas
Conference who availed themselves of the privilege of attending
such an occasion when it was near home. All were welcomed and
all enjoyed themselves at this gathering which was the first of the
kind for many loyal sisters of the Evangelical Association in Kan-
sas.
344
1913
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
1913
FORTY-NINTH SESSION
Conference met at Leonardville, Riley County, Kans., March
20, 1913, to hold her 49th session. Bishop Wm. Horn presided
and J. K. Young served as secretary.
E. S. Evans and W. F. Schuerman were, at their request,
placed on the supernumerary list. Credentials were issued to H.
Steenbock and Wm. Pittker.
The following brethren were retained in the itinerancy with-
out appointment: F. J. Schadt, D. R. Zellner, J. M. Fricker, A.
Rodewald, and J. H. Tobias. C. Underkoffler was placed on the list
of local elders.
In view of Brother Tobias' long and faithful service in the
Conference, during which he never spared himself, but ofttimes
labored to excess, the following resolution was placed on record:
''Whereas, Brother J. H. Tobias, who, for many years, was a
strong leader in our Conference, is now compelled because of
failing health to retire from active work, be it resolved, that we
extend to Brother Tobias our hearty appreciation for his many
years of courageous service in the bounds of our Conference, and
that we invoke God's richest blessings upon him and his compan-
ion during their remaining years of life."
A. C. Poersch, G. Gfeller and Chas. Geist received license to
preach on probation, and T. T. Moore was received from the Bap-
tist Church.
A. F. Rice, H. Wiens, J. Sands and W. L. Zabel were advanced
to deacons' orders and received into the itinerancy. L. M. Nan-
ninga and J. B. Gresser received elders' orders.
Hesston, Offerle and Falls City at their request were made
self-supporting and received the hearty commendation of Con-
ference for their valor.
M. F. Shupe, M. C. Platz and C. E. Platz were added to the
Conference Church Extension Board.
C. F. Erffmeyer was elected trustee of North- Western College
and Evangelical Theological Seminary for three years, D. Swart
Conference trustee for five years, B. H. Hobbs statistical secretary
for one year, A. Solt Conference treasurer for one year, and the
pastor of Kansas City, Mersington Ave. church, trustee of the
Missouri Anti-Saloon League.
345
1913
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
Rev. R. M. Buckner was received as fraternal delegate from
the United Evangelical Church and addressed Conference, where-
upon C. F. Erffmeyer was appointed a representative of our Con-
ference to the next annual session of the United Evangelical Con-
ference.
A Conference Sunday-school Board was formed in harmony
with the action of General Conference, and the following breth-
ren elected members : H. E. Bower, M. F. Shupe, M. C. Platz, M. F.
Gabel, B. Barthel, F. Schafer, I. B. Miller and J. E. Hauck.
It was ordered that in the future the presiding elders shall
submit a concise yet comprehensive report of the condition of
their respective districts to the Conference and the reports be pub-
lished in the Conference Journal.
M. C. Platz was added to the Kansas Conference Historical
Committee.
The pastor of Topeka, Kans., was elected a member of the
Public Welfare League Conference, to be held in Topeka, March
26, 1913.
The president of the Young People's Alliance Conference
Branch reported that the next Young People's Alliance Conven-
tion will be held in Soden Park, Emporia, Kans., Aug. 5-12, 1913,
and all were urged to attend.
The following recognition was taken of Mrs. J. F. Schreiber
who resides at Leonardville, Kans., and was in attendance at Con-
ference: "We rejoice to know that Sister Schreiber of this com-
munity, wife of the sainted J. F. Schreiber, a charter member of
the Kansas Conference, still enjoys a reasonable degree of health
and happiness, therefore be it resolved, that we extend to her our
best wishes for the remaining years of her life, and that we assure
her of continued prayers in her behalf."
BOUNDARIES
Abilene District
a. Randolph, Winkler and interlying territory shall consti-
tute Randolph Mission and be supplied by the presiding elder.
Holton District
a. Atchison shall be served with Camp Creek.
346
1913
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
Kansas City District
a. Benton shall be taken from Oregon Circuit and added to
Mound City Mission.
b. Platte River Circuit shall be called Cosby Station.
Newton District
a. Offerle congregation shall be a station and the country
appointments shall constitute a new mission to be called Pleasant
Valley Mission.
b. Hesston congregation shall be a station and Zion appoint-
ment of Hesston Circuit shall be added to Hutchinson, Grandview.
MUTUAL BENEVOLENT AID SOCIETY
The Mutual Benevolent Aid Society, which, for a number of
years, was maintained as a protection of church property and min-
isters' household goods against loss by fire or storm, and which
rendered valuable service on an economical basis, was found to be
out of harmony with the recently enacted state insurance laws,
and was dissolved after adjusting all claims, and refunding the sur-
plus in the treasury to certificate holders.
MISSIONS
The amount of $15,354.36 was raised for missions in the Con-
ference the past year, and $16,000.00 appropriated for the ensu-
ing year, $1,000.00 of this amount to be paid by the General Treas-
ury for the work in Colorado and Oklahoma.
C. F. Erffmeyer was elected delegate to the Board of Missions
and the following officers elected for the Missionary Society: D.
Swart, president; C. F. Kliphardt, secretary; and H. E. Bower,
treasurer.
STATISTICS
Conversions, 657; accessions, 883; membership, 7,460; itin-
erant preachers, 83; local preachers, 35; churches, 106; parson-
ages, 55; Sunday-schools, 115; officers and teachers, 1,473; schol-
ars, 9,393 ; teacher-training classes, 10 ; catechetical classes, 31 ;
catechumens, 499 ; Young People's Alliances, 80 ; members, 2,502 ;
Woman's Missionary Societies, 70; members, 1,568; Botschafters,
627; Messengers, 1,025; Magazins, 416; Missionary Messengers,
906; Missionsbote, 224; Heralds, 647; Bundesbote, 47; total for
missions, $29,773.79.
347
1913
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
APPOINTMENTS
Abilene District — /. G. Schumacher,
P. E.
Abilene, L. Hanne.
Alida, A. Hoerrman.
Canada, F. W. Wendland.
Concordia, Calvary, S. Breithaupt.
Concordia, Bethany, J. A. Spencer.
Colorado Springs, C. J. Zager.
Diamond Springs, C. E. Glaze.
Industry, W. L. Zabel.
Jewell, H. E. Bower.
Leonardville, W. F. Wolthausen.
Lost Springs, F. C. Dissinger.
Lucas, C. J. Eiselein.
Marion, E. E. Erffmeyer.
Mayday, L. G. Weide.
Ordway, P. G. Nuffer.
Osborne, A. Hoch.
Simla, C. S. Steinmetz and H. Hu-
scher.
Swede Creek, J. J. Kliphardt.
Washington and Throop, B. H. Hobbs
and 0. J. Sheldon.
Randolph, to be supplied.
Holton District — C. F. Iwig, P. E.
Atchison and Camp Creek, L. M. Nan-
ninga.
Bern, G. W. Landis.
Coal Creek, E. F. Boehringer.
Deer Creek, J. B. Gresser.
Falls City, M. C. Platz.
Granada, F. M. Peek.
Hiawatha Station, C. L. Sorg.
Hiawatha Circuit, A. E. Butler.
Holton, D. Swart.
Preston, A. Mattill.
Topeka, J. K. Young.
Vassar, Geo. Schrenk.
Worden, E. H. Wendland.
Westmoreland, to be supplied.
Kansas City District — A. Solt, P. E.
Clair, Ralph Schreiber.
Cosby, H. M. Schuerman.
Eudora, C. F. Kliphardt.
Glasgow, A. F. Rice.
Kansas City, Park Ave., C. E. Platz.
Kansas City, Mersington Ave., E. W.
Petticord.
Leavenworth, G. F. Barthel.
Lawrence, C. B. Willming.
Mound City, Wm. Russell.
Oregon, G. W. Weidemeier.
Shelby, W. J. Huscher.
St. Joseph, F. H. Draeger.
South St. Joseph, J. H. Kiplinger.
Warrensburg, S. A. Burgert.
Winston, W. C. Johnson.
Newton District — C. F. Erffmeyer,
P. E.
Alden, to be supplied by T. T. Moore.
Butler Circuit and Mission, J. H. Par-
mer.
Custer, H. Wiens.
Dennis, E. S. Spangler.
Derby, F. U. Moyer.
Dover, S. Beese.
Emporia Circuit and Mission, C. Mee-
der and T. R. Nanninga.
Guyman, to be supplied.
Halstead, Q. B. Roth.
Hesston, E. J. Feitz.
Humboldt, J. R. Nanninga.
Hutchinson, M. J. Steinmetz.
Hutchinson, Grandview, J. S. Miller.
Newton, J. Sands.
Offerle, H. A. Schneider.
Orlando, A. Linge.
Pleasant Valley Mission, to be sup-
plied.
Sweetwater, G. Gick.
Weatherford, L. E. Becher.
Waukomis, J. Haber.
Wichita, I. B. Miller.
Woodson, to be supplied.
Yates Center, B. Barthel.
Alabama, A. Brunner.
LAY DELEGATES
Abilene District: P. E. Sommers, M. F. Shupe, W. A. John-
son, Gideon Schreiber; Holton District: M. F. Gabel, F. Daeschner,
George Haag, H. Bickel, Sr. ; Kansas City District: P. Ewald,
Fred Schafer, D. Triem, Wm. B. Butler; Newton District: C. W.
Newby, Albert Weide, Solomon Beese, C. E. Hanson.
348
1913
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
MEMORIAL
Death invaded the homes of three of our Conference members
during the past year as follows :
Mrs. P. Bretsch
Mother Bretch, the companion of Father P. Bretch, was called
to her heavenly home during the past year. For many years Sis-
ter Bretch shared the hardships of a pioneer preacher's life in the
Indiana Conference, where her husband labored as missionary
and later as presiding elder, until early in the eighties, when he
was necessitated to emigrate to the West on account of failing
health. Settling at Newton, Kansas, they lived there till 12 years
ago, when they moved to Hobart, Oklahoma, where Mother Bretch
was called to the home above. She leaves her aged husband who
has passed his 90th mile stone to mourn the loss of a faithful com-
panion, and the children the loss of a mother of blessed influence
and memory.
Sommers
Brother P. E. Sommers, lay delegate to this Conference, was,
with his companion, called upon to pass through deep waters of sor-
row the past year, caused by the death of their daughter, an estim-
able young lady, possessed of rare ability and beautiful character,
full of promise for a long and useful life. The Heavenly Father
saw best in his infinite wisdom to transfer her to the home above
where she might render unto Him a more perfect service. While
her earthly plans and purposes were left unfinished she has gone to
a land of sunshine and brightness, where sorrow's tears do not
flow, and pain does not exist.
Iwig
The home of Rev. C. F. Iwig was again visited by the death
messenger, taking from them their little baby daughter, which he
gathered to the floral site above to bloom forever in the paradise
of heavenly splendor and rapture.
NEWTON, KANSAS
The congregation at Newton, Kansas, enjoyed a special de-
gree of prosperity during the past year in consequence of which
they provided a new church. Under the able management of the
pastor, Rev. J. Sands, assisted by a competent building committee,
consisting of H. Burgener, S. M. Spangler, J. E. Hauck, Richard
349
1913
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
Berg, M. Schanbacher, S. Smith, L. Bluhm, J. Brown, J. Abrams
and C. F. Erffmeyer, the material of the old building was utilized
in the construction of a beautiful and convenient church, the main
auditorium of which measures 40x50 feet, with numerous an-
nexes and basement. The cost of building amounted to $9,000.00,
which is a marvel of cheapness considering the character of the
structure. The dedicatory services were held by Bishop T. Bow-
man on Nov. 10, 1912.
LEAVENWORTH, KANSAS
For many years the old brick church on North 6th Street was
a landmark of pioneer days. Erected in 1861, it became the sec-
ond church building of the Evangelical Association in Kansas.
For a half century it was used as a place of worship, and in it was
held the first session of the Kansas Conference by Bishop J. Long,
followed by the two succeeding sessions in 1866 and 1867. For
years the building had been inadequate for the congregation and
Sunday-school, but the matter of building a new church seemed
too much of a task for the congregation. However, during the
past year the attempt was made, and the project carried to com-
pletion during the pastorate of G. F. Barthel. The local society
supported the enterprise nobly, and with the aid received from
the Holton District, in connection with contributions given by cit-
izens of Leavenworth, who were interested in the improvement
of their city, the church was completed at a cost of $11,300.00
and dedicated by Bishop S. C. Breyfogel, Oct. 20, 1912. This
building reflects great credit upon the congregation and the city,
and has added much to the further development of the work.
ATCHISON MISSION
As early as 1859 M. J. Milller wrote from Leavenworth that
he contemplated taking up an appointment in Atchison since he
learned that a great many German people lived there. Just when
the work was taken up, or by whom, we have no record, however,
at the Conference session in 1866 Atchison was, with several
country appointments, formed into Atchison Mission, and con-
tinued as such for three years when it was discontinued. Not un-
til 1872 was the work again taken up, and served with Wolf River
Circuit. Later it was given the name Atchison Mission. There
seems to have been progress during the following year, so that in
350
1913
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK
the spring of 1884 Conference ordered the erection of a church.
The following 1 year the pastor, D. R. Zellner, reported that a
church and parsonage had been built at a cost of $5,737.40. For
many years the congregation struggled along under a heavy church
debt until finally, by the aid of Conference, it was liquidated. Dur-
ing those years, as well as later, the congregation failed to develop
as it should have done, but instead gradual decline set in, so that
in 1913 the mission was merged with Atchison Circuit and the city
congregation was left without a pastor. It is to be regretted that
a work which was once so full of promise, upon which so much la-
bor and money was spent, should finally succumb to total failure.
PLEASANT VALLEY MISSION
While serving Offerle Mission in 1905, Rev. I. B. Miller began
to preach at Pleasant Valley, and organized a class in December
of the same year. The charter members of the new class were
G. E. Matkin, J. H. Umbach and wife, H. D. Scarbrough and wife,
Cora Scarbrough, Ruth Scarbrough, F. M. Scarbrough and wife,
Mrs. Lulu Preston, Mrs. Cris. Henning, Frank Trimpa, Lizzie
Trimpa, Maggie Trimpa, Lewis Shafer and wife, Dessie Shafer,
R. C. Dewell and wife, and H. W. Harris and wife. J. H. Umbach
was elected class-leader of the newly organized class, and Mrs.
H. D. Scarbrough, exhorter. -Brother Miller, being returned to
Offerle Mission in the spring of 1906, at once took up the project
of building a church at this point, which was successfully com-
pleted and dedicated on Thanksgiving Day of that year by M. C.
Platz, presiding elder. The building was erected at a cost of
$1,800.00, and at the end of the year the congregation numbered
35 members, with a bright prospect for the future. A Sunday-
school was organized at the time the class was started and Mrs.
J. H. Umbach was chosen superintendent. During the year 1909
a good many of the members moved away, weakening the congre-
gation and retarding progress for several years, however, the little
band continued their Sunday-school and church activities. In
1913 the appointment was taken from Offerle Mission and consti-
tuted a separate work called Pleasant Valley Mission, thus form-
ing one of the latest fields of labor in the Conference.
351
1914
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
1914
FIFTIETH SESSION
Conference met in 50th session at Newton, Kans., March 19,
1914, with Bishop S. P. Spreng in the chair and J. K. Young, sec-
retary. Arrangements had been made to celebrate the semi-cen-
tennial session as Jubilee session of the Kansas Conference.
T. T. Moore, pastor at Alden, Kansas, died during the year.
A. Linge was placed on the list of local elders, and M. F.
Shupe voluntarily returned his license. The name of C. L. Mans-
hardt was taken from the list of local probationers.
Credentials were voted to F. H. Draeger to the California
Conference.
The brethren L. E. Becher, Wm. Russell, F. J. Schadt and J.
H. Tobias were permitted to remain in the itinerancy without ap-
pointment.
M. W. Parker, Walter Coleman, A. E. Kurth, E. F. Hofer and
J. D. Klein received license to preach.
0. J. Sheldon was advanced to deacon's orders, and with C.
B. Willming received into the itinerancy.