Ottumwa Church

 (1900 - )

The Gospel Messenger Dec. 15, 1900 page 802

Organization of Ottumwa Church, Iowa.

  At our District Meeting of 1899 the question of starting a city mission was considered for the first time by the Southern District of Iowa, and the unanimous voice was for the Mission Board to have a city mission carried on.  Ottumwa, a place of 17,000 inhabitants, centrally located and with good railroad facilities, was selected as the place to work.

  Bro. C. E. and Sister Lena Wolf were place in charge of this work March 1, 1900.  They began regulars preaching and Sunday school, besides making calls and distributing Brethren’s literature.  A good interest was manifested and the Mission Board saw proper to have them organized as a church. Nov. 22 at 1 P. M. was the time appointed for the same, when elders A. Wolf, H. Berkman and J. M. Follis, Bro. J. Wagner and the members of the Board met with them.  Bro. Wolf was chosen moderator and the writer secretary.

   This little band is composed of ten members- four brethren and six sisters – two of whom were baptized there and two reclaimed.  They are to be known as the Ottumwa church.  Eld. J. M. Follis was chosen as their shepherd; Sister Ellen Dale secretary, Sister Malinda Hardsog  treasurer. Bro. Jake Dale was elected deacon, being installed with due solemnity.  Sister Dale being from home is to be received in office in the near future.  Good admonitions and comforting words were given by a number of those present.  It is the intention to erect a house of worship in the spring.

  Minister and mission workers passing through call on C. E. Wolf, 316 S. Moore St., South Ottumwa, Iowa, and encourage the work.  And especially our District should hold and support the work in such a way that it may prosper and many souls be saved.  S. F. Brower,  South English,  Iowa