Peabody Churches

PEABODY CHURCHES BY REV G. W. W. AMICK
AN ARTICLE EXTRACTED FROM THE PEABODY NEWS 1901
Contributed by Charmaine Keith (charmain@southwind.net) 26 August 1998

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In selecting a home, every man considers the advantages in comparison with the disadvantages.
Not the least consideration is the church life in the community in which he may wish to reside. It
needs no argument these days to prove that the material welfare and advancement of any community
depend very largely upon the moral and spiritual standards of the community. It is necessary then in
considering the advantages of Peabody, and noting the development of our resources, and the
inducements to prospective home seekers, that we see what the church life has been and what the
churches are now doing for this community. Others have noted the material progress and rapid
development of resources. I learn that early in the history of Peabody, the church question was
considered. Before some of the dwelling were completed religious services were held in them. These
were union gatherings, denominational lines not considered. Any pastor was welcomed, and when no
preacher come prayer services were conducted by some layman. This weaving of the spiritual life into
the toil of the day soon brought the result of permanent church life.
The different denominations represented here soon considered the advisability of a permanent
church home. The beginnings were humble of necessity. The could not have the improvements of the
present. The early pastors preaching at many points were sometimes compelled to walk to the different
places, and to their zeal and honor be it said, missed very few appointments. There were
discouragement's because of failures of crops, the army of grasshoppers, and the many changes incident
to a newly settled country, but the faithful pertion belong to the church, and there is a fraternal
fellowship among the churches that is very helpful to the high moral tone of this community.


THE M. E. CHURCH

This was the first denomination to organize in Peabody. The occurred Sunday, May 14, 1871,
after sermon by Rev. C. W. Vantreese; about twenty-five names being enrolled for this purpose. Among
these were S. R. Hunt and wife, W. C. Nye and wife, C. H. Parkton and wife, T. C. Thoburn and wife, W.
C. Hill and wife, Alex. Gray and wife, S. C. Skinner, wife and two daughters, R. B. Craw, J. D.
Milliken, F. H. Hopkins, Joseph Weeks and wife. The congregation met in the second story of a building
not far from the present edifice. Rev. Vantreese, living at Florence, preached at stated intervals
until the spring of 1872, when Rev. J. H. Ross was appointed pastor of Peabody and Marion circuit by
the Kansas Congerence. The Presbyterian Church having built a church, it was used by them and the
Methodists on alternate Sabbaths.

Rev. Ross deserves much credit for his pioneer labors in behalf of his church. The congregation
grew rapidly. He held many services in school houses, shanties and dwelling in the outlying districts in
order to quicken religious interest. During his pastorate a lot was secured, some building material
gathered, and part of the foundation for a church laid. A board of trustees was appointed and a charter
for the new organization secured. Because of the developments, Peabody and Marion were made separate
appointments, and in 1874 Rev. H. J. Walker come to Peabody. Church work along all lines was retarded by
the army of grasshoppers, that took possession of the town and fields.
In 1875, Rev. John Harris was appointed pastor. During that year in the face of many discouragement's,
"the people had a mind to work," and the new church building was finished, and dedicated August 29,
1875, free of debt, $1,250 being raised to bring about that happy result. Bishop Bowman had charge of
this service of joyous dedication, and all the people rejoiced in their church home.

Rev. L. F. Laverty became pastor in 1876, and during his ministry the congregation grew rapidly.
From this time until 1883 the charge was served by the Revs. Walter Oakley, G. W. Pye and Thos. Audis.
When Rev. Harrison Waitt became pastor, expansion seemed to be the order of the day. The congregation
grew, the Sunday school increased rapidly, the corner lot adjacent to the church was bought, and plans
made for a new and larger church. The old church was sold and moved from the lot. September 16, 1884, the
corner stone for the new church was laid with appropriate ceremony, the Rev. B. Kelly, of Winfield, making
the address. March 7, 1885, the service of dedication came, and the present structure, costing $6,000, was
set apart to sacred users. The Revs. W. W. Woodside and J. L. Glascock were the next pastors. During Rev.
D. C. Ridgeway's term, in 1889, a parsonage was purchased. This was chiefly due to the efforts of the
ladies of the congregation. Rev. E. A. Hoyt came as the next pastor. He was followed in 1892 by Rev. S. M.
Enyeart. Under his leadership an accumulated debt of over $2,000 was paid and a jubilee service to
commemorate the event was held Nov. 19, 1893.

Rev. D. D. Akin became pastor in 1895, and remained the full limit of five years. The congregation
advanced in all lines of Christian work under his efficient leadership. Rev. J. W. Anderson was sent in
1900, remaining one year, Rev. C. H. Woodward is the present pastor.



THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 

This congregation was organized June 11, 1871, at the home of G. W. Campbell. Rev. R. M. Overstreet,
who had been preaching at different times in Peabody, was appointed by the Emporia Presbytery to effect an
organization. This was done with the following members: B. P. VanDenberg and wife, Ellen VanDenberg, G. W.
Campbell and wife, John Sands and wife, M. A. Stephens, J. A. Perkins, J. M. Sharon, J. P. Landis, Alonzo
Graham and Miss Sault.
Rev. A. H. Lackey became the first pastor. The congregation at once built and dedicated a church, it
being the first on in Peabody. This cost $1,800 and placed the congregation on a permanent basis. Rev. Lackey
resigned in 1877, and was succeeded by Rev. E. D. Walker, who served the charge for 12 years.
In 1883 the church was repaired and enlarged at the cost of $3,250. While this was being done the
congregation worshipped in the Lutheran church. The congregation grew rapidly and soon occupied an important
position in the community. In 1889 Rev. George S. Swezey, from New York, became pastor and served the church
faithfully for four years. His influence was felt not only in his own congregation but in the whole
community. Rev. W. C. Mile was pastor five years. He endeared himself to the whole community because of his
high standards. A member of his congregation, Miss Gertrude Hawley, became his wife while he was pastor here.
The congregation advanced in all lines of church work under their leadership. Rev. G. A. Fulcher, of Chicago,
came in 1898. During his pastorate a parsonage was purchased. The present pastor Rev. J. Alvin Sankey, became
such a short time ago.
This congregation has given eight young men to the gospel ministry, namely, James Currens, Charles Currens,
Jesse Currens, Fred Hawley, Theodore Hawley, Kirk Brown, Dwight Potter and John Lamb. Two ladies married
ministers, Miss Hawley and Miss Catherine Lamb. Four members have been honored as commissioners to the
General Assembly: G. W. Campbell, Dr. L. A. Buck,, D. Myers and Hon. T. M. Potter. This church has always
been active along the lines of Sunday school, Christian Endeavor and mission work.

THE LUTHERAN CHURCH

Peabody, having been reported to Kansas synod as a promising point for a Lutheran church, D. H.
Bauslin, a graduate of Wittenberg college, whose home was in Peabody, by request look into the situation
during his summer vacation of 1877.

He began preaching in the M. E. church Sunday afternoon and soon found enough members for an
organization. This was effected Aug 8th, 1877. Some of these at the meeting were Jacob Keiler and wife, James
Stewart and wife, Philip Widelein and wife, Andrew Shank and wife, Mrs. Graham, Miss Hunter.
Mr. Bauslin served the new congregation until his return to college. Application for admission into
the Kansas Synod was made at the session of 1877, and the congregation of 24 members was admitted. Rev. R. B.
Whitehill became pastor. The need of a building in which to worship was at once discussed. This was begun in
the spring of 1878. December 15th of the same year it was ready for dedication. A frame structure costing
$2,650 was set apart for religious purposes according to the beautiful ritual services of the church. After
the resignation of Rev,. Whitehill, the congregation was without a pastor for 21 months, and became
discouraged. Some aid was given by the Board of Home Missions, and Rev. A. J. Hesson became pastor Dec. 16,
1882. The people were encouraged and paid some debt that had accumulated. Owing to ill health, Rev. Hesson
resigned, and Rev. H. B. Belmer, of Upper Sandusky, Ohio, became pastor, Oct. 1, 1884.
The new pastor began vigorous work. Extensive repairs were made upon the church building. These
improvements cost nearly $1,800, and the church was rededicated March 29, 1885. Much credit is due the
Ladies' Aid Society of this period, in the accomplishment of so many improvements. They bought a lot for a
parsonage, and with their help and encouragement the pastor and his family moved into a new parsonage in June
1886 costing with lot nearly $2,000.
Rev. Belmer was a good preacher. His spiritual sermons and active leadership built up a congregation,
and placed the church in a substantial condition. He resigned July, 1888. Rev. Geo. A. Bowers, D. D., of St.
Louis, Mo., then became pastor until April, 1893. By his eloquent and incisive sermons, Dr. Bowers drew large
congregations, and left the impression of lasting good upon the whole community. His influence is still felt
in the congregation.
E.F. Trofz, then a student, served the congregation during his summer vacation of 1893. Rev. Kauffman, of
Ohio, took charge Oct. 1, 1893. Special services were held during his pastorate, and 51 new members received.
He resigned June, 1895, to return to Ohio. His successor was Rev. R. H. Williams. Under his leadership a
$1,500 pipe organ now graces the church.
January, 1899 Rev. G. W. W. Amick, of Johnstown, Ps., became pastor of this congregation.


BAPTIST CHURCH

This congregation was organized August, 1871, by Rev. A. M. Averill of Emporia. They had no regular pastor
for several years, being supplied by visiting pastors.
Rev. J. A. Heagy became the first resident pastor in 1875, serving the congregation five years. The
congregation had built a church in the fall of 1872. During Rev. Heagy's pastorate a mortgage of $700 was
paid and the membership increased from about twenty to sixty-six. The church was supplied for short intervals
by the Revs. Hare and Hageman. Rev. Heritage was pastor for about ten years. During his time the church
property was sold for $2,00 cash, and the present structure erected during 1888 at cost of about $5,000. Rev
Sallee succeeded him, remaining about three years. Then Rev. H. P. Crego came serving the church about three
years, the membership increasing rapidly at this time.
Rev. W. W. Searcy, the present pastor, come April, 1897. He took hold of the work with vigor, and the
congregation has been growing under his administration. An old debt of about $500 was paid, and about $600
was spent in improving the church property.



EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION

This congregation was organized in 1885 by Rev Erffmeyer. Among the member were J. Bechtel and wife, and C.
W. Nusbaum and wife. Soon after organization the building first erected by the M. E. church was purchased,
and moved to its present location.
This congregation has been one of a circuit, the pastor giving part of his time to other points. The pastor
resides here, the congregation now owning a parsonage, which was recently purchased and improved. This
congregation, though small, has been a strong force in the community. The Revs. Hoover, Housted, Young,
Bruner, Fehnel, Peek, Hobbs, and Bower have been pastors.

CENTRAL CHRISTIAN CHRUCH

This church was organized in 1872 at the home of J. R. Cochran, who was its founder and first elder,
membership was fifteen. V. S. Allen became its first pastor. He was succeeded by Alex El'ett, who had the
longest pastorate in the church's history. In 1878 the present church building was erected, the membership
being about 30. Soon after the completion of the church, J. V. Updike conducted evangelistic services,
receiving 116 new members into the church, putting the congregation in a permanent flourishing condition.
This congregation, like every other, has had its periods of depression and discouragement's; yet has
persevered in it church life. Elder Ammi Fike is its present pastor. It has a membership of about 100; a
Sunday school of 64 enrollment, and Christian Endeavor of 30 active workers.

The present elders, in addition to the pastor, are William Norris and B. S. Karr, and W. A. Newhard as clerk.



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