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Leonardville Methodist 80th Anniversary Booklet
(1962)

 
This is the text taken from the 80th Anniversary Booklet published
by the Leonardville Methodist Church in 1962

 
Our Church History


Our church circuit had its beginning when the Timber Creek circuit separated from the Clay Center circuit in 1871 and became apart of the Manhattan district of Kansas Conference.

Following the Civil War, the settlers from eastern states and European countries took advantage of the Homestead Law and came to Kansas to establish homes and communities. Schoolhouses were built and used for church services and Sunday School as well as educational purposes.

Faithful, courageous and patient were the ministers of the gospel in the circuits serving these pioneer communities, Timber Creek and Sumner schools were the worship centers of the Timber Creek circuit. The good people of these communities by contributions from meager incomes and work of willing hands built a parsonage so that they could have a pastor. Rev. F. Cunningham came to serve for three months in 1871 and was succeeded by Rev. John Fresize, who served until March 1873.

The budget was small in succeeding years. The droughts, poor crops and the "grasshopper invasion of 1874" made it exceedingly difficult for the congregations to meet their obligations,

Other pastors in this decade were Rev. G.D. Nicholson, Rev. M. Woolpert, Rev. Jackson Brown and Rev. Thos. Scott.

In 1880 a parsonage was bought in Bala, Kansas a small prairie town located on the Rock Island railroad, Rev. R. Glendenning and family occupied the new parsonage.

Leonardville, Kansas became a reality in 1881 as the branch line of the Union Pacific railroad was extended from Garrison, Kansas to Miltonvale, Kansas. Stores, lumberyard, blacksmith shops and homes were built. A schoolhouse was built near the present site of the Leonardville Methodist Church. Here the residents began to hold Sunday meetings and a class was organized.

In March 1889, Rev. John L. Dawson was appointed to the Leonardville circuit and during his ministry the Methodist Episcopal parsonage was built on the land contributed by Lucien Kilbourne.

Sumners appointment was discontinued in 1883 and the members attended services at the new Union schoolhouse or in Leonardville.

Rev. George Havermale came to Leonardville in 1883. He organized a Ladies' Aid Society whose first officers were: president, Grandma Warren; secretary, Mrs. Wm. Rogers; treasurer, Mrs. W.H. Sikes. This organization functioned for a year or two and the interest waned until in 1887 there was interest in building a church. With a goal to attain, the Ladies' Aid Society was reorganized May 24, 1887 with Mrs. Agnes Pridmore as president, Mrs. R.A. Dakens, secretary; Mrs. Dr. F.M. Thomas, vice-president; Mrs. P.J. Stafford, treasurer. Other members included Madames S.M. Loofbourrow, W.H. Sikes, Rose Warren, Rogers, McCleary, Laflin, Klein, Allingham, Richardson, Leoensberger, Chappell, Cress, Talkington, C.C. Doyle, McCord, Swingle, C.E. Moffott, Eaton, John Larson, Worley, Zoda Ford. and Misses Ettie Allen, Anna Loofbourrow, Anna Wiemar, Minta Mabry, Mollie Burk, Edith Thomas, Lula Helma, Katie Hibner and Nancy Lee.

A constitution and by-laws were adopted and meetings were held on Friday at 3 p.m. at the homes of the members in alphabetical order.

A young ladies' aid society was organized at the name time with Edith Thomas as president.

Rev. Havermale organized a class at Mill Creek later known as Grandview and it was a part of Leonardville circuit for many years.

During the '80's there were droughts and crop failures which postponed the erection of a church building. Pastors V.H. Biddison, A.W. Richardson and L.A. Rudisell ministered to the people and much was accomplished spiritually. They were assisted at times by Rev. Lewis E. Sikes, a retired Congregational minister.

In May, 1889 ground was broken for a church building in Leonardville, July 26, 1889 and the foundation finished by John Lawson in August, 1889.

The Ladies' Aid was assessed $250 for the building fund and the young Ladies' Society was assessed $50. These organizations met their obligations by having ice cream socials, a strawberry festival, a Japanese wedding in Erpelding Hall, church suppers and etc.

The first trustees of Leonardville Methodist Church were Sam Foster, Dr. F.M. Thomas (historian), J.H. Klein, P.J. Stafford, P.S. Loofbourrow, Belling Davis and Wm. Ford.

Rev. T.B. Gray persuaded the Methodist people to complete their church building and it was dedicated by Bishop W.X. Ninde of Topeka, December 7, 1890. His text was Isaiah 52:1. Rev. Young of Riley was guest minister. On Sunday, December 14, 1890 Reverend Gray preached the first sermon in the first Methodist Church of Leonardville. His text was Deuteronomy 32:9 "For the Lords portion is His peoples." 

"His peoples" in this community had achieved a goal for the glory of Him. Here was a worship center to stand through the years. Sometimes the organization was held together by only a "faithful few."

But there was more to be achieved. A carpet and an organ were purchased and in May 1891, $100 were expended to place a bell in the belfry to toll the call to worship each Sabbath. The Ladies' Aid Society and Epworth League helped to make these purchases possible.

During the last decade of the nineteenth century, the Leonardville community grew and other churches were built to accommodate other denominations such as, the Swedish Lutheran, the German Methodist (later known as Evangelical and now called Evangelical United Brethren,) the Swedish Baptist, the Catholic, and Evangelical Missions. More and more people were coming from the Scandinavian countries and Germany.

Rev. Havenmolles' class at Grandview grew through the efforts of successors. It was a union school with members of all denominations. Rev. Rudisell organized a Methodist Sunday school and Solon Paddleford was chosen as superintendent. Rev. Thomas Grey persuaded the brethren of this Grandview class to build a church. Land for the church site and cemetery was given by Brother M. White.

The year 1894 was a depression year and the finances of the church suffered markedly as did the spiritual condition also. The Union Congregation met their obligation. Janitoring of the church was arranged by allotment which was unsatisfactory with work left to a "faithful few." The carpet for the church pulpit and a porch on westside of parsonage were Ladies' Aid projects.

Membership and interest in the Ladies' Aid Society was small by 1897 and a reorganization took place. Mrs. Henry Diefendorf and Mrs. Ellen Manshardt were on a revision committee to revise the constitution and by-laws. Officers elected were president, Mrs. Rev. Jackson Brown; secretary, Mrs. Julia Stafford; treasurer, Mrs. Henry Diefendorf. Meetings were to be held every two weeks on Friday.

Rosanna Warren (Grandma) died August 22, 1895 and hers was the first funeral in the new church. Rev. John Fresize, whose own daughter Mary, had died the previous July 8, preached that first funeral sermon. Reverend Fresize had served at Timber Creek in 1871-1873, At that time G.B. Dearborn was presiding elder and A.J. Coe was recording steward, and Moses Younkins, steward. During Reverend Fresize's pastorate the Epworth Leagues was reorganized with twenty members and a Junior League of sixty members was organized in 1896.

Pastors during the nineties and at the turn of the century were Rev. R.H. Taylor, Rev. J.H. Johnston, Rev. A.O. Lockwood. During the next decade these ministers served: Rev. S.C. Lamb, Rev. J.M. Ryan, Rev. J.W. Stover, W.E. Jenkins and Rev. Marple.

In March, 1909 the old Union schoolhouse burned so the Union members worshipped at Leonardville until January, 1910 when a new stone schoolhouse was completed, however, the Union appointment joined with Leonardville in 1912. W.L. Womack was the pastor from 1911 to 1914.

Officers of the Ladies' Aid in 1910 were president Mrs. H. Diefendorf; several vice presidents, secretary Mrs. S.L. Stafford, treasurer Mrs. W.H. Sikes. Mrs. Stafford and Mrs. Sikes, members of the original organization had served in these offices through the years. Meetings were held on first Thursday of month at the homes of members. Dues of ten cents a member were paid each month. Lunch was served by hostess. The society's project from 1907-1910 was the payment of $200 for an imitation pipe organ. The society was saddened by the death of one of its oldest members, Mrs. O.M. Stewart.

During a storm in the summer of 1912 lightning struck and burned the Leonardville Methodist Church building. The members all set to work and by "faith" and "works" the present church edifice was built. District Superintendent Rev. Samuel Buckner of Clay Center dedicated the new church building in March 1913.

In the cornerstone of this building, a little girl wrote her name for posterity. She grew to womanhood, married and reared her children in the Sunday school of this church. Today, she, Marjorie Anderson Rosell (Mrs. V.R.) is superintendent of the Junior Department and Treasurer of the Woman's Society of Christian Service. She served many years as president of the former Ladies' Aid, and the W.S.C.S.

Rev. J.E. Gouis, Rev. A.C. Koser, E.K. Resler, Rev. B.F. Dice were pastors during this decade.

During E.K. Reslers pastorate 1916-1917 the debt on the church building was paid and the Ladies' Aid project was a cement floor in the basement.

In 1920 Rev. W.E. Jenkins was returned to a welcoming congregation for two years. He was followed by Rev. B.B. Sapp in 1921-1923.

During Rev. Sapp's ministry, a tragedy occurred at the parsonage, when little Samuel David Sapp was mistakenly given a disinfectant, (instead of medicine) which caused his death.

At this time in the church history several families transferred their membership to the Evangelical Church. During the post-war days there was a near drought and a near depression. All such economic factors had an influence on the lives of the people and on the financial status of the church.

In succession, the church was ministered to by Rev. Draper, Jane Burnett, the first woman pastor, C.E. Wood and C.C. Clayton.

Rev. Clayton had a family of five sons who kept the parsonage lively with their vim and vigor. Especially appreciated was the musical ability of the eldest son Ralph. Reverend Clayton was especially interested in the Epworth League which had been quite active during these years since the combination of Leonardville and Union membership.

Family names on the membership and Sunday School rolls during these past thirty years 1900-1930 were Aaron Anderson, Abell, Bond, Baker, Chaffee, Culver, Creevan, Coltharp, Breese, Clark, Daniels, Dr. Droll, Davidson, Day, Erpelding, Dr. Edgeton, Ford, Trueley, Moon, Gugenhan, Hadin, Jenkins, Johnson, Kendall, Lagerquist, Maxwell, Peterson, Pelischek, Paulsen, Quick, Robinson, Simpson, Stone, Scott, Sailors, Thompson.

G.G. Garrettson was pastor 1930-1934. The membership was small and income scant during the "depression years" plus the "drought years" so the church budget was small. In 1934 Rev. Wm. Pommerenke, a retired minister of Clay Center was appointed to the Leonardville -- Grandview charge since a resident pastor could not be afforded. The parsonage was rented for the first time.

Grandview having been on the Riley charge for a number of years was returned to the Leonardville charge and Stockdale returned to Riley. In 1935 at quarterly conference the Grandview charge was closed and membership transferred to Leonardville.

At this time the interest of Mr. & Mrs. Isaac Moon, editors since 1926 was a blessing to the organization. Mr. Moon was elected a trustee and treasurer, offices which he kept until 1951.

(Continued in the right column.)
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 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;

and all these things shall be added unto you. --  Matthew 6:33




The Leonardville Methodist Episcopal Church built in 1890.
It was struck by lightening during a "fierce electrical storm" on May 9, 1912
and  was completely destroyed by fire.



The Leonardville Methodist Episcopal Church re-built the following year in 1913.

In 1939 after the merger of several branches of Methodist churches the church was named the Leonardville Methodist Church


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(Continued from the left column.)

The Sunday School was kept through the faithful efforts of several and the superintendent, Merlin Anderson, who gave much of his time and his talent for singing.

For a period of two years the financial status and small membership of the church allowed the trustees to fill the pulpit with supply pastors. In 1936, William Arnett, speaker and Floyd Muck, song leader, of Clay Center filled the pulpit and were instrumental in holding a revival in August, the first in several years. The guest pastor was Rev. Eugene Dickson of Manchester. These two boys dedicated their lives to the work of the Lord under the guidance of Reverend Dickson and they entered Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky in September.

During the next two years the "faithful few" kept the faith and prayed for the sustaining grace to keep the church functioning. And perhaps one of the most faithful in maintaining the spiritual and material needs of this small organization was Isaac Moon assisted by the Sunday school superintendent, Howard Hadin.

The district superintendent sent student pastor, Webster Hobbs to supply the charge from November 1936 to 1937. During 1938 an occasional guest minister or student pastor was available until August 30, when Mrs. Ada Dickson came from Beatty, Kansas where she had carried on the work of her husband, Rev. Eugene Dickson, whose untimely death had occurred in May.

On August 30, 1938 Mrs. Ada Dickson moved to Leonardville, accompanied by her five children Rachel, Lloyd, Mary, Margaret, and Florence. Arriving at noon on a hot August day, the newly appointed pastor and family appreciated the gracious hospitality of Miss Minnie Gugenhan, near neighbor, and one among the group who faithfully carried on the work of the Methodist Sunday School, who had the family in her home for noon dinner and supper in the evening.

Riley Coltharp and Howard Hadin came in the afternoon and helped unload the furniture from the moving truck, and placed it in the parsonage. The house had been cleaned from top to bottom by some of the members of the Ladies' Aid.

A few days later a surprise reception was given the new pastor and family, including a pounding, the members and friends of the church coming to the parsonage. The men used the occasion to start cleaning the premises of weeds. The lawn had deep blue grass.

Remembered names of those prominent in the work at that time, include besides Minnie Gugenhan, Mr. and Mrs. Riley Coltharp and family, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Scott, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Moon, Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Anderson, Mrs. Bert Kendall, Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Manpen, Mrs. Karoline Bruck and son, Herbert, Mr. and Mrs. V.R. Rosell and children, Mrs. Emma Schwartz, Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Wholer, Mrs. Birdie Davis, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Hadin, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Clark, the Max Greeno family and others.

The terms of all official board members had expired, so a new official board was elected and organized. The church membership including inactive members was 39. Some have died, others have moved away so that the present membership is 113. Of this number 96 have been received by Rev. Ada Dickson.

"From a financial budget that first year of around five hundred dollars for all purposes; during the conference year June 1, 1961 to May 31, 1962 the church met a budget of around $3000 for all purposes." Quotation by Rev. Ada Dickson.

Mrs. Dickson preached her first sermon in the Leonardville Methodist Church on Sunday, September 4, 1938 from the text Matthew 6:33. This was the beginning of a long pastorate. With "faith and works" Mrs. Dickson and her children set about to create a new life for themselves and to build a better church organization.

The Ladies' Aid which had continued through the "thirties" was helpful having the church building and parsonage redecorated. The Sunday school was reorganized and a regular church service was an inspiration to the community.

The Dickson children brought musical talent to the church service and each one became a pianist in some department including the Youth Fellowship both Senior and Junior.

In 1940 the Ladies' Aid was reorganized as Woman's Society of Christian Service and contributed to missionary work as well as local church activities. Many activities and improvements have been sponsored by this group during these 22 years when financial aid has been needed to support the budget.

Wesley Chapel near May Day, Kansas was placed on the Leonardville charge 1943 to 1948 when Pastor Ada Dickson asked to be relieved of her obligation.

Many nice families have come and gone due to the shifting about of the population during the "war years of the forties." Family names besides those mentioned previously include: J. Johnson, Hayes, Faulkender, Montgomery, Malmstrom, Nordstrom, L. Larson, Tatlock, Tucker, H. Beauchamp, Austin Olson, Armin Olson, G. Anderson, L. Anderson, Butler, Brown, Chalmers, Cheeseman, Dickson, Duncan, Dugan, Erickson, D. Ford, Friederich, Fritz, Geisler, Hagenmeier, D. Haller, W. Haller, Hanson, Higgins, Johnson, C. Johnson, Lagergren, E. Larson, Lash, Marcellus, Marker, Martin, Norris, E. Olson, J. Olson, A. Peterson, L. Peterson, J. Peterson, Quick, Ruthstrom, Sedivy, Settle, Sikes, Smith, Specht, L. Stone, W. Stone, Swanson, Thomas, Tidquist, Walstrom, Webber, Wohler.

The oldest member of the Church, who was a member at Union in the beginning of the Leonardville circuit was Mattie Day Anderson (Mrs. Aaron). She was called to rest August 6, 1953, and Isaac Moon, the oldest member in years, was called home on January 27, 1954. These two members had the same birthday September 16, and the influence of the faithfulness and prayers and lives of these two shall always be remembered.

In 1957 a junior choir was organized by Viola Coltharp (Mrs. Harold). The senior robed choir was reorganized in 1958 under the direction of Shirley Sikes (Mrs. Wm.) with Phyllis Swanson (Mrs. Raymond) as accompanist. The next year the choirs were combined.

An unfortunate incident in the community was the burning of the Evangelical United Brethren Church in November 1958. The official board offered to share the use of the Methodist Church with the E.U.B. congregation for such time as they needed it. The E.U.B. Christmas services were held in their new building in 1960.

In July 1959 the official board decided to place a bid on a house in Randolph, to be moved to the Church grounds as a parsonage. Due to the building of Tuttle Creek Dam, all buildings in Randolph were to be moved out by March, 1960.

The bid was accepted by the United States Army Engineer Corps. Pledges were made by the congregation and plans made to move the house.

Wet weather prevented the moving to be done in the fall and the immense snowfall and drifts in February and March of 1960 delayed the compliance with government orders until May.

Having sold the former parsonage and promising possession by March 1, 1960, it was necessary for the pastor to move. The new owner of the property delayed taking possession until April 1, when Rev Ada Dickson moved next door to the Chaffee residence.

Many hours of work contributed by a number of the members plus other labor hired by the monetary pledges made possible the remodeling of the new parsonage building. On October 8, 1960, the pastor moved from the Chaffee residence to "the parsonage."

Open house was held at the new parsonage on Sunday, December 4, 1960. Guests came from Manhattan, Salina, Barnes, Keats, Riley and St. George as well as from the Leonardville community. Refreshments were served by some of the wives of official board and women members of the board with Mrs. Wayne Haller, president of the W.S.C.S., pouring.

The 1961-62 officers of the W.S.C.S are: Mrs. Norma Haller, president; Mrs. Gladys Sedivy, vice president; Mrs. Martha Stone, secretary; Mrs. Marjorie Rosell, treasurer.

The organization is sponsoring this history book in connection with the eightieth anniversary of the Church which occurs in March, 1962.

There has been a noticeable turning to spiritual values in our community since the atom bomb exploded over Hiroshema and especially in these past nine years so called peace following the Korean War.

The membership and attendance in Church and Sunday school has increased and so many more have a deep interest in the part they have in keeping the Church organization going and growing.

Rev. Dickson has had the joy of seeing her four daughters graduate from College and together with her son, Lloyd, became teachers in the public schools of Kansas. Rachel, Mary, and Florence also taught in American Dependents schools in England and Germany.

Mrs. Dickson is now a grandmother of nine grandchildren and all children are married. Three of them are still in the teaching profession. Rev. Dickson also has completed her ministerial course during these years. She received deacon's orders in June, 1949, and was ordained elder June, 1951. Rev. Ada Dickson was returned to Leonardville for the 1961-1962 conference year. She received conference recognition in 1955 for having served one charge for eighteen conference years. This is the twenty-fourth year of service to this Church and community.

Our Church has now come to its eightieth anniversary. These eighty years cover our Church history from "pioneer and covered wagon days" to the "jet propelled space vehicle days" of our present time.
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