At the close of that meeting D. J. Matter suggested that they
hold prayer-meetings on Sunday forenoons in the future. This
suggestion was accepted, and on the following Sunday morning
a prayer-meeting was held in the home of Father Cameron, the
same being led by W. H. Cameron. Only members of the Evan-
gelical Association were present, however, on this occasion. These
prayer-meetings were kept up- regularly till May, 1871, when a
union Sunday-school was organized, and a disreputable preacher
of another denomination began to preach on Sunday mornings
and crowded out the prayer-meetings.
In June, 1871, Rev. Wm. Meier, a minister of the Evangeli-
cal Association, who was stationed on Big Blue Circuit, visited
the members in Jewell County and preached for them in the Ger-
man language, which was quite a drawback because some of the
people present could not understand German. In consequence of
this the attendance at service was smaller than it would have been
if the services had been English.
Brother Meier and his colleagues, F. Harder and Wm. Heiser t
preached every few weeks in German till the spring of 1872, when
shortly before Conference the presiding elder, Rev. C. Berner,
in company with Brother Meier, held communion service and or-
ganized a class with the following 14 members: Thomas Berry,
Wm. H. Cameron, Samuel Cameron, Amelia Cameron, B. Cameron,
S. S. Sills, Sarah Sills, Florence Sills, C. E. Plowman, Susan Plow-
man, W. Windecker, John Worick, D. J. Matter, Christian Matter.,
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1872
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
Thomas Berry was elected class-leader, W. H. Cameron ex-
horter, and D. J. Matter, steward.
At the Conference, held in Holt Co., Mo., in the spring of
1872, the following action was taken: "Jewell City and vicinity
shall be taken up as a new mission, and, if possible, supplied with
two preachers."
Rev. L. Wenger was the first minister to serve the new mis-
sion, and, as it appears, was necessitated to serve the work alone,
since he received no assistant for the year.
The young society soon made an effort to build a church in
which undertaking they were successful, and on Nov. 15, 1874,
a neat little church, 24x36 feet, was dedicated to the service of
God by the presiding elder, Rev. J. G. Pfeifer. The building cost
about $1,200.00, and the lumber was hauled with teams and wag-
ons from Clyde and Clay Center, Kansas.
For ten years this church afforded a place for worship until
it became inadequate, when it was replaced by a better and larger
one in 1884.
In 1884 the first camp-meeting was held under the direction
of J. G. Pfeifer, beginning Sept. 8, 1884. This meeting was
crowned with success and resulted in much good to the young
congregation and mission.
An Evangelical Sunday-school was organized in 1874, which
was the first denominational Sunday-school in Jewell County. D.
J. Matter was elected superintendent, and J. W. Berry, secretary.
The enrollment was about 25 with a lively interest in the school
from the beginning.
Jewell congregation enjoys the distinction of laying the first
corner-stone for a church in the Kansas Conference. We here ap-
pend a copy of the history of the congregation at that time, as it
was deposited in the corner-stone:
"Jewell City Mission of the Evangelical Association, Kansas
Conference, was located March 21, 1872. Rev. L. Wenger was
assigned to the mission as preacher-in-charge. The meetings were
held in Brother W. H. Cameron's log-cabin, and in the grove. The
class numbered 14 members as follows:" We omit the names
here, since they are given in the foregoing as charter-members.
The corner-stone was laid by Rev. J. G. Pfeifer at the time he
held his first Quarterly Conference at the beginning of his term
of office on the district, June 28-29, 1873.
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1873
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
The building committee was composed of T. J. Berry, Sr.,
W. H. Cameron, D. J. Matter, C. E. Plowman, and the pastor, Rev.
L. Wenger.
The presiding elder appointed the following brethren as a
board of trustees: T. J. Berry, Sr., W. H. Cameron, Dr. G. S.
Crist, C. E. Plowman, and D. J. Matter.
H. MATTILL
The frontier settlers were frequently very rough and ungodly
people, who cared nothing for God or righteousness. In 1870
when H. Mattill was serving West Kansas Mission, opposition
was so strong against him and his work, that, at a so-called union
Sunday-school picnic, held on the Fourth of July, near Alida, Kan-
sas, a number of enemies, members of a German church, under
the leadership of a blacksmith in the neighborhood, laid plans to
mob Brother Mattill by hanging him upon his return the next
time to fill his appointment. Mr. N. Schmutz, who was a friend
to Brother Mattill, but not yet converted, met Brother Mattill in
Junction City the day before his next appointment, and apprised
him of the threat and plans of his enemies. Brother Mattill, who
was not so easily frightened, jovially remarked: "The rope by
which I am to hang is not yet made, and if you will receive me in
your home I shall come out and preach the gospel to those who will
come out to hear me." Permission was granted, and he filled his
appointment without any one interfering or harming him.
Several years later, when Brother Mattill served the Kansas
District as presiding elder, he and his wife occupied up-stair rooms
in Brother Schmutz' home, while Sister Mattill taught a term of
public school in the community, having for her pupils children of
those parents who planned to hang Brother Mattill several years
prior. Thus God again manifested his ruling power over the evil
designs of wicked men.
1873
NINTH SESSION
This spring Conference met at Holton, Kansas, on March 20,
1873, to hold her ninth session. Bishop Esher, who was assigned
to hold the same, could not be present before the second day, and
was necessitated to leave before Conference closed, so J. G. Pfeifer
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1873
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
was elected chairman pro tern. J. Wuerth was appointed secre-
tary.
Over a day was consumed in investigating charges against
several brethren. Eight distinct bills of charges were preferred
against the brethren concerned, which seemed to indicate that
the "accuser of the brethren" had been unusually active and suc-
cessful during the year. While the character of the accusations
were not such as to depose from the ministry or exclude from the
church, yet the situation was annoying and detrimental to the
cause of the Redeemer, which they were endeavoring to promote,
but, on the other hand, indicated the stress laid upon honesty,
truthfulness and manliness in the ministry, and at the same time
points out the extreme exercise of church discipline practiced in
those days.
On account of failing health, John Beck was necessitated to
ask for his credentials and change his residence. His request was
granted after Conference expressed her regrets at the step he was
compelled to take, and assuring him of her prayers for speedy re-
covery.
J. Schesser also received credentials.
W. Lutman, H. Toedman and Jacob McQuillen were licensed
to preach on probation, and Wm. Heiser was received into the
itinerancy.
The brethren Wm. Meier, F. Harder and J. Emmel received
deacons' orders, E. J. Troyer and C. Emmel elders' orders.
J. G. Pfeifer, J. F. Schreiber, J. Wuerth and C. Berner were
elected candidates for the presiding eldership, and from among
those candidates J. G. Pfeifer and J. Wuerth were elected presid-
ing elders and stationed on the Kansas and Missouri Districts re-
spectively.
BOUNDARIES
Kansas District
a. Leavenworth and Big Stranger Missions shall be served
together and supplied with one minister.
b. Atchison shall be taken up as a mission and served with
Wolf River Circuit.
c. The appointments Hiawatha and Spring Creek shall be
taken from Wolf River Circuit and added to Nemaha Circuit.
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1873
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
d. Americus appointment shall be taken from Humboldt Cir-
cuit, and with the surrounding country constitute a new mission
to be called Americus Mission.
e. Swan Creek appointment shall be taken from Big Blue
Mission, and with the vicinity form a new mission, to be called
Swan Creek Mission.
f. Blue Springs shall be served with Big Blue Mission.
Missouri District
a. Grand River Mission shall be divided, the northern part
consisting of Denver, Grand City, Ringold, Weismiller and Mt.
Vernon appointments, shall constitute a new mission, to be called
Worth County Mission. The southern portion shall be called
Shoal Creek Mission.
b. Cedar County Mission shall be called Osage Mission and
be supplied with two preachers.
c. Humboldt Mission shall be transferred from Kansas Dis-
trict to Missouri District.
MISSIONS
The Missionary Society reported an encouraging increase of
auxiliaries, bringing the number to eighteen, which raised the
commendable sum of $743.75 for missions the past year. The total
raised for missions by the Conference was $1,140.61. It was or-
dered that wherever possible auxiliaries should be organized dur-
ing the coming year.
J. Wuerth was elected delegate to the Board of Missions, and
the following officers were elected for the Missionary Society:
J. G. Pf eifer, president ; J. F. Schreiber, vice-president ; C. Emmel,
secretary, and H. Haas, treasurer.
The amount of $2,325.00 was appropriated by the Confer-
ence for missions the ensuing year.
STATISTICS
Conversions, 160; accessions, 332; membership, 1,423; itin-
erant preachers, 25; local preachers, 12; churches, 14; parson-
ages, 9 ; Sunday-schools, 29 ; officers and teachers, 255 ; scholars,
726; catechetical classes, 17; catechumens, 152; Botscliafters,
473 ; Messengers, 136 ; Magazins, 92 ; Living Epistles, 12.
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1873
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
APPOINTMENTS
Kansas District — /. G. Pfeifer, P. E. Missouri District — J. Wuerth, P. E.
Holton, C. Emmel. Oregon, E. J. Troyer.
Lawrence, J. F. Schreiber. Platte River, H. Koepsel.
Wolf River and Atchison, H. Haas. Worth County, C. Linge.
Leavenworth and Big Stranger, F. W. Shoal Creek, M. Alsbach.
Voegelein. Macon, F. Harder.
Nemaha, C. Berner. Glasgow, H. Mattill.
Big Blue, P. Fricker. Osage, Win. Folgate and J. Emmel.
Swan Creek, W. Heiser. Morgan, W. Lutmann.
Wamego, W. Meier and supply. Jasper, to be supplied.
Jewell, L. Wenger and J. Schesser. Humboldt, B. Hoffman.
Americus, J. H. Kiplinger. Wyandotte, Wm. Lingelbach.
Arkansas River, to be supplied.
ALIDA
During the past year a Sunday-school was organized at the
Alida appointment, where Rev. Wm. Meier was preaching, and
the following officers were elected: Nichlaus Schmutz, superin-
tendent; John Ehrsam, assistant superintendent; Geo. Stamm,
secretary, and Samuel Finger, treasurer. The school was held
in the home of Brother Schmutz for a time, but changed to a
school-house, where it was conducted till a church was built in
1882.
DERBY
At the seventh session of the Kansas Conference, held in
1871, a mission was located in South-Central Kansas, in Sedge-
wick County, which was called Arkansas River Mission, and sup-
plied with F. Harder as its first missionary. The two following
years the work was left unsupplied. In 1874 it was changed
to Wichita Mission and supplied with Rev. H. Toedman.
This mission comprised appointments south of Wichita, along
the Arkansas River, at Derby and Antelope Creek, west of Udall,
where members of the Evangelical Association had located and
were waiting for the church of their choice. Among those lo-
cated at Antelope Creek were the families: Shoup, Troutwine,
Anderson and others. At Derby were the families: Adam
Glazer, John Glazer, Philip Peoples, John Kriebiel, C. Mohr, John
Yergler, Dan. Glazer and Philip Yergler.
There seems to be no record of the organization of the work
at either place. The work at Antelope was abandoned during the
latter part of the "nineties" because many of our people moved
from the community. At Derby the work prospered, and in or
about 1886 a church was built which was used for many years
by the congregation as a place for worship.
92
1873
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
A Sunday-school was organized at an early period in the his-
tory of the work, however none of the records can be found. The
school prospered and has had some very successful workers con-
nected with it.
HIAWATHA CIRCUIT
Some of the appointments of Hiawatha Circuit are associated
with the early ministry and history of the Conference. Many of
the pioneer missionaries traveled through the counties Brown,
Doniphan and Nemaha, preaching wherever they found open
doors. Those appointments were frequently shifted from one field
of labor to another by change of boundaries, so that it is difficult
to follow them in their transitions.
The class at Carson appointment, later called Bethel, was
organized in 1872 by Rev. P. Fricker, who served the Big Blue
Circuit at that time. Among the charter-members were Brother
Joss and wife, Adam Schauer and Mrs. Neifler, Philip Weiss and
Louis Kessler. The Neifler and Joss families came from Leaven-
worth, Kans., where they were members of the Evangelical Asso-
ciation. Brother Schauer was the first class-leader.
A Sunday-school was organized in 1872, with Philip Weiss
as superintendent, and Louis Kessler, secretary.
A church was built in 1895 at a cost of $1,300.00, and was
dedicated by Bishop T. Bowman.
The Lone Star, now Victory Class, was not organized till
1886.
F. T. HARDER
Brother F. T. Harder relates his experience of early days in
the Kansas Conference as follows:
"I was licensed to preach at the Conference session held at
Platte River, Mo., in 1871, and was stationed on Wichita Mission,
which had just been formed that spring. I was the first Evangeli-
cal missionary to preach in the territory of the new mission com-
prising Harvey, Sedgwick, Butler, and Cowley Counties. The
principal towns I visited on my itineraries were: Newton, Hal-
stead, Eldorado, Augusta, Wichita, Winfield, and Arkansas City.
I traveled over this section of country when it was new and
sparsely settled. The settlers were poor and possessed very lim-
ited accommodations, which naturally associated missionary work
with many hardships and great privations.
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1873
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
"I had only four members of the Evangelical Association on
my large mission field, namely: Brother and Sister Yergler, and
Brother and Sister Thoman, with their families. These families
lived on the Arkansas River, about 14 miles south of Wichita,
near where later Derby was located. Like all early settlers, they
were poor, and having but recently moved there could not do much
in the way of entertaining visitors. Brother Yergler and family
lived in a small board cabin, and when I tarried with them over
night I would sleep in the wagon-shed in company with their son.
Brother Thoman and family occupied a small log-cabin, and when
staying with them I would sleep in an out-door shed adjoining
the stable. This was the average condition of the early settlers
in those regions in the early seventies.
"Not far from Augusta, on the Little Walnut River, lived two
bachelors named Litzke. When visiting them on one occasion I in-
quired whether they could keep me all night. They replied that
they were poor and had no bed, both of them slept on the floor, and
had nothing to eat but bread, and coffee to drink, but, if I were
willing to put up with their accommodations, I would be v/elcome
to such as they had. I remained with them that night, and many
times afterward. They were both converted later, united with
the church, got married and established Christian homes which
became great factors for good in the community.
"There were no roads at this time, only here and there a
faint trail, which was easily lost. Usually the nearest cut across
the prairies was taken to reach a desired point. Sometimes the
lonely itinerant would get lost, not knowing whither to go for
help save to the One who knows all things, and can help the hum-
ble when in trouble. Prayer would be resorted to, and one feature
about prayer under those conditions was that no one would dis-
turb the worshiper in his devotions.
"The streams were frequently a menace to the traveler.
Bridges were, of course, unknown, neither were there any ferries
to convey one across the waters. At times the streams were swol-
len so that fording was exceedingly dangerous, and the mission-
ary would make thrilling adventures. On one occasion while I
was attempting to cross the Walnut River, my horse plunged so
deep into the water that I was submerged and thoroughly soaked
in my bath. I turned my horse loose till I could look after my
effects, when, lo! the unruly pony, chilled by the waters, scam-
pered away to the timber, leaving me alone in my plight. On still
94
1873
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
another occasion I was returning from a camp-meeting held at
Yates Center, Kansas, when I had to ford a stream which was
raging. I used every precaution to protect myself and saddle-
bags, but finally the water became so deep and the current so swift
that I likely should have drowned if help had not providentially
arrived just in time to save my life. I had some paper money
of 10-cent and 15-cent denomination with me, which was com-
pletely soaked with water and packed together so that I had great
difficulty to separate the pieces and dry them in the sun before
I could pursue my journey. At this same ford I lost a horse a few
years later, while my wife and little daughter had a narrow
escape from drowning. The foregoing are only two of the many
baths received while crossing bridgeless streams.
"I was endeavoring to find a German settlement which I
heard was located on Pan Creek; when I finally found the place
I was disappointed. I discovered that the settlement consisted of
two German men who took up claims, and neither one had yet re-
turned to live there. Fortunately I found the cabin of a bachelor
who kindly consented to keep me all night. He laid some old
clothing and rags on the floor for my bed which was the best he
could do, and which was equally as good as the one he occupied.
The next morning I rose early and started on my journey with-
out breakfast. The preceding day I had very little to eat, save
some sand-hill plums which I gathered along the road, which also
served for breakfast this morning. About noon I became very
ill and could go no farther. I secured my horse, placed the sad-
dle on the ground for a pillow and lay down to rest. I attempted
to rise several times, but was too dizzy to proceed on my jour-
ney. I thus lay on the prairie till toward evening, when the sun
was not so hot, when I mounted my horse and let him walk whither
he would. Just before dark I stopped before a little sod-house
occupied by a Swede family, who received me kindly and cared
for me till I was able to pursue my journey.
"Returning from one of my itineraries I found Brother Tho-
man away from home, having gone 80 to 100 miles to buy provi-
sions for his family. Sister Thoman said they had nothing more
than a little corn-meal to eat, and their supplies must be re-
plenished.
"We usually held our services in private houses. Sometimes
out-doors during summer. We had no churches. Indeed I cannot
recall ever preaching in a school-house on Wichita Mission. Even
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1874
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
school-houses were few in those days. The first service I held on
Wichita Mission was held under a large tree at the home of
Brother Yergler. A barrel covered with a cloth served as pulpit.
"As nearly as I can recall I had no church-building to preach
in the first ten years of my ministry. Services were held in private
houses, school-houses, and in some instances court-houses. In Clinton,
Mo., I preached and conducted Sunday-school for a whole year in the
court-house. In Emporia, Kansas, I preached in the court-house
once or several times. I think I was the first preacher of the
Evangelical Association to preach in Emporia. Brother J. F.
Barthel, who lived there, entertained me while in their midst."
1874
TENTH SESSION
Conference met in the Zion Church, Nemaha Circuit, near
Rulo, Richardson County, Neb., March 19, 1874, to hold her tenth
session, with Bishop J. J. Esher as chairman. C. Berner was ap-
pointed secretary.
Jacob Gehring had his license as local preacher revoked, and
Henry Hostig, also a local preacher, surrendered his license.
B. Hoffman withdrew from the church during the year, as
also did H. Allaman, a local preacher.
Wm. Folgate located on account of family circumstances,,
and Wm. Lingelbach received credentials from the Conference.
In both cases the brethren were loth to let their co-workers go and
gave them beautiful testimonies of esteem, expressing deep re-
gret at the thought of separation from them, all the more so be-
cause their services were so much needed in the Conference.
G. Marks received license to preach, and the brethren J. H.
Kiplinger and L. Wenger received deacons' orders. F. W. Voege-
lein, H. Koepsel, and C. Linge elders' orders.
E. E. Condo, of the Illinois Conference, was received into
this Conference, and H. Toedman into the itinerancy.
TEMPERANCE
For the first time, as far as can be ascertained from the rec-
ords of the Conference, a temperance committee was appointed
to draft resolutions and report to Conference. The committee,
composed of E. E. Condo, F. W. Voegelein, and J. Emmel, in due
time presented the following report, which was adopted :
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1874
EXTENDING THE BORDERS
"Inasmuch as we are convinced of the moral, social, and po-
litical evil of strong drink, therefore Resolved, That we, as a
Conference, will use our influence to banish intemperance from
our land, and especially from the territory of our Conference.
"Furthermore, that we consider the 'civil damage law' as
timely and proper, and since the same is now pending in the Leg-
islatures of Kansas and Missouri, we will pledge ourselves to sup-
port the measure by our vote and influence.
"Resolved, That we feel grateful to God for the Women's Cru-
sade, which has created such commendable enthusiasm in favor
of the temperance cause. We believe they are doing a good work
for humanity and society, and we wish them God's blessings in
their undertaking, and all the more so because their sex is made
to suffer especially through the results of intemperance."
Many of the statistics being handed in by the brethren in a
very imperfect, not to say careless manner, the Committee on Sta-
tistics was instructed to compare the present statistics with those
of the preceding year, and where they find discrepancy they shall
return them to the brethren concerned for correction.
FINANCE PLAN
The following finance plan was adopted at this time: The
salary of a single probationer shall be $175.00 per year. For a
married probationer, $200.00.
An ordained single man was entitled to $250.00 per year, and
a married ordained man should have $500.00.
The presiding elders were to have the salary of an ordained
man with a moderate amount additional for traveling expenses.
APPEAL FOR MISSIONS
The following passionate appeal was issued to the ministers
and laity of the Conference:
"Since we, as a Conference, must again keenly feel our ina-
bility to enter the field already so ripe to harvest, because of the
lack of workers to send forth, and since our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ has directed us to ask the Lord of the harvest to send
forth laborers into the field, therefore Resolved, That the minis-
ters shall preach a sermon on this subject on Pentecost Sunday,
and appeal to the members of their congregations, to make the
call of men to the ministry, and their enduement with Pentecostal
spirit and power, the subject of prayer on that occasion. Also
97
1874
FIFTY YEARS IN THE KANSAS CONFERENCE
that we urge our people to continue in secret prayer at the family
altar and in the public congregation to this end. Further we
urge our society officials to carefully carry out this resolution."
BOUNDARIES
Kansas District
a. Big Stranger Mission shall be discontinued and the ap-
pointments shall be added to Leavenworth Mission.
b. Arkansas River Mission shall be called Wichita Mission.
c. Wamego Mission shall be called Junction Mission.
d. Soldier appointment shall be taken from Holton Circuit
and transferred to Junction Mission.
Missouri District
a. Osage Mission shall be divided as follows: Warrensburg,
Holden, Windsor and vicinity shall constitute a new mission, to