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BRIEF HISTORY OF THE GALVA METHODIST CHURCH
- written in August 1950
Source: Galva Methodist Church Messenger, 1950. "Prepared for the 50th Anniversary of the Church Building"
(Transcribed and submitted by a kind Volunteer)
Organization & Charter Members:
The First Methodist Class of Galva was organized early in 1881, by Reverend John W. Southwell, when Galva was just a new town. That summer, Reverend J. W. Lind was sent to become its first pastor. The Reverend J. B. Trimble was first resident pastor 1887-1890. The records at Ida Grove show that the lots for the first Methodist Church were purchased April 21, 1885 for the sum of $150.
The following were charter members 1887:
W. A. Crowley, Mrs. E. Crowley, Mary E. (nee Cree) Crowley, Nora Cree, John Christopher, Mary Christopher, Mrs. G. A. Cook, Charles A. Davis, Mrs. S. E. Davis, Mrs. O. E. Baxter, M. A. Gummow, C. J. Hannant, H. J. Kleeberger, M. Kleeberger, C. J. Hinkley, J. M. Lank, Mrs. M. Mettler, Lee McCleary, Mrs. O. E. McCleary, Ida McCleary, Alex Mill, Mrs. Rose Mill, J. R. Mill, J. H. Mill, B. M. Miller, Mrs. M. A. Miller, R. C. Newland, Catherine J. Newland, John Newland, Miss C. Newland, D. W. Riner, Mrs. L. Riner, Minnie Riner, Wally Riner, Mrs. L. M. Rowe, Joseph Sprouse, Hattie Sprouse, J. H. Smith.
Pastors & Church Growth:
People and pastors alike, worked for the growth of the church and the kingdom through the years. The pastors serving the charge were:
J. W. Lind 1881
J. W. Southwell 1881-1884
Samuel Snyder 1884-1885 (the first church)
James Hughes 1885-1886
J. W. Forsythe 1886-1887
J. B. Trimble 1887-1890 (Woman's Home Missionary Society organized May 12, 1889 with Mrs. Trimble as president. Epworth League was also organized.)
John Hamerson 1890-1892
L. H. Woodworth 1892 August and September
Hugh Hay 1892-1894
E. M. Glasgow 1894-1895
Thomas Carson 1895-1898
F. S. Jory 1898-1905
It was during Reverend Jory's pastorate, through his inspiring sermons and untiring efforts, that adults and young people were aroused to the need of a greater and better work for the kingdom. Many were admitted to the church membership and the new Methodist Church, was built. The lots for this church were purchased July 11, 1900 at a cost of $175. Later 20 feet more were purchased at a cost of $50 in order to have room for the present parsonage.
This church was a far cry from the first place the Methodist Class worshipped, in a room above a pool hall. But as a "little leaven leaveneth the whole lump" so the small number of zealous Christians inspired others. [In 1950 there was a membership of 271.
The large stained glass window on the east was donated by the Cree family, on the north by the Crowley family, the west window by the Woman's Home Missionary Society, and on the north of the choir loft by Reverend F. S. Jory. The remaining north window was dedicated to Miss Lydia Trimble who went as a missionary from Galva to Foochow, China, December 18, 1889. One window in the south room was donated by the Junior League and the rest by the Epworth League.
The donor of the first organ was Mr. Samuel Eldridge and the organ in the League room was given by W. A. Colby.
Through Reverend Jory's efforts, a thriving, growing Epworth League met every Sunday evening for an hour of interesting study and worship. There was also a live Junior League under Mrs. Jory's leadership, with several young people assisting.
New Church Dedicated in 1900:
Reverend J. B. Trimble, with the help of Dr. Spencer of Philadelphia dedicated this church, September 2, 1900. We who had a part in that service were inspired to give of our talents, time and offerings to the furthering of the kingdom here in Galva.
C. A. Kent 1905-1907
P. C. Money 1907-1908
Norman McKay 1908-1910
C. A. Anderson 1910-1912
G. W. Ladd 1912-1913
H. C. Riley 1913-1915 (Ladies' Aid Organized; Mrs. Riley president)
J. R. Tumbleson 1915-1918
Under Reverend Tumbleson's pastorate, funds were raised and a new basement was dug and finished with kitchen, dining room and parlor which were also used for class rooms. All of our socials had been held in the larger homes; now we had a central place for our church activities.
B. M. Watson 1918-1922
W. S. Handy 1922-1923
Mark Masters 1923-1926
L. G. Gartner 1926-1928
M. B. Phillips 1928-1932 (Under this pastorate we celebrated our 30th anniversary, September 4, 1930 with dinner in the park. Reverend Ben Riner, a former Galva boy, preached at 11:00 A. M. Greetings from former pastors and pastors' wives were read at the afternoon service.)
A. F. Schuldt 1932-1936
In 1932, the R. J. Collins Estate bequeathed $2000 to the church. This donation was used for needed repairs and for redecorating the church and basement. September 1, 1935, we celebrated our 35th building anniversary with Dr. Earl A. Roadman, president of Morningside College, preaching at the morning service.
Then came G. W. Eggleston from 1936-1940. During his pastorate a service was held honoring Mrs. J. M. Lank who had been organist of the church for fifty years. A song "Fifty Golden Years of Service" was dedicated to Mrs. Lank and sung by the Galva Methodist ever-efficient choir. Mrs. Lank was presented a purse of money in recognition of her service.
The Women's Society of Christian Service and a Youth Fellowship were organized in September 1940.
Next came O. E. Schaal 1940-1944. Mrs. Schaal graciously consented to become organist after Mrs. Lank's resignation. This, Mrs. Schaal did very faithfully and efficiently. The ministers following Reverend Schaal were:
Murphy Duncan 1944-January 1946
H. V. Bartz to September 1946
G. E. Scheider 1946-1950 June
At the service December 1, 1946, Harold Elk, in behalf of his brother and sisters presented to the church a new Hammond Organ, in memory of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. M. M. Elk. Mr. H. M. Walters, as chairman of the board of trustees, accepted in behalf of the church. Reverend A. F. Schuldt gave the address, Reverend George Scheider reading the dedicatory service. The choir robes were dedicated at the afternoon service. The musical part of this service was beautifully rendered by a large choir attired in their new robes. under the direction of Mr. A. W. Corderman. In the fall of 1948 the church and parsonage were painted by volunteer workers. During the winter of '48 and '49, the church was redecorated in Nu-wood. New carpet was laid on the rostrum and in the aisles, and a new curtain for the choir rail was presented. Woodwork and furniture were cleaned and varnished. Much of the labor was voluntary, some spending much of their time that winter in that way. A dedication service was held January 16, 1949 with Dr. Frank G. Bean, District Superintendent, as speaker.
During the winter of 1949-50, new glazed tile walls were laid in the basement, the kitchen remodeled, ceiling lowered with Nu-wood and recessed lighting installed and two rest rooms added. Two sinks were placed in the work table, a water heater and gas stove were purchased and new cabinets built. Again much labor, especially on the part of a few being there most of the time, was donated. The people were very willing to donate also when solicited for subscriptions.
The Women's Society of Christian Service held a kitchen shower in May 1950, at which time many useful gifts were presented.
Donations at various times were as follows: a suspended, lighted cross by Mr. and Mrs. Carl I. Anderson; an outside, neon-lighted bulletin board by Mr. and Mrs. John A. Anderson in memory of their son Clifford; a Sunday School bulletin board by Mr. and Mrs. H. M. Walters; and a baptismal bowl by Mr. and Mrs. France Wanberg.
Many and faithful are those whose names we have not space to mention who have served on church or Sunday School board, in the choir. in the Sunday School Women's Home Missionary Society, Youth Fellowship, or Women's Society of Christian Service.
MEMBERSHIP ROLL, 1950
(A)
Alton, Mrs. Marjorie; Anderson, Mrs. Carl A.; Anderson, Mrs. Carl I.; Anderson, Carl I.; Anderson, Freda; Anderson, John A.; Anderson, Anna J.
(B)
Babcock, Guy V.; Babcock, Mrs. Guy V.; Babcock, Vera Jean; Babcock, Lloyd E.;
Babcock, Eugene E.; Babcock, Howard; Baker, Mrs. Ina; Baker, Mrs. Minnie; Bashaw, Esther Walters; Baumgardner, I. E.; Baumgardner, Mrs. I. E.; Biesemeyer, Mrs. Roy A.; Biesemeyer, Roy Allen; Biesemeyer, David P.; Boettger, E. A.; Boettger, Mrs. E. A.; Boettger, Evelyn; Boettger, Harriet; Boettger, Phyliss; Bongiovanni, Mrs. Ardys; Boock, Mrs. Wayne; Brandt, Rex; Brandt, Mrs. Rex; Brown, Audrey Young; Brown, Leo; Brown, Mrs. Leo; Brown, Marquis L.; Bruns, Clarence; Bruns, Leo; Bruns, Opal M.; Bruns, Duane; Bruns, Mrs. Duane; Bruns, John; Bruns, Mrs. John; Bumann, Mrs. Norbert; Bundick, Mrs. Dorothy
(C)
Calvert, W. A.; Calvert, Mabel B.; Calvert, Walter; Calvert, Malissa; Campbell, Mary S.; Challman, Chester Sr.; Challman, Mrs. Doris; Challman, Chester Jr.; Challman, Harold E.; Clapsaddle, Mrs. Leon; Clapsaddle, Leon; Clapsaddle, Mrs. Fred; Clapsaddle, Fred; Clapsaddle, Harold; Clapsaddle, Mrs. Fern; Clapsaddle, Cora; Clemens, W. Ray; Clemens, Mrs. Dora; Clemens, John R.; Cloud, Mrs. George; Cloud, Mrs. Lyle; Cloud, Lyle; Compton, Robert; Compton, Mrs. Robert; Conklin, Mrs. Roberta
(D)
Drury, Grover; Drury, Mrs. Grover; Drury, Eldridge
(E)
Eng, Clarence; Eng, Mrs. Clarence; Eng, Donna J.; Eng, Bernard; Eng, Gloria; Elk, Harold
(F)
Fair, William A.; Foard, Steve; Foard, Mrs. Steve; Foley, Mrs. John; Frank, Herbert; Frank, Richard; Frank, Helen; Francis, Mrs. Genevieve; Freyer, Mrs. Florence; Freyer, Mrs. Herman; Frank, Mrs. Herbert; Frank, Joseph Freyer
(G)
Geertsema, Mrs. John; Gillette, Gwendolyn; Herman Graybill, Delores Graybill, Darlene; Graybill, Louella; Gummow, Lawrence; Gummow, Mrs. Lawrence; Gummow, Mrs. W. R.; Gustafson, Mrs. Wanda
(H)
Hamann, Donald; Hamann, Mrs. Donald; Hamann, Wallace; Harrison, Pearle E.; Harrison, Avery R.; Haworth, John A.; Haworth, Mrs. John A.; Haworth, Burdette; Hoops, Clarence C.; Hoops, Mrs. Clarence; Hoops, Dr. William; Hoops, Edna; Hoops, William; Howe, Shirley Konrady
(J)
Jacobson, Darold; Jacobson, Fred; Jacobson, Mrs. Fred; Jacques, Mrs. Lillis; Jensen, Mrs. Dora; Johns, Mrs. Annetta; Johnson, Carl; Johnson, Mrs. Carl; Johnson, Mrs. Nellie
(K)
Kapaska, Merrill; Kelsey, John W.; Kessler, Hubert; Kessler, Mrs. Hubert; Kessler, Mrs. Lewis; Kessler, Lewis; Kessler, Wayne; Kitchen, Henry C.; Kitchen, Mrs. H. C.; Kitchen, Pearl M.; Kitchen, John; Kleespie, Hazel Nelson; Konrady, Mrs. May; Konrady, LeRoy; Kopp, Mrs. William; Kyle, Irma Naslund
(L)
Lady, R. V.; Lady, Mrs. R. V.; Lamm, Lloyd; Lamm, Mrs. Lloyd; Lamm, Barbara; Lester, Ruth; Lester, Wendell; Larson, Jeppe; Larson, Mrs. Jeppe; Larson, Joan; Larson, Lyle; Larson, Darwin; Larson, Justus; Larson, Mrs. Justus; Larson, Oscar B.; Larson, Mrs. Oscar B.; Lingren, Ada; Linquist, Mrs. Ruth; Lundberg, Mrs. Kenneth
(M)
Mantz, Guy; Mantz, Mrs. Guy; McCartney, Mrs. J. H.; McCleary, Lyle; McCleary, Mrs. Lyle; McCleary, Philip; McCleary, Mrs. Philip; McCleary, Glen; Mc Kinnis, Mrs. Marjorie; Meyer, Raymond; Meyer, Mrs. Raymond; Meyer, Robert R.; Misildine, George; Misildine, Mrs. George; Moller, Mrs. Berger; Malloy, Mrs. Georgia; Morris, A. S.; Morris, Mrs. A. S.; Mostoller, Ilo G.; Mostoller, Mrs. Ilo
(N)
Naslund, Clarence; Naslund, Mrs. Clarence; Naslund, Earl L.; Naslund, Clarence Jr.; Nelson, Henry; Nelson, Mrs. Henry; Nelson, Carrol; Nelson, Raymond; Nelson, Marjorie; Nelson, Burnell
(P)
Penrod, John; Penrod, Mrs. John; Penrod, John W.; Peterson, T. N.; Peterson, Mrs. T. N.; Peterson, T. L.; Peterson, Mrs. Lovice; Peterson, Mrs. Andrew; Peterson, Andrew; Ploeger, Ivan; Ploeger, Mrs. Ivan; Pender, Mrs. Grace; Pender, Dwayne; Pender, Mrs. Dwayne
(R)
Rabe, Mrs. Grace Foard; Reimers, Mrs. Fern
(S)
Scheider, Mrs. G. E.; Schmidt, George; Schmidt, Mrs. George; Schmidt, Dorothy; Schmidt, George F. Jr.; Schmidt, Ed; Schmidt, Mrs. Ed; Schmidt, Neil; Schmidt, Van; Schrader, Elmer; Schrader, Mrs. Elmer; Schrantz, Mrs. Ethel; Sears, Albert; Sears, Mrs. Albert; Sears, Paul; Sears, Jean; Sears, Daila; Skipstedt, Mrs. Orlean; Sims, Rutherford; Sorenson, Daisy; Sorenson, Jackie; Sorenson, Raymond; Sorenson, Mrs. Raymond; Sorenson, Donna; Speakman, Ralph E.; Speakman, Mrs. Ralph E.; Sprouse, Mary; Spurgeon, Joyce; Streed, John; Streed, Mrs. John; Stewart, Mrs. Merle
(T)
Todd, Mabel; Todd, Earl Jr.; Todd, Leon
(V)
Voge, Walter E.; Voge, Mrs. Walter; E. Voge, William W.
(W)
Walters, Harry M.; Walters, Mrs. Harry M.; Wanberg, Clifford; Wanberg, Elmer; Wanberg, Mrs. Elmer; Wanberg, Kenneth; Wanberg, France; Wanberg, Mrs. France; Wanberg, Jonas; Wanberg, Mrs. Jennie; Wanberg, Ernest V.; Wanberg, Ellen; Whalen, Eddie; Whalen, Mrs. Eddie; Whalen, LeRoy; Whalen, Ruth Maxine; Whalen, Bonnie; Whalen, Joan; Whalen, Kenneth; Whalen, Mrs. Kenneth; Whealen, Mrs. Beryl; White, Elaine Penrod; Whitmer, Mrs. Lillian; Whitmer, Hazel
(Y)
Young, Robert; Young, Mrs. Robert; Young, James M.; Young, William J.; Young, Mrs. William; J. Young, Herbert; Young, Edward
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