Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1892-04-21

sent Rev Tracy hither, and at the same
time Bro. J. H. Lang with others, was
instrumental in procuring the services
of Rev. NJ. Smith, a Baptist minister, to
officiate for those who were inclined
towards congregationalism. The twain
occupied the old school house building,
Just south Of Abijah Pierce's residence,
on alternate Sabbaths, and then the
Methodist and Congl societies were
organized.
The Cong'l Society was organized
under the pastorate of Rev. Smith and
not little humor was provoked in its
establishment 1t was denominated
the "'Baptist Cong'l Society,"" Mr..
Smith labored faithfully and was
succeeded by Rev. Freeman in 1860.
In 1861 Rev. J. H. Harris was called
to preside over the little flock of
Christians there laboring together.
Rev. Harris organized the present
church in Hurley's hall in 1861, and
by his energy and enthusiasm, the
building in which we now worship was
erected in 1864. A sad accident
occurred in raising the structure by
which several of our citizens were
injured, some quite seriously. The
following are the names Of the original
members of the church: Mr.. and Mrs.
J. w. Harris, Mr.. and Mrs. ]. II. Lang,
Mr.. and Mrs. B. Salmon, Mrs. Charles
Edminster, Mrs. II. F. Black, Mrs.
Lemley and Miss Lucinda Clark. Not
one of the original members are now
with us. All however, save, one,
Brother Salmon, are living and working
zealouslv, no doubt, for the Master.
Brother Salmon, "fell asleep calmly
and peacefully many years ago. [ was
with him when he passed away from
earth at good and ripe old age full of
good works / have forgotten to
mention the first Board of Trustees of
the society, was composed OF our
worthy townsmen Hon. Joseph Wood,
Abiiah Pierce, and Orestes Garrison,
now deceased. Rev. Harris remained
with the church he founded six years.
He was eminently successful and had
the esteem and affections Of all his
parishioners. Rev. Cameron succeeded
Mr.. Harris in 1867, followed by Rev.
E. j. Carpenter who remained during
1S69-7O. During Mr.. Carpenters
pastorate, Rev. r. NJ Webster, a warm
friend of his was invited to aid Brother
c.. in revival work. The church was
blessed under his ministry wonderfully,
over forty uniting either by letter or
upon profession of faith. Mr.. Webster
remained nearly five years and was
followed by Rev. l.. NJ. Foster after an
interval of about seven months.
Brother Foster remained with the
church as its pastor nearly five years
and was succeeded by Rev. J. L. Norris
our present pastor, after an intervening
period Of about five months.
1t is needless to add that the best
interests of the church have been
zealously cared for and watched over
by the several ministers whom the
Lord has sent hither in his good
providence, and that the work of the
Master has suffered no loss by the
faithful stewards he has given us
The present season 1880 has been one
of refreshing and strength. Nearly
half hundred have united with ouI
church and society under the faithful
labors of Mrs. Van Cott, aided by
Brother Bennett of the NJ. E. Church
and our excellent and worthy pastor
The blessing of God rests upon the
church and we hope to see scores and
hundreds added to its roll as the years
roll on.
Regarding the Sabbath School, | am
able to give only meagre outlines. The
first school was organized by Rev. J. w.
Harris, who officiated as its Superin-
tendent at the date Of the Church
organization. Under the supervision
of J. @. Emery, L. B. Warner and its
present Supt., the School has prospered
till we can now record an attendance OF
120, with corps of efficient teachers
who enter with zeal into the work they
have taken upon themselves to perform.
May God be with it and them, and may
others be reared up from the ranks OF
the classes to carry on the good work
they are so faithfully discharging when
they shall have gone home. 1t may
not be out of place here to mention a
word about the choir. The first choir
was organized nearly % years ago and
since that time nearly 10 persons have
been numbered among its singers.
Many have gone home, others are
removed from us, but all are blessed in
singing the songs of zion. May Gods
richest blessing rest upon the Church.
Sabbath School and Choir, [ know Is
the free and full expression Of all your
loving hearts"
Rev. Norris was followed by Rev.
John Rowland, who remained with Us
for five years. He was very popular
with the masses and did good work for
the society. This was his first pastorate
upon coming to America from Ireland.
In 1886 the society called Rev. 4. L. P.
Loomis, a highly educated and most
devout Christian, who labored earnestly
and faithfully with the society until
Nav. 1890. when he resigned and our