Mexico Missouri message., 1915-02-25

fsucceeded by j. A. Bolts, j. F..
Beam, w. II. McCue, Gray Wilson,
II. b. Kerr, each serving several
years, either continuously or at in
tervals. The gifts for all purposes
for last year amounted to S51. The
cradle roll is as follows:
Harry Trimble Heller, Edward
Latham Henke, Martha Earl Adams,
Virgie Ina Adams, Glen Levi Adams,
Mary Ethel Kammermyer, Peyton
Elkin Bolts, Callie Henderson Nc
Cue, Henrietta McCue, William Wal
lace McCue, Joseph Allen Arm
strong, William Howard Lierheimer,
Paul Lierheimer, Elizabeth Lier-
heimer, Mary Frances Elliott, Cora
Margaret Hopkins, Edgar Stirling
Martin.
The following, together with the
cradle roll comprise the children of
the congregation who have not yet
been admitted on confession to the
communion: Martha Berry, Gather
Berry, Alma Blase, Gladys Adams,
Elizabeth Cauthorn, Carter Cauthorn,
myer, William Bolts, Thomas Bolts,
James Bolts, Abner Elliott, John
Elliott, Mary Elliott.
| MISSIONARY society
In the early history of the church
il not at its very beginning a La
dies Missionary society was organ
lied. 1t was efficiently led by Mrs.
Bette e. Kerr. Many testimonials
are freely offered, by those who re-
member her. to her loving zeal in
the great cause of the evangelization
of the world. Like her Master it lay
upon her heart and she succeeded
in imparting something of her spirit
to others. The society was a most
important factor in the life and
work of the church for many years.
After the death of Mrs. Kerr it
merged into what is now the Ladies'
Aid society. Mrs. Mollie McFadden
was the first president, who in turn
was succeeded by Mrs. Belle Miller.
The leadership finally passed into
the hands of Mrs. J. G. Ware, where
1t still remains.
The society is at present In a
f1ourishing condition and is making
its influence felt on the side of
everything for which the church
stands; always giving literally to
the benevolent causes, extending the
helping hand to the poor and suffer
Portable conveniences for the house
of worship it has become a power
for good in the congregation. The
membership at this time is q. The
secretary is Mrs. P. H. Cauthorn;
vice-president, Mrs. R. B. Kerr;
treasurer, Mrs. Marston Beamer;
assistant secretary, Miss Margaret
Powell. Money raised last year for
all purposes-School of the Ozarks,
Orphans and Home church-amount-
ed to $4S.
Location
The site of the church building
was htly chosen. Being centrally
located in a sort of valley, near a
tangled wildwood with shade in sum
mer and protection from the storms
of winter, it is an ideal place, not
only because of its easy accessibility.
but also because it is a beautiful
and picturesque spot. The ground
for the building and cemetery was a
part of the farm of Mr.. R. B. Kerr
and was given by him to the church.
The house was erected in 1876 and
cost about $1,000, in cash, and labor
freely given by friends of the move
ment
The frame consists of native lum-
ber and was taken from timber land
belonging at the time to Mr.. Kerr,
but which is now a part of the farm
of Mr.. A. G. Morgan, just south
of MarstOn Beamer. Those who re-
member the events of that day think
that the very spot on which the saw
mill stood can be identified. The
other lumber was hauled from Han
nibal, a distance of 45 miles. Think
of it, ye men, who ship your stun
by steam or electricity, travelling so
miles over roads, none of the best,
requiring q team Of two possibly
four, horses and time, not less than
three or four days, and, after such
expenditure of time and labor, bring
ing home only a wagon load of lum-
ber! Nothing but faith in their
cause could have sustained them
thru such labors and brought them
to the realization of their dream
and the advantages we possess today
are due to their forethoughtan and heroic
effort.
Reflections
According to the dates given at
the beginning Of this sketch, Bethel
church was 46 years old the 18th of
November last, now almost round
ing out its first half century. Dur
ing that period the old generation
has all but passed away. Those who
were in their teens at the time of
the organization have grown gray,
while the yet unborn, together with
the smaller children of that day,
are the middle aged men and women
of the present. Thus during the life
of the church four generations have
appeared; one has departed, another
has almost finished it's course, the
third is in the heyday OF a vigorous
| life, lighting the good fight, while the
fourth rejoiees in the budding age
of childhood and comprises the re-
serves for the future.
To many Bethel Is sacred spot.
Here the gospel has been faithfully
preached and by it's light many have
been turned into the way of righte-
BUSINESS, Here for more than two
score years the mingled voices Of
| old and VnunQ haVp hanp lifaad nm