FROM
HISTORY OF MILLS COUNTY, IOWA, 1985
HENDERSON CHRISTIAN CHURCH
February 2, 1877, in the Kilgore schoolhouse, three miles west of Henderson, a few gathered that memorable Sunday, and by their love for God and the Truth, brought into existence the present Christian Church of Henderson. They were Mr. and Mrs. Dexter Newton, Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Stonebraker, Mrs. J.A. Carse, Mrs. H.F. Maxwell, Miss Alice Newton, E.W. Myers, R.J. Myers, J.E. Storrers, W.H. Gonser, Mrs. James Conns and Mr. York.
With these as a beginning a "Church of Christ" was organized, with the local name of "Highland Congregation," Mrs. J.A. Stonebraker, Treasurer.
In 1878 the first minister, Brother A. McFadden served until 1880 in a fruitful ministry. Brother Hardman served as pastor 1881-1882 and moved to Greenwood, Nebr. Brother McFadden returned for one year. 1883 Brother D.C. Morrice was our minister and alternated with Oakland. He stayed six months. 1884 Brother Hardman was recalled and began for the first time a service at Henderson, alternating with the service at Kilgore schoolhouse. The next seven or eight years were difficult and under three different ministers.
The first services in town were held in what was then known as Starrett's Hall. Brother Prophater of Hamburg, Iowa accepted the call April 1886 with the Highland and Henderson congregations.
With the steadily growing membership, a need of a more suitable place of worship was felt, with the growing desire to establish a church at what was later known a Lone Star and one at Henderson, so in the fall of 1886, the lots and church building used by the Lutheran Society, were purchased of Joel Woods and wife for the sum of $1500.00. The following March all services at Kilgore schoolhouse were abandoned.
At this time, Elders: J.J. Ewing, R.N. Morton, Deacons: D.A. Williams, R.A. Adkins, J.A. Stonebraker, Clerk: Mrs. E. Lawrence
D.J. Howe served as pastor 1887-1889. B.C. Wilkinson came for one year with alternate services at Oakland. Brother G.I. Weemer ministered during the summer of 1890. Until June 1891, no services were held with the exception of a protracted meeting. Brother Charles was minister for two years. Brother Posten followed with a short ministry.
The parsonage was built in 1891. Brother Solomon M. Perkins served 1895-1896 and married Belle Stonebraker while here. His work stands out as one of our most successful ministries. Brother Duffy, M.C. Johnson, A.C. Downing and W.R. McCrea took up in turn the work alternating Sundays with Carson, Iowa. W.R. McCrea served until April 1901. Evangelist Lemmon and Brother Johnson continued the services through the winter of 1904, Rev. Polly 1905-1907, Rev. Stull three months, then Clarence Miller 1907-1908, Rev. John J. Schuller 1908-1910.
Rev. J. Wallace Jacobus 1910, Brother Wright and Rev. J. Tanzalier served as ministers also.
The Henderson Christian Church burned December 9, 1942. Following the loss of that building the members of the church met for a time with other congregations but later decided to rebuild in spite of the difficulties offered by war restriction. All the congregation pitched in and helped rebuild their Church.
On August 9, 1943 the cornerstone was dedicated, Elders: Win Castor and R.J. Harding, about 75 people were present at the impressive services. Sealed in this cornerstone was an old Bible, donated by Mrs. L.W. Triplett, a list of the present membership, officers and history of the church. Rev. Wm. Lee of Elliott and Rev. Smith, Oakland were the presiding ministers, and the Elliott Christian Church choir sang. This stone, placed by the two youngest members, Donald M. Smith and Leo Boileau, was purchased by the C.W.F.
27 pews and a piano were purchased from the Christian Church, Glenwood, Iowa for $30.00. The pews are the oldest in the state and now are in the newest Church in this section of the state. Later $20 of the purchase price of the pews was returned to the Church here, from the Church organization at Des Moines. Marion J. Smith used his truck to transport the pews and piano.
Dedication services were held Sunday, November 19, 1944. The Rev. Ellsworth Woods, Clarinda, preached the sermon. Other Ministers taking part were Rev. Charles Kemp, Red Oak; Rev. E.E. Smith, Oakland; Rev. Carson O'Brien, Glenwood; Rev. Hulsebus, Evangelical, president of the Red Oak ministerial ass'n; and Rev. Wm. Lee, who serves the Henderson and Elliott charges. Guests were from Emerson, Elliott, Shenandoah, Omaha and Wales. The steady downpour of rain kept many away.
Joel Boone of Elliott presented congratulations and a miniature likeness of the Henderson Church containing the Elliott congregation's contribution. Jack Young of Center Ridge presented a check from that church with congratulations. There were many generous individual contributions which reduced the debt of $1400 to about $400.00. The two contributions handed in that day from the greatest distance were from R/M 3rd Class Morris Harbor, located somewhere in the Pacific and PFC Charles Smith, located in England.
Mrs. Lydia Maxwell, Glenwood, was the oldest member present.
We sold the parsonage December 1960 (501 Maple Street). February 1971 another parsonage was bought (403 East Street).
Everyone will remember Rev. Wm. Lee who served us for many years. Rev. John Amandson 1954. Both these ministers lived in the Elliott parsonage and served both Henderson and Elliott churches. Rev. Harold Roth 1955-1958; "Rev. Morris Bailey 1959; Rev. Fred Gee 1959-1960; Rev. Robert Jones 1960-1969 who also lived in the Elliott parsonage and served both churches. Rev. Wes Thompson 1969-1970; Rev. Charles Presley 1970-1973; Rev. Fred Coggburn 1973-1976; Rev. Jerry Caughron 1977-1978; Rev. Al Cookson 1978-1983; Rev. Larry Hudson 1984-1985; Rev. Derek Watt 1983-1993, Rev. Mel Smith 1993-2009, and presently Rev. Carl Brandt.
The church steeple was added February 1985 in memory of Virgil Morris.
With these as a beginning a "Church of Christ" was organized, with the local name of "Highland Congregation," Mrs. J.A. Stonebraker, Treasurer.
In 1878 the first minister, Brother A. McFadden served until 1880 in a fruitful ministry. Brother Hardman served as pastor 1881-1882 and moved to Greenwood, Nebr. Brother McFadden returned for one year. 1883 Brother D.C. Morrice was our minister and alternated with Oakland. He stayed six months. 1884 Brother Hardman was recalled and began for the first time a service at Henderson, alternating with the service at Kilgore schoolhouse. The next seven or eight years were difficult and under three different ministers.
The first services in town were held in what was then known as Starrett's Hall. Brother Prophater of Hamburg, Iowa accepted the call April 1886 with the Highland and Henderson congregations.
With the steadily growing membership, a need of a more suitable place of worship was felt, with the growing desire to establish a church at what was later known a Lone Star and one at Henderson, so in the fall of 1886, the lots and church building used by the Lutheran Society, were purchased of Joel Woods and wife for the sum of $1500.00. The following March all services at Kilgore schoolhouse were abandoned.
At this time, Elders: J.J. Ewing, R.N. Morton, Deacons: D.A. Williams, R.A. Adkins, J.A. Stonebraker, Clerk: Mrs. E. Lawrence
D.J. Howe served as pastor 1887-1889. B.C. Wilkinson came for one year with alternate services at Oakland. Brother G.I. Weemer ministered during the summer of 1890. Until June 1891, no services were held with the exception of a protracted meeting. Brother Charles was minister for two years. Brother Posten followed with a short ministry.
The parsonage was built in 1891. Brother Solomon M. Perkins served 1895-1896 and married Belle Stonebraker while here. His work stands out as one of our most successful ministries. Brother Duffy, M.C. Johnson, A.C. Downing and W.R. McCrea took up in turn the work alternating Sundays with Carson, Iowa. W.R. McCrea served until April 1901. Evangelist Lemmon and Brother Johnson continued the services through the winter of 1904, Rev. Polly 1905-1907, Rev. Stull three months, then Clarence Miller 1907-1908, Rev. John J. Schuller 1908-1910.
Rev. J. Wallace Jacobus 1910, Brother Wright and Rev. J. Tanzalier served as ministers also.
The Henderson Christian Church burned December 9, 1942. Following the loss of that building the members of the church met for a time with other congregations but later decided to rebuild in spite of the difficulties offered by war restriction. All the congregation pitched in and helped rebuild their Church.
On August 9, 1943 the cornerstone was dedicated, Elders: Win Castor and R.J. Harding, about 75 people were present at the impressive services. Sealed in this cornerstone was an old Bible, donated by Mrs. L.W. Triplett, a list of the present membership, officers and history of the church. Rev. Wm. Lee of Elliott and Rev. Smith, Oakland were the presiding ministers, and the Elliott Christian Church choir sang. This stone, placed by the two youngest members, Donald M. Smith and Leo Boileau, was purchased by the C.W.F.
27 pews and a piano were purchased from the Christian Church, Glenwood, Iowa for $30.00. The pews are the oldest in the state and now are in the newest Church in this section of the state. Later $20 of the purchase price of the pews was returned to the Church here, from the Church organization at Des Moines. Marion J. Smith used his truck to transport the pews and piano.
Dedication services were held Sunday, November 19, 1944. The Rev. Ellsworth Woods, Clarinda, preached the sermon. Other Ministers taking part were Rev. Charles Kemp, Red Oak; Rev. E.E. Smith, Oakland; Rev. Carson O'Brien, Glenwood; Rev. Hulsebus, Evangelical, president of the Red Oak ministerial ass'n; and Rev. Wm. Lee, who serves the Henderson and Elliott charges. Guests were from Emerson, Elliott, Shenandoah, Omaha and Wales. The steady downpour of rain kept many away.
Joel Boone of Elliott presented congratulations and a miniature likeness of the Henderson Church containing the Elliott congregation's contribution. Jack Young of Center Ridge presented a check from that church with congratulations. There were many generous individual contributions which reduced the debt of $1400 to about $400.00. The two contributions handed in that day from the greatest distance were from R/M 3rd Class Morris Harbor, located somewhere in the Pacific and PFC Charles Smith, located in England.
Mrs. Lydia Maxwell, Glenwood, was the oldest member present.
We sold the parsonage December 1960 (501 Maple Street). February 1971 another parsonage was bought (403 East Street).
Everyone will remember Rev. Wm. Lee who served us for many years. Rev. John Amandson 1954. Both these ministers lived in the Elliott parsonage and served both Henderson and Elliott churches. Rev. Harold Roth 1955-1958; "Rev. Morris Bailey 1959; Rev. Fred Gee 1959-1960; Rev. Robert Jones 1960-1969 who also lived in the Elliott parsonage and served both churches. Rev. Wes Thompson 1969-1970; Rev. Charles Presley 1970-1973; Rev. Fred Coggburn 1973-1976; Rev. Jerry Caughron 1977-1978; Rev. Al Cookson 1978-1983; Rev. Larry Hudson 1984-1985; Rev. Derek Watt 1983-1993, Rev. Mel Smith 1993-2009, and presently Rev. Carl Brandt.
The church steeple was added February 1985 in memory of Virgil Morris.
1888
The Red Oak Sun, August 10, 1888
Sunday School Picnic Near Henderson
HENDERSON, Aug. 7 - The Sunday school picnic convention held in Magee's grove, 2 1/2 miles east of Henderson, on Thursday of last week was a very successful and profiting one. Sunday schools of Lincoln township, and from Wheeler's Grove, Henderson and Emerson were present, as well as members of other schools. The Henderson band was in attendance and made some good music. There was an organ on the ground, and the singing by the Emerson, Henderson and two Welsh schools of Lincoln township was very fine. Seats were provided for 400 people, but 600 or more were in attendance. J.A. Shuey, of Red Oak, presided, and addresses were made by Revs. Beetley of Toledo, Ia., J.F. Lyle, of Emerson and W.J. Beck, of Macedonia, and by Polk Smith and Mr. Shuey. Mr. Smith did good work in arranging for the convention...getting out the attendance and making the convention the grand success it proved to be.
Sunday School Rally at Macedonia
MACEDONIA, Aug. 7 - The Sunday school picnic held near here last Friday was a big thing, one of the biggest things of the kind ever held in this part of the State. At 10:00 a.m. a procession of 1,000 Sunday school pupils and workers marched to Tompkins' grove, where they were joined by some 200 other citizens. There were seats for 800. On a large platform, 12 by 60 feet, which was partly covered and beautifully decorated with evergreens, flags, banners and mottoes, were seated the speakers, the choir and the Macedonia band. The following Sunday schools were present: Henderson, Oakland, Carson, Wheeler's Grove, Lone Star, Box Elder, Christian, Latter Day Saints, Pleasant Valley and Macedonia. Hon. B.F. Clayton presided at the meeting. Addresses were made by Mr. Clayton, Revs. Geo. Wright, J.T. Mumford and W.J. Beck, of Macedonia; Joseph Wells, of Council Bluffs, and L.J. Murch, of Malvern, Sunday school missionaries, and J.A. Shuey, of Red Oak, secretary of the Montgomery County Sunday School association. The music was inspiring, led by the Macedonia band and joined in by the large assemblage, the woods ringing with sweet melody. A basket dinner was a not unimportant feature of the occasion.
The Red Oak Sun, August 10, 1888
Sunday School Picnic Near Henderson
HENDERSON, Aug. 7 - The Sunday school picnic convention held in Magee's grove, 2 1/2 miles east of Henderson, on Thursday of last week was a very successful and profiting one. Sunday schools of Lincoln township, and from Wheeler's Grove, Henderson and Emerson were present, as well as members of other schools. The Henderson band was in attendance and made some good music. There was an organ on the ground, and the singing by the Emerson, Henderson and two Welsh schools of Lincoln township was very fine. Seats were provided for 400 people, but 600 or more were in attendance. J.A. Shuey, of Red Oak, presided, and addresses were made by Revs. Beetley of Toledo, Ia., J.F. Lyle, of Emerson and W.J. Beck, of Macedonia, and by Polk Smith and Mr. Shuey. Mr. Smith did good work in arranging for the convention...getting out the attendance and making the convention the grand success it proved to be.
Sunday School Rally at Macedonia
MACEDONIA, Aug. 7 - The Sunday school picnic held near here last Friday was a big thing, one of the biggest things of the kind ever held in this part of the State. At 10:00 a.m. a procession of 1,000 Sunday school pupils and workers marched to Tompkins' grove, where they were joined by some 200 other citizens. There were seats for 800. On a large platform, 12 by 60 feet, which was partly covered and beautifully decorated with evergreens, flags, banners and mottoes, were seated the speakers, the choir and the Macedonia band. The following Sunday schools were present: Henderson, Oakland, Carson, Wheeler's Grove, Lone Star, Box Elder, Christian, Latter Day Saints, Pleasant Valley and Macedonia. Hon. B.F. Clayton presided at the meeting. Addresses were made by Mr. Clayton, Revs. Geo. Wright, J.T. Mumford and W.J. Beck, of Macedonia; Joseph Wells, of Council Bluffs, and L.J. Murch, of Malvern, Sunday school missionaries, and J.A. Shuey, of Red Oak, secretary of the Montgomery County Sunday School association. The music was inspiring, led by the Macedonia band and joined in by the large assemblage, the woods ringing with sweet melody. A basket dinner was a not unimportant feature of the occasion.