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CHAPTER XV.CHURCHES AND RELIGION. (CONT'D)From History of Audubon Co., Iowa (1915)
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SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCHES.Only four of the original members are now living in this vicinity, a number having passed away and others having found homes elsewhere. During 1886 seven more joined the church and, early in 1887, another seven joined, making thirty-seven members at the end of the first year. During this year (1887) this church was received into the Iowa conference of Seventh-Day Adventist. The first officers were, elder, John H. Johnson; deacon and treasurer, Nels J. Boose; secretary, Peter Axelson. These have all passed away. Jens Sorensen was the next elder. Many years of his life were given to the work, and, by his labors, example and influence, he did much to build up this church. For four years after the organization, services were held in the Stanley school house, but, in the spring of 1890, the first Seventh-Day Adventist church in the county was built, on section 36, Sharon township, at a cost of eight hundred dollars. Although the members were poor, the church was dedicated free from debt. Since that time, J. M. Peterson, Chris Juhl and H. C. Peterson have served as elders. The church has steadily grown in numbers and now there is a membership of seventy-four. In 1909 an addition was built to the church, to be used for school purposes, at a cost of one thousand two hundred dollars. This school is supported by the church and in it the children are educated in hand, mind and heart, the Bible being a part of their daily studies. The enrollment the first year was about thirty. After two years of successful work, two years were added to the eighth grades, making ten years in all. Miss Anna Johnson was the first teacher. Then Miss Marion Johnson was selected to take charge of the advanced work. Following the retirement of Miss Anna Johnson from school life, Miss Iva Dike filled the vacancy. In 1913-14 Miss Jennie Nelson assisted Miss Marion Johnson and, this year, Miss Delia Jensen is teaching the lower grades. The earnest, faithful and efficient efforts of these God-fearing girls have greatly assisted the young people of this church in avoiding many of the evils existing today; not one of the young men is addicted to the habit of tobacco or liquor. Thirteen have graduated from this school, having passed the examination given by the county, and three more will receive the eighth grade diploma this spring. Thousands of dollars have been raised by this church in tithes and offerings for the support of missionary work in this country, and in China, Africa, India and in other mission fields abroad. In 1914 the sum of three thousand seven hundred ninety-three dollars and fifteen cents was paid in tithes and offerings for foreign fields, besides maintaining the expense of both church and school. Several hundred dollars have been given for churches and schools located elsewhere. The officers of this church for 1915 are: Elder, A. P. Hansen; deacon, Henry Andersen; treasurer, Lawrence Axelson; secretary, P. C. Knudson. These men have held these offices a number of years. One young lady, Miss Rose Boose, has been sent from this church as a foreign missionary, and is now laboring in India. Others of the young people of the church are in training for like service. The work of this church is surely equalled by few and, we are inclined to believe, surpassed by none, taking into consideration size of membership and opportunity. If each organized church in the county would do a proportionate amount of good, according to their ability, what a mighty force for righteousness our churches would be. The East Exira Seventh-Day Adventist church was organized in a school house, about nine miles east of Exira, on April 21, 1900, by Elders E. G. Olson and William Johnson. There were eight charter members, as follows: Mr. and Mrs. Chris Juhl, Mr. and Mrs. M. T. Bascom, Mr. and Mrs. Chris Berthelsen and Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Jensen. Chris Juhl was elected as the first elder, which position he filled for a number of years until he moved to Stuart. Since then J. W. Jensen has served as elder. The meetings were held in various school houses at different times until February, 1913, at which time the Christian Science people of Exira kindly consented to rent their church to the Seventh-Day Adventists for Sabbath services, and whenever not in use. Meetings were held here for one year. Then the congregation became too large for the little church and a larger building was needed. The Congregational people then kindly consented to lease their church for services, when not needed by themselves, and the East Exira Seventh-Day Adventists church now meets regularly there. There are forty members in the organized church and about sixty in the Sabbath school. The Seventh-Day Adventist church in Audubon was organized on May 15, 1887, by Elder J. W. Wiloby and Ira Hankins, the following being enrolled as charter members: Mrs. R. G. Ping, Mrs. J. N. Brockway, Mrs. George Keene, Mrs. F. Trude, H. Johnson and wife and Mr. Martin and his mother. The first meetings were held in the school house, until 1889, where the present church was built, being in size twenty-four by thirty-six feet and costing one thousand dollars. The present membership of the church is fifteen. The church has not maintained a regular pastor, but the following have served: Rev. J. W. Wiloby, Rev. Ira Hankins, Rev. E. G. Olson, Reverend Starr. E. G. Olson, W. A. Frederickson and Chris Juhl have served as elders. A sabbath school has been maintained regularly, Mrs. Rose Brockway being superintendent. Mrs. Alice Esbeck is secretary of the church. |
