Cherokee County Churches |
Cherokee County Churches |
| Washta | |||
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Methodist Church |
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As settlers moved into the Little Sioux Valley to make homes for their families, so too came the men of God, the Circuit Riders. Preachers stationed at Smithland and Cherokee first ranged the valley. In 1870 a church was built in Correctionville and it served a circuit which included Good Hope, Willow, New Liberty, Fairfield and the Red School House. In 1884 Rev. Luce of Correctionville formed a Methodist Class in Washta. During the years 1885-1888 Cushing and Washta were served by Pastor Marcus DeLano, Rev. J. A. Goodman and Rev. G. W. Carr. (Rev. Carr later became President of Morningside College). As the little congregation grew in number services were held in the Congregational Church and this continued until 1889. Rev. J. L. Whitney became pastor in 1888 and served until 1891. During this time the dream of a Methodist Church in Washta became a reality and was incorporated November 13, 1888. The parsonage was purchased and the old part of the present church was built in 1889. People still living today cherish fond memories of Rev. Whitney and his family, for much was accomplished in three communities under his leadership. He organized the Methodist Class in Quimby, guided that congregation in the building of their church and contributed much in the spiritual growth of the Silver Church. His daughter, Mrs. Charles DeGarmo, resides at Early, Iowa. During the next ten years Washta ministers served the Silver Church and then the Fairview community. During the week of September 6, 1898, the Washta Church held a jubilee which included a ceremony for the burning of two mortgages amounting to $1400.00. These services were held in a tent, seating eight hundred people and there was a choir of thirty voices. We can imagine the joy of the congregation at having completed so great a task. In 1911, while Rev. Davies was pastor, the people of the Church felt the need for more room and the building was raised to accomodate the construction of the basement rooms as they are today. In 1918 fire destroyed the Congregational Church building and the two churches formed a federation that lasted for twenty-five years, being dissolved in 1943. In 1921 the Silver Church was again served by the Washta pastor and this arrangement lasted until 1942. During the years between 1932 and 1935, Rev. William Bottom and the other English people of the Church, started our traditional Harvest Festival. The fruits of the harvest were brought to the Church in a spirit of thanksgiving to be auctioned off to the highest bidder. Old records show that those earlier Festivals brought into the Church treasury sums amounting to about $35.00, but over the years this happy occasion has changed considerably. Several auctioneers now donate their time and talent to sell the large amount of produce. People come from all parts of the county and the 1963 Festival netted $2300.00 to carry on the work of the Church. In 1958 the Calf Club was organized and the farmers fed calves to raise money for the Church. As many as fifty calves were being fed when the price was high enough to realize a profit, and this project will be expanded when the market improves. The men enjoy a social hour together occasionally and are ready and willing to keep the project going. In 1945 the Church again felt the need for expansion and started a building fund. The two parsonages were sold at this time. The women of the WSCS worked long and hard to accomplish their dream of an adequate, modern kitchen and fellowship hall. Today this goal has been reached under the able guidence of our beloved pastor, Max Paige, and the building committee. There is not space to tell of all the faithful, loyal workers who have served the Washta Church from its beginning. However, the name of the Phillip Zimmerman family is woven through the years. They were here with the Circuit Riders, caught the vision of the Church and have been faithful workers through their lives. A daughter, Emma Zimmerman, lives in Cherokee. Another family who has given more than sixty years of devoted service is that of William Hunter. The family came about the turn of the century and the value of their contribution cannot be measured in words. It lives in memory of Sunday-School teacher, sometime-preacher, councelor and friend. A daughter, Mrs. Ford Ralston, continues, a faithful worker in the Church today. (Source: Commemorative brochure in honor of the church's 80th anniversary. April 1964. Information transcribed and submitted by a volunteer) |
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