CHAPTER VI., Cont.

Churches

(4 pages total [17-20] - link for next page at bottom of each page)

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          The Christian Church was organized in 1900 in Dallas Center.  Services were held in the Woodman Hall before the church was completed in 1902 at 401 Percival.  During and following World War I, the group united with the Presbyterian Church.  This federation was from August 31, 1918 to June 18, 1922, at which time they returned to worship in their own church.  They continued until 1929, when the organization was dissolved.

          The Dunkard Brethren Church was organized in Dallas Center in 1928, following their withdrawal from the local Church of the Brethren.  There were 11 charter members with E. D. Fiscle as their elder.  For a few years they held their services in a remodeled house two blocks west of the schoolhouse.  In 1931, they purchased the former Christian Church at 401 Percival, their present location.  Present membership is 83.  Present ministers include  W. S. Reed, Orville Royer, Joseph Flora and Ray Reed.

          Quoting from the Dallas Center Times of December 16, 1920, describing conditions in Dallas Center 50 years ago:

          "It was no easy task to found the Methodist Church under the following conditions:  Game on the prairie and swamps was plentiful and many an early settler found pleasure and profit by using Sunday for a hunting day.  There were three saloons in town to help men carouse; there was a hard fight to get a start and pay for a farm; there was a chance for homesickness and a longing for association back home; there were poor facilities for travel, many having only teams and lumber wagons.  Yet our forefathers felt the need of the church and loyalty to it and Christian ideals led to the beginning of our church.  To them we owe a debt greater than we realize.  They laid the foundations on which have been built the ideals of both community and church life."

 


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