Walnut Valley Church

 (1887 - ?)

The Gospel Messenger March 1, 1887 page 139

Another Church Organized in Kansas.
    On Tuesday, Feb. 1st, 1887, the brethren and sisters of Barton County, Kan., assembled at school-houses- No. 93, and, with the assistance of brethren M. M. Eshelman, John Hollinger and Abram Shepler, were organized into a church to be known as the "Walnut Valley Church."  This name was adopted because the brethren here are located in a beautiful valley, traversed by two streams, called the Dry and Wet Walnut.  The valley is also traversed by the Colorado and Walnut Valley R. R.
    The east boundary line is the line between Barton, Rice and Ellsworth counties; the south is the Arkansas River; west, the line between Kansas and Colorado; and to the north the south line of the north tier of Townships of Barton County and extending due west to Colorado.  By referring to the map you will see that this boundary encloses a large territory, and includes nearly all of Greely, Wichita, Scott, Lane, Ness, Rush, Barton, Pawnee, Hodgman, and a large portion of Edwards, Ford, Finney and Hamilton counties; a territory that needs one hundred more good, zealous ministers to teach and to preach the gospel of the Kingdom.  There are brethren in nearly (if not all) the above-named counties; but they have few ministers and few meetings.
    There are a number of brethren in Scott County and it is hoped an organization can soon be effected there.  Organizations in Rush, Lane and Ness counties could soon be formed if the proper assistance could be given them.  The great need of Western Kansas is more good, zealous ministers, and the greatest need is a number of good faithful elders to oversee and take charge of the work.
    Ye ministers and elders of the eastern States, how long are you going to stay where you are not needed?  How long are you yet going to be deaf to the Savior's "Go ye" in the gospel, and the Brethren's "Come ye" to the West?  The Walnut Valley Church has a membership of about eighty; thirty of which live in the south-west part of Barton County, and the others are scattered in the counties above named.  Our ministry being unable to fill the many calls for preaching, it was decided to call another brother to the ministry.  The lot fell upon Bro. Michael Keller.  After being properly encouraged and fully instructed, Bro. Keller was installed into his office.  He earnestly desires the fervent prayers of the righteous in his behalf, that, by the grace of God, he may be a faithful minister of the word.  The writer was advanced to the second degree of the ministry; and, dear brethren, he keenly feels the sense of responsibilities now placed upon him, and earnestly desires your prayers, your advice, your encouragement and your reproofs, that he may ever be found in the path of duty.
    Our much esteemed elder (Bro. George Elliot) is growing quite infirm and much desires that some worthy elder might come to his assistance.  A clerk, treasurer, trustee, and missionary solicitors, were also elected.  Our prayer is that the Walnut Valley Church may ever by destitute of the "lawless and disobedient."
    The brethren while with us gave us a number of good sermons, and we trust they will come to our assistance often.  Brethren traveling are requested to stop with us.
    Correspondence answered and information cheerfully given.  Enclose stamps.
L. Allenbaugh  Great Bend, Kansas.