Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1898-12-30
An Old Landmark.

Greeley, one Of the ancient landmarks o
Western civilization. 1t is of very plsis
architecture There is nothing ornate
about it. 1t is in strict keeping
with the times in which il was built-a
forcible reminder of the weak financial
condition of those who broke the virgin
soil and opened the early farms OF the
IPotawatomie valley, There remain but
few of the Potawatomie valley pioneers,
but the few who yet linger here remem-
Der that the earlcy preaching places were
the log cabins of the pioners, not one oil
which cabins remains to-day. At first,
almost any cabin was large enough to
hold the few who could gather to listen
to the missionary preachers who were
sent to preach the gospel of peace
The writer recalls but Il ~ OF the places.
After the lapse of forty-two years,
ory 10 uncertain. In the valley and near
by there were but few places where VIC
met In the log cabins of John Blunt,
George Yandle, VIM. Fitton, Samuel
Mack, VIM. Mellow and perhaps few
others, we nat at long intervals to listen
to the message of the day. This contin-
ued for few years, when, in so, Nm.
II. Mcclure. who, in the meantime. had
returned to Ohio on business, and who,
seeing the need of the country for church
acconodations, had secured between one
and two hundred dollars from Preble
county, Ohio, folks, commenced the
erection of church under the auspices
of the United Brethren in Christ. Some
little local aid was given in timber, lum-
Der, work, hauling stone, sand, etc, and
in due time, it was enclosed, and then for
a long time remained unfinished, but
served admirably az a preaching place
during pleasant weather. 1t was freely
opened for allcvangelical denominations.
1t is the first orthodox church built in
Anderson county, land has Just been
given the second roof since the original.
In the interval of 80 years since the
building of this church, four other COM
modlous ones have been built, and, SO
far as church sittings are concerned, this
old church could be turned over to the
antiquay, but around it cluster associ-
ations so sacred to the protector of the
enterprise that he and few offices are
renewing its old life, rcjuvinating it and
bringing it into effective service-start-
ing In anew as place where the waste
places in Zion are not repaired with un-
tempered mortar.
Many ministers of various denomina-
tons have occupied its pulpit. Some OF
them have gone to their reward, and
many who have been converted at its
alter have gone home to glory. Some
grand revivals have been held within it's
limits. Who can tell or
weigh the good done within its dingy
walls or who can estimate the civilizing
influence this little church has had on the
religious life OF this town and vicinity in
the close to forty years existence
Here, Gingrich Rorick, D. P. Mitchell,
McGrew, Cullison, La Cornue and a host
of others have faithfully warned men to
''flee from the wrath to come
Great changes have taken place in
those forty years, but very little, if any,
for the better. Too many side shows
have been hung onto the church. The
theatre and a pure gospel do
not coalesce and thrive well together.
That which does not bring forth good
fruit does not mix we'll with stunning
the very appearance of evil Snowy
churches, artistic chandeliers, serpentine
seats and absence of an earnest, fiery
gospel, will not save meil and women
from sin. Semi-theatrcal entertainments
will not open 4 mans eyes to the de-
grading power OF sin, nor are they con-
ducive to vital Goodness in believers.
Get back to the old Preach
again and anew the old gospel of love
and rewards and punishments Don't
with the mar of sin. Preach
anew: Thus saith the Lord Get
back to the old landmarks. Cut of all
tinsel and show and gaudy decorations.
Lop off all superAuities. That which
has been built for the worship of God.
use exclusively for His worship.
Get back to the old landmarks of IVES |
lev and Whitfcld--ot Otterbein and
Boehnl-of Rhinchart and Cartright-ot
and Edwards-of Fenlon
and others of the unnumbsred host of
Gods mighty ones who have given their
lives for the uplifting and salvation OF
their Kind, and the question will never
again need be asked: What ~ the mat
,.;tl, Aha ,b,rcloct''