The Hope pioneer. [volume] (Hope, N.D.) 1882-1964, 1884-06-20


The following is complete roll of the con-
ference as organized;
Rev. W. Ewing and s. W. Starbird, Fargo
MIR. Ewing also representing sanhorn.
Rev. E. F. Gotf, Grand Forks.
Rev. G. B. Barnes, Wahpeton.
Rev. j. +. Odlin, Mayville.
Rev. X. F. Norris, Hope.
Rev. F. NJ. Rockwell, George w. Barnard,
and Mrs. R. G. Cooper, Cooperstown.
Rev. Thomas Simms, c. S. Getchell and Miss
J. A. Getchell, Valley City and Oriska.
Rev. Joseph Waite, Mandan.
Rev. David Writ Sykeston.
The following honorary members are also
present:
Rev. d. H. Strong, dwight
Miss Rose a. Davis and W. w. DUNN, VOL
colt.
Rev. H. c. Simmons, superintendent of mis-
sions for North Dakota Fargo.
Rev. 0. G. S. Wallace, Lowell, Mass
Mrs. George w. Barnard and Mrs. j. M.
Brown, COoperstown.
Mrs. Thomas Simms, Valley City.
Minutes of previous meeting We're read by
Rev. H. c. Simmons and adopted.
The register was instructed to procure a
book of record for the minutes of this confer
ence
The report of churches and Sunday schools
was postponed until a future session.
A committee on credentials of ministers was
appointed as follows:
Rev. H. G. Simmons, Rev. David Writ and
Rev. G. B. Barnes.
Rev. X. E. Norris and Rev. f. M, Rockwell
were appointed a business committee in place
of Rev. E. F. Golf, moderator, and Rev. Mr..
Donaldson, of Sanborn, absent.
The conference then adjourned to S y. III.
The evening session was devoted entirely to
the dedication Of the Hope church. After an
anthem by the choir, the service was opened
by an Invocation suited to the special occasion
offered by Rev. J. E. Odlin, of Mayyils.
Following the invocation came the reading
of the Scripture lesson by Rev. Joseph Waite,
of Mandan, FROM Corinthians I, 1S. THU was
followed by another anthem by the choir and
a prayer offered by Rev. O. F. Miller, Of Hope.
Rev. K. r. Norris then introduced Mr.. We.
Boise, member of the Hope church, who
read the following
HISTORICAL SKETCH.
The religious history Of Hope begins with
the summer Of 1881, when on a certain Sab
bath services We're held in the old Hope House.
This was the only public observance of the
Sabbath till May. 1882, when Rev. Charles
Nash came to us under the auspices Of the
American Hor4e Missionary society. He re-
mained with US from May 26tll to October 9th,
and during his stay continuous services were
held In the school-Louse. The organization OF
church was proposed after g time aud met
with hearty response from the Christians OF
Hope and vicinity. July 2Sd a meeting was
held Tor this purpose, of Which Rev. H. C.
Simmons was made chairman and Rev. C. S.
Nash scribe. A church Of twenty seven men,
bers was then organized under the name of
the Congregational Church Of Hope: After q
thorough cangass q i!s own meaps the church
decided to build house Of worship. The con-
tract was let and the church built at a cost OF
$2,375. TO meet this expense there was re-
ceived from ABROAD $1,735. The American
Congregational Union, from whom we re-
ceived $500, and the Red River Land company
are especially to be commended for their lib
erality, as well as all the friends who gave ac-
cording to their means. The rest Of the S2,37;
was subscribed by ourselves SO that we are
able 10 dedicate our church without any deb
against it. twas completed early in 1858 and
the first service was held in it February Is, al
which goody number were present Beside
the church we own the three lots OH which il
stands. On the north half of these lqts W
have just built parsonage at cost OF abou
$500, quite a large portion Of which has al
ready been paid. Much credit is due to oul
present pastor, Rev. K. F. Norris, who ha!
ministered to us since October, 1852, for h
able planning Of the parsonage and for hi
earnest, faithful work wherever needed. Ii
all this we cannot but feel that the Lord ha
greatly prospered us, raising up for us man,
friends in our time OF need, who have giyei
liberally of their means, helping US to carr!
through with success the task which we un
dertook with fear and trembling. BY Hi
grace we are what we are, and to Him be al
the glory.
Rev. G. B. Barnes, Of Wahpeton, preachet
the dedicatory sermon, taking his text from
Job XIV, IA, sIf man die shall lie liv
again9" Mr.. Barnes a all eloquent and forel
bic speaker, to which he adds manner 8,
animated and earnest that it cannot fail to in
terest, while his logical mind grasps firmly ant
explains fully bis train Of thought.
Rev. II. G. Simmons offered the dedicator
prayer, consecrating and setting apart tn
church edifce as sacred to the worship of God
Following this was hymn by the choir ar'
the benediction by Rev. David Writ.
The church had been neatly and TASTEFUL
decorated with flowers for the occasion by tn