HISTORY OF THE MONTHALIA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

1886-1986

In the presentation of the history of the Monthalia United Methodist Church, in order to achieve a better understanding of how the church came to be, we should first look into the background of the community and how it came into being. The community that the church has in the past years drawn its membership from is the tri-community known as the Cost-Bebe-Monthalia area.

Driving oxen or mule teams hitched to rumbling wagons, a few straggling settlers arrived in the late 1830's from Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, England, Germany and some of the New England States; determined to create out of the raw and rugged plains, a fruitful legacy for generations yet unborn. These were the hardy pioneers, sunbonneted women working quietly and competently beside their men. Progress was slow, but steady cooperation enabled the small band of inhabitants to plant crops on a few acres. To meet the demand for supplies, a pioneer businessman, J.B. Wells, built a general store in the general area known as Oso. Soon after, a saloon was put up nearby, but was closed some years later.

This small colony of homesteaders adopted Oso as their community name. Later upon request by the U.S. Post Office Department, the community name was changed. Three of the early settlers, Sam Hindman, William Muenzler, and B.L. Dikes, who had contributed much to civic and business affairs, submitted three names for the community. From these three names, the Post Office Department chose the name of Cost. Therefore in 1896, the Cost Post Office was established.

A blacksmith shop, a necessity on the frontier, was established in 1896 by Adolph Tolle and Fritz Landbeck. The smithy was sold to R.C. Schauer in 1902, and in later years was converted into a garage, servicing automobiles, trucks and tractors in addition to being a blacksmith shop.

To meet the large cotton crop of the early farmers, William Muenzler built a cotton gin in Cost in the year 1891. This gin changed ownership several times, being owned in later years by W.F. Gandre and finally by two of his sons.

In 1902, a rival general store was erected and operated by W.F. Lindemann and Sam Hindman. Several years later, W.E. Lindemann moved to Cost from Industry and purchased Sam Hindman's interest in the store. This was the beginning of the present Lindemann Brothers store, which is still in operation as a modern general store, being operated by one of W.E. Lindemann's sons.

In 1928, another garage was opened by Paul G. Muenzler, which in later years was converted into a lumber yard.

In 1939, an advancement that revolutionized the whole area was begun at Cost. With some 100 members, the Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative, then known as the REA, was formed. Later, to accommodate the increasing membership, the organization was moved to Gonzales, Texas. This cooperative has grown through the years to where electric service is furnished to a large portion of South Central Texas.

Education was very important to the early settlers, also. Children either walked or rode horseback to a little Baptist Church, in Cost, which also served as a grade school. Then in 1916, to meet the need of the increasing population, a two story brick and concrete structure was erected, maintaining 10 grades. This school was in operation for a great number of years until consolidation with the Gonzales Independent School District.

Cost is justly proud of its historical monuments. As the Mexican forces under Santa Anna, moved into South Central Texas, it was near Cost that the first shots of the Texas Revolution were exchanged. Gracing the center of a small shaded park near Cost, stands a stately monument, dedicated, not to a cannon which fired the first shot for Texas Freedom, but to men whose lives were laid down for a significant purpose. A replica of the original brass cannon which fired the first shots, was built by R.C. Schauer of Cost. This cannon now occupies a distinctive place in the City of Gonzales Museum.

Another community, approximately six miles west of Cost came into existence and was called Stroman. The Post Office Department again requested that another name be chosen, since a town by that name was already in existence. The name of Bebe was submitted. It is said that this name was chosen due to the signs along the road leading into the community, advertising BB baking powder.

The first store in the Bebe community was constructed by H.R. Oakes, who later sold this store to J .H. Taylor. Another store was built by Y.H. Stroman, who later sold this store to Sam Colwell. Sometime after Oakes sold his first store, another store was put up by him. Also Marlin Caraway built a combination garage and store, which was purchased after some years by A.J. Koenig. To avoid the inconvenience for farmers to drive the distance to the Cost gin, Govan Stroman constructed the first cotton gin in Bebe. This gin was sold to E.W. Hausler, who later sold the gin to W.F. Gandre and Henry Neitsch. Still later, Henry Neitsch sold his part of the gin to R.C. Schauer. Some time later, the gin was sold to Sam Bradley, the last owner. The gin was operated until 1949, at which time the gin was dismantled and shipped to the Rio Grande Valley.

Bebe, at one time organized a Southern Methodist Church, for the people from around the Bebe area. Cottonwood and Liberty schools, two very small schools, merged to form the Bebe school with 10 grades. The Bebe school was closed upon consolidation with the Nixon and Gonzales Independent School Districts. The Bebe Post Office was operated for a number of years, being supported out of the Cost Post Office.

During the settlement expansion period, another town in the South Central area triangle developed. M.L. Potts, one of the very first pioneers, called the settlement "Monthalia", supposedly an Indian name meaning "Little Mountain". There are also some other versions as to how the community got its name. Remains of old burial grounds near Monthalia are grim reminders of the territory's earliest inhabitants. Some of the Texas Trail drivers, famous in frontier legend and fact, called Monthalia home. Among them was J.P. Towns, cattleman who frequently drove herds of cattle up the historic San Antonio Trail to the Kansas market.

Need for food and farm equipment in the new territory sparked the incentive of August Pape to build a small, but sufficient general store in 1897. Some of the uncleared land was selling for 25c an acre at this time. With simple tools, most of them homemade, the people set about converting harsh land into fertile and productive soil.

Another store was built by R.H. Henkel, which as years passed, changed owners several times, being operated at last by the Philippus Brothers, Paul and Willie. Another store was operated and owned by Otto Afflerbach, who also served as postmaster for many years. Soon after his death, the store burned. The Post Office had been moved to the Philippus store prior to the fire.

The first cotton gin in Monthalia was owned and operated by M.L. Potts being built in 1896. Some years later the gin burned and another was built by the Siepmann Brothers, William and Arnold. The last owner and operator of the gin was Arnold Siepmann, Jr. This gin also contained a mill for grinding whole corn into corn meal, which was an excellent food source for the early settlers. Quite often, the farmers had no money to pay for the grinding of the meal, so they would give a toll to pay for the grinding. Also located at this gin was a sawmill which was used to produce lumber locally.

Citizens of Monthalia were also concerned about education for the new generation, therefore, a white frame grade school house was built approximately one mile south of Monthalia. Some joyous times took place through the years at this schoolhouse, with the ice cream and chili suppers and the school programs that were always attended by huge crowds of people. This school was closed also in the mid forties and consolidated into the Gonzales Independent School District.

Looking at the three communities of Cost, Bebe and Monthalia now, one can see that the chief occupations of the area are agriculture and farming. Poultry and livestock are also a large part of the agricultural program of the three communities.

Today, as always, these three communities are closely integrated as one area, working together with the same willing hands and hearts which created from the frontier wilderness, an abundant and peaceful country. These are the three communities from which the Monthalia United Methodist Church, centrally located, draws its membership. The church is in a sense, the hub around which the wheel of family life from the tri-community revolves.

With this background knowledge of the community in mind as a basis for the history of the church, we will now go back to the inception of the church itself and cover the highlights of over 100 years of history as well as can be determined with present information available.

During the early 1880's, a small group of families settled around the area known as Monthalia forming a small community. In the year 1884, Joe and Ernest Nagel moved into the area south of the Guadalupe River Bridge, which was located south of Oak Forest. Joe Nagel purchased the Phelps White Plantation and Ernest Nagel bought the Hall river bottom farm. In the year 1885, several more families who came from the Seguin area moved into the Monthalia community. The William Glazers, August and Carl Utich, Carl Schultz, The Enderly family, Mr. and Mrs. Schoch and Fritz Weber.

During the fall of 1885 and the early part of 1886, The Reverend Daniel Matthaei, pastor of the Seguin Methodist Church, came to the Monthalia community and held services in an old schoolhouse. He made this trip once a month on horseback, riding a distance of approximately 35 miles. On March 12, 1886, Reverend Matthaei and Reverend Dosdall, the District Superintendent, came for a visit, On March 13, 1886, the first quarterly conference was held in a schoolhouse in the Monthalia community. This meeting was of historical significance for it was during this meeting that the Monthalia congregation became organized as the Monthalia Methodist Church with seventeen charter members and one probationary member comprising the congregation. The seventeen charter members were:

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Nagel	Mr. and Mrs. Enderly
Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Nagel	Mr. and Mrs. Schoch
Minnie and Fredericke Nagel	Fritz Weber
August and Carl Utich	Mr. and Mrs. William Glazer
Mr. and Mrs. Carl Schultz	The one probationary member was F.C. Nagel.

Reverend Daniel Matthaei was born in Marburg, Germany. He received his education at Baldwin-Wallace College, Berea, Ohio. He was pastor for the Seguin Methodist Church when he organized the Monthalia Methodist Church on March 13, 1886, continuing in this capacity until he was replaced by Reverend Gus Schulze in 1887.

The following excerpt was taken from a letter written by Reverend Matthaei to the Monthalia Church in 1936 at the time of the celebration of the 50^th anniversary of the church:

The first public worship was held in the little school house near the Schultz home. I preached on the prayer "Thy Kingdom Come". It was a blessed service. The Lord blessed the congregation with the riches in Christ Jesus. Soon the first church was built. At the dedication of this church I was the minister of the Word. The Lord blessed the congregation with loyal, Godly men who, through the effectiveness of their work, led them to their goals. * * * * * O true God, how shall I say thanks to you for your love that knows no bounds. You have carried your child, your poor wretched child. You will carry it until the end. Praise be to God. With sincere heartfelt greetings and good wishes. Your brother in Christ Jesus.

Daniel Matthaei

During the year 1887, Reverend Gus Schulze, the pastor from the Seguin Church would come and preach for the Monthalia congregation once a month. It was also during this year that the Herman Willmanns and the Henry Pape's with their sons, August and Carl moved into the community. Church services were still being held in a school house during this period of time. Since additional families were moving into the community continuously, and the church membership was steadily increasing, the need arose for a larger meeting place for the church. It was during the year 1888, that the pastor, Reverend Gus Schulze initiated a church building program. Reverend Schulze asked for donations and was able to raise enough money for the building of a new church. Two acres of land for the new church were donated by Joseph Nagel, which was enough land for the new church building and a plot for a cemetery.

On February 10, 1889, a Sunday School was organized with Ernest Nagel being the first Sunday School Superintendent, holding this job until the Ernest Nagel family moved to Gonzales. Also in 1889, Reverend Schulze was transferred to another church, being replaced by Reverend George Koch, who became the pastor for the Seguin church. Reverend Koch carried on the building program for the church and continued holding services in the Monthalia congregation once a month. The new church building was completed during this year. The building was done by Ernest Nagel, a carpenter by trade, with the assistance of the church members. The new church was a small building, but the members were proud of it. The building was dedicated on September 1, 1889, by the Reverend Daniel Matthaei, who had become the District Superintendent at this time. The early years of the newly organized church were filled with many difficulties and hardships, but the congregation moved steadily forward.

In the year 1890, Reverend Koch started going to Gonzales and holding church services, since a number of families of German nationality were living there. This was the start of the German Methodist Church in the City of Gonzales. For the next few years, the history of the Monthalia church is closely related to the Gonzales Church.

About this time the workload became too great for Reverend Koch, so an assistant was requested to aid him in his work. The Reverend J. W .A. Witt was appointed to this position by the conference conducting services at both the Monthalia and Gonzales churches, alternating his time between the two congregations. Since there was no parsonage for Reverend and Mrs. Witt to live in, Joseph Nagel invited them to live in the Nagel home, as the Nagel home was an old two story house built in the early l800s. Reverend and Mrs. Witt lived in the second story while the Joseph Nagels lived on the first floor. It was about this time that the August Gandre family, the Bahlmann family and the Siebeneicher family moved into the community. Also the William Muenzler family moved here from the Industry area and settled in the community of Cost.

Somewhere at this point in time, enough money was collected to purchase an organ for the church, which was a great help in the singing of the hymns. Miss Hulda Muenzler, who later became Mrs. R.H. Henkel was probably the first church organist as far as is known. After R.H. Henkel came into the community from Breslau, a town north of Hallettsville, he became the organist and played for a number of years.

In the year 1891, the people of the Monthalia and Gonzales Congregations got together and built a parsonage in Gonzales for Reverend and Mrs. Witt to live in. Reverend Witt would hold services in Gonzales on Sunday mornings and in Monthalia in the afternoons at three o'clock. Also during this year, Reverend John Kleinknecht came to be the pastor for the Monthalia and Gonzales churches, moving to Gonzales from Rose Hill, Texas, where he had been a pastor for a number of years. About this time the Miers and Sievers families moved into the community from the Hochheim area.

In 1895, Reverend Kleinknecht was replaced by Reverend G.T.C. Doerr, who became the pastor for the two churches, coming to this area from Rosenberg, Texas. At some time during this period, the Siepmann brothers, William and Arnold came over to this country from Germany, settling in the Monthalia community. Adolph Tolle, while visiting his sister and brother-in-law, Reverend and Mrs. G. T .C. Doerr, decided that Cost would be a good place to start a blacksmith shop, so in 1896, he started a shop in Cost in partnership with Fritz Landbeck. In 1897 he built a small house in Cost, where he brought his bride Martha Bohmfalk. In 1902 on the advice of his doctor, he quit blacksmithing and bought a farm northwest of Cost. Here he built a large house in which all eight of his children grew up, and all attended and joined the Monthalia Methodist Church.

In 1897 the Gottlieb Gabler family moved into the Bebe area. In 1898 the William Hornung and Lettermann families moved into the community from Lexington, Texas. Also about this time Richard C. Schauer moved to Cost and went to work for the Tolle and Landbeck blacksmith shop.

In 1899 Reverend Fritz Beckendorff became the seventh pastor to serve this church. He was known as the "Cowboy Preacher", as he came to conduct services riding horseback, wearing a big black hat and cowboy boots, carrying his Bible in his saddlepockets. Also in the year of 1899, an improvement project was undertaken to enlarge the place of worship as the membership was steadily increasing with more and more families settling in the tri-community area. A steeple and a niche for the pulpit were built onto the church to beautify and enlarge the place of worship. It was sometime during this period that the William Froehner family moved into the community from Grassyville, Texas.

Also at about this time, August Pape became a local preacher for the church, serving for about two years, moving to Victoria in 1901. Here he took charge of the Methodist Church serving for about two more years. In 1903, he moved out into the country about eight miles from Victoria, living there until 1905, at which time he moved back to the Monthalia community serving again as local pastor. It is said that when he started holding services, he had a book of prepared sermons, which he used for his sermons. It was not very long before one of the elderly gentlemen from the church told him to stop using these ready made sermons and start preaching on what he himself knew and felt. Thereafter his sermons were always interesting and enjoyed by all who heard him. The young boys would always watch and when the regular pastor was gone, and Brother Pape walked up and down the lane behind the church during Sunday School, they knew that he was studying his sermon and would be the preacher that morning. Brother Pape served the Monthalia church until his health no longer permitted him to do so.

In the year 1900, the Otto Philippus, W.F. Lindemann, Herman Tieken, and August Lindemann families moved to this part of the country and joined the Methodist church here. It was also at about this time that the first Christmas Tree was put up in the church. In the following years fond remembrances are brought to mind thinking of the odor the burning candles, the savory odor of the cedar tree, and as a small boy watching one or two of the older men snuff out a limb that came too close to a burning candle making sure that there was no fire. It just seems that with the advent of electricity and no longer using the candles a certain something was lost at the Christmas program after the candles were replaced with electric light bulbs.

In the year 1902, Reverend William Sievers began his ministry. On April 15, 1903, Miss Alma Zarth became Reverend Siever's bride, being united in marriage in the Monthalia Methodist Church, with a reception following in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Siepmann. In later years after Reverend Sievers retired from the ministry and settled in the Monthalia area, he would fill in quite often for the regular pastor when for some reason or other the pastor was away or could not hold services. Also during the year 1903, Reverend Beckendorff moved to some place around Addicks, Texas, where he retired. He was replaced by Reverend Henry Dietz who continued serving both the Monthalia and Gonzales churches.

At this time we should mention Mr. F.O. Menking here as he was a local preacher, living in Gonzales. When the current pastor could not hold the regular services, Mr. Menking would come and preach to the congregation. His sermons were always very interesting since he would always tell some Indian story somewhere in his sermon, which would please both the young and old people alike. He also had one of the first automobiles in Gonzales County, which made him a favorite of the young people, as just everyone at this time was interested in the automobile as the latest and modern means of travel, and as he always welcomed the young people, they would visit him every chance that they had.

In the year 1904, the August Raeke family moved into the community. Also at about this time the church hired Charlie Klein as the first janitor to keep the church clean, to keep the oil lamps filled with oil and to keep the lamp shades clean. He was paid at the rate of a dollar a month. During this year, two wings were added to the church, as the building again had become too small to hold all the people. Also about this time the W.E. Lindemann, the Heil and Stehle families moved into the community.

Somewhere during this period of time, the church started having Sunday School picnics once a year, usually sometime in the month of June. The first few years the picnics were held in the Joe Nagel bottom. In later years, the picnics were held on the C.F. Bahlmann place on the banks of Cottonwood Creek. The picnic would commence in the morning with a program that would start around 10:30 and last until around noon. Each family would bring a basket of food which was spread out under the shade trees for the noon meal, with plenty of fried chicken, potato salad, vegetables, cakes and pies to feed everyone there to their heart’s desire and then some. For the first few years, lemonade was served free, but as the crowds became larger each year, a charge of a nickel a glassful was made later on. Also in later years, soda water, ice cream, gum, candy and cigars were sold in a stand that was set up by some of the men each year. A highlight for the Sunday School children each year was the receipt of four nickels from the Sunday School treasury, given to each child to spend at the picnic as they wished. The afternoons were spent playing baseball, volleyball, dominoes, and a number of other games. For a number of years a pole was set up somewhere on the grounds which consisted of a slick pipe that had a wheel of some sort fastened to the top. The object of this was that the pole had to be climbed to reach a prize that was tied to the wheel in a paper bag. Of course, the young boys had to give it a try, as who knows, maybe a best girl friend was watching. It seems that the successful climbers of this pole were not too plentiful.

In the year 1905, Walter Froehner started attending Blinn College, after the Methodist Church made such an impression on him that he decided to enter the ministry. Also at this time, a Ladies Aid Society was organized, with one society being organized for both the Monthalia and Gonzales churches. Meetings were held once a month at the home of a different member each month. The next year 1906, organization of the Women's Missionary Society was accomplished.

In the year 1907, the first parsonage of the Monthalia Church was built for the pastor. After much consideration, the parsonage was built in a central location of the tri-community area, approximately two miles south of the church. The parsonage was built on a five acre plot of ground obtained from the following individuals. Two acres were donated by William C. Froehner, two acres were donated by William Hornung, and one acre was purchased from a Mrs. Voges. During this year, Reverend E.C. Draeger came to be the ninth pastor for the church. Reverend Draeger, in addition to being the pastor, was also the country doctor. When someone became ill and called him, he would go to them, give them some pink pills and say a prayer for them. Reverend Draeger had a son that lived with them who loved to fish. So, consequently a lot of his time was spent on the Guadalupe River fishing. Also at this time the Fink family, consisting of Mrs. Fink and her six children moved into the community from Lexington, Texas. It was about this time that the two churches, Monthalia and Gonzales became independent of each other and each had its own pastor, with Reverend Dietz becoming the pastor for the Gonzales Church, and Reverend Draeger becoming the pastor for the Monthalia Church.

Reverend Walter Froehner graduated from Blinn College in the year 1909 and became an active minister in the church, serving his first church in Miles, Texas.

About 1910, the families of August Afflerbach, Phil Deschner, John Stehle, several of the Shelbergs, and along with a number of other families moved into the community.

In 1913, a big decision was made after much controversy within the church itself. It was decided to build a new church some two miles south of the existing church. Some of the reasons for moving to the new location was to have a more central location of the church in the tri-community area and also during wet seasons the old location could not be drained very well with water standing all around the church grounds, whereas the new location was a well-drained area. In addition the parsonage had already been built at the new location and would be just next to the new church structure. The old church was at the time sold to the Catholic people, as it was no longer adequate for the growing congregation. The new church was erected under the able leadership of Reverend Draeger. Differences of the congregation on moving the church were soon forgotten, as the new church provided a wonderful inspiration for the entire community, with its majestic spire reaching toward the heavens and its large bell that rang its sweet melodious tones across the open countryside. For years the bell was rung at sundown on Saturday evenings to remind all who heard it that another week was at an end, and that on the morrow was the Lord's Day. The bell was rung again on Sunday mornings and Sunday evenings for services. The new church structure was built for a cost of approximately 7,000 dollars. The new church was dedicated on March 1, 1914 by Reverend Buehrer, who was the District Superintendent at that time. Also, later during this year, Reverend John Kleinknecht became the tenth pastor of the church, being the only pastor to serve the church for a second time during its existence. It was also about this time that the oil lamps were replaced with new modern gas or carbide lamps. It was at this time that the Herman Tieken family took over the janitorial work in the new church. Herman Tieken was also the bell-ringer for the church, a job that he had for many years.

On October 28, 1914, two acres of land were purchased across the road east of the church, from Ernest Thiede, for the amount of $160.00, for use as a church cemetery.

On October 29, 1915, the Monthalia Methodist Singing Society was organized under the able leadership and direction of R.H. Henkel. This singing society was composed of men and women from the church. In later years this was called the Mixed Choir. The following members were designated to write a constitution for the newly formed organization.

R.H. Henkel

Augusta Afflerbach

Erna (Raeke) Froehner

Selma (Hoting) Schultz―secretary

The original members initially at the time of organization were as listed below:

R.H. Henkel (Director)	Erna (Raeke) Froehner (Vice Director)
Selma (Hoting) Schultz (Secretary)	Walter Afflerbach (Treasurer)
Willie Philippus	Edwin Froehner
Ida Tieken	Pauline (Philippus) Kelly
Selma Hornung	Margaret (Deschner) Afflerbach
Hilda (Gandre) Raeke	Lydia Kleinknecht
Hulda (Hornung) Behr	Elmer Tolle
Herman Philippus	Walter Hornung
Arthur Raeke	Lydia (Froehner) Raeke
Ella (Tieken) Philippus	Augusta Afflerbach
Lydia (Tieken) Philippus	Emma (Philippus) Stehle
Kate (Deschner) Tolle	Gus Gandre
Pearl Kleinknecht

Although some of the original members dropped out, the choir increased in membership for some time after the initial organization.

It was sometime around the year 1916, that Walter Hornung started attending Blinn College in Brenham, Texas in order to prepare for the ministry. Also from November 30, 1916 through December 3, 1916, the Southern German Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church was held at the Monthalia Church. The conference was presided over by Bishop R.I. Cooke. Secretary for the conference was J. Pluenneke. This conference served 44 pastors and 3,797 Lay members at that time.

At sometime during this period, John Deschner attended Blinn College for a year. He then attended college in Warrenton, Missouri. He was first admitted into the Minnesota Conference in 1922 and served his first pastorate in Fairfax, Minnesota. He transferred into the Southwest Texas Conference in 1939. Reverend Deschner retired in 1963, having served the Shettles United Methodist Church, in Austin, Texas as his last pastorate for six years.

In the years 1918 and 1919, World War I was being fought in Europe, and nineteen men from the church left to go into the service to serve their country. Following named men went into the service during the war:

Walter Afflerbach	Herman Philippus
Gus Bauer	Herman Schultz
Henry Deschner	Joseph Schultz
Edwin Froehner	Walter Schultz
Arthur Gabler	Frederick Stehle
Gus Gandre	Alfred Tieken
Wesley Hausler	Alvin Tolle
John Muenzler	Anton Willmann
Adolph Philippus	Henry Willmann
Paul Phiippus

Two of the nineteen men gave their lives while in the service; Alvin Tolle, who died of the flu or pneumonia in Texas and Alfred Tieken, who was killed in action. Of these servicemen, Gus Gandre is the only surviving veteran. It was also during this period of time that the Sunday School was changed over from German to the English language.

In 1919, Reverend J.A. Traeger became the eleventh pastor of the church, coming here from Fredericksburg, Texas. Reverend Traeger was the first pastor of the church that owned an automobile.

On April 19 through 21, 1921, a Bible Conference was held in the church. This was a Southern German Conference with the Reverend Otto Kriege AM DD, President of Wesleyan College being the featured speaker. Two district superintendents of the Southern German Conference also attended. Reverend B.E. Breihan and Reverend A.A. Leifeste. Also during this year, Miss Gazelle Traeger, daughter of Reverend Traeger, went into service of foreign missionary work, serving three terms in the Malay States and one term in South America.

On March 1, 1925, a Delco light plant was purchased, replacing the carbide lights. The old gas lights were sold for $25.00. This light plant continued in use until 1939, at which time the REA was built and organized in Cost, to serve the entire area with electricity.

In 1928, Reverend William Buehrer became the twelfth pastor of the church, remaining until 1930, being replaced by Reverend O.F. Kattner, who became the thirteenth pastor to serve the Monthalia congregation.

In 1933, a parish hall was built to provide Sunday School rooms, a kitchen and recreational facilities. The parish hall was dedicated on December 3, 1933 by Reverend C. Bohmfalk, the district superintendent.

On February 19, 1934, sixty-two charter members organized into the Monthalia Methodist Brotherhood. Membership was not limited to men of the church. After some time this caused the brotherhood to develop into quite a large organization. Meetings were held quarterly, normally on the first Monday night of the calendar quarter. Three of the meetings a year were for the men only, but the July meeting was always a congregational meeting with the women and children invited. A meal was served first at each meeting, with a program to follow, usually consisting of some notable speaker, who would talk on some informative and educational topic, following the Christian theme in his talk.

In 1935, Reverend C.W. Schlechte became the fourteenth pastor for the church.

In 1936, the church celebrated its 50^th anniversary with a three day celebration being held May 15 through 17, 1936.

On May 10, 1939, a Uniting Conference met in Kansas City, Missouri, that brought about a unification of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and the Methodist Protestant Church. This culminated a resolution that was introduced in the year 1917, twenty-two years previously. As a result of this unification, the German speaking Methodists of the Southern Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, were transferred to the Southwest Texas Conference of the Methodist Church. Some changes were brought about by this unification. The Epworth League became the Methodist Youth Fellowship, the Women’s Missionary Society became the Women's Society of Christian Service and the Presiding Elders became known as District Superintendents.

In 1940, Reverend A.F. Foerster became the fifteenth pastor of the church.

In 1943, a deep water well was drilled on the church grounds and a modern water pressure system was installed. It was sometime during this period that the young people of the church undertook a project to start an organ fund to raise money to purchase a modern pipe organ that would replace the old footpumped organ.

On September 5, 1945, Reverend Foerster died while serving as pastor of the church. He was replaced by Reverend L.S. Dubberly, who had just previously been discharged from the Armed Forces as a Chaplain. This marked the end of an era, as no more German services were held in the church after Reverend Foerster's death. The year of 1945 also marked the end of the World War II war torn years. Men and women from the church served in just about all branches of the service of the Armed Forces. The church is justly proud of the record of service and heroic deeds of these men and women. One man made the supreme sacrifice for his country, Pvt. Henry Stehle, who passed away Camp Fannin, Texas while in the Army. Following is the Honor Roll of those who served in some branch of the service on land and sea and in the air:

Theophil A. (Sonny) Sievers Marine Corps	Ernest Polichnia Army
Orland W. Muenzler Navy	John Heil Army
Walter A. Sievers, M.D. Army	Herman Heil, Jr. Navy
Howard D. Hausler Army	Leon (Buddy) Pape Army
Rudolph Heil Army	Walter A. Heil Army
W.O. Foerster Navy	Alfred H. (Boots) Foerster Army
Dorothea Siepmann Army Nurse Corp	Henry Stehle Army
Harold E. Niebuhr Navy	J .A. Philippus Army
Vernon Muelker Army	Wesley Heil Army
James Gandre Army	Leonard A. Gandre Army
Fred Horlen Army	JamesPape Army
Robert Gandre Army	Conrad E. McCullough Army
Marion Willmann Army	Franklin Gandre Army
Alton NeumanArmy	James W. Raeke Army
Marvin Fink Army

At this point, we should pause for a moment and give credit to Mrs. A.M. (Louise) Lindemann, for the time-consuming and tremendous job that she did during the war years. She personally corresponded with each serviceman and woman from the church, on the average of once a month, providing a link with the home folks, with her very newsy, enjoyable and welcome letters. Each letter was a personally written letter, greatly appreciated by each of the men and women in the service. Nothing in the life of a person away from home, in the service is so welcome or brightens the day so much, as a letter from home folks. The countless hours and personal sacrifices that she made during these years to carry on this work, personally endeared Mrs. Louise in the hearts of all the servicemen and women with whom she maintained close contact.

In 1946, the church and parsonage were equipped with a butane gas system.

A Wicks Pipe Organ was installed in the sanctuary in 1947, and was dedicated on July 27, 1947, by Reverend Wood Patrick, District Superintendent at that time. The organ was purchased at a cost of $3,876.00, and contained 353 pipes. The purchase price included the organ, the grill, transportation, and installation. A large homecoming celebration was held in conjunction with the dedication, with 376 persons attending. The organ is currently valued at an amount of $35,000.

In 1948 Reverend E. W. Dechert became the seventeenth pastor for the church. It was also in the year of 1948 that Reverend Dechert, with the assistance of Mrs. Estelle Froehner, organized and conducted the first Vacation Bible School in the church. During this same year, an outdoor playground was built on a plot of ground just south of the parsonage. This playground was built with modern facilities and floodlights to light up a softball diamond, croquet courts, and a number of children's playground items such as swings, slide, and some other amusement items provided for the smaller children. People that lived in the community, that did not belong to the church, were also invited to participate in the play nights at the church. This served as a means to unite the community spirit with the church.

In the year 1950, Reverend R.R. Bloomquist became the eighteenth pastor for the church. It was also in the fall of this year that the Thanksgiving Harvest Festivals were started again, after having been discontinued for a number of years. The harvest festivals have been held since that time, occurring every two years on the even numbered years, on the Wednesday night prior to Thanksgiving, along with a church service. For this festival, the church members save some of the items of their crops and other agricultural items and bring them to the church, making a display of these items in the church, leaving them on display until after the church service on that Wednesday night.

With the passing of the years, it was felt that the old parsonage had well served its purpose. Being in dire need of repair, the decision was made to tear down the old parsonage and build a new one in its place. The new parsonage was built in the spring of 1953, being dedicated on May 3, 1953. It was also during this year that the church won an award of $500.00 for the "Church Of The State" as a result of the Town And Country Development program that was sponsored by the Sears-Roebuck Foundation. It was through the hard work and perseverance of the committee for this project that the church won this award.

In the year of 1954, a new look appeared on the scene. The chuirch steeple was lighted with floodlights, that shine from dusk to dawn each night. In the stillness of the night, people living in the surrounding area and persons traveling through this area, behold the lovely spire pointing upward to the heavens. While the countryside, with its fertile agricultural fields and green cattle pastures, is resting in peaceful slumber, this lighthouse for God is shining forth with its glorious light, inspiring, leading and pointing for all who see it, to the heavens and to the House of the Lord. It was also in 1954 that a new Sunday School building was built, consisting of three Sunday School rooms and two restrooms. The three Sunday School rooms are used mainly by the nursery department at this time.

In 1955, Reverend J.L. Atkison became the nineteenth pastor for the church. It was at about this time that Warren Hornung was called to enter the ministry. He began his ministerial studies in 1956 and was licensed to preach in 1957. He was ordained as deacon in the Southwest Texas Conference on May 21, 1964, and as an elder on June 9, 1966. He was commissioned for missionary service on June 2, 1967 and served in South America for five years. Reverend Hornung served churches in Chicago, Carrollton, Dallas, El Campo and Santiago, Chile and at the present time is pastor for the Gonzales United Methodist Church.

In 1957, Reverend Kyle Nagel became the twentieth pastor for the church, remaining until 1960, at which time he was replaced by Reverend J. Roy Slade, who became the twenty-first pastor for the church.

During the year of 1961, an extensive remodeling program was undertaken to repair the church building, with the thought in mind to retain the original shape of the structure. Major changes involved in this program were putting a new foundation under the entire building, lowering the ceiling and taking out the old windows, replacing them with stained glass windows. In addition, the sanctuary was centrally heated and air-conditioned. A large homecoming and dedication ceremony of the newly remodeled church was held on April 8, 1962. It was also during the year 1962 that Reverend Arthur Peterson became the twenty-second pastor for the church.

In 1963, the parsonage was insulated, equipped with all-electric heating and air-conditioning. It was also at this time, that Mrs. John Fink was appointed to try and collect money from families who had relatives buried in the old cemetery in order to create a fund to help pay for the upkeep and care of the old cemetery. Mrs. Fink was appointed as treasurer of this fund.

In 1964, a new cistern was purchased by the trustees of the church for the water system. On November 8, 1964, the church celebrated Reverend Peterson's 40th year in the ministry and Reverend and Mrs. Peterson's 40th year of marriage, with an open house. On November 29, 1964, the church took on the Belmont church as an extension church, with Reverend Peterson serving both churches.

In 1965, cushions were placed on the church pews, after receiving a gift of $500.00 from Mrs. Brewster, which she had specified was to be used toward the purchase of the cushions. Dedication of the cushions was made on March 28, 1965, by the District Superintendent, Reverend Hierholzer. In May of 1965, a new Sohmer Studio piano was purchased for the sanctuary.

In 1966, Reverend Peterson retired from the ministry, ending his service with the Monthalia Church. Upon his retirement, Reverend Peterson, donated his library to the church. He was replaced by Reverend William G. Birkner who became the twenty-third pastor for the church. It was also during this year that new hymnals were purchased for the church, being dedicated on December 18, 1966.

Under the inspiration and instigation of Reverend Birkner, the first German Hymn festival was held on November 5, 1967 in the church. It was due to his interest, persistence, and effort to retain the rich heritage of the many beautiful songs of our forefathers, that the German Hymn Festival was begun and has continued as an annual affair on the first Sunday in November of each year. This festival has continued to grow through the years until overflowing crowds have attended for the past several years, with attendance at approximately 300 people. It was also in 1967, that the first Chrismon tree was put up in the church, replacing the traditional tree of tinsel, shiny balls, and multi-colored lights. The Chrismon tree is decorated with intricately made gold, white and pearl Chrismons, that were hand made by the ladies of the church. The Chrismon tree has been set up each Christmas since 1967, displaying the Chrismons and miniature white lights, so that all who see it get a special inspiration from viewing the hand-made symbols of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In the fall of 1967, Warren and Anita Hornung departed for South America, to do missionary work in Chile.

In 1968, a set of 21 note Maas Cathedral chimes was given and dedicated on March 31, 1968, in memory of Otto and Emilie Froehner, by their children.

The General Conference of the Methodist Church met for the 1968 session in Dallas, Texas. This conference proved to be of historic significance, as there was a union of the Evangelical United Brethren Church and the Methodist Church, emerging as the United Methodist Church.

In the spring of 1970, extensive remodeling to the Parish Hall was completed. This remodeling was financed through the generosity of A.G. Ainsworth. On June 8, 1970, Reverend Birkner died, while serving as pastor for the church. He was replaced by Reverend Charles A. Miller, who became the twenty-fourth pastor for the church, also serving the Belmont congregation.

On March 21, 1971, a homecoming celebration was held for all members and former members of the Men's Chorus, being attended by thirty members and their families. The exact date of organization of the Men's Chorus is not known, but it is believed to have been organized over seventy years ago, sometime prior to the year 1915. A record of songs was made in November of 1972 by the Men's Chorus, selling all the records that were made. The Men's Chorus is presently still a very active organization and a vital influence in the community. Quite frequently the choir is invited to sing for other churches, different organizations and various types of social functions, and rarely declines any invitation to spread the word of the Lord in song.

On April 23, 1972, Dr. Walter A. Sievers was honored with a dinner in the Parish Hall. The church is proud to be able to claim him as one of its own, since he was awarded the honor of Citizen of The Year Award, by the Gonzales Chamber of Commerce for the year of 1972. Dr. Sievers is the son of Reverend William Sievers, who was originally from this community.

In 1973, Reverend C. David Crabtree II, became the twenty-fifth pastor for the church.

On September 28, 1975, the church held an old-fashioned church service in relation to the Sesquicentenial celebration of the City of Gonzales. A large number of the congregation dressed in old fashioned clothes for the occasion; the ladies wearing long dresses and bonnets, the men wearing vests, old fashioned hats, sleeve garters and some sporting beards and mustaches. A number of the men rode horseback, tying the horses under the shade trees where a hitchin' rack had been put up for the occasion. During the service, all the men and boys sat on one side of the church, and the ladies and girls sat on the other side, as it was done in earlier days. After the service, dinner on the grounds was enjoyed by all present. Also, during the service, Channel 4 TV Station KMOL news personnel from San Antonio, Texas, filmed portions of the service and had a spot on the 10:00 o'clock P.M. News that night. Numerous pictures were taken by different individuals throughout the day, and it appeared that everyone had a great time. There was some discussion as to the possibility of having another service of this type in the future.

On December 11, 1975, the Parish Hall, the hallway, and the Pastor's study were covered with carpet.

On March 7, 1976, the church celebrated its ninetieth anniversary with a huge homecoming. All members, former members and their families were invited to attend. Bishop O. Eugene Slater, Dr. William Harris, District Superintendent, along with other distinguished guests, were some of the 550 persons who attended the all day affair. The program consisted of a combined Sunday School, a morning worship service, a barbecue lunch, and in the afternoon, a special reunion service honoring the current and former members of the Men's Chorus. During the morning worship service, a presentation of six memorial plaques was made in honor of the following individuals, who are at rest in the church cemetery:

Anton Deschner―Missionary_________Lydia Raeke Kattner - Deaconess

Walter L. Hornung―Minister__________August Pape - Local Pastor

Otto F. Kattner―Minister_____________William Sievers - Minister

The entire day was an overwhelming success. This can be attributed to the cooperation of the entire church, and the able planning of the anniversary committee, under the supervision of Theo Siepmann. An unplanned incident occurred that morning before the program began. When Bishop Slater arrived, a light shower of rain was falling, and the parking attendants did not recognize him and parked his car, as the comment was made "out in Mr. Elmar Froehner's corn patch ", but the error was soon rectified and everything worked out in the end.

On May 31, 1976, the Men's Chorus had the privilege of singing at the Conference Communion Service at Travis Park United Methodist Church in San Antonio, Texas, for the opening service of the Annual Southwest Texas Conference.

On October 12, 1976, the Lydia Circle sponsored a chili supper and a country store at the church, to raise money to furnish a room at the new hospital to be built in Gonzales, Texas. The amount required to furnish one room was $1,500.00. Through the organization of this function by the Lydia Circle, along with the aid of all the women of the church, a total amount of over $1,700.00 was collected.

On December 3, 1976, the Men's Chorus was honored to be asked to sing at a Full Requiem Mass at the St. James Catholic Church in Gonzales, Texas, for the funeral of David B. Walshak, former president of the First National Bank of Gonzales, Texas. Mr. Walshak was always a great fan of the Men's Chorus and enjoyed listening to them very much.

A new electric range was purchased for the fellowship hall in February of 1977.

At sometime during the early part of 1977, a new custom was initiated in the church by Reverend Crabtree. A get-well card was placed in the church during the Sunday Service, for any individual member of the church that was in the hospital. Then anyone wishing to do so, could sign the card. This appeared to be such a morale booster, that the custom is still being done.

New sidewalks were built around the church and the Parish Hall in September of 1977.

On November 6, 1977, the annual German Songfest was held and dedicated to Reverend William G. Birkner, since it was through his effort that the Songfest was begun in 1967. The Songfest is held on the first Sunday in November of each year, and has continued as an annual affair.

During 1978, the church assisted in the remodeling of the St. James United Methodist Church located near Belmont. Some financial support was provided and individuals from the church provided labor to help redo this black country church. In addition some individuals helped with a Task Force to repair the Henson Chapel United Methodist Church parsonage in Gonzales, Texas.

A new refrigerator was purchased and installed in the parsonage during the summer of 1978.

During the period of June 23 through July 2, 1978, the Gonzales Ministerial Alliance sponsored the Jim Wilson Crusade, which was held at the Gonzales football stadium. A number of individuals of our church assisted in the prior planning and operation phase of this crusade. A large percentage of our church members attended all of these services.

About this time it was noted that the parsonage was entirely too small for a pastor that had a family with children. A project to renovate the parsonage and add a utility room and an everyday living room was undertaken in the latter part of 1978 and was completed in the early part of 1979 at a total cost of $18,726.00.

In January of 1979, the Gonzales Chamber of Commerce honored Lois Willmann, one of our church members, with The Citizen of The Year Award for Gonzales, Texas. The church, being justly proud that one of our members received this award, had a special dinner for Lois on March 11,1979.

New furniture for the parsonage was purchased in June of 1979. Items purchased were a dining room suite, a couch that would make into a bed, an additional chair and drapes for the den, for a total amount of $1,816.00. The old furniture was donated to the Senior Citizens Center in Gonzales.

New tables were also purchased for use in the Parish Hall, since the old ones had been there since the Parish Hall had been built. The old tables were also donated to the Senior Citizens Center in Gonzales.

A project was undertaken in the early part of 1979 to raise $1, 500.00 as a project to support some missionary work. It was decided to give this money to Roy J. May, Jr. family, to aid them in their missionary work.

An Advent Wreath was purchased and donated to the church in September of 1979, by Mr. and Mrs. Monroe Schauer, in memory of Mr. and Mrs. R.C. Schauer.

The James Willmann home was officially consecrated as the Willmann Foster Group Home, on Sunday, September 23,1979, in special services conducted by Bishop J. Chess Lovern. This was the first home of its kind that the Methodist Church had ever accepted. During the previous seven years, the Willmanns had shared their home with approximately forty children. At the close of the program, the children were introduced to the congregation, and then sang the song, "I'm Something Special ". The church was proud to be able to participate in this program with the Willmann family. The Willmann home was located in the Bebe community. James Willmann died on July 5, 1981, after which the Willmann Foster Group Home was dissolved.

After having been closed for seven years, the church playground was reopened in 1979, with a group of young people in charge of the operation of this facility.

In the spring of 1980, the All Saints Sunday School Class came to the conclusion that it was time to revive the old custom of having Sunday School picnics again. The last time a picnic was held was in 1953, or seventeen years ago. A date of May 25, 1980 was set for this affair at the Wesley Bahlmann farm on the Cottonwood Creek. The affair was a great success, as the people could go back and reminisce a bit, recalling some of their childhood memories and experiences of the past. Since the renewal of the picnic was such an overwhelming success, additional picnics have been held on the fourth Sunday in May each year.

An open house was held at the parsonage on June 1, 1980, to celebrate completion of the parsonage renovation that included addition of two new rooms, and also the purchase of some additional pieces of furniture.

On June 25, 1980, a new custom was initiated whenever a month has five Sundays. First a sandwich supper will be served, and then one of the Song Leaders will present some type of musical program. The Song Leaders will take turns in providing the programs, which will be in lieu of the regular Sunday night services.

In July 1980, the folding curtain in the middle Sunday School room was replaced with new accordian doors.

In February of 1981, the church entered into a program of the Southwest Texas Conference for a Pension Crusade Fund Drive, to benefit retired ministers and widows of ministers. A goal of $18,440.00 was established to be paid off over a three-year period. This goal was met by the end of calendar year 1983.

In the early part of 1981, the church along with the rest of the community, became involved in the "Oil Boom" of this area. The church received $275.00 per acre lease money, with 1/5 royalty, and a $20.00 renewal after the first year. The lease was for three years.

On June 1, 1981, Reverend C.A. (Red) Seiler became the twenty- sixth pastor for the church.

In August of 1981, a used mimeograph machine was purchased ror the church. Also ceiling fans were installed in the Parish Hall, and a new dishwasher was installed in the parsonage in September of 1981.

On April 4, 1982, Mrs. Laura Finch was honored by all the members of the church on her 100th birthday. On this day, Mrs. Finch attended the Sunday Morning church service, and at noon, she and her family were treated to a luncheon. Afterward, a birthday party was held for this alert dear lady with still a twinkle in her eye. She had been an active member of this church since May 4, 1943, joining when she and her husband moved into this community from Smiley, Texas. To the best of our knowledge, Mrs. Finch was the first centenarian member of this church. Mrs. Finch died on May 18, 1985, at the age of 103.

For several years, Amish nationality families have moved into the Gonzales County area. These families were invited to the annual German Song fest held in the church on the afternoon of the first Sunday in November of 1982. A large group of the Amish people attended and a number of new acquaintances and friends were made.

On January 15, 1983, an organizational meeting was held in Victoria, Texas for the organization of the Victoria District of the Southwest Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church. At this time the Monthalia Church became a member of this district, having been a member of the Austin District previously.

The cemetery located across the road from the church received a facelift in the spring of 1983. The old fence was removed and a new chain-link fence was installed around part of the cemetery.

The first Sunrise Service of this church celebrating Easter was held on the church grounds on Easter Sunday of 1983. After the Sunrise Service, a breakfast was prepared in the Parish Hall for all in attendance. After breakfast was served, the regular Easter Service was conducted in the Church. This type of celebration of Easter met with overwhelming enthusiasm and was to be continued at future Easter services.

A new Baldwin piano was purchased for the Parish Hall in November of 1983. Also a new sofa for the parsonage was purchased at this time. In January of 1985 a new washer and dryer were purchased for the parsonage.

In January of 1984, a roof was constructed over the double entrance doors to the church. Two new doors were also installed at this time being donated by Mrs. Lois Willmann in memory of Marion Willmann. This new addition blends so well with the previous building structure, that it appears to have been there always. The other two entrance doors were also replaced. One was given by Mrs. Rosa Fink and family in memory of John Fink. The other door was purchased by the church trustees.

In May of 1984, the Leesville United Methodist Church was added to the Monthalia / Belmont Charge, with services to be conducted one Sunday afternoon a month at the Leesville Church.

A food pantry was established in July of 1984, as an aid for transients that pass through this area, and are in dire need of some form of subsistence.

In October of 1984, a telephone answering machine was purchased for use in the parsonage, in the absence of the pastor.

Also in October of 1984, a new sign designating the name of the church and the name of the current pastor, was installed just to the east of the church building. The sign was installed by Mrs. Estelle Froehner and her children, in memory of Elmar Froehner.

On November 15, 1984, an Application for Registration of United Methodist Historic Site was made to the General Commission on Archives and History, United Methodist Church, Madison, New Jersey, through the Southwest Texas Conference, San Antonio, Texas. This request was made to authorize the Monthalia United Methodist Church to be designated as a "United Methodist Historic Site ". The Registered United Methodist Historic Site marker was received in July 1985. The historic marker is to be affixed to the church building during the 100th anniversary celebration on March 2, 1986, with appropriate ceremonial, to mark the dedication and public presentation.

In March of 1985, two trees were planted on the church grounds by Roger Johnson, in honor of Dr. Walter A. Sievers and Theo Siepmann, who in turn gave the trees in memory of Reverend and Mrs. William Sievers.

A new copy machine was purchased in March of 1985, to replace the old mimeograph machine.

On June 1, 1985, Reverend Robert A. (Rob) McGill, became the twenty-seventh pastor for the church.

In September of 1985, a new bedroom suite and a new shower stall were purchased for the parsonage. Also a set of paraments was purchased by Mrs. Esther Lindemann and James W. Raeke, in memory of Elmar Lindemann.

In the early part of 1986, several building projects were undertaken to improve the church facilities. A roof was built over the east entrance door as a protection for the entrance and the door from the elements. Also a complete renovation of the interior of the vestibule was done. Then, a wheelchair ramp was installed for entrance into the west entrance door to the church and into an entrance door into the Parish Hall. Along with this a protective roof was built over the sidewalk, extending from the west entrance of the church, over the sidewalk, to connect into the roof of the Sunday School building.

Throughout the year, a number of recurring functions of the church, take place, that should be mentioned as follows:

a. Annual Easter Sunrise Service, that includes a breakfast meal after the service.

b. The Sunday School picnic, held on the fourth Sunday of May of each year.

c. The German Song Fest, that is conducted on the first Sunday of November.

d. A Thanksgiving Service, conducted on the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving day. Biannually, on the even numbered years, a display of agricultural products is placed in the church in conjunction with this service.

e. Observance of the Advent Season, by commemorating the penitential period, beginning four Sundays before Christmas.

f. Annual Christmas program, usually presented on the Sunday before Christmas. Along with this, a large Christmas tree is placed in the church, decorated with Chrismons and white lights for this occasion.

g. Watchnight or New Years Eve service, held on the evening of December 31^st.

h. A continuing education fund of $750.00 annually, is provided to defray costs of the pastor’s education expenses.

i. Provide funds for the tuition, room and board, for any member of the church desiring to attend Lay Speakers School.

In summary, a noteworthy item, five ministers, one local pastor, and one foreign missionary have gone forth from this church. The ministers are:

Reverend William Sievers_________Reverend Walter Hornung

Reverend Walter Froehner________Reverend Warren Hornung

Reverend John Deschner

The Local Pastor was: Reverend August Pape.

The Foreign Missionary was: Miss Gazelle Traeger.

In addition, a number of Christian workers that were influenced by this church, have gone forth into other parts of this country.

It is with awe and reverence that we approach the 100^th anniversary celebration of this church. We must feel a deep admiration for our forebears, who came from foreign lands and other parts of this great country, enduring many hardships, settling in this community, where they labored at clearing the land, tilling the soil, and in the end, dying without recognition. We owe them so much. For one hundred years, this church has been an organized body and a vital influence in this rural community. The rich heritage left by our ancestors, provides an endowment of great influence and blessings for the present and future generations. In spite of the population shift from the country to the city, and the adverse effects of the closing of the rural schools, the church remarkably continues to move ahead with the changing times, offering a well-rounded church home and a program of activity for its members. With sincere devotion, we earnestly pray that we may be in God's favor, and that his blessings will be upon us in our efforts for the continuance of the building of his kingdom, as we envision great possibilities for the future.