HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN CHURCHES

of

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LAWRENCE COUNTY, MISSOURI 1843 - 1968

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Dedicated to J. H. Jones ( 1869-1942) Twenty-two Years Superintendent Third District

by E. T. Sechler

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS To the score of residents in Lawrence County. To the ten active churches of the county. To the libraries at Marionville, Springfield and Columbia in Missouri. To Disciple Historical Society in Nashville, Tennessee. To Union Theological Seminary Library, New York. To Mrs. Nora Sechler for assisting in interviews. To Mrs. Sarah Greer as photographer and proof reader. To the printer. Westport Publisher 2612 Mount Vernon, Springfield, Missouri.

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but plain practical Bible teaching." The 1912 Jones report reads: "For a number of years Brother Cochran edited the District paper and was very active in promoting the cause of New Testament Christianity in Southwest Missouri." J. A. Bloomer conducted his funeral at Ash Grove, Missouri. Twenty-five preachers look to W. B. Cochran as their ordainer and father in the gospel. Clark Smith (1846-1929) of Mt. Vernon moved from Kentucky in 1856 to Mt. Vernon township, Lawrence County, in which township he has resided for 70 years, all but the last seven of which have been spent on his farm. At twenty years of age he became a Christian and soon began preaching. His first year's salary was ten bushels of corn and for over 50 year's preaching he averaged less than $300 per year salary. An estimation of his work is 1000 persons baptized and as many persons received otherwise into the churches. Mr. Smith shared in several debates, meeting one preacher three times before his "horns were knocked off." Another opponent maintained that salvation is "by faith only" at which five day debate Mr. Smith, by his use of the gospel, converted the infidel moderator who took an early opportunity to obey the gospel. Mr. Smith was quite a pacifier on the organ ques. tion. Even non-progressive brethren called him to help solve the question because they considered him a "man of God." His compromise was to usc the organ for Sunday School but not for church services. As a 30 to 40 year reader of the Christian Evangelist and the Christian Standard he is well posted on Disciple church history. A letter from Isaac Errett Oct. 29, 1888, enlisted him as a Christian Standard promotor, the church paper which he now reads most. Mr. Smith was known as the "saddle rider" preacher, riding 30 and 40 miles to appointments. When interviewed in 1924 he was 78 years of age, active in mind and body, a daily reader of the Bible, teacher of the Bible class at Mt. Vernon, interested in all community affairs but "especially in the Church life." His labors have touched all Southwest Missouri as pastor and county evangelist, but most of his preaching has been in Lawrence, Dade, Greene, Stone and Jasper count:es.

J. F. Hargrove (1844-1925) a native of Mississippi also made his home at Mt. Vernon, Missouri, having settled on a farm in 1854 near the present , site of Mt. Vernon. Influenced by the preaching of -4-

Joe Roberts and Jesse Alderson, he was baptized by the latter in 1866. Mr. Hargrove said, "six months will cover all the days I spent in the school room," yet he was an advocate of education. His sermon outline book of 300 pages showed good knowledge and use of English. An extensive private library and five sons, all of whom taught school, indicated his educational interests. One preacher son, Kirk Hargrove, was graduated from Phillips University at Enid, Oklahoma, with high honors and is now 1925 pastor at the Omaha, Nebraska Christian Church, North Side. Before his ordination in 1894, by W. B. Cochran, Mr. Hargrove a Sunday School worker with no intention to become a preacher. The brethren sent for him to talk and kept urging him to be ordained. Lawrence, Dade, Polk, Christian, Barry. Stone and Jasper counties have constituted his primary field of labor. An estimate in 1912 of partial results of his work states 500 baptisms, 200 received into churches otherwise. Seven years at Clever, Missouri, with 129 additions; five years at Antioch, Dade County, with 123 additions; four years at Salem near Mt. Vernon, represent his pastorates. Mr. Hargrove, believing that some of the churches had been ruined by paying low salaries to preachers, educated the churches to increase pastors' salaries. As a reader of church papers, Mr. Hargrove was familiar with both the Christian Evangelist and the Christian Standard, but objected to the former as savoring too much of Hopen membership." Therefore he took the Standard and considered it the "best church paper in America." Yet he called J. H. Garrison a ufine writer." A strong sense of humor emerged in his narration of experience. wa~

After his second marriage, Mr. Hargrove ceased preaching except at funerals, not due, however, to his wife's request. Mr. and Mrs. Hargrove were worshippers at the Mt. Vernon Chuch. Beyond 80 years of age Mr. Hargrove, when visited, was working in his garden, sweating in the sunshine, vigorous and cheerful as a young man, sympathetic in the sharing of his Disciple memories. J. C. White (18 -1921) preached in Northern Arkansas until 1888, when he came to Missouri and worked in Lawrence and adjacent counties. Lawrence county churches chose him as county evangelist in 1889. He was a leader in gathering a church of 116 members at Mc-

Kinley in 1894. In 1901 he moved to Oregon. A high tribute to his influence is the fact that he reared a Christian family of ten children, Mr. White, himself, baptizing all of them but one. Some of his sons were officials in the present McKinley Church.

H. M. Woods went to Marionville College and to Phillips University. Thirty-eight years he was an active minister in Oklahoma in seven pastorates including Perry, Hobart, Frederick, Sapulpa, Ada, Oklahoma City. III health led him to retire from active service in 1945. Death came in 1968. W. F. Turner (1869-1959) was born near Marionville, Mo., and graduated from Marionville College and taught school for five years. Ordained at Marionville in 1891, he graduated from Lexington, Ky., in 1894. Pastor at LaBelle, Mo., where he influenced Edgar DeWitt Jones to study for the ministry. The Joplin church grew from 300 to 1200 under Mr. Turner's ministry. He served at Peoria, Illinois, and Yakima, Washington. For twenty years he was State Secretary for Washington and North Idaho area. He never spent a day as a patient in a hospital. Quotation from "My Dad-Preacher-Pastor-Person" by Willis R. Jones. "Two years ago in a comfortable little Seattle home I listened with rapt attention as a kindly Christian gentleman told a story. He described a hot Fourth of July afternoon in 1895. He pictured a patriotic meeting in a little Missouri town as the outstanding local civic function of the year. He told of a tall, slender, and very shy townsboy who, wearing his first long-tail coat, arose and with magnificent composure addressed that audience. Like a proud father this man described the effect of that speech on those who heard. Then as his eyes filled with emotion he came to the climax of his story and with consummate modesty he related how he sought out this lad still flush with the success of his achievement. How with earnest appeal he told this boy he must abandon the study of law and prepare himself for the ministry of the gospel. He made this lad see as he had never seen before the great avenues of service and opportunity the path of the ministry opened to him. He reminded the boy that it had long been his family's proudest -6-

wish that he enter the preaching field. The man's words went deeply; they formed the instrument which launched a noteworthy career. The man was W. F. Turner, and the boy was Edgar DeWitt Jones." Mabel Yokley Reavis was born in Buffalo, Missouri. Her husband, Tolbert F. Reavis, was born in Tennessee. In .1884 Tolbert's parents and four children settled near Marionville, Missouri, where there was a, small college. In June 1904 he married Mabel Yokley and the day following graduated from the college. Four years later they received degrees from Canton, Missouri Christian University. The couple after further missionary education, spent the years 1912-1925 in Argentina. Mr. Reavis taught in the Union Seminary. Mrs. Reavis worked among the women in the churches. After two terms of missionary service, they returned to Indianapolis. Here Mr. Reavis received his Ph. D. degree and taught in Butler University 1927-1937. He became a faculty member of the Kentucky Female Orphan's School at Midway, Kentucky, in 1947. There were four Reavis children. Mrs. Reavis died in 1935. F. M . Rogers (1872-1947) served as General Secretary of the N.B.A. 1929-1937. He held pastorates at Ozark, Webb City, and Edina in Missouri. Other pastorates include Pittsfield and Springfield in Illinois. His last pastorate was at Long Beach, California. He later served as Secretary of Southern California and as chancellor at Chapman College. His boyhood was spent at Marionville, Missouri. He came with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. G. Rogers, from Salem, Illinois. He was a graduate of Marionville Collegeate Institute, Culver Stockton College and of the theological school of Transylvania College at Lexington, Ky. His widow, Ermma Hawkins Rogers was Superintendent of the San Gabriel California Home for near twenty-five years. (C. E. 1947 p. 263) E. J. Meacham, son of James and Lucy (Cameron) Meacham; born at Pinewood, Tenn., "in the seventies." Educated in public schools, Pinewood Academy and Kentucky University. Married Josephine Neville, Billings, Missouri, 1893; two sons, James and Cameron. Began ministry, 1893, Columbia, Tenn.; then Lewisburg, Tenn.; Wilmington, 0.; Portsmouth, 0.; Central Christian Church, Pittsburgh, Pa., 1921-1926. Editor, The Lookout. Sunday school lesson

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writer and field representative, 1911 - 1921. Author of HTraining to Teach" and "Manual for Funeral Occasions." Honorary degrees, D . D. and LL. D. Baptized more than eight thousand into Christ. Frank Garrett, after attendance at Marionville College, graduated from Drake University in 1896. For thirty-six years he was a missionary in China. For ten years he was Superintendent of Evangelism in Nanking and taught in the Union Seminary there. In 1950 he served as associate pastor of the Central Christian Church in Denver, Colorado. Morgan Morgans (1851-1930) was both an outstanding pastor and national evangelist. He was pastor at Marionville in the 1880·s. At th e turn of the century he was a popular evangelist. By 1907 he was a resident pastor in Dallas County. Often he was called "Cap" Morgan since he wore a black skull cap. As a Greek scholar and a great singer, he spent sixty years in the ministry. He was the father of six children. Nora, his daughter, led song services in his revival meetings. "He was a preacher of great earnestness and fidelity to the Gospel, and preached with such kindliness that all who heard learned to love him ... His sole aim in life was to do his Master's will and to make full proof of his ministry." H e requested that his Bible and Hymn Book be placed in the casket with him at his funeral at Burnet, Texas, where he had lived the last twenty years of his life. The Burnet Bulletin in an editorial described Morgan Morgans as HBurnet's most useful citizen."

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JOE PORTER ROBERTS

F. M. ROGERS

(1811-1885)

(1872-1947)

W. B. COCHRAN

MORGAN MORGANS

(1846-1913)

(1851-1930)

M. T. POPE MR. AND MRS. J. R. CRANK

]. R. ROBERTS 1849-1944 Educator and Preacher Son of Porter Roberts

REV. AND MRS. V. R. WALKER

CHAPTER" CHRISTIAN CHURCHES AURORA The Aurora Church, organized in 1871, has been the leading church in Lawrence County. "Uncle John" McNatt, Judy McNatt, Frank Clayton, J. R. Woodfill, William McNatt, John Stuart were the first members, Elders McNatt, Joe Roberts, Kirk Baxter, W. B. Cochran and Clark Smith were the early preachers. George Sharp, 1875, of Billings, led in a meeting with 40 additions. Elder Treat conducted the Aurora meeting in 1877, 18 additions; W. R. Cunningham in 1878, a short meeting, 4 added; W. B. Cochran, later in the same year took 13 confessions; M. Morgans as pastor, preached in a meeting of 1882, 12 added; M. J. Jenkins, 1883, 13 added. Mr. Jenkins served 13 months as pastor for one-fourth time. W. B. Cochran was called again in 1886, acting as pastor intermittently for 25 years. At the beginning of this ministry the membership was ISO, with a church house valued at $1000. W. W. Blalock assisted W. B. Cochran in 1888,25 added. Church reports of 1890-91 read: "Sunday School is booming, average attendance 180, preaching every Sunday ... arranging to build new church, cost about $4,000. Having a fine meeting. Over 60 additions, Rose and Cochran preaching. Brother Cochran has kept his best sermons until now-never heard him preach so strong in his long service here . .. "

By 1904 M. J. Nicholson was pastor and had a S. S. attendanc¢ of 236 to 400. In four months 23 members were added at regular sere vices. A. J. Williams came in 1904, 90 additions within 9 months. A third church building was erected in 1908, costing near $20,000. George E . Prewitt was minister, H. O. Breeden dedicated the house. D. W. -11-

Moore and William Leigh, singing evangelist, assisted Mr. Prewitt in 1909 with a 10 day meeting, 14 added. C. D. Purlee took charge as pastor in 1910, secured the Marshall-Bowles Evangelist Company for the 1911 spring revival and received 20 additions. C. I. Kenney as pastor in 1912-1913 built up the Sunday School, put in a library, and equipped a gymnasium in the basement. John T. Brown preached in a five weeks meeting in 1913 with 105 additions-82 by confession, the Sunday School reached the 300 class. R. S. Robertson was pastor during the Scoville Union Revival of 1915. Of the 1500 confessions, over SOO signed cards expressing preference for the Christian Church. Three other chur!::hes without baptistries used the Christian Church baptistry. Sunday School attendance exceeded 400. Almost a score of young people were enlisted as probable ministerial and missionary recruits. 1915 report: Membership 530. Elders: J. F. Kitching, Carr McNatt, E. F. Grammar, E. R. Spangler. Deacons: R. S. Bagby, W. H. Scott, A. ]. Scott, M. F. Hudson, W. W. Neece, W . F. Phelps, C. E. President, Gertrude Grammar, C. W. B. M. President, Mrs. L. Robinson. Local expenses $1,250. Missions $281.58.

Aurora Pastorates

Jesse M. Wilks 1871, Joe Roberts 1872, Clark Smith, Kirk Baxter, Jesse Alderson 1875. The last named organized many churches and ordain~d numerous preachers. W. B . Cochran 1878, Morgan Morgans 1882 and 1886, 13 additions; B. Rose 1890-91, 60 additions, S. S. 180. Abe Le Master, W. H. King, M. Martin, M. J. Jenkins 1883. J. Morey 1890, M. J. Niconson 1904, A. J. Williams 1904. Williams had 90 additions in 9 months. J. K. Tindle, George W. Pruett 1904-1908, Dr. T. E. Edmonson, Third Church Building 1908, $20,000 in 1908. E. D. Purlee, 1910-1911, Marshall-Bowles Edward Co., 120 additions; LeRoy Munyon 1912, pipe organ installed in 1913. C. I. kinney 1913, John T. Brown Revival, 105 additions. Later pastors were: R. S. Robinson, W. F. Funderbunk, Harry C. Cook 1917-1918, -12-

Frank James 1922 , Herbert Tinsley 1922 , A. A. Mendenhall 1922-1925,

J. H. Barfield 1927-1929. John Garrison 1930, B. S. M. Edwards 1932, John Nininger L. L. Roberts 1940-1942, Wade Hampton 1937, C. V. Dunn 1943-1944, Dr. Homer Strong 1945, Mrs. Homer Strong 1946, Edwin Strong 1947. Paul Downs 1947-1950, Floyd Courtney 1950-1956, revival in 1953 by Pliny Elliott, 30 baptisms. C. S. Macy 1957, Mike McGinnis 1957-1961, C. A. Davis 19621964, Robert M. Simpson 1965. Aurora membership was 625 in 1919. This dropped to 398 in 1966. The budget in 1920 was $5,000 for local expense and $837 for out-reach. For 1966 total budget $34,472. Seventeen percent for outreach. Ministerial recruits from this church:

C. B. Orahood ..

Church Officers for 1967 -68 Elders: George McConnell, Tom Moore, Wayne Murray, Vern Dodwell, Wayne Wright, George Robertson, J. D. Browning, Alb.ert S amsel. Jim Thomas. Elder Emeritus, Howard Roach . Deacons: Gene Burnett, Jerry Fulp, Adrian Gaunt, Ernest Hatten, Charles Hillhouse, Tom Alex, Francis Hill, Bob McKenzie, Wayne Schnelle, Loyd Ellis, Gene Fulp, Bob Munson, Chares Spangler, Jack Ware.

ELM BRANCH Organized in 1893 with 34 members. A year later a house was built. A majority of the members came from West Union Church. Elm Branch is a country church four miles north of Aurora. George Pruett of Aurora held an eleven night's meeting at this place in 1906, -13-

adding 22 members. According to the after meeting report, Hthe church here has had a great deal of strife, but all seems harmonious now" with a Ladies Aid , a C.W.B.M. and a Sunday School averaging 200. The membership in 1912 was 148. Bible School enerollment 57, preacher, J. R. Crank. E. J. Waters tripe was one-fourth time pastor in 1914. M. T. Pope was with the church in 1915. Elders: Wash McNatt, J. W. McNatt, A. T. McCarrell. Deacons: Jack Cline, J. M. Clayton, J. T. Davis, L. M. Parnell, Frank Norman, J. A. McNatt A $500 frame building and $190 budget in 1915.

Pastors and Evangelists: B. Rose, 1891; W. H. King, 1895; Detherage, 1897; Harold Bell Wright, 1904; G. W. Pruitt, 1906; Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Crank, 1913; N. T. Waterstripe, 1914; LeRoy Munyon, 1914. 1920, G. W. Woodard ; 1923, G. W. Woodard; 1924, G. W. Woodard; 1925, G. W. Woodard; 1926, G. W. Woodard; 1928, M. M. Bleir; 1929, H. G. Kenney; 1931, J. L. Dull; 1933, J. L. Dull; 1934, E . V. Galloway; 1937, J. H. Clark; 1939, Bill Reese; 1940, Bill Re.ese.

GREY'S POINT Sometime between 1870 and 1872, a church was organized at Grey's Point. As is true with most Disciple Churches, "the first records of the church are Jost." Early families of the group were S. P. Griffith, Samuel Swope, Mrs. S. Dipper, E. F. Oliver, John Ginn, H. B . Swope, and l. Underwood. Their preachers were Davy Coal, F. M. Hooten, Henry Yocum, E. J. Booth, W . H . Watson, L. Z. Burr and W. B. Cochran, all worthy preachers" says E. D. Griffith. W. R. Cunningham, Clark Smith and J. F. Hargrove were other preachers. The first named received 16;additions in a meeting of 1878. The last named reported 10 new mem-14-

bers in the 1913 meeting. Two years later the church had 28 members, a house valued at $800, Dave Grey, corresponding secretary. In 1920 there were 28 members, in 1936 an increase to 65. In 1946 no report. Later pastors were J. R . Crank, George Woodard and J. F. Patton; Mrs. S. M. Crank (1935-1940), H. O. Langston, Eugene Palmer, C. R. Palmer, Bill Matthews, Bob Carter (1967) .

HALL TOWN A church was effected at Hall Town in 1886 when 18 persons were bap· tized, $500 raised to build a house - B. M . Neal preacher (C. E. 11-18-86). It was reorganized by Mr. Havener about 1900. William Mondy in 1905 took 10 confessions in one Sunday (C. S . 11 -4-05). W. B .Moore occupied the pUlpit for several years. Other pastors were Orville Hodge, Walter Moore, Fay Mayfield, W. L. Gammon. J. M . Owens, deacon. Clerk, Pearl Downing; S. S. Supt., O. B. Porter; Church membership 45. Other families are Mason, Martin, Smith. The congregation had a comfortably equipped $2,000 frame building and in 1915 was giving $110 per year for local expenses. Four ministers have come from the church: ver Hargis, Stanley White, and Jerry White.

J. W. Porter, Oli-

Membership in 1926 was 25, ten years later it was 28. Mrs. S. M. Crank was pastor in 1933, Miss Marjorie Toalson in 1937 (50 members), J. B. Moffatt in 1940-1942. No report in year books after 1940. Stanley White December 1951 -1961 half time. December 1961-1968 full time. Seven baptisms in 1968. Classroom addition added in Spring 1965. -15-

MARIONVILLE Organized in the 1870's with most of the members coming from West Union Church. In 1879 Dr. Bennage donated th e ' site, buying it from the Congregationalists. Marionville was promoting meetings in the late 70's. In August, 1877, a meeting closed, 9 additions - "3 from sects, 6 by baptism." W. B. Cochran organized the church about 1880. In 1881 Morgan Morgans was pastor - "fine reception, S. S. doing well." He preached at Marionville over 3 years. During his fourth year A. J. Smithson also . preached one-fourth time. "Often 100 or more at preaching" and "whenever Brother Morgans is here have warm exhortation with it," wrote W. A. Robinson. A winter meeting of 1883 added 12 to the church. J. F. Jenkins preached one-fourth time in 1884. There were then 120 members, 60 to 70 attendance at prayer meetings. M. Morgans was back from evangelistic work for a brief pastorate in 1885. H. C. Patterson took charge for a period, claiming "Marionville church most active of any in S. W. Missouri outside of Springfield." The Patterson meeting of 1888 added 60 and called W. S. Rehorn to help in the church work. Mr. Patterson returned for the 1889 meeting and took 19 confessions. In 1891 this church ordained W. F. Turner to the ministry, Patterson officiating.

Later preachers for the church were J. C. White, J. R. Lucas, F. L. Moore, F. J. Yokley, J . R. Blunt. Other ministers sent out from the church are Fred Rogers, E. J. Meacham, A. J. Williams, F. M. O'Neal, T. F. Reavis. F . J . Yokley, 1901-1904 secured a new building, received 102 -16-

new members, raised over $5000 for all purposes. R. Logan was leader in the building project as he was also for the first building. T. H. Whann was chairman of the Church Board. After the completion of the building Mr. Yokley resigned to attend college. The congregation was without a minister for over one year, then J. R. Blunt was called for full time. The church was struggling under a $1000 debt. Mr. Blunt received frequent additions at regular services. J. B. Dickson preached in a short meeting of 1907, ,IS added. The Blunt Brothers conducted the 1909 meeting, 72 added-64 baptisms. "Church harmonious, well organized and out of debt." Attendance and church interest again lagged. G. W. Woodard reporting in 1912 said: "In October, with attendance of about 60, we began efficiency campaign to run 3 months. Dec. 8-250 attendance.

In 1915 membership was 170. Elder: A. L . Reich. Deacons: Warren Ator, Ela Marshall, Fred Turner, W. A. Barris, Albert Hodges, Douglas Greene. S. S. Supt., Chas. S. Turner. CWBM Pres., Mrs. A. L. Reich. CE Pres., Miss Kate LillingstQ[). Present Officers: Elders: Thomas Owens (Chairman), Robert Turner, W. L. Adkins, Charles Hadley. Deacons: F. L. Elsey, Wm. Arnold, E. L. Payne, C. L. Francis, Jim Gilmore, H. L. Caddin, I. R. Matthews, Joe Elliott; Dan and Ronnie French, Junior Deacons.

Trustees:

Frank Moore, Don Hubbard, W. C. Arnold.

Deaconesses: Ethelyn French.

Louise Baum, Janice Gilmore, Ethel Adkins,

Other Officers: Mrs. F. L. Elsey, Clerk; Mrs. Ruth Turner, Choir Leader ; Mrs. Thomas Owens, served 40 years as Organist; Mrs. E. L. Payne, CWF President; Ruby Francis and Garilyn Haacker, Or .. ganist in 1965; Daphne Haacker, Pianist.

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McKINLEY 1877, J. T. W. Barker from Arkansas organized church called Pleasant Hill Christian Church; the church bought a 20-acre fa-rm for him. Mter several years he moved away and all records were lost. In the spring of 1888, Elder J. C. White moved his family from Arkansas, bought a farm and reorganized the church and was pastor for several years. In 1894. the church house was erected. Dedicated July 1, 1894. In 1900, Star Route, Post Office McKinley, was established and the church was called McKinley Christian Church. McKinley Pastorates

Elder J. T. W. Barker, 1877- 1888; Elder]. C. White, 1888-1895; Elder W. B. Moore, 1896; Elder H. T. King, 1897; Elder J. F. Hargrove, 1898; Elder Clark Smith, 1899; Elder G. G. Cottrell, 1900; Elder J. C. White, 1901. Elder M. M. Michum, 1902; Elder Clark Smith, 1903-04 ; Elder W. B. Young, 1905; Elder]. F. Hargrove, 1906-08; Elder Clark Smith, 1909; Elder]. S. Stockard, 1909; Elder George Bullock, 1910-1911. Elder E. ]. Waterstripe, 1912-1914, 61 additions; Elder Pope, Sept. 27, 1914; Elder F. M. Hooton, July 11, 1915; Elder Sears, Jan. 7, 1916; Elder Burgess, Oct. 21, 1917 ; Elder Wilson, Dec. 21, 19171918; Elder F. M. Hooton, 1919; Elder W. B. Moore, 1920; Elder M. O. Ke1lison, (Revival) 1921-38 additions. Elder Joe Deatherage, 1922; Elder John Foster, 1923; Elder Joe Deatherage, Feb. 1923 ; Elder J. C. Carter, April 10, 1923-1924 ; Elder M. M. Blair, 1926-1927 ;Elder Colwell, 1928; Elder J. B. Jeans, 1930; Elder M. O. Kellison (Revival), 1931, 22 additions; Elder J. C. Carter, 1932; Elder M. Manley, F eb. 18, 1934 ; Elder F. C. Mayfield, 1946; Elder C. C . Keller, 1965-1968. -18-

MILLER' The next to youngest congregation in the county is at Miller. This work was the result of the Lawrence County Christian Missionary Society's activities about 1914. Mr . . and Mrs. J. R. Crank supervised the band of SO Disciples, helping them to erect a $2,500 church house.

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Other pastors were Roy Galett, Faust Matthews (1941), L. C. Thompson (1943). Membership in 1919 was 75. In 1926 it was 70; in 1967, it was 160. Recent pastors: H. C. Stanley (1946); F. C. Farrow, LeRoy Rowland, J. T. Taylor (1951); W. L. Spratt (1955); Jerry White (1956); Marion Alexander (1957-1962); Calvin St. Clair (1962-1967); . Willis Fowler (1967). Ministerial Recruits: 1. George Jones; 2. Bob Carter (minister at Gray's Point) ; 3. Lonnie Hasting; 4. John Spielman.

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MT. VERNON Mt. Vernon, the county seat church, began, as an organization, in 1867, organized by Joseph Roberts. Kirk Baxter in 1873 wrote: "Have just closed a very interesting meeting at Mt. Vernon, Missouri, where I preached 8 discourses. We found the brethren very much scattered and doing nothing. We succeeded in effecting an organization of 30 members and left them much encouraged . .. Promised them another meeting soon." (1. Evang. 2-26-73) The next year the elders, R. H. Landrum and F. L. Underwood, reported a Baxter meeting with -19-

"22 baptisms to date, membership increased about SO, two prominent lawyers baptized yesterday."

To promote a building fund, members met in August, 1876, at Mrs. J . P. Portds-Elder E. P. Cake presiding, John Teel, Sec.-subscribed in cash and labor over $1,000 for the building. "Women instructed to collect all the promised money." The building was finished in 1878. Elder Cake 1875·1876, was succeeded in 1879 by W. B. Cochran, then came Kirk Baxter, and N. B. McGee. The 1887-1888 membership counted 28 men, 57 women; church property, $2,000. M. Morgans in 1887 received 19 new members in a 3 weeks meeting. In the fall 1900 A. A. Berry of Lebanon held a 2 weeks meeting, 16 additions-Hone old lady 80 years old baptized." C. E. Brown, pas· tor 1901, reaped from the H. C. Patterson tabernacle revival 56 additions, mostly by confession. "Other churches opposed by starting an opposition meeting. Crowds 800-1000 every night." People came from adjacent counties. W. A. Roush was with the church in 1906 and stated in March, "12 added since last report." Mrs. S. McCoy Crank, 1910, as pastor, received 18 members at regular services in the first few weeks of the year, organized a Y .P.S.C.E., a Jr. C.E., a training class of 25 and saw the S. S. grow from 65 to 95. Mrs. Crank was still with the church in 1915, the membership was 155-S. S. enrollment 175. Elders : Chas. Lawson, F. T. O'Neal, E . N. Hargrove, J. D. Whaley. Deacons: Harry Whaley, Jno. Cecil, -20-

T. G. Hargrove, C. E. Cole, Norman Smith, Albert Garriger. fifth of budget to missions.

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In 1916 the second church building was erected at a cost of ten thousand dollars. Ministerial recruits from Mt. Vernon are Clark Smith, W. H. Watson , ]. F~ Hargrove, Harris Pierce, Kirk Hargrove, and Mr. Hargess, Walter Moore 1929, Ernest Galloway.

Y ear Book reports give membership as follows: 1926-190 members; 1936-248 members; 1946-283 members; 1956-375 members; 1966-321 members, of which 100 are non-participating. The 1920 year books reads $78.44 for outreach. Church Budget for 1967-$16,000, of which $5,000 was spent for outreach. Mt. Vernon Ministers 1867-1967 Joseph Roberts-1867, church organized ; Kirk Baxter-1873, church reorganized, 30 members; Kirk Baxter-1874, Baxter Revival, 50 added; E. P. Cake-1876-1878, first building. W. B. Cochran 1879; N. B. McGee, W. S. Tucker,L. Seindle, J. C. McQuerry, Horace Pearce, W. Deatherage, T. H. Wilson. A. A. Berry-1900, 16 additions; C. E. Brown-1901, Patterson Revival, 56 added; W. A. Roush-1906, 12 additions; Mrs. S. M. Crank-1910-1917, second building, 155 members; Hugh McClelland~ 1917-1920; D. N. Manley-1921-1924; James McKinley-1925-1926; S. E. Harlan-1926-1927; J. F. Larimore. Max Wilcoxen-1932-1934; W . L. Larrimore-1935-1936; J. H. Clark

-1936-1940 ; Marrian L. Jeffers-1941-1943; Virgil R. Walker1943-1954; Wesley H. Groff-1954-1961; Eugene Mallet-1961-1965; Dean Breedlove-1965-1966; David W. Hicks-1966. Church Board 1967 ELDERS: Terms expire June 30, 1968: Elmer Monson, Herbert Moore ; terms expire June 30, 1969: Chester Cunningham, J. B. -21-

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Gum, J. C. Moore, Arthur Robinson; terms expire June 30, 1970: Dr. C. A. Brasher, Lem Compton, Dale Pontius. DEACONS: Terms expire June 30, 1968: John Ferguson, Guy Love, Cletis Messinger, Joe Smith, Arthur Tracy, Dr. D. A. Wilson, Kermit Paris ; terms expire June 30,1969: Lem Blackburn, John Hancock, Lloyd Reavis, Edward E. Spencer, Loren Stearns; terms expire June 30, 1970: Folda Case, James Jones, Ray Shoemaker, Howser Cotten, Raymond Pannell, E. L. Stevens. DEACONESSES: Terms expire June 30, 1968: Ermadean Moore, Maxine Pannell, Pat Smith; terms expire June 3D, 1969: Marjorie Stevens, Fern Monson, LiHian Van Nurden; terms expire June 3D, 1970: Lotha H oward, Opal Murphy, Leona Stocker. Church organists: Sylvia Ferguson, Loretta Tracy. Sharon Gates. Custodian: Paul Cantrell. Church Secretary: Mrs. Ronald Butler. Director of Music: Mrs. Joe Moore. Co-directors of Music: Mrs. Rosemary Yates and Mrs. Margaret Jones. Bible School Superintendent: Lem Compton. KINGSWAY -

MT. VERNON

Kingsway C h r i s t ian Church was begun on February 20, 1966, when a group of people met in the American Leg ion Building in Mount Vernon. Most of these folk had been attending the Miller Christian Church. Bill Vernon was present at that meeting and was called to be the first minister. On the first Sunday's services a call for charter members was given and 32 responded; the offering that day was $1800.

On June I, 1967, J im and Loretta Dobyns and family moved to Mount Vernon to take the work. On August 2, 1967, the group bought the Hickman Funeral Home building and moved from a rented building on business Route 1-44, to west of Mount Vernon. An addition to this building was begun on May I, 1968. -22-

This

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addition would provide a baptistry, dressing rooms, class rooms, a fellowship hall and 480 square feet of additional chapel area.

The first elders were elected in February of 1968 and are: Floyd Galloway, Gene Blevins, and Ted Rust. Bible School Superintendent is Dale Blevins. Present membership is 93 with attendance in Bible School and church running over 100. VERONA . Organized in 1872 by Joseph Roberts with 12 members. In the early spring of 1874 Kirk Baxter held the first regular meeting at Verona, 20 additions. J. W. Williams was selected as overseer, 1. M. Grammer as deacon. In May of 1874, Mr. Baxter returned and 32 members were added. Mr. Grammer, the pillar of the church, a liberal and cheerful giver, died in 1886. J. R. Woodfill and wife were also a part of the early church nucleus. E. P. Cake preached in 1876. W. B. Cochran guided the church 1878-88. The 1886 membership was 28 males, 57 females - the total for 1888 was 150. For fifteen years there is little published about the organization. H. C. Patterson was at Verona for a meeting in 1904. T. H. Wilson was pastor for several years in this village of SOD population and 7 churches. In 1911 a union Y.P.S. C.E. was organized in the Christian Church. The church had half-time preaching. R. S. Martin frequently assisted in the evangelistic campaigns. The church Board was reorganized 1912 with 4 elders and 6 deacons. M. T. Pope was pastor in 1915. Word came, "Little congregation moves along nicely. 17 added

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this month." 150 members. Elders : Wm. Umlauf, H. P. Wilks, S. Martz. Deacons: J. T. Lemert, E. I. Toliver , L Collins. Evangelists and Pastors: Kirk Baxter 1874; J. C. Watson, H . Drennon, E . P . Cake 1876; W . B. Cochran 1878-1888, H. C. Patterson 1904; T. H. Wilson 1911; R. S. Martin 1912 ; Martin T. Pope 19121916; D. N. Manley 1921 ; C . F. Rose, H. F . 'King, Wm. Detherage, J. D . Henry, G. F. Yarbrough, J. B . McKinley 1924; J . C. Hancock, Elmer Turner, George Woodard, R. A. Fox 1931 ; W . L. Reese, Richard Pope 1941; Ned Romine 1943; Allen Eikner 1947-1951; J . H . Clark 1952; Ashley Lovett 1953-1957; H . E . Schuler 1961; Don Downs 19621964 ($7 ,000 budget). 1919 Y ear Book shows 100 members. members.

In 1966 there were 95

Ministerial Recruits: Lyle Richard Abel and Richard Pope. "We were living at Buffalo (1941) when I decided to enter the ministry, and preached my first sermon at High Prairie, if I remember correctly. I really don't know who .should get th e credit, or discredit, for , my entering the ministry." (~ a letter Jan. 3, 1968, Richard Pope)

THOS. H. WILSON

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DECEASED CHRISTIAN CHURCHES WEST UNION West Union Christian Church, 1843. two miles west of Marionville, organized by Allen Wright, great-uncle of Harold Bell Wright. Levin McNatt and 5 sons, leaders. Elder Jesse M. Wilks made slabs for seats and doors. Building was moved to Elm Branch after the Civil War.

Ministers: Jesse M. Wilks, John C. McNatt, B. Bills, Joseph Roberts and Jessee Anderson. Mr. Allen Gentry of Crane, Misouri, walked 15 miles to attend the monthly meetings. Ozark Region, Its History, and Its People. Volume II, Page 21, 23 MT. HOME CHRISTIAN CHURCH At Lawrenceburg in 1884, organized by Elder J. F. Akers. House built 1)1,\ miles north in 1887. J. P. Mason and Gaither Smith, elders; ]. W. R. Holmes and John Leigh, deacons. Active in 1917. Ozark Region, Its History, and Its People. Volume II, Page 25 SALEM Organized in 1895 by ]. F. Hargrove and Clark Smith with 30 members. Hargrove pastor 1895-1901. The congregation at Salem was nurtured by J. R. Crank in 1912-15, giving in 1915 $200 for local work and $12.85 for missions from a membership of 75. Luman Norman was corresponding secretary. The church had a $1,000 frame building. 82 members were reported in 1926. No later reports. Within a few years the group disappeared having merged with the Mt. Vernon congregation. -25-

STOTTS CITY Six miles west of Mt. VernoI:l. T. H. Harland found a discouraged band of 30 Disciples in 1906. Under his leadership new life developed. In 1907 the church of 28 ladies and 2 men dedicated a $1,000 church house. T. H. Wilson led the group of 40 in 1912. Dr. Rice's wife was corresponding secretary in 1915; the 1916 report shows 9S members; in 1919, membership 62. Before another decade the church was unreported. 30 members in 1926 when M. T. Pope was pastor. No later reports.

PIERCE CITY Morgan Morgans wrote that he labored one-fourth time at Pierce City in 1882 and was to work onehalf time for 1883; that there was a good house, a prosperous Sunday school, a Ladies Aid and that "no church perhaps enjoys a better female membership." There was also a Thursday night prayer meeting and the brethren were encouraged. An item of 1884 announces 18 additions to the church and two subtractions since Brother Bagby's arrival. Simpson Ely visited as evangelist within the year. Troubles arose but these were partially settled by the meeting of 1886. C. B. Lotspeich reported, "now at peace with each other and if old differences have not been forgotten, they are laid away for the present." Prayer meeting attendance was increasing. Sunday School was under the direction of Dr. Rutledge. The 1887 meeting attracted 15 new members and the church was said by old members to be in its best condition. Harold Bell Wright was pastor 1896-1899 and 1900-1902. After years of silence the church appear-26-

l ed as efficiently functioning in 1905 raising full apportionment for State missions, $30 for County missions, "work going well," But by 1915 there were but 35 members, and SO Sunday School pupils. Minister, J. R. Crank. Bible School Supt., J. W . Taylor. Church Clerk, Mrs. B. F. Clark. L ocal expense $120 Missions $44.93. Several such mining town churches closed and opened with the mines. The church disbanded ahout 1924. Four former members "still here in the city" in 1967 wrote Mrs. Elmer Watson.

OTHER EXTINCT CHURCHES Three other churches that are mentioned seemingly died in infancy. Red Oak had a new church in 1884. At Concord nineteen persons were baptized by B. M. Neal in 1886. J. F. Hargrove preached, took seven confessions and enrolled 13 people for an organization at Stinson in 1906.

SUMMARY AND COMPARISON A statement of 1877 said, "Lawrence County has 7 or 8 congregations, ahout 700 members." Four preachers were in Lawrence County at that time. Twelve years later there were 11 congregations, 851 members with all churches except Verona and Concord supplied with regular preaching. A total of 17 congregations have been met in the survey of the county history. A total of 13 appears in the 1915 data while the mailing list of 1924 has only 9 churches. Numerically, the Disciples ranked second in the county. U. S. Census 1906: Protestants, 8,581; Catholics, 1,360. Baptists (3 kinds) 2,573; Disciples, 1,838; Methodists (2 kinds) 1,20 1. 1916 Census: Baptists, 3,498; Disciples, 2,011; Methodists, 1,'194; Catholics, 1,383.* Steady growth and centralization of the churches characterized the work. Estimated reports from year books and interviews show a total membership in 1966 of near 1,300, a decrease of 200 since 1946. Counting the five independent Christian Churches and five cooperative churches in 1967, there were 1,400 members. This does not include the four churches of Christ of similar historical heritage.

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PHELPS The Phelps church was reorganized with 30 or 40 members in 1907. D. E. Palmer had ministered to an equal number in 1894. A struggling congregation of 33 members met with John Dobyns as minister in 1912. G. D. Woodward preached in 1914-15 when there was a Sunday School of 56 pupils. Church Elders: H . O. Sater, Frank Standhart. Deacons: Walter Barker and John Dobyns. S. S. Supt., C. C. Grubbs. $1,000 church house. By 1926 only 30 members: Other pastors were Clark Smith, Hargreve King, Mr. and Mrs. Crank. HDesr Sir:

In regard to the Christian Church at Phelps, it was organized February 2, 1888. Elders were Millard F. Stamper and J. B. Underwood. Deacons: W. F. Sater, J. B. Brown, Joe Stamper and S. E. Wilson. Disbanded in 1923. The last and only pastor I can remember was Z . Beckhem who was there for years. All members are dead. In 1927 Free Methodists bought it. Two members, a deacon and an elder, were alive then. They gave the money to Christian Church at Miller, Mo. In 1958, Free Methodists built a church in Mt. Vernon, Mo., and sold the church to me. I gave it to the community to be organized into ~ community church on the first day of April, 1959. We have officials same as any church. All denominations are recognized. We have church and Sunday School every Sunday and Sunday night. I have taken this from abstract dates before my time. I have lived here all my life, but just 60 years old. Raymond West (Letter Sept. 16, 1968)" -2S-

1/

"

REV. AND MRS. WILLIS H. FOWLER

STANLEY WHITE AND FAMILY -29-

I

• JAMES DOBYNS AND FAMILY

C . C. KELLER

HEV. AND MRS. DAVID W. HICKS AND CHILDREN

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CHAPTER III

DOCTRINES, CONVENTIONS, CAMPS Excerpts from Christian Church Doctrines of Southwest Missouri read as follows: "1. The controversy over the Holy Spirit led to the problem of heart-felt religion. Having discarded the mourners' bench and often quoting 'He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved' (Mk. 16:16) the Disciples appeared to deny the emotional struggles associated with conversion. Indeed, they encouraged a gradual type of conversion more than the instantaneous type. The heart was analyzed as including the whole personality-intellect, feelings and will power. To quote from W. B. Cochran: 'Yes, we have feelings in our religion ... I give you the precious privilege of shouting whenever you feel1ike it . . . But there are people who hold to the idea that feelings are religion, but that is a sad mistake . .. They may be an evidence of it but religion is something very different from feelings.' Then James 1 :27 is used. The conclusion of the sermon denies the mystery of the change and makes an appeal on the basis of law.

"2. This change is not a mysterious one, one that we cannot understand, but any of us may see that the heart may be changed from a wicked heart by the gospel of the son of God as explained in the language of the Psalmist : 'Create within me a clean heart, O! God I ... Leave the world of sin ... render obedience to His law that it may bring you into the Church of Christ'." This was preached at Aurora, Missouri in 1894 and still contained elements of legalism.

J. J. Haley commented on this early legalism "All the churches fifty years ago, more or less, conceived of the gospel in terms of legalism, they spoke of the Kingdom of God in terms of politics and geography ... In an age when men fight each other with texts of Scripture, they are necessarily concerned with the letter of those text weapons, the Spirit must be left to do the best it can for itself." 3. A relaxation on the part of all churches concerning the Holy Spirit problem came with a better understanding of each other. If a -31-

person has the spirit of Christ or the fruits of the spirit no further question is now raised. At the Springfield District Disciple Convention held at Monett, 1905, a lady attendant testified "I am a Baptist and I thank the Lord that the Campbellites have heart-felt religion." Points of friction in doctrine during the period 1843-1968 include instrumental music, open membership, preachers, missionary agencies and restructure. Three divisions developed in the 125 years. THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH BELIEVES

The Bible is the inspired word of God and the only rule and guide of our faith and practice. II Timothy 3:16, 17. That we should be called Christians only, without adding any human prefix to this divine name. Acts 11 :26; 26:28; I Peter 4:16; Revelation 22 :18, 19; I Corinthians 1:10-12. Immersion is the Bible form of baptism and the final step which takes one into Christ. Matthew 3 :16; Acts 8 :35- 40; Romans 6:3, 4,5; Galations 3:27; Romans 6:3; I Corinthians 12:13. That baptism should be administered to repentant believers only. (Infant baptism is unknown in the Bible.) Acts 2 :38; 8 :35-40; Hebrews 11 :6. In church unity. John 10:16 ; 17:20,21 ; I Corinthians 1:10, II, 12; Ephesians 4:3, 4, 5, 6. In heartfelt religion.

Acts 2:37; 8:37; Romans 10:10.

In the work of the Holy Spirit through the gospel in conversion. Romans 1 :16; 10:14, 15 ; Mark 16:15 ; I Corinthians 4:15. That the Holy Spirit abides in the heart after conversion. John 4:15,16; Acts 2:38; Galations 4:6. God's work should be supported by tith es and offerings from cheerful hearts. Matthew 6:19-21 ; Luke 16:11 ; I Corinthians 16 :1, 2; II Corinthians 9 :6, 7. That God will hear the prayers of a righteous, forgiving, believing Christian who prays in accordance to God's will. (From Aurora Christian Church Bulletin) -32-

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LAWRENCE COUNTY CONVENTION OF CHRISTIAN CHURCHES Elm Branch Church Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 9 and 10, 1923 PROGRAM Tuesday P. M. 7 :30-Devotional 8 :OO-Convention Sermon

G. W . Woodward C. F . Rose

Wednesday A. M. 10 :OO-Devotional 10 :30-Address 11 :OO-Address "The Opportunity of the Church" II :4S-Appointment of Committees 12 :OO-Adjourn

D . N. Manley A. Mendenhall J. H. Jones

Wednesday P. M. 1 :3D-Devotional Mrs. Lemert I :4S-Report of Woman's Societies of the County Mrs. Kate Fleming 2: IS-Address Mrs. Anna Scott Carter 2 :4S-Reports from County Churches 3: IS-Address G . W. Woodward "Lawrence Field for Evangelism" 3 :45-Discussion 4 :4S-Business Wednesday Evening 7 : IS-Devotional 7 :30-Address

J. H. Jones Benediction -33-

LAWRENCE COUNTY CONVENTION OF CHRISTIAN CHURCH At Miller, Missouri

Sept. 3rd & 4th, 1936 THEME-"BACKWARD AND FORWARD" "Looking unto Him, the Author and Finisher." Heb. 12:2 Evening Session-Sept. 3rd

7 :OO-Banquet served by the Miller Church Young Peoples' ProgramConference Talk-Edna Reavis. Music-Verona Church. "Caring for Pastorless Churches," A. H. Fox Solo-Lee Jones. Enlisting Men-Ernest V. Galloway. Morning Session-Sept. 4th 10 :OO-Devotional. 10:20-Address "The Past, A Review". 10:50-Address "The Future Outlook"-J. H. Clark, Mt. Vernon. 11 :20-Appointing of Committees. 11 :25-Sermon "The Gospel-God's Power,"-J. C. Nininger, Aurora. 12 :OO-Lunch. Afternoon Session 1 :15-Business Session. 1 :30-Women's Missionary Session . . Devotional-By the Mt. Vernon Society. Address-Mrs. Huell Warren, District President. Address-A Returned Missionary. 2 :30-Address "Our Colleges,"-Dean R. W. Hoffman, Springfield. :; :OO-Address "Closing the First Century of Organized Work in Missouri,"-J. H. Jones, Springfield.

NOTE:-l. The Miller church will serve a dinner as part of the young -34--

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peoples' program.

For this a charge of 25c will be made.

2. For the noon meal of the. 4th, if each family will bring a dish, an adequate meal will be provided. 3.

To meet the necessary expenses of the convention we are asking each church to send an offering of a dollar or more. No other contribution is made to the county organization.

4. Each church is requested to name a representative to serve on the County board.

CONVENTIONS AND CAMPS A few rods south of U. S. 60 and northeast of Spring River Cemetery stands a stone marker which reads: First S1.,1nday School east of the Mississippi River and south of the Missouri River was organized here in a log house in 1840. For a century county Sunday School Conventions were held here. The Christian Churches took a leading part.. Near the close of the nineteenth century Christian Endeavor Conventions became very active. Lawrence County frequently entertained District C. E. Conventions.

The old Third District under the Supervision of J. H. Jones held annual county conventions with programs similar to 1923 and 1936 programs. By 1946 to 1968 youth camps became popular. YoCoMo near Monett and YMCA Camp near Ash Grove helped train hundreds of youth. The latter camp in 1968 reached near 400 youth from fifteen supporting churches. Five of these churches are in Lawrence County. Christian Church District Conventions are often held at Aurora and Mt. Vernon. Three of the Lewrence County Churches sent voting delegates to Kansas City National Convention in September of 1968. These three contain a majority of the county membership.

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SOURCES 1.

C-The Christian

2.

C E- The Christian Evangelist

3.

C S-Christian Standard

4.

L S-The Little Seeker

S.

County Papers

6.

Church Bulletins

7.

Church Record Books

8.

Disciples of Christ Year Books

9. History of Barry, Lawrence and Newton Counties of Missouri (Goodspeed). 10.

Interviews

11.

Letters

12.

R. B. Aton-"She Kept Men Standing"

13.

W. B. Cochran ccSermons"

14. A. M. Haswell, Editor, Vol. 2-0zark Region, Its History and People 15.

J. J. Haley-"Makers and Moulders of the Reformation"

16.

J. H. Jones-Third District Report of 1912

17.

Willis R. Jones-My Dad-Preacher, Pastor, Person

18. E. T. Sechler-Christian Church Doctrines in Southwest Missouri (1839-1916)

19. E. T. Sechler-Sadie McCoy Crank (1963-1948) Pioneer Woman Preacher in the Christian Church \

20. Disciples

E. T. Sechler-M.S. T. Thesis-History of Southwest, Mo.

21.

V. R. Walker-Glory Trail

22.

T. H. Wilson-"The Holy Spirit"

23.

U. S. Census Religious Bodies 1906-1916 -36-

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