Nodaway County, Missouri - Chapter 12: The Churches of Nodaway County, 1910

Chapter 12: The Churches of Nodaway County

The settlement of the county and the organization of the churches were almost at one and the same time. The virgin soil had scarcely been disturbed by the plow, when the pioneer began to plant the good seed of Christianity. From the earliest days of the church as conceived of and brought into the world by the advent of the Man of Galilee, it has been noticed that the church and true civilization have ever gone hand in hand - both Catholic and Protestant denominations have filled a useful mission in all new countries on the globe. In the rude huts of the pioneers was proclaimed the gospel, the same Word of Life that is taught in the costly tabernacles and cathedrals of the older settled countries. It is true, that in time's march the church has attained greater wealth and practices a wider benevolence. It has possibly gained a firmer discipline and wields a more general influence, but for all this, we find by reading the records of the pioneer days in Nodaway county that the religion as then taught was the one taught and practiced by the Christ nineteen centuries before the sound of a church-going bell was ever heard in the pretty valleys of the territory named Nodaway county.

The Methodists, representing the Protestant faith, and the Roman Cath¬ olic church were the first to bear aloft the banner of the Christian religion in Nodaway county. The first church was organized in Hughes township, in 1840, with the following members: Mr. and Mrs. James Finch, Mrs. Joel Hedgepeth and Ruth Hedgepeth. The first two ministers in charge of this Methodist church were Rev. Reuben Aldridge, in 1840. and Rev. Benjamin R. Baxter, in 1842. They were succeeded by Rev. Alexander Spencer in 1844. He who became Bishop Marvin was one of the pioneer ministers in this sec¬ tion of Missouri. Among the early ministers whose names should never be lost with the lapse of time were Revs. W. G. Caples and Shyves, of the Meth¬ odist denomination, and Rev. E. A. Carson, the first Presbyterian minister to preach within this county. He held meetings at what was known as the Saunders school house, located three miles west of present Arkoe, in White Cloud township. About the same time of the Methodists' work, came Father Powers of the Catholic church, who planted the church of his choice here.

Past And Present Methodist Episcopal Churches

Methodism was one of the pioneer religious societies in Nodaway county, as it has usually been in all new countries. Before entering into the history of these churches, the reader will have his attention called to some facts con¬ cerning the strength of this denomination in the county today (1910). The subjoined is from the 1909 conference reports and shows the points at which churches are now located, the number of members, value of property, etc. :

The first Methodist Episcopal church organized within Nodaway county (and it is also placed as the first religious organization of any church faith in the county) was the Methodist church, formed in Hughes township in 1840. The charter members have already been given. The earliest pastors were : Revs. Aldrich, Baxter and Alexander Spencer, who had charge up to 1844-45.

About the date last given, the church was divided over the slavery ques¬ tion and other political differences. Rev. Aldrich went with the Northern wing of the church, while Rev. Baxter espoused the cause of the Methodist church South, as it is still known, each branch of Methodism working under its own church government and having its separate conferences and bishops, even to this day, despite the frequent attempts at bringing about a union of the two factions. It was in 1846 when the first Methodist Episcopal church South was organized in Nodaway county, and of which a history is given at another place in this volume.

What was styled the ''Burr Oak" Methodist Episcopal church was organ¬ ized about i860, in Monroe township, and had a membership of seventy in 1882. It had a church edifice at that date valued at one thousand five hundred dollars.

The German Methodist Episcopal church was organized in 1869, by Nicholas Dilk, L. Geyes, George Hartman and Dr. Eberlin. A church edifice was dedicated in 1875 at Graham village, the cost of the structure being one thousand eight hundred dollars.

Several years prior to 1864 there had been organized a class at the house of Robert Rea in section 18, township 62, range 36, of Hughes town¬ ship, which consisted of Robert Rea, Eliza Rea, Jane M. Rea and a colored lady, Celia Vance. This class was re-organized in 1864 at Graham with the following membership; Robert Rea, Eliza A. Rea, Jane M. Rea, Mary Ben¬ der, Aaron Cole, Sr., and George W. Osea Cole. A church was erected in 1869. a frame structure costing two thousand dollars, and which was ded¬ icated in 1869 by W. H. Flowers. A parsonage was also built at a cost of five hundred dollars. Among the earlier pastors at this point may be named :

The Ohio Methodist Episcopal church, located in Nodaway township, was organized in the spring of 1861, the first year of the Civil war. Its original members were C. H. Lavis and family, Thomas Casken and family, Miss Helten Westfall, who later married Samuel Casken, and Mrs. Hopsinger. Services were held in a log school house in section 10, one mile northeast of Burlington Junction, until the completion of a frame church erected in 1876. Before the organization of this church, services were frequently held at different houses by Revs. John R. Chamberlain and Buren. The church cost two thousand five hundred dollars and was dedicated by Rev. Benjamin St. James Frey, of St. Louis, and in 1882 the membership of the society had reached one hundred and eight.

The Methodist Episcopal circuit was organized about 1870, in the neigh¬ borhood of present Hopkins. The first membership included Samuel Mc¬ Farland and wife, Speidel and family, T. M. Cole and wife, John Townsand and wife, Rev. Jesse Herbert and family, J. B. Townsand and wife, E. V. Willard and family, John Lyttle and family, Robert Hook and wife, N. H. Herbert and wife and Margaret Boatman.

At a cost of two thousand dollars, a neat church edifice was erected in 1872 and ten years later the record shows the membership to have been sixty. What is known as the S. K. Wray Memorial Methodist Episcopal church at Hopkins was dedicated in 1901 ; it is a fine, modern, frame structure.

The Methodist Episcopal church of Quitman was organized in 1871, with the following original membership: G. E. Basom, Jane Basom, W. T. Rad¬ ford, C. A. Radford, Thomas Bond and Mrs. E. O. Manning. The record shows that in 1881 this churcn possessed a good building, valued at one thou¬ sand five hundred dollars, and had a membership of thirty. At first the mem¬ bership had a hard struggle, but. with faith and plenty of courage, finally suc¬ ceeded in building up a worthy Christian community. The Ouitman charge now has a membership of one hundred and forty-four and three church edi¬ fices. the property being valued at five thousand dollars.

In 1873 there was organized a Methodist Episcopal church in Hughes township in section 34, township 37, range 62. There the first members were

Daniel Dodge, Amelia Dodge, John Ashford, John Aldridge, Fanny Aldridge, Stephen Davis, Susan Davis, Edwin Davis, Wilson McMurray, Rev. A. K. Miller and George Ingman. Church services were held in a farme school house. Ten years later the membership was only fourteen.

Sometime between 1870 and 1877 a Methodist Episcopal church was formed in Washington township, near the present village of Guilford. In 1881 it appears from the conference minutes that eighteen members wor¬ shipped at Guilford and thirty-five at Pleasant View school house. The orig¬ inal church edifice at Guilford cost eight hundred dollars.

The church of this denomination at Pickering belongs to the Pickering circuit and was detached from Hopkins circuit in 1871, when Rev. W. Cow¬ ley was pastor. A church building was provided in 1874, at an expense of two thousand dollars. There were also five other appointments on this circuit and another building at Sweet Home. At Pickering a parsonage was erected, at a cost of six hundred and fifty dollars.

The Methodist Episcopal church at Barnard was formed in 1871, the following being the charter membership:1 John R. Phipps and wife, Martin Baker and wife, Amos Baker and wife, Mr. Bartlett and wife, Mrs. David Wilson and Miss Martha Wilson. During the first year services were held at the depot by Rev. Cowden and subsequently in the school house by Rev. A. K. Miller. Under Rev. Isaac Chivington a church was erected at a cost of one thousand five hundred dollars. During the earlier years of this society there were several great revivals. The Barnard charge now has a member¬ ship of one hundred and ninety-nine, and four churches, valued at six thou¬ sand dollars.

In 1880 there was organized a Methodist Episcopal church at Skidmore, with original members as follows: Wesley Clark, Mrs. Lucy Clark, Mrs. Catherine Clark, Joseph Van Ausdall, James Parshall, Thomas Clark, Strat¬ ford Saunders and wife, Marshall Lyle, A. B. Hull, James Day, John Pickett, William Barber, W. R. Hays and wife, W. J. Berry and wife, William Kennada, Mrs. Julia Clark, Mrs. Polly Lyle, Mrs. Ruthilla Parshall, Matilda A. Pickett, Mrs. William Barber, Mrs. Martha Kennada and Miss Mary Kenneda. The Skidmore circuit now has a membership of one hundred and eighty-nine, two church buildings and property value at eleven thousand two hundred dollars.

Methodism In Maryville

The Methodist Episcopal church at Maryville is an old religious institu¬ tion, but the earliest historical items have, with the passing of the years, been neglected as a matter of record and now even tradition seems silent as to many things concerning the early church at this point and many things con¬ nected with the early class here organized by the pioneers. At the division of the church - the formation of the Church South - in 1844, Benjamin Baxter and Reuben Aldrich were pastors ; the former went with the Southern side, while the latter remained loyal to the parent church in the North. Mr. Aldrich continued to preach for two years, and was succeeded by Rev. I. M. Burns, who continued on the circuit two years. About this time, 1847, the political agitation became so great that the appointment of ministers was interrupted somewhat.

In 1855 Rev. Bowman was pastor, his circuit including Maryville, Baker's school house, Saunder's school house, Honey Creek, Ball's school house, onehalf mile from where Pickering now .stands, Samuel Wiseman's residence, and at Sturgil's Grove. Other points at which meetings were held and preach¬ ing kept up were: Seven miles northwest of Maryville, at the house of Colonel Davis; fifteen miles northwest, at the residence of Mr. Houston, near the Iowa line; at the residence of Samuel Nash, east of Pickering, and at Father Markee's, about eleven miles east of town. This circuit was traveled every four weeks. Rev. Bowman was followed by Father Clemens.

In October, 1856. Rev. J. Iv. Chamberlain was appointed to the Mary¬ ville charge and on April 15, 1857, he wrote to the Central Christian Advocate as follows :

"This morning, the middle of April, finds us in the enjoyment of good health, inhaling the strong, bracing wind from the northwest. Last night we had quite a smell of Jack frost, who has been so faithful all winter and thus far in the spring. This morning the sloughs are frozen sufficient to bear up a horse and his rider; the ice is frozen to the depth of two inches. Last October, at the session of our conference, 1 received my appointment from the Bishop, which was to take charge of the Maryville circuit, which embraces Nodaway county, but on account of a spell of sickness immediately after the conference I did not reach my appointment untl the middle of November. When I arrived I found a parsonage in the town of Maryville, which had been erected some years before under the labor of Brother Bowman. We soon collected sufficient material and had the parsonage completed, since which time I have endeavored to fulfill my appointment. I feel thankful to the good Lord for the manifestations of His presence at our meetings."

Rev. Chamberlain was succeeded by D. W. David, John Morehead and Mr. Beggs, who was appointed at the conference at Hannibal in March, 1863. At that date the Methodists had three districts and only forty-three preachers in Missouri. Here is given an extract from a letter by Rev. Beggs at that date :

"'Then Savannah, in Andrew county, was the nearest railroad station. My second year I preached in a small frame school house fronting on a street running east and west, one block north of the court house. The old parsonage stood on the same street. The soldiers of the government were using the parsonage for a stable, and we rented a house to live in the first year. The next year we re-plastered and fitted up the old parsonage, and moved into it the next day after the plasterers were done with their work. We put up with Bro. William Davis, who kept the old tavern. Brother Davis has gone to his reward in heaven. My appointments were Maryville, Pleasant View, eight miles north, Flighland Grove, Xenia, Colonel Davis', on the Nodaway river, Manley's, still west of Colonel Davis, Moreland's school house. Quitman, Hanna's, Bradyville, in Iowa, Huberts, also in Taylor county, Iowa; also one more west of Bradyville, in Iowa, and Baker's school house, about ten or fifteen miles south of Maryville."

When Rev. Beggs was on the circuit there was a Sunday school held in the court house, and William H. Davis was its superintendent. The first year Rev. Beggs received for his salary four hundred dollars and for his second year four hundred and fifty dollars.

Following Rev. Beggs came Rev. Daniel Hockett, and it was during his pastorate that the first church building was erected in Maryville - at least com¬ menced. It was also the first Protestant church edifice in the town, and every¬ one rendered all possible assistance. Brick sold at twelve dollars per thousand, and lumber at seventy-five dollars per thousand feet. Rev. Hockett left before the second year was finished. His colleague, a local preacher, w'as left on the circuit. He came to town one Sunday and gave out his hymn, but before the choir could sing, the minister, who did not like choirs and organs, started and sang the hymn. The result was that Maryville was without regular preaching for several months, being supplied by local preachers.

"The membership, as I remember, numbered forty-one. The Sunday school numbered some thirty during the month of February and until con¬ ference in March, when a gracious revival, resulting in the addition of about thirty-five, was made to the society. At this conference, held at Chillicothe, Bishop E. E. Janes presiding, Maryville was made a station, and I was re¬ turned to it, and it was my first regular appointment. Rev. L. V. Morton was appointed to the circuit. At once we counseled together as to how the debt of six thousand five hundred dollars could be raised. The circuit still felt a great interest in the church at the county seat, and grandly offered to stand with us in our effort to save the property, which was threatened with sale. During that year we raised and paid four thousand five hundred dollars, leaving two thousand dollars."

Next came Rev. J. W. Caughlin, and during his pastorate arose a debate between him, representing the Methodist church, and Professor Bush, rep¬ resenting the Christian church. Rev. S. W. Thornton was returned in 1877, but for the benefit of the health of his wife he took a transfer to the mountains, and Rev. D. B. Lake was appointed. He left the church with a membership of two hundred and seventeen- - probationers, seventeen ; members in Sunday school, one hundred and fifty.

Rev. Lake was pastor of the church from September, 1877, to March, 1880, and was succeeded by Rev. J. R. Sassen, who remained until March, 1881. During his pastorate there was a marked improvement in church repairs, the society expending about five hundred dollars. Following him came Rev. J. M. Parker, and during the first part of his labors a par¬ sonage was purchased, at a cost of one thousand seven hundred dollars, and the church showed a membership (in 1882) of one hundred and fifty.

Ira K. Alderman was elected delegate to the lay electoral conference, held at Trenton, Missouri, in March, 1880. At this conference, Judge Aiderman was elected delegate to the general conference, held in Cincinnati, Ohio, in Mav, 1880.

Other pastors of this church have been : Revs. Reuben Aldridge, I. M. Burns, Bowman, J. C. Chamberlain, Beggs, Daniel Hockett, Charles Stock¬ ing, J. S. Barwick, J. T. Boyle, S. W. Thornton, J. W. Coughlin, D. B. Lake, J. R. Sassen, J. M. Parker, J. A. Canady, John Gilles, J. H. Cox, D. M. Yetter, J. R. Payne, George L. Haight, E. B. Lytle, R. L. Thompson, Grant A. Robbins, S. S. Martin.

The present magnificent edifice was commenced in the summer of 1893 and dedicated May 19, 1894, by Revs. Moore and Cranston, who later be¬ came bishops. The society is now free from debt. This church cost, includ¬ ing the organ, thirty thousand dollars. It stands on lots cornerwise from the old church and fronts on Main street. It is a brick structure, built on strictly modern church building plans.

The present membership is about six hundred and seventy-five, more than forty*five having been taken into the church during the last revival per¬ iod - [909-10 - under Rev. S. S. Martin's ministry.

In addition to the regular First Methodist Episcopal church of Mary¬ ville, there is a mission church in the east end of the city, which is supplied by various preachers, including the pastor of the First church and Rev. Johns.

Methodist Episcopal Church South

The Methodist Episcopal church South was organized about the year 1846 in Nodaway county. In the early history of the church, services were held in the court house, which building was torn down in 1881. The original members of this organization had, by 1882, all died or removed from the county. The first church edifice of this society was erected in 1867, during the pastorate of Rev. James Hyder, at a cost of about three thousand dollars. In 1876 a parsonage was provided on the same lot on which the first church building stood, and its cost, was five hundred dollars. During the Civil war the church was almost broken up and services were necessarily suspended for a period of more than three years. Among the preachers who have served this church are the following: Revs. William Ketron, Larkin Adamson. James S. Shive, William Shaw, William Bradford, William F. Bell, John D. Turner, Alexander Spencer, B. R. Baxter, S. C. Littlepage, H. H. Craig, R. A. Austin, D. C. Blackwell, W. H. Albright, G. H. Newton, J. McEwen, H. A. Davis, James Hyder, C. Grimes, A. P. Parker, William Barnett, C. A. Sherman, John Anderson, L. F. Linn, D. C. O'Howell. H. C. Bolen, Robert White, R. H. Cooper, D. F. Bone, C. Grimes, A. V. Bayley, John H. Shelton, T. E. Sharp, Frank Siler, S. P. Cresap, H. C. Bolen, C. W. Webdell (1900-02), Paul H. Linn (1902-04), A. C. Johnson (1904-07), S. H. Bab¬ cock (1907-08), W. J. Parvin.

The present fine church edifice was erected in 1890-91, is of brick and is situated on the corner of Second and Buchanan streets. Its cost, exclusive of the grounds, was ten thousand dollars. The lots also have a good frame par¬ sonage, erected in 1892, and also there is a fine brick row of "flats" on the block, which rents easily and helps support the church.

In 1858 a church organization of this branch of Methodism was per¬ fected at Guilford, this county, with the following named members : Amos Daniel and wife, Sidney Smith and wife, J. Hugh McClanahan and wife, Elisha Carigo and wife, Isaac Sharp and wife and Mrs. Catherine Edwards. During the Civil war period this church was virtually put out of commission by reason of many of its members being absent in the war. In 1882 the estimated value of the property of this society was one thousand five hundred dollars.

The Skidmore Methodist Episcopal church South was organized as early as 1847. Preaching services were held in those early days in school houses in the neighborhood. The church agreed to the plan of separation, with some exceptions, and adhered to the Southern branch in 1846. In 1849 a local separation took place at Skidmore vicinity. The original members were as follows: Peter Noffsinger and wife, Miss Martha Noffsinger and Rebecca Jane Wyatt. The membership of this church in 1882 was sixty and the property held by the society was estimated to be worth two thousand dol¬ lars. Further information the writer cannot obtain, through a neglect upon the part of church officers not assisting in the work. That there is a society there is known, but just how strong it is cannot be ascertained.

African Methodist Episcopal Church

The only church of this denomination in Nodaway county is the one located at Maryville, anti its formation dates from "watchnight" in 1879-80 when it was organized by twelve colored people at the house of Henry Baker. The first pastor of the church was Rev. Spalford Rice. Services have been maintained ever since its organization. It now has a membership of twenryeight. The present pastor (who served at another time also) is Rev. J. R Carter, who came the last time in 1909.

At first this flock met at private houses, but in 1881 purchased the lot where now stands their church. Soon after they purchased the frame church edifice formerly built and occupied by the Methodist Episcopal church South. The building was then removed to the lot already bought by the colored people and is still doing good service as a meeting house for the society. The price paid for the building was four hundred dollars.

The Christian Church

This is one of the strongest, and possibly the largest denomination within Nodaway county. This church was first organized at Maryville at an early date. The first society was weak and never built an edifice in which to worship. There were but a few families of this faith here until later years. What is really the reorganized Christian church of Maryville was formed in 1868 by the following members.: John S. Wood, John W. Walker, Sue M.

Of the pastors, it may be stated that the first were Joel M. Wood, Rev. Hopkins and Rev. J. W. Kelsey (before the re-organization), J. C. Encell, a man of great force of character and possessed much energy. He served sixteen months and added many to the church. He was succeeded by Rev. L. D. Cook, and he by Rev. B. F. Bush, whose salary was eight hundred and fifty dollars. Then came Rev. George E. Dew. In the autumn of 1879 came Rev. R. N. Davis, serving until March, 1883, when Rev. E. B. Cake came, serving until Rev. R. B. Cotton was hired at a meeting in January, 1885, and served until 1886 at one thousand two hundred dollars a year, and he served until the coming of Rev. N. E. Corey. Following him came that great worker and present missionary secretary of the denomination, Rev. I. N. Mc- Cash, who came in 1890, remained until 1894, and went to DesMoines, Iowa. Following him was Rev. C. M. Chiltson, who in turn was succeeded by Rev. O. W. Lawrence, Rev. W. A. Fite, Rev. H. A. Denton, Rev. Ritz and the present pastor, Rev. L. O. Brickler, who was called in 1909 and in the winter of 1909-10 held a revival, at which more than eighty members were added to the church. He is one of the strongest ministers in northern Missouri in this denomination. The present membership of the church is one thousand and eighty-seven.

The first devotees of this church worshipped in private homes, at the old court house, at the old school house and at the Methodist Episcopal church. But the records show that Hon. M. B. Roseberry, John W. Walker and John S. Woods formed a building committee that started plans for a house of worship and that the first services in such edifice were held the first Lord's day in February, 1870. The cost of such building was three thousand eight hundred and fifty-three dollars. Charles Beal, Sr., selected the lot which is the site of the present beautiful structure in which the congregation wor¬ ships. The old frame house served well its purpose until the present mag¬ nificent building was dedicated in December. 1893. The cost of the latter edifice was twenty-seven thousand dollars, exclusive of lot. The pipe organ was installed in the winter of 1909-10 at a cost of four thousand dollars. It is the best in northern Missouri and contains one thousand and forty-three pipes.

The church was legally incorporated in the county court in April, 1870. The Sunday school was formed while Rev. Encell was pastor. While Rev.

I. N. McCash was pastor - less than four years - there were added to the church five hundred, he leaving a congregation of members amounting to eight hundred.

The following are the various points within Nodaway county in which Christian churches are located and other items of interest concerning them:

Salem church, nine miles south of Maryville, was formed February 16, 1873, a building erected in 1874, had ninety membership in 1910 and a build¬ ing valued at two thousand five hundred dollars. Rev. J. N. Cole is the present pastor.

At Hopkins the church was organized in March, 1882, a building pro¬ vided in 1885; the present beautiful edifice was erected, at a cost of ten thou¬ sand dollars, in 1908-09. The pioneer pastor here was Elder George E. Dew; the present pastor is Rev. R. E. Snodgrass. The present membership is about one hundred and twenty.

The church at Pickering was formed in 1882, a building erected in 1884; the present church built in 1902, at a cost of two thousand five hundred dollars. The membership is two hundred and six. The first pastor was Rev. W. L. Dunlavy and the present one is Elder E. B. Woods.

Bethany church, eight miles west of Barnard, was organized in the month of January, 1880, and the same year a building was erected, at a cost of one thousand four hundred dollars, and this still serves. There are now one hundred members in this church. The first pastor was Elder L. D. Cook ; the present is Elder J. F. Bennett.

The church at Bedison was formed in January, 1886, and the same year a church building was erected, at a cost of one thousand and fifty dollars. The present membership is eighty-two. The first pastor here was Elder George E. Dew\ and the present pastor is Elder John A. Wesley.

At Burlington Junction the Christian church was formed in February. 1882, and the first church building was erected that year at a cost of two thousand four hundred dollars. There are now about one hundred and forty members. The first pastor in charge here was Elder N. R. Davis, and the present one is Elder J. E. Squires. A five thousand dollar edifice is now under construction.

The church at Clearmont was formed August 11, 1887, and the follow¬ ing year a building was erected. In 1904 the present edifice was erected at a cost of about two thousand dollars. The church has a membership of sixty; the first pastor here was Elder George E. Dew, while the present one is Elder W. H. Rust.

The church at Dawson was formed in 1884, and the next year a church was built by the society at a cost of eight hundred dollars. The church now has a membership of twenty-five. The first pastor was Elder Joel Wood, and the present pastor is Elder W. H. Rust.

The church at Skidmore was formed in 1894 and two years later a house of worship was provided at a cost of three thousand dollars. The church now has a membership of one hundred; the first pastor was Elder N. R. Davis; the present pastor is Elder S. D. Harlan.

The church at Wilcox was the outgrowth of the work done at Shell Grove, where a church was erected upon the organization of a church in the country. The church society became weak and the building was moved about four miles and put in good repairs in 1895. The church was built about 1877. The date of the commencement of work at Wilcox was in 1895, when the present building was erected, valued at eight hundred dollars. There are now about seventy members in the society. The first to serve as pastor here was Elder C. M. Chilton; at present the pastorate is vacant.

At Elmo, a neat church was built many years since and in 1907 it was burned and a new one erected the following spring, at a cost of three thousand dollars. The church here has a membership of fifty. The present pastor is Elder W. H. Rust.

The church at Graham was organized in March, 1906; the society rent a building from the German Methodist people. The first pastor here was Elder B. F. Baker ; the present pastor is Elder J. F. Bennett.

At Ravenwood the church has a membership of almost one hundred, and worship in a building costing five thousand dollars; Elder E. B. Woods is the present pastor.

At Palestine the church was formed in February, 1893, and two years later a church building was erected, costing one thousand eight hundred dol¬ lars. This is situated six miles southeast of Graham ; the membership is about fifty and Elder L. D. Cook was first pastor, the present one being Elder C. M. Thomas.

At Guilford, the church was formed November 13, 1897; they have no church building; they number seventy-three members. The first to serve as pastor was Elder F. E. Blanchard. At this date there is no regular pastor.

At Gaynor (eight miles southeast of Hopkins) a church was formed and its present edifice is valued at one thousand dollars. The church here has a membership of about fifty. The first pastor was Katie Weaver; there is no regular pastor at this date.

At Arkoe the church was formed in February, 1902, and the following year a building was erected at a cost of two thousand dollars. There are

There are other points in Nodaway county where this denomination has work going on, including the church at Barnard, the facts concerning which the writer was unable to secure. The author is indebted largely to Mr. O. G. Null, of Pickering, for many of the above facts concerning this church.

The Presbyterian Denomination

The first church of this denomination was formed in i860 and was known as the Graham Presbyterian church. It is located at the village of Graham, eighteen miles southwest of Maryville, in Hughes township. The charter members were as follows: John and Mary E. Cowen, Henry and Martha Walker, Elizabeth Gressham, Sarah Vinsonhaler, Aaron Cole, Mary Cole, A, E. Rea. Elizabeth McCoy and Mary Waterman. At a cost of two thousand three hundred dollars, a neat frame edifice was erected in 1872, the same being dedicated by Rev. M. L. Anderson and Rev. W. G. Thomas in November, 1872. A Sunday school was organized in 1873. Among the early pastors of this church may be recalled W. M. Stryker, N. H. Smith, M. L. Anderson, W. C. Thomas, A. D. Workman and B. D. Luther. In 1882 the church had a membership of thirty, but with the passing years the society has flourished and grown until today it has a membership of seventy, with a Sunday school membership of sixty-three.

The Maryville Church

'The history of the Union Presbyterian church at Maryville runs back to November 8, 1868, w hen Rev. E. B. Sherwood, missionary pastor of the newT-school Presbyterian church for the Lexington presbytery, held the ser¬ vices. The first preaching services were held in the Methodist Episcopal church on December 13, 1868, when Rev. Sherwood discoursed and after his sermon a church was duly organized by the enrollment of the following mem¬ bers : L. C. Evans, William Jackson, D. T. Geiger. H. A. Avery, John Ed¬ wards. John Jackson, John Blair, W. Geiger. Mrs. L. C. Leiber, Miss Belle Andrews, Mrs. Rebecca Geiger, Mrs. Mollie J. Blair, Mrs. Rebecca Evans.

On December 20, 1870, Rev. J. M. Crawford was elected as a stated supply and held the position for two years, when he was followed by Rev. William G. Thomas. Rev. A. D. Workman became permanent pastor in

December, 1873. The history of this church in 1882 stated that the society owned its own edifice, built at a cost of six thousand dollars, and enjoyed a membership of one hundred and thirty. The present membership is three hundred and sixty-seven, with a Sunday school of one hundred and sixty-two average attendance for the year 1909. The present commodious brick edifice was erected in 1880.

Hopkins Presbyterian Church

The First Presbyterian church of Hopkins was the result of the arrival of several Presbyterian families from the North and East who had either been raised within the Congregational or Presbyterian churches. For a time these people worshipped with the Methodist church, who had early held services and erected a church in the village of Hopkins.

Rev. E. B. Sherwood, of St. Joseph (Missouri), presbytery of the Platte, having been informed of these facts, came to Hopkins and assisted the little band of faithful Presbyterians in forming a church of their own creed. On the first Sabbath in May, 1873, sacrament was observed after the forms of this denomination and on May 31st, the same year, another meeting was held at which the same clergyman was present and was assisted by Elders George H. Hotailing, of Bedford, Iowa, and John N. Bell, of Maryville. At that meeting the following persons presented letters, which were accepted : George H. Hotailing and Mrs. Mildred Hotailing, William K. Adams and Mrs. Mary Adams, Mrs. Clarissa Bradley, Mrs. Jennie Heald, Mrs. Martha A. Walters, John W. Walker, Mrs. Mary E. Martin. Henry P. Dryden, David L. Latschar, Mrs. Sarah Bender, Mrs. Mary Green. Mark P. Bradley was received into the church on his profession.

The perfecting of the church organization took place at a meeting in Hopkins on a Sunday in June, 1873, when George H. Hotailing and William K. Adams were elected ruling elders and David I.. Eatschar and H. P. Dryden deacons. From the date of organization until January, 1874, Rev. Sher¬ wood acted as a stated supply and bi-monthly services were kept up in the Methodist church of Hopkins. Later the old Union Hall was secured as a meeting place and services there continued until the completion of the first Presbyterian church edifice there, which was first occupied on the first Sab¬ bath in January, 1876. During the spring of 1875 a subscription paper was freely circulated for the raising of sufficient funds with which to build a house of worship. The foundation for a church building, to be twenty-eight bv fifty feet, was laid, but on account of financial stringency in the entire country the work was delayed for some time - in fact was not resumed until the following autumn. That was the year of the great grasshopper plague in Iowa and Missouri. The following year, however, the building was pushed forward to completion and cost the society two thousand four hundred dol¬ lars, of which amount the Board of Church Extension donated seven hundred dollars. The plans of the building were drawn by George H. Hotailing, while it was built by L. D. Eversole, a member of the church. This society has ever been an important factor in Hopkins church circles and the com¬ munity at large. The present membership of this church is seventy, with a Sunday school of seventy-four upon an average. The present house of wor¬ ship was erected of brick in 1906, and is a beautiful church building.

The Barnard Presbyterian church had its first organization in the country two miles west of Barnard, at a place called Salem. It was re-organized in 1870 at Barnard, by Elder Sherwood, of St. Joseph. The members at the time of its reorganization were : J. C. McCandliss and wife, James Giffin and wife, William Giffin, Samuel Stonehocker and wife, Mrs. S. C. McFar¬ land, Mrs. C. C. Baker, C. House and wife, Albert Ulman and possibly a few others.

The Cumberland Presbyterian church of Skidmore was organized in 1880 with the following charter members : John Mast, Mr. McCowan, Albert Carver and family, Gerrett Long and family, Martha Brown, Mrs. Calver, Mrs. B. F. Bagiev and James Lassen and wife. At first the meetings were held in the Methodist church building. In 1882 the church had a membership of fourteen. At present this denomination is not represented by an organized church at this point.

The Baptist Church

The history of this denomination dates back at least as far as 1850, but the exact date is unknown, owing to defective and missing records of the various local churches. The coming on of the great Civil war caused a gen¬ eral stagnation in all religious organizations in this as well as all Missouri counties. Hence it will only be proper to give the history of this church from the date of its reorganization, which took place in 1870, when Rev. Hopkins came to this section of the county and reorganized the former Bap¬ tist church with the following membership: Mary J. Graham, Daniel Best.

The first church meeting of which there has been left any record was held during the year 1870. Rev. James Hopkins remained pastor but a short time and in 1871 came Rev. G. W. Huntley, under the auspices of the Home Missionary Society. He was called as pastor and remained until 1876, during which time a brick church was built at a cost of five thousand dollars. Rev. S. M. Merrill was called as pastor in August, 1876, and closed his labors here in April, 1877, after which the church was without a pastor until October, 1878, when IT. J. Latour was called. He remained two years, after which the church was without a pastor until October, 1881, when Rev. H. M. Rich¬ ardson was called. In 1882 the church had a membership of one hundred and twenty-five; also had a church property valued at seven thousand dollars- - a brick edifice - and was free from all debts. The present church, on the corner of Market and Jenkins streets, was erected so as to be dedicated December 17, 1905. Its cost was twenty thousand dollars. It is a brick veneer building of most beautiful design. The following have served as pastors: Revs. George W. Huntley, S. M. Merrill. H. J. LaTour, H. M. Richardson, D. D., T. M. S. Kenney, J. F. Kemper, D. D., G. E. Burdick. D. D., J. M. P. Martin, G. L. Black, D. D., I. T. Creek, Homer M. Cook, D. D., W. G. Hoover, and the present pastor. Rev. W. J. Ward. The last named commenced as pastor in October, 1908. The present membership of this church is three hundred and forty-four.

The second Baptist church of Maryville is known as Mt. Zion's. It was organized in the nineties with about twenty-five members. The first pastor was Rev. William Carter. A frame edifice was soon erected on East Fourth street and later an addition was made to it. The same is still in use. This church has fluctuated in its membership and general strength, with the passing years, owing to the few colored people who have resided in Maryville. At this time there are only about a dozen active members, among whom are a few devoted women.

wife, Pelis Forcade and wife, H. A. Forcade and wife, Anderson Cragg and wife, Fayette Cook and wife. A house of worship was built in 1881, a frame structure costing one thousand three hundred dollars, which was ded¬ icated November 13th of that year. The pastor was Rev. J. W. Maylott in 1882, when the church membership was forty-eight. This society is still in a flourishing condition. Recent reports show that it has a membership of about ninety. Its church property is valued at one thousand eight hundred dollars

The Baptist church in White Cloud township now has a membership of sixty-seven and a church building valued at one thousand six hundred dollars.

The Clearmont Baptist church was organized on Saturday before the second Sunday in October, 1872. with twenty-two members, and was the direct result of a meeting held by Elder A. M. Wallace. In 1882 a house of worship was built, at a cost of two thousand one hundred dollars. In 1882 the membership of this church was sixty-nine. The regular incorporate name of this society is the "Baptist Church of Jesus Christ at Clearmont." The pastors have been as follows: Revs. A. M. Wallace. Jacob Sharp, H. M. Richardson, Tillbury, J. H. Best, I. T. Creed, FI. J. LaTour, N. S. Johnston, J. B. Seat, S. J. McCormick, R. M. Rhoades, J. C. Mitchell, C. H. Wyckoff. S. J. Spickerman and J. L. Jones. The last named resigned in fall of 1909. The church has a good parsonage at Clearmont and enjoy a membership of ninety-six.

The First Baptist church of Hopkins was organized in May, 1877. Its charter members were George W. Sturgeon, Margaret Sturgeon, Obediah Sturgeon. Julia Ann Sturgeon, Jeptha Sturgeon, Lucinda Sturgeon, Marion Sturgeon, Josephine Sturgeon, John M. Sturgeon, Thomas R. Sturgeon, Margareta Sturgeon, Martha A. Downing, E. B. Yeomans, Jesse Godsey, E. S. Godsey, Elizabeth Godsey, John W. Jones and Nancy Jones.

This congregation purchased their house of worship from the LTnited Brethren society at four hundred dollars in 1879; it was a frame structure. In 1902 this building was remodeled and is now worth about two thousand dollars. In 1898 a six-room parsonage was built worth eight hundred dol¬ lars. The present membership is eighty. Among the pastors who have faithfully served this church are: Revs. Yates, Wallis. Nichols, Randall, A. L. Cooper, William Teek, S. L. McCormick, A. W. Miller, B. B. Pace, I. T. Long, E. B. Osbern, with a few others. The value of the church property is now three thousand six hundred dollars.

The First Baptist church of Dawson, in Lincoln township, was organized July 23, 1881, by Rev. H. J. Latour. The first membership was composed of the following persons: H. Burnett, Mrs. M. A. Burnett, J. A. Chadwick. Mrs. Elizabeth Messengale, Mrs. Melissa Chadwick, C. E. Short, J. F. Wal¬ lace, Mrs. Nancy Walker, James Randall, L. B. Edwards, J. W. Short, Mrs. R. C. Short, Mrs. Elizabeth Heckethorn, Mrs. Jane Thacker, Mrs. Frances Fox, Mrs. Bessie Burnett and Mrs. Amanda Wallace. In 1882 Rev. A. M. Wallace was pastor and did a large amount of missionary work in Nodaway county at organizing churches and Sabbath schools. The church at Dawson is the direct result of his untiring zeal and energy.

The Church Of God

A church of this religious faith was organized in Flughes township in 1871. The original members were James McNeal and wife. John Ripley, Mrs. Aaron McNeal, C. E. Bowen and wife, Mr. Fleagle and wife. Israel Crawford and James McNeal. In 1882 the church numbered twenty-two and during that year a house of worship was erected. This organization has. long since gone down and its members united with other denominations or removed from the county.

The Advent Christian Church

The Advent Christian church of Maryville was organized December 14, 1870, by Elder J. E. Flimes, when sixteen persons, all heads of families save two, banded themselves together under the following church covenant :

"We, whose names are subjoined, do hereby covenant and agree, by the help of the Lord, to walk together as a church, faithfully maintaining its ordinances, taking the Bible as our only rule of faith and practice, church order and discipline, making Christian character the only test of fellowship and communion. We further agree, with Christian fidelity and meekness, to exercise mutual watch-care: to counsel, admonish, or reprove, as duty may require, and to receive the same from each other as becometh the household of faith."

During a protracted meeting held in January, 1871, at the Wright school house, four miles east of Maryville, thirteen were added to the church. Also in February, 1871, during a meeting held in the old Saunders school house, seven miles south of Maryville, three united, one of whom was William Jones, Sr., familiarly known as "Uncle Billy," true as steel and who became the honored deacon of his church. Throughout 1871 others were added to this church, among whom was "Uncle Billy Swinford." He came into the school house where the meetings were being held and at the close of the sermon rose to his feet and requested the liberty to speak, which was granted. After referring to his demoralized and backslidden condition and his earnest desire to lead a Christian life, he said that he had come ten miles on horseback to offer himself to the Advent Christian church, if they thought him worthy of a name and place among them.

Thus year by year, this little congregation of believers in the near ad¬ vent of God's Son from heaven slowly yet certainly grew, the membership being largely in the country, however. In February, 1876, at a regular church meeting held in Maryville, when their strength was recorded as one hundred members, they had just completed a church building costing about one thous¬ and two hundred dollars. The erection of this had been fraught with many a disappointment. Twice the building suffered much by storm, having been blown from its foundation of brick piers nine feet up hill. Then the grass¬ hopper raid tied up the purse strings - for it seemed as though everyone was going to starve to death - so the subscription list failed, leaving the church about three hundred dollars in debt and the house unfinished, but fortunately a few brave men came to the rescue and the debt was raised.

Many of the members removed from the county and many died, leaving the society enfeebled. In 1882, the record made shows that there were still left fifty members.

The first regular services of this denomination in Nodaway county were held by the Rev. George Turner, in the Davis school house, in White Cloud township, in 1864. This clergyman preached at the point named once a month for some time. In the summer of 1872, the Rev. S. C. Blackiston was appointed missionary of the church for northwestern Missouri. August 18, 1872. he held services in the old Union Hall at Maryville, and on the follow¬ ing day organized the mission at the residence of John Edwards, giving it the name of "St. Paul's," and appointed Dr. H. Estes warden and John Ed¬ wards treasurer. The number of communicants at time of first organization was five, but soon thereafter a class of six was confirmed by Bishop C. F. Robertson.

Early in the month of November, 1873, a small hall connected with Union Hall was fitted up for regular services, and there worship was had until the resignation of Rev. Blackiston, in April, 1874. Then services were occasionally held until the summer of 1875, when the Rev. John Bennett at¬ tempted to revive the work by holding services at the Presbyterian church, but this house having been unroofed by a gale, and there being no other place in which to meet, the efforts were for the time being abandoned. Nothing further was done until the reorganization of the church took place, January 31, 1877, at the Christian church edifice, when G. W. Turner was nominated to the Bishop as warden, Charles Duncan as secretary and Edward Hull as treasurer.

Then the Methodist Episcopal church South allowed them to occupy their building, the second and fourth Sundays of each month, and services were regularly kept up until the resignation of Rev. John Bennett, in July, 1877. A month later Rev. E. Victor Beales was appointed missionary and came to Maryville. August 30, 1877, he organized a society, called the Ladies' Guild, of which Mrs. C. Duncan was made president; Mrs. A. P. Moorhouse, vice-president; Mrs. Cranor, secretary. The prime object of this society was to raise a fund with which to purchase a lot and to furnish a church when one should be built. In September, 1877, a lot was procured from John Walker for two hundred dollars, and soon thereafter money was subscribed for the purpose of constructing a church. After seeing to the pay¬ ing for the lot. they raised one thousand and sixty dollars, subscribed toward the building fund. On March 1, 1878, the church building was completed, the mission was organized as a parish, and the following officers were chosen : G. W. Turner, senior warden; L. H. Case, junior warden; Edward Hull, W. Dowdeswell, R. W. Nimmo, John Jones, yestrymen.

On May 17, 1878, Bishop Robertson held services in the new church for the first time, but the building was not entirely completed until August 1st of that year. The parish remained vacant until July, 1879, when Rev. W. C. Sherman became rector, continuing until October, 1880. Next came Rev. William A. Hatch. In 1882, the records show that there were twenty-seven communicants. The value of church property was then estimated at one thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars.

Jay C. Hathaway took charge of the parish October 18, 1908, and attended to three other missions, Stanberry, St. Oswald's and Amazonia. He came to a sad. tragic death on the morning of November 17, 1909, at Maryville, by taking his own life by hanging, while laboring under a deep-seated depres¬ sion of spirits that had hovered over his mentality for several months, on ac¬ count of the failure of the church and community to recognize his claims and furnish the means whereby he might carry out the plans of the bishop who had entrusted this church to his care. His wife was in Ohio at the time of his suicide and with him lived his very aged father. His death caused a great sensation in the community and was the subject of many sermons and ed¬ itorials.

Swan Chapel

Swan Chapel was organized in Hughes township in 1866 by the follow¬ ing persons : William Perden and three others. The church was built in 1879, a frame structure costing one thousand five hundred dollars, and it was dedicated by Elder Waymen. Among the pastors who served were S. H. Enyeart and J. A. Shewatles. The society had three acres of land including its cemetery.

Latter-Day Saints

The Reorganized Church of the Latter Day Saints of Jesus Christ have a small membership at different parts of Nodaway county, but especially in and near Guilford they have quite a following.

The Christian Science Church

The work of the Christian Science people was first started in Maryville in 1892, and for a year or two services were held at private houses, but later public meetings were held in the old Calumet Club rooms in what is now^ known as the Roseberry building, southwest corner of the Square. After worshipping there for a number of years, the society held its meetings at the Empire Theatre building on Main street. For a number of years they have worshipped on Buchanan street, at the Musical Conservatory rooms. A public reading room was established in March. 1908, and still maintains in the Michaur block, on Main street.

The first "reader" of this society was Charles O. Smith, while the present "first reader" is Ralph W. Ebersole and the "second reader" is Mrs. Mary

W. Moore, who is also a regular practicing ''healer." Mrs. Anna Snyder has charge of the reading rooms, which are open each afternoon during the week.

The society now numbers about twenty members, and a building fund is being laid aside from contributions made by friends of this religious faith.

What is known as the "Workman Chapel" was erected about six or seven years ago - about 1903 - by Pioneer William Workman and given free use of to all denominations. It is a neat, frame chapel and serves well for a meet¬ ing house for the various denominations, not otherwise provided with a church edifice. It is located about six miles to the west and north of Pickering. No sect has ever been denied its free use, except the Mormon people, who were refused its use after Mr. Workman moved to Maryville, by those in charge of it in Union township, where it is situated.

Introduction

History tells us that the Catholic church was established nineteen hundred years ago by Jesus Christ, who by his words, deeds and miracles proved that he was the Son of God. The church has continued to fulfill her mission up to this very day, according to the promise of her divine founder that His church should last till the end of time, in order to bring all men of good will into heaven. His apostles and their law ful successors propagated the church even to the farthest ends of the globe, and when Columbus discovered the New- World, Catholic monks of the Order of St. Benedict were with him to preach the old faith on this side of the ocean. In due time it found its way into Nod¬ away county, Missouri, where its history is interwoven with the same monas¬ tic order which, since its organization in Italy by St. Benedict (A. D. 543). has ever been foremost in propagating religion and civilization.

Conception - Parish And Abbey

Divine providence made use of the Rev. James D. Power to establish the Catholic religion in Nodaway county, and Conception is the place from where it spread and took root in the county. Rev. James D. Pow-er was born May 30, 1815. at Ballykahane, in the parish of Portlaw, Waterford county.

Ireland, of respectable parents. After having made the usual studies in his native country, he emigrated to America in 1845, and was ordained priest at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on March 9, 1846. For ten years he held various positions in the state of Pennsylvania. His last station there was Reading, from which place he came to Nodaway county in the fall of 1856. He was ac¬ companied by Owen O'Reilly and Anthony Felix, and the three represented a body of fifty-eight men, mostly Irish emigrants, who on account of want of employment were forced to seek a home elsewhere. They took up a sub¬ scription in order to purchase a tract of government land in some of the western states, agreeing that each subscriber should get land in proportion to the amount of his subscription, at the rate of one dollar an acre. The total sum contributed was twenty thousand dollars.

After looking over various counties in Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri, the above named committee finally applied to the land office at Plattsburg, Clinton county, Missouri, for the twenty thousand acres which now constitute the best portion of Conception parish. But the land commis¬ sioner at Plattsburg informed them that the office was closed for business, and they were compelled to return to Reading empty-handed. Then they con¬ cluded to go to Washington and enter the lands before the commissioner gen¬ eral. But whilst this was being done, the commissioner of the land office in Plattsburg, which, it seems, had in fact never been closed, sold the land in question to more welcome parties. This gave rise to a controversy about the title of the lands. The case was at last taken before the committee of public lands in the United States Senate which, early in 1858, decided it in favor of our colonists. The printed acts of this decision, and perhaps the only copy in existence, are preserved in the archives of Conception Abbey.

In March, 1858, the colonists left their old home in Pennsylvania and reached St. Joseph, Missouri, at the beginning of April. Here the majority of them remained, influenced by the uncultivated state of the country. On April 16, 1858, on a Friday morning, the courageous minority, headed by William Brady, left St. Joseph and started for their new home. The other members of the party were Philip Growney, John McCarty and Michael Fa¬ gan, each accompanied by his wife; Jeremias Sullivan, with his wife and two children, and the brothers Thomas and Edward Reilly. Their journey was made with teams of oxen, through a pathless prairie, without either guide or knowledge of the country. On the third day (Sunday) they crossed the Platte river, in which they came near drowning. On the following Tuesday they arrived at Conception.

The new comers were kindly received by Silas Best, then one of the few settlers of Jefferson township, who owned a shanty situated on section 23, township 63, range 34, where the immigrants stayed two weeks. During that time Messrs. Brady, Growney and McCarty erected a log house twelve by fifteen on section 3, township 63, range 34, in which the three families lived peacefully together, whilst Messrs. Fagan, Reilly and Sullivan each built a small dwelling for himself. This done, they started to cultivate their farms.

In June, 1858, Rev. Power visited the colonists, whom he found in a rather dissatisfied mood, and at times warmly discussing the propriety of re¬ turning to St. Joseph. To encourage them, he remained several days. During this visit a mass was celebrated at Conception, which, as far as can be ascer¬ tained, was the first mass ever said in the county. The celebration took place at the log house of Messrs. Brady, Growney and McCarty. After this. Father Power made periodical visits to the new settlement, which he named "Conception," in honor of Mary conceived without sin.

In i860 the present town was laid out by Rev. Power and William Brady, on section 24, township 63, range 34, and a colony house, or chapel with pastoral residence, was built on the same section. The chapel was dedicated on June 9, i860, to St. Columbia. It was the first house of worship set apart for the service of God in Nodaway county, though St. Mary's church, Mary¬ ville, Missouri, was a close second. From now on the Reverend Father lived in the settlement as much as possible. From here he attended the missions in Maryville, Grandriver and Island City, which he had established shortly be¬ fore. In 1865 Miss Josephine Protzman, afterwards the wife of the county recorder, Lawrence Growney, opened the first school in the colony house.

From this time on the new foundation made rapid progress. In 1866 the first German families located in Conception, among whom John Wirth be¬ came especially prominent. In 1867 the chapel was replaced by a small church (twenty-four by forty) built in the center of the town.

Up to the present, Conception with the surrounding missions had be¬ longed to the diocese of St. Louis. On March 3, 1868, Pope Pius IX estab¬ lished the diocese of St. Joseph, with the Rt. Rev. J. J. Hogan as its first bishop. In the following year His Lordship received a call to Rome to assist at the Vatican Council. During his absence Rev. Power was appointed rector of the cathedral at St. Joseph, and the Rev. George Tuerk became his sub¬ stitute at Conception. In April, 1871, Father Power returned to his old post, and remained there until September, 1873.

In the spring of 1873, the Rt. Rev. Bishop Hogan invited the Benedic¬ tines of the Swiss abbey of Engelberg, canton Unterwalden, to establish a monastery in his diocese. The invitation was accepted and Rev. Frowin Con¬ rad, O. S. B., and Rev. Adelhelm Odermatt, O. S. B., were entrusted by their abbot with the new mission. They arrived at St. Joseph, Missouri, in Septem¬ ber, 1873, and urged by continued and fervent entreaties of Rev. Power, the bishop gave them charge of the Catholic missions in Nodaway and the sur¬ rounding counties. Father Adelhelm was made pastor at Maryville, Missouri, and Father Frowin became the head of the parish and the monastery at Con¬ ception. Conception, at that time, numbered ninety-five families. Mon¬ astery and congregation were henceforth inseparably united.

The Rev. Frowin Conrad was born on November 2. 1833. at Auw, can¬ ton Argau, Switzerland, of pious parents, who gave the church five priests and to their country a statesman of national reputation. Having concluded his studies at various places in his native country, he joined the Benedictines of the abbey Engelberg, made his monastic vows on August 15, 1853, and was ordained priest on September 14, 1856. He held various honorable positions in his monastery until he was called to the United States.

The first care of Father Frowin at Conception, where he arrived on September 18. 1873, was to erect a suitable dwelling for the monastic family. It was a two-story frame building (twenty-five by fifty) which he dedicated on December 8, 1873. On Christmas night of the same year he began the recitation of the divine office, and on New Year's day, 1874, seven candidates from Europe were invested with the holy habit. Two years later, December 7, 1875, three Benedictine Sisters from Rickenbach in Switzerland opened a novitiate for nuns in a building close to the church, and took charge of the parish schools. In 1879 Conception was blessed with the Wabash railway. The station was located two and one-half miles northeast of the monastery, and a town called Clyde built there.

With the increase of the monastic family, the want of house-room was felt more keenly every day. Finally, in 1880, the west wing of the present stone and brick building was erected. On April 5, 1881, Pope Leo XIII crowned the monastic foundation by raising it to the dignity of an abbey, with the Rt. Rev. Frowin Conrad as its first abbot. The solemn benediction and installation of the new abbot occurred on June 29, 1881. His place in the parish was taken in November, 1881, by the present pastor, the Rev. Placid Schmid, O. S. B. On May 12, 1882, the monastery was incorporated under the laws of the state of Missouri, and the name of "New Engelberg Abbey,'' which later on was changed into "Conception Abbey." The same year, 1882. saw the construction of a substantial convent and of an academy for young ladies. In 1883 the college for boys was built; in 1890 the girls' orphanage; in 1899 the parish hall; in 1902 a new boys' college, a new sisters' convent and sisters' chapel, one of the finest in the United States. In 1903 a small cemetery chapel was erected on the very spot where the high altar of the old church had stood. Since then also two more wings were added to the abbey.

Meanwhile also the parishioners clamored for a more worthy temple of worship. The church which Father Power had erected had been enlarged by Father Frowin in 1874. 1'he Wabash railway had created Stanberry, and the new church there tore from Conception parish at least fifteen families. In 1886 a chapel was built also at Clyde, to which Conception contributed over sixty families. Yet a much larger house of worship became an absolute necessity in order to accommodate the one thousand five hundred members of which Conception parish now consisted. It was built on the north side of the monastery in 1889 and 1890, and consecrated with unusual pomp and in the presence of a great many bishops, abbots and priests on May 19. 1891. The style of the church is Roman, simple, yet elegant, massive and sublime. In length it measures two hundred and six feet, in height fifty-seven feet, and the width in the transept is one hundred and four feet. The interior space is divided into a center aisle and two side aisles. Nine altars adorn the sanctuary. But what attracts the eye in particular is the fine frescoe work, and above all, the wall paintings executed by some of the members of the Community. who had received their training in Europe, which make the church second to none in the entire Northwest. The church and the adjoin¬ ing abbey, which is three stories high, not counting the basement and the attic, form a square eight hundred forty-seven feet in perimeter. The build¬ ings stand on section 25, township 63, range 34, which is cultivated by the lav brothers of the abbey. Others of these are occupied in the shops ; car¬ penter. printing or bookbinder, or in the extensive gardens, orchards and vine¬ yards of the monastery.

If its fine buildings give witness to the material growth of Conception, her spiritual growth is tellingly illustrated by the six priests she has sent into the vineyard of the Lord and the forty-seven young ladies whom she has given to different religious orders to devote their lives to works of charity and re¬ ligion. The first of these priests was the Rev. James Brady, the son of William Brady, the leader of the original settlers. Fie was ordained at Con¬ ception on May 30, 1807, and his first mass on June 2nd was graced by the presence of the Rev. James D. Power. It was the venerable founder's last visit to the scene of his early labors. He died full of merits on May 5. 1899, at St. Joseph, Missouri.

The many missions which it attends make Conception a truly Catholic center. Outside of Nodaway county, the Benedictines of Conception Abbey have a priory with four parishes in Idaho, six Indian missions in Dakota, and twelve parishes or missions in different parts of Missouri. In Nodaway county they provide for the spiritual wants of all the Catholics in the county with the sole exception of those of St. Patrick's parish, Maryville, Missouri. The institutions in Nodaway county which are under the spiritual direction of the Conception Fathers are: Conception College; the Benedictine Sisters with their pupils and orphans at Conception; the parish at Clyde, Missouri; St. Mary's parish with St. Francis Hospital, Maryville, Missouri; the mis¬ sions at Parnell City and Burlington Junction. Of each of these a short sketch is added.

Conception College

In January, 1874. the Rt. Rev. Frowin Conrad established at Conception a school for the education of the younger members of his monastery. This was enlarged into a seminary in the fall of 1880, and transformed into a regular college in September, 1883. Conception College is a boarding school with high school and collegiate departments for Catholic boys. Either of the two courses pursued at the college is completed in four years, or both in eight years and both comprise the Latin, Greek, English and German languages and their literature, the doctrines and evidences of religion, logic, metaphysics, ethics, astronomy, natural philosophy and mathematics. The entire course gives a thorough scientific and literary education, and opens the way to the study of theology, law or medicine. The academic department prepares the student for the successful pursuance of a commercial course. For pupils not sufficiently advanced to enter the high school department, but who may be pre¬ pared for it within one year, a preparatory class is maintained at the college. The optional studies consist of vocal and instrumental music, drawing and painting, shorthand and typewriting. After the regular eight-year college course follows the ecclesiastical or divinity course of four years, limited to the students who have joined the Benedictine Order. The faculty of Con¬ ception College, under the presidency of the Rt. Rev. Frowin Conrad, num¬ bers eighteen priests, all members of Conception Abbey. The yearly number of students averages one hundred. They publish a bi-monthly magazine called The Morning Star, for the purpose of encouraging practical literary work. The Star is also the official chronicle of the college and serves to in¬ form former students and alumni of important or interesting events in their Alma Mater.

Convent, Academy And Orphanage

We saw above how three Benedictine Sisters from the Swiss convent of Rickenbach arrived at Conception on December 7, 1875, and opened a novitiate for nuns in a small structure close to the church and monastery. They re¬ mained there until 1882, when they moved into a building which they had erected between Conception and Clyde, now used as an academy. Then they commenced an advanced school for young ladies. In 1890 they built near Conception an orphanage for girls, added a number of outbuildings to their main establishment near Clyde, Missouri, and finally completed their new con¬ vent dwelling and chapel. At present the one hundred and five Sisters, who are incorporated under the name of "Benedictine Convent of the Perpetual Adoration," conduct an academy, an orphanage, an extensive printing estab¬ lishment and bookbindery, and run the large farm on which their buildings are situated ; but they are especially famous for their artistic church embroidery. In all these arts they instruct such of their pupils as show aptitude and inclina¬ tion. For the last twenty-six years the convent is under the guidance of Mother Mary John Schrader. Among the other Sisters special mention is here due to Sr. Mary Maura, who for fifteen years has been teaching seventy or more children in a district school over two miles distant, and who, in spite of ice and snow, never misses her daily trips to the school house. And not¬ withstanding the large number of her pupils, her school is a model school, second to none in the county.

St. Mary's parish in Maryville was organized by Rev. James D. Power at about the same time as that of Conception. A small church - the first in Maryville - was erected there in i860 and dedicated on the second Sunday of October, in honor of "Mary conceived without sin." It was twenty-five by thirty feet and eighteen feet high. Father Power visited the congregation periodically from Conception, where, since June, i860, he resided. When in 1869 the Reverend Father was called as rector to the cathedral of St. Joseph, Rev. Constantin Hergenroether took charge of Maryville. He added to the small brick church a dwelling, mostly used for school purposes, but also bur¬ dened the parish with a debt of one thousand five hundred dollars. On July 10, 1870, Rev. Joseph Seybold became the successor of Rev. Hergenroether. He remained just one year, and was replaced by Rev. Philip, who built a par¬ sonage and presided over the parish till June 7, 1873.

We have seen above how, in September, 1873. Rev. Adelhelm Odermatt, O. S. B., became pastor of St. Mary's. His first care was to pay off the debts, then to organize a good school. For that purpose he secured, in September, 1874, several Benedictine Sisters from the Swiss convent Rickenbach, half of whom, however, went to Conception the year after. Those remaining in Maryville were joined by others from Switzerland in 1880. They erected a small convent near the church, but some years later moved to Dakota, where they have now flourishing establishments. Having built up a good school. Rev. Adelhelm started to erect a new church. Rt. Rev. Bishop Hogan laid the cornerstone on the second Sunday of October, 1878. One year later the basement was finished and dedicated on the second Sunday of October, 1879, for temporary church purposes by the Rt. Rev. Abbot Frowin. In June, i88t, Rev. Adelhelm Odermatt resigned the pastorate of St. Mary's to found a new monastery in Gervais, Oregon, where he still resides as prior of Mt. Angel Abbey.

His place in Maryville was filled by the Rev. Anselm Ineichen, O. S. B., who has held the position ever since. One of his first official acts was to pre¬ pare for death on the gallows the two parricides, Albert and Charles Talbott, who had not been members of any church, but wished to die as Catholics. They were executed on July 22, 1881. It was the first legal execution in Nodaway county. When Fr. Anselm took charge of the congregation it counted one hundred fifty-five families. But in October, 1881, about eighty Irish families separated from the mother church to establish a parish of their own. Yet in spite of the crippled state of the congregation, the zealous pastor succeeded in finishing the church, which was dedicated on November 20, 1887. From that time on St. Mary's remained in the same flourishing condition till to the present date. Though the church was in the course of time finally fres¬ coed, and the old Sisters' convent was at considerable expense remodeled into a commodious parsonage, the parish is free of debts. It counts four hundred twenty members.

As stated before, eighty families separated from St. Mary's church in October, 1881. On November 1st of the same year. Rev. Daniel Pembroke, who was placed in charge of the new parish, held the first services for the congregation in a hall. Soon after, a good sized frame church was built by Father Pembroke, which after some years gave way to the present fine brick edifice. The new church was erected and finished by Father Pembroke's suc¬ cessor, the Rev. Henry Nieman, who in spite of innumerable difficulties has made a model parish of St. Patrick's. The congregation has about six hun¬ dred fifty members.

Originally, Clyde belonged to Conception parish. The church there was built by Rev. Pius Conrad, O. S. B., in 1886, and dedicated by the Rt. Rev. Abbott Fro win on June 18th, of the same year. But even then it continued to be a portion of the congregation at Conception, and was attended from the abbey. In 1890 a parsonage was erected near the church, and the parish declared an independent congregation with a stationary priest. The follow¬ ing pastors presided over the parish: From 1886-1890, Rev. Pius Conrad; from 1890-1891, Rev. Basil Odermatt ; from 1891-1892, Rev. Maurus Eck¬ stein; from 1893-1895, Rev. Philip Ruggle ; from 1895-1899, Rev. Berthold Taeggle; from December, 1899-June, 1900, Rev. Andrew Ziegelmaier; from June, 1900, till up to date. Rev. Hildebrand Roesler. The parish has four hundred sixty members.

This is a mission parish, attended every Sunday and Holyday from Con¬ ception. Rev. Berthold Jaeggle, O. S. B., built the church in 1891, and Abbot Frowin dedicated it on June 14, 1891. Father Berthold was the pastor of the church till August, 1891, from which time on the Rev. Joseph Zundt has charge of the congregation. It numbers one hundred ninety members.

The church was built in 1880. After the great storm of July 13, 1883, which damaged it, it was repaired and re-dedicated on the fourth Sunday of August. The mission is visited twice a month by a priest from Conception. It has fifty -five members.

Conception Abbey has a membership of eighty-one, of which forty-seven are priests ; students under the care of Conception Abbey, ninety ; Benedictine Convent of Perpetual Adoration, one hundred five; pupils of the Benedictine (12)

Sisters, ninety-five ; Sisters of St. Francis Hospital, Maryville, forty-eight ; church members of the Catholic parishes and missions in Nodaway county, two thousand four hundred and sixty-six; total of Catholics in the county, two thousand eight hundred and eighty-five.