York County, Nebraska - Chapter 21: York County in the World War, 1921 (part 2 of 2)

Once more we were in a wilderness, looking for a Moses or a Joshua, but we were not long in waiting. Again we looked toward the East, and behold, a star was right in our midst. He was shining in another denomination and had come over from Iowa to deliver a lecture at the college. He was invited to preach for us, a call was given and accepted, and on July 1, 1803, Rev. B. M. Ijong was installed the second pastor of the church of York. The mantle of Elijah dropped easily upon the shoulders of this Elisha, and was gracefully worn by him for six years, or until August 1, 1899, when he accepted a call to the Second Church of Lincoln. It can be said of him as of his predecessors, he was zealous, earnest, consecrated, talented, and the work and influence of the church widened. The legacy of the parsonage delit was growing larger rather than smaller, and other delits were accumulating. The church was perhaps overreaching itself, and the pastor went to work to lift the load. He succeeded, and the $2,00(.) mortgage was lifted from the manse. Having resisted several flattering offers during the years of his sojourn here, having served the church longer than any previous jiastor, with one exception, that of Father Sharp, liaving delivered us from another debt, though leaving us with a smaller one, the presbytery transferred him from one of its churches to another. The line of succession appeared to have been broken. We wandered farther and farther. We appeared to be up against the Eed Sea. There were many Elishas, but the mantle would not light. Once it dropped on the Rev. James L. Countermine, D. D., but he flung it aside, and it came down on the broad shoulders of the Rev. Andrew Thompson Wolff. He was an eastern star, but came out of the northern heavens by way of South Dakota, and landed in our midst in January, 1900. He was soon after installed as the third pastor of the York church. Doctor Wolff took rank among his predecessors as a man of ability, an eloquent preacher, and a consecrated man, but the church was out of joint, everything was at crosspurpose. We were all out of tune. The work of the Lord was hindered. We were accumulating another assortment of debts, and in one year he asked to be released. The church had lost its old-time prestige. We were like the prodigal, feeding on husks, and, like the prodigal, we soon came to our senses, realized our condition and started on the return trip. While we were on the way, and not a great way off, V behold ! "Father" Creighton ran out to meet us, fell on our neck, said he was from Missouri and would "show us" the way out of all our troubles. He has done it, with the aid of "The Elder Brother" Marsliall.

The church held its annual congregational meeting December 30, 1902. At this meeting encouraging reports were read from all the societies in the church and officers elected for the ensuing year.

Reverend Creighton renuiined with this flock until 1909, when Reverend Thomas F. B. Smith became their pastor. After a faithful service of almost ten years he was succeeded by the present pastor. Rev. E. E. Emhoffi.

The Congregational Church was organized in F. A. Bidwell's B. & M. land office, near where Cobb's store was, on Sunday, May 12, 1872, by Rev. 0. W. Merrill, superintendent of home missions in Nebraska. The six charter members were: Austin Harris, Dr. and Mrs. W. A. Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. F. A. Bidwell. and Mr. L. D.

Stilson, who still re.^ides in York. The first four presented Congregational letters, the last a Baptist letter, while Mrs. Bidwell united on confession. Eight others who had promised to join united afterwards. . Rev. C. S. Harrison, superintendent of the Mayflower Colony, gathered the chiiivh and sent for Superintendent Merrill to come and organize it.

The church was incorporated June 24, 1872. The first communion service was on June 23, 1872, Rev. C. S. Harrison preaching and Rev. W. S. Hills conducting the service. During the next two years services were held in the new schoolhouse, huilt in 1872 on or near the site of the present high school building, and also on alternate Sundays in the Methodist Church, on the corner where the Methodist parsonage now is, and in the Presbyterian Church, corner of Lincoln Avenue and Eighth Street. Then from 1874 or 1875 to 1882 they were held in the Academy Building, which stood on Academy Avenue facing the end of Seventh Street, which then ended at Academy Avenue. Its location is now a part of Seventh Street. The proceeds of the sale of the building went into the new church, while the lumber, when it was torn down, was used in building the two houses just north of Doctor Sedgwick's residence.

During a part of 1882 services were held in the City Hall, which was the second story of the building on the north side of Sixth Street and west corner of the alley, one-half block west of the northwest corner of the square. The church building was dedicated December 31, 1882. With lots and furnishings, its cost or value was a little over ten thoirsand dollars. The church was improved, and stained glass windows added in 1887.

From June, 1872, to March, 1873, Rev. William S. Hills supplied the church while living on a homestead some eight miles southwest of Y'ork. From March, 1873, to October, 1881, Rev. C. S. Harrison, the real founder of the church, was pastor, except one year, 1875-76, when Rev. H. Herrick Johnson acted as pastor. Some twenty or twenty-five times Mr. Harrison came from Illinois to fill his appointments, a round trip of about one thousand miles. Of course he had a pass, on account of the work that he was doing in getting colonists for York and Arborville. It is to Mr. Harrison more probably than to any other person that York owes her countless trees, a forest where was once a prairie, and also her freedom from saloons. During his pastorate there was a liquor war and one day two roughs from Xorth York started out to brutally beat, if not kill, Mr. Rice and Mr. Harrison. They were beating Mr. Rice and crying "Kill him,'" when Henry Seymour of the Congregational Church knocked them both down. Fearing that he might be expelled from the church for it, ilr. Harrison assured him that instead of expelling him they would canonize him. Mr. Harrison, after a remarkably useful career in the pioneer work of church and academy building, at the age of seventv, resided in York, supplied churches and carried on a nursery. When he left the churi'h in 1881 it had ]()0 members.

Rev. C. H. Mcintosh was pastor from January, 1882, to June. 1SS4. He was the only pastor the church ever liad, who came first as a candidate.

Rev. Henry S. Harrison was pastor from September, 1884, to July 1. 1886. It was his only pastorate, and it was a successful one, sixty or seventy uniting with the church. He was called to a position on The Advance, of Chicago, of which he afterwards became the proprietor. He was instantly killed on the railroad near Chicago in November, 1804.

Eev. Robert S. Lindsay was pastor from ilareh 30, issT, to ilay, 1889. For nine months preceding liis pastorate the church was supplied niUL-h of the time by ]_)rofessors in the Methodist College, then located at York. Jlr. Lindsay was the first pastor to live in the new parsonage, which was Iniilt in 1887, costing, with the lot, about $2,500. Seventy or eighty united with the church during his pastorate. Since leaving York he has preached in Ohio, at Columbus and Geneva.

Eev. Edward A. Leeper was pastor from June 2, 1889, to October, 1892. Upwards of one hundred and fifty united while he was pastor, while the losses by removals and otherwise were over one hundred. Since leaving York, Mr. Leeper has preached at Wellsville, N. Y., and Dover, Ohio.

Rev. Eoselle T. Cross became pastor February 15, 1893, and remained until 19(16, the longest in the history of the church and the longest of any church in York, e.xcept the Catholic. His and Mr. Harrison's pastorates cover more than half of the history of the church. More than two hundred and fifty members were received into the fold by him. The losses during his pastorate were less than the gains. On January 1, 1903, the church had a membership of 311.

Reverend Cross was succeeded by Rev. W. H. Medlar, who stayed Init a short time, when this church was again favored with a pastor. Rev. R. S. Lindsay, who has now served these people for practically fourteen years.

R. r. Cross, Pastor. Rev. R. T. Cro.«s was born August 21, 1841:, at Riehville, St. Lawrence County, Xew York, where his father, Eev. Gorgam Cross, was Congregational pastor forty years. He studied in a common school, and in the Oberlin Preparatory Department and Oberlin College, from which he graduated in 1867. He studied theology one year at Union Seminary, New York City. He worked his way through college, mainly by teaching school in the winter. He taught six months in Austinburg Academy at Austinburg, Ohio, and for five years, from 1869 to 1874, was principal of Oberlin Academy, or Preparatory Department, as it was then called. During part of the time he preached for the First Church at Oberlin, after Mr. Finney resigned. The ministry was his chosen life work and in 1874, after a few months' study at Andover, he took a pastorate at Hamilton, N. Y. In the summer of 1876 he accepted a call to Colorado Springs, Colo., where he remained until 1887. While at Colorado Springs he built a new church, received about two hundred and forty members, organized the church at Manitou, and, with some of his Sunday school boys, discovered the "Cave of the Winds"' at Manitou. In 1881 he organized a new church in Denver, built a building for it, and remained with it over eight years. During nearly two years of that time he also served as superintendent of home missions' in Colorado and Wyoming, organizing churches and raising money for church buildings. He was pastor in Minneapolis, Minn., from 1889 to 1893. In February, 1893, he came to York, where he has remained ten years. He is author of "Home Duties," "Clear as Crystal," and of two or three books published later, also of several serials, and of several hundred newspaper and magazine articles. In 1898 ho received the degree of D. D. from Oberlin College, and in 1902 the same degree from' York College.

In 1869, at De Soto, Wis., he married Emma A., daughter of Rev. Lewis Bridgman. Of the five children born to them, two died in infancy. Leora M. graduated at Oberlin in 1898, Judson L. studied theology at New Haven, Conn., and Cleveland R., also a graduate of the Oberlin College.

in the spring of 1872 as the York Union Sunday School, under a tree on Beaver Creek, Just lielow Wright's mill. During the first year it met in the schoolhouse, then in the Preshyterian Church, then in the Methodist Church till 1875, then in the Academy. The Methodists withdrew in 1876, and the Presbyterians in 1877. The average attendance in the ten years, beginning with 1893, has been as follows: 160, 197, 197, 19.3, 1.56, 165, 160, 159, 152, 177. In some of these years the number included the home department. The early superintendents were: F. A. Bidwell (6 years). Henry Seymour (2 years), C. C. Cobb (3 years), Geo. B. France, Dr. D. E. Foristall, Frank Kiiapp (2 years), Charles Daniels, W. K. Williams (2 years), J. B. Maylard, Frank A. Hannis (2 years), Miss Abbie Whitney, Rev. E. H. Baker (2 years), John E. Evans (5 years). Merle S. Brown, iliss Whitney and Mr. Hannis served for many years as assistant superintendent.

Christian Endeavor Societies. The Senior Christian Endeavor Society was organized during Rev. H. S. Harrison's pastorate, in March, 1885, with thirty-tive members. Charles M. Boynton was president. The other afficers were Mabel Chilcote. Flora Wyekoff and Mr. J. B. Maylard. It was the second society organized in the state. In October, 1888, the third state convention was held in this church. There were 162 delegates and thirty-one visitors. The senior society has had a continuous existence.

The Woman's Missionary Society. It was organized February 14, 1883, with Mrs. J. Seymour as directress. The other officers were Mrs. Cobb, Mrs. Spees and Mrs. H. Seymour. It began with six members and increased to twenty the first year. It pledged seven dollars the first year and fifty the second year. The presidents have been Mrs. J. Seymour, Mrs. Cobb, Mrs. M. E. Morgan, Mrs. Harrison (mother of Rev.-H. S. Harrison), Mrs. Grippen, Mrs. Geo. P. Chessman, Mrs. B. H. Baker, Mrs. W. Sanford, Mrs. G. F. Xorthup, Mrs. A. Stevens and Mrs. R. T. Cross. In 1886 there was a mission band which was kept up until the Junior Endeavor was organized. The woman's society has raised in all in twenty years about $1,550.

The thirty-fifth anniversary of the organization of the Ladies' Missionary and Aid Society of the Congregational Church was celebrated September 29, 1920, when in response to invitations about seventy members and their husbands, friends and guests gathered together and helped to make one of the most memorable events in the history of our society. After the first hearty handclasps and words of greeting to our visitors from Polk and York were over, all partook of and seemed to enjoy the bountiful dinner. At about 2 :00 o'clock the president called to order for the short program. First was a duet by Mrs. Winnifred Lackey and Mrs. Clark Stouffer, which was followed by a few words of welcome by Mrs. Stouffer. A response to this was given by Mrs. R. J. Overstreet, who iu her pleasant, inimitable way recalled many of the events of their first meetings, sometimes in sod houses, and of the pleasures and encouragement received by missionary teas and other social gatherings, in the years which followed their organization in 1885, when six earnest, consecrated women met at the call of the pastor's wife, Mrs. Storm, to organize a missionary society. The first officers were : President, Mrs. L. P. Ensign ; treasurer, Mrs. B. W. Newton; secretarj', Mrs. R. J. Overstreet. Mrs. F. N. Recknor then read the minutes of the first meeting for us, and also the names of the eighteen charter members, four of whom were present:' Mrs. Ij. Diehl, Mrs. R. J. Over- street and Mrs. F. X. Recknor of York; Mrs. Geo. Bingham of ArborviUe; two others of Y'ork were not present, Mrs. L. S. Loonier and Mrs. P. Church. Mrs. Eecknor followed with many other interesting items of the early days of the society and their labors in the "old church" under circumstances not always the most favorable and of their first real live missionary's visit. Four officers we found had given from ten to eighteen years of continuous, unstinted service - Mrs. Overstreet, Mrs. Loomer, Mrs. Eecknor and Mrs. E. L. Gray, the latter having been treasurer for eighteen years. Mrs. James Arnold and Mrs. Diehl were asked to give a few reminiscences. Mrs. Hastings then read a list of the members who had answered the call to higher service, and this was followed by a touching poem, "He Giveth His Beloved Sleep," read by Mrs. A. 0. Whittemore, and the program was closed by a solo by Mrs. Lackey.

Ladies' Aid Societi/. A band of ladies in the church, who had given suppers and entertainments for the church treasury, organized themselves in the spring of 1878 into the Ladies' Aid and Missionary Society. Mrs. C. S. Harrison was president. For five years the earnings were divided between home expenses and missions. In 1883 the missionary society was organized by itself. Li 1878 the Ladies' Aid paid $195 for a bell: in 1881, $300 to meet a note: in 1882, $300 for the new church; in 1885-fi, $37.') for chandelier and stained glass windows: in 1891, $500 for the debt; in 1893, $200 for a furnace in the parsonage, etc. From 1885 to 1896 they raised $3,791, or in all up to 1903 nearly $5,000. This money was raised chiefly by sewing and cooking. In 1891 an industrial store, open on Saturdays, was started, from which $1,419 was realized in six years. The annual chicken pie supper, held on election evening in November, has been a feature of their work. The Ladies' Aid has been an important factor of the church activities.

Very much of historical value was conserved in the account now reproduced of the dedication in 1913 of this congregation's new, wonderful house of worship:

Without regard to church membership or creed the people of Y^ork and vicinity united with the members of the Congregational Church in the Joyful dedication of their new church building in March, 1913. The handsome structure, which represents the generosity and self-sacrifice of many, was erected during the winter which has just closed in what seems a short space of time for the completion of so fine a building. The first excavation was made on September 12, 1912, and six months and one week from that time the building committee accepted the church from the contractor. It was first planned to have the formal dedication on Easter Sunday, but the desire to choose a day for the ceremonies when other churches would feel free to join in tiie delightful services led to the postponement of the occasion for one week.

The first Congregational Church of York was organized forty-one years ago this spring, and of the eight men who have served as pastors during that time three were present on Sunday: Rev. C. S. Harrison, who was the second minister in charge of the work, serving the ehurcii fnnn 1871 to 1881; Rev. W. H. Medlar, whose pastorate covered the years between 1901 and 1907, and the man who has led to a successful culmination the building enterprise. Rev. Robert S. Lindsay. Mr. Lindsay first came to York in 1887 and after a brief pastorate returned to his Ohio home. Six years ago he again listened to the call of the West and once more took charge of the Y'ork church. The success of his labors is evidenced by the unity in his church and the happy conclusion of the building enterprise.

The first service of dedication day was held at the usual hour for morning worship. The sermon was delivered by the Rev. W. W. Newell of Chicago. Appropriate music was exquisitely rendered by the church choir under the leadership of Miss Blanche Cox. At three o'clock in the afternoon the capacity of the building was taxed to accommodate those who gathered for the service. The pastors of all the York churches with ministers from other cities present were seated upon the platform and had parts in the opening service. The sermon was delivered by the Rev. T. 'SI. Shepard of the First Congregational Church of Lincoln, who was followed by Doctor ISTewell in a brief address. A solemn dedication service of great beauty, which had been prepared for the occasion by Reverend Mr. Lindsay, was participated in Ijy the pastor and people and the final dedicatory prayer was offered by the venerable Father Harrison. The ritual used declared the church to be dedicated for "social service, intercourse and fellowship; for help to the needy ; for strength to the weak ; for every form of service that will hasten the coming of the kingdom : for the succor and consolation of the poor and wayward, tlie triiuljled and the weary, the discouraged and the feeble, the widow and the stranger."'

In the evening the Reverend Dr. Newell was again the speaker. The soloists of the day were Claudia Schell, Miss Charlotte Van Wickle and Mrs. G. W. France. Not the least interesting feature of the services of the day was the taking of pledges sufficient to allow the l)uilding to be dedicated free of debt. That this might be done it was necessary to secure promises of $15,000, but large as the amount seemed, it was all cheerfully given and so ihiectious was the spirit of giving that additional offerings were placed in the hands of the building committee on Monday. The securing of pledges was in charge of Doctor Newell, whose tactful appeals made this portion of the exercises as interesting and profitable as any other. While the greater burden of the debt on the building was, of course, assumed by members of the church who gave most generously, there were also numerous contributions from other friends. The Woman's Guild added to their first pledge of $4,000 one of $3,500. The Sunday 'school is responsible for the payment of $1,000 and other organizations of the church will do their share. The total cost of the church and its furnishings is $32,000.

The building is fully equipped for all the work of the modern church. The basement story contains dining-rooms and a convenient kitchen. A Sunday school room adjoins the auditorium on the first floor and the seating capacity is added to by the graceful balconies. The auditorium and the additional rooms when thrown together will seat 750. The first impression nn entering the church is that the seating capacity is small, but closer observation shows that the audience is so placed as to be near the pulpit and that the accommodations are greater than they seem. Doctor Newell complimented this feature of the building, saying that the church had not spent money building a large auditorium but had planned to care for every phase of active church life. The church is said to be one of the best equipped in the state. The finishings and furnishings are all in oak; the walls are tinted in cream and brown and the opalescent art glass dome and windows harmonize with the colorings. The pipe organ was brought from the old church and rebuilt by the makers. Hook and Hastings. The choir loft will accommodate forty persons. The best heating system known was installed and is connected with city heating plant. The electric lighting has been cared for with as much care as the balance of the equipment and is very complete and efficient - partly direct and partly indirect. The lighting system was installed by C. D. Shreck and the interior decoration was executed by the R. D. Fountain Company. Four fine art windows grace the building three of them put in by friends of three of the oldest living members of the church, the Rev. C. S. Harrison, Mr. G. P. Chessman and A. D. Wyckoff being so honored. 'J'lie window in the south was given by Mrs. John Hyder in memory of her husband.

Chhistiax Church

In this sketch no effort is made to mention in detail all happenings good or bad in connection with the history of the Church of Christ of Y'ork, Neb. The present organization of the Church of Christ (commonly known in York as the Christian Church) was organized in North York, May 28, 1883, by R. C. Barrow. The minutes of this organization read as follows :

Xeb., May 28, 1883 - We the undersigned agree to associate ourselves together as members of the Church of Christ in Xorth York, acknowledging no creed but Christ and no discipline but the Bible, and pledging ourselves to live to the best of our ability in accordance with the teaching of the inspired word."

June 3, 1883, Dr. T. J. Hatfield, W. AY. Williams and J. S. Hiett were elected by the congregation as elders and H. H. Bowker as deacon. Soon the brethren decided to build a place of worship in Xorth York and as the result a substantial frame building 28x48 was erected and dedicated June, 1884, by Rev. D. R. Lucas. This was a time of rejoicing for the little flock and added permanency to the work so well begun. Unfortunately, a few years after the dedication of the church troubles of harmful, deep and lasting influence entered into the organization which cooled the spiritual life and hindered the numerical growth of the church for a number of years. Xotwithstanding the unpleasant memories and happenings, the Church of Christ in Xorth York, in Christ's name, conquered foes and won victories.

The following are the names of the men wlio have ministered for the church since its organization : Brother T. J. Burton, A. W. Harney (who was the pastor three times), T. J. Oliver, J. H. McSparron, H. A. Limon, T. L. Reed, Joel Fisher, T. A. Maxwell, J. A. Kierfle and G. James Chapman, who entered upon his fifth year as pastor of the church.

It was unfortunate for the chixrch that it was first Ijuilt in Xortli York instead of the more populous part of the city. In 1898, during Brother T. A. Maxwell's energetic, progressive and wise ministry, the church edifice fortunately was moved from Xorth York to the beautiful and centrally located site, corner of Eighth Street and Platte Avenue. Soon after this move the church began to increase in prestige in the community and in good works. In February, 1899, Brother G. J. Cliapman was called to assist iu a revival which resulted in several additions to the church. Soon after the church tendered Brother G. J. Chapman a call as pastor, which he accepted and began his pastoral labors April 31, 1899. He found the church in some uncomfortable circumstances: the membership was small, somewhat in debt. The building, besides being small was in need of repairs outside and inside, and several of the members were not regular in attending services or in meeting upon the first day of every week to break bread. During the first year of Brother Chapman's ministry all debts were paid and several persons being converted were added to the church. The second year besides paying the pastor an increase in salary, $500 was raised for repairs and beautifying the old building and the substantial growth of the membership continued without ceasing. Old \inpleasant memories were forgotten and dismissed and all hearts united in Christian love and fellowship. As Mr. Chapman entered his third year's pastorate the old building was found inadequate to accommodate the congregations that met to hear him preach and thus hindered tlie progressive and continued growth of the church. A new building was agitated and finance solicited. Plans were agreed upon, the old building was torn down (except the belfry) and the present beautiful, substantial and commodious edifice was erected by contractors D. Y. Hieslar and A. G. Chessman. The new building was dedicated by Z. T. Sweeney of Columbus, Ind., October 27, 1901. All indebtedness was provided for and thus marked the gladdest day in the history of the York church.

The building has a seating capacity of 500, and is valued, including lot, at $7,000; is furnished with l)eautiful curve seat and curve back pews, stationed on a slant floor, heated with two splendid furnaces, lighted with electricity and tlie city water attached to the baptistry. The auditoriuiu is 48x50, and the lecture room 16x38, the two classrooms are 8x10 each, the pulpit is large and fronted by a large arch. The ceiling of the auditorium is 32 feet high and thus nuikes one of the best auditoriums in the city and a most splendid room in which to speak. The success in building stimulated and increased the faith of the pastor and congregation and the year Just closed lias been one filled witli victories for the Cluirch of Clirist in York. The spiritual life of the church is good, and thus the organization is endeavoring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace, and the prestige and standing of tlie clnirch in the community lias been much increased.

In 1906 Brother Tlionms A. Maxwell returned for a short stay. His successor for a sliort period was Eev. W. E. Brandenburg, and in 1914 Rev. A. T. Ritchey began a pastorate which has lasted- now for seven years.

Sunday School. There are 150 enrolled in the Sunday school and the school is thoroughly awake and enthusiastic in the study of the Word, and meets all appointments for home and foreign missions. J. B. Frickey was for years an efficient and well beloved superintendent and had assisting him fifteen officers and teachers.

Y. P. S. C. E. Senior. We have fifty-two active members in the senior Y. P. S. C. E. These meetings were attended by from fifty to seventy-five enthusiastic young people. An hour was seldom long enough for all to take part who were moved to do so. The society supported an orphan in India and payed its home and national apportionments for missions and bore a part of the financial burden of the church.

Christum Woman's Board of Missions. The C. W. B. M. had a nicmhcrship of twenty-two and met once a month for prayer and the study of missions. The prayers and good works of these sisters were felt by the entire church membership.

T. P. S. C. E. Juniors. The juniors numbered fifty and met once each week for prayer and study of the Bible. The children were especially interested in the building of orphanages in heathen lands.

Ladies' Aid Society. This society has for years met once each week to do work of most any sort tliat would bring them money to help the needy and the work generally. Much \^-as trusted to the hands of these earnest and hard working sisters.

This congregation has consistently maintained a wide awake and well attended Sunday school, a splendid Y. P. S. C. E. and Christian Woman's Board of Missions.

The United Brethren Church Of York, Neb

The church of the United Brethren in Christ has always been distinctly an American church. Phillip William Otterbein, the founder, and liis coadjutors inculcated into the minds aixl hearts of their followers the equality of man. The iron bands which had bound them to the time honored churches - German Reformed, Mennonite, etc. - were forced asunder under the Spirit of Jesus Christ; so affectionately and tenderly uttered by the cultured evangelical son of Germany, when he fell on the neck of the Spirit-filled Mennonite and said, "We are brethren." If there is any virtue in a name, the name of this denomination has borne down upon the wings of the century the prayer of Christ for spiritual unity and brotherhood. The great life of Otterbein bequeathed to the United Brethren Church a testimony in death which still lingers in the church as a call to consecrated and holy living. "Jesus, Jesus, I die, but thou livcst, and soon I shall live with thee. The conflict is over and past. I begin to feel an unspeakable fullness of love and praise divine. Lay my head upon my pillow and let me be still."

In the year 1887 the local church at York was organized with thirteen charter members. Only three remain - ^X. A. Dean and wife and Geo. Spears. The organization was perfected in the Universalist Church on E. Seventh Street, with Rev. E. W. Johnson presiding elder. Services were occasionally held in a store building in North York. Tlie need of a church house pressed heavily upon this young society, so that they early purposed to build a house. Two lots were purchased on Grant Avenue, corner of Twelfth vStreet. The first board of trustees consisted of N. A. Dean, William Jappath, Peter Hcllier and J. S. Lohr. Revs. G. H. Swartz and J. J. Lohr served as pastors during ISS^ and 1888. Early in the year of 1889 a new church house was completed upon the lots mentioned above. Having a church building with but a snuiU society, they felt the need of a revival effort. Evangelist Geo. K. Little was secured, whose labors were graciously blessed by God in a very successful campaign. A large number testified to conversion and some fifty were received into church fellowship. During this period the minister traveled a circuit, preaching at two other appointments. In March of this same year Rev. T. K. Surface accepted the pastorate, and, considering the division of his time, witnessed good results. At the March conference of 1890 J. M. Haskins was appointed to York. He remained but one year and was succeeded b}^ Rev. D. W. Proffitt. After laboring for seven months Mr. Protfitt resigned. The presiding elder secured Rev. (4. D. Stromire, whose ministry continued for seventeen months. Seventy new mendrers were received and the various departments of the church strengtiiened. Negotiations were perfected in 1892 for the sale of their church property, the transfer being to a society of the German Methodists.

The church officials were considering the erection of a more commodious churcli buikling and in the meantime they accepted an invitation to conduct their services in the college chapel. The annual conference of March, 1893, appointed Eev. AV. E. Schell as pastor. In con.sulting the conference minutes and local records, we find that success attended Mr. Schell's ministry. The site of the present church was purchased, but because of drouth and a stringency in money no effort was exerted to build. Reverend Schell's pastorate was severed at the expiration of two years, when the conference elected him presiding elder. Rev. T. W. Jones was pastor from March, 189.5, to 1896. His ministry was marked with intense sincerity and nobleness of purpose. R. A. Longman succeeded Reverend Jones. He gave acceptable service, received twenty-five new members, and closed his year's work with good reports. Rev. H. T>. Crawford followed as minister and served during a short conference year of six months, dividing his time with the college as field collector; very little was accomplished in forwarding local church interests. The ministry of Rev. H. J. Gunnels was highly appreciated by the church. His removal from the state at the expiration of one year was regretted. At the conference of September, 1898, Rev. W. W. Hart was assigned to York Church. He labored with continuous diligence and very apparent results.

Rev. E. F. Bowers connncneed his pastorate in September, 1899. The work yielded excellent results, and by the end of the conference year plans for a new church building developed into an encouraging prospect of success. In 1900 the project was begun. The trustees and Iniilding committee, which consisted of N". A. Dean, Adam Seed, W. C. Buchanan, Phillip Fink. J. L. Medlar and Henry Jacobs, prosecuted their work with commendable zeal. After about eighteen months' pastorate Rev. Bowers resigned. This unexpected resignation somewhat obstructed rsCpid advancement. Nevertheless, forward was the watchword. In September, 1901, Geo. E. Driver was appointed and unanimously accepted as pastor. Following the pastorate of Reverend Driver this church has been favoi-ed with the services of E. B. Mauer. Wren J. Grinstead, C. S. Long, J. W. Burkell, who served for more than five years, G. P. Graham and C. S. Parker.

The new church house of this congregation was completed and dedicated in December, 1901. Rev. George Miller, D. D., officiated and a subscription of $3,000 was secured to free the property from debt. The building is a brick structure and is splendidly located on East Seventh Street and York Avenue, one of the fijiest sites in the city. The dimensions are 50x70 feet. The arrangement of the auditorium with Sunday school room, four classrooms, and pastor's study afford a most convenient house for all purposes. The inclined floor is seated with opera chairs, with a seating capacity of 600. The total valuation of grounds and buildings is $8,000.

Holy Trinity Ciiuecii

The Episcopal Church in York has been in existence some thirty-nine years, and a somewhat checkered career it has had. It was organized under the name of St. Mary's Mission at a service held in Bell's Hall on October 3, 1881, when the first bishop of Nebraska preached to a congregation of some one hundred and fifty people. G. H. Jerome was appointed warden, J. M. Young treasurer, and G. H. Jerome secretary and lay reader; the services were continued at intervals by

After a somewhat protracted interval fer\ices were again held in Bell's Hall in 1885 Ijy the Eev. E. A. Wells of Central City, and at a later service in the Cona-re.sjational Church several children of B. J. Coles, T. Houston and J. Porter were baptized; Bislio]) Worthington on the same evenina; preached his first sermon in York, and again ap]iointed (i. H. Jerome warilen, with B. J. Coles treasurer and J. X. Jerome secretary, with the latter Geo. Xewmau and \Vm. Manning lay readers. It was decided that from now on services were to lie held once a month, and $4,2.50 was subscribed towards diocesan missions.

For a time services were held in the Swedish Clinrcli by Bev. E. A. Wells, who formed the first Ladies' Guild of the church with the following officers: President, Mrs. McCann ; secretary, Mrs. J. X. Jerome : treasurer, Mrs. Talbot. Plans were perfected for using the Swedish clnirch i}ermanently with a lav reader in charge when priestly ministrations were not availaiile.

At a meeting held subsequently to this service the name of the mission was changed to Trinity Mission, and was served under that name until April 11, 1886, by Bev. E. A. Wells, G. H. Jerome being lay reader.

The records of the ne.xt tt'ii years are not available, though three clergymen were at various times residents in the parish, namely, Mr. Gardiner, who performed the first marriage ceremony in the church, uniting in wedlock ]\Ir. and Mrs. Papin, who were strong members of the church : ^Ir. Simpson, who baptized the present warden's daughter, Stella, and Mr. Baxter, under wdiom the churcli may be said to have had its most prosperous times. At intervals during this period the bishop visited the parish and several confirmation services were held.

The Bev. W. P. N. AVharton, M. A., of the University of Durham, first officiated in Holy Trinity Church in October, ]S!I6, when he took up his residence at Fairmont as local missionary. His work brought him to York the third Sunday of each nu)nth. He commenced residence in the city September 1, 1897, officiating until August of the following year. During his tenure of office Bishop Graves of the Platte confirmed ten persons. Subseipiently Mr. Wharton removed to St. George's Church, LeMars, Iowa.

After a period of some three years Bisho[i Williams sent the Bev. T. Percival Tate to take charge of the nussion. And since his advent, mainly owing to the energetic work of the members of the Ladies' Guild, presided over at first by Mrs. Pick and later by Mrs. Eroe, the church has taken on a new lease of life. Mr. Crawford, the energetic Sunday .school superintendent, alily assisted by Mr. Sorren J. Hedelund, was a great source of strength in holding up the present incunilient's hands, and the prospects are good for a sure and steady increase in church membership.

The late Bishop Williams always visited the little church, to find a splendid welcome and many were unable to find room in the crowded building to listen to his eloquent and inspiring words.

The people though small in numbers always re-sponded nobly to the bishop's call for funds towards securing the permanent residence of the missionary, and the members of Holy Trinity paid far more in proportion to membership than any church in York towards the salary of their ministers and the running expenses of the church.

The church has been repainted, electric lights put in, pavement laid down, sewerage tax paid, new stove erected, a complete set of altar hangings made, and all expenses promptly met as they fall due. Holy Trinity members have no cause to be ashamed of their efforts.

Baptist Church

In the fall of 1871 the South Phitte Land Company agreed to donate, free of expense, two lots in the town site of York to each church which should erect a church building thereon. Today the First Baptist Church is the only church receiving such donation in the town, which has kept their church building upon the site originally selected.

The organization of the church dates back to Augu.?t 23, 1873, when a small company were gathered into what miglit more properly be called a class. Some meetings were held in wliat was then called "the new schoolhouse," and at one of these meetings David Graham was ordained as a deacon of the church.

Until 1879 no regular pastor was located here, and with but a few scattered memliers it was difficult to keep up regubir prayer or church meetings. In the fall of 1879 Rev. A. W. Peck moved into the county from New Jersey and began the work of collecting the names of Baptists who had moved here and of building up the church. The first baptisms were August 9, 1879.

October 18, 1879, at a service held in a vacant store room on the southeast corner of the square, a call was given to Reverend Peck to become pastor of the church, which was accepted, and he immediately began his work as pastor. For a year he worked hard to build up the membership and hold regular services. After this came a time when the church was without a regular pastor.

On July 26, 1883, Rev. A. W. Clark was secured as pastor, entering at once upon his work. The Universalist Church was secured as a regular place of worship, and the organization of a Sunday school was perfected, which began the work that has steadily kept pace with our town and community. At this time there were about thirty members connected witli the church. Preparations were at once begun for the building of a church. A committee was appointed, money subscribed and plans submitted and adopted, and on February 31, 1884, the contract was let and the result we see in the present church building. The church was dedicated November 16, 1881, by Dr. Wm. Lawrence of Chicago and Rev. W. R. Connelly of the Home Mission Society of Nebraska. A bell had been presented and placed on the church by D. E. Sayer of York, just before the dedication. The Home Mission Society gave a donation of $500 on the cost of the building. The church membership had increased to about eighty-five, so that as the church began the worsliip of God in its new home they were cheered by a good memljcrship and large congregations.

The pastors of tlie churcli have been men well thought of and earnest in their endeavors to estal)lish a fruitful church of God-fearing men and women in York and the surrounding community.

Rev. A. W. Clark followed and was a huildcr in one sense, working with his own hands to erect a house of worship and then getting the people to worship. The first candidate for baptism in the new church was later one of the deacons, M. Castle, baptized December 14, 1884. The Baptist state convention met here during Reverend Clark's pastorate.

Rev. W. G. Evans built np the church in many ways and won many into its folds by his preaciiing and teaching. He resigned to engage in the financial work of Grand Island College.

Rev. E. D. Bewick was a teacher of the scriptures and aside from the work of the church gave extra time to teaciiing the Bible and giving instruction. He closed his labors here to re-enter the work in Wisconsin.

Rev. B. F. Fellman came to the York church as a young man, and as such won many young people as well as old into the church. He also took up the work at Maple Grove sehoolhouse during two summers. He was ordained while serving the York church. It was during his pastorate the Baptist state convention again met in York. About five hundred dollars was expended for .fixing the interior of the church the last year of his pastorate. Brother Fellman left York to build up a church in South Omaha.

Rev. J. A. Median was called from Iowa to take charge here at York, and during his short stay of a year made friends and sought to build up a spiritual and earnest church membership. Brother Meehan left the church here to enter the medical school at Des Moines, la.

Rev. S. C. Green stayed from 1901 to 1904. It was by his efforts that the parsonage was erected in 1902, at a cost of over one thousand five hundred dollars. The church building was repaired also in this time and the large pedal organ added to the audience room of the church.

His successor was Rev. A. H. Ballard, who served this congregation for about five years, when Rev. F. W. Clifife came to them. About five years later Rev. J. G. Dickson began a pastorate which lasted until Rev. L. R. Bobbitt came in 1918.

The church has granted ministerial license to three of its members: Brother L. F. Salee, in 1891 ; Brother C. R. Rockwell, July 13, 1890; Brother Marion Bollen, January 1, 1903.

Among the early deacons of the church who served in the past were David Graham, who died February 19, 1903; J. M. Stilson died September 12, 1902; E. V. Green, Daniel Longwell, William Ong (died June 20, 1888), J. W. Shoetler, Melvin McCracken, Louis Provost, and A. J. Wilkins.

Among the church clerks of early years we find the names of Thomas Porter, 0. A. Stubbs, Prof. R. M. Bridges, and eleven others. William E. Stilson served for a long period in this capacity.

No church history of York would be complete witiiout mention of Mr. Butterfield, father of E. A. Butterfield. He homesteaded the land where his son lived, building a small sod house about where the K. C. Railroad comes onto the farm, living here alone the latter part of 1870 and 1871. He sought the companionship of his fellow-man, and at times on Sunday would collect some neighbors and teach them, from the Bible. We think that to him should be accorded the honor of being the first Bible class teacher upon the territory now covered by the City of York. We recollect him as standing beside a dry goods box, near a little building about where Murphy's blacksmith shop stood, in the spring of 1871, teaching from his open Bible to the three or ff)ur persons who would listen to him. These early pioneers builded better than they knew.

St. Joseph Catholic Church

St. Joseph Catholic Churdi was first attended as a mission in 1877 by Father William Byrne, and by him organized into a church. It was under his charge until the spring of 1878, when he was succeeded by Father O'Brien, who was in attendance until 1880. Father Wallace attended during the years of 1880 and 1881 and was succeeded by Father C. J. Quinn of Utica. The church was commenced in 1879 and completed in 1881 at a cost of $1,100. Father F. E. Clark and Rev. P. Lysaght served this parish and then came Father Thomas CuUen. In November, 1920, this congregation commemorated a service of thirty years by its present pastor. Father Cullen, described by the local press as follows :

Father Cullen, as he is familiarly called by the members of his parish and York people in general, was honor guest at Hotel McCloud on Thursday evening. The event celebrating the close of thirty years of work for his parish and the community in which his parish is situated.

Dennis Meehan, with his fund of wit, was toastmaster. Judge George F. Corcoran, who has been a York resident even longer than Father Cullen, responded to the first toast, so was especially fitted to speak of the early day struggles not only of this church but of the community in general. He contrasted the limitations and hardships of early settlers with the church and community today, with its fine assemblage of buildings, and brought out the point that it was the same spirit of loyalty all through the years that has brought the church to its present status. August Zimmerer, in response to the second toast, also related experiences of the early settlers and the early work of the church. Mr. Zimmerer has been connected with the work of the choir in this church for many years. There were responses to toasts also by Mr. James Neville, Joseph Paschang, Philip Kennedy, and from Peter Meehan and Miles Duffy, who represented the young people of the parish, and their love and loyalty to Father Cullen. Father Hays, chaplain of the ITrsuline Convent, gave a brief address, witty and eloquent. Reverend Hagan of Beaver Crossing was a welcome visitor coming to share in the honor paid a fellow-worker.

In behalf of the parish Mr. Meehan presented Reverend Father Cullen with a beautiful gold-headed cane, as a token of esteem and respect from his parishioners.

The tables were beautifully decorated with baskets of roses, the large bouquet of Russel roses at the speakers' table later being presented to Reverend Cullen.

Music- was furnished by Miss Eose Zimmerer at tlie piano and James Diirbin^with violin. About one hundred and forty guests were present. Many good wishes were extended to Father Cullen for a long continuance of his work among his people.

Thirty years is a long time to labor in one field, yet as it is lived a day at a time it is short to look back upon. Father Cullen can see many successes crowning his score and a half years' work here. His coming was in the early days of his ministry, he having served but .seven years at that time, and his work has been broken by but one vacation. He made a trip to Ireland for a last visit with his aged mother.

Out-of-town guests included many who have been members of St. Joseph's congregation. Among them from away who attended the ceremonies are found the names of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Wolfe and son, John, of Utica; Mr. and Mrs. Lamb and Mrs. Xychill of Ulysses, Mr. and Mrs. Miles Dully of Hordville, Mr. and Mrs. Philip Duffy of Central City, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Bund of Alliance, who are on their honeymoon trip. Miss Catherine Gallegher, a niece of Father Cullen, and Miss Culley of Omaha.

The organization of this church dates back to June, 1880, at which date it was organized by Pev. L. S. Koripaugh. Eev. E. P. Earl, pastor. This house of worship was completed iu April, 1881, and the property was valued at $1,800. The trustees of the church were: John Ittner, J. D. P. Small, and Charles Le Count.

The first German emigrants from the Volga region of Russia to settle in York came here iu November, 1888. Even before they had homes of their own or visible means of support, they appealed to the pastors of their denomination in Sutton, Neb., for spiritual supply, and in answer to this appeal, dilfereut jiastors of the Eeformed Church preached to these people for years.

The first resident pastor was Eev. J. Vollpreeht, now of Huniboldt, and under his pastorate the congregation was organized in 1891 as the German Eeformed Emanuel's Congregation, affiliated with the Nebraska class of the Eeformed Church in the United States.

The services were at first held iu the homes, then in the building on Si.xth Street, which was destroyed by fire;'above Blackburn's store; and for six years above W. W. Wyekoff's office.

In 1906, under the pastorate of Eev. F. Maurer of Harvard, the congregation erected its' first church home, the little frame building on the corner of Nebraska Avenue and Eleventh Street. From 1907 to 1908 it was part of the charge of Eev. U. Zogg of Sutton.

In 1910 the congregation declared itself self-sui^porting and elected Eev. W. Bonekemper; since November, 1911, the present pastor, Eev. J. Biery, has been iu charge.

The five of the charter members still residing here in 1913 were: Mv. and Mrs. Peter Pfenning, Mr. John Hesler, Mr. and Mrs. John Eeisbig. The congre- gation had 116 adult members, and as all were in comfortable eirc-umstances, hoped to enlarge its present church edifice and build a parsonage.

First Lutheean Church Of York

In October, 1902, a committee composed of Revs. M. D. Berg, J. X. Lentz, and A. B. Leamer, made a canvass of the City of York to ascertain the feasibility of establishing an English Lutheran Church. Meeting with encouraging results they appointed a Sunday service in the Swedish church on West Eighth Street and Platte Avenue. The response was so favorable that the president of the Xebraska Synod sent supplies for a time.

The following winter Rev. W. T. Kahse, a student of the Western Theological Seminary, Atchison, Kan., spent his Christmas vacation in York. He made a canvass for Lutheran people, and started a Sunday school. It was the intention of the president of the Synod to send supplies, but in the meantime the building having been rented to the Free Methodists, the Sunday school was disbanded and the supplies for the winter postponed.

In 190.3 Rev. C. E. Sparks, a student of Wittenberg College, spent a summer vacation in York and succeeded in rallying the Lutheran forces. With the aid of the Board of Church Extension, he was enabled to secure the Fraternal Hall for Sunday services. He organized the Sunday school, and on August 2, 190.3, the congregation was regularly organized by Rev. L. P. Ludden, I). I)., the western secretary of the Board of Home Missions. There were twenty-nine charter members. The following comprised the official board: George Harr, L. 'SI. Worman, S. F. Hansen, W. M. Swartzwelder, J. E. Johnson and C. D. Dreier.

From September 1, 1903, until April 1. 1904, Rev. J. G. Griffith, D. D., acted as a supply pastor. During his incumbency the Ladies" Aid Society was organized, six new members received and the church now owaied by the congregation was leased.

June 1, 1904, Rev. George F. Scheese of Selinsgrove, Pa., took charge and served until November 1, 1904, when he resigned and returned to the East.

January 12, 1905, at the earnest solicitation of the South Platte Conference of the Xebraska Synod, Rev. R. A. AVhite took charge and served the congregation until April 1, 1913. He found the membership very much discouraged and scattered. By heroic effort he rallied them and soon infused new life in the congregation. The Ladies" Aid Society has been a very important factor in the development of the work. Though only a few in number, they raised and expended about two thousand eight hundred dollars during the pa.storate. Each year the church raised her full apportionment for all benevolent purposes. July 28, 1908, the church was bought for $1,480. The transfer was made November 14, 1908. The trustees signing legal documents were R. A. White, Pastor L. M. Worman, C. D. Dreier and August Dreier. J. E. Johnson was one of the church council, but he was away from home at the time, so his name does not appear. Following the purchase were extensive repairs and renovations of the building. The old rickety tower was taken down, a new roof was put on, a basement was constructed underneath the entire church, the doors were changed from the center to the southeast corner, a beautiful art glass window was put in the east end of the church where the doors had been, an art glass transom was placed over the doors, a Gibinn furnace by which the church is heated was installed, the interior was beautifully papered, the woodwork painted and grained, and beautiful oak pews installed. Besides these there were many smaller improvements made, which gives the congregation a delightful auditorium in which to worship. The membership is now about fifty-five. It would have been more than a hundred except for removals.

Rev. C. E. Sparks of Auburn, Neb., was then called and began his work as pastor June 1, 1913. The church council constituted the new pastor. Rev. Sparks, M. L. Warner, Fred C. J. Voss and William H. Newcomer, Jr.

On April 10, 1879, at a session of the Des Moines Conference of the Evangelical churches of Iowa, it was resolved that York Center, Waco, and surrounding country be taken up as a mission to be known as York Center Mission. Rev. E. D. Einsel was sent as the first preacher in charge. A couple of years later some of the appointments were attached to charges outside of York County and York Center Mission was discontinued.

On March 13, 1903, at a session of the Platte River Conference of the United Evangelical Church, it was resolved that York and surrounding country be taken up and called York Mission. Rev. Arthur E. Miller was appointed the first pastor and with his wife and the families of E. Reisinger, E. P. McCoy, and Elias Anderson constituted the charter membership of the church. In May of the same year the lot at the corner of Grant Avenue and Eighth Street was purchased and on the first Sunday in June the first service was held in the building then there. This was a part of the Boyer's old drug store building. A class was organized on June 14, 1903, with twelve members. The corner-.stone of the present church building was laid in the spring of 1907, and on October 37th, under the pastorate of Rev. W. C. Brewer, the church was dedicated to the worship of God. The property was valued at $10,000. The membership of the church is ninety-three. The pastors have been as follows: Rev. Arthur E. Miller, 1903 to 1907; Rev. W. C. Brewer, 1907 to 1908; Rev. A. Essley, 1908 to 1909; Rev. B. Hiller, 1909 to 1913. Rev. Arthur E. Miller came again in 1913.

The people of this congregation are mostly German or of German descent, and most of them reared in Lutheran faith. The first settlers of the township came in 1869, and for the next three or four years homesteads were to be secured. In the year 1873 Rev. P. H. Gruber came to the neighborhood and preached. Next came Rev. Burger from Hampton, Hamilton County. The first church was a sod house erected in 1875. In 1878 Rev. P. G. Endres was called. In 1882 a schoolhouse was erected 27x32x12. Mr. A. Reinhard was the first teacher. In 1885 Reverend

The congregation consisted of twenty-one families when they organized in 1877. The membership later increased to 360. Two schools were maintained, one of tliirty-six pupils, with F. Kiekhacfer as their teacher, and the other with forty-two pupils, with 0. Wilk as teacher.

The elders were Herman Welliiiaiin, II. R. Stuhr, and William Staehr; trustees, Henry Dinkelmann, Henry (ioecke, Simon Obermeier. The school trustees were D. Xaber and H. Morner.

The announcement was made in September, 1917, that tliree of the most prominent religious denominations were planning to unite in their spiritual administrations, and after a short time instead of maintaining three churches and carrying the necessary expenses they would unite in one and get along with but one preacher. The churches considering this union were the Presbyterian, United Brethren and Congregational. The latter denomination had worshipped during the summer with the Baptist and the Christian churches, and found the experiment a very gratifying one.

When the move was carried into effect the Presbyterian Church was used by the trio of congregations as their house of worship, and at first the Rev. L. F. John, pastor of the United Brethren Church, was the minister for the combined churches, with Dean Ashcraft assisting, one of them preaching in the morning, the other oftentimes in the evening.

Members of all three congregations took to the move with much favor. Two of the churches were then without pastors - the Rev. E. E. Emhoff, of the Presbyterian, and the Rev. E. Merle Adams both being in the army Y. M. C. A. services on leaves of absence from their congregations.

Reverend Emhoflf returned to his flock and the Presbyterian Church withdrew. Late in 1920 the announcement was made of the fate of the "dual relation" continued by the other two.

Denominational inducements are responsible for the decision of the members of the Congregational and United Brethren churches to sever their federated church relations and return to the holding of separate church services. The federated church has been in operation a year on next October 1st. It succeeded a federation of three churches, the two referred to and the Presbyterian. The Presbyterian congregation withdrew from the federation when its pastor returned from overseas. Now the United Brethren people feel the pressure of the argument that the denomination supporting a college here should also have a church. And the Congregational people, who are to entertain the state meeting of the Congregational churches here in Octolier, feel they should by that time and for that occasion be operating under their denominational name. Hence the decision to sever ties which have been mutually friendly and have resulted in a fine example of fraternity and good will, and is an earnest of the ultimate wiping out of denominational ties which is a thing very much desired among church people. The United Brethren people will return to their church edifice and continue under the leadership of Dr. L. F. John. The Congregationalists are considering calling a pastor.

Other Churches

There are other cliurches in York County, upon which tlie compiler was not able to get the proper material, or the same was not furnished from sources to which attention was directed, and the oversight was not intentional. It might be added, though, that the Xazarene Congregation at this time are rendering veryactive service, under the leadership of Anne Nutter.