Methodist Episcopalian Church

Four miles north of the south line of Iowa, Decatur County, on Grand River and the C.B. & Q. railroad from Chariton, Ia. to St. Joseph, Mo., is Davis City, a town of seven or eight hundred people.

Chariton District held a number of camp meetings in the fine native park here and this gave Methodism a start.

Our church was very small prior to 1889 when W.L. Douglass became Pastor. During his three years the congregation grew. Two lots were purchased and a $1,000 parsonage was built.

The Junior League Chapter No. 157 was organized Aug. 6, 1890 and the Epworth League, Chapter No. 8246, May 29, 1892.

The church prospered under W.G. Riheldaffer's Pastorate and he is held in the highest esteem here. The Sunday School records show for the first time that it was a Methodist School January 7, 1894. Geo. P. Campbell, Superintendent and Miss Anna Shirley, Secretary.

During the four years Pastorate of Geo. E. Mitchell the parsonage debt was paid and the membership increased under his holy living and faithful Pastorate.

E.C. Newland began his Pastorate here and during his two years a great revival was held.

When the present Pastor came, September l899, he found his congregation had shared with the United Brethren, Presbyterians and Disciples, the Union Brick Church which is now almost twenty-three years old, and very much out of repair and was very uncomfortable, especially in the winter. It was very apparent that we must build a Methodist Church, but that seemed well nigh impossible except in the most meager way -- three attempts prior to this time to build a church (two by our people) were abortive. None of our people were wealthy.

Six denominations, namely L.D.S., United Brethren, Presbyterian, Adventist, Disciples and Methodist each had their own interests to look after. Our congregation would require a roomy house, but no one thought $2,000 to build a church could be raised. For four months the Pastor argued the absolute need of it from house to house, meeting many seeming impossibilities and numerous objections and criticisms.

In January 1900, he resolved to build. February 6, 1900 the first subscription was taken and in March plans were ordered. April 2, the parsonage was moved to a joining lot. Seven months and nineteen days from date of first subscription, we held our first prayer meeting.

This is the twelfth church I have raised a debt for or built, and this has been much more difficult than any other one.

An harmonious church and very efficient building committee had more to do with making it possible than any other one thing. The week of dedicatory services Oct. 28, to Nov. 4, were very helpful to the people who attended.

Revs. B.F. W. Cozier, Geo. E. Mitchell, J.H. Moyer, Joseph Stephen and W.B. Thompson were very efficient helpers.

Rev. L.B. Wickersham's lecture Saturday evening Nov. 3, and sermons Sunday morning and evening Nov. 4, captivated his hearers. Nothing in Davis City from the pulpit has been received with such favor. During the day, $2,224.75 had been subscribed and the church was dedicated entirely free from debt. The church is valued at $5,000 including lot and fixtures, and the parsonage at $1,000.

Copied by Nancee (McMurtrey) Seifert, October 23, 2003