Richardson County, Nebraska - Chapter 14, 1917

Chapter 14

Persecution of sects for their religious beliefs, led to some of the earliest settlements made in this great republic. In the olden time the man of God worshiped with his rifle within easy reach, and the parishioner was the sturdy, but determined settler, who had left the mother country that he might enjoy the privilege of worshiping God according to the dictates of his own conscience. And so it has been that the church played such a powerful part in the early history of our county.

In the early settlement of this county the pioneer came to church with his o.x-team and P>ible, after a week's work converting a desert into a habitable ground. The Sabbath was spent in cultivating the soul and holding the mind and heart in line with the Creator. The preacher's auditors wore home-spun garments and his pulpit was perhaps a rough hewn slab. His Christianity was pure and sincere, and his teachings earnest and effective. The simple prelate of those days gave his services to Christianity, looking only for his reward at the hands of his Master on that day wlien his life's work was done. The church hi.story of a localit}' is in.separable from its growth and development. Church influence is felt in business, in government and educational institutions, and in everything that goes to make up a prosperous and moral community.

Mktiiodist Episcop.Xl Church

The church history of Richardson county commenced simultaneously with the coming of the pioneers, as does the history of all such movements. The first immigration of importance brought many early settlers from Andrew county, Missouri, in 1856, and among them was Wingate King, spoken of with great reverence by all who knew him, and who was a Methodist preacher. He pre-empted a (|uarter section of land near the townsite of Falls City and immediately organized a church society that held their meetings in the natural groves along Muddy creek. There was such a society on the old Isaac Crook farm, afterwards better known as the old Martin farm, and one on the did Catron farm, lately dwned by \\". M. Maddox. It was here in nature's temples that many prayers were offered by earnest people for the success of the Union army during the bloody Civil \Var. Henry T. Davis, that saint of early Methodism in Nebraska, was a notable figure in camp-meeting days.

There were no church buildings erected in Falls City until 1867. Church was held in different places. J. R- Cain told me that the first time he attended church in a building was in Falls City, in i860, accompanied by Mrs. Sarah Wilhite, in the law office of Isham Reavis. a little old building that stood near where Lyford's store building now stands - lot i, block 90. Rev. Kay Taylor was the Methodist minister holding the service. The ]\Iethodists perfected the first religious organization that I can discover in Richanlson county. Rev. David Hart was stationed in Archer in 18O5, and moved the appointment to Falls City. In 1867 the society purchased the groimd upon which the present edifice stands and erected the first church building in the count}-. It was a pretentious affair and had a steeple in which a church bell was to be hung. This bell was the source of much endeavor and enterprise. Since there was no money in the country, the hardy pioneers were determined to overcome all obstacles and immediately set out on the enterprise of providing the funds for a bell. This was done mostly by the ladies, who organized the mite society which met regularlx every week at first one house and another, each one bringing his or her mite towards the payment of the purchase price of the bell. After a time the liell was secured, and the raising of it into its place was the occasion of public interest and rejoicing. ^Irs. W. .M. Mann was one of the principal workers in this direction and, ujion the occasion -of the tin wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. March 15, i86y, R. S. Towle. in presenting the present of the evening, said this among other things : "Our church, which rears its tapering spire towards tlie vault of Heaven was pushed onward towards completion as much, if not more. l)y your individual efforts and persistent energy, than 1)y those of any other person. Our festivals of the past year, around which so many pleasant memories cluster and linger and \\hicli were mostly conceived in your brain and executed by ^our hand, have had their fruition in the IkjII which, on e\ery Sabbath da\ . rolls its deep tones over our prairie homes, ringing the death knell of frontier barbarism and ushering in the long-wished-for era of the star of empire ;ind religion : besides carrying us back in sjiirit. at least, to the happv Eastern homes ..f our childhood."

Rkiiakdson' Col'Ntv, Nkukaska

The first church huikling- was erected during the pasturate of Rev. W. A. Presson. The succeeding ministers, as 1 remember them, were: Reverend Pritchard, Lemon. Ma\. Britt. Crosthvvaith, Adams, Sleeth, Slavens, Hobbs and Gallagher. It was during the second pastorate of the last one named that the new l)rick church, which stands on the site of the old one. was erected at a cost of ten thousand dollars, and is one of the most handsome and comfnodious church buildings in the city. The corner stone of the new building was laid in 1892 and the services conducted by Revs. L. F. Britt and John Gallagher, two of the strongest men in pioneer Methodism that the state has produced. This first Methodist Episcopal church, which is the largest congregation in the county, has recently installed an elegant pipe organ. The church property, including the parsonage, is now valued at thirty-thousand dollars.

The Ladies' Missionary Society of this church held their hrst meeting on Sunday evening, July 23. 1876, at eight o'clock, for the purpose of perfecting an organization. The program for that evening was as follows, as gleaned from a report of the same appearing at the time and published in a current number of the FaJls City Press :

The First Christian church of Falls City had no real organization prior to 1876, although there were many members of that denominati(;n living in the citv. In that vear W. E. Neal moved here frf)m ^Liysville. Kentucky, and at once .set himself to the task of organizing the adherents of this denomination into a church society. At the preliminary meeting in the Odd Fellows hall, which had been rented for the purpose, three persons were present: Mr. Neal. James Burnham and S. Zimmerman. One week later a .second meeting was held and at thai time a permanent organization was effected. This new church, wiiich comprised twenty-lhree members, called Rev. R. C. Barrow as its first pastor and in a sliort time forty new members were added to the flock. In the same year, a lot was purchased and a church edifice was erected at the cost of twenty-five hundred dollars. This building, which was dedicated in June. 1877, by Rev. J. B. Briney. of Kansas. w;is remodeled at different times.

In the spring of 1910 the old editice was torn down to make way for the new, modern place of worship which is more in keeping with the growth and opportunities of the church. This building was dedicated on Februarv 5. 191 1, by Z. T. Sweeney, of Xew York City. The building contains thirtynine rooms and is adapted to modern methods of institutional work. Jt contains rest rooms, parlors, dining rooms, kitchen, club rooms and a large room suitable for gymnasium purposes with shower baths. The entire church plant is valued at thirty-five thousand dollars. It is especially planned for a modern Sunday school plant and recent methods of Bible school work have been adopted. Since the new building was occupied, the growth uf the church has been most satisfying, and the past year has been the most successful in the history of the society, more than fifty new members having been added.

St. Thomas Episcopal Church

\\ork was just begtin by the church in Falls City in i860 when Reverend Talbot drove over from Nebraska City and held service. In 1867 Re\-. Thomas Betts was appointed missionary in charge of Falls City. Rulo and Salem. As Rulo was a river town it seemed to offer better prospects, so Father Betts took up his residence there and built the St. Peters church.

In 1868 the corner stone of the first church of St. Thomas wa> laid and Mr. John Lyon was appointed lay reader. On .\i)ril .20. 1871. the first class of eight [persons was confirmed by Reverend Clarkson. In 1873 the first church was completed and Rev. Francis Burdette Xash took charge. In 1877 Reverend Xash resigned and was succeeded by Reverend Jones, who remained about a year, when Reverend Russell, of Tecuniseh. was i)laced in charge. In 1885 Rev. \N'. V. Whitten took charge, but resigned at the end of 1886 on account of ill health. The Rev. I. .\. Russell, who succeeded him. also resigned an account of ill health in 1888. when Mr. \\'hittcn returned and remained until 1892. He was succeeded by Rev. T. B. Whaling, who remained only eight months, and was followed by Rev. I. I-^. Baxter, who remained until 1898. when the Rev. T. Gardner, of Tecuniseh. was placed in charge. Mr. Gardner resigned in Xovemher. 1899. and Re\ . W'il- liani Moody took charge. Reverend Aioody was followed by Reverend Smith," who was followed by Rev. G. L. Neide. He, in turn, was succeeded by the present rector, Rev. James Nobel.

Tuesday, June i8, 1901, was an important day for St. Thomas Episcopal church in Falls City, for it marked the consecration of tlie magnificent new church, the fruits of the personal sacrifice and united efforts of the people of the parish and their friends. The church had been for many years in urgent need of a new building. The old frame structure, which had done its duty for so many years, had not only become too small, but was no longer in any wise fitted for its purpose. Realizing the pressing need for a new church, plans were set on foot to this end and little by little the fund grew until at last it was of sui^cient size to warrant the beginning of the new church. The new St. Thomas church stands on the corner of Fifth and Harlan streets, just south of the old building, and is an imposing structure of pressed brick, with a large square tower, rising from the southwest corner. The style of architecture is beautiful and the simplicity of the whole is just balanced by the beauty arid size of the large stained-glass windows, each a work of art. The interior of the church is especially fine. The wood work is finished in hard pine and the walls elaborately frescoed. The vestry room, the choir, sacristv and all parts are planned and constructed according to the most approved plans.

The bishop and his assisting clergy arrived in the city on the dav previous and that evening the order of confirmation was administered to Mrs. Rawley, A'liss Willie Gilespie, Miss Amilia Lindeman and Miss Meeker Cain, who were the first to be confirmed in the new church. On the follo\\- ing day the formal consecration of the church took place. In the morning, at seven o'clock, holy C(imniunion was celebrated by the rector. Rev. ^\'illiam Moody, and at ten o'clock occurred consecration services. .\t that huur the church was filled and the procession entered at the main entrance, where it was met by the wardens and vestrymen, and moved up the main aisle in the following order : Bishops Worthington and Williams, followed by Rev. Charles Young, Reverend Moore and Rev. Francis White, of Omaha, Reverend Murphy, of Auburn; Reverend Kim, of Tecumseh; Reverend Baxter, and Reverend Mize, of Salina, Kansas; Reverend Randall, of Hiawatha, and Dent, of Kansas ; the full vested choir, the wardens and vestrvmen. The procession halted at the altar and warden A. E. Gantt read tlie instrument of donation and Bishop \\'illiams, in turn, read the instrument of consecration. The morning service then proceeded, Bisho]) \\"ortliington sa)in,s^ the consecration praters and the morning- ])rayer by Reverend Baxter. The lessons was read by Reverend Murpliy and Reverend \Vhite and the sermon was preached by Reverend Young. Holy communion was celebrated by Bishop NVilliams with Bishop Worthinorton as deacon and Reverend Moody as sub-deacon. Thus the new church was set aside to the ])urpose for which it was built under the most auspicious circiunstances.

The following pastors have served the needs of the congregation : Rev. Thomas Betts, Rev. John L\ons. Reverends Xash. Stoddart, Jones. Russell. Carry, W'hitten, Whaling, Johnson. Spencer. Rev. T. Gardner. Re\ . William Moody. Rev. (i. L. Xeide and Rev. James Xoble.

The Brethren churches of all conferences have about one hundred thirty thou.sand communicants, which numljer means that more than half a million people in this countrx are directly, or indirectly, connected with this church. The Brethren cliurch at I''alls City was organized in 1897. Its Sunday school, which is one of the most important auxiliaries of the society. 1)egan with an enrollment of nine and has increased each year until the enrollment is now two hundred fifty. The church is in a very prosperous condition and numbers among its members some of the best citizens of the community. The society enlarged their place of worship during the summer of 191 5. While the church does not favor a large and expensive building at the present, it contributes more than six hundred dollars a year \arious missionar\- enterprises. In addition to its church edifice, the society owns a \ery substantial parsonage. At i)resent the members of the society number nearl\ two hundred and fifty.

The Silver Creek church, which was the first societv of the lirethren denomination in Richardson countw was organized on Octol)er 16. 1869. Since this was a rural church, its field for labor was chiefly in the country. its members being in the main farmers. The first love feast and communion service was held at the home of U. W. Miller. On March 6, 1885. this church, by a large majority, voted to separate from the main conference of the church and became affiliated with the liberal conference, representing more progressive sentiment in many ways. Since then the church has prospered and is again growing into a strong congregation.

The First I'resliyterian church at Falls City was the second one of tiiat denomination organized in Richardson county. The organization was effected in 1866 by the authority of the ])resbytery at Highland, Kansas, which appointed a committee, consisting of KV\s. J. R. Ramsey. John Lilly and Folder McCollough, who carried on the work. At this time six persons were received into the church and F. C. Coole)- was ordained elder. Reverend Ramsey was at that time acting as missionary of the Presbyterian denomination in this county and supplied the new organization until his removal to what was then Indian Territory. Since he took with him the early records of the society, they were consequently lost, but the records were replaced in 1 88 1 by Rev. W. W. Howell, the pastor, after much hard labor.

Shortly after the departure of Reverend Ramsey, the church became disrupted from various reasons and did not until 1871 have an active existence. In the May of that year a reorganization was effected and Re\-. A. P. Wood assumed the pastorate of the church, which position he retained until 1873. From this time forward the church organization w-as kept up arid the congregation grew, and in 1909 the society decided to abandon its old frame building, which was erected in 1873 on the corner of b'ifteenth and Harlan streets, and build its present magnificent place of worship which stands on the corner of Twentieth and Harlan streets. The work was begun in May, 1909, and the church was dedicated in the fall of the same year. The property is now worth twenty thousand dollars.

Early in September, 1913, the general synod of the Evangelical Lutheran church sent its missionary to Falls City, Nebraska, to preach Lutheran doctrine and, if possible, to establish a mission. Services were condticted in the Electric theatre. On December 3, 1913. Reverend Kanse, the missionary secretary, called a meeting of men interested in the work. At this meeting resolutions were adopted, making the organization perni;i-

The committee l)ought lots 13 and 14, in block 9, of Boulexard addition, on December 13, 1913. The old frame church at St. Mark's congregation at Verdon was then secured and moved to our lots. The building came through in good condition and, with a number of impro\ ements. made an excellent place of worship. The church was provided with electric lights and furnace, was connected with city water, and a cloak room was built.

The church was dedicated on March 29, 1914, and on the day of dedication all necessary money was secured and the church stands free of del)t. Dr. H. L. Yarger, the president of the general synod, was present on that day and delivered a sermon. A call was extended at this time to Rev. J. Matthiesen, asking him to serve our church as pastor and missionary. Reverend IMatthiesen took up his work as the church's first regular minister on ^lay i, 19 14.

The church today has a modern Sunday school, with an enrollment of ( )ne hundred and five and seventeen on the cradle roll, ^^'e have a church membership of sixty-seven and a baptised membership of one hundred and twenty-five. The officers of the church are: Rev. J. Matthiesen, pastor, and Henry Roesch, Martin Nolte, Andrew Ketter, L. A. JNIeinzer, church council. These officers and Rev. W. T. Kashe also acted as the building committee. The order of services is so arranged that we give the German members of our church a German service on alternate Sunday mornings. .V Lutheran league of sixteen members has been active since July.

St. Mark's, formerly known as St. Marien's Evangelical Lutheran church, had its beginning almost four decades ago. It was early in the eighties when some of the Lutheran people of this vicinity met every two weeks in what is known as the Harkendorff school house for worship. But it was not until 1883 that a congregation was organized, and John G. 1 leinzelman, Sr., Henry Jorn, Sr., and William Oswald were elected trustees. Under the guidance of their faithful pastor, Reverend Gromish, they soon realized the need of a church building and a special meeting was called to deliberate upon the proposition in the June of 1883. In this meeting it was decided to build a church thirty-six feet long and twenty-f(Xir feet wide. for which suliscriptions were to ])e received. To look after the construction

At the annual church meeting on January 6, 1913, the majority of those present voted in favor of a new church building, since they realized that the old place of worship did not afford adequate accommodations for the rapidly growing congregation. Mr. and Mrs. Falskin were chosen solicitors and a building committee was appointed which consisted of the following: August Falskin. Charles Heinzelman, Edwin Friedly, John and Charles Harkendorfif. After the solicitors submitted a favorable report some weeks later, the committee immediately took action. The plans for the new building, drawn by Carl Ruthman, of Falls City, were accepted. Mr. Buthman, the architect, superintended the wood work and the Bohrer brothers had charge of the brick laying. On May li, 1913, the corner stone was laid, the pastor. Rev. S. de Freese officiating, assisted by Doctor Ludden. It was at that time that the name of the society was changed from St. Marien's to St. Mark's. On October 12, 1913, the large and beautiful new church was dedicated to the worship of God. It is located in the midst of a prosperous community of farmers and will be a landmark for many years to come.

During the past thirty years the following pastors have served the congregation : Reverends Gromish, Neumaker. Miller, Hennig, Mosner. Beuchner, Jenson and the [)resent pastor, de Freese.

Fik.St Baptist Church

While other denominations had -gained a strong foothold in the early days of the city, it was not until December 9, 1873, that the First Baptist church of Falls City was organized with thirteen constituent members. At the meeting for the organization of the church. Rev. J. W. Webster was moderator and Rev. E. D. Thomas was clerk of the council of recognition. The New Hampshire Confession of Faith was adopted and the church was admitted and took its place in the denomination as a regular Baptist church with Revs. E. D. Thomas and .\. J. Jones serving jointly as pastors. Soon after the organization of the society, it was decided to purchase the unfinished building of the Disciples church, and a loan of five hundred dollar^ was acijuired from 'the American Baptist Home Mission Societ\ . Thi'- tran.saction along with some other matters came nearly breaking up the organizati(Mi. Until 1880 the church struggled on making little progress, and in tliat \ear the church Inuldini;' was iiKJved from its lucation near the Central school to lots just north of the pubhc square. At the same time the membership was increased to fifty. In 1882 and 1883 dissensions arose between the members and the pastor and the .society was <hsbanded. The house was sold and now forms a part of the Ijuilding- which was used for so lont;- Ijy the Falls City News.

It was not tintil Xo\'eml)er, 1890, that an\" movement was made fur another organization in this city, but in that }ear ]"". T. Houston and W. A. Moran and their families from Stanberry, Missouri, settled here and soon began preparations for another Baptist society. On April 7, 1891. Rev. T. K. Tyson effected the organization of the new church .societ\' with the fdllowing constituent members: Mrs. Ellen B. Houston, W. A. Moran, Mrs. Lizzie Moran, Mrs. Cordelia Gundy, Mrs. Alice Geiger, Mrs. J. .\. Lawrence, Mrs. Hattie Snidow, Mrs. Nettie Brenzier, Mrs. E. J. Eversole, Mr. E. Rumsey, Mrs. Josephine Larimore, Jessie Moran and S. Bryan. During a series of meetings, during July of that year the membership was increased horn fourteen to seventy-one. In the fall of that year, preparations were made for the erection of a church buililing. and the present edifice was completed in the fall of 1892. On .\ugust 23, 1896, the church was dedicated free from debt, Re\-. M. B. Rariden D. D.. of Omaha, preaching the dedicatory sermon.

h'or tiftv years Prairie L'nion Baptist church has been rendering \aluable service, and is yet in a very flourishing condition. Linked with the early history of this society are the names of Thomas Higgin and his wife. Catherine Davis Higgins, who, in an early da\' when there were no meeting houses and no facilities for public worship opened up their dwelling for the use of a union Sunday school, the meetings of which were subse(|uentl\- transferred in a school liouse near Mr. Higgins" home. It was at the latter place on March 3, 1867, tliat the Welsh Baptist church, which later became the Prairie Union Baptist church, was organized. There is no reconleil action on the part of the congregation relating to the calling of a pastmprior to March 9, 1872, hut it has been learned from some of the older members that Rev. J- T. James supplied the church with, preaching during the interval.

At a regular covenant meeting, held on February 28, J869, it was xoted that, as the membership consisted of both Welsh and I'^nglish, the service^ of Re\-. E. D. Thomas be secured in addition to those of Reverend James, so that the congregation could have preaching in both the English and \Vebh languages. On April 9, 1869, at the regular meeting of the year, it \\as v(ited that the name of the church be changed, and in the place ol being called the Welsh Baptist church the society was henceforth designated as the Prairie Union Baptist church. In 1870 some interesting changes were made in the church. Formerly the Sunday school was undenominational, but in the April of the year mentioned, it became a P.aptist Sunday school. Later in the year, in December, at a regular meeting it was resolved to eliminate the clause in the church's constitution re(|uiring members be received by the laying on of hands. This plainly shows what had been the custom I if the church in the reception of new members.

.\lmost until 1872 the church had been without a place of worslnp of its own, but on Xovember 26 of the year preceding it was voted, ai a business meeting to erect a church edifice, and a board of trustees, which was to have this matter in hand, consisted of the following: Thomas Fliggins, J. D. Jones, B. S. Hart, E. D. Evans and J. P>. Evans. To ac(|uire funds for this purpose the church applied for loans to the American P>aptisl Home ^Mission Society for five hundred dollars in .\])ril, 1873. During this year, the house was inclosed and occupied but not rtnished. Before the completion of it, the house took fire and was, with great difficulty, saved from total loss. On August 3. 1874, the new house of worship was formally dedicated and in the following September the association convened in it. It was not, however, until February i"], 1879, the church paid one hundred dollars, the balance of its indebtedness on the erection of the edifice. This old church served the needs of the congregation until September 15. 1905, when it was struck b\' lightning and burned to the ground. Immediately afterward a committee was appointed to plan for a new building, and it was decided to erect a new edifice which would cost about three thousand dollars. The work was begun in Novemlier and cai-ried on throughout the winter. It was cnmpleted on August 12. 1906. and detlicated on Septeml)er 12. free from debt, the total cost being four thousand dollars.

During the fifty years of its existence this society has been quite active. In the history of the church the total number baptised has been two hundred and ninety-five, the total membership, four hundred and seventy-four; and the present membership is one hundred and twenty-four. Several pastors have served the needs of the congregation during its existence; they are: Rev.s. J. T. James and E. D. Thomas, 1867-72; D. \'. Thomas. 1872-76:

St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Chcrcii

The first Catholic services were held in I'alls City Ijy traveling priests from Rulo, the nearest place where there was a regular ijastor. It was not. how^ever, until 1870 that the St. Francis Xavier church was built. In that year, the members of the little Roman Catholic society, assisted by many citizens who, while belonging to other denominations, were Catholic in the best and broadest sense of the word, erected a church building. The following year Father Lechleither l>ecanie resident pastor of the new jjari.'^h and increased the society from its five original members to a substantial body. On his retirement after a year of service. Rev. J. Hays assumed the pastorate and held it tor nearly two \ears. and din"iug his term and largel\' througb his efforts, the parochial residence was erected. His successor. Reverend Bobal. in his year of residence, continued the work of his predecessor. In 1877 Rev. C. J. Ouinn was installed, after whom came many good men to serve the congregation.

In 1 89 1 the church bought the Dundy property in the east part of the city, and there opened the Ursuline convent, which school has been kept in ojieration almost constantly since its establishment. After acquiring this sightly property, the eft'ort was at once begun to raise funds which should be used for the building of a new church which, as it was planned, was to occupy a site near the convent. The efforts of the committee having this matter in hands during the >ear that followed were \erv .successful and in 191 1 the society's beautiful church was completed. Father Bex began the plans for the new church building, but increasing years cau.sed him to turn the work over to a younger man, Rev. J. J. Hoffman, under wliose guidance tiie edifice was completed. The vaUie of the property now belonging to the society is estimated at rifty thousand dollas. This is known as Sts. Peter and Paul's church.

The first year which records Catholic activity in this vicinity was 1868, when Berg's cemetery was started two miles east and one and a half miles north of the present church. St. Ann's church was built in 1885 by Father Lee. It was so named at tlie request of Anna Lite)-, who donated one thousand dollars toward the building fund ; the balance, amounting to two thousand dollars, being contributed by the other members. The following are the names of those old settlers: Miles Kelly, who donated three acres for the church site; Michael O'Connell. John Ahern, Anthony Ege. Thomas Murphy, John and James Hanley, Michael Casey, Martin Kelly. \V. B. Wells, John H. Kelly, John Duser and W. E. Kelly.

-V sanctuary addition to the north side of the church was made in 1896, and during the following year the organ gallery was built. The name of the church appears for the first time in the official church directory-of the year 1889, as St. Ann's church in New Barada.

Since the establishment of this Catholic society, it has been served by several pastors. Father Lee, the builder of the church, was also pastor of the Falls City church. From that city he attended to the needs of Barada. and was in charge of the new congregation of St. Ann's church for many years. From 1889 to 1914 the priests of Dawson were the pastors of this congregation and lived near Shubert. Besides Father Lee, the following pastors have served the needs of this church: Rev. William McDonald. 1889 to August 31. 1894; Rev. James H. Conly. 1894 to February 7, 1895: Rev. P. L. McShane, February 15, 1895. to November 23. 1898: Rev. Thomas Corcoran, 1898 to May 15. 1907: Rev. Bernard Ulbrich, 1907 to January i, 1908; Rev. John J. Loughran, 1908 to September 28, 191 1, and Rev. F. A. O'Brien, 1911 to December 6, 1914.

During Father O'Brien's pastorate, the congregation was attached to the mission at Salem with Rev. John Kornbrust as pastor, which arrangement, 'however, never went into eft'ect. In December, 1914, the two missions received a common pastor, Rev. Paul Hasler, who for half a year had been in charge of Salem missions alone. He, with the approbation of the (25)

Rt. Rev. Bishop Tilien, changed his residence to Shubert, and with the generous help of the congregation, put up the priest's house, west of tlie church, in the following year of 191 5.

German Evangelical Church

The beginning of Evangelical church societies in this county dates back to 1866, when the first adherents of that creed settled in this county. Among the first who moved here were William Meier, Christian Kaiser. Carl Daeschner and Henry Rieger, and a little later C. Yoesel, John Yoesel and otliers; all coming from, or near, the same place, Barrington, Illinois. They all bought land near where Zion church now stands, six miles east of Falls City. Soon after these people settled in this county, they felt the need of their religious society for they did not intend to rear their children away from the influence of their church. Soon they effected an organization and made inquiries as to the nearest point where thej^ could obtain the services of a minister. Soon the little band was increased by the coming of 1". and L. Hilgenfield, John Mohring and wife, L. Rippe and wife and Samuel .\rnoId and wife, wlio were among the first converts to this church.

The Zion E\angelical church, the first of that denomination to erect a place of worship in the county, was built in 1871 ; but the first preaching point 'was at old Arago, soon after the Civil War. Our fellow-citizen, John Mosiman, who moved here from Indiana, was early identified with the work of this church, and he was douljtless the oldest memlier of this denomination in the county.

The German Evangelical churclies have largely to date used the German language, but the demand for English is growing out of a \ery natural condition, since the public schools are English and the demand of the young people for this language is a vital question for these churches. There are. at least, four English Evangelical churches in the county, the nearest one tn Falls City being Maple Grove church, north of Strauss\ille. Another is the church society at Barada, which is yet comparatively new but flourishing. A third such church of this denomination is located at Dawson, which society owns a good building, has a strong and efficient membership and are able to be instrumental for much good. .A fourth luiglish Evangelical church is at X'erdon.

It was not until 1888 that the ministers of the Evangelical Association liegan to preach in Falls City, serving the appointment in connection with the organized church at Preston, under the charge of Rev. F. Harder, assisted by Rev. J. Rohrig. In the following year Rev. J. R. Nanninga became the assistant, and in 1890 the appointment was organized into a mission and supplied with Rev. A. Rodewald as the first regular pastor. Tho first church building, belonging to this society, was erected in 1892 on a lot at the corner of Harlan and Nineteenth streets, but this building was enlarged to its present capacity during the pastorate of Rev. M. Manshardt in 1907. The following pastors have served the congregation: F. Harder, J. Rohrig, J. R. Nanninga, A. Rodewald, A. Mattill, W. F. Wolthausen, C. Brandt, J. Schniidli. M. Alanshardt, P. Schumann, J- R- Nanninga and M. C. I'latz.

Churches At Humboldt

So far as we have been able to learn, the first church organization in the vicinitv of Humboldt was formed by the Christian denomination. There had been religious meetings held before any regular organizations were formed, but the early historian has failed to record where and Ijy whom the first of these were conducted. The Christian church was organized, April 15, i860, with sixteen members. O. J. Tinker was its first ordained elder, and Silas Morphew and A. M. Gentry were chosen deacons. R. C. Barrows and Thomas Edwards held services for the new organization in i860 and 1861, and Reverend Mullis then supplied the church for }ears. The first regular pastor was Rev. William Smith, who began liis labors in July, 1870. At first the services were held in private homes, the room being sufficient to accommodate the faithful few but devout members. When tiie first school house was completed in Humboldt, services were held there by this mission until 1876, when the society purchased the privilege of worshipping in the Methodist church, which had Ijeen erected in the meantime.

The church building was completed in 1878 at a cost of two thdusand five hundred dollars. - The buildmg was thirty by sixty-four feet, with an alcove twelve by two and one-half feet, and had a seating capacitv of about three hundred. The first regular lx)ard of trustees as elected, May 5, 1884. were: J. G. Cox, E. P. Tinker, Cyrus Jones, J. K. Cornelius and Charleton Hall. The first ministers appear in the following order: William Smith, Roach Parkinson, W. H. Tucker, A. D. Finch, C. W. Elder, James Shields, E. L. Poston, Robert Jones, O. H. Derry, W. M. .\danis and L. L. Combs.

In very recent years the Christian congregation razed the first church and, in its. stead, erected a fine large modern church which ranks as one of the best in the countv-

Shortly after the organization of the Christian church came that of the German Methodist Episcopal church. During the first twenty-five years of its life, it was a mission, served by preachers, who were forced to divide their time between five congregations. The first date in the record of this society is i860 Avhen its membership was stated as fourteen. The first preacher to supply the Humboldt circuit was Rev. J. Lange. He was followed by Reverends j\Ieke, Meyer, Dreyer, Muelhenbrook, Schatz. C. Bauer, H. H. Menger, C. Bruegger. E. Schumacher, Fred Unland, J. H. Mertens, H. C. Schee, G. Bermenter, G. G. Gracsmueck, J. Kracker, F. H. Wipperman and H. A. Sickman. The present pastor of this congregation is Rev. John Kracker. The first church building was completed in 1879 and was, at that time, one of the finest churches in the city. Like the Christian congregation, they, too, have in recent years built an entirely new church which far out-ranks the early church in size and cost.

English Methodist Episcopal Church

This church was organized in 1871 and on March 29 of the same year, the general conference recognizing its needs, appointed Martin Prichard to preach God's word and build up the society. In 1873 the society built the first church building in Humboldt, completing the same at a cost of one thousand four hundred dollars. Since that time, extensive repairs and extensions have increased its cost to more than three thousand dollars. The. society built a parsonage on Nemaha street in 1879. whicli building was later sold and another bought and remodeled. This church, which is one -of the strongest religious organizations in Humboldt, a few years ago razed the earlier church and built new a fine large brick structure which ranks as ne of the most expensive church edifices in the county.

First Presbyterian Church

The I'irst Presbyterian church was organized, June 23, 1871, eight members constituting the entire roll of communicants. The organization was the cHrect result of a call issued by A. H. Bratt, C. E. Rice and wife, P. A. Ninis, John R. Clark and wife, and Mrs. Phoebe McConkey. The hrst sermon was preached on that date by Rev. George R. Carnoll, at that time the district missionary of the American Board of Home Missions and having charge of western Iowa. Nebraska and Dakota.

The meetings of this church, after it was founded, were held in the school house until December, 1878, when a church edifice was completed at a cost of two thousand one hundred dollars. Changes and additions were made to this building, bringing the total cost up to nearly three thousand five hundred dollars. T'le I)uilding was occupied by the society until January, 1892, when it was sold to James Hnizda and torn down to give place for his residence. It was located on Fourth street between Central avenue and lulwartls street. In 1884, during the pastorate of Rev. Joel S. Kelsey, the church divided, part of the congregation following Mr. Kelsey to the People's church. This branch had erected an edifice, or rather Mrs. Lydia Bnmn Woods and the congregation erected one, she contributing the sum of five thousand dollars for the same, stipulating that the congregation should keep it in repair and provide it with a pastor without further cost to her and that its services should be non-sectarian. Services were held here for a short time by ^Ir. Kelsey. Upon his departure from the city, the church had no regular pastor, most of the members returning to their former church home.

In Jaiuiary, 1890, Mrs. Woods presented her interests to the Presbvterian church, merely requiring the lifting of a small debt then against it. This was for long, the finest church edifice in the city, costing originallv nearly nine thousand dollars and having a seating capacity of four hundred. It remains to this day one of the most active and efficient religious organiz;itions in the county. The pastors of its earlier years were : A. F. Hale. C. S. Marvin, J. B. Linskea, F. M. Hickok, Joel S. Kelsey, L. D. Wells, G. G. P>arnes, Lewis Jessup, R. Cooper Bailey, S. H. McClanaghan anrl Charles C. Meek.

The First Baptist church of Humboldt came into existence, March 10, 1883. It was organized by Rev. Peter Bolinger, B. F. Lawlor. B. Bedell and J. C. Jordan. B. F. Lawlor was its first pastor and the church profited much by his good work. During his pastorate the church building was erected. It was completed in 1884 at a cost of three thousand three hundred dollars. The first board of trustees was composed of S. C. Bewick. S. Sansom. J. H. Smith, A. H. Coffield, Frank Coons and William Patton. The ministers who liave followed the first pastor were : Revs. T. W. Scott. .\. F. Xewcomb. J. T. Wood and J. S. Hadden.

Ctu'Rcii Of Christ, Scientist

The teaching of Christian Science was first introduced at Huml:)oldt in 1888. but made but very little progress until June, i8g6, when steps were taken towards perfecting an organization. The society was formally organized January i, 1897, in the old school room of the Bohemian Hall, formerly the high school. The church, as yet, does not own a building. It has no pastors and its service, which is conducted by readers, consists of reading from the scriptures and the text-book of Christian Science. Cyrus Milam was the first reader and Mrs. Hattie Fraker, the second. The board of directors is composed of Cyrus Milam, C. S. Bulless and John C. Hoagland.

In the early sixties the German Lutherans built a stone church edifice in the country, due north of the present site of Humboldt. For more tlran hft\- \ears this has stood with its spire pointing heavenward, indicating to tiie weary of heart a haven of rest, and to the traveler the direction for his journey. It was one of the oldest landmarks of this vicinity, and for more than half a century its walls echoed the teachings of Jesus Christ, as interpreted by his devoted disciples. Its first pastor was tlie Reverend Bickman.

Tlie bell, which called its band of worshipers together on Sal)batli day. was cast from the brass of an old cannon captured during the Franco- Prussian war. in 1870. and was pre.sented to the church in 1874 by Emi^eror \\'illielm. Before its reception, the congregation had to 1)uild a new belfry for it. Henry .\lspatch constructed tlie l)elfry and placed the ])ell in position. I'or more than a quarter of a centur\- Rev. John Dirks acted as iiastor of this church. To many Richardson and Nemaha county people tliis oM landmark was a mecca to wliicli tlic)- journeyed for spiritual comfort.

The first case of organized Presbyterianism in Richardson county, that is of record, made its appearance at Salem, April 9, 1863, as a result of the following- action of Highland Presbytery: "At a meeting of the presbytery of Highland, held at Highland, Kansas, September, A. D., 1864, Revs. J. R. Ramsay and John Lilly were appointed a committee to organize a church at Salem, Nebraska, if the way be clear."

In accordance with the above action a meeting was called at Salem on Sabbath, April 9, 1865, when a sermon suited to the occasion was preached by Rev. J. R. Ramsay. The way being clear in the judgment of the committee, they proceeded to constitute a church with the title of the "Presbyterian Church of Salem," when the following persons were admitted to membership on certificate: Alar) A. Lilly, Margaret A. \Vashburn. Cornelia S. Lilly, R. R. McCollough, Elizabeth, his wife, and Elizabeth, their daughter. Those admitted on examination were: G. W. Baker, Elizabeth P. Baker, his wife, Isabelle Holt, Pelina R. Robertson, and Douglass O. Lilly. R. B. McCollough was elected ruling elder and, having been previouslv ordained, was duly installed. Said organization was duly enrolled on the books of the presbytery, April i, 1865.

Rev. J- R- Ramsay was officiating clergyman until 1868, when the name of Rev. John Lilly appears, followed by A. F. Wood in 187 1, under whose administration many members were added. In 1872, J. W. Margrave was elected an elder to assist R. B. McCollough, the lone officer of the church up to this time. Rev. D. ¥. Wood's successor was J. N. Young, in 1873. \ considerable increase in numl)er of membership appears during his labors, the writer among others joining his fortunes with the struggling church. In 1872, Rev. Charles S. Marvin took charge of the work in connection with Humboldt work. Our brick church building was started, enclosed before January i, 1876, and dedicated, April. 1876. cost of building being about one thousand eight hundred dollars. .\t this time, there being but five male members in the church, it needed a "pull and a pull all together" to accomplish the work of l:)uilding. But the people had a mind to work, and. nothwithstanding the grasshopper destruction of that year, they completed the work as above stated.

In tiie fall of 1876. Rev. J. B. Linskea took charge of this and the Humboldt church, doing faithful and efficient work for one vear; followed early in 1878 l)y Rev. i\ AJ. Hickok, the Mind preacher, who is "so well remembered by all who ever met him, being instrumental in organizing Prospect, Bulah and Stella churches, in addition to his regular work at Humboldt and Salem.

In August, 1879, Rev. David Street, in connection with his work al I'alls City, took charge of the Salem church. It was during this year that William Marshall and the late James Hearst were elected elders, also H. H. Griffiths was elected, ordained and, in company with the two above named were installed elders in the congregation. The prospects of this church were encouraging about this time. On the 8th of Alarch, 1880, our senior ruling elder, R. B. McCollough, departed this life.

The first Sabbath in Ma}^, 1880, Rev. John Foy preached his first sermon in Salem church, having moved here from Martinsburg, Ohio. His ministrations continued about four years, the first two preaching to Bulah church, seven miles north of Salem and one and one-half miles north and two miles west of Verdon (Cornell school house), each Sabbath at three p. m., anrl at Salem at eleven a. m. and seven p. m. The last two years his entire time was occupied at Salem. His work was faithful, conscientious and well done. Religious interest was far-reaching and members were added to the church continually:

About July I, 1884, Rev. G. W. Borden, a graduate of Union Seminary, arrived on the ground and at once took up the work laid down by his honored predecessor, full of enthusiasm, courage and fidelity to the "head of the church." He at once won the hearts of the people, and was known as the living epistle of his [jrofcssion. On .\pril 23, 1885, a formal call was issued to Mr. Borden to become pastor of the church, which he accepted. The presbytery set September J3, 1885. at seven-twenty o'clock as the time and the church at Salem as the place where Mr. Borden should l)e ordained for the full work of the ministry. This work was performed by Reverends Wells, Thompson and Chestnut, as a committee of the presbyterv, and Mr. Borden became first ])astor of the Salem church, his predecessors being stated supplies. This pleasant relationship was abruptly terminated about January, 1886. b\- the failing health of Mrs. Borden, antl on the advice of their physician this consecntcd cnuple (|uitteil this field, thereby creatin;^ a \acancy not yet filled.

the church. Ahout this time many of the members moved to- other locahties and states. This and a vacant pulpit soon lessened the influetice of the church to such a degree that discouragement was plainly visible in every effort. Rev. W. S. Boyd preached in the church for about six months in 1887, followed in the fall of 1888 by Rev. H. M. Goodell, who ministered for us some eighteen months, faithful and diligent in every work. The church again revived and put forth aggressive efforts and pushed the work to favorable results. But again about May, 1890, the church's pulpit was vacated by the removal of Mr. Goodell to Del Norte, Colorado.

About May i, 1891, Rev. R. T. Bell began in connection with Falls City to suppl}^ our pulpit, preaching each Sabbath afternoon for us and morning and evening at Falls City. His ministrations were very acceptable to all the people, but the increase of duties at Falls City compelled him to Cjuit this work January i, 1892, and devote all his time at home. So our pulpit is practically vacant again.

Having brought this narration down to 189-', allow me to supply some omissions, namely, Rev. .\. F. Hale preached for the church for two ov three months in 1874; J. W. McDowell, a student from Allegheny Seminary, who preached for the church for four months during vacation in 1886. and Charles B. Williams, from Princeton, during vacati(Mi in 1890.

On June 30, 1889, Elder James Hearst died, which was a great loss to the church. During the ups and downs of nearly twenty-seven years this church has enrolled (ine hundred and fifty names, of which fortj^-four are now resident members. None of the original members are at present in the organization, G. W. Baker, to the best of our knowledge, died more than two years since.

The Prospect church, east of Humboldt, was organized, March 26, 1882. by George S. Little, synodical missionary for the state. This church was organized with twenty-five members, and in 1883 erected a building which cost about one thousand four hundred dollars. Many of the original members, retiring from their farms, moved into Humboldt. J. W. Van Emmon was its first regular pastor, since which time T am unalile to give any history.

The Stella church was organized about the same time with the Pros- ])ect church. Having no building it finally disbanded and merged into other organizations. The same may lie said of Bulah church which for several years held fortli at the Cornell school liouse, its members going to other localities. Upon the removal of the Congregational church into Verdon, the remaining members of Bulah placed their membership with that organiza- tion, which act- is in full accord with the comity policy of the two denominations, entered into years ago, that neither one will enter territory occupied by the other, until full)- justified by a plain demand that they should.

Long Branch Seventh-Day Baptist Church

The Long Branch Seventh-Day Baptist church was organized on Long Branch, about five miles northwest from Humboldt, by Rev. Thomas E. Babcock, on July 9, 1863. The names of the constituent, or charter members were as follows: William S. Furrow. Jonathan Maxson, A. D. S. Ayers, Lydia Avers, Mary Reeves, Susan R. Furrow, Cecilia \'. Furrow. Rebecca Pierce, Joshua G. Babcock, Charlotte T. Babcock. John Smally Babcock, Sarah Babcock. Silas Babcock, Emily Babcock, John W-. Davis. Amy Davis, Anna Davis, Rhoda Davis, Andrew Henshaw and Wilomina Henshaw. The first services of the church were held from house to house.

The first and only church was built in 1866 and cost about one thousand dollars. It stood about four miles northwest from Humboldt. Nebraska, but in the fall of 1888 the church was moved one-half mile south and. consequentlv, one-half mile nearer Humlx^ldt. It was then repaired and looked like a new church. A parsonage had been built on the lot to which the church was moved a number of years ago.

The first pastor of the church was Rev. Benjamin Clement. .Vfter his pastorate Uri Martin Babcock, a licentiate, served the church for aijout two years, supporting himself by teaching school, receiving no salary whatever from the church. After this. Rev. Samuel R. Wheeler, who lived near Atchison. Kansas, served the church as missionary jiastor for a term I if vear.^. Following this service, Rev. Henry B. Lewis served the church as a missionary pastor for six months. In the years i88j and 1883. Rev. John T. Davis served the church as its pastor about ten months. The first Sabbath of July, 1883. Rev. Darius K. Davis l>ecame pastor and served the church for about three years. The church then called Rev. Uri Martin Babcock. the same person wlm had served the church about two years previous ti> ^^7,^- In the spring of 1887 he came from Dayton, Florida, and took the pastoral care of the church on the first Sabbath of July, 1887. and served the church as its pastor for three years at the nominal salary of one hundred and fift\- dollars from tlie church and one hundred dollars from the missionary society. Afterwards they called him for one year to serve the church for eighty dollars from the church and one hundred dollars from the missionary society, which service closed on the July i> 1891. Since that time he has served the church without any salary antl will continue to do so until he removes to some other field of labor, which he is contemplating doing at an early day. There is l)ut one Seventh-Day Baptist church in Richardson coiuit}- and but one other in the state, it being located at North Loup, Nebraska. The present membership, all tok!, residents and non-residents, is seventy-two.

The knowledge of earh- Bible school work in Richar(lst)n county has been greatly obscured by a failure in the keeping of proper records. Because of this fact it becomes almost impossible to offer exact data on the organization of individual schools. Early, however, in the seventies the county \vas fairly well covered by denominational schools or those under the supervision of the American Sunday School Union. Organizations were found in Humboldt, Salem, Falls City and several other places, names of which are not now familiar to our i>eople.

Kari.Y Organization

The need of a co-operative effort was early felt, growing out of which a call was made for a meeting to unite the various schools in a county organization. This gathering was held in the INIethodist church of Falls City on Ni>vember 10, 1875. The registration for the first session shows the following persons present: Rev. C. S. Marvin. O. J- Tinker, W". D. Bissel and wife, Mrs. Sarah Nims and I^Irs. H. Gardner, of Humljoldt; George W. Aloore and Thomas ¥. Brooks, of Unionxille ; William Wrighton, Pleasant \^alley: J. D. Harris, Olive Tree, William Metcalf and P. Hall, of Salem: William R. Cain, St. Stephens, E. Cooper, J. S. Clark and wife, of North Star: H. B. Grable, J. W. Maynard, Mrs. T. H. Collins, Rev. D. F. Rodabaugh, S. .\. Intlton, V. M. Spalding, Rev. F. B. Nash and Rev. I-". Gilbert of Falls City. This number was increa.sed at the evening session by the presence of Prof. I. D. Simmons and wife, of Salem; J. P. Pool and .\. J. Ely, of Pleasant Hill; a Mr. Moore, of Flowerdale, and Mrs. ^^"i!Iiam Wilson, Mrs. Doctor Shaw, C. R. Banks and F. C. Grable of Falls Citv.

With these thirty-three representative Sunday school workers from over the county an organization was effectetl with S. A. Fulton as chairman, and J. W. Maynard as secretary. .\ constitution was formulated and adopted, calling for an annual gathering of the organization on the second Wednesday of each October, with a full corps of officers, made up of a president and a vice-president from each precinct in the county ; a recording and a corresponding secretary, a treasurer, and an executive committee of five members. Provisions were made that this organization be affiliated, as an auxiliary, with the State Sunday School Association.

It is unfortunate from the viewpoint of history that the early records of the Richardson County Sunday School Association have been lost, and very little of a definite character has been retained until within the past ten years.

The absence of a definite program for work on the part of the slate organization as a working inspiration to the county organization did not bring out the best possible efforts in this county until within recent years. Much credit is due, however, to a few, untiring, faitiiful workers who kept the fire alive through these trying years, until the state force mapped out a co-operative course of work, which put a new purpose and energy into the county organization. The ^-ision and consecration of such persons as H. E. Boyd and J. O. Shroyer, of Humboldt; Samuel Lichty and Mrs. J. J. Cully, of Falls City, and Mrs. J. A. Tyner, of Salem, did much to tide ovei the critical periods in the association's life.

The Reorganization

At the October annual gathering held in the Stella Baptist church, in lyii, the crisis of the county organization seemed at hand. President J. O. Shroyer was leaving the state and no one seemed ready to take his place. As a final solution of the situation Rev. R. Cooper Bailv, then pastor of the Falls City Presbyterian church, now gone to his reward, consented to accept the presidency and Dr. 1".. U. :\Iathers, of Falls City, was chosen as secretarytreasurer.

The spirit of that gathering .seemed to breathe new life into the organization. Early in November an executive council was called to meet in the Falls City library Iniilding. The county was di\ided into five districts an,d arrangements were made for a meeting in each for the purpose of perfecting a district organization. As a result of this constructive work, the as- sociation came to the 1912 convention in Verdon with a better showing along ail lines. This gathering was held in the Verdon Congregational church and was attended by about two hundred delegates. A spirit of progress and purpose was evident. Because of Reverend Bailey's intended removal from the state, the association again found itself without a president and Rev. S. deFreese, of Verdon, was chosen to fill the vacancy, while Dr. 1'^. R. Mathers was re-elected as secretary-treasurer. The year's work consisted, largely, in visiting the various schools of the county and familiarizing them with the possibilities and helpfulness of the organization. As yet, however, no definite plan was placed before die individual scliools for a co-operative efifort along Sunday school lines.

October. 1913, found the yearly meeting in session in the Congregational church of Salem, with an aggregated attendance of over four hundred in the three sessions. Doctor Mathers was selected as the new president and Dr. C. N. Allison, of Falls City, as secretary-treasurer.

The New Program

It was at this gathering where a new and lasting impetus was given to the county work upon the announcement of the state secretary, ^Margaret Ellen Brown, that a four years' program of definite work was being mapped out for all the schools in the state. This program contemplated an effort on the part of all the schools in Nebraska, to reach a certain standard of efficiency in four years. The schools were asked to make gains of one-fourtli for each of the four years on the following standard :

An organized cradle roll ; an organized, recognized teen-age class ; an organized, recognized adult class; at least two classes using grade instruction; a home department, organized; an organized teacher training class; a missionary- superintendent or a missionary committee : temperance sujierintendent, or a temperance committee, and at least one won for Christ and for the church each year. Such a plan was to be used in all Sunday schools. To those best acquainted with conditions in the comity the .successful termination of such a program seemed next to impossible, so indifferent were the schools to the idea of systematic organization.

On Novemlier 28, following the Salem convention, at the invitation of the new president all but one of the county officers, department superintendents and district presidents met at his home for a conference on present conditions and to formulate plans for definite work during the year. A new vision appeared to all those attending this cnnference and a

Step in the Richardson County Sunday School Association was apparent. At the state convention, in June, 19 14, recognition was to be given to the counties which might ht successful in reaching the first twenty-five per cent, goal, and Richardson was one of eight ready for such recognition. The spirit of this co-operative movement was being felt over the entire county and, when the 1914 convention was held in Falls City, on October 28 and 29, an aggregate of one thousand six hundred persons was present for the five sessions, making the largest county convention ever held in Nebraska up to that date. All departments of the organization had been active and the fifty per cent, goal, scheduled for the June, 1915, state convention, had been reached eight months ahead of time - the first county in the state to make the second goal point. A ntJtable feature of this convention was the presence of three-fourths of the ministers of the county, nearly all of the remaining fourth being out of the county at the time or detained by sickness. By a unanimous action an earnest invitation was given for the 1916 state convention to l)e held in Falls City. This invitatinn was subsequently accepted at the 19 15 state convention held in Broken Bow. Great enthusiasm was shown in the final effort to gain the 1916 con\ention by the seventeen representatives from the county, whi> traveled an aggregate of ten thousand miles to and from Broken Bow to present the formal invitation of the state. The Booster Club of Falls City delegated -\tty. Jean B. Cain as its representative and a special period was granted on one evening's program for the presentation and showing of Falls City views by means of the stereopticon. Richardson county went to this convention with the se\ent\-five per cent, goal gained one j'ear ahead of schedule.

The 1 91 5 county convention was held in the Humboldt Christian churcli with an aggregate attendance of over one thousand two hundred. The old officers were re-elected and a spirit of aggressiveness \vas evident. .V strain of sadness marked a part of the convention in the memorial service held in memory of the home department superintendent, Mrs. J. J. Cully, who had jiassed away during the year. Fitting tribute was given to the splendid work done in her department. Miss Gertrude Lum, suijerintendent of the secondary department, who was at tlie time in a hospital, was also remembered in a special way.

Richardson county was becoming recognized over the entire state a-^ the leader in all Sunday school work and man\- calls were made upon its officers to visit other counties and instruct them in methods of org-ani/.ed efficiency-. Charts devised to help systematize and check up goal jxiints as gained, were adopted over the entire state, and many of our ])lans were eagerly sought and used.

The State Convention At Falls City

A ''reel letter" year was 1916. in the county's Sunday school history, because the one iiundred per cent, goal was reached twelve months ahead of schedule, and because it was our privilege to entertain for the first time a state Sunday school convention. Plans had been well worked out in ample time to assure a royal reception and a satisfactory entertainment to visiting delegates during the period of the convention, June 19-21. .\ fitting tribute was given to Falls City's reception in the "open letter" of the Nebraska Smuiay Scluwl Record, under the date of August, 1916, in part as follows; "We did have such a great meeting at Falls City: people were so enthusiastic, everyone was good natured, Sunday school people always are ; the local committees did everything so splendidly, that everyone wants Falls City to have the state convention again just as soon as it would be polite to ask for it. * * * Falls City did more than the\- promised to do in money, in printing, for the pageant and everything. We just do not know how to thank them enough."

Then in the same issue, under the heading, "Falls City Did Xot Fail,"' the following appeared : "We thought the Broken Bow people had reached the height of possibilities of extending a cordial welcome and showing hospitality to state convention delegates, but Falls City surpassed everything we have experienced in this line in a Nebraska state convention. They had dozens of automobiles labeled "guest car," and these were at the disposal of delegates all the time, apparently. They met all trains. l)rought all tlie delegates up to headquarters (not just the officers), took them to their homes, and took them to the station again when the convention was over. It was simply great. Then those boys who carried the grips, suitcases, bags and bundles; did you ever see a more willing bunch? I never did. The local florists, Simanton and Pence, sent two thousand carnations td head(|uarters to be given to delegates as they registered. The auditorium and churches were beautifully decorated. Falls City certainly made a reputation for Christian hospitality."'

Though this was the largest convention of Sunday school workers ever held in Nebraska up to that time, b'alls City found no difficulty in providing entertainment for all.

Come-To-Sindav-School Day

Stella entertained the county convention for this year on October 19- 20. One of the interesting features of this gathering was the presentation of a I^eautiful new silk flag;, three l:)y five feet, to the Cottier Union sch^^f 1 for having made the best record in point of increased attendance on "Cometo-.Sunday-School Day," October 8. A united effort was being made over the entire state to secure a record attendance on that date, and the Richardson County Sunday School ,\ssociation had oft'ered a flag to the scIkjoI which, on that day, would have an attendance showing tlie greatest percentage of increase as compared with its own average attendance for the past year. The schools entered heartily into this effort with the result that Richardson county reported the second largest attendance in the state, the various schools having reported an aggregate of some six thousand five hundred for tliat day. Again credit was given to the work in this county by an editorial in the Nebraska Sunday School Record which stated that the "Come-to- Sunday-School" campaign in Richardson county was the best example of a well-outlined plan carried into successful execution ever witnessed in the state.

New Officers

At the Stella convention Doctor Mathers asked to be relieved of the duties of president, and Mr. M. E. Ruddy, of Humboldt, was unanimously chosen to head the county work. To his unusual \-ision and indomitable energy, the later growth of the county association is largely due, and there could have been no one in the county chosen who would have measured up to the standard of leadership outlined and carried into successful execution by Mr. Ruddy except himself. Because of the unusual efficiency of Dr. C. N. Allison, as secretary-treasurer, he was asked to remain in his present position and Mr. J. S. Johnson, of Shubert, was chosen as the vice-president. Superintendents of the various departments were selected as follow: Elementary, Nellie Cleaver, Falls City ; secondary, Mrs. W. F. Veach. Verdon ; adult. Gertrude Lum. Verdon; home, Mrs. J. E. Culbertson, Humboldt: teacher training, Rev. H. J. Hill. Humboldt; visitation, Dr. E. R. Mathers. Falls City; superintendents. Mrs. Luella Ciphers, Stella; missionary, Almeda Hill, Falls City; temperance, Mrs. Ellen G. Lichty, Falls City, and pastors. Rev. E. M. Teal. Shubert.

At the Falls Cit\- state convention it had been ;uuu)unced that, since Richardson county had reached the one hundred per cent, standard of organized efficienc\-. the challenge was thnnvn out for an effort to maintain that

Standard for one year, or until the jubilee convention to be held in Omaha, June, 191 7, at which time the four years' campaign over the state was to close. The challenge was accepted by the Richardson county workers and the effort began in earnest. President Ruddy began early to organize the schools in the county not only to hold the standard, but to increase the efficiency, and to send a large delegation to Omaha by an automobile caravan. The results justified the splendid work he did, for the standard was not only maintained but an average increase of twenty per cent, was shown in all departments. The automobile caravan, composed of some fifty cars and carrying two hundred and fifty people, made a sensation at the convention. As trophies Richardson county brought back from this convention, credit for having the largest cradle roll and home department in the state, a l)eautiful silk flag for the greatest number of miles traveled by delegates in going to and from the convention, another flag for the largest countv delegation in the state, and the honor of having one of its workers, Dr. E. R. Mathers, chosen as president of the State Association.

Some Valiant Sunday School Workers

This history would not be complete without the mention of other names which have had a telling influence in making the organized Sunday school work in Richardson county what it is at this time. To the efficient, faithful work of S. H. Knisely has Ijeen largely due the thorough organization of the adult department in the forty schools of the county. J. L. ^\^n Bergen, Oscar Leech, H. O. Layson, E. T. Peck, O. P. Veal, and Edward Daeschner, the district presidents, figured largely in the successful working out of the many plans of the county organization. Their hearty co-operation in all methods and advanced steps never came into (|uestion, and what the organization came to be is largely due to the fact that they stood shoulder to shoulder with the county ofticers and department superintendents in ad\ancing the work. To the untiring efforts of Florence Cleaver, of Falls City, is Clue the credit Richardson county holds for the largest cradle roll and home department in the state.

Richardson county's methods have lieen largely copied over the state and hold first place in point of efficiency and support of the state organization. What her future will be will depend upon the vision of service given to her leaders and the consecration of effort on the part of Sunday school friends to help to make this vision real. . (26)

At tlie meeting called for the first organizati<jn of the Richardson County Sunday School Association on November lo, 1875, the following delegates were appointed a committee to draft the constitution of the organizati(jn : Reverend Metcalf, H. B. Grable, William \\^righton. George B. Moore and E. Cooper. The following constitution was brought in l)y this commutec and adopted :

Section 1. The Society shall be called the "Kichardsm County Sabbath School Association," and it shall be auxiliary to the Nebraska State Sabbath School Association.

Section 1. The officers of this association shall be a presidciil. and for each iireciiict in the county a vice-president, recording secretary, corresijondiui; .'secretary, treasurer, and an executive committee of live, of which the president and corresponding secretary, shall be ex-offlcio members.

Sec. 2. It shall be the duty of the president to preside at all meetings of the siH-icly and have general oversight of the Sabbath school interest of the county.

Sec. 3. The vice-presidents shall have general supervision of the work in their respective pi-ecincts and shall make reports of the condition of the Saljbath schools in their fields at the annual meeting.

Sec. 4. The recording secretary shall keep a true ri^ord of the proceedings of eacli meeting of the six-iety and co-operate with the other officers in all Sunday school work.

See. 5. The corresiwuding secretary shall hold all needful correspondence for the society, collect statistics from the several schools iu the county for the state society, keep a list of the Sabbath schools of the county, with the name and address of each suiierintendent of each school, and make a report at each amnial meeting.

Sec. 6. The teeasurer shall receive and hold all moneys for the society sub.iect illscretion of the couiuiittee. i)ay out the s;ime on their order, and make a report at each annual meeting.

Sec. 7. This society shall meet annually on the second Wednesday in October, at seven o'clock P. M.. and continue in session during Thursday at such place as may be agreed upon l)y the society at their annual session.

Sec. 8. The president may. at any time U]ion the writlcn iictiliou of three or more vice-presidents, call an extra se.ssion of the society to meet at ibe place designated in said petition, whenever the interest of the society requires it.

Sec. 9. The executive <-ommittee shall arrange the pro;:i.uii for ea<h meelini:. .-md shall constitute tlie business connnittee of the association.

Sec. 10. Tbe officers of the as.socialiou sli.-iU be elected .luiuially iu such manner as the convention may decide, except in the case of the corresiwudiug secretary, who shall lie a permanent officer of the society, and shall be chosen whenever a vacancy may occur, or whenever the society slinll decide by a special vote to hold such election.