Omaha daily bee., 1890-01-19
EARLY OMAHA SHEPHERDS.
The Long Line Of Pastors OF the
Methodist Episcopal Church.
FROM COLLINS TO MAxF,eLD.
Privations They Endured, the Work
They Accomplished and the Pccu-
liarities of Mind and Heart
that Distinguished Them.
Pastors of FIocks.

episcopal minister IN Omaho, He was dale
gated by one of the presiding elders OF low
to come to the city and establish q church
here in 1851. MIR. Collins was n man of con-
siderable energy and IN a few weeks organ
lied the first church society. The block be-
tween Thirteenth and Fourteenth and Far.
6 am and Douglas streets, then in the ex-
treme western part of the village was SC.
cured at a nominal figure. The block on
which the Willard hotel now stands was
owned by the church. Mr.. Collins then set
to work TO build a church and, as donations
OF money were very scarce. the members de-
cided TO sell the lots except the one next to
the alley on Thirteenth street, where the
Omaha National bank now stands. These
lots were disposed OF at ridiculously low
figures to raise money TO buy brick. Many
q time since the members of the church have
deplored the premature sale of the lots as the
property today is worth thousands of dollars.
But the most sanguine did not then dream Of
the marvellous growth that would ei.sue in
side OF a score OF years. Mr.. Collins re-
NAMED with the church he established for
about two years. He died shortly after.
wards at the home of his father in. law, MIR.
Ansby.
Mr.. j. w. Taylor was his successor. He
is now In Brownville.
Elder, then Rev. T. b. Lemon, one of the
most picturesque and foremost characters in
the history of Nebraska and Methodism, be-
camo pastor of the little Thirteenth Street
Methodist church in 1858. 1t was war times
then and the minds of the people were turned
TO patriotic rather than to religious matters,
The church struggled along fairly well under
the energetic leadership Of MIR. Lemon and,
In 1865, after being here two years, then the
longest time permitted for n Methodist pas.
torate, he was elevated to the position of
presiding elder OF the district of northern
Nebraska. His field took in all that part of
the state lying north of the Platte river
and extended as far west as there
was anybody living in a sod house. Out of
that wild tract Elder Lemon has organized
five fourishing districts, and the scores of
Methodist church spires in northern Ne
braska are a monument TO his energy and
devotion. In those days there were no rail-
roads, and the elders only means of travel
was a couple Of bronchos. He had many
rough experiences, but was content to share
with the hardy pioneers their fortunes.
Elder Lemon now lives IN Omaha retired
from the active pursuits OF mis- profession,
but is always pleased to recount early ad-
ventures and dwell on the marvellous growth
of the church in Nebraska. He is a grand
old man with great simplicity of character.
His mind is as clear as when he was In the
heydey of his physical powers, and the ele-
gance and force of his language are evidences
OF his oratOrical powers In the past.
Rev. William Nj. Smith. came from Ne
braska City to succeed Rev. Lemon as pas
tor of the First Methodist Episcopal church.
He was a man of great originality and was
an able. strong ana clear-minded man. He
Possessed great aptness for extemporaueous
speaking and, from the ample stores of his
knowledge he could discourse learpedly and
pleasingly on any topic. He remained IN
Omaha but three months and was then trans
ferred to Colorado. Later, he became a pre-
siding elder and proved himself highly sue
Cessful as an organizer.
Rev. w. Ii. Slaughter, DID,, father of
Brad Slaughter, United States marshal of
Omaha in the summer of 1865. He remained
as pastor of the church for two
years and was very popular with the
members of his congregation. He was a fine
thinker and possessed great persuasive ana
nrgumental ability. His mind was remark
bly, clear and strong. He had but little use
for fiowery phrases and never sought to
adorn the truth, but to present 1t in its sim.
plest form. This was said to be the secret
OF his success as a speaker. Later he be-
came presiding elder, and after two years.
vigorous work in that field he died.
DR.. Henry G.. Westward was the next min
lister. During his pastorate a new church
was built ut Seventeenth and Capitol avenue.
whore the United Presbyterians now wor.
ship. This building was constructed of BRICK
and Is still standing, but is to be torn down
to make way for the new postofice. Elder
Lemon dedicated the new structure. About
this time the trst shOvelful of
earth on the proposed Union Pacific rail.
way was dug and impressive ceremonies
were observed at which Elder Lemon acted
as chaplain. Mr.. westward remained here
only o year, nut impressed his congregation
as being a strong, good, scholarly man.
Rev. George w. Cue succeeded him, but
remained only six months, resigning to ac-
cept a remunerative position with the Is, &
M. railway. Later he decided to ~re-enter
the ministry and Is now in the Central I'LL
nois conference.
Rev. George Delametre was the next pas.
tor and remained in Omaha until 1871. He
xaaa Nhnn f~ns - n nraa -
ut present in Denver.
Rev. Clark Wright, his successor, was a
man OF about thirty years of age. He was
finely educated, a man of great polish and a
ine example OF the Christian gentleman. AT
present he is in New York. Dur.
ing his pastorate the membership
had increased to such numbers that
II was deemed advisable to start another
church. Accordingly, another place of wor-
ship was built near the military bridge and
Rev. j. Fl. Preston became its pastor. Later
the structure was moved tn Eighteenth and
California streets and Elder Lemon occupied
It's pulpit for a year.
Rev. l.. +. Britt succeeded Ray, Clurk as
pastor OF the First church. He was a bril-
liant young man and was esteemed as a GOOD
preacher, a good pastor and a good friend.
He had served as q soldier In the war and
he went TO Falls City and since then has had
the degree OF D.D conferred on him,
Hr. Fisher came from Kansas TO succeed
hev. Mr.. Brilt. lie was in the prime of
his manhood, being about forty five. He was
an earnest worker and q man well adapted
TO any enterprise in which he may engage.
During his pastorate he settled the old debts
Of the church and bought the lots where the
first church now stands, ON Davenport be-
tween Seventeenth aud Eighteenth. and
built that church. At present DIR. Fisher is
In his old held In Kansas.
Rev. Mr.. Maxfield, his successor, proved
himself u man Of considerable mental
strength and force of character. II was
during his pastorate that General Grant
stopped in Omaha on his return trip around
the world. The distinguished warrior was
invited to attend divine services at the First
M. Il. church, and did SO. The sermon
preached on that occasion was pronounced
y most remarkable one and the speaker
was complimepted by the famous guest.
Rev. Maxheid now has charge of the Nor
folk district, but makes his home In Omaha.
Kew. D. w. Stewart was q mau of c0nsidera-
Bile polish and culture and made many
friends. Later he was made presiding elder
OF the Nebraska City district, and at present
he Is at Beatrice.
Rev. w. L. Beans, then a young man who
had recently graduated from the biblical
department OF the Northwestern university
at Chicago, next became pastor of the
Alnh 11nAA