THE HISTORY OF
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| Once upon a time, a century ago, there was born in the
community of Winfield a church we now reverently know as Winfield
Methodist Church. According to the Henry County history records, the
organization of the Methodist church was the beginning of the town. Methodism then only recently had celebrated its first centennial, and Iowa had been a state scarcely three years. The original members of our church are said to have been people of great faith, who, however, also put their trust in good works. They were industrious, thrifty and loyal. What the prophet of old taught, they practiced; that is, did justice, loved mercy and walked humbly with their God. Because of their faith and works, ours is a great heritage of which we can be justly proud. This heritage, however. carries with it a bold challenge and responsibility to us to carry on. Our Methodist Church is the oldest organization in Winfield dating back to the winter of 1848-49 when a "class" was organized in the house of Thomas Alexander and Mathias McCafferty. Quoting from the records written by Rev. W. N. Hall in 1896 we have the following story about the beginning of our church: "The following account of the first organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the vicinity of Winfield was furnished to me by Michael McCafferty and wife and William Bennett in 1895. "The first organization was formed in 1849 in the northeast quarter of section seven of Scott township, two miles northeast of the village in a house occupied by Thomas Alexander. The house contained two families, Thomas Alexanders' and Michael McCaffertys'. (According to older church members still living, the name should be 'Mathias' instead of Michael). "The first preaching for a few times was in the part occupied by the McCaffertys, and it was then changed to the other part, and the society organized with the following seven members: Thomas Alexander, Porter Hale and wife, Thomas Shockly and wife and Selah Smith. "Rev. James Walker was the first pastor, Billy Morfit the first class leader, Porter Hale the next one, Thomas Shockly the first steward. "The name of the first local preacher was Hurn. "Thomas Alexander sold out, and the preaching place was changed to the home of Edward Smith in the southeast quarter of section eight. Mr. Smith was a Congregationalist, and his wife a Methodist. "The Congregationalist and Methodist preachers alternated holding service for one summer at the Smith residence. "A family named Richey lived in the southwest quarter of section six, and a Seceder minister preached in their home. (Seceders were a religious group of that time.) "M. McCafferty says: I attended the one service. It took the preacher one hour and a half to explain the psalm that he announced for the people to sing and judging the length of the coming sermon from that part I left'. "There were no neighbors to the south closer than eleven miles. There was less than 12,000 Methodists in the state. "About this time the Presbyterians organized a church in Round Grove school house in the south half of section fourteen. "Rev. James Walker preached at Morehead School House six or seven miles northwest of Winfield. "In 1850 a Quarterly meeting was held at the home of Edward Smith, I. I. Stewart, presiding elder, and Mr. Jamison, pastor. (Rev. King was with Jamison.) "In 1851, a log school house was built on Crooked Creek one mile north of town and the preaching was changed to that place. It is now moved into town and serves as part of a residence. "Within a few years a school house was built in the village of Winfield and services were transferred to that place. The school house has had additions to it and serves as a residence at this time. "In 1856, the first Methodist church was built under the pastorate of Rev. Joseph Gasner, and dedicated under the pastorate of Rev. Garrison. The cost of the structure was $2373.00. "This then belonged to Crawfordsville Circuit and other appointments connected with it at various times were: Marshall (now Wayland), Virginia Grove, Spring Run, Morehead School House, Frog Pond School House, and probably others. "Among the pastors were the following: James Walker, Jamison, Prather, Andrew Kirkpatrick, Crellen, Peter Holtzinger, O. C. Shelton, Joseph Gasner, S. F. C. Garrison. Joseph Paschal and Andrew Kirkpatrick were local preachers much talked about by the older people. "Crawfordsville was the head of a circuit when the Conference was organized in 1844. It has been stated that probably this society was identified with Marshall (Wayland) for a while. I am not certain about it. "In Sept. 1867 the Winfield Circuit was organized, the Annual Conference being held at Ottumwa, Bishop Scott, presiding. E. L. Briggs was appointed Presiding Elder, and S. F. C. Garrison, pastor. "There were two paying appointments: Winfield and Virginia Grove." From this time forward we have records. The records of the time previous to Sept. 1867 must be sought at Crawfordsville or Wayland." The first church building, according to an account by the late Chas. Larkin, was a rectangular frame building on the site now occupied by Mrs. Lydia Aldrich. This building had two doors in the east and three windows, containing twenty-four transparent panes of glass each, on north and south sides. The doors opened to aisles leading to the front of the church, between pews facing the west. The pulpit was in the west end of the church. Three pews, in each the northwest and northeast corners faced the pulpit. These were known as the amen corners. A partition extended east and west through the middle of the church with no way to cross from the north to the south side except in front of the pulpit. In 1888 the need of a larger and better building was felt, so the old building was sold for an opera house. The site of the present building was purchased and a new building was erected under the pastorate of Rev. R. L. Rose, at a cost of $4500 and was dedicated January 27th, 1889 by Bishop S. M. Merrill. It was a frame structure with the pulpit in the south end. The main entrance was at the northwest corner of the auditorium and it had a Sunday School room in the north end over which was a gallery, opening onto the auditorium. There was a bay on the east and west sides, with room for three pews each. The choir loft was in the southeast corner, just east of the pulpit. Seating capacity was about two hundred. This building was improved under the pastorate of Rev. Thomas Osborn in 1900 at a cost of $1,096. (This building was destroyed by fire (?) ). The present building was erected in 1907 and 1908 at a cost of $25,000, under the pastorate of Rev. Hardy A. Ingham and was dedicated February 9th, 1908 by Rev. T. C. Iliff. While this building was being constructed, services were held in the Matthews and Patterson opera house. In 1909 the Iowa Annual Conference session was held here in the new church. Previous to the early 70's there was no musical instrument in the church when a reed organ was installed. In the second building a piano was installed and during the pastorate of Rev. M. E. Nethercut (1930-31) a $5,000 pipe organ was installed, through the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Matthews estate. The material used in the present structure was St. Louis gray pressed brick, trimmed with Bedford Stone. The extreme dimensions are: length, 104 feet; width, 69 feet; and height, 64 feet. The number of rooms aside from vestibules are 22, fourteen of which are in the Church School Department. The auditorium is 50 feet square on the inside. The combined seating capacity of the auditorium and the Church School Chapel is approximately 1000. About 1926-27, the building was redecorated and re-roofed while Rev. P. M. Conant was the pastor. It was re-roofed again during Rev. Reynold Murdock's pastorate. In the fall of 1941, the Sanctuary and Annex were redecorated, and the aisles and rostrum carpeted, at a cost of $1860. In the summer of 1942, the basement was redecorated for about $350, and a new roof put on in the summer of 1943, at a cost of $900. Rev. John C. Porath was pastor during these improvements. A new furnace and fluorescent lights were put in the church basement in the winter of 1946-47. A new bottle gas range was installed in the kitchen of the church in the summer of 1947. An R. C. A. Public Address system was given to the church as a memorial by the relatives of the late Maurice Swan, a church member who gave his life in World War II. Some of the most recent improvements and additions acquired by the church from a number of sources are: several cupboards for Sunday School supplies; a room furnished for a nursery; two large fringed silk flags, the Christian flag and the American flag; an altar set consisting of a cross, two candlesticks, two vases, and pulpit and communion table runners; a set of dishes for serving 150 people; a picture, Sallman's "Head of Christ", as a memorial to those who served in World War II; and a bulletin board for the lawn outside the church. The parsonage was painted, its floors were sanded, its kitchen remodeled, and a refrigerator and a hot water heater installed last year (1948). The kitchen of the church has been remodeled this year, and new folding tables have been added to the dining room equipment. As this is being written, the families of the church are contributing steel folding chairs as a memorial in this, our centennial year. During the past four years approximately $14,000.00 have been paid out for building and improvements. Through the years the church has cooperated in every way with the program of the church as handed down by the General Conference, such as World Service and General Benevolences, and the recent "Crusade for Christ". The church is also cooperating with our annual conference benevolences and supported the drive for the Reserve Pension Fund. Even as these pages are being written, plans are under way to cooperate in the current program, "The Advance for Christ", as is handed down by the General Conference of 1948; and the conference program in support of our Christian colleges. The early records of our church are very incomplete and are rather sketchy over a period of a number of years. But there are quite a few remarks and notations written into the records by the various ministers which may be interesting. They are as follows: 1867-69-S. F. C. Garrison: In 1867 Winfield is listed alone and in the Burlington district. In 1868 Winfield had two churches and two Sunday Schools. In 1869 there were three churches and three Sunday Schools. In 1868 the two Sunday Schools had an average attendance of 150 with 132 members. One record gives the time of meeting as 10 o'clock. 1869-71-G. W. Bamford: There were two Bamfords--a nephew served after G. W. Bamford's death for the remainder of the year. In 1869 G. W. Bamford was to receive $700.00 as salary, but there was a "deficit" of $175.00. 1871-73-Anthony Robinson: During his labours on the charge a class was formed at "wahat" is known as the Jackson School House about 4 1/2 miles northwest of Winfield. He was allowed $700.00 salary both years, but the first year he received $580, and the second year $620, a total of $1200 for the two years. 1873-Abner Orr: "Things moved harmoniously, no great revival spirit manifested. Six conversions at Crawfordsvile, and three at Jackson School. Used Congregational church during year. Started subscription for parsonage. Discouraged by some of wealthiest members. Advised their expulsion on grounds of covetousness. 'We never did believe that any such can enter into the kingdom of heaven. Amen.' 1874 Rev. N. Wells: It was said of Rev. Wells "He left no record of his ups and downs". 1875-Rev. R. Stephenson: "Rev. R. Stephenson was appointed in charge of the work, embracing Winfield, Prairie Chapel, Jackson School House, and Crawfordsville. At the second quarterly conference Winfield was made a half station, and Crawfordsville afterward supplied by Bro. M. Lee. After a long six weeks effort a parsonage was secured. One protracted meeting at Winfield resulted in 13 conversions but in consequence of so wet a season, was closed and no other held. A poor Official Board, and as a consequence it has been a hard year and poor pay. So I leave and return to my former home to resume my profession by which I can support myself and family, and preach a free gospel besides. The Lord bless and sustain the good brother who may succeed me in this charge. May my heavenly Father bless the few kind friends I leave behind whom I shall ever remember on earth, and trust to meet them in the heavenly land." 1876-Rev. J. G. Thompson: "A protracted meeting was held at Prairie Chapel in December 1876 that resulted in seventy-two conversions and fifty-eight accessions to the church. A meeting was held in January in Winfield and the good Lord was with us in great power. Thirty professed conversion and twenty-eight united with the church. An effort was made at Jackson School House in March that resulted in forty-four conversions and accessions to the church. The estimating committee allowed the pastor $700.00-received $560.00." 1877 Rev. J. G. Thompson: "Rev. J. G. Thompson was reappointed to the charge. The fall and winter was very unfavorable to hold protracted meetings. In consequence of the excessive rain and deep mud, and but little could be done as the mud was so bad. We commenced a meeting at the Chapel and we had every prospect of a glorious work, but at the greatest interest the roads became impassable and we were compelled to close the meeting. Several were converted and six united with the church. A short meeting was held in Winfield and the church was revived. No meeting was held at Jackson School House in consequence of the mud. Through nursing and care and the blessing of God, a large part of the converts have been received into the church. The finances of the church has been greatly embarrassed during the past and present season in consequence of the very great depression in money matters, and the three (almost four) wet seasons. There is a debt of some $700.00 on the parsonage, and an effort has, and is being made with good success so far, to liquidate the claim, but it is not yet completed. May the good Lord give us success. Pastor's allowance $700.00-receipt $521.40." 1878-Rev. J. G. Thompson: "Rev. J. G. Thompson was reappointed to the charge. A meeting was held at Jackson School House in December. The church was revived and five professed religion and united with the church. One was held at Prairie Chapel in January and the Lord heard prayer and graciously revived his work. And just as the work was commencing among sinners a snow storm intercepted us, drifting and filling the lanes, making them impassable, and we were compelled to close our meeting. Two were converted and united with the church, one an old man of 72 years of age, a brand plucked from the burning. A meeting was also held at Asbury Chapel but owing to some unfortunate matters existing in the church but little was done. The stormy weather also injured our meeting. Three persons united with the church. We held a meeting at Winfield, and protracted it for several weeks. But Satan mustered his forces and defeated us. But little was done. In consequence of the hard times and the embarrassed condition of our people it was thought best to postpone the effort commenced last year to pay off our parsonage debt till after harvest, and the effort has been renewed with good success." Some of the interesting "remarks" given after certain church members names in the record are as follows: "gone dead spiritual"; "Expelled"; ("Has ceased to attend church or affiliate in any way"; "Fell asleep in Jesus"; "Spiritual Drone Stingy, he ought to be turned out"; "Diseast"; "A lifelong loyal liberal joyous Methodist"; "Proselyted"; "A life long invalid but strong in the faith"; "Died fully ripe for heaven at the age of 82 years. Joined M. E. church at 14"; "Her life and faith indicate that she was ticketed through to glory"; "Bogus". One of the interesting "remarks" given refers to the father of one of our older members, Mrs. Maggie Van Vranken. Quoting from the old records we read this about Israel Ross-"Died Aug. 24, 1896, born 1815 in Ohio. Came to Iowa 1851. Three brothers are preachers, living in California. Was converted while a youth. A most excellent man. For a year and a half was sick. Had great faith and rejoiced at the thought of deliverance. Saved U. S. Grant from drowning. He worked for Gen. Grant's father." And from "Portrait and Biographical Album of Henry County, Iowa, 1888" we get the following additional information about Israel Ross: "He learned the tanner's trade from the father of Gen. Grant, and was the bosom friend of the lamented General and President. They frequently slept together, and on one occasion while bathing in a creek Israel saved the life of the future President who was younger than he, and had strangled and gone down in the water. After completing his trade Mr. Ross farmed for awhile; and then worked at journeyman's wages for Mr. Grant for some time." The Henry County History published in 1879 says of the Winfield Methodist Church: "The church has usually been in a prosperous condition spiritually and otherwise, and never more so than at the present when it has a membership of 200 with a live Sunday School from which to draw recruits from time to time." The First Parsonage The first parsonage is now occupied by one of our members in the block across from the school, in the northwest corner of the block. From the Conference minutes of 1896, we find the following notation about our present parsonage: "At Winfield Brother Hall and family moved out of the old into a commodious new parsonage in the middle of the year. The parsonage is worth $1500 and there is a debt of $600.00 to be secured." A few other notes from the Conference Minutes are: "In 1864 'Winfield' was listed for the first time. It was under the Crawfordsville circuit in 'Mt. Pleasant' district." On the Crawfordsville circuit Jefferson, Xenia, Spring Run, Benson's School House, Joy School House, and "Winfield" ($11.50) are mentioned as having raised a sum of money for missions. The minutes for 1865-1866 seem to be missing. In 1867 Winfield is listed alone and in the Burlington district. In 1868 Winfield had two churches and two Sunday Schools. The M. E. parsonage was listed as $400.00 value. The average attendance at Sunday School was 150 with 132 members. One minister is remembered by one of our present members as a "good man, an Easterner who was not used to riding and was afraid of his horse. Another recollection by the same present member recalls that once near the end of a conference year a member of the official board was speaking to the congregation. He said, "You always want the cream from among the conference ministers. And if you get it you must pay for it." When he was seated the pastor jumped to his feet and said, "Yes, and now it is time to pay up for the skim milk you have been having." On May 10, 1939, there was promulgated a unification of the three churches: the Methodist Episcopal Church; the Methodist Episcopal Church, South; and the Methodist Protestant Church. The unified church adopted the name of Methodist Church. So since that date our church has been the "Methodist Church" instead of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In checking over the oldest record book of our church, we find listed the names of three persons who are still members of our church. Those three persons who have belonged to our church longer than any others are Mrs. Maggie Ross Van Vranken, Mrs. Ella Huston Shearer and W. C. Huston. The records show that Maggie Ross was converted and put on probation December 17, 1876, then received into full membership of the church at Prairie Chapel on March 16, 1877; that W. C. Huston was converted and put on probation March 15, 1877, then received into full membership of the church at Jackson School House October 14, 1877; and that Eliza Ella Huston was converted and put on probation December 10, 1878 and received into full membership of the church at Jackson School House on August 24, 1879. The membership of our church is always changing with the passing of the years but it has never ceased growing. Today our Sunday School enrollment is 397, with an average attendance of 146. Our church roll contains the names of 460 active full members, 93 baptized members, and 72 non-resident members, and about 175 active persons affiliated with the church who are not members, thus making a constituency roll of approximately 800 people. |
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| Transcribed and contributed anonymously, April, 2023. | |