Wright County, Minnesota - Churches and Church Activities, 1915

Churches and Church Activities

Story of the Part Religious Influence Has Played in Wright County Life - Pioneer Preachers Who Traversed the Pioneer Wilderness - Foundation of the Various Churches - Pastors - Church Buildings - Dates and Interesting Facts - Edited by the Rev. John H. Sellie.

The history of a county cannot be complete without some account of its church organizations, since these form an inportant part in the life of the people, and are responsible for the trend of affairs, and are the indices of the character of the inhabitants. The home, the school, and the church are the most important pillars of the nation; these being right there needs be no anxiety for the morality of the coming generation. That was apparently what the early settlers of Wright county thought. They built homes in which to shelter their children and schools in which to educate them and churches in which to teach them the way of God. The little log house hastily put together was utilized as home, school and church. So eager were the people who settled in the 'Big Woods'' of Wright county to teach their children spiritual things that they did not wait for the erection of a church building before they started a Sunday school, a prayer meeting or a 'preaching point.'' The large majority of the churches of the county were organized in some home. They had excellent example for this in the early Christian church. St. Paul organized churches in the homes of his converts. In I Cor. 16:19 he sends greetings to the church in the house of Aquila and Priscilla, and when that godly pair later moved to Rome a church was again organized at their home to which he sends greetings (Rom. 16:5). There was also a church worshipping in the house of Philemon as we learn from the epistle addressed to him by St. Paul. (Philemon, verse 2.)

The early settlers of Wright county were almost without exception of a religious turn of mind. Though some of them did not themselves belong to the church they still wanted religious privileges for themselves and their families, This was true both of those who eame from other parts of the United States and of those who came from other countries - as many of the pioneers did. This accounts for prominence of the churches from the very earliest dates of the county. They were also loyal to their own denorminations - perhaps too much so - and wanted their own particular church. This accounts for the large number of churches in some localities. Many of the churches first organized have died or have been merged with those of other denominations, As the people came to know each other better and became more broadminded they saw that it did not matter so much what was the name of the ehurch as that the ehureh did effective service in the community. This accounts for the number of church organizations that have disbanded. It is safe to predict that though the population of the county may increase there will be very few uew churches organized - except when a few dissatisfied ones separate from some church and form an organization of their own. The tendency is to combination, federation, and eyen organic union. This is a fine thing for all concerned and will give more substantial growth in efficiency and real moral and religious progress. In some parts of the county there are still too many small churehes. There are, however, also a number of fairly strong congregations for a county with no cities in it. There are also some church buildings of such architecture and dimensions as to be a credit to their localities and denominations. Almost every denomination found in the United States is also found, or has at some time been found, within the bounds of the county. Some of these denominations have a large number of congregations and churches. There are about one hundred churches in the county. These ought to furnish adequate religious influence for all and also a suitable opportunity for religious services no matter how zealous one may be. These churches, too, are in a large measure responsible for the splendid moral tone of the county and the high standard of character found in the people.

There are a few churches in the county that are not recorded in this history, This is not the fault of the historian, but of the pastors and people in those churches, Every effort was made to give account of every church, but this proved impossible for the lack of information. It could not be had. For the same reason the history of some is very brief. There may be errors in the record of some. This also is due to the lack of correct information furnished by the people themselves. Every possible means have been used to give both a complete and correct history of the churches of the county.

Official church records filed with the county officers begin with March 25, 1856, the first record being one concerning the Congregational Church and Society of Monticello. The second concerned the Methodist Episcopal Society of Monticello and was filed April 28, 1857.

The names of several of the pioneer clergymen in the county appear in the early county records, several of them filing their ordination papers with the elerk of court in order that they might be qualified to perform marriages.

1857 are found the names of Samuel T. Sterritt (Methodist), Mavcus Hicks (Presbyterian), John H. Hughes and Noah Lathrop. In the later fifties and early sixties appear the names of Ruben H. Weeks (Baptist), William N. Darnell (Methodist), Abiel H. Abbott (Methodist), F. B. Moulton (Free Will Baptist), Barclay Blain, William Crawford (Congregationalist), Alfred Welch (Methodist), George B. Payson, John Mens (Methodist), W. B. Dada (Congregationalist), Henry Sehnitkin and Dayid Brooks.

Methodism

The Methodist cireuit riders took a leading part in the pioneer life of the Northwest. Assigned to large areas of almost uninhabited country, ministering to widely seattered flocks, and searcely knowing a home of their own, they lived lives of poyerty, privation and self denial, counting physical sufferings as nothing in comparison with the greatness of their mission. Through summer's heat and winter's chill they went from place to place, speaking words of comfort to over-tired women, admonishing men to pious life, teaching lessons of truth and obedience to the children. They married the young people and buried the dead, they watched by sick-beds and with equal adaptability took off their coats and helped work in the forest and field, Their sympathy for suffering and their gentleness of heart was only equalled by their roughiess of exterior, and the sternness with which they pictured the wages of sin. Of a type now departed, their memory will ever be cherished, and their burial places will, for generations to come, be tended with loving eare by the children of those pioneers whom their labor blessed.

The present Methodist Episcopal churches in Wright county are at Annandale, Buffalo, Clearwater, Delano, Howard Lake, Monticello, Otsego, Pelican Lake, Rockford and Smith Lake. There are German Methodist churches at Montrose, at Crawford Lake, and in Franklin and Corinna townships. There is a Free Methodist church at South Haven.

Methodist Episcopal Church of Otsego. Methodist servieus were held in Otsego as early as 1854, by Rev. White, of Orono. The first settled minister was Rev. O. P. Light in 1856. The church was regularly organized in May, 1857. The members were L. Cooley and wife, John MeDonald and wife, A. H. Merrill and wife, Benjamin Gray and wife, William Barnard and wife, and E. T. Washburn and wife. When the primitive dwellings of the pioneers became too restricted for the number of people who wished to attend the services, John MeDonald gave his barn as a place of worship until a church could be ereeted. He also gave the lots for the church. The church building, 36 by 40 feet in the village of Otsego was commenced in April, 1871, and finished and dedicated in June, 1872. It has been well kept up, many improvements have been made, and many of the present active members are grandchildren of men and women who helped to build the edifice. The chureh is well filled each Sunday, and the Sunday school, the Ladies' Aid Society and the Young People's Society are all flourishing organizations. The church owus a good six-room parsonage with a pleasant lawn and garden, well in keeping with the buildings. The pastor is the Rev. J. Walker, The Lilly Pond church is under the same pastor,

The Ladies' Aid Society is one of the principal factors in the life of the chureh. It was first organized some twenty-five years ago, but after a few years it ceased to exist. During the pastorate of Rev. C. L. Page, however, it was reorganized in August, 1902. at the home of Mrs. C. E. La Plant, with about twelve members. The original intention was to keep up the repairs on the church and parsonage, but as time has progressed the ladies have also assisted in the payment of the pastor's salary. They have painted the chureh on the outside, and deeorated and renovated it on the inside, the steps and approach have been constructed on cement, and many other improvements made. The ladies have pleasant gatherings of various kinds, give dinners and suppers and sociables, and sometimes make a journey for a day's outing to Elk river or elsewhere.

The camp meeting association of the Methodist Episcopal church purchased in 1861 a tract of land of about two acres adjoining Otsego, and annual meetings were started in 1864, A chapel and cottages were put up, and provisions made for the pitching of tents. The meetings flourished for many years, and the grounds were noted as being second only to the famous ones at Red Rock. The meetings at the eamp grounds were discontinned some twenty years ago,

Methodist Episcopal Church of Clearwater. In 1855 there was no Methodist preacher stationed at Clearwater, St. Cloud, Pair Haven or Maine Prairie. Rev. Samuel T. Creighton was stationed at Monticello. In December, 1855, he held services at the home of - - - - - Dow, two miles from the present village of Clearwater. January 8 and 9, 1858, Rev, 5. T. Sterrett, presiding elder of the Monticello Distriet, presided at the quarterly conference at Orino, and assigned Rev. Levi Gleason to the Clearwater charge. Rev. Gleason and Rey. Sterrett made their first visit to Clearwater on January 9, 1858, the day that the Orono conference closed. They stayed over night at the home of Eli B, King, at a place then called Neenah, some seven miles northwest of Clearwater. Later Rev. Sterrett returned to Monticello, and Rev. Gleason, with headquarters at Mr. King's, remained to in- spire an interest in the hearts of the people. On the morning of January 23, 1858, Rev, Gleason preached at the Fremont schoolhouse, on the banks of the Clearwater river, about one mile and a half from Clearwater village. In the afternoon he preached in a building in Clearwater village, owned by Francis Morrison, but used as a schoolhouse. This was the first Methodist sermon preached in the village of Stillwater. A elass was organized with James Lee as leader. The first stewards were B. T. liyons and Jéseph Pratt. The other members were Rebecca Lee, Eliza Pratt and Lydia Lyons, who joined by letter, and Martha Pratt and William Long, who were afterward received on probation. This was known as the Fremont class of the Clearwater charge. A class was also organized at Maine Prairie in connection with this work. Mrs. Caldwell, of Maine Prairie, was, on August 18, 1858, the first member to be received into full membership from probation, on this charge, The first quarterly conference of the charge was held in Maine Prairie at the log house of Daniel Spaulding, about March 6 or 7, 1858, with Presiding Elder Sterrett in the chair. May 9, of the same year, a class was organized at Neenah, with Eli B. King as leader. The Minnesota Annual Conference was held this year at St. Paul, in April, and during that session on April 15, Rev. Gleason was appointed to the Sauk Rapids and Clearwater Cireuit. Aside from the work at Clearwater he preached at Maine Prairie, Fremont, Neenah, St. Cloud, Sauk Rapids, Watab, and Winnebago Prairie.

The above facts are gleaned by the Rev. F. J. Bryan from the notes of the Rev. Levi Gleason himself. No further historical notes are given in the church records until 1877.

The charge is now in the Litchfield district of the Northern Minnesota Conference, which was formed from the Minnesota Conference in 1894. The present chureh edifice was built during the pastorate of the Rev. Leland P. Smith, the contract work being done by Simon H. Marvin, who has been with the church through all these years, and has maintained a steady interest in its welfare. The church property is worth about $3,500. The Rev. L. P. Smith was appointed some years since to the post of Chaplain of the Soldiers Home at Minneapolis, where he still continues in active service. The Rev. G. G. Valentine, one of the best known pastors in Minneapolis, began his ministerial career on this charge. Rev. James Thompson, while pastor here, sought the hand of one of Clearwater's young ladies, Ethel Trafton, and they were married in 1894. Mr. Thompson passed away in February, 1905, while residing in Larrimore, North Dakota. His family removed to this town, and are among the most effective workers in the church. His children, Harle, Ethel, Grace, and Helen, are a eredit to their parents and to the Methodist training they have received.

During the past year the church was given a thorough renovating, a new organ was purchased, the heating system rebuilt, aud the Board of Trustees are about to install a new lighting plant. The present pastor was appointed at the Annual Conference of 1913, when the charge was united with the Clear Lake charge. The Silver Creek appointment, which has been a part of this charge for many years, has recently been supplied from the Monticello charge, The Rev. F. J. Bryan came here from International Falls, and has served also at Long Prairie and Hawley in this conference. The present board of trustees are: S. H. Marvin, John Mitchell, Hamlin Lyons, Claude Jones, George Stokes, Wm. Lee and M. D. Boddy. The stewards are (not ineluding those on the trustee board), B. F'. Lyons, and Mesdames Peter Leme, S. H. Ponsford, Ethel Thompson, Diantha Fish and Misses Mae Barrett and Marian Ponsford.

The Sunday school is in a prosperous condition, having gained in numbers and interest during the past year, under the superintendency of Mrs. John Mitchell, There is also a helpful Epworth League with Eula G. Bryan as president; Ethel Thompson, secretary; and Donald Kirke, treasurer. I. G. Humphries, licensed local preacher, has been doing effective work. Recently the pastor and Mr. Humphries have taken up work and have regular appointments at the McClelland school, about four miles south of the village. A class was organized there some years ago, but had lapsed. In more recent times the point had been supplied by the Rev. Paul Winter, of the Congregational church. But lately they had given up the work, and the people had requested that the Methodists give them service. The pastor would not be able to do this as the charge is at present constituted, without the aid of the local preacher. This is one of the advantages of the Methodist system.

Grace Methodist Episcopal Church of Southside. This church, of much importance in the early annals of the county, was located on section 24, about two and a half miles northwest of Annandale. Services were held at an early date in the homes of the settlers, those of John and Lorenzo Doble being mentioned as often used for that purpose, and Rev. Bartley Blaine, of Clearwater, sometimes preaching. Services were also held in the home of N. J. Robinson, Church was organized and services were more regularly held in a log schoolhouse east of Pleasant Lake near the farm of Wm. Ponsford, then owned by John Townsend,

In 1858 Levi Gleason, later well known throughout the state, preached some in this woods country. Mr. Gleason was married that year to a daughter of Joseph Pratt, a resident of this vicinity. It is said the first Quarterly Conference meeting was held in this neighborhood by Rev. David Brooks, who was later well known among Methodists as Father Brooks. Mr. Gleason was again pastor in 1863. He was drafted and served as chaplain in the army.

During the war and Indian troubles there was probably local preaching here. Rev. M. S. Harriman, living on a farm on the north banks of Pleasant lake, conducted many a service, He it was, with others, who ereeted "Fort Skedaddle'' on the south shores of Pleasant lake as a means of protection against the Indians.

In 1865 and 1866, C, T. Barkuloo, of Clearwater Cirenit, preached in the log schoolhouse east of Pleasant lake, W. T. Rorke was pastor in 1867.

Tn 1868, Rey. Rorke, of Clearwater, a very able Methodist preacher, organized a church society in a log building near William Ponsford's present farm. Meetings were held there about two years, after which they were held in the Prospect schoolhouse near John Kurz's residence until Grace church was built.

In 1868, Corinna was made a special charge and supplied by Thaddeus S. Woodworth. M, S. Harriman was appointed in 1869 as supply, and held it for two years. Changes in the district following this date, Corinna was not occupied except by such local preachers as lived in the vicinity. The next regular pastor was one Rey, Flint, whom the veteran, Rev. Noah Lathrop, gravely tells us was obliged to desist for want of support, or in other words, was ''starved out.'' In 1874, M. S. Harriman was supply. In 1875-76, Noah Lathrop, pastor on the Clearwater circuit, came into the neighborhood of Corinna and preached in the little log schoolhouse on Sunday evenings, once in two weeks, after holding

In 1877, Corinna was in Maine Prairie cireuit, supplied by W. P. Fenlason. During this winter Grace church was started in building. Charles Dally, a pioneer settler, donated two acres of the northwest corner of section 24 for a cemetery and building site for the new church. Among the names familiarly connected with this church in early days are those of Levi Dakin, John and Lorenzo Dakin, M. 8. Harriman, Ira Wingett, Charles Dally and son, Nathan, and Abram Rudolph, the latter widely known throughout the county as an ardent temperanee worker, who died about 1903 at the good old age of 88 years. In later years other names became closely identified with the Grace chureh work - the Rudolphs, P. S., Andrew and George, the Peter Larsens, L. H. Webster, Frank Geary, L. H. Niles, Charles Bartlett, the Wingetts, Ransoms, M, E. Willett, Butlers, W. H. Towle, Floris Partridge, C. W. Harvey, the Fraleys, J. F. Lee and many others not recalled by the present historian.

Following as pastors came A. Matson and Wm. Brown and J. N. MeDonald. In 1884 and 1885 A. Ringer supplied. Later as pastors came George Kindred and W. H. Wilson, who built the church at Annandale, In 1889 the Annandale eircuit was formed and Rev. Noah Lathrop appointed pastor. Grace church being in connection with it. Mr. Lathrop says that Grace church at this time had thirty in full membership and eighteen probationers. Following Mr. Lathrop came Rev. Frank Higgins, later known to the state and nation, and abroad as the '' Lumber Jacks' Sky Pilot."' At the close of Mr, Higgins' first year the circuit was changed and Grace church joined with Fair Haven and Kimball. The pastors on the charge later were Rev. F. Dark, Rev. Thomas Archer, John W. Powell, all young men of excellent promise who afterward became prominent in state religious circles,

The membership at Grace church having been greatly depleted by death and removals, the few remaining members decided to make Annandale their home church, which was done in the third year of Rev. J. M. Burns' pastorate. By vote of the Quarterly Conference in 1913, it was decided to dispose of the old Grace church building, which was done by sale in 1914.

the Fair Haven and Main Prairie cireuit, and the church in Silver Creek from the Clearwater charge. The first services were held in the old schoolhouse. The church was organized under Rev. W. H. Wilson, and Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Towle were among the first charter members. Rev, W. H. Wilson sueceeded in building the first frame church, which was located on the main street of the village within sight of Pleasant Lake, on the same place where the present building now stands. It was built in the fall of 1888. The church was dedicated by Bishop James N. Fitzgerald in the year 1889. The finances on the occasion were in charge of Rev. John Stafford, who was then the presiding elder. The day was fine though warm. The services were intensely spiritual and helpful. Comparatively little debt was on the church and what there was, was more than covered by subscription, Rev. Noah Lathrop was pastor that year.

The present church was remodeled under the pastorate of Rev. A. L. Fisher. It is a brick veneered building with a seating capacity for 250. The parsonage was erected in the year of 1897, under the pastorate of Rev. W. H. Barkuloo.

It should be noted that Rev. Frank E. Higgins began his work in Annandale in the year 1890 and labored faithfully for three years. Ile was a man noted for his sociability and made many friends here. He afterwards spent twenty years working in the lumbereamps of Minnesota and earned for himself the honored title of "'Sky Pilot.'' Although he has but recently passed away his work abides in the hearts of a large number of people made better by his presence.

Among the prominent members past and present may be mentioned: Mr, and Mrs. W. H. Towle, S. C. Kemp, L. H. Webster, Mary E, Cleveland, Mr. and Mrs. A. Ringer, Herman Klatt, Mr. and Mrs. T. Remington, Mrs, Emma Kelly, Mrs. C. Matthews, G. W. Bayless, F, F. Demming, H. G. McBride, Mrs. A. Hennaman, Mr, and Mrs. J. F. Lee, Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Rennie, Mr. and Mrs, Henry Ransom, Mrs. M. Ransom and Miss Ransom, George Scheyer and family, Simon Kuhnley and family, Mr. and Mrs. P.S. Rudolph, Mrs. K. Kurz, Mr. and Mrs. H. Kurz, Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Buri, Mrs. Emma Cary, George Rudolph and family, Mr. and Mrs. 8. W. Smith, Mrs. W. 8, Ives, Mrs. Past, Mr. and Mrs. J. Baker, Mr. and Mrs, Towler, Mrs. L. Cofield and Mr. and Mrs. W. O. Stirling.

The pastors have been: W. H. Wilson, Noah Lathrop, Frank BE. Higgins, G. W. Keniston, G, E. Pickard, W. H. Barkuloo, Rhoderick Murray, A. L, Fisher, Henry Nobbs, A. L. Spencer, F, W. Hill. James M, Burns, the present pastor, is serving the charge for the eighth year. There are over a hundred resident members and over twenty-five non-resident members. There are also over one hundred scholars registered in the Sunday school.

The Ladies' Aid Society is an active feature in the chureh and is a great help financially and socially. The Women's Home Missionary Society, although only a few years old, has done splendid work in caring for the needy and helpless. The Epworth League is doing good work.

Simpson Methodist Episcopal Church of Monticello. The Monticello charge was organized at the Wisconsin conference in 1855, with Rev. Samuel T. Creighton as preacher in charge and Rev. David Brooks as presiding elder. The first quarterly meeting was held January 27, 1856, Rev. David Brooks preaching in an unfinished boarding house on lots 14 and 15, block 38. The first quarterly conference was held on Monday, the next day. Those present were David Brooks, presiding elder; Samuel T, Creighton, preacher in charge; and Elijah W. Merrill, of Monticello, The presiding elder traveled 100 miles to attend this meeting, and paid his own expenses. April 28, 1857, Rev. Creighton appointed as trustees Zedic M. Brown, John Gallow, William Brown, Ira Keene, Elijah W. Merrili, James ©, Wilson and Samuel Wilder. The board met on that day and appointed Zedie M. Brown president and Samuel Wilder clerk. May 1, 1857, the trustees voted to erect a church building on lots 9 and 10, in block 10. James C. Wilson, John Gallow and Ira Keene were on the building committee. Merrit & Gallow were the builders, The church was finished that year and dedicated October 1, 1857, under the pastorate of Noah Lathrop. The original cost of the building was $3,000. It was remodeled in 1880, the gallery taken out and a room built on at the rear, at a cost of $2,300. It was dedicated on January 4, 1881, by Bishop Cyrus D. Foss. It was again overhauled and a basement put under the entire building in 1913 under the pastorate of Henry Nobbs at a cost of $2,100. In the fall of 1866 trustees were elected for a parsonage. They were: David Brooks, Z. M. Brown, H. Kreis, Jonathan Stimson, Samuel Wilder and William Brown. The parsonage was built in 1868 in the pastorate of J. W. Shank. In 1898 during the pastorate of H. J. Van Fossen the old parsonage was exchanged for a new one on the corner across from the church. Mrs. Annie E. MeCord presented the church with a bell and $200 for a parsonage barn,

In the year 1861 the charge embraced Monticello, Otsego and Diamond Lake. In 1864 it also included Rockford and Watertown. In 1866 Monticello charge was changed from the St. Paul district to the St. Cloud district and the charge was divided, Charles Griswold was presiding elder, L. S. Collins was made pastor of Monticello, Otsego and Buffalo. Alfred Cressey was made pastor of Rockford, Watertown, Independence and Fountain Lake. The charge was again divided and Monticello became a station in 1882,

This church is believed to be the oldest church in Wright eounty, It has had a eontinuous growth in numbers and prosperity and influence through the years, It now has a membership of about 240, with Sunday school, Epworth League, Junior Epworth League, Aid Society and Missionary societies, The Sunday school has a membership in the main school of about 225 besides a home department of 60 and a cradle roll of 57, making a total of 342, The school is graded and the classes organized.

Methodist Episcopal Church of Rockford. This cirenit was first organized in Greenwood, now known as Marion, in 1855, with Rev. John Kerns as the presiding elder and with Rev. Mr. Camp as pastor. Services were held at Greenwood, Rockford, Fountain Lake, and Watertown, In 1859 the work included Monticello, and North Branch of Crow river and this year the church at Rockford was erected. In 1870 Delano was added to the list. In 1877 the field of appointments was arranged to embrace Delano, Rockford, Armstrong, Watertown and Montrose. In 1888 the eirenit included Mound City, Watertown, Delano, North Roekford, Rockford, and Armstrong. The church at North Rockford was dedicated September 25, 1890. Work seems to have gone along in this manner until 1903 when Montrose became a station, leaving Delano, Rockford and Armstrong in the cirenit. In 1906 Armstrong and Mound City have become a circuit, thus leaving Delano and Rockford as a circuit. This continued in that manner until 1918 when Delano and Rockford each decided to have a pastor for the individual work. Old settlers declare that before this time there have also been periods when the churches at Rockford and Delano have had separate pastors. The old church reeords at Rockford have been burned. It is believed that the following is the list of pastors who have served at Rockford, though it is possible that during periods of separation, some of these may have served at Delano and not at Roekford: 1855,

The Rey. Mr. Camp held services at Rockford as early as 1855. Rev. Jacob Myers preached here every two weeks from September, 1856, to June, 1857. Rev. A. H. Abbott, who followed Rev. Myers, took up his home in Rockford for two years. The church was regularly organized in April, 1857, Among the first members were William Sleight, Thomas Prestidge and family, Jesse Prestidge, Amos Dickenson and family, Henry Pitt and family, George Sook and family, Lansin Conklin and family, Chas. Coverdale and family, and Mr. Abbott and family. Marvel Hayford, John Omera and family and Mrs. Eliza Cook were also early members. In the early days, T. Gunn, H. E. Pitt and Amos Dickenson were local preachers and eonducted services during the absence of the regular pastor. A church building, 26 by 36 feet, was erected in the village in 1859 and a few years later moved to a more convenient location and repaired and remodeled. The parsonage was built about the same time as the church and sold some twelve years ago. - (By H. C. Mecklenburg.)

The Methodist Episcopal Church of North Rockford was organized in 1890, It continued some fifteen years, and was then dissolved and the chureh building sold.

Methodist Episcopal Church of Delano. This church was organized during Rey. Alfred Cressy's pastorate in 1870, and was included in a large cirenit. The werk continued in this manner for some time, but gradually the points grew stronger and they reached the place where one or two churches could support a pastor. The cireuit finally included Rockford and Delano, these points caring for a pastor, to which he gave his undivided attention. The work increased in interest until 1913, when each point felt. that it could by itself support a regular pastor holding Sunday services both morning and evening. Thus the work advanced and at present a bright future looms up before the people of Delano. The official board of the church numbers twelve of the best business men to be found anywhere in the county.

The first services were held in 1870, in a railroad boarding house on Railroad avenue. Later they were held in a log schoolhouse, and then upstairs over a hardware store.

The church was organized in 1870. The charter members were: William Hawker, Mrs. Mary Hawker, Luther Walters, Mrs. Mary Walters, W. H. Landis, Mrs. Manda Chant, Mr. and Mrs. Luther Cunningham, J. F. Powers, Mrs. Sarah Powers, Mary and Carry Powers, J. W. Powell and Miner Ball. The first church was erected and dedicated on Third street, in 1875, and the parsonage was erected in 1890.

Of some of the devout members it is said: ''Most of the charter members have been translated from the chureh militant to the Church Triumphant. Many of the others have gone to seek their fortunes elsewhere. Mrs. Mary Hawker, one of God's heroines, is among us and carries a benediction wherever her shadow falls. Dr. T, J. Catlin and T. J. Brothers and E. Ball bore the burdens for many years of a struggling church. Mrs. Bertha Eagle walks among us as one of God's annointed. To be with her is to feel Christ not far distant. O. J. Lundsten is the present superintendent of the Sunday school, which position he has filled faithfully for many years, A. L. Poffenberger is a most efficient church treasurer and secretary and aceomplishes much. Among the faithful pastors, A. F. Thompson and John Doran fought many heroic battles.''

The pastors who have served in Delano are as follows: Alfred Cressy, Mr. Cook, M. Kephart, John Doran, H. C. Langley, O. Burnett, H. Hackett, A. Follensbee, W. H. Wilson, D. C. Claney, J. Blackhurst, J. B. Davis, J. W. Powell, Mr. Faber, A. F. Thompson, T. J. Chapple, A. Hopkins, J. A. Ewing, W. K. Gray, F. F. Gibbs, Lawrence Radcliffe, Edward Kaneen, B. B. Hanscom and G. L. Haggans. - -(By G. L. Haggans.)

Methodist Episcopal Church of Silver Creek. The Methodists were presented with a church in the early days. P. A. Locke, of Lexington, Mass., made a bequest of $500 to the town of Silver Creek on condition that the town supervisors should erect a church at a cost of $1,000, that the Methodists should always use it, and that the Methodist trustees should keep it repaired and insured. The bequest was accepted and the church

Dewey Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church of Buffalo. In the spring of 1886 Rev. John Doran was invited by Messrs. Oakley and Stewart to hold meetings in the Presbyterian church. After holding several meetings at regularly appointed places every two weeks he took an expression of the congregation whether he should hold a series of meetings and make a thorough canvass of the town and county, and was unanimously requested to do so. After holding several meetings every night for three weeks and making a canvass Rev. Doran organized a society of twenty-six members on September 21. A lot was purchased from a Mr. Drake, of Minneapolis, through John Nugent. Some of the early members were: A. Y. Eaton, Mr. and Mrs. W. Davies, Dr. Clayton Butler, Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Babcock, Mrs, G. Covart, Geo. Cunningham, Mrs. E. Covart, Ella R. Cady, Della Hayes, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Leeson, Alma Mills, Frank and Charles Pitt, Bessie Richards, Dr. and Mrs. E. Shannon, Eva Ward,

Among the prominent members of the past, those alive today are the following: Mrs. Geo. Covart, Mrs. A. L. Eaton, Mrs. Wm. Davies, and Mrs. BE. Covart.

Since the church was built, about $1,000 has been spent in improvements and repairs. At the present time the church is in excellent condition and has a good congregation, Among those prominent in the life of the church might be mentioned Mr. and Mrs. A. G. Redman, W. Korb, Chris Voss and family, Prof. and Mrs. V. M. Emmert, Prof. T. Lewis, Mrs. B. M. Denny, Mrs. Korb and others who deserve mention. The church has a progressive membership, and much is looked forward to for the future of the church. Years ago the parish meluded North Rockford.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Howard Lake. In the late fifties and early sixties, Rev. A. H. Abbott, of Rockford, eame into the vicinity of what is now Howard Lake, and held services at Lake Mary and elsewhere. A church was regularly organized in 1867, with Rev, W. H. Sherman in charge. Reverend Sherman lived in what was known as the ''Parsonage,"' a small log cabin standing 40 to 50 rods east of the lake on ground now owned by Lafayette Morgan. There public worship was held. Among those who attended are reealled Mr. and Mrs, Edwin Brewster, Mr. and Mrs. - - - - - King and Mrs.

Pearson. From place to place in the wilderness, Reverend Sherman went on foot, ministering to the scattered families of his flock. In 1870, the serviees were removed to the village and held in a building which stood where W. Rausch now resides. Here Edwin Brewster organized and superintended the first Sunday school in Howard Lake. He it is who is called the father of Methodism in Howard Lake. (He was born March 7, 1833, and died May 1, 1900.) In 1872 a school building was erected in Howard Lake, and the Methodists held their meetings there. The Rev. Messrs. Stunz and Cline were the first resident pastors in the village. Within a few years the schoolhouse was too small for a developing community, and it was abandoned for a larger building and a more central site. The Methodist people immediately purchased the old schoolhouse and converted it into a church, this being the first church building in the village. Additional improvements. were made on the building in 1880 and 1892. In 1900, through the activity of Mr. and Mrs. H. A. Workman and others, a site was purchased and a parsonage erected. Rev. Crawford Grays became pastor in 1909, and in 1912 a new church was erected. The building was dedicated September 1, 1912, and named in honor of Mrs. Harriet G. Walker, whose liberal assistance had a strong influence in making the new edifice possible,

Methodist Episcopal Church of Smith Lake. A Methodist class was organized in 1878, by people living sonth of the river in Middleville township. Early services were held in the Quaker meeting house in section 5, In 1873, a Methodist Episcopal class was organized at Smith Lake village, and a church erected in 1882.

Methodist Episcopal Class of Cokato. Methodist services were held at Cokato as early as 1874, and during the first few years a flourishing organization existed.

Methodist Episcopal Class of Albion. Methodist services were held in Albion township as early as 1861, by Elder Robinson, and a class organized.

The Montrose Methodist Episcopal Church. This church is one of the oldest in the county and dates back to 1858 when serviees were held at pioneer homes and a class organized by the Rev. C. G. Bowdish, of Minnetristie, Monticello and Fountain Lake, and later of the Montrose cireuit. The first members were Clarissa Stacy, Mary Stacy, Charlotte Swartout, Cramer Swartout, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Leighter, Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Streater, Mr, and Mrs, John Higgins, and Newton and William Stacy.

The first services were held at the home of Ezra Stacy, Sr., on the north bank of Fountain Lake. The ministers walked from station to station in their circuits through the woods, using the moss on the trees as their compass. Early pastors were such men as C. G. Bowdish, - - - - - Chubback, A. H. Abbott and Levi Gleason, A move was made in 1860 to build a church edifice of hewed logs at the north end of the Big Marsh, but it was never finished because of the outbreak of the Civil war and the Indian troubles. A little later, services were held at the homes of Cramer Swartout and Elisha Ferrell, both in Woodland township, and when the village of Montrose was started, services were held in an unfinished store building north of the railroad tracks. The present church building was completed in 1881. Those prominent in the building of the new church were Thomas 5. Gunn, William Mapes, C. H. Ferrell, G. M. Wright, L. K. Flanders and the Stacy brothers. The pastor was C. H. Conway. It has always been a successful and flourishing church. It has been connected at various times with Rockford, Howard Lake, Buffalo, Watertown and Delano. Then years ago it was decided to have a resident pastor, Rev, T. J. Chappel being the first. For five or six years past, the church has employed as pastor the pastor of the Crow river cireuit of the Northern German conference, Rev. W. G. Boemmels being the first supply in this capacity. It has a membership of about. 75, maintains a flourishing Sunday school with a membership of something over 100, an Epworth League with 53 members, and a good Junior League. H. EB. Young is the present pastor. The present trustees are: F. HK. Belden, H. G. Wright, S. U. Stacy, H. M. Schultz, W. H. Wright, John Herman and W. A. Douglas, Services are held here at 11:30 a. m. every other Sunday and 8 p. m. every Sunday.

The Cassel German Methodist Episcopal Church of Franklin township, was organized in 1859 and a log church erected in 1861 and a cemetery laid out on the southwest corner of section 33, township 119, range 25, then a part of Rockford. Henry Brandt, Walter Albitz and Gotlieb Epple were the first trustees of the organization. In 1884, under the pastorate of Rev. A. F, W. Krienke a new church was built at a cost of about $2,000. This chureh is the leading German Methodist Episcopal church in this county. Services are held here every Sunday at 10 a. m. It also maintains a flourishing Sunday school. H. E. Young is the present pastor, and Albert Wandersee, Louis Kespobl, Rudolf Wandersee, William Epple and W. J. Schwerin are the present trustees.

The Zion German Methodist Church of Crawford Lake was organized in 1870, in township 119, range 25. The first. house of worship was on the south side of the Crow river, but in 1878, during the first pastorate of H. E. Young, a new ehureh was built near the northwest corner of section 20, west of Crawford's Lake. The building, 32 by 40 feet, cost $1,200. Many of the original members resided in the town of Franklin. The trustees were Eberhart Nagel, Walter Albitz and Edward Ziebarth. This church is still in use and is known as Zion church. The present trustees are: Henry Steinhilber, Ferdinant Wandersee, Carl Wandersee, Sr., Robert Crawford and J. W. Prestidge. Services are held here every other Sunday at 2:30 p.m. H. E. Young is pastor in charge.

In 1890 a good parsonage was built, near Zion Church, under the pastorate of Rev. G, Raihle, but since it was inconvenient for the pastor to live so far in the country, it was deemed advisable to sell this parsonage and buy a house in Montrose. This was accomplished through the efforts of Rev. W. G. Boemmels, now of Winona, Minn. The pastor is very comfortably housed in this new parsonage and is right in among the people whom he is to serve. The trustees for the parsonage are: David Epple, Henry Steinhilber, Albert Wandersee, John Epple, John Herman and F. E. Belden.

The Zion German Methodist Episcopal Church, of Clearwater. The Clearwater Mission of the German Methodist Episcopal Church had its beginning in 1866, when Rev. G. Bower, a missionary preacher, held his first services at the home of C, A, Wiegand. He remained a year, as did likewise Rev. William Pagenhart, and also Rev. Mr. Fedler. It was the Rev. Fedler that started to collect money for a parsonage, His successor, Rey. N. Nemyer, succeeded to raising sufficient funds, and in 1872 the parsonage was built in section 28, in the township of Clearwater. A congregation of some twelve or fifteen persons was gathered, among whom may be mentioned Mr. and Mrs. ©. A. Weigand, Mr. and Mrs, M. Ransom, Mr. and Mrs. P. Mist, Mr. and Mrs. M. J. Kurtz, and H. Evens. The next pastor, the Rev. C. Trum, was the first to occupy the parsonage. His wife died there about a year later. Rev. L. Thoele was the next pastor. During his pastorate the church was erected in section 9, Corinna township. The church was dedicated July 19, 1874, the services being in charge of the presiding elder, Rev. F. Cupp. At these services one child, William Wesley Wiegand, was baptized, and one couple, Charles Able and Mrs. Scholts, were married. At the quarterly conference it was decided to call the church the German Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. The building itself was 24 by 36 feet, and was erected at a cost of $1,000, A good Sunday school was started with some twenty or thirty scholars, and with Henry Evens as superintendent. This Sunday school has brought about splendid results, Two of the scholars, Rev. B, Christ and Rev. P. Kunley, have become ministers of the gospel. The pastor to follow Rev. L. Thoele was Rev. G. Hiller. Then came Rev.

William Trager. During his pastorate he was married and planned to move into the parsonage. But one day when he returned from visiting another appointment, he fonnd the parsonage upside down in the road, and the smashed furniture scattered all about. A cyclone had swept over the spot, But there were willing hands and generous pocketbooks, and the house was soon up again with a new kitchen added. The next pastors were Rev. A. Krinke, Rev. J. Hepp and Rey. A. Pike. The latter was married while serving this church. Then came Rey. F. Brunkan. The next pastor was Rev. G. Fritze. During his pastorate the church was remodeled. A steeple was built, the entrance placed in the base of the steeple, and the capacity of the church increased to eighty persons. In those days the church was usually well filled. The next pastors were: Rey. C, Bublitze, Rev, William Krinke, Rev. J. G. Steffes, Rev. H. Kuuff, Rev. Mr. Beerman, and Rev. William Konig. Rev. Konig was the last, as some of the members had moved away, many of the pioneers had died, and many of the younger ones had gone over to the English church. Among the prominent members of the church may be mentioned: M. Ransom, F. Teatz, Mrs. G. Fetters, J. Shyer, Sr., L. Wiegand, L. Isensee, C. Carley and others. H. A. Wiegand, from whom the editors secured the material for this article, was also an influential and useful member of the church, the parsonage being located just across from his residenee. The land for this parsonage was presented by C, A. Wiegand. Both parsonage and land have now been sold. The land for the church was given by Mrs. K. Miller. The church was recently sold by the district. superintendent and is now used for a country store. It still stands on the original site.

Advent Christian

There are four Advant Christian churches in Wright county, located at Annandale, Maple Lake, Monticello and Rockford. The one at Rockford is net now open.

The Advent Christian Church of Annandale was erected in the fall of 1898 as a result of a tent meeting held here by Elder O. RB. Jenks, later principal of Aurora College, Aurora, IL, assisted by Elder C. FP. Whitney and others.

About one hundred professed conversion at that meeting and about half that number were baptized. Services were held temporarily in the building now occupied by the store of Dunton & Rackliff, while the church was being built, which was in the fall and winter of that same year.

Elder C. F. Whitney, now of Santa Rosa, Cal., was the first pastor and he was sueceeded by Elder George H. Dewing, later professor in Aurora College.

Next in order came Elder A. C. Eaton, of Olivia, Minn., during whose pastorate the indebtedness on the church was paid off, the mortgage being burned at a special service held in April, 1902. For a time the church was served by students and later Elder J. FR. Whitman, later pastor of the church in Minneapolis, was called to the pastorate and during his term of service, the present parsonage was built, Later Fred Warman, a theological student, supplied the pulpit and looked after the interests of the church. In May, 1911, the present pastor, Elder A. E. Bloom, was called from Monticello, Wis., where he had served for a period of eleven years. The church was organized with only forty members. The passing years have brought many changes in the membership, some have died, others moved away, and some have left the faith, but the present membership is about sixty-five. In the summer of 1913 a series of meetings were held in the park pavilion. These services were in charge of Evangelist G. W. Moore, of West Virginia, and the pastor. At present the church is sustaining a good Sunday school with two teachers' training classes each week and a weekly prayer service. There is a young people's society known as the Loyal Workers, and a very active and useful ladies' aid society known as the Helpers' Union. In addition to the local work the church and Sunday school are contributing to home and foreign mission work, the college and the benevolences of the denomination. It also contributes to the work of the temperance cause and the Sunday school has adopted an orphan boy in India. The church and parsonage property has been improved and a good spirit of peace and unity pervades the membership.

The church was formally organized December 9, 1894. The house of worship was erected late in 1898, and the parsonage was built in 1908. Among the prominent members of the church in its early days might be mentioned the following: Mr. and Mrs. George Eagy, Noah Ritchie, Mr. and Mrs. Howard, Mrs. Belle Brandon, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Lamson, Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Zimmerman, Mr, and Mrs. Whitlock, Blanche Walters, Charles Zimmerman, Mr. and Mrs, Leroy Ritchie, Mr. and Mrs. B. McKenzie, Mr. and Mrs. H. M. Lewis, Mr. and Mrs. Showring, Joise Zimmerman, Mr. and Mrs, Edward Rackliff, Mrs. Julia Walters, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Heaton, Mr. and Mrs. A. Fourmont, Emil Fourmont, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bullock, Keren Weir, Venie Weir, Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Mitchell, Mr. and Mrs. Partee Mitchell, Mr. and Mrs. W.W. Jewett, Mr, and Mrs. George W. Rackliff, Robert Peterson, Mr. and Mrs. J. Pryde and many others now removed, deceased or dropped from the roster.

The Advent Christian Church of Monticello was organized in May, 1868. The first pastor was the Rev. L. C. Collins, formerly a Methodist preacher. In 1869 a church 50 by 76 feet was erected, being at that time one of the largest church edifices in the county, The cost of the building was $4,500 and of the furnishings $500. William Chandler was one of the principal contributors. The Rev. S. Welcome followed Rev. Collins, and next came the Rev. A. J. Bolster.

The Advent Christian Church of Albion has an interesting history. About 1888 the people of that faith started a church edifice in section 11, Albion township. A frame was erected, a roof and a floor built, and the sides boarded in. The building was used that summer in this condition. The structure was 80 open that the birds came in and made their nests. For the winter the church was sided up and made comfortable. It was several years before it was fully completed. Previous to this services had been held in the log schoolhouse in the same section. The first pastor, Elder A. J. Bolster, remained some five or six years. The charter members were: George Eagy, Mr. and Mrs, H. Hill, Ellen Friend, Mr. and Mrs. Sylvester Dunn, 8. B. Howard, O. B, Travis, Mr. and Mrs. Rdwin Rackliff, I. D. Rackliff. Among the prominent members may be mentioned Edwin Racklif, Thomas Bullock, S. Dunn, George Eagy, H. Hill; Pastors A. J. Bloster, Charles Stanley and George Welcome. Among the deaths recorded in the church were those of H. Hill, O. B, Travis, Thomas Bullock and G. A. Howard. Owing to deaths and removals the congregation dwindled, and about 1902 or 1903 the church was moved two miles distant to Howard Lake. The pastors there have been: Elders - - - - Patrick, Jared Whitman and EB. A. Bloom.

Advent Christian Church of Rockford. In response to an inquiry, John MeGary writes of the Rockford church as follows: 'Independence Advent Christian Church, located in section 3, township of Independence, had its beginning with services held at the home of Bradford Hall, in that town, about 1870, Among the prominent members of the early days may be mentioned B. H. Hall, Hollis Hall, Wesley Hall, Mrs. Almira Hall, W. W. Mills, Mrs. W. W. Mills, O. R. Fassett, Mrs. O. RB. Fassett, Church Alger, Mrs. Church Alger, Alva McKee, Levi Bowen and Herbert Bowen. The church in the town of Independence was dedicated January 16, 1880, Churches were also erected at Rockford, in Wright county, and Armstrong, in Hennepin county. Among the prominent members of the past may he mentioned: B. H. Hall, John Omera, W. W. Mills, Alva Bucklen, Daniel Styner, Gustave

Johnson. Among the pastors have been: O. R. Fassett, Mrs. O. R. Fassett, M. A. Stevens, F. A. Baker, N. Patter and others, Among the deceased members may be mentioned: Church Alger, Daniel Styner, B. H. Hall, Hollis Hall, Wesley Hall, Levi Bowen, Alva McKee and many others.''

Christian

The Christian Church of Howard Lake was organized in July, 1874, by Rev. J. ©. MeReynolds, state evangelist, with eleven members, The meetings were held at the schoolhouse until the completion of the church in 1875,

Congregational

First Congregational Church of Clearwater. April 20, 1859, a few people, by previous arrangement, met in Clearwater for the purpose of forming a Congregational church, Rev. Charles Secoun, of St. Anthony, was chosen moderator, and L. B. Holman, scribe. Letters of dismissal and recommendation from evangelical churches were presented by the following persons: Abel Kent, Mrs, Abel Kent, Nahum Walker, Mrs. Mary A. Gibbs, Lyman B. Holman, Mrs. Lyman B. Holman. These letters were read and accepted by vote.

Articles of faith and covenant were adopted and after a few remarks the moderator extended the right hand of fellowship and declared the church regularly organized under the name of The First Congregational Church of Clearwater, Minn. In the fall of 1859 and winter of 1860, Rey. Royal Twichell, of Anoka, Minn., preached occasionally, and by him was the plan formed of building a chureh. The lot upon which the church stands was donated by Frank Morrison, then a resident of this place. The posts upon which the foundation was laid were given by the aged Luther Laughton. The timber for the foundation was given by W. W. Webster. Before the summer was gone the building was enclosed and temporary seats installed and services held. Before the building of the church meetings were held in a hall over the store occupied by Gibbs & Whitney, which had been fitted up for school and religious services. On May 1, 1861, the church was fermally dedicated. The dedication sermon was preached by Rev. A. K. Packard, of Anoka; text, James 1:18.

Tn the fall of 1862, the Indians became troublesome and families were forced to leave their homes, especially those who were on the frontier.

As Clearwater was located on the bank of the Mississippi it was considered a safe place by those beyond the ''Big Woods."' But even here the Indian scouts came. It was deemed advisable to fortify some place in case of an attack, As the church was the largest and, from its location, most desirable, a plank fortification was raised as high as the eaves with loop holes. Many families from beyond the village and Corinna here found a lodging place, Provisions were gathered and things made ready, but no attack came. For months the fortifications remained. Church services were held regularly and to one not understanding the reason would have caused a smile to see the people going in one by one through the small opening left for entrance.

In 1863 the project of securing a bell was set on foot and after some time a bell was bought of McNeely Bell Foundry for $450. This bell is still heard every Sunday as well as through the week. Rev. William Crawford, from Anoka College, was the first pastor. He was called April, 1861, and severed his connection May 11, 1862. Rev. W. B. Dada came as pastor November 2, 1862, remaining five years. May 2, 1868, Rev. J. D. G. Stearns became pastor and labored for eight years. November 2, 1876, Rev. Nelson Clark became pastor and served for one year. May 5, 1878, Rev. P. S. Smith was called and remained until July 11, 1881. August 11, 1881, Rev. O. P. Champlin was called and remained two years. May 1, 1884, Rev. G. W. Sargent was called and served until 1890. Since then the following reverend gentlemen have served: U. G. Rich, June, 1890-1891; Sidney Stone, September, 1891, September, 1892; H. A, Woods, October, 1892- 1893; E, E. Day (student), June, 1894, for three months; G, E. Middleton, September, 1894, for six months; J. L. Jones, June, 1895-1898; E. EH. Day (student), June, 1898, for three months; A. E. Barnes, October, 1898, May, 1900; R. Watt, August, 1901, September, 1902; A. Davies, September, 1902, June, 1904; C. M. Stevens, Oetober, 1904, October, 1905; Horatio C. Payne, January, 1906, August, 1907; Paul Winter, October, 1908, October, 1914; George M. Griffiths, January, 1915, to the present time. A parsonage was purehased June 26, 1879.

The Congregational Church of Monticello was organized January 18, 1856, by the Rev. J. C. Whitney. Rev. Whitney was a Presbyterian clergyman, and the ereed and articles of faith of the Presbyterian church was adopted, although the Congregational form of government and the Congregational name were adopted by a vote of fourteen to eight. A. W. Wood was elected clerk, In 1856 a church building 26 by 50 feet was erected and in 1865 an addition of fifteen feet was made, In 1882 a parsonage was erected. The first election was held March 25, 1856. Fred- erick I. Barker and J. C. Beekman were elected trustees for three years, George M. Bertram and W. G. McCrory for two years, and Joseph Perkins and Row Brasie for one year. John Perkins and D, G. Wilson were the canvassers of the election.

The Congregational Church of Cokato. A church was organized here in the late seventies. For a time Rev, Mr. Hull was the local pastor. Later the pulpit was supplied by Rev. Mr, Lewis, stationed at Dassel. Services were held in the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran church.

Presbyterian

As the pioneers of the county were largely foreign born there were few Presbyterians among them. And these being broadminded and liberal, in places where they were not numerically strong, often united with churches of other denominations and soon lost their identity as Presbyterians. There are at present five Presbyterian churches in Wright county, located at Buffalo, Sylvan Lake, Waverly, Howard Lake and Rockford. Winsted Presbyterian Church, while located in another county, is also described here, making the sixth, because it is a part of the Howard Lake parish. In these churches there are many who were not originally Presbyterians. In one of these there are members from eight different denominations, The young people finding the Presbyterian church liberal in theology and democratic in church polity unite with that in preference to the churches of their fathers. These five churches do not by any means tell the whole story of the work done by the denomination in the county. The Presbyterian home missionary was more anxious to serve the people than to serve his own denomination by organizing churches,

The Presbyterian Church of Buffalo was organized December 10, 1875, with the following as members: Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Oakley, Mr. and Mrs. John Dodd, Mr. and Mrs. EB. J. Cutts, Ruth Oakley and Charles F. Dodd. For some time before this the people of the community had held religious services, first in their homes, and later in the little building that served as a schoolhouse. This building stood for many years on the east side of Ash street, nearly opposite the present Presbyterian ehurch. After the new schoolhouse was built this building was converted into a dwelling house and was finally burned with some other buildings a few years ago, thus removing one of the landmarks of the village. It was true of Buffalo as of many other neighborhoods that at first there were no denominational lines drawn; anybody that could preach, no matter of what denomination, had the freedom to do so and cauld usually count on a fair audience.

different sects. After a while the Presbyterian church began ta send its ministers to Buffalo with some regularity. Rev. D. C. Lyon, then the Synodical missionary of Minnesota, preached at Buffalo a number of times and awakened in the people a desire for a church organization and a church home of their own. Rev. Isaiah Faries, of Minneapolis, was another who also preached here in those pioneer days and helped to create a religious atmosphere in the neighborhood, for as yet there was no village worth mentioning.

In course of time the people felt they ought to have a house of worship; but they had little ready money for any purpose and very little for public improvements, so that it seemed for some time almost impossible to think of building a church. Plans were made, however, and a subscription list was circulated, the ground was broken and the work begun on the church building in 1876. Those who did not have money contributed, some stone from their farms or from the lake shore for the foundation, and some work on the building, ''and thus they builded'' for ''the people had a mind to work.'' The board of church erection granted some aid; a friend in the east contributed toward the building fund, as did also J. A. Dudley, the father of Mrs. C. E. Oakley. He also later gave the pulpit furniture, Bible, hymn books and collection plates. §. L. Cronk was the master builder. He is still a member of the church and able to attend its services. The main part of the church was dedicated free of debt June 7, 1877. It was a day of rejoicing for the whole community. Everybody attended the dedication services. The church bell was given by Mr. Boardman, of Buffalo, N. Y., who was a summer guest at the home of James Sturges. This bell was for a long time also the village bell and did service in times of fire and on Hallow'en was rung by the mischievous boys, who now are the sedate members of the church. And, though there were few musicians in the place at. that time, the ladies especially felt the need of an organ and finally bought one. Had there been a poet among them he might have written:

'They've got a brand new organ - For all their fuss and search ; They've done just what they said they'd do, And fetched it into church. They 're bound the eritter shall be seen, And on the preacher's right They've hoisted up their new machine In everybody's sight.'' was added in 1892. Among later improvements may be mentioned heating plant, electric light, vocation, and this last year grading the lots on which the church stands, and cement walks. In 1909 the splendid new manse, facing the lake on Rockford road, was purchased.

The first adult to be baptized after the organization of the church was S. L. Cronk, who is still a member. The first babies baptized were Frances Oakley and Eva Cutts. The first couple married in the church were Mr, and Mrs. W. H. Cochran. The first baby baptized in the church building was Walter Dudley Oakley.

Of the charter members only Mr. and Mrs. Oakley are living. They are still members and actively engaged in the work of the church. Mr. Oakley has been an elder and clerk of the session ever since the organization of the church, with the exception of about a year and a half, when he lived in Howard Lake. He has also served as trustee, church treasurer and Sunday school superintendent. He has twice been elected lay commissioner to the General Assembly. Mrs. Oakley has held different offices in the Ladies' Aid and Missionary Societies and for many years taught the young men's ¢lass in the Sunday school.

In 1900 the church gave one of its members to the work of the foreign field when on July 18 that year Frances, the elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Oakley, was married to Rev. George Leck and the two went the same fall as missionaries to Korea. At the death of her husband Mrs. Leck and her son returned to Buffalo.

The first minister the church had was J. W. Diekey, who remained two years, and was followed by H. P. Fullenweider, then a theological student. Rev. James McLean then preached in Buffalo and Rockford for one year. Rev. H. C. Cheadle was the pastor for three years. For two years the church was without pastor, but student A. B. Nickols preached in the summer vacation and other ministers preached during the winters. Rev. P. A. Jameson supplied the pulpit one year. Then came Rey. P. Ross Paden, who remained a little over two years. It was while he was pastor that the Christian Endeavor Society was organized. The chureh also had a revival, by which many were added to the membership and the church was made stronger. Rev. H. A. Noyes came to the church in July, 1889, and remained more than seven years. He resigned in February, 1896. During his pastorate the church had another revival and was greatly strengthened both numerically and spiritually. At that time the members who had previously belonged to the Methodist church left and organized the M, E, church here. Rev. F. T, Vorees was the minister for two years and left in Mareh, 1898, when the present minister, J. H. Sellie, began his ministry in May the same year.

The officers of the church at present are: Elders, C. E. Oakley, John Noel, James Ryder, Thomas Henderson and Peter Me- Cullough. The trustees are: P. W. Machling, W. D. Oakley, W. J. Ellis, Fred Green and Henry Engles. Superintendent of the Sunday school, Charles S. Hawker; secretary, William Waters; president Christian Endeavor Society, Marguerite Tuttle; secretary, Mildred Easter; superintendent Intermediate Christian Endeavor, Mrs. Frances Leck; superintendent of Junior Christian Endeavor, Mrs. J. H. Sellie; assistant, Mrs. J, W. Higgins.

The Presbyterian Church of Howard Lake. In the winter of 1875, Rev. D. C. Lyons visited this locality in the interests of Presbyterianism. He held services in the village schoolhouse, the one common place for all public meetings of every kind. Farly in the summer of 1875 an application was made to the St. Paul Presbytery for a church organization, which was granted. A delegation from the Presbytery, consisting of Rev. D. ©. Lyons, Rey, Dr. Reildaffer and Rev. Dr. Thayer, visited this place and in due form effected an organization, henceforth to be known as The Presbyterian Church of Howard Lake. Rev. David Murdock, a young preacher from Ohio, on a rather protracted visit to this locality, supplied the pulpit of this new organization up to late in the fall of the same year. Some of the charter members were: Samuel Robinson and wife, Matthew McClay and wife, William Montgomery and wife, Archibald Gilmore and wife and James Fleming and wife.

The congregation continued to worship in the village schoolhouse for a time and was served by such supplies as were sent out by the Presbytery. This arrangement lasted until Rev. J. W. Dickey took charge as pastor. Soon after this, plans for the erection of a church building began to be agitated, the building to be erected at the corner of St. Paul and William streets. The work went prosperously on to a final completion and the house was dedicated te the worship of God on December 28, 1879, Rev. David R. Breed, of St. Paul, preaching the dedicatory sermon. In addition to those already mentioned other early members were E. J. Cutts, J. C. Leng, Thomas Montgomery, Robert Workman, Sr., and John Montgomery. The various pastors that have served this church are: Rev. J. W. Dickey, Rev. MeLeod, Rev. T. Ross Paden, Rev. B. Wall, Rev. Montman, Rev. J. S. MeCornack, Rev. E, W. Akers, Rev. G. A. Holsinger, Rev. Amos, Rev. A. A. Palmer and Rev. M. R. Myers, the present incumbent,

The Presbyterian Church of Sylvan. This church is an outpost of the Howard Lake congregation and its pulpit is supplied by the pastor of the latter church. The house in which worship is now conducted was erected many years ago by the Friends' Society. Having fallen into disuse by that society, it was purchased by the Presbyterians some twenty-three years ago, and ever since has been known as The Sylvan Presbyterian Church. As representatives of the organization at the present time may be mentioned: Isaac Smith and wife, John Smith and wife, Robert Smith and wife, S. D. MeVeety and wife, and last, but not least, the much respected and venerable Mrs. E. M. Me- Veety, more familiarly known as Grandma MeVeety. The church is located about a mile north of the north branch of the Crow river.

The Presbyterian Church of Winsted. Though located in McLeod county, this church is an outpost of the Howard Lake church and its pulpit is supplied by the pastor of the latter place.

The First Presbyterian Church of Franklin was organized April 4, 1869. Previous to this date Rev. J. H. Hunter had held services at the home of David White. For a time the people worshipped in a shanty which had been erected for the use of the men working on the railroad. The first regular pastor was Rev. John Buck, Among the first members were David White, Rebeeea White, F. B. Nichols, Joseph Van Eman, Mary Van Eman, Mrs, - - - - - - Carpenter, John Hunter, Anna M. and Emma C. Lyle and others. David White and Joseph Van Eman were appointed ruling elders. October 4, 1869, Rev. Charles Thayer was called to the pastorate. For a time meetings were held in Lucas Hall. A church was soon erected, and on November 4, 1871, the dedication services were held. This church is no longer in existance. The building is still standing, but has been sold.

The Presbyterian Church of Rockford was organized August 22, 1863, with 23 charter members, all of whom are now dead. The services were at first held in the schoolhouse. On July 2, 1864, a congregational meeting was held, the presiding officer of which was Rev. Stephen R. Riggs, the famous home missionary of Minnesota and Dakota in pioneer days. At this meeting a call was made out to James H. Hunter, then a licentiate, who had done some preaching in this church. He was to devote half of his time to this field, and for this he was to receive the salary of $200 a year.

The first meeting of Presbytery held in this eounty was held in this chureh October 19-20, the same year. At this meeting James H. Hunter was ordained to the ministry and installed pastor of this church.

Rev. Hunter was born in England and when the house of worship was erected it was made an exact counterpart to the church in England, from which the pastor had come. This building still stands, is in good condition, and is admired by many for its unusual architecture,

The following have been pastors of the church: James H. Hunter, Charles Thayer, A. H. Benson, James Mclean, H. C. Cheadle, C. M. Allen, T. Ross Paden, H. A. Noyes, J. 8, Pinney, F. W. Thompson, A. W. Smith and J. H. Sellie.

In its earlier years this church was connected with Maple Plain and Delano. Since 1880 it has shared minister with Buffalo with the exception of the years 1898-1908, when for the most of the time it had its own pastor. At times there have been no ministers and no services. Such were the conditions for a time prior to 1908. In the spring of that year the aged but earnest **Father'' Thayer came out from Minneapolis and preached here and in some of the schoolhouses near by. In the fall of that year the church, through Dr. Thayer's influence, became united with the church of Buffalo again, having services every other Sunday, One of the last things about which Dr. Thayer asked before his death in 1909 was the condition of this church. It was so near his heart. He had been its second pastor, preaching here for several years, and when his family lived in the city, and there being no railroad, he often walked on foot from Minneapolis to Rockford. At the earnest request of Rev. Thayer, J. H. Sellie, the present pastor, began the work in the fall of 1908.

The church was strong and flourishing for many years, though never numerically large. Death, removals and the organization of other churches have reduced the membership to less than thirty at present. The leaders in the church at present are mostly young people, who, though few in numbers, are loyal and enthusiastic in the support of their chureh and pastor. An active agency in the support of the church is the Ladies' Circle, composed of active, wide-awake women of the congregation. One of their best, but not least, praiseworthy deeds was to improve the appearance of the church building.

Among the people who have been active in this church such names appear as: Edgar, Cathcart, Thompson, Warren, Dixon, Clark, Darrow, Florida, Johnson, ete.

The Union Presbyterian Church of Waverly was started with services held in the fall of 1893. The church was organized in December, 1894, with about fifty members, The church was dedicated in November, 1895. Among the leading members may be mentioned John W. Cruzen, L. V. Kyte and Austin B. Morse. The pastors have been the Rev. Messrs. John C, Faries, M. R. Paradis and Joseph H. Slaney.

Baptist

Baptist Church of Rockford. The Baptists were well represented among the early settlers in Rockford and vicinity. In July, 1856, Deacon Oliver Woodard, the father of the wives of the Messrs. Ames, Florida, George and Sleight, came to Rockford. During that winter, Rev, Emory Gale, of Minneapolis, a Baptist clergyman, held several meetings. In February, 1857, the town proprietors deeded two lots to the Baptist association for church purposes, and plans were made to perfect a church organization. But Deacon Woodard died in March of that year, the plans for building fell through, and the Baptists took up membership in other churches. Mr. Woodard gave in his will a part of his property to the Baptist Home Missionary Society and to a Baptist Theological school.

The Baptist Church of Monticello was organized in the spring of 1856. Rev. - - - - - Weeks was the first pastor. For several years the congregation worshipped in the Congregational church. In 1875 a church, 30 by 50 feet, was erected.

The Baptist Church of Howard Lake was inaugurated as early as 1859, when religious services were held at the home of Morgan V. Cochran by Rev. William Baisley.

The Society of Friends, commonly known as the Quakers, was organized at Howard Lake in 1870, Previous to that time services had been held in private houses. Later meetings were held in the old schoolhouse. In 1871 a church was erected. Early services were conducted by Daniel McPherson.

Many of the early settlers of Middleville were Quakers, or Friends, as they are sometimes called, In 1877 a meeting honse was built on the southeast corner of section 11. In 1879 another meeting house was erected on the north side of the river in the southeast quarter of section 5, A burial ground was also laid out,

Reformed Church

The Reformed Church of Silver Creek. belongs to the denomination called the Reformed Church in America, which was planted in New York city in 1624, and is, therefore, one of the very oldest Protestant denominations in the country to be represented in this county. The Silver Creek church had its beginning with services held in the present school building, and in the homes of T. Schermer, Sr., and J. VanderGon, The church was organized in this school building, December 17, 1894. Among the families present as charter members may be mentioned the Schermers, VanderGons, Braats and VandenHocks. At this organization there were sixteen baptisms, fourteen infants and two adults, Anna Schermer and Jennie VanderGon. T. Schermer, Sr., and H. VandenHoek were chosen as elders, and J. J. Braats as deacon. The church is located four miles north of Maple Lake. The parsonage was built about fifteen years ago. The pastors have been the Rev. Messrs. TePaske, W. A. Gruys, J. J. Dragt, and the present incumbent, B. W. Lammers.

Emmanuel

The Emmanuel Church is located in section 9, South Side township. The first services were held in 1887 at the residence of Henry Kringsberg. The congregation was organized in 1896, and the church erected in 1901. The first pastor was the Rey. 0. K. Vangsness, who served six years. Then came Rev. S. M. Stersby, who served for three years. The present pastor, Rev. A. L. Wick, has served ten years. The first birth recorded in the church was that of Mathilde Danielson, March 16, 1889. The first marriage was that of Martin Olsin and Marie Hanson, December 31, 1892. Among the leading members of the church may be mentioned: John Valberg, Henry Kringsberg, John Gerard, Martin Opsal, Hendrik Anderson, John Forsberg, Ole Larson, Ingerborg Moesketagen.

Latter-Day Saints. Moritzious, a part of Monticello, was for several years the Minnesota headquarters of the Mormons. The missionaries, sometimes to the number of a score, met here to compare notes and plan their religious work, and it was here that the converts gathered preparatory to making their trip to Utah.