Clark County, Wisconsin - Chapter 23: Religious Life, 1918

- Religion has been a dominant factor in Clark County life since the earliest days. While the floating population working in the woods in the winter and departing in the spring added an element of irreligion, the permanent settlers were people who had been bred in religious homes in the eastern states, or in the old country, and who felt the need of religious institutions as an uplifting influence.

Today all the leading denominations are well represented throughout the county. An effort has been made to secure a complete history of the activities of the various denominations and their several churches, but in many cases there has been a lack of response on the part of those most concerned. This chapter, therefore, while containing only a portion of the churches, nevertheless, tells the story of many typical institutions, and their story is here presented as an example of what all the churches of the county have done.

The fur traders who first came here were of the Catholic faith, from Canada. Next came the Mormons. Among the settlers, however, the first services were held by the circuit riders of the Methodist Episcopal faith. In 1847, Rev. R. R. Wood, a Methodist clergyman, of Black River Falls, preached the first sermon in Neillsville, coming as a guest of James O'Neill, and preached in his house. For ten years succeeding this date, the people of Neillsville had no regular religious services; an occasional itinerant divine would exort them to flee the wrath to come. Not, however, until 1858, was the village of Neillsville made a regular stopping point for a circuit rider. At this time Rev. James Cady began visiting there once in three weeks. He was succeeded in 1859 by Rev. John Holt, and he by Rev. William Carl, in 1860. So the changes continued, the meetings being held at private houses, and such rooms as could be secured, until 1869, when a neat little church was erected, the lot being a gift of Mrs. James O'Neill.

The second church in the county was built in the town of Grant, east of Gottlieb Garbish's Corners. This was built in the early seventies by the Lutherans.

The Presbyterian Church was represented in the county at an early date, when preaching services were held by the Rev. Mr. Harris. Then for many years the congregation was served by the Rev. James Mair, a Scotchman, who had taken his masters' degree at a Scotch university, and invariably added the letters M. A. to his name to indicate his scholastic honors. For some years services were held in the schoolhouse and the courthouse. The organization was perfected Aug. 2, 1869, and in 1875, a church was built. The next pastor was the Rev. W. T. Hendren, now the dean of the Protestant clergy of the county.

seventies at Humbird. In 1876 Rev. Fr. Hergman, from that place, organized the Catholic Mission, which has since become the Catholic Church at Neillsville. The church at Neillsville was erected in 1877. The first regular pastor was the Rey. Fr. Voltz, who served for many years.

The Grace Methodist Episcopal Church of Greenwood. - The first religious services were held in Greenwood in the winter of 1866, when S. S. Smith came and held meetings in a log schoolhouse that stood on Main Street, where the brick saloon now stands. After this Caleb Edmond, Mrs. Hannah Bowerman and Mrs. Charlotte Honeywell held prayer meetings in the same schoolhouse, where, in about the year 1868, the church society was organized by the Rev. H. W. Bushnell, of Neillsville. Mr. Bushnell preached here until about 1871. At this same time George Andrews held some meetings in another log schoolhouse that stood where the Greenwood State Bank now stands. As near as can be ascertained, the charter members of the society were as follows: Case Honeywell, Charlotte Honeywell, John and Mary Honeywell, Mary, Stephen Andrews, Hattie Andrews, George Andrews, Caleb Edmond, Jane Edmond, Charles Carpenter, Mrs. Charles Carpenter, John Bowerman, Mrs. Hannah Bowerman and Eliza Bowerman. The first pastor that was stationed at Greenwood was 8. B. McLain, who came Oct. 9, 1871, and stayed till Sept. 28, 1872. After him came the Rey. S. P. Waldron, whose pastorate covered the time from Sept. 23, 1872, to March 1873. The Rev. M. Woodly came in the same month that Brother Waldron left, and finished out the conference year, or till September, 1873. The Rey. John Holt assumed the pastorate Sept. 22, 1873, and remained until Oct. 11, 1875. It was during his pastorate that the parsonage was built. After Mr. Holt left the Rev. J. J. Garvin came, serving one year, from 1875 to 1876. The Rev. John N. Phillips came in 1876 and stayed two years, or till 1878. While he was pastor the first church edifice was erected, the building that now stands on Main Street, and is owned and used by the Catholics. This church was used until the new one was erected in 1902. The Rev, Benjamin Reeves followed in 1878, and stayed one year, leaving in 1879. His successor was the Rev. Charles Baker, who came in 1879, and left in 1880. Sept. 27, 1880, the Rev. C. C. Swartz assumed the pastorate, staying two years, or till September, 1882. The Rev. J. J. Auston came in the fall of 1882, and left in 1883. Next came the Rey. N. C. Bradley, 1883 to 1885; Rev. R. A. Rayson, 1886 to 1887; Rev. W. H. Risteen, 1887 to January or February, 1888; Rev. A. T. Johnson, February or March, 1888, to the end of the conference year; Rev. James Jefferson, 1889 to 1891; Rev. John Haw, 1891 to 1895; Rev. Paul Hull, 1895 to 1899; Rev. W. E. Kloster, 1899 to 1903, during whose pastorate (1901-02) the new church was built and dedicated; Rev. W. W. Hurlburt, 1903 to 1904; Rev. C. O. Presnall, 1904 to 1906; Rev. C. W. Marange, 1906 to 107; Rev. Joseph J. Robinson, 1907 to 1908; Rev. W. H. Norton, 1908 to 1909; Rev, W. E. Marsh, 1909 to 1911; Rev. Herbert Bastow, 1911 to 1916, and the Rev. Harry G. Rainey, 1916 to the present time.

who was also a local minister; Mrs, John Graves, Erastus Mack and wife, Leicester Allen and wife, I, N. Allen and wife, F. C. Hartford and wife, L. M. LeRoy and wife, A. J. Smith and wife and William Hills and wife. L. M. LeRoy was the first class leader, which position he held for nearly forty years. The first services of the church were held in a schoolhouse a mile and a half south of the village. After that they were held for some time in a hall owned by John Graves, on the present site of A. A. Graves' office, the Rev. Mr. Waldren officiating. Mr. Waldren was succeeded in the pastorate by the Rev. Mr. Woodley, and the latter by the Rev. John Holt. When Mr. Holt came the congregation changed its meeting place to a hall over a store which now forms part of the store of B. W. Colby, in Loyal. Mr. Holt's immediate successor was the Rev. I. N. Phillips, and after the latter came the Rev. John Garvin, in whose pastorate, in 1875, was erected the first church edifice, which stood on the site of the present building. Mr. Garvin was succeeded by the Rev. G. I. Case, the latter by the Rev. J. P. Greer, and Mr. Greer by the Rev. G. N. Foster, now of Madison, who built the parsonage in 1884. The Rev. J. B. Doughty was the next pastor and was followed by the Rey. L. W. McKibben, who remained three years. Then came the Rev. Mr. Connor, and after him in succession the Rey. J. P. Knutson and the Rev. S. A. Hoffman. It was under Mr. Hoffman's pastorate that the present church building was erected in 1894. The next pastor was the Rev. W. R. Brown, who was followed in succession by the Revs. James Ford, J. A. Hill, James T. Bryan, J. A. Town, F. R. Kildaw, N. J. Alderson, Thomas Harris, W. P. Powell, W. C. Clock, and then the present pastor, Rev. E. E. Stravey, who came in 1917. Under the pastorate of the Rey. Thomas Harris the parsonage was rebuilt.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Thorp. - Early in 1884 pioneer preachers held religious services in the schoolhouse and private dwellings. This resulted in the organization of a Methodist Society. In September of the same year two lots were purchased from the Clark and Webster Manufacturing Company. The society was then put in charge of the Cadott circle, and then religious services were held more frequently, In the following two years money was collected and the erection of a frame building was commenced. The building being enclosed and roof shingled, the work came to a stop for lack of funds. In 1888 new Methodist families came to town, and the work on the building was resumed. When the church was sufficiently completed, it was opened for Sunday services. In February of 1889, Rev. J. E. Webster, of Cadott, preached the first sermon. It was dedicated as the First Methodist Church in the fall of 1890. Improvements and repairs were made as soon as the society got able to do so.

Thorp has outgrown the present structure, and is now wholly inadequate for the community. In 1892 the Cadott circuit was divided and Stanley and Thorp were put in a charge by themselves, part of the time the preachers residing at Thorp and again at Stanley. In 1904 the society purchased a house to be used as the parsonage, and Thorp became a charge by itself, but Thorp being too weak, out appointments (being included) were added, including Withee and other points. Among the pastors. Rey. J. B. Bachman deserves special mention. Mr. Bachman came from Pennsyl- vania to Wisconsin in 1848. He located near Monroe, taught school for a number of years, interested the ministry, his first appointments being Oregon and Black Earth. He served as presiding elder of the Madison district, making his tour of the district with horse and buggy, was pastor at Portage during the Civil War, preached at Baraboo, Mauston, twice appointed to Eau Claire, and Medford, and in 1893 was appointed to Thorp. Served here three years. While preaching here he bought a house, intending to make this his permanent home, After his three years here, he served two years at Downing, but did not move to that place, then retired and was placed on the superannuated list, served for a number of years as clerk of the village of Thorp, and was again appointed to the Thorp charge, which he held for two years more. At this time, at the age of 80, he celebrated his fiftieth year of the ministry, preaching from the same text that he used in his first sermon. Mr. Bachman has married more young couples and conducted more funeral services than any other preacher in this vicinity. And at the present writing, 1916, he enjoys the distinction of being the oldest man in town. At the age of 87 he is enjoying apparently good health. May he live many more years among us. - By F. A. Klemp.

The Free Methodist Church of Humbird dates from the seventies. Early services were held in Carter's hall, the first ministers to conduct meetings being Rev. C. W. Howe and Rev. A. D. Gillet. Rev. Howe, in 1882, organized a class of seven members: Martha Comstock, Dr. Almond Alderman, Mrs. Hannah Alderman, Mrs. Eunice Alderman, Mrs. Olive Andrus and one, whose name is not preserved, in full communion, and John Clark on probation. From Carters' hall the services were moved to the old schoolhouse, which was purchased and dedicated to church services. In 1901 this building burned and another church was erected, which was burned in the fall of the same year, before it was completed, while the pastor was attending conference. Rev. E. W. Hawley was sent as pastor in charge that year, and he proceeded to immediately build a new church, which is still standing. The present parsonage was erected at the same time; the former one having burned at the time the church burned. Some of the prominent members of the past are Richard Wells, J. W. Gibson, Chauncey Fowler, Chester Crandall, Florence Maxon, Eunice Alderman, Mary King, Ella Long, Mary Hart, Mrs. J. Monroe and Annabelle Crandell, the last seven named are still living. The list of the pastors before 1893 is not preserved. Since then the pastors have been the following reverend gentlemen: J. A. Bolton, 1893-1894; C. Siggelkow, 1894-1896; J. R. Thomson, 1896-1898; E. Z. Thuring, 1898-1899; N. B. Ghormly, 1899-1901; E. N. Hawley, 1901-1904; H. W. Hills, 1904-1907; W. B. Good, 1907-1910; E. A. Wolfe, 1910-1912; G. W. Pound, 112-1915; J. K. Peckham, 1915-1918.

Salem Evangelical Church of the Evangelical Association, located in the village of Dorchester, was organized in 1882-1883, the first services being conducted in the public schoolhouse of the village, under the direction of the Rev. William Colander. The charter members were: George Miller, G. F. Schmidt, August Schmidt, Herman Will, John Riemer and Jacob Butzer. The first church edifice was erected in the village of Dorchester, in 1882-1883, and was dedicated immediately after its completion. In 1912 the original church was remodeled and an addition made to it. The two Schmidts above mentioned, with Mr. Will, were among the most prominent and active of the early members, while G. F. Schmidt, Otto Will, Nels Laneen, Joseph Konecny and Charles Guth are so today. The pastors who have served this church are Revs. William Colander, Charles Berg, C. W, Wells, O. Barromshi, §. J. Erffmeyer, H, Z, Goetz, H. Lutz, David Schneider, F. L. Nelis, Jacob Schneller, John Marks, Rev. Kreger and Rey. G. L. Bursack.

The First Baptist Church of Greenwoed. - The first services of this church were held April 7, 1888, the Rev. A. M. Parmenter preaching. This was previous to the organization, which did not take place until some three months later. Mr. Parmenter was followed by the Rev. R. A. Burss, the second services being held in the hall of John Shanks, and arranged by Mrs. A. S. Eaton and others. On July 1, 1888, Rev. E. B. Edmunds held special meetings, the first baptism taking place on that date. The church was organized July 28, 1888. The charter members were as follows: Mrs. P. G. Gwin, Mrs. William Noble, Mrs. A. 8. Eaton, and Mrs. A. Dingley. On May 18, 1890, the Rev. Mr. Abbott from Eau Claire held services, and again, September 17, meetings were held in the hall by the Rev. Mr. Edmunds, Rev. G. C. Edwards, Rev. Mr. Palmer and others. In September, 1892, a building committee was appointed, a church edifice being subsequently erected, and dedicated by the Rev. Samuel Dunlop, June 20,1901. The last pastor, who served until January, 1918, was the Rev. Charles H. Alborn. Since then the church has been without a regular pastor. The present members of the church are Mrs, M. A. Dingley, Lilla C. Begley, E. S. Carpenter, Merriam Harlow, Francis Harlow, Mrs. Carrie Miller, Eva and Alice Miller, Mrs. Edith Kelley, Geo. 8. Barlow, Mrs. G. S. Barlow and S. R. Kelley.

The Evangelical Lutheran Trinity Church, of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio and other states, located in the city of Greenwood, was organized June 4, 1908, with Robert Steffen, Simon Schwarze, Julius Voigt, Morris Meinhardt and Mrs, P. W. Gullord as charter members. The first services were held in the Baptist Church about September, 1907, and were presided over by the Rev. Otto Neumann, from Fairchild, Wis. The first and present church edifice, built of cement blocks, and having a seating capacity of 200, was erected in 1914, and in the same year the parsonage was purchased. The Rev. Otto Neuman served as pastor until August, 1909, and was succeeded by the Rev. C. F. Schrein, who, in January, 1911, accepted a call to Nebraska. His successor was the Rey. M. Wichmann, who resigned in April, 1914. In August, 1914, the Rev. L. Fischer was called to the pastorate, and accepted, but on account of ill health was forced to resign a few months later. The present pastor, the Rev. Otto W. Schreiber, has served the congregation since August 1, 1915. The first baptism was that of Julius Runkel Hochre, son of Carl C. and Lena (Runkel) Hochre, on Jan. 26, 1908; the first marriage, that of Herman Firchlich and Mrs. Cecile Mus, June 2, 1914; and the first death in

The Evangelical St. Luke Church, of the Evangelical Luthern Synod of Missouri, Ohio and other states, located in the southern part of Green Grove Township, in what is known as the Molle Settlement, is a branch of the Lutheran congregation located five miles to the northeast of it. It separated from the mother congregation in the fall of 1912, with the following charter members: Aug. Schuette, Fred Molle, William Rusch, David Mandel, William Scheel, Adolph Molle, William Desheim, William Hardrath, H. Hardrath, Hy. Schuette, Fred Becker, Frank Birchow, Ed. Klessig, Alb. Schuette, Chas. Witt, Fred Witt, William Kloszinski, Henry Arne and Louis Karnopp. On organizing the congregation they erected a frame church edifice having a seating capacity of about 200, and which stands on land that was donated by Fred Molle. The Rev. Aug. Behrendt served the congregation until August, 1914. In September of the same year he was succeeded by the Rev. L. Fischer, and on Aug. 1, 1915, the present pastor, the Rey. Otto W. Schreiber, took charge, he being also the pastor of the Trinity Lutheran congregation of Greenwood. The first birth was that of Henry Herman Car] Molle, son of Hy. and Minnie (Paeck) Molle, Jan. 10, 1913; the first marriage that of Herman Hardrath and Elsie Lang, March 26, 1915, and the first death that of Maria Ida Sophia Scheel, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Scheel, she dying Dec. 9, 1913, when 23 days old,

The Greenwood Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized Aug. 21, 1872, the first pastor being the Rey. Mr. Alfson. The first services were held in the schoolhouse, subsequent services being held in the M. E. Church building, which the members bought in 1902, At that time the congregation split. In 1915 they built a new church, selling the old one to the Catholics. This new building is of frame, with a seating capacity of 300, and was dedicated Oct. 7, 1917, by the Rt. Rev. J. Nordby. On June 18, 1916, the church was reorganized. The Rev. Theodore Kleppe assumed the pastorate in January, 1916, and is still serving. The church diminished in membership after reorganization. The congregation has now thirty voting members with twenty scholars in the Sunday school. The charter members of the congregation were: Elias Peterson, Ole Christianson, Peter Christoferson, Ole Peterson, Victor Hendrickson and Simon and Ole Johnson. On reorganization the charter members were: John Dyre, Ole Johnson, Andrew Johnson, Severin Johnson, P. W. Guilard, Tom Thompson, Martin Stronmen, Aster Iverson and about twenty-five others.

Emanuel Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church, located in the town of Longwood, was organized Sept. 30, 1894, by the Rev. Mr. Berntzon. The first services were held in a dwelling-house, a church edifice being built in 1912. The charter members were Lars Jorgenson, Carl Benson, Hans H. Jorstad, Julius Sorenson, Nils K. Sorenson, Tom Bredesen, Martin Sorenson, Carloth Anderson and Martin Lebeck. Many pastors have filled the pulpit, among them the Revs. Larson, Nordby, Houghton and Kleppe, the last mentioned of whom is still serving.

Trondhjen Evangelical Norwegian Lutheran Church, located in the town of Eaton, two miles northeast of Greenwood, was organized Oct, 30, 1902, with the Rev. J. C, Hougum as pastor. Services were first held in the schoolhouse. The charter members were: S. B. Johnson, Iver H. Embre, Andrew Olson, Ole Peterson, Edward Engabretson, Chris Christianson, P. C. Johnson and Peter Danielson. A frame building was erected in 1913. The congregation has about eighteen voting members, among whom are: Ole Holstad, Harry Larson, Ole Krogenes, J. M. Olson, Joseph Krogenes and Martin Johnson. The Rev. 5. A. Erdahl served a short time, and was followed Oct. 5, 1915, by the Rev. Mr. Kleppe, who is still serving.

The German Lutheran Evangelical Trinity Church of Loyal - As early as 1874 the Lutherans of this vicinity began to hold services under the leadership of the Rev. Mr. Fisher, of Granton, Wis. In 1883 the congregation was organized. There were thirteen charter members. On November 18 of the same year they dedicated a small log church which they had built a mile and a half north of our village. The first resident pastor was the Rev. Mr. Meissner. He remained only a short time and was succeeded by the Rev. Mr. Goesling and later by the Rev, Mr. Haase. During the year 1890 the Rev. William Reul accepted a call of the congregation. He served for many years. During his pastorate a church wag built in our village. When the Rev. Mr, Reul moved to Almond, Wis., where he now resides, the Rev. W. Lange was called. During his time of service the congregation enjoyed a rapid growth, bought the present parsonage in 1903, built the schoolhouse and made other improvements. in 1910 the Rev. E. Kemena took charge of the congregation. The present imposing church edifice was dedicated on Nov. 29, 1914, replacing the early structure which a few months previous had been badly damaged by lightning. The school is of brick, 18 by 26 feet, and has an attendance of some fifteen pupils. Catechetical instruction is given in both German and English.

The German Evangelical Lutheran St. Johns Church of Christie was organized in 1905, the first services being held in the Methodist Episcopal Church of Christie. The Rev. W. Lange was the first pastor and remained until 1910. He was succeeded by the Rey. E. Kemena, who still has charge of the congregation, now consisting of twelve families, The church edifice was erected early in 1916, at a cost of $1,800, and was dedicated May 28, that year.

The Evangelical Lutheran St. John's Congregation of the Northwest Synod Lutheran Church, in Neillsville - The first services of this church were held Jan. 10, 1886, the Rev. Adolph Hoyer officiating. On September 16, the same year, the church was organized with the following charter members: H. Meyer, H. W. Meyer, H. A. North, C. F. Schulz, R. Knoop, A. Radke, H. Blum, A. Wesenberg, A. Modersohn, F. Glasow, H. Miller, H. Saupe, E, Lustig, William Rabenow, H. Klumm, F. Karstens, John Karnsten and Peter Dangers. The first church edifice was erected in Neillsville in 1887, and was dedicated the same year. Several years ago the building was remodeled and enlarged, the rededication taking place in 1913. The parsonage was built in 1900, and was later burned and rebuilt.

The successive pastors of the church have been F. J. Eppling, C. A. F. Doehler, F. Thrun and H. Brandt. The last mentioned, who came to the church in 1904, is still serving. The present deacons are: Henry Schroeder, president; Richard Eberhardt, secretary, and E. Gloff, treasurer. The trustees are: W. Duge, G. Borde and H. A. Bartell. The first birth in the congregation was that of Elizabeth Elida Hemp; the first death that of Louisa Klopf, and the first marriage that of Joseph Bodwin and Bertha Mundt, April 22, 1888.

The St. John's Parochial School building was erected in 1891, and was rebuilt and enlarged in 1906. It has eight grades of the regular public school courses, and has at the present time about seventy pupils and one teacher. The building is a frame structure and stands north of the brick church building.

The Nazarath Danish Evangelical Lutheran Congregation, of the Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, situated in Hixon Township, half a mile from Withee, held its first services in the schoolhouse in Withee, in 1893, the Rev. A. S. Nielsen presiding, Shortly afterwards the church was organized, the charter members being P. Drost, Jorjen Jorgensen, P,. K. Pettersen and eight or ten others. In 1896 a church edifice was erected, being dedicated the same year. Since then the building has been remodeled, provided with a new steeple, and a solid foundation put in. In 1899 a seven-room parsonage was erected, which is used for Sunday school classes, business meetings and young people's meetings. The following pastors have served the church: Rey. A. S. Nielsen, 1893 to 1903; Rev. Pete Jensen, 1903 to 1913; Rey. J. L. J. Dixen, from 1913 to the present time (1918), he being the pastor now in charge. The first child born and baptized in the congregation was Alfred Frost, and the second Nanna Ammentop. The first marriage was that of Anton Peter Wilhelmsen and Annie Jensen. The first death was that of August Nielsen. The congregation now has 110 paying members.

The Finnish Church of Owen was started in 1915, services being held for awhile in farm houses. The church edifice was erected in 1916. There is no resident pastor, the church being served once a month by the Rey. R. Henry Sarvela, of Duluth.

Immanuel Reformed Church, of the denomination officially designated as Reformed Church of the United States, located on North Second Street, Colby, held its first services in the home of Carl Schmidt (now deceased), the Rev. A. G. Schmid of Curtiss, presiding. The organization of the church was effected July 3, 1913, the charter members being Mr. and Mrs. Fred Torteld, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Schmidt, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Henkel, Mr. and Mrs. Adolf Hake, and Walter and Helen Hake. The church edifice, the location of which has already been mentioned, was dedicated July 26, 1914, a parsonage having been erected in the fall of 1913. The Rey. EB. Brumoehler began his duties as pastor of the church in July, 1914, and resigned them in 1915. He was succeeded in 1916 by the present pastor, Rev, A. L. Scherry. Among the prominent members of the church, past or present, in addition to the charter members, have been the following: Mr. and Mrs. Henry Zolltheiss, Mr. and Mrs. William Dehne, Mr. and Mrs,

William Gosse, Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Ortmeyer, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Dehne, Mr. and Mrs. William Beilke, Mr. and Mrs. William Fondrie, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Winkel, Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Thede, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Stock, Mr. and Mrs. John Baumgartner, and Mr, and Mrs. A. L. Scherry. The first death was that of Carl Schmidt; the first birth that of Hilda Bertha Louise Wolk, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. Wolk, Jr., and the first marriage that of Edw. Fricke to Bertha Wolk.

Trinity Reformed Church, of the German Reformed Church of the United States of America, located in the village of Thorp, had its beginning in the summer of 1900, when services were held in the local Baptist Church by the Rey. John Schmalz. In July, 1901, the church was organized with Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Braun, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Kolb and daughter Thekla; Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Herzberg, Mr. and Mrs. H. Banderob and Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Rossmann as charter members. The Rev. John Schmalz served the congregation from 1900 to 1906, and was succeeded by the Rev. W. H. Lahr, 1906-1912, Rev. A. G. Schmid, 1912-1915, and Rev. A. L. Sherry, 1916-1918. The present church building was purchased from the Baptists in January, 1915. Among the prominent members of this church, past and present, in addition to the charter members, are: Mr. and Mrs. H. Holzhausen, Mr. and Mrs. Phil. Deforth, Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Dedering, Mrand Mrs. Herman Bohn and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Reed. The first death was that of Chas. Rossmann, the first birth that of Roman P. Deforth, and the first marriage that of William Kinerim to Thekla Kolb.

The Reformed Peace Congregation, of the German Reformed Church of the United States of America, located in the village of Curtiss, was organized Aug. 1, 1905, previous services having been held in the spring of that year by the Rev. Th. Schildknecht and W. A. Arpke. The charter members were: Mr. and Mrs. Aug. Ecke and daughter Helen, Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Hake, Mr. and Mrs. John Mahlsted, Mr. and Mrs. Aug. Schumacher, Mr. and Mrs. Christ Klessig, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Schmidt, Mr. and Mrs. Moritz Koerner and son Edwin, and Mr. and Mrs. Hermann Nagel. The church edifice was dedicated Dec. 2, 1905, and in June, 1914, the present parsonage was purchased. The first regular pastor of the church was the Rev. W. H. Lahr, who served from 1906 to 1912. His successors were: Rev. A. G. Schmid, 1912 to 1915; Rev. N. F. Janssen, 1916 to 1917; and Rev. A. L. Scherry, 1917 to 1918, On July 1, 1918, the Rev. William Huenemann will take charge of the parish. In addition to those whose names are on the charter, the following are or have been prominent members of this congregation: Mr, and Mrs. Charles Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Kraut, Mr. and Mrs. Gerhard Neuhaus, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Strade, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Neuhaus, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Gosse, Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Neuhaus, Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Dittmeyer, and Mrs. Edwin Koerner.

Reformed Bethany Church, of the German Reformed Church of the United States of America, located on the northwest quarter of the southeast quarter of Section 11, town of Hoard, was organized in October, 1908, services having been held in September, that year, in the residence of Paul Voigtlander. The charter members were: Mr. and Mrs. Paul Voigtlander, Mr. and Mrs. William Schulz, Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Jan- sen, Mr. and Mrs. William Wagner, Mr. and Mrs. Max Erler, and Mr. and Mrs. Hermann Lapp. The first church edifice, which is still used for worship, was erected in the fall and winter of 1910 and dedicated in June, 191i, The congregation has no parsonage, since the pastor of the Curtiss church conducts all services here. The following pastors have served the church: Rev, W. H. Lehr, 1908 to 1912; Rev. A. G. Schmid, 1912 to 1915; Rev. N, F. Janssen, 1916 to 1917; Rev. A. L. Sherry, 1917 to 1918. In addition to those whose names are on the charter, Mr. and Mrs. Chas, Bitter and Mr. and Mrs. Aug. Schultz have been prominent members of this congregation.

St. John's Reformed Church, of Humbird, had its inception in the year 1900, when services were held in the Adventist Church by the Rey. W. H. Schroer. The church was organized December 9, that year. Services were held in the Adventist Church until 1907, in which year the building was purchased and was the home of the congregation until 1914. In the fall of 1913 building operations were started on a new edifice, the cornerstone being laid in September that year; and the building was dedicated March 15, 1914. The Rev. W. H. Schroer served as pastor from 1900 to 1908, after which for awhile the pulpit was supplied by the Rev. J. Stucki of Black River Falls. In 1909 the Rev. H. G. Schmid assumed the pastorate and served till 1915, when he was succeeded by the Rey. D. Grether, who is now serving.

Zion's Reformed Church, of the Reformed Church of the United States, at Neillsville - This congregation was started at Columbia, Clark County, by the Rev. W. H. Schroer, services being later held at Pine Valley, where the church was organized Sept. 6, 1903, nine families taking part. The original members were Fred Pflughoft, Henry Stelloh, William Martens, Herman Gehrt, Fred Eggimann, Robert Reichling, William Zank, Karl Stache, Henry Gehrt and Fred Stelloh. The first services in Neillsville were held in the Unitarian Church in 1907. In 1913 the congregation purchased the Unitarian Church building, and in the same year the Ladies' Aid Society bought the parsonage. There are now seventy-niné communicant members, After the pastorate of the Rev. W. H. Schroer there was a vacancy in the pulpit during which time the church was served by the Rev. J. Stucki from Black River Falls. Then, in the summer of 1915, the Rev. D, Grether was ordained and installed as pastor. The church is now well established and is doing effective work in helping to maintain a high moral and religious standard in the community.

St. Hedwig's Congregation. - In June, 1891, two Polish gentlemen, Messrs. Plotrowicz and Slupecki, land agents of Milwaukee, donated ten acres of land to St. Hedwig's Catholic congregation at Posen, Wis. The first church was dedicated Sept. 27, 1891, by Rt. Rev. James Schwebach, Bishop of La Crosse. At this time it was only a small mission, consisting of twenty-five families, attended by Father C. Frydrychowiez, of Edson. In 1898 his place was filled by Rev. F. Jachimiak, of Mill Creek. In 1896 Father F. Frydrychowiez was again reinstated and remained until Sentember, 1897. Then came Father Korezyk. During his stay a priest's house was built and a church bell and three statues for the church were purchased, In 1900 he resigned and his place was taken by Father J. Biela.

In 1902 he left and Father Ign, Orlik was pastor until Sept. 9, 1905. From 1905 until the present time Father F. H. Pudlo has had charge of St. Hedwig's congregation. During his time a new church building costing $30,000 was built. This building contains: Ornamental windows, donated by members of the congregation, costing $75 each, amounting in all to $1,175; church furniture and fixtures, such as pews, pulpit, confessionals, vestment-case, communion rail and pew fronts, amounting in all to $1,890. Four furnaces - value, $1,100; three gold plated chalices, donated by John Wrick, Smogur and John Kowiecki, value $260; two composition statues, donated by St. Moczarny, value $64. St. Hedwig's statue, bought by M. Turck, value $50; pair of Angels, donated by Andrew Nowobielski, value $45; hanging crucifix, donated by Kutnorowski Brothers, valued at $65; zine corpusus for cemetery and wooden crucifix, donated by Geo. Zukowski, value $100; white moire antique canopies, donated by M. Burzynski and Jos. S. Zerlong, value $90; brass candelabra, bought by Cl. Haraburda, value $65; gold ostensoria, donated by Andrew Nowobielski, and his sister, Anna Kobylarczyk, value $300; missale Romanum, and one group station, donated by Fl. Anyzewski, value $99; main altar, donated by Andrew Zabarowski, value $700; several small things donated by Jos. Kotecki, value $50; goods for church, donated by Rev. Joseph Kempa, of Milwaukee, value $100; red chasuble, donated by Wiltzius Co., Milwaukee, value $15; pair dalmatics and black chasuble, donated by Pustet, of Cincinnati, O., value $50; white chasuble, donated by Ecclesiatical Goods Co., of Chicago, value $50; black cape, donated by Father Pudlo, value $25; white cape, donated by Sisters of Rosary, value $45; two albs, donated by St. Joseph's Society, value $25; white chasuble, donated by confirmation children of 1911, value $105; white chasuble, donated by S. S. of Rosary, value $35; flowers for the altars, donated by the Sisters of Rosary, value $25; cemetery cross, donated by F. Szatalowiez, value $25; pair of vases for flowers, donated by John Koman, value $5; mission cross, donated by Joseph Kowieski, value $3; Christmas crib, donated by A. Dombrzalski, value $25; red chasuble, donated by F. Klaster Co., Green Bay, value $25; ciboria, donated by Lomman Co., of St. Paul, Minn., value $10; chandelier, donated by John Hoffman, value $85; white stole, donated by W. Stominski, of Chicago, value $10; for window, group station and furnace in rectory, etc., Father Pudlo donated $705. Hardwood flooring for priest's house, donated by Michael Zabarowski, value about $100; composition statue, donated by M. Najdychor, value $22.50; composition statue, donated by Nick Jasinek, value $10; composition statue, donated by Josephine Izydorek, value $10; testament, donated by Math. Brucis, value $500; six wax candles, donated by Peter Borowick, Sr., value $5; smaller articles to priest's house, donated by P. Osowski, value $5; altar cloths, donated by Miss Mary Borysiewicz, value $25; smaller articles for priest's house, donated by John G. Bogumill, value $25; glass doors, for priest's house, donated by M. Gavin, value $25; gold plated sanctuary lamp with extension and tube for hanging, donated by P. Borowik, Sr., and P. Borowik, Jr., and wife, value $325. Collection in Chicago from friends of Father Pudlo brought $802.36 and in Milwaukee, $699.60. Tower clock, by collection, value $650; church bells, by collection, value $555; group stations, some were donated by members of the congregation and others by collection at $90 each, value $1,260. Those who bought the ornamented windows for the church are: Father Pudlo, Joseph Szerlong, Frank Hoffman, Sisters of the Rosary, St. Joseph's Society, First communion children of 1906, Michael Manczuk, Vincent Budzinski, M. Gavin, of Milwaukee, congregation, and boys. The group stations were donated by the following: Father Pudlo, Fl. Anyzewski, M. Tomkowiak, Simon Maslowski, Francis Wojciechowski, the European Statue and Art Co. (2), Anna Lasota, Paul Holubowicz. The remainder were purchased by collections from the congregation,

Those who gave mortgages to secure the loan for the church on Nov. 29, 1905, are: Vincent Budzynski, Fl. Anyzewski, John Smogur, Joseph Kotecki, Novobielski Bros., Frank Hoffman, St. Slupski, Thomas Obrycki, Joseph Morgan, Michael Scymezak, John Sczrok, John Giwojon, Louis Glamklowski, Vincent Izydorak, John Hoffman, St. Mazurek, James Niedzwiecki, Theo. Clieciora, Michael Strzelecki and Joseph Lesniewski. Others donated sums amounting to $300.

St. Bernard's Catholic Congregation of Thorp had its beginning in 1884, when Rey. Herman Untraut from Edson, Wis., held services in private homes in this vicinity, and ministered to some twenty families. The next year a little frame church was erected, and the parish took the name of St. Bernard. Father Untraut attended this parish until 1888, when he was succeeded by Rev. Joseph M. Wecker, also of Edson. From 1889 to 1891, the congregation was attended by Rev. Alphonse J. Joenes, of Colby, and during his ministration, the church was enlarged. From 1891 to 1894, the parish was in charge of Rey. Charles B. Weikmann, of Colby, and Rev. Anton Muehlenkamp, of Athens. The first resident priest, Rev. John Kapellen, was here from 1894 to 1896. From 1896 to 1900 the parish was attended by different Polish priests from Rosen, Wis. Then came Rey. Edmund Beyer from 1900 to 1902. Rey. Beyer was succeeded by Rey. Albert J. Dorrenbach, from 1902 to 1904, and under his ministration the church was remodeled. From 1904 to 1905, Rev. Mich. Haas was pastor here, succeeded by Rev. Aug. Douven from 1905 to 1906. His successor was the Rev. Adam Arentz. During his administration he placed the congregation upon a firm basis, by building the Catholic school which is now attended by some seventy children, the teachers being the devout Sisters of St. Francis, whose mother house is at St. Frances. The present rector, Rev. John Neises has served here since July 17, 1912. He took up the work with characteristic energy, and one of the results of his devotion in leading his people is the sightly St. Bernard Church building, one of the ornaments of the village. This building was erected in 1914-1915, and is of solid brick, with stone trimmings, and beautifully furnished and cost $27,000.00. The structure adds distinction to the whole surrounding country. The parish contains about 150 families.

The Catholic Congregation of St. Mary, Help of Christians, Greenwood. The town of Greenwood is aptly so-called, as it is on the scenic borders of the Black River. Among its thousand inhabitants is a number of thrifty Catholics. The Roman Catholic congregation was organized and incorporated in the year 1906, with the title St. Mary, Help of Christians. Their first pastor was Rey. Father Burkhard, of Loyal, Wis., under whose direction the present church, finely located on the Main street, was bought from the Methodists. Then followed Rev. Father Doven and Rev. J. Stenz, also residing at Loyal, Wis., until 1909, when Rev. H. Boeckman became the resident priest. By his untiring efforts the congregation flourished visibly, and in 1914 a building was purchased for the purpose of opening a parochial school. The undertaking was a success. At present, 1918, the enrollment is about sixty pupils, taught by Franciscan Sisters, P. A. The number of families belonging to St. Mary's has doubled to about seventy. The priest's residence, built in 1910, is an ornament to the town. Upon the early death of the Rev. H. Boeckman, the Rev. Hackner, Rev. J. Pollack and Rev. Ibold successively served the congregation until 1915, when the present pastor, the Rev. C. Achtelik, assumed charge.

St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, at Colby, had its inception about the year 1870, the first services being held in a private house. In 1874 a schoolhouse was bought and arranged for church service, which was held by the Rev. July of Stevens Point. The schoolhouse was moved to the place where Peter Demmer's house now stands. At that time the congregation numbered twenty families, the heads of which now living are Paul Firnstahl, William Happle, John Orth and Richard Shortell. The church was incorporated Sept. 29, 1888, the charter members being: Rt, Rev. K. C. Flasch, president; V. Rev. J. Schwebach, Vicar Gen,; Rev. A. J. Joerres, pastor; Paul Furnstahl, treasurer; and William Happle, secretary. The first church edifice erected by the congregation was built in 1888, and occupied the site of the present structure. The latter, a solid brick building, and the largest church in Colby, was erected in 1904. In 1886 the first parish house was bought of Henry Merritt, the present one being built in 1897. In 1891 the schoolhouse was erected. Among the prominent members of the past, in addition to those already mentioned, were Ambrose Steinwand and Peter Engeldinger. The congregation now numbers 200 families, among the leading members being Jos. Frane, Louis Frane, Victor Frane, Jos. Kraus, G. Kersten, Jos. Steinwand, Ambrose Steinwand, George Steinwand, J. Lyons, Paul Umhofer, A. Umhofer, Emil Umhofer, Jos. Weix, Dr. Schemmer, William Morgan, Aug. Lukovicz, and William Will. The following have been the resident pastors: Rev. A. J. Joerres, 1886 to 1891; Rey. C. B. Weikmann, 1891 to 1896; Rev. Ad. Mueller, 1896 to 1898; Rev. G. Vadder, 1898 to 1901; Rev. Ad. Mueller, 1901 to 1903; Rev. Wm. Reding, 1903 to 1907; Rev. J. M. Schramm, 1907 to 1910; Rev. H. J. Artmann, 1910 to 1917; Rev, H. Lachnit, since June, 1917.

The Roman Catholic Church at Loyal was started with fifteen families in 1885. A log building, 20 by 30 feet in size, was erected three and a half miles from Loyal, in the southeast corner of Section 27, and the Rev. Joseph Voltz, a mission priest from Neillsville, served the congregation once a month. In time the congregation increased until the log building was too small for their accommodation, and a new church building was erected in Loyal in 1893. The pastor then serving was a mission priest from Hewett,

St. John's Congregation, of the Evangelical Church of Indiana, Ohio and Other States, located in the village of Withee, had its inception in 1893, when the first services were held in the schoolhouse by the Rey. J. Fiehler. The first church edifice was built in 1914 in the village of Withee, the parsonage having been purchased in the previous year. The Rey. J. Fiehler served the congregation from 1893 to 1896, his successor being the Rey. A. Kuring, who came in 1897 and remained until 1904. Both of these pastors served Withee from Colby, Wis. The pastor from 1905 to 1906 was the Rev. E. Buenger, and from 1907 to 1913, the Rev. B. H. Schrein, both of whom served Withee from Stanley, Wis. In 1913 the Rey. F. A. Schwertfeger took charge of the congregation and served until 1917, residing in Withee. Since 1917 the Rey. H. H. Laabs has been pastor. Among the prominent members of the congregation past and present have been Aug. Bruchert, Ed. Neimag, Fred Radke, John Schwartz and Aug. Brandt. The first births were those of Joseph Brandt and Esther Brandt; the first death that of Emil Jacob Brandt, and the first marriages those of Jacob Staeger with Anna Bruchert and R. Martin with Wilma Bruchert.

St. Paul's Congregation, of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Indiana, Ohio, and Other States, located in the town of Reseburg, held its first services in 1887 in a private house, the Rev. William Brink presiding. In the same year the congregation was organized, a building for worship was erected half a mile east of the site of the new church. Among the prominent members of this church, past and present, may be mentioned Aug. Rusch, H, Thielke, William Krause, Fred Boelter and V. Beckmann. From 1887 to 1891 the congregation was served from Dorchester by the Rev. Brink; from 1891 to 1893, from Chippewa Falls, by the Rev. G. Plehn; 1893 to 1894, from Colby, by the Rey. J. Fiehler; 1894 to 1902, from Cadott, by the Rey. K. C. Bubeck; 1902 to 1906, from Stanley, by the Rev. BP. Buenger ; 1906 to 1907, the Rev. K. C. Bubeck filled out a vacancy: 1907 to 1913, the Rev. B. H,. Schrein served from Stanley; 1913 to 1917, the Rey. F. A. Schwertfeger served from Withee, being succeeded by the Rev. H. H. Laabs, who is now serving the congregation from Withee. Among the first births in the congregation were those of George Thielke, Ida Birkholz and Albert Pelzer; among the first deaths those of Ida Goerbing, Minnie Rusch and Antonia Beckmann; and among the first marriages those of Louis Horn and Josephine Horel, and Fred Bolter and Clara Mahloch.

Holy Trinity Congregation, of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Indiana, Ohio and Other States, located in Thorp, held its first services in 1897, in a schoolroom, under the direction of the Rev. K. C. Bubeck, the congregation being organized that year. No church edifice has yet been erected, the services having been held up to the present time in a rented building. Mr, Bubeck remained as pastor from 1897 to 1905, serving from Cadott, and was succeeded in 1906 by the Rev. E, Buenger. From 1907 to 1913 the pastor was the Rev. B. H, Schrein, who served from Stanley. His successor, the Rey. F, A. Schwertfeger, served from 1913 to 1917, from Withee, and was succeeded by the Rev. H. H. Laabs, the present pastor, who is serving from Withee. Among the prominent members of this congregation, past and present, have been John Blunk, Carl Zachow, John Miller, L. Herzberg, John Deitschlaender and Ed. Kerlen. The first death was that of Lena Deitschlaender, the first baptism that of Paul Dudanski, and the first marriages those of William Sattler with Lena Bandrob, and John Moeller with Maria Moeller.

The Congregational Church of Owen. Religious work was inaugurated in Owen in 1894 by George Haward in the homes of Mrs. W. W. Barden and Mrs. Louis Johnson, the Sunday school being conducted in both the English and the Scandinavian languages. For a while the work was discontinued, then it was re-established by a Mr. Clark. Mr, Stockholm reorganized the school in 1897. In the early summer of 1898, Rev. John Williams, a Congregational Missionary, visited Withee and held camp meetings at that place and at Bobbs Mill. This pioneer preacher visited Owen in December, 1899, and inspired the people to again re-establish the school. Since that date, it has been carried on through the faithfulness of A. G, Johnson and his fellow laborers. In 1899, Rev. James Austin was placed in charge at Withee and Bobbs Mill, and the first regular preaching was started at Owen. Since then the pastors have been as follows: Noy. 18, 1906, to Aug, 21, 1910, Rev. James. Rowe; Oct. 9, 1910, to Oct. 1, 1914, Rev. A. W. Cook; Oct. 9, 1914, to the present time, Rev. W. H. Sargent.

Christian Science in Clark County. To the village of Granton belongs the honor of establishing the first Christian Science services. Through the medium of Christian Science literature, received from friends in the East, interest was aroused, and meetings were held at private homes, and the Sunday Lesson Sermons were studied, and some healing was done, and interest in the subject grew rapidly. In the year 1903 services were held in the Advent Church, and later in the Union Church of Granton, and in the same year a Christian Science Society was formed at that place, with about thirty members, some of whom were from Loyal, Greenwood and Neillsville, as well as Granton, Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Knorr, as first and second readers, conducting the services. During the succeeding years, regular services were held and much good healing work was done, and several Christian Science Lectures were given under the auspices of this society.

In the meantime much interest had sprung up at Neillsville, and in the year of 1911 there were enough loyal students and others who had become interested by reading the Christian Science literature, and the healing, so that efforts were made that resulted in the holding of Christian Science services at that place. These services were continued until Sept. 20 of the same year, when a Christian Science Society was formed with sixteen members, and on the 11th day of January, 1912, Salem E. Weld and Elizabeth H, Weld (his wife) were selected for first and second readers, for three years, to conduct the services, and a State Charter was obtained. The first services were held at G. A, R. Hall; then for a year and a half at the Unitarian Church, the sale of which made it necessary to go back to the G, A. R, Hall once more.

By this time the congregation had so increased in numbers that it was thought advisable to build. A meeting of the society was held and plans considered, and a selection made, and it was decided to build on the lot donated by Geo. A. Austin; but it was not until June 13, 1916, that definite action was taken. A very desirable lot on Fourth street, east of Hewett street, was purchased, and the Board of Directors were authorized to proceed with the work, the contract was let and ground broken.

At six o'clock on the morning of Aug. 19, 1916, in the presence of the Board of Directors, the readers and the contractor, a simple service consisting of silent prayer, concluded by the repetition of the Lord's prayer, in unison, completed the laying of the cornerstone, in which was placed a copy of the Bible, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy, the Church Manual, the Christian Science Monitor, Journal, Sentinel, and Der Herold of Christian Science.

The building was completed and the first service was held Wednesday evening, Jan, 24,1917. A notice of the event from the Republican and Press, under date of Feb, 5, 1917, is here given:

"The Christian Science Church, which has been in course of construction during the past several months, is completed and will be regularly opened for services next Sunday. It is built on the uniform design of all Christian Science Churches, modified only to make it architecturally proportioned as to size and also to conform to its site and surroundings. It is a beautiful building and an ornament to the city. It is also designed and built with view to comfort as well as the artistic. It has linofelt insulation to preserve a more uniform temperature and exclude dampness, has a modern efficient heating plant and up-to-date electric lighting system, beautiful art glass windows and every interior arrangement planned for a pleasant psychological effect. All interior finish is of selected red birch. The building complete cost about $7,500."

The name of the organization is now First Church of Christ Scientist, Neillsville, Wis. Early in the year 1918 the church building of this church was dedicated free of debt, as is the custom of all Christian Science Churches. The growth of Christian Science in Clark County has been stead y and strong, and as a denomination makes a splendid showing. (Written by Salem E. Weld.)

St. Luke's Episcopal Parish of Neillsville was inaugurated as a mission in 1877, under the auspices of Rev. W. H. H. Ross, of Black River Falls. Early meetings were held in the scholhouse. July 22, 1881, a lot was purchased, and the present neat church building soon thereafter erected, Judge James O'Neill, Freeman D. Lindsay, Stanley F. Chubb and D. B. B. Dickinson advancing $400 for the lot, and they with others interested providing the means to construct the church. Rt. Rev. Reginald H. Weller, D. D., Bishop of the Diocese of Fond du Lac, furnishes the following information regarding the organization of the church: "The Rt. Rey. John Henry Hobard Brown, D., D., the first Bishop of Fond du Lac, spent Aug. 28, 1881, being the eleventh Sunday after Trinity, at Neillsville. He celebrated the Holy Communion and preached in the morning, and also preached in the evening. The following day, Monday, Aug. 29, 1881, he met and organized the congregation, appointing Rev. W. H. H. Ross as Vicar and Messers. F. A. Lee and Ss F. Chubb as Wardens. Tuesday evening, April 18, 1882, he preached at evening prayer at Neillsville and met the congregation immediately afterwards. There were twenty communicants then. On Easter Monday, 1883, it was reported that St. Luke's church, Neillsville, consisted of eleven families, with a total of fifty-four baptized persons and twenty communicants. On Easter Monday, 1885, it was reported that St. Luke's Church consisted of ten families, with a total of forty persons, fifteen of whom were communicants. Of these communicants three were male and twelve were female. At the annual Council of the Diocese, June 8, 1886, it was reported that Rev. Frank O. Osborn, whose postoffice was Madison, was in charge of St, Luke's Church, Neillsville."

Among the early members were Judge and Mrs. James O'Neill, Mr. and Mrs. Freeman D. Lindsey, Mr. and Mrs. Fred A. Lee, Stanley F. Chubb, Mr. and Mrs. Allie Lee, Mr. and Mrs. 8. B. Calway, Mr. and Mrs. William Johnson, Mrs. Louis J. Glass and Mrs. Laura Brown. Later members are: Mr. and Mrs. T. E. Brameld, Mr. and Mrs. William Free, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Ferris, Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Heath, Flossie Leason, Edwin Billings and Raymond Brameld.

Previous to the formal organization of the church, the organization of a temporary Mission had been perfected in the chapel of the High School building, Nov. 11, 1877, the day after the first service was held. Dr. J. C. Lacy Lacey was chosen to act as warden, F. A. Lee as secretary, and S. F. Chubb as treasurer. The first communion service was held Dec. 9, 1877. The Mission was admitted into union with the Diocesan Church in 1878. In 1899, the Rev, E. Marshall Frank was placed in charge, the church being renovated and repaired by the Right Rev. Bishop Grafton of Fond du Lac. In 1901, William H. Stone, a student, took charge for a short time. In 1902, Rev. Arthur Westcott undertook to serve the parish from Black River Falls, but was compelled to resign in about six months on account of failing health. In 1904, Rev. Dr. Dafter took charge of St. Lukes, and served the parish for years in connection with his charge at Marshfield, holding services here one Sunday in each month. -After his death, services were held by Rev. Graeme Davis, Rev. H. Walters and Rev. A. Burton, all of Marshfield. Among the first to be baptized were T. C. Kirkland, Feb. 3, 1878; Marian R. O'Neill, March 17, 1878; Frances B. Brown, June 9, 1878; Cecelia Glass, April 26, 1878; Lulu May Lindsay, June 9, 1878; Laura E. Brown, March 17, 1878; Francis Ross Foote, Feb. 1, 1878; Mattie E. Lee, Feb. 29, 1880. Among the first marriages were: Stanley F. Chubb to Mary L. Phillips, Dec. 24, 1878; James Houston to Maria 8. Walker, June 15, 1879; Dudley B. Manes to Charlotte A. Ives, Noy. 11, 1878; Frederick Lee to Lillie M. Trumbull, Jan. 1, 1881; Darius Edgebert to Mary F. Harriman, Nov. 29, 1882. Among the first deaths were those of Lulu May Lindsay, Feb. 1, 1879; Mary Dewhurst, Aug. 16, 1879; Francesca Tudor, Feb. 22, 1882, and George A. Lee, April 24, 1886.

T. E. Brameld, an enthusiastic member of the Episcopal Church, of which his father was a noted rector in England, came to Neillsville in 1893, and at once became deeply interested in St. Lukes. The church was then much run down, but, undismayed, he set to work interesting his friends, and it was due to his efforts that the Bishop restored the church in 1899.

It was also due to his interest that the church debt of many years' standing was finally cleared away in the manner described in the following extracts from local and church papers. From the "Neillsville Times," 1893: "The Episcopal Chapel here has for a long time borne a debt until not long ago, when Mr. T. E. Brameld, whose worthy sire was an Episcopal clergyman in England and who is naturally interested in his home church, paid off the debt. In this work he has been assisted by a niece at the old English home, who held a bazaar for the purpose." From "The Living Church," published in Milwaukee, 1903: "The debt on St. Luke's Chapel, Neillsville, which has been of long standing, has finally been removed. This has been accomplished largely through the assistance of Mr. T, E. Brameld, the son of an English clergyman, and by a niece of his in England." The chapel is a sightly building in excellent condition and adds much to the appearance of Neillsville.

Congregational Church of Neillsville - In January, 1891, a group of people who wished to form a self-governing church organized the Congregational Church of Neillsville. February 2, 1891, the new church was incorporated, and on May 7, 1891, a council of Congregational Churches admitted them to fellowship with the Congregational Church body. Of the 33 original members, ten are still connected with the church, viz., Mrs. George Hart, Mrs. Charles Deutsch, Mrs. Amelia Deutsch Chambers, Gustav Deutsch, Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Ackerman, Grace Brown, Mrs. Frankie Brown Williams, Mrs. Florence Weinberger, and Mr. T. D. Condit. Others who have been members of the church almost from the beginning are Mrs. D. R. Brown, Mrs. Ida Lowe, Mrs. Hiram Hart, Mrs. Henry Neverman, Mrs, Mary Huntley, Mrs. Hattie Lee, and Mrs. Amelia Jackson. Mr. Ackerman and Mr. Condit were the first deacons of the church and have remained in that office ever since, The first services of the church were held in the old court house, but at a later period the city hall was used and afterwards they had the use of the Episcopal church until their own building, which they still occupy, was completed. Ground was broken for a church building on August 12, 1892, and the building was finished in 1893, but was not dedicated until March 3, 1894. On March 4, 1891, Rey. J. O. Buswell came to be pastor of the church, and remained until March, 1893. In May, 1893, Rev. Robert B. Evatt came to the church and stayed until May, 1894. On June 5, 1894, Rey, George Michaels became pastor and continued so until January 9, 1896. He was followed by Rey. F. B. Doe, who was with the church until March, 1897. On August 1, 1897, Rev. George W, Longenecker became pastor and served the church until April, 1905. During that time new pews were put in the church and many improvements made. From October 6, 1905, until March - 8, 1908, Rev. Albert R, Rice was pastor. He was followed by Rey. H. A. Risser, who remained six years, from May, 1908, until May, 1914. For nearly two years the church was without a pastor, but they kept up their Sunday School, and all their activities, cleared up all debts and repaired the church. Rey. Frank Dexter, General Missionary, spent considerable time with them, holding frequent services, The church invited Rev. G, W. Longenecker, who had served the church nearly eight years, to return, and on April 1, 1916, he began his second pastorate, which still continues.

St. Mary's Catholic Congregation of Neillsville - With the early settlers in Clark county came also the occasional visits of the Catholic Missionaries who conducted services in the homes of Catholics. In the year 1877 a parish was established at Neillsville under the title of St. Mary's and a church was erected. From 1877 to 1885 this parish was attended as a mission by the neighboring priests, especially by the Reverend Fathers Michael Heiss, L. Spitzelberger, A. Bergman, C. A. Gunkel and Jos. F. Volz. In the year 1884 a new parsonage was built and the next year Rey, J. Volz became the first pastor, and worked there faithfully for 18 years. The parish increased rapidly and in 1887 a parochial school was added and was opened by the Franciscan Sisters with an attendance of 75 children. In 1889 a large addition was built to the church and other improvements made. Other pas-

"tors who had charge of the parish were Reverend Fathers A. Joerres, 1897- 98; A. Birsner, 1898-1900; C. Jungblut, 1900-1902; J. Hauck, 1902-1907; A. Dorrenbach, 1907-1914. In the fall of 1914 Rev. P. F. Weber, the present pastor, took charge. In 1915 and 1916 extensive improvements were made, furnaces installed, the church remodeled and the school enlarged. The parish numbers at present about 450 members. About 1,300 baptisms are recorded, 250 marriage records and 260 funerals. Up to June 1, 1918, eighteen young men had volunteered in the United States service and 20 had already gone into service under the conscription act.

First Presbyterian Church of Neillsville. - The first Presbyterian services held in Neillsville were conducted by a traveling minister of the Presbyterian Church of the U. 8S. A., who preached in a small log house near the ereek in 1850 or 1851. It is thought that an organization was effected at that time but nothing permanent came of it. August 2, 1869, a meeting was held at the schoolhouse and a formal! organization perfected with Joseph C. Benedict as chairman and James Mair as secretary, and William Graham, Robert Ross and James Mair were elected trustees. In 1872, Rey. William T. Hendren began preaching, and in May, 1873, the church was organized with eleven charter members, of whom Mrs. Robert Campbell is the only one now left in the church. The articles of incorporation are dated July 13, 1874. The trustees were Robert Campbell, C, B, Bradshaw and William Campbell. The articles were signed by George W. Watson and J. L. Gates, and witnessed by William T. Hendren and Robert J. MacBride. The congregation worshiped in the old court house until February, 1875, when the present church building was dedicated. It is a brick building located on Fifth and Court Street. The first elders were Mr, E. J. Rice, Mr, Wm. Campbell, and Mr. Stephen Ritchie. Some of the early members were Mrs. Robert Campbell, Mr. Wm. Campbell, Mrs. Laura Morris, Miss Elizabeth Wallace, Miss Nellie Pratt, Mrs. Mary Clark, Mrs. Mary Bradshaw, Mr. Stephen Rice, and Mr. BE, J. Rice. No man is better known in Clark County than the pioneer and founder of the church, Rey. Wm. T. Hendren. He did great and faithful work for more than twenty years in and around Neillsville. He preached in every country school house for miles around, and many are the stories told of his heroism in facing all kinds of weather to keep his appointments. He is still living, and is enjoying a well earned rest in Greenwood, Wis. Rev. Wm. T. Hendren was followed by a Rey. Mr. Lish, a student, who remained but a short time. Then came the Rev. J. Russell, who had to resign on account of poor health, after a few years service. It was while Mr. Russell was pastor that the manse was purchased. It is a frame house on Court Street, and is still in use. The next pastor was Rev. T. C. Hill, who came here from Scotland and remained four years and a half, doing faithful and efficient work. During his pastorate, the Dells Dam church was erected and dedicated. By his genial, brotherly spirit Mr. Hill won his way into the hearts of all, outside the church as well as in. He accepted a call to the Presbyterian Church at Galesville, Wis., and all were very sorry to lose him. Rey. R. J. Creswell was pastor of the church for the next year. Then Rev. Mr. Luther, an evangelist, was with the church for six months, followed by Mr. W. A. Garfield, a student, for the summer. Then came Rev. A. Kerr, of Boston, who remained over two years doing faithful service. The next pastor was Rev. J. K. Griffiths. He was well liked and did much to build up the church, Mr. Griffiths was folowed by Rev. D. H. Rohrabaugh, who was with the church for two years and had to leave on account of his wife's health. Then came Rev. N, F, Chapman, who ministered to the wants of the people for about three years. Mr. Chapman was loved by all, and his work will be remembered for years to come. Rev. Herbert Nye was the next pastor, serving but one year, Rev. S. B. Pinney came next. He came from Forest Park Church, Chicago, Ill., and was with the church three years, during which time several were added to the membership of the church. He was a faithful worker and was loved by all. When he resigned the church felt his loss very much. He is now pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Mauston, Wis. The present pastor is Rev. Harold M, Roberts. His home is in Chicago, but he came here from Fruitvale, Texas. Some of the oldest members still in the church are Mrs. Ed. Husted, Mrs. Annie Cawley, Mrs. J. Lowe, Mrs. Mary MeMillan, Mrs. T. Alexander, and Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Bullard. By its faithful efforts in training the children in the Sunday School, by the earnestness of its members, and the inspiration of its pastors, the Presbyterian Church has been one of the forces making for righteousness in this county for the last forty years.