Part 59 (2/2)

CHURCH BUILDINGS

In 1850 Rev. Christian Hershey built in Lisbon, chiefly at his own expense, the First United Brethren church west of the Mississippi river. This church, which still stands just north of Mrs. Mary Hoover's residence, was soon outgrown. In 1855 it was sold, and the proceeds were used in building the second church on the site occupied by the present edifice. This building served the church for twenty-six years.

During the pastorate of Rev. T. D. Adams and the early part of the first pastorate of Rev. I. K. Statton, the need of a more modern church became apparent. At the session of the quarterly conference on April 7, 1880, the first official steps were taken toward the erection of a new building. During the following summer the old church was torn down, and the present structure begun. It was completed at a cost of $9,200.00, and on January 23, 1881, was dedicated by Bishop Milton Wright. Great credit is due to the ever earnest and faithful labors of the pastor, Dr. I. K. Statton.

During the building of the new church, the congregation was favored in being granted the use of the Methodist Episcopal church for all its services.

PARSONAGES

The church during its history has owned three parsonages. The present building is an elegant frame structure of eight rooms, furnished with furnace, electric light, and city water. It was purchased during the summer of 1903 for $2,400, the old one being sold for $1,000.

THE SUNDAY SCHOOL

The Sunday school was organized early in the history of the Lisbon church, probably in the spring of 1853. It was first conducted as a union school, and so continued for a number of years, its development into a United Brethren school being the result chiefly of the organization of other schools in town.

At the first it was divided into male and female departments, with five male and seven female cla.s.ses; among them were one female and two male spelling cla.s.ses, and one female infant cla.s.s. Among the first scholars were Henry C. Kurtz, and Solomon Kettering, who are yet living. The record of 1854 shows three infant cla.s.ses, one male and two female. In the male cla.s.s were two of our present members, Henry C. Meyers, and Jacob E. Meyers, with their father Henry Meyers as teacher.

The first secretary's record that is preserved begins with July, 1857.

The enrollment was 121, the attendance 118. The superintendent was A.

A. Sweet. May 27, 1860, is named as ”the first day of the administration of B. [Benjamin] Hoover as superintendent, to which office he was elected last night.” Other evidence states that Adam Runkle had served as superintendent, one year before this election.

Following this the record shows nothing as to who was superintendent till April 2, 1865, when it states, ”Had our annual election last evening for officers. Adam Runkle was re-elected superintendent, D.

Dorwart, secretary, D. Buck, librarian.” I. Scoles is the first secretary named, his election occurring May 2, 1858. The next named following him is J. E. Kurtz, who served a number of years, his term of office terminating with the election of D. Dorwart as above noted.

The enrollment did not increase rapidly, owing in part no doubt to the organizing of other schools. On January 1, 1860, it was 144; on January 6, 1861, 145, with 140 in attendance.

The record from 1857 to 1865 is rendered quite interesting by the recital of current events of the town and community. A few are here quoted:

July 26, 1857. ”A stranger bathing last Sabbath in the Cedar river was drowned. Remember to keep the Sabbath day holy.”

December 15, 1857. ”Officers and teachers agreed to have a teachers' meeting monthly.”

April 11, 1859. ”The Lutheran church organized a Sunday school in the old church today.”

July 9, 1859. ”The school was opened at eight o'clock on account of the Methodist quarterly meeting in this house at nine o'clock.”

November 6, 1859. ”Small attendance on account of wedding in town, Mr. Joel Ringer and Miss Barbara Kurtz.”

July 29, 1860. ”Bishop Glossbrenner was here yesterday, and went to Western.”

September 9, 1860. ”We hear for the first time two bells ringing in town.”

October 28, 1860. ”Mrs. Easterly married to David Zeigenfus.”

November 11, 1860. ”Old Abe elected.”

September 21, 1861. ”Yesterday great military demonstration; young men leaving for the army.”

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