Lafayette County, Missouri - Chapter 8: Church History of the County, 1910 (part 2 of 2)

Mt. Tabor Methodist Episcopal Church

Mt. Tabor Methodist church, seven miles southwest of Odessa, was organized in 1866. The original members included these: Polly Ann Dorithitt, Daniel Adkinson, Anna Adkinson, Corinthia Browning, Sarah Tracy, Robert Russell, Rebecca J. Russell, Samuel Beard, Elizabeth Beard, Frank Jordan, S. L. Yancey, Catherine Yancey, Mary Wolfenberger, William Wilcoxen, Archibald Ray, Jeanette Ray. The present membership is seventytwo. The first church was erected in 1868 and still stands. The pastors have been : Revs. J. P. Barneby, Rev. Winshell, Henry Watts, William Pitts, W. T. Eastwood, M. Duran, Preston Philips, J. B. Wooldridge, John H. Denny, T. P. Cobb, G. R. Wright, N. M. Dowdy, J. R. Hedges, f. D. Payne, W. F. Wagoner, H. M. Johnson and J. C. Saylor.

Higginsville Methodist Episcopal Church

The Methodist church at Higginsville was organized in 1872 by the Rev. W. S. Woodard, with the following charter members: D. S. Swacker, wife and daughter, Mr. McCorcle and wife, James Schooling and a few others. The first church was erected in 1880 under the pastorate of W. B. McFarland.

It was a frame structure and cost about two thousand dollars. In 1901 a second church was provided, a substantial brick building, erected under the pastorate of Rev. J. E. McDonald. This is a modern church and cost about eight thousand dollars. The present membership is two hundred and twentynine. The pastors at Higginsville have been : Revs. W. S. Woodard, J. C. Shackleford, T. P. Cobb, W. B. McFarland, L. R. Downing, J. McCurry, Thomas M. Cobb, T. J. Pritchett, J. E. McDonald. A: L. Marshall, R. E. Pyle and L. P. Norfleet.

Methodist Episcopal Church South, Wellington

The Methodist Episcopal church South at Wellington was organized in 1850 with the following charter members: Mosby Arnold, then a local preacher, Melissa Arnold, Affiah Arnold, Nancy Cundiff. Thos. Bryant, Sarah Bryant, Cornelia Ann Cores, Elizabeth Crews, J. A. Mahan, Cynthia M. Mahan, Susan Duck, Farris Ferrell, Elisa Ferrell, G. W. Ferrell, Mary Lewis and Barbara Carr.

A small frame building was used as a church, a short distance west of the town, was later on moved nearer the town, remodeled and repaired and continuously used until the present brick church was built, at a cost of about two thousand five hundred dollars, in the year 1853, and which was dedicated by Bishop Early in 1854. The lot upon which this church was built was donated by William Corse, a merchant in the town, and deeded by him to the following named trustees : Ferris Ferrell, Mosby Arnold, J. W. Mathews, George W. Ferrell, J. A. Mahan, in November, 1854. The deed was recorded in March, 1855. This old church has been greatly improved, repaired and reseated in the last few years. The present membership is seventy-four. A good Sunday school has been maintained throughout all these years. For the last thirty years J. A.Lockhart has been superintendent of the Sunday school and is at this time. There is an average attendance of about fifty scholars, with eight efficient teachers. H. B. Corse has served as secretary for thirty years and is still acting in this capacity.

M'Kendree Methodist Church

Three miles east of Chapel Hill in Sniabar township is McKendree church. It was organized in the log cabin home of James M. Cobb in 1840. The original members were Morris Cobb, Rebecca Cobb, James M. Cobb, Polly Cobb, Isam Reese, Malinda Reese, Elizabeth Reese, Nancy Reese, Sarah Sparks, Mrs. Cox, Mrs. Satterfield and a few others. The present membership is about one hundred and fifty.

Worship was held in the home of J. M. Cobb for a number of years, then at the home of Moris Cobb, who had built a large story -and-a-half log house. Later they moved to a large log school house built in the neighborhood. In 1858 the first church was built at a cost of one thousand two hundred dollars. It was dedicated by Rev. W. M. Prottsman. In 1887 the first church was taken down and a larger and better building erected at a cost of about two thousand five hundred dollars. It was dedicated by Rev. Thomas M. Cobb.

The following preachers were brought up in this church : J. N. Cobb, T. M. Cobb, W. B. Cobb and T. P. Cobb (all sons of James M. Cobb, in whose cabin the church was organized), and W. F. Wagoner.

These are some of the pastors who have served this church : William Hulse, Dodds, Chase, Thomas Wallace, D. A. Lueper, R. A. Foster, Fletcher Wells, J. P. Barnaby, Samuel Colburn, W. M. Pitts, W. J. Brown, James B. Wooldrige, L. W. Pearce, J. D. Wood, M. Duren, J. F. Webster, W. M. Pugh, T. P. Cobb, T. D. Payne, W. T. Eastwood, N. M. Dowdy, W. F. Wagoner, J. R. Hedges.

Neal's chapel was organized 1870. Among the charter members were Lewis Neal and family, William Barley and wife, Jacob Zantameyer and wife and a few others. The same year a church was built about one mile north of Corder. It cost four thousand dollars. When the Chicago & Alton railroad was built, the church was moved to Corder, improved and enlarged. The present membership is about one hundred and twenty-five.

Bates City Methodist Church

The Bates City church was organized by Rev. T. P. Cobb in 1881, with twenty-three members. They now have about sixty. A church costing about one thousand two hundred dollars was built the same year the society was organized.

Wallace Chapel Methodist Church

Wallace Chapel is located nine miles southwest of Higginsville. It was organized by Rev. C. T. Wallace in 1886. The following year a substantial frame church was built, at a cost of about one thousand five hundred dollars.

Daniel Adkisson and family, Philip Adkisson and wife and daughter, Thos. West and wife, Samuel Williams and wife, Mr. Neff and wife, were among the charter members. The present membership is about one hundred.

Three Groves Church

This church was organized in 1871 by Rev. W. W. Spates. It was located about five miles southwest of Waverly. Among the charter members were Mr. Boyd and wife, Mrs. Hoard, Geo. Northcut, Mrs. Larkin and others. A church house was built in 1881, at a cost of about one thousand five hundred dollars. This building was afterwards moved about four miles north to a point on the main road from Dover to Waverly and the name changed to Providence church. The membership at this time is about forty.

Bethel Church

Bethel church, located about four miles south of Corder, was organized in 1871. Charter members: Doctor Bull and wife, Jackson Corder and wife, W. R. Finch and wife, D. J. Waters and wife, and a few others. The church house was built in 1878 and was dedicated by Rev. W. M. Pugh. It cost about one thousand dollars. The present membership is about thirty.

Marnin Chapel, Methodist

Marnin chapel is located four miles south and east of Mayview. It was organized about 1872. Larkin Norfleet and family, Butler Moore and son, L. F. Weaver and wife, Mr. Douphet and wife, Mr. James and family and Mr. Smith and wife were among the first members. The present membership is about forty. The church house was built in 1878 or 1879 and cost two thousand dollars. W. M. Pitts, L. W. Pearce, J. Y. Buchey, Thos. Horn, J. D. Wood, C. T. Wallace, W. F. Wagoner, T. D. Payne, L. S. Nightwine and J. R. Scotts and others have served as pastors.

The Christian Church

The Christian church at Lexington was first organized in Lafayette county, though the church at Dover, which was originally a "New Light" church, was organized at a much earlier date.

The church at Lexington was organized on April 17, 1836, by Elder Levi Van Camp, Phoebe Van Camp, Elizabeth Moseby, John S. Porter, Elmira Porter, Samuel R. Benton, Ann Benton, Rebecca Thorp, George W. Marquis. Levina Marquis, Wyatt K. Stone. Eliza J. Stone. Cinderella Bounds, Robert Littlejohn and James Marquis.

The first church building was erected in 1840 at a cost of four thousand dollars, and afterwards was sold to the colored Baptists in 1873. The present church building on South street was erected in 1870, its original cost being fifteen thousand dollars. In recent years it has been remodeled, making a property easily worth twenty thousand dollars.

Some of the preachers who have served the congregation are as follows : Duke Young, F. R. Palmer, John Callerman, Thomas N. Gaines, S. S. Church, Allen Wright, Samuel Swinford, Noah Miller, George W. Elby, Thomas P. Haley, H. H. Haley, John R. Frame, William C. Dawson,

Dennis Grandfield, George G. Taylor, F. W. Allen, C. B. Edgar, George Plattenberg, J. H. Hughes, C. S. Lucas, Calvin S. Blackwell. Those of more recent date are George Terrill, G. N. Goode, E. J. Fenstermacher and R. B. Briney, the present incumbent, who has been serving the congregation for the past eight years.

The Dover Christian church, as already indicated, was organized even earlier than the one at Lexington. While at the beginning they agreed to take and wear only the name of Christian, and to eschew human creeds as bonds of union, advocating the all-suffering and supreme authority of the word of God, they still held and practiced many things considered as unauthorized by the church. But having agreed to take the Bible and the Bible alone as their rule of faith and practice, it was not long till they were led out of their unscriptural practice and became fully identified with the church of the Reformation.

Among the early preachers we find Thomas McBride, John and Samuel Rogers, of Kentucky, and F. R. Palmer, then Thomas Gaines, Allen Wright, Joel Haden, and nearly all the preachers in that part of the state. Dover was for years the home of the conspicuously able George Plattenburg. In 1853 J. N. McGarrey, now of Lexington, Kentucky, was called to preach for them and did so most acceptably until 1862, when he removed to Lexington, Kentucky. The August meeting is famous all over the state, this church for perhaps seventy-five years or more having had each year their annual revival in the month of August. While perhaps not as flourishing a church now as in former years, still the church is doing a good work and is faithfully ministered to.

The Higginsville Church

The church at Higginsville was formerly the old Republican church. Among its first members were John Warren and family, Andrew Warren and family, William Ridge and family. They built a house of worship in the country not far from where Higginsville now stands, and from the date of the organization kept the ordinances and maintained a regular preacher. Their early preachers were Luke Young, T. N. Ganer, Allen Wright, Hiram Bledsoe, T. W. Hancock, J. W. McGarvy, H. S. Earle, H. H. Haley, William H. Robinson, George Plattenburg and others. The church is now at Higginsville and is in a very prosperous condition, having about three hundred members. The preachers of more recent years are J. H. Coil, J. N. Crutcher, and H. W. Hunter, who has just taken up the work and whose ministry promises great things.

The Mayview Church

The church at Mayview was formerly known as Union church. It was organized in 1852. The first members were Wyatt Stone, Eliza J. Stone, M. E. Stone, A. T. Small, Homer Proctor, Mary Proctor and Easter (a colored woman). Soon after the organization, they built a neat brick church three miles south of the present town of Mayview. This house was destroyed by fire during the Civil war - in 1864, and in 1872 the present frame structure was erected in Mayview, the new building being dedicated on the 4th of May, 1872. This church is doing good work under the able leadership of Rev. Arthur Downs.

The Odessa Church

The church at Odessa was organized soon after the Mayview church. There is but little data upon which to base a history, but the church is in good condition and is growing. W. B. Snyder is the present minister.

There are other organizations of the Christian church in Lafayette county, such as are at Waverly, Bates City and other points, but nothing can be learned as to their history. In fact, this article is almost bodily taken from a book by Bro. T. P. Haley, entitled "The Dawn of the Reformation," which fortunately came into my possession. I have simply tried to supply the subsequent information.

[Many requests were made for the desired information concerning these churches, but the parties appealed to failed to render the necessary assistance. - Editor.]

Baptist Church

There are at present sixteen Baptist churches in Lafayette county, with a membership of about two thousand. They own church property valued at about sixty thousand dollars.

The first Baptist church organized in Lafayette county (then called Lillard) was in the spring of 1819. This church is no longer in existence.

The second Baptist church, organized in 1825, was called Little Sni-abar, and was located about three miles southwest of Lexington. These, were primitive churches and the members worshiped in log houses. In 1838 the Little Sni-a-bar church removed to Lexington and changed its name to the

First Baptist church of Lexington. The Blue River Association was organized at Little Sni-a-bar, October n, 1834, while they were still worshiping in their log house. At that time Blue River Association covered the territory of the following counties : Lafayette, Johnson, Cass, Jackson and parts of Bates and Henry. At the present time the churches of Lafayette and Johnson counties are what is now known as the Lafayette and Johnson Baptist Association. The entire association has a membership of four thousand four hundred and ninety-two and own property to the value of one hundred and thirty-six thousand four hundred and fifty dollars. There are forty-two churches, which gave last year for all purposes twenty-five thousand five hundred and ten dollars. Only four churches failed to contribute to missions last year.. Rev. Lee Harrel, of Higginsville, moderator, W. W. Goody, of Odessa, clerk, and Otto Nolte, of Mayview, treasurer, are the officers of the association.

Lexington Church

The First Baptist church of Lexington is the oldest existing church in Lafayette county. It has a great history. Few churches have enjoyed the labors of so many able ministers of the gospel. Rev. John D. Worder, the first pastor, was a typical pioneer preacher. He lived to be eighty-one years of age and was a Baptist preacher more than fifty years. Rev. William C. Ligon, whose pastorate begun in 1843, lived to the ripe old age of eightyone. These were indeed pioneer preachers. Rev. Dr. A. P. Williams, of whom it may be said that he could reproduce the New Testament from memory, in 1841 baptized one hundred and seven persons into fellowship of this church. He was a great preacher in many respects. He learned to read after he was married, his wife becoming his teacher. Before his death, he became one of the best Greek scholars in the state. He organized more Baptist churches than any minister who has ever lived in Missouri.

Dr. E. S. Dulin, the first president of William Jewell College, was pastor of this church at three different times. Rev. L. C. Harris, the accomplished scholar and orator, after a ten months' pastorate, died in Lexington of typhoid fever, in 1854.

Dr. Joseph D. Worder was pastor of the church nine years, 1856 to 1865. Rev. Dr. Lonsiny Burrows, who has been the accomplished secretary of the Southern Baptist convention for more than a quarter of a century, succeeded Doctor Worder. Following Doctor Burrows came Dr. Duncan H. Culph, who was also president of Lexington Baptist College. He was succeeded by Rev. Dr. Henry Talbird, who was president of Howard College, Alabama, and who was a colonel in the Confederate army. Then came Rev. W. A. Crouch, the greatest of them all, according to the view of the writer. Doctor Crouch is at present living in Liberty, Missouri. Succeeding Doctor Crouch came the polished Dr. Charles Manly, who was so many years president of Furman University, South Carolina. After him came Rev. W. I. Cole, who is at present pastor in Topeka, Kansas. During those years there may have been others who served the church whose names we do not now recall. The present pastor, Rev. R. T. Mansfield, was born in Roanoke, Randolph county, Missouri. He graduated from the regular course in William Jewell College in 1896 and took post-graduate work in 1897. He entered his present pastorate in 1906. The late M. F. Royal served as deacon for forty-seven years and as Sunday school superintendent for about a quarter of a century in this church. William H. Chiles has been the superintendent for the last twenty years. The present house of worship was first occupied in 1857 and cost twenty-eight thousand dollars.

Mayview Church

The May view Baptist church was organized in 1842. The present membership is two hundred and eleven, and the church owns property valued at three thousand two hundred dollars. The pastor serves full time at this place, the present pastor being Rev. J. L. Downing, of Odessa. He was for some years a missionary to Brazil and returned on account of his wife's health. He commenced preaching then at Odessa where he did valiant work, but his health failed and he studied medicine and practiced for a time until he regained health.

Concord Church

This church, which was organized in 1844, is located in the southwest portion of Lafayette county. At first they worshiped in a log house. The next building was a frame structure, costing one thousand dollars; the third house, and present one. is a neat frame building costing about one thousand one hundred dollars. Owing to the organization of numerous other churches in the near-by villages the present membership is small, about fifty-five. The following have served as pastors here: Revs. George Minton, 1854; Samuel Shepherd, 1866; J. B. Jackson, 1870; G. W. Smith, 1874; I. N. Newman. 1875 ; J. B. Jackson, 1878; T. W. Leonard, 1881 ; J. T. Cowan, 1881 ; A. H.

Boroughs, 1885; A. M. Cockerill, 1886; T. J. Philips, 1890; J. P. Powell, 1893; W. Ii. Scott, 1896; Harry Hoder, 1899; J. M. Tate, 1900; Lee Wood, 1904; W. B. Hooser, 1905; A. M. Cockerill, present pastor of the faithful old church, is the oldest Baptist preacher in active service in Lafayette county and in the association. He resides at Warrenburg and is much beloved.

Concordia Church

The Concordia church is a German organization, situated in the beautiful little town of its name. It was formed July 13, 1851. Their first church house was built in 1864, two and a half miles southeast of Concordia. The present building, in town, was built in 1889. They also have a good parsonage, and the church property is valued at seven thousand five hundred dollars. The charter members were Fred Stotesburg, J. Flonenmeyer, I. W. Schroeder, Mr. Heeswould and a few more. Their first pastor was Rev. Carl Kresse, followed by Revs. Werner, Anton Hinsler, C. Shomaker, E. Groalman, J. Silvers, G. Drewell, J. Silvers. Thomas Stori and Rev. G. R. Mayhock. The membership is now ninety-seven. This has always been one of the most liberal churches of this association.

Greenton Church

Greenton Baptist church was organized by Rev. Charles Whiting, a missionary, September 13, 1866, in a church building owned by the Methodist and Presbyterians. There were thirty constituent members. Rev. Whiting served until 1867, and was followed by Rev. John Kingdow, then came Rev. G. W. Smith. The present building, costing three thousand dollars, was erected in 1869. In 1877 Rev. W. L. Robinson was made pastor and in 1879 came Rev. Leonard. In 1880, Rev. S. B. Whiting was ordained pastor, serving five years. April 19. 1885, Rev. Burroughs was installed pastor and in 1886 came T. S. Dulin. He was succeeded by Rev. F. Memfee and May 5, 1890, came Rev. Lee Harrel. The next pastor was Rev. T. J. Philips, who served until 1893, when Rev. Ed Prather was chosen pastor in December, 1894, serving until 1897, when came Rev. T. J. Osborn, he being followed by Rev. C. F. Whitlock and again Rev. Osborn was returned. August 12, 1899, Rev. T. L. Powell was elected pastor. In 1900 came Joseph Powell, who was followed soon by Rev. Don Mason. In 1905 Rev. George McGrew was made pastor, serving until March, 1907, when he died. April 14, 1907, Rev. Frank Powell was chosen pastor; March, 1910, Rev. Thomas Miles was elected pastor.

I9O Lafayette County, Missouri First Baptist Church, Higginsville

This is another German Baptist church. It was organized in 1868 and now has a membership of one hundred and twenty-seven. They own church property valued at six thousand five hundred dollars and have a good parsonage. Rev. C. F. Tieman is the pastor, who is a true Christlike man, esteemed by all. There are many choice spirits in this church. Few churches in Missouri have given as freely as the First Baptist church of Higginsville. Some day there will be a wedding between this German church and the Second Baptist church.

Waverly Baptist Church Aullville Baptist Church

This church is located in the village of Aullville and was organized in 1 87 1 with ten charter members: Susan Osborn, Eliza Osborn, Sarah A. Groom, Frank Gladdish, Bevil Whitworth, Sarah Morgan, Nancy Osborn, Lucinda Perdue, J. W. Endly and Mrs. Francis Endly.

The present building was erected in 1872, at a cost of one thousand five hundred dollars. The pastors, serving in the order given, have been as follows : Revs. E. Roth, B. F. Taylor, Eldridge, Osborn, Thomas, Russell, Price, Wells, Harvey, Setyer, Hunter. The church has a membership of seventy-one. In looking over the church records we observe that many of the eminent and truly good and strong men have come from out the circles of the smaller churches, including this organization. This church is a power for good in the village and has helped mightily in driving the saloons from the place.

Long Branch Baptist Church

This church was organized in 1873 and is located ten miles southeast of Odessa and ten miles south of Mayview. The following charter members formed the church: Jennie Collins, Nancy Mathews, Henry Watlock, Neal Buchanan, George R. Neal, Mildred Neal, Nancy Wooton, Sarah Wooton, Elizabeth Evans, William Tindell, Tabitha Tindell and Marion Smith. The church property is valued at one thousand two hundred dollars. The present membership is seventy. The following pastors have served : Revs. C. W. Smith, F. W. West, Charles White, J. S. Price, Thomas Neville, J. W. Dorman, J. R. Robinson, J. S. Denton, William Portwood, W. H. Scott, J. S. Denton, R. P. Harris, J. B. Dotson, Rev. Palmer, W. F. Wisdom, J. S. Price, Earl Binney, A. M. Cockerill, J. W. Cunningham.

Second Baptist Church, Higginsville

This church was organized in Higginsville, January 4, 1880, with eleven members as follows : W. W. Preston, Mary C. Nutter, Annie Reece, Lelia Mason, John W. Endly, A. J. Horn, Rebecca Horn, Benj. McElroy, A. E. Asbury and his wife Ellen Asbury. The council invited to assist in organization, Rev. L. Ellege, of Aullville church ; Rev. E. F. Griefe, of the German Baptist church, and Deacon August Erdmon, of Three Groves church. It was organized in the Presbyterian church, which at that time was situated on Main street. The organization took the name of the Second Baptist church of Higginsville, because the German Baptist church already existed there. B. F. McElroy was elected church clerk and held the office fifteen years. Rev. S. B. Whiting was elected pastor. At the meeting January 17th new members were admitted as follows : Albert Foulds, Cecilia Neill, Harry Garnett, Mrs. Cassia Johnson and P. B. Hudson. The Presbyterian church kindly offered their church building to be used by this newly formed church, the first Sunday of each month for the time up to 1882, when we dedicated our own house of worship, which was a good frame building, located on the same spot where our beautiful modern house stands. The old church was dedicated February, 1882.

Rev. S. B. Whiting continued as pastor until 1885. During his pastorate many of the best members the church ever had were gathered into the church. Rev. Whiting was a sweet-spirited man. His motto was "Speaking the truth in love." He preached the truth as he felt it in his own soul. In our own beautiful church is a memorial window bearing the name of Rev.

S. B. Whiting. March 7, 1885, Rev. W. R. Painter was elected pastor, who is beloved by his brethren throughout the state. He served as chaplain at the penitentiary at Jefferson City till recently, when he was compelled to give the work up on account of his failing health. Rev. J. S. Connor became pastor in November, 1888. He was educated at William Jewell College. During his pastorate the parsonage was built at a cost of one thousand eight hundred dollars. At this time L. A. McMuckin, I. H. Campbell and A. E. Asbury were trustees. In April, 1902, B. L. Mitchell was elected pastor. Rev. C. A. Buchanan became pastor in 1894, continuing ten years. He was anothernoble spirit. The writer knew him well and loved him tenderly. He was a true interpreter of God's word and a genuine, loyal-hearted preacher of the pure gospel. His work was the joy of his life. His pulpit was his home and his throne. He died at Palmyra, Missouri, while serving as pastor of the Baptist church there.

Rev. O. S. Russell became pastor in October, 1896, and served one year, and was succeeded by Rev. T. M. S. Kenny in 1897, serving two years. He died in 1909, in Colorado. Following him came Rev. E. S. Paddock in September. 1899, and in December, 1901, came pastor J. D. Mathews, who remained but one week. Rev. A. S. Guinn became pastor in January, 1902, remaining until May, 1905. Rev. T. R. Carr became pastor in July, 1905, serving to December 9, 1906. Rev. W. B. Watts became pastor and continued till August. 1908. During his pastorate our new church building was erected at a cost of about thirteen thousand dollars. Rev. Watts is a man of untiring energy, converted late in life and had but few early advantages when he entered the ministry. When he left the church it still owed a debt of three thousand dollars, under which we are still struggling. Rev. Lee Harrel became pastor December 20, 1908, and is still the pastor. During these two years the Lord has been good to him and his people. The church is making progress in the payment of the church debt and hope to dedicate it in the near future.

The present officers of the church are : Rev. Lee Harrel, pastor ; H. C. Snyder, treasurer; Walter W. McElrov. clerk; Albert Foulds, S. A. Schooling and A. E. Asbury, trustees; Walter McElroy, A. E. Asbury, Walter Chiles, Charles Wright, Frank Heimbrook, S. A. Schooling, D. A. Staley and H. C. Snyder, deacons.

It was the original design in building to have the church cost ten thousand dollars. Of this amount, Capt. A. E. Asbury agreed and did give onefourth and also placed a beautiful memorial window in the church in memory of his daughter. Another fine window was contributed by Mrs. Elizabeth Hartman. We now have the most beautiful house of worship of any Baptist church in Lafayette county. It is the prayer of the pastor that we may be enabled to give it to the Lord and Master free of debt during his pastorate. The last three thousand dollars is hard to raise. ^

The present pastor was born in Todd county, Kentucky, April 13, i860. He came with his father to Clay county, Missouri, when he was about fifteen years of age. He graduated from William Jewell College with the class of 1892. He served as pastor at Plattsburg from 1891 to 1893. He was pastor at Piatt City from 1893 to 1908. He served the First Baptist church at Neosha during the year 1908. While pastor at Piatt City he was elected moderator of North Liberty Association. The Lafayette-Johnson Association elected him moderator the first year he came among them. May the Lord of all grace teach him how to do the work of his Master.

Corder Baptist Church

This church was organized October, 1871. The constituent members were : Thomas W. Snyder. Mrs. M. J. Snyder. Mrs. M. M. Clark, Edward B. Starke, Mrs. Hallie A. Starke, R. W. Chamberlain, Rev. E. Roth and wife. In November, 1871, Rev. E. Roth was elected pastor and E. B. Clark, clerk. Ten years later the church moved to Corder and H. C. Snyder became church clerk. About that time the present church building was erected. Rev. Roth served fifteen years as pastor, from 1871 to 1886. Rev. Leonard followed in 1887, served one year, and Rev. A. M. Cockerill was called in 1888, serving until 1890. In 1 89 1 Rev. F. L. Streeter was made pastor, serving two years. Then followed Rev. J, T. Philips, serving from 1893 to 1896. Rev. J. T. Jetmore served during 1897 and Rev. F. G. Campbell in 1898. Rev. Philips in 1899 an<^ 1900. Rev. C. F. Whitlock was elected pastor in July, 1901, serving one year. In 1902 Rev. W. S. Peace became pastor, serving until his death, in 1904. The same year the clerk and Sunday school superintendent died. In 1905 Rev. L. J. Harris became pastor, serving four years. He was succeeded in 1908 by Rev. T. A. Bowman, the present pastor. This church owns property valued at two thousand eight hundred dollars. The membership is one hundred and seventeen.

Three Groves Baptist Church

This is another good German church, situated four miles northwest of Odessa. It was first organized in 1879, as an English-speaking Baptist church, but in 1885 the community having been settled up with Germans, it was changed to a German Baptist church. The pastors have been : Revs. Alex. Barton, J. W. Tate, W. Griefe, W. Mueller, M. Hoefflin, Rudolph Klitzinz, Charles Bruckman and Prof. Hoffman. The house of worship is a frame structure, costing one thousand dollars. The present membership is forty-one. Like the other German churches of our society in Lafayette county, they stand at the head in contributions to the Lord's work.

Odessa Baptist Church

The Baptist church at Odessa was organized August 25, 1874, by pastors and deacons from Greenton, Lexington, Mound Prairie, Concord, Enan and Long Branch, with the following members :

Since its organization this church has had enrolled as members about twelve hundred persons. At present the membership is three hundred and twenty. The church owns property valued at seven thousand five hundred dollars. This is one of the very best churches in any small town in Missouri. They are liberal in contributions.

A few of the pastors of this church deserve more than mere mention. Alex. Barton, who died while yet a young man, was a remarkable Christian character. He was a great preacher. The writer of these notes was with him in his last hours. He and Rev. Fisher were conducting a protracted meeting at Kearney, Missouri. I well remember his last sermon. After he was taken ill Rev. Fisher continued the meetings and this sick man sent over town for men to come and see him and then I listened to him preach to them from his dying bed, saying "Come near me and see how sweet it is to die a Christian." I will never forget that night. He told Fisher to go back and preach as he never had before, adding, "I will be at home with God before your services close." I carried a note to the church before the meeting closed that night telling of his departure.

Another powerful preacher from this church was Rev. J. D. Boggs. When pastor of this church, he was a great sufferer and the church really immortalized itself by its treatment of Doctor Biggs, for they cared for him royally.

Bates City Baptist Church

This church was organized in 1871. They own property valued at nine hundred dollars, and have a membership of thirty-four. No more facts could be obtained from this church.

Chapel Hill Baptist Church

This church was organized in 1909 and now enjoys a membership of twenty-nine. They worship in an old house built by a Union society long years ago. Dr. J. L. Downing organized this church. It is well located and bids fair to grow and prosper.

Lafayette Baptist Church

This church was formed in 1908 in the old church two and a half miles southeast of Concordia. The church at Concordia claims this property, but the brethren who worship there feel that it is theirs. The matter is still in the courts. We are sorry such a thing ever happened. We have visited this little church and find a fine body of Christians. Rev. C. F. Carter is their pastor. He is a safe and sane man and the work is prospering. The membership is one hundred and six. This church property is valued at two thousand dollars.

Dover Baptist Church Colored Churches

St. John's Methodist Episcopal church (colored), of Lexington, was organized in 1865, the close of the Civil war period. The original members were Briston Ragsdale, Howard Inman, Dolly Ragsdale, L. Hagood, John Clady, Mary Inman, Neal Davis, Bartlet Martin, D. Smith, Fanny Buford and Z. Foster. In 1868 a brick edifice was erected at a cost of three thou- sand dollars. In 1881 it had a membership of seventy-five, with a Sunday school of about as many, instructed by ten teachers under superintendent Mary Turney.

At this date the membership is one hundred and one. The Sunday school has an average attendance of fifty pupils. The church property is valued at three thousand dollars, while the newly repaired parsonage is worth nine hundred dollars. Both church and parsonage are nicely located on North Twelfth street. The present pastor is Rev. E. P. Geiger, who came frona Slater, Missouri, in April, 1910.

The African Methodist Episcopal church was organized in Lexington, October 13, 1867, on College street. The names of the first members were Nelson Coleman, Bettie Langhorn, Edith Wilson, Dandridge Johnson and Daniel Jenkins. The first edifice in which they worshiped was a frame structure erected in 1867, costing two thousand dollars. In 1870 the present fine brick edifice was erected at a cost of four thousand dollars, and was dedicated by Bishop T. M. D. Ward, of District of Columbia. Among*the earlier pastors were : Revs. S. Washington, James Madison, John M. Wilkerson, J. N. Triplett, W. L. Harroad, W. A. Dove, J. C. C. Owens. The present pastor is Rev. M. Collins, formerly a presiding elder in the church. In 1880 this society numbered one hundred and thirty-seven. It is the strongest colored society in Lafayette county, and has among its membership many well-to-do men who own their homes and have landed estates and good business qualifications.

At Wellington this denomination has a membership of thirty-seven, own their own church, valued at one thousand dollars, and a parsonage, valued at eight hundred dollars.