In 2008, SUMC member Burnell Cavender found the undated document copied below in the files of his late father, SUMC member Clarence Cavender. The author is unknown. To the extent possible when transcribing a document originally created on a manual typewriter to one uploaded on the Web, punctuation, spelling and formatting appear the same as in the original document. Misspelled words were corrected to enable using the search feature. Enjoy!
A HISTORY OF STOCKTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
1891------------------1972
"A CAUSE FOR THANKFULNESS AND REJOICING"
"Rejoice in the lord all you righteous" Ps 33:1
"Of those who seek the Lord...rejoice" Ps 105:3
"Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" I Thess 5:16
"We know that in everything God works for good to those who are called according to his purpose... What shall we say then? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, will he not also give us all things with him?" Romans 8:28, 31-32
Since this is written on the eve of an federal election week, one's mind turns to an examination of events that have affected our lives on the levels of government. Likewise, one's mind might turn to these events in our religious history that have helped shape, change, and modify our lives spiritually over a period of time.
If there is one word from scripture that should be uppermost in our minds and at all times upon our lips it is the word "rejoice". We should truly and gratefully rejoice and give thanks in all circumstances. All these things that have befallen us and affected our lives are God's will.
Stockton United Methodist Church has a rich heritage of a proud and aggressive Christian people. What a church is at any given time is a result of all these factors, seen and unseen, plus the Holy Spirit working within its midst. The influence of many personalities, events, both good and bad, all have a way of working to peoples and God's good. No one gets more credit than anyone else. And all achievements to be seen rightly, must be seen as the work of many people, and pastors. God has given you all the talents you will ever need. The question that should be on your mind, as you contemplate this church's life, is what am I doing to further God's work, and hasten the coming of his kingdom among us?
_ _ _ _ _ _
"Time of preaching at | Stockton | 1st Sunday | 11 & 7:30A.M. |
Mt. Zion | 1st Sunday | 11 & 3:00P.M. | |
Mt. Carmel | 2nd Sunday | 11 & Saturday night. | |
Prairie Valley | 2nd Sunday | 3:00P.M. and nights when they want it. | |
Rowland | 3rd Sunday | 11:00 And Saturday night before | |
Gum Springs | 3rd Sunday | 3:00P.M. and Stockton at night. | |
Arcola | 4th Sunday | 11:00AM and 7:30PM. adn Saturday night before. | |
Cave Springs | 4th Sunday | 3:00PM for the last two years |
(I have missed but few of the appointments.
Please Brother be sure and be there on time
Yours for the Master's work
Rev. John W. Slusher
The foregoing schedule was taken verbatim from the instructions of Rev. John W. Slusher to his successor on or about 1910-1912. It shows the punctuality and concern to meet all church meetings of that day.
Actually, the date of Methodism in Cedar County can be set at 1891. An old church record from which the foregoing preaching schedule was taken showed a William and Victoria Ackerson who united with the church in 1891, and received into membership by H.A. Daugherty. Ira Harber and Mattie Barber were received into membership in 1891 by the same pastor. Following pastor Daughtery, Rev. David Jones came to Stockton in 1894, and then Rev. W.D. Sidman who served 1895-1987.
Rev. W.D. Sidman was a young man when he came to Stockton to start his ministry. Almost at once he sought for the construction of a church building. (Footnote 1)
In the latter part of the 19th Century the only church in Stockton was a Union Church located on the ground where Mrs. Louise Werley lived.
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The East Street Church as it was called, was used by Negroes and later fell into disrepute as a hangout for hoodlums and ruffians. In 1902 it was torn down and James Masters resumed ownership. No church existed for Negroes after than, but the school building came into use as a meeting place for worship. The most prominent Negro minister was C.A. Walker who served about 1892. Also during this time that the East Street Church was in use, several Methodist pastors served there among whom were Rev. Hdnderson, E. J. Jewell, David Jones and Benjamin Anderson. (Footnote 2)
This old church was torn down and James Masters resumed ownership, and used the material to construct the house where Mr & Mrs. O.E. Petty lived. The amount of good done by this old church could scarcely be estimated. But it did influence the building of a new Methodist church ______ when under the advice and encouragement of Rev. W.D. Sidman, plans for the new building began. Trustees for this huge undertaking were Ira Barber, Willis Humphrey, W.A. Ackason and T.N. Woodruff. A plea for made to the old St. Louis Conference in 1896 for financial aid to help in building the church. A Mr. Nichols of St. Louis answered the appeal and gave a sum large enough to get the project underway. The sum given has been estimated as between $250.00 and $600.00.
The East 1/3 of Block 16 in Stockton was purchased of the Benton Land Co for $200.00 for a building site, May 23, 1896. Contract for the building was secured by Levi Walker, Mrs. Claud Willet's father. Donations began in earnest and the ladies started a fund-raising program--mostly by serving ice-cream suppers, etc.
Mrs. Floss Hendricks copy of The Cedar County Republican for Dec. 3, 1896 carries the account of the laying of the cornerstone in this new church:
"The laying of the corner stone of the new M.E. Church took place last Tuesday evening....Exercises consisted of singing America and the Invocation was offered by Rev. Sidman. After the song, "Build on the Rock" a short and appropriate address was made by Ira E. Barber. The stone was then placed in position by the members of the Junioe League, then followed a song by the Juniors, "Scattering Precious Seed". There were placed in the stone the following: a brief history of the church and Senior and Junior Epworth League, together with a list of members of each; names of official board, trustees and stewards; list of contributors to building fund; discipline; copies of Epworth Herald, Central Christian Advocate, and a copy of our city papers the Republican and The Journal and the names of contractors and building committee."
The cornerstone was laid Dec. 1, 1895. Services in the new building had been held in February, 1897 and the dedication service was held June 19, 1897. The cost of this structure was $1,957.24 and bore the name of Nichols Methodist Church in honor of the St. Louis contributor. (Footnote 3) Rev. Sidman went on to serve until 1898. He went into the country and brought in many members. A great brush arbor revival was held during Rev. Sidman's sojourn here. Rev. W.D. Stover, conducted the marriage for W.C. Davis & bride in Tenn Hot
In May and June 1905 a new four-room parsonage was constructed on the same site where the old parsonage stood. This building project was largely done by pastor, J.L. Medsker, with the help of the brethren. A breakdown of expenses incurred can be found in the church record book. The building cost slightly over $300.00. J.L. Medsker write about this parsonage construction: "....every dollar was well earned and well spent....the donated work by pastor and people not counted." Expense met mostly by subscription and donations. Misses Lucy and Pearl Bayless ate the first Thanksgiving dinner in the new parsonage. In a few years it was discovered that the parsonage was too small for the size of most pastor's families. The building was sold to Ed Craig. It is now owned by John Hembree and is located close to the walnut plant.
In 1909, the middle 1/3 of Block 16 was purchased from Miss Tresa Samsel for $450.00 plus taxes and a deed of trust held by J.W. Craig for $400.00. A two-story house was on the lot. This served as the parsonage with some remodeling from time to time, until 1949.
Bishop Jas. N. Fitzgerald appointed Rev. Charles Zimmerli to the charge in 1906.
Bishop Luther B. Wilson appointed Rev. L.R. Nichols to the charge for the conference year 1907 and 1908. Rev. Nichols writes: that "he began the work April 31, preaching A.M. and P.M. having been appointed at the Spring Conference at Clinton, March 20-24, 1907. On the charge this year there are four points: Stockton, Arcola, Mt. Carmel, and Chapel Hill. The plan is to give Stockton 1st and 3rd Sundays; Arcola, the fourth Sunday, Mt. Carmel, the second Sunday A.M. and Chapel Hill, second Sunday P.M."
"For the year 1908-1909, L.E. Lurvey was appointed by Bishop Warren at Springfield to the Stockton Circuit beginning first preaching day thereafter. Thi year there are four points: Stockton first Sunday, Mt. Carmel second, Rowland third, Arcola, fourth."
For the year 1909-1910, Rev. J.W. Giberson took over the four points of the charge. Stockton, Mt. Carmel, Rowland, and Arcola.
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For the year 1910 & 11, J.W.Slusher was appointed to the four points: "Stockton 1& 3 Sundays, 11 & 8 PM, Mt. Carmal, Saturday night, 8:00 P.M. and second Sunday 11AM; Rowland 3:00 P.M. in the afternoon 2 & 4 Sundays; Arcola, 4 Sunday Saturday before."
During the conference years 1911 & 12, the charge was re-aligned at the 4th Quarterly Conference, so that the pastor could preach at Prairie Valley and Gum Springs. The pastor noted significantly his heavy work load: "The present pastor J.W. Slusher for the last 3 months had 7 preaching places and preaching 15 times a month. May God bless this work" J. W. Slusher, Pastor. Both Rev. Giberson and Slusher served approximately 250 members each.
Equipment for the Methodist Church dedicated in May 1897 included an altar donated by Ira Barber. A large Bible donated by Mrs. Kerr, grandmother of Mrs. Georgia Higgins and Tom Wrenn. All our older members still talk of the wonderful minister they had during these years--Rev. Sidman.
In 1912, there came a short man, whose sleeves were worn high above the wrists/ named F.R. Cubit. He also performed the marriage for Carl and Farol Hendrick. Brother Cubit continued to serve the charge until 1914.
No records are at hand in the church to describe events during World War I which covers pastorates of Rev. W.P. Wardell, 1915, Rev. Walter Douglas, 1916, Rev. McFarland, 1917, and Rev. D.E. Jones 1918, Rev. Green, 1919, and Rev. N.W. Lung (name unclear) until 1921.
A strong figure of persons came to the community in appointment of Dr. G.B. Swartz who served from 1922-1923. A report by Abbot and Hoff notes:
"In 1922 this pastor started a campaign to get everyone to go to Sunday School. He was so successful that the crowds exceeded the capacity of the church building. They decided to hold a union Sunday School and 577 persons attended. At that time the total population of Stockton was approximately 900 residents" (footnote 3)
In a clipping I noted in the Cedar County paper section "50 years Ago" the name of G.B. Swartz appeared.
"Dr. G.B. Swartz in the M.E. Church Notes says in his Sunday morning sermon: will be "John the Baptist and Christianity" and in the evening the sermon will be "Who Whipped the Kaiser?" ....128 were at Sunday School last Sunday. Keep it up. What a hallelujah time we would have if every member and friend would come out to morning worship....He showed a movie called Ben Hur.....Dave Swartz states: "the more I know Stockton people the better they look to me. I'm for Stockton and Stockton people...."
The year 1923 Rev. G.T. Beard came and served followed by H.C. Sharp through 1925. Then in 1926 Rev. M.A. King was appointed pastor of Stockton. He and Mrs. King had two sons who married girls in our community. One son Heber married Clara Hacker--one of a family of staunch church workers. They made their home here. He served as church lay leader for some years. Ruel (first letter unclear) married Wilma Graves. They reside at Carthage.
During Rev. King's work here, a Rev Nell Mitchell, woman evangelist, invaded the city park of Stockton. Abbott and Hoff mention "This dynamic woman held services in the City Park in Stockton in1928, 1930, and 1936. She always attracted huge audiences and had numerous conversions." This woman seemed to have much color and personality. (footnote 4)
Rev. C.O. Crockett served 1932-33. In 1934 Rev. Thomas E. Prall came. It is said by Farol Hendricks that Rev. Prall had been a musician. He was also able to take nothing and make something. He was that kind of person. The records show he had a large family and all were gifted in music. This talent was greatly enjoyed by the church and community. One daughter married a local boy, Raymond Hembree. During the Prall's stay here there were many parties and social gatherings within the church. The 50-50 Sunday School Class was probably the most active in the history of the church. Rev Prall was paid about 600.00 annually. Ora Mae and their talented family of four girls begun programs at two of our churches.
The year 1937 saw the coming of Rev. Henry Hiles who served until 1939. This man was said to be a chiropracter-believed in manipulation of the back, for ailments. He filled the pulpit. His son, out in the congregation, relayed numbers of hymns to his dad, who hard-of-hearing, was conducting the service. The son helped his dad spot persons who were speaking since his dad couldn't hear well. An annex was built to the church. This included the basement, installation of a coal furnace, and the large room on the north side of the church. The women worked especially hard during this period to make money for the project.
Rev. Ray Brown came in 1940. He was in poor health but an able minister. On hearing Rev. Brown pray, one truly felt he was conversing with God. He with the help of his brother as song leader, held a revival. No conversions were made (blank space) to the church but large crowds attended and much interest w(blank space) was seven years before another revival was held.
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During the wars years there was a shortage of pastors. Our church along with many others suffered as a result. For one year of this period, however, we were very fortunate to get a Bolivar school teacher, Neal Neff, who was also a licensed minister, to serve as pastor, later as school superintendent. Our church made much progress during and as a result of his stay with us. He was especially good with young people and acted as their sponsor, encouraged them to attend zone meetings and created in them a desire to spend a week in camp at Mt. Sequoyah. More men started attending church during his ministry. He believed in making our church beautiful and inspired this desire in others. Wayde Carlisle made the Sunday School Attendance Chart. Mrs. Carrie Miller gave the beautiful picture of the Last Supper that hangs over the organ. The children of Mrs. Minnie Carleton presented the church with the Communion Table in their mother's honor. Darrell and Betty Johnson gave the evergreen shrubbery that surrounds our church. The primary class with some help from the high school class gave the collection plates that are now in use each Sunday. Mrs. Davis gave two more.
At this point, the W.S.C.S. was organized August 22, 1940 with Juanita Neale President, Marie Carlisle, Vice President, Miss Anne Bayless, Recording Secretary, and Mabel Dowler, Treasurer. 49 ladies placed their names on the membership roll as charter members. Later enrollment was 77.
The organization of this society was preceded by the Dorcas Society, active as far back as 1880's. It's date of organization is uncertain. But out of these societies came much of the social life of latter part of the last century and the first part of teh 1900's. (footnote 5)
A president report for Sept 1, 1941 - June 30, 1942 for the Stockton society, Lebanon District, Southwest Missouri Conference, shows 29 members of The Women's Society of Christian Service: 25 business & professional women, 10 home circle, 24, members of girls' work, 15 children's missionary society, Total membership 103. Missionary offering $41.25, offering for Social Relations, $77.25, Supplies cost $6.50. Grand total of monies expended $125.00. Service activities shoed: served Lamar Boosters, 2 ganquets; prepared meal for 125-organized "home circle" for young mothers & invalids, "children's circle" "young women's circle"; introduced "Upper Room" cards to ill and soldiers; basket to ill; sent food to home of bereaved; served young peoples' group; flowers in church each Sunday; tuned piano, completed one study course "Spiritual Life"; met all requirements for standards of achievement". The president then was Mrs. J.H. LaPere.
Henry Hiles was pastor when in February 1942 it was decided to rename the organization as the "Juanita Circle" of the W.S.C.S. in recognition of the work and ledership of Juanit Neale. The organization has continued to be very active through the years. Funds were raised principally by serving meals. Later rummage sales replaced the meals for moneymaking purposes. The organization served lunch regularly for the 4-H leaders. The society used its money for general church improvement, as well as society's pledges and needs. The W.S.C.S. meets regularly, and has its lessons, devotions, and business meetings and fellowship hours. A list of presidents are noted below with dates of office.
(Insert list here)
The society records show a variety of activities in later years.
6-16-55 Mrs. Pearl Carender suggested anyone wishes to furnish flowers for the alter contact local activities committee. Lesson by Mildred Abbott on "Be ye doers of the word". A pledge card service was held in which members marched to a song played by Juanita Neale and placed their pledge cards on the worship center.
8-18-55 stated Mrs. Carlisle brought a set of teatowels for the kitchen which had been made for the church by Mrs. W.C. Davis. Lesson by Amy Dod on settlement work assisted by Georgia Higgins, Marie Hall and Marguerite Brandom. Lorene Bryan, Eula Bryson and Pearl Cavender served delicious refreshments...
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Cond't W.S.C.S. minutes and excerpts:
11-17-56, June Owen presented a very interesting lesson on "Women in the church.
15-15-55 (sic)....good representation of members and visitors present. Room and table had been beautifully decorated in teh Christmas theme by hostesses: Faye Hammons, Farol Hendricks and Marie Hall.
1956. Rev. Neimeyer announced....he accepted a day for our church in the world-wide prayer movement for 1956. Persons were asked to volunteer to be at church for half-hour periods of prayer on the day and night of January 9, 1956.
2-16-56 Farol Hendricks asked group to consider an invalid child who needs to be taught in her home. A neighbor, Mrs. Thornton offered to teach her for 75¢ a lesson, two lessons each week. Society voted to start th ecourse. Marie Hall suggested collections for children's work be sent to the Vista Indian School at Farmington, N.M. Mrs. Katie Griffin gave an interesting story about Mrs. Anna Arnold Hedgeman, a colored lady who is a member of the mayor's cabinet in N.Y.C. Mrs. Neimeyer mentioned the pastor would like to have a good attendance at the youth conference on Monday night.
6-1-60 observed 20th anniversary of W.S.C.S. with Tea; 65 ladies who were members; 20 guests from Greenfield; honored 16 charter members of our W.S.C.S.
1961, zone school and local school for all teachers in childrens department. The Gospel of Luke was studied by the W.S.C.S. in 1960. Marie Vashi, A native Chechloslovakian girl, gave a talk.
1966 saw a study "Mission to 6 Continents" and "New Focus for Mission" led by Pearl Carender.
1967 Patti Oldham led the January lesson "The Mission School and Across the Atlantic"
Hope Burris, Georgia Burres, Ruby Tucker, led lessons during 1967.
The society has contributed to the material upbuilding of church and parsonage. It purchased plumbing for parsonage basement, helped pay on the church garage, and its most recent goal was authorization of a sanctuary carpet and carpeting of the choir room and overflow room. This long range goal was achieved in 1972.
One other group of women have a historic root in the Methodist W.S.C.S. This was the Business and Professional Womens Circle which held its first meeting, a time for organization, Sept. 24, 1940. Its first officers were: Pres. Eleanor Hembree, Recording Sec. Jane Snyder, and Treasurer, Marguerite Brandom.
Picking up the pastoral record, the year, 1944. Rev. W. W. Garrett came as pastor. His wife was of great help in all phases of church work. Together they sponsored the M.Y.F. She taught a Sunday School class and was of invaluable help in the W.S.C.S. and Wesleyan Service Guild. She was often the lesson leader, gave book reviews and could explain almost any problem that came up in our women's organization.
One member of the church gave his life in military service in World War II. He was Frank Church, and was one of our boys from the time he was old enough to attend. Rarely did he miss Sunday School. The last time he attended church he sang a solo, "God Bless America."
An able pastor named G.A. Wells was assigned to Stockton Church in 1947. He brought spiritual messages before the people. The people were ready for them. At first, attendance on Sunday nights poor. Rev. Wells began to work on attendance and brought it up so that 60 or more came on Sunday night. Rev. Wells discovered he had some men on Sunday nights who liked to sing. After a few invitations to make up a choir, the men were soon ready. They have been in their places each Sunday night since. Any man in attendance is always welcome and urged to sing with the choir. On Sunday mornings, the adults and youth make up the chancel choir. The music ministry of the church is also a means of evangelism, to bring people to Christ and into membership, and Rev. Wells was quick to see music as a means of evangelism, as well as the inspiration and therapy it brought the individual who sang.
In the 5 year period from 1947-1952 four revivals were held. In 1948 the pastor concentrated his efforts on evangelistic sermons. Most of the visitation in preparation for these revivals, Rev. Wells did himself. By 1951 there were 6 teams of laymen assisting in the visitation of prospects program. Rev. Russell Lytle was teh evangelist and also assisted with the visitation.
During 1952-53, a restroom and kitchen were added to the church at a cost of $1,458. Improvements were made on the front walk and iron railings were added to the steps. Much of the work was done by John Owen, Wade Carlisle and the pastor. Mrs. Earl Rollings purchased Venetian shades for the vestibule. Mrs. C.W. Hoff the one by the organ. The ladies organizations purchased shades for teh auditorium. The young adult class took care of improvements for the basement. A nice class room was made and painting done as well as much general cleaning. Mrs. Hazel Church gave two beautiful pulpit chairs and had the altar refinished in memory of her husband, Melvin, and in honor of her son, Dr. Darrel Church. The whole interior of the church was redecorated. The coal furnace was changed to be an oil furnace in 1949. The parsonage had decayed so much it was thought better to build a new one than repair the old. A committee composed of W.C. Davis, O.O. Brown and Dr. J.H. LePere became the building committee. The new parsonage was built just north of the church building at a cost of $8,120.00. It was completed paid for by donations at its completion. It was dedicated in August 1949. The M.Y.F. bought evergreens for the lawn. The old parsonage we sold to Walt Stinson who moved it east of the church building.
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The original five page, single spaced document was typed on legal size paper using a manual typewriter. Some words are illegible and many letters, particularly 'a' and 'e' are difficult to differentiate. If readers can fill in any blanks or correct spelling, please contact our Webmaster.
Transcribed by SUMC member and Communications Team Leader, Cheryl Y. Marcum, 2009.
