Maple Grove Church

 (1877-80)  

The Brethren At Work  Jan. 22, 1877 page 4  Vol. II No. 4

From E. K. Beechly. – Bro. Jacob A. Murray and myself paid a visit Dec. 1st, 1876, to a little flock or band of brethren sisters in Cherokee County, Iowa, 166 miles west of this place. They emigrated to Cherokee county from Northern Illinois: - names Keelin Leonard and wife, John Early and wife, two sons of Leonard and companions, Devore and wife. Organized a church named Maple Valley church.  Bro. Early is a minister in the second degree, the elder Leonard is a deacon; his son E. Leonard was set apart and installed into the deacon office whilst we were there.  We had meeting with them, had good attention to preaching.  Some more are almost to preaching. Some more are almost persuaded to become Christians; may God grant them grace, that they may soon choose that good part with a Mary of old.  The members in Maple Valley church are, we think, a zealous little band of brethren and sisters. May God prosper them, and add unto them members, such as shall be saved.  Waterloo, Iowa, Jan. 10, 1877.