Trempealeau County, Wisconsin - Chapter 20: Other Churches, 1917

In addition to the Norwegian Lutheran churches in Trempealeau County there are five other Lutheran churches, four German and one Swedish. There are also in the county churches of the EvangeUcal Association, Presbyterian, Methodist Episcopal, Baptist, Congregational and Protestant Episcopal faith. There is one independent church.

An effort has been made to gather the histories of these churches, but in many instances the pastors have failed to furnish the desired information.

There are five German Evangelical Lutheran congregations in Trempealeau, four of which have church edifices. Two are at Arcadia, St. John's and St. John's Christ. One is in Hale Township. One is in the Tamarack Valley. The congregation at Galesville worships in the Swedish Lutheran church.

Arcadia Circuit of the Evangelical Association is composed of four local organizations located as follows: Independence, Tamarack, Cortland and Arcadia. This circuit has been supplied regularly with pastors since the early sixties, but the earhest records now in existence date back only to 1871, and even some of those since that date are incomplete. In speaking today with older settlers we are informed that the Rev. Israel Kuder was the first pastor who in pioneer days occasionally preached at these various settlements in connection with the Buffalo County settlements of Fountain City, Montana, Alma and Scotch Prairie, now known as Anchorage. The earlier pastor. Rev. Jacob Seder, probably did not visit Trempealeau County. The pastors who were stationed here since 1878 follow in order. Sometimes the field was supplied with two pastors, an elder and a probationer. In this case usually both Trempealeau and Buffalo County congregations were served, with the elder living at Montana and the younger preacher at Arcadia. Arcadia being the central congregation, it follows that the parsonage is located here. The first parsonage was purchased about the year 1883. In the year 1909a modern parsonage was built on the same lot the old one had occupied. The present pastor is B. O.

Trinity Church of the Evangelical Association. - The first church was a small edifice erected on River street in Arcadia about the year 1878, which was moved in 1883 to a site west of the Trempealeau River, on what is now designated as Main street in West Arcadia. A new church was erected in the year 1903 at the cost of $6,000, and a new parsonage, at a cost of $3,500, was built in the year 1909. Both church and parsonage are of modern design and are equipped with electric lighting and hot air heating system. The property valuation of the church is $6,500 and the parsonage $4,000. The auxiliary organizations of this church are a Sunday .school. Young People's Alliance, Junior Alliance and a Woman's Missionary and Aid Society. The trustees and officers of this congregation are: Julius Senty, president; Albert Hess, secretary; Jacob Hotz, treasurer; J. J, Schramm and J. P. Runkel, trustees. The present membership is 94. The original members of this congregation when first organized were: A. F. Hensel, John Durisch, H. Klug, P. A. Koenig, J. F. Koenig, Leonard Schneller and Jacob Hotz.

Emanuel's Church of the Evangelical Association of the Arcadia Circuit is located in section 15, range 9, township 20, and was formerly known as the "Home" church, and later named "Cortland." Early services were held in the homes of the old settlers at first. Li 1868 a church was built, the first members being A. F. Hensel, William Kiekhoefer, William Garbe, Martin Joos, August Garbe, Ludwig Hensel, Friederich Kiekhoefer and John Miller. The first record we have of the Emanuel's church is dated November, 1871. The church was remodeled in 1910. Home and Cortland congregation has always been served by the pastors of the Arcadia circuit. The present officers of this congregation are: H. F. Ulbrech, president; Walter Kiekhoefer, secretary ; William Miller, treasurer ; William Rohleder and Frank Kiekhoefer, trustees. The present membership is 50 ; the property valuation, $2,200. This congregation has a Sunday school as an auxiliary organization.

Zion Church of the Evangelical Association, known as the Tamarack church, is located in section 15, range 10, township 19, known as German Valley. Services were first held in the residences of the early settlers as far back as 1885. A church was erected in 1903. The early members were E. Bockenhauer, Charles Klein, Charles Wier, Gottlieb Schultz and William Yarchow. A Sunday school is conducted in connection. The property valuation is $600; membership, 11.

Independence Congregation of the Evangelical Association was organized about the same time as the Arcadia congregation. Services were held in the residences of the members until the year 1880, when a union church was built by the members in connection with the members of the Methodist

Episcopal congregation, both organizations using this edifice alternately to the present date. Among the first members of the Independence branch were John Sprecher, Emil Graul, Henry Schaefer, William Steiner, John Steiner, William Runkel, Jacob Klavadetcher and John Martins. This congregation also conducts a Sunday school and has a Junior Alliance. The present membership is 35. Officers: John Sprecher, president; Emil Graul, secretary; John Steiner, treasurer.

The First Congregational Church of Osseo. At the time of the first organized Christian efforts in Osseo, in 1868, at the time of this writing (1904) thirty-six years ago, Osseo was a village not incorporated and so small that one sti-anger in seeking the place drove to the principal hotel and inquired how far it was to Osseo. V. W. Campbell was the proprietor and carried the mail between Augusta and Osseo. There was no railroad communication in existence for Osseo at that time, nor for about twenty years after. In front of the present hotel on the south side of the business street was an open square, where the circus held forth, ball games were played and the Fourth of July sports were witnessed. The town hall was then the school house of one department. It occupied the site of the later school building and like the antiquated personage was pushed aside to give place to the more pretentious structure. In its belfry hung a cracked bell not so melodious as the one which now calls the urchin to his task, but serving the purpose for which it swung quite as well. There were no walks then in any section of Osseo. In the section west from the depot bridge there were no buildings. We can scarcely imagine what this section would be without the depot, elevators, lumber yard, the flat and the cottage near. In 1882 or 1883 the residences of Frank York, of Dr. E. A. Olson and Mrs. Julie Shores were built, also the beginning of the Central House, the large store building of Field Bros., which was burned in 1891, and the first portion of the school building. The population then numbered about 150.

Such was Osseo when thirty-six years ago Samuel Thompson came here, took for a homestead the land later owned by Bert Wilson and built the house later burned. Through his efforts a Congregational congregation was organized. Some preferred the Methodists, some the Presbyterian and still others the Friends or Quakers, but the Congregationalists were in the majority and effected their organization. After a very few years this pastor moved away, some members followed his example and some died, until none were left to carry on the work. At that time the Congregational Association was caring for a great territory in Northern and Central Wisconsin, for the most part as needy as Osseo, and was in consequence of this financially embarassed. These facts resulted in Osseo having no religious service for some time. Then the Methodists took up the work. We have been able to learn of but two pastors of that denomination holding service here - a Rev. Massee and later Rev. Conway. This latter denomination was in quite the same circumstances that the first was, not having enough ministers to supply their needs, so Osseo was again left without spiritual guidance.

It is now more than a quarter of a century since the Congregational Association of the Eau Claire district asked Rev. J. S. Norris, then pastor of the Mondovi church, to visit Osseo Village. On reaching our little town he says : "I was directed to the home of Samuel and Sarah Cox, as being the best Christians in the place." This good brother and sister implored Rev. Norris to visit them occasionally and to send them a pastor. Both he promised to do. Being acquainted with Rev. M. McPhail of Moline, 111., he believed, and rightly, that he was the man for the place. Accordingly through the influence of this good man the father of Christian work in Osseo came to our needy village. H was minister in every sense of the word. He could sing as well as speak the Master's message. He acted efficiently as church clerk or convention delegate. He not only superintended, but took the principal part in the building of the church and parsonage, acting as cai'penter, mason and painter. He was sympathetic. Of him it might be said, "He rejoiced with those who did rejoice and wept with those who wept." Although at times the burden seemed great, yet he was untiring in his efforts to consummate the work God had given him.

Rev. McPhail arrived in Osseo probably in the early part of 1878. On July 16, 1878, the committee appointed by the Chippewa Convention met at Osseo and formally organized a church consisting of the following members: Rev. M. McPhail, Samuel Cox, Sarah Cox, John Cox, Rhoda Cox, WiUiam Henry, Elizabeth Henry, Geo. F. Newell, Sr., Walter Newell, Sarah Shores, Storm Zhee, Maria Zhee, Horatio M. Tracey, Sarah Elsom, Thomas Love. Wm. K. Levis, Sr., Mary E. Levis, Joseph W. Jaquish, Geo. Colburn, Harriet Colburn and Mary Lovesee. All services were held at that time in the school house. A little melodian was the only instrument procurable. Mrs. F. N. Thomas was organist. Mrs. S. Field, Geo. F. Newell, Sr., and J. W. Jaquish were prominent in the choir. Zoe Shepard, Nettie Tracey, Emma Linderman, Lizzie Field, Bert Cox, Mr. Marson and wife. Curt Van Housen and Ed Olson were also helpers in this line. Rev. McPhail was the janitor, and often he and his son went into the woods near by to gather fuel, carrying it in their arms or on their shoulders to the school house. This was an added burden to both mind and body. In speaking of burdens we are reminded of the burdens borne by the dear wife who by the greatest economy made it possible for the family to exist on three hundred dollars a year. Had it not been for her sacrifices, her devotion, her unfaltering faith even Rev. McPhail could not have carried on this great work. Regular services were held in Tracey Valley and in South Valley.

About March 1, 1879, work on the parsonage was begun. This work progressed but slowly, probably because financial matters were not easily adjusted, and most of the work being done by the pastor had of necessity to be interrupted by pastoral duties. May 1 of the same year the record tells of the donation of a communion set from the La Crosse church. The pastor's family reached Osseo Aug. 20, 1879, but even then the parsonage was not entirely finished, much of the minor work, as painting and plas-

Nov. 21, 1879, a committee consisting of John Cox, Thomas Newman and Wm. Henry was appointed, which succeeded in raising the church indebtedness by subscription. Sept. 4, 1880, a church building committee was appointed consisting of five members, Rev. McPhail, Wm. Henry, F. N. Thomas, Horace Field and Elias Gay. About the same time Messrs. Gay, Hyslop, Henry and McPhail were appointed a committee to visit the Hixton church for the purpose of devising plans for the new church. The foundation wall had been laid in June previous to these arrangements. September 14 a bee was made to haul the lumber from Humbird. A great many in and around the village helped in this.

On Sept. 30, 1880, the erection of a house of worship was commenced. Much of the work on the edifice was by Rev. McPhail and his son George. E. Hyslop was also prominent in the work. In fact nearly every one helped, contributing labor or talent unsparingly.

The Ladies' Aid Society was organized in 1882, making their first financial efforts the donation of paint for the building. Much credit is due this society for their help in a financial way, not only paying a good portion of pastors' salaries, but repairing or refitting parsonage or church whenever or however necessity required.

In April or. May, 1883, the church received $412 from the American Congregational Union to finish paying the church debt. This debt being removed, June 17, 1883, the finished house was dedicated.

On Jan. 1. 1893, a bell, which was the gift of the King's Daughters, was dedicated. This was purchased by direct effort of this society at a cost of $225, the last of the amount being raised by circulating a subscription paper. Nearly ten years later in December, 1902, a window to the memory of the late Pastor McPhail was placed in the chui'ch. This was purchased and placed by a subscription under the direction of Mrs. Mary Fox at an entire cost of $72.75.

In the years which have passed since the above article was written in 1904 many changes have taken place. New streets have been opened, many beautiful new residences erected and improvements so numerous made in our little village that space will not permit the mention of all. One, aside from the church and its properties, should not be omitted, is the erection of as fine a new school building as can be found in a long travel. There is established a four years' high school course, with excellent equipment for domestic science, manual training and gymnasium. Such a school would be a credit to a city many times the size of Osseo. The old school building has been purchased by the village to be fitted up for city hall, offices and library. The public library is also a recent addition to our progress. The Osseo Study Club, with a membership of sixteen ladies, established this, paying one hundred dollars at its foundation. The village has taken it over and at present it contains 900 volumes. In 1916 over 4,000 volumes were taken for reading. At present - 1917 - the periodicals on the magazine table are Review of Reviews, Literary Digest, Musician, Popular Mechanics and Good Housekeeping.

Our church has progressed most perceptibly since 1904. The pastors since that date have been : Rev. A. S. Newcomb, 1905-06 ; Rev. Morton, a supply for three months ; Rev. C. S. Johnson, 1907-09 ; Rev. F. E. Hall, 1911-12; Rev. C. S. Johnson, 1912-14; Rev. Harry Milford, 1914 to the present.

In 1908 the church was remodeled at an approximate cost of 81,500, making a greater seating capacity and providing a pastor's study, church parlors, kitchen and dining room. In 1916 the parsonage was sold and a new modern bungalow erected, a parsonage of which the church is justly proud. - (By Harriet Campbell Schultz.)

The Congregational Church of Independence, not now in existence, was organized in June, 1879, at Taylor's Hall, under the direction of the Rev. J. H. Pollock, with twelve members. The congregation was long since dissolved.

There are three Presbyterian churches in Trempealeau County, the Presbyterian Church of Whitehall, incorporated Feb. 14, 1893 ; the Presbyterian Church of Pleasant Valley, incorporated May 20, 1893, and the Presbyterian Church of Galesville, incorporated Feb. 17, 1896. The Presbyterian Church of Independence was incorporated Nov. 20, 1879, but is not now in existence.

The First Presbyterian Church of Galesville was organized with 23 members, Sept. 17, by D. C. Lyon and Henry Day, from the presbytery of Winnebago. The roll of officers and members was as follows : Price Mars and John McMillan, Jr. (elders), Franklin Gilbert (elder-elect), Mrs. Julia A. Gilbert, Mrs. Gertrude Gale, Mrs. Nancy Young, Mrs. Janet Mars, Robert Cance, Mrs. Christian Cance, Mrs. Mary Cance, Mrs. Martha Purves, WiUiam Dick, Mrs. Rosina Dick, Mrs. Jane Harris, George W. Stearns, Mrs. Maria Stearns, Mrs. Ann McMillan, Andrew Gatherer, Mrs. Sophia Gatherer, Mrs. Mary Faulds, John McMillan, Sr., Mrs. Isabella McMillan and Mrs. Mary Bibby. On Dec. 10 following Mr. Lyon, of the Committee of Presbytery, received by certificate John Cance, Mrs. John Cance, Alex Cance and James Hardie, and on profession of their faith Mrs. Maria Mars, Wm. Thomas, John Bibby, Richard Bibby and Mrs. Mary Bibby. Since it is known that these persons were prevented from joining at the earlier date by sickness, delay of their expected letter, or other accident, they are given a place among the charter members.

On Sept. 5, 1859, the Board of Domestic Missions, at Mr. Lyon's request, formally commissioner Sheldon Jackson for "La Crescent, Hokah and vicinity in Minnesota." Mr. Jackson interpreted "vicinity" to mean as far as he could reach. In fact he was already searching out the land. On horseback, and often on foot, he was fording streams, climbing hiDs, penetrating valleys, opening every school house, telling the Gospel story by every fireside. Did he find a little group of Presbyterians, he organized them into a church and set them to work. He soon had preaching stations in 13 counties in Minnesota, and in Chippewa, Eau Claire, Jackson, Trempealeau and La Crosse Counties in Wisconsin, - a parish of 13,000 square miles and a salary of $300 a year. (See Stewart's Life of Sheldon Jackson.)

There is record to show that Mr. Lyon and Sheldon Jackson supplied the Galesville church alternately on the second Sabbath of the month for several months, probably till the arrival of the first pastor, the Rev. John Frothingham. This young minister was from the presbytery of Albany. He had refused flattering calls from eastern congregations and had chosen the career of a home missionary in a frontier town under the influence of his boyhood friend and neighbor, Sheldon Jackson. GalesviUe was on the frontier in 1860. The houses were lighted by tallow candles and the streets not at all. There were but three span of horses in the town, and the nearest approach to a carriage, excepting the doctor's rig, was one two-seated spring wagon ; but said wagon, which was painted red, did free service and was even used for a hearse. There was but one mail a week. It went out on Friday to La Crosse, the nearest railway point, and came in on Saturday. Everyone worked hard and life was rude, but it was not altogether without refining influences. A newspaper had been established by Mr. S. S. Luce, and a lyceum organized, while Galesville University - now Gale College - was in its second year. The people were intelligent, some of them college-bred, and there were few whose mother tongue was not the English language. If all were not godly by profession and in practice they were at least God-fearing - respecting God's book, God's day and God's minister. The one man in the village who talked infidelity and habitually worked on Sunday was regarded with abhorrence by his fellow townsmen. There had been a Union Sunday school, but the ©O'er of a library to a Presbyterian school and no other led Mr. Frothingham to organize one June 7, 1863. He was superintendent of this school till he left the place. It was organized in the little old school house, but the church building was already under way. At the county fair in October of this year the ladies served dinners and earned $75,000 for the building fund. The building moved slowly, however, for lack of means, and was not completed and ready for dedication till Jan. 1, 1865. It was a very plain structure - that old church - but every dollar of the $1,200 that went into it represented hard work and much self-sacrifice. It was fitting, therefore, that the minister's corn-crib should furnish material for the belfry, as the crowning act of self-denial. The pews were rented at first, but the arrangement proved unsatisfactory and was abandoned after the second year. In 1866 a church was organized at North Bend, and the McMillan, Bibby, Faulds and Gatherer famihes, 12 members in all, withdrew to cast in their lot there. In 1868 the Frothinghams removed to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Four months later Mr. Frothingham was laid to rest in Cedar Rapids.

Dec. 10, 1868, one month after Mr. Frothingham's removal. Rev. Henry R. Wilson became the minister. Mr. Wilson left us in April, 1871, to take a position in the office with his father, who was secretary of the Board of Church Erection. The next minister, the Rev. Samuel Brown, came fresh from the University of Belfast.

The next pastor was Rev. J. C. de Bruyn Kops. While he was pastor the choir was removed to a platform at the right of the pulpit, and the old walnut desk used by Mr. Frothingham was replaced with the pulpit now in use, designed and made by Rev. Kops. During this ministery the first Woman's Missionary Society was organized and the Sabbath school put in a flourishing condition under the leadership of Dr. J. R. Branch.

The presbytery having accepted the custody of Gale College in 1877, it became necessary to have a minister who would do some work in the classroom. Accordingly Mr. Kops resigned and the Rev. John Moore was called. Mr. Moore came as pastor and as the professor of Belles Lettres in the college. He resigned in September, 1880, to accept a call to Ripon, Wis. Mr. Moore died in 1888 and his wife followed him two years later.

Mr. Moore's successor. Rev. J. Irwin Smith, D. D., began his ministry here in April, 1881. He became financial agent of the college and entered with ardor into the work of gathering funds both before and after the fire ; later he became college president and took charge of some classes - all this time fining his pulpit regularly and doing much pastoral work. Dr. Smith resigned the next year, but no one being found to fill the vacancy he supplied the pulpit without compensation when his other duties permitted until he severed his connection with the college in 1888 and removed to Toledo, Iowa. He died in Cedar Rapids, March 16, 1908, at the age of eighty-two.

It was September, 1889, when the Rev. John L. Gage entered upon his ministry here. During the vacancy of nearly two years several leading members had removed from the place and the organized work of the church had languished. The Y. P. S. C. E. was now reorganized and another Woman's Missionary Society was started. Early in 1890 a series of union evangehstic meetings was held under the leadership of a "Band" from Minneapolis, and the town was stirred from center to circumference. After these meetings Mr. Gage received 22 members, the largest number ever added to one communion. Dr. Smith had taken in 15 March 21, 1886, and, after the Kennedy tent meetings, Mr. Winder received 14, Sept. 16, 1894. After a stay of two years Mr. Gage removed to Iowa, where Mr. Gage is still in the work, although on the retired list. Mrs. Gage died four years ago.

The Rev. Joseph M. Winder, who succeeded Mr. Gage, was stated supply and pastor from September, 1891, to February, 1897. During this time the parsonage was bought and refitted and the new church was built.

It was May, 1898, more than 14 months after Mr. Winder left us, before Rev. T. C. Hill came. The pulpit had been supplied a part of the time by the Rev. G. James Jones of the college. Mr. Hill resigned in April, 1905. The Rev. J. M. McKnight was here for a time, but he felt unequal to the work of so extensive a field. The outlook was gloomy until Rev. N. F. Chapman was sent. In less than two years the Neillsville church, desiring an energetic young man of the evangelistic type, gave Mr. Chapman a call, and he left us in October, 1907. The pulpit was vacant six months before our next pastor, the Rev. Benjamin Thomas, was secured.

(Note. - An elaborate booklet, issued Sept. 19-20, 1909, at the time of the celebration of the semi-centennial, is a valuable contribution to the social and economic, as well as religious, history of an old Wisconsin community, and contains many interesting pen pictures of men and events and conditions during the fifty years that it covers.)

There are seven Methodist Episcopal churches in the county, located at Whitehall, Independence, Arcadia, Trempealeau, Osseo, Centerville and Eleva. The church at Galesville is vacant. The church in Hale Township, incorporated March 4, 1892, is no longer in existence.

Methodist Episcopal Church of Arcadia. The organization of this society was perfected in 1857, under the auspic.es of an itinerant minister of the Wesleyan faith, with Collins Bishop, Anna Bishop, Narcissa Robertson and Rhoda Shelley as the constituent members. Services were conducted at the residences of members until an increase in the members of the congregation required more extensive quarters, when the school house was secured and appropriated to their uses. This was continued until 1876 when preparation looking to the erection of a house of worship, meanwhile in progress, took shape, and resulted in the building of the present edifice, which was completed during that year at a cost of $5,000. It is of frame, of a quaint Elizabethan order of architecture, handsomely finished, and with accommodations for a congregation of 500 persons.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Independence was organized about 1877, and met in Taylor's Hall at intervals for prayer and worship. In 1880 a Union church was built with the people of the Evangelical Association faith.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Trempealeau was organized in 1856 by H. M. Hays, with the Goodhue, Payne and Kribbs families as the original members. The first church was built in 1857.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Galesville was organized at an early day, and until 1875 the congregation worshiped in the court house and school house. In that year a church was built.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Whitehall. Services of the Methodist faith were held at the homes of pioneers as early as 1856. The Methodist Society at Whitehall was organized in 1867. For several years services were held in the school houses by pastors from the Arcadia charge. In 1873, at the time that the G. B. & W. R. R. passed through what is now Whitehall Village, then only a grain field, D. W. Wade secured a lot from the railroad company for the site of the M. E. church. He drew up a subscription paper to secure money for building the church, and he succeeded in getting $1,000 in money and work. Mr. Wade wrote to the presiding elder of the La Crosse district for a pastor. Rev. J. E. Webster was obtained, and he took up the work of securing further subscriptions. Another $1,000 was subscribed in money and labor. The work was com- menced early in 1874. Dui'ing that summer the building of the church had so far progressed that it was opened for services during the winter of 1874-1875. It was later completed in the summer of 1875.

In December, 1874, Mr. Wade and family went east to New York and New Jersey, his former home states. While there he visited Methodist Episcopal book rooms and purchased a fine pulpit Bible and hymn book. The church being a mission church, having raised a small sum of money toward purchasing books for the Sunday school library, the committee was allowed dollar for dollar and forty per cent off on all books. The committee also secured a large Sunday school map of Palestine and a framed motto: "God Bless Our Sunday School." The church was dedicated Aug. 29, 1875, Rev. J. E. Webster being the first pastor. The Bible and hymn book wei'e formally presented at that time, and used in the dedication service.

During the- pastorate of Rev. F. E. Lewis the church was moved from its first location to its present site, and later during the pastorate of the Rev. Chalfant, a basement and many other improvements were added. The pastors have been: J. E. Webster, J. B. Richardson, William Galloway, E. J. Bickle, F. W. Straw, E. T. Briggs, G. D. Brown, A. M. Lumkins, H. A. Snyder, G. F. Cowling, G. Limkuhlr, W. H. Cheneweth, J. T. Bryan, C. G. Gaman, W. E. Doughty, F. E. Lewis, L. N. Wooley, J. E. Boyer, J. G. Haigh, Edwin Tench, William Cook, Harry Philpot, Arthur Chalfant, David Levin, E. D. Upson.

There are two Baptist churches in the county one at Whitehall and one at Blair. For some years the Baptist Society was active in Arcadia, and a frame church edifice was erected. It was afterward used as a Peoples church.

The Baptist Association at Trempealeau was instituted in 1857 by the Rev. J. M. Winn, with 23 members. Until 1866 services were conducted in the school house and at a hall on Front street. In that year a church was erected. The society is not now in existence.

The Whitehall Baptist Church was first known as the First Baptist Church of Preston. It was organized July 4, 1858, and began life with eight constituent members. In 1860 the membership was 20. The field covered by the membership of this church extended from Hixton in Jackson County to Glencoe in Buff'alo County, a distance of 40 miles up and down Trempealeau Valley. In 1864 the church was admitted to the La Crosse Valley Association. Jan. 9, 1866, the name of the church was changed to that of the First Baptist Church of Lincoln. The first church building was erected at old Whitehall in 1870, at a cost of $1,100, and was sold in 1875 to the Scandinavian people for $300. The present building was erected the same year at a cost of $1,600 and was dedicated Jan. 12, 1876, free of debt. At this time the church adopted its present name. The first Baptist minister to preach in this locality was the Rev. Mr. Bunnell of Trempealeau Village. He preached a few sermons in the home of Deacon Alvah Wood in the winter of 1857-85. In 1858 the church was organized and the following brethren have served as pastors consecutively: Revs. Thomas Slade, S. S. Tucker, G. P. Dissmore, Calvin E. Fisher, G. P. Dissmore, E. D.

Catchpole, D. I. Coon, N. L. Sweet, N. K. Larson, A. B. Cannady, C. 0. Booth, W. D. Wells, Samuel Batchelor, J. J. Enge, Madison Reynolds and G. N. Doody. Says Mrs. Mary Wood: "Pastor Dissmore has been with us longest. He has proved his words by an honest, upright hfe, winning the respect of the community and the affection of the church, who felt the comfort of his presence and counsel. Pastor N. L. Sweet was the sower sowing beside all waters, up the coulies, down the valleys, always feeling the stress of the work, appreciated by the church, disparaging himself, ever reaching out toward more effective service." The present parsonage was purchased of N. K. Larson August 1, 1911. -

St. Elizabeth's Church and Parish. - The first service of this congregation was held in the York Inn parlors, Osseo, in the summer of 1911, W. F. Hood, Jr., then in deaccm's orders, being the priest in Charge. The first baptismal service was held St. John's Day at eight o'clock p. m. in Carson's Hall, with the Rev. P. H. Linley of Eau Claire as the priest in charge. On May 7, 1912, Bishop Webb of the Milwaukee diocese confirmed the following class of thirteen: Mrs. L. H. Field, Mrs. G. I. Thew, Mrs. B. F. York, Mrs. W. S. Gilpin, Misses Florence Roberts of Superior, Ruth Esbenson, Alice Thew, Myle and Beatrice Gilpin, Doris Jones, Clara Zhe, Keith Jones and Silby Gilpin. Mrs. Crane and Mrs. Nettie Jones were already communicants of the church. The different priests in charge since the beginning of the mission have been Archdeacon W. F. Hood, Rev. P. H. Linley and Missionary Priest Rev. W. Wolfe. The first baptism after the mission was started was that of Ruth Hanson, the service being held in Carson's Hall. The first baptism in the Mission House was that of Mary Louise Vincent of St. Paul. The first wedding in the parish was that of Ruth I. Jones to H. J. Vincent of St. Paul, W. F. Hood officiating. The funerals have been those of Mrs. G. O. Linderman and Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Gates, Archdeacon Hood officiating, and Mrs. F. York, with the Rev. P. H. Linley of Eau Claire in charge. St. Elizabeth's Guild has held two very successful bazaars and given one home talent play. A portion of each year they took up the work of the Woman's Auxiliary and pursued a mission study course, with the subject of "Japan Advancing," "Social Aspect of Foreign Missions," and "Conquest of the Continent," and derived much benefit from the work. The officers of the Guild are: Mrs. A. G. Cox, president; Mrs. W. S. Gilpin, secretary and treasurer; Mrs. Nettie Jones, educational secretary and missionary treasurer; Mrs. Crane, parish treasurer. Of those who have officiated in charge of the parish as deacon or priest. Archdeacon Hood is now chaplain of the Third Regiment, now

(Sept. 17, 1917) stationed at Camp Douglas ; Rev. P. H. Linley is chaplain of the drafted regiment now in training at Rockford, and Rev. W. Wolfe is archdeacon and rector of the chbrch at Lancaster, Wis. - (By Mrs. Nettie F. Jones.)