Bijou Hills Church

The Gospel Messenger Jan. 19, 1886 page 42

 From Bijou Hills Church, Brule Co., Dak. T’y.

  We, the brethren and sister of Brule Co., Southern Dakota, met at the Klingerman school-house, three miles south of the town of Kimball, Dec. 12, 1885, for the purpose of trying to effect a church organization.  It being the coldest morning we have had here this winter, not as many were present as there would have been, as the majority that were present, had nearly twenty miles to go.  Despite the cold, there were a goodly number present.  The meeting was opened by singing hymn No. 253; exhortation and prayer by the writer; reading seventieth chapter of St. John, and appropriate remarks by Eld. J. A. Murray.  The writer was chosen secretary. The object of the meeting being plainly stated by Bro. Murray, the unanimous voice of those present was to prefect an organization that we might better advance the cause of Christ here upon the frontier.  There were quite a number of the Progressive Brethren present, who were very kind to all of us.  The Organization was finally completed with sixteen members present, with a good, confidential feeling for the cause here. One dear sister, lately identified with the Progressive Brethren, came

 back and united with us, which made this little band rejoice. Hope other may do likewise.  Bro. Jacob A. Murray, the senior elder, by request of writer, has the oversight of the church. His address is Kimball, Brule Co., Dak. There are other members residing in this country, who were not present.  The exact number is not definitely known at present. Bro. Murray has regular meetings near Kimball every two weeks, while we, at Bijou Hills, have regular meetings every Sabbath.  By ballot the name of Bijou Hills was selected for our local church, that by this name we may be identified among the many church organizations of our blessed Brotherhood.

  In the future I may give a pen description of the noted Bijou Hills.  The local organization was completed by electing Bro. Wm. Lightly clerk, and Bro. Charles Baltman treasurer.  We decided to have quarterly church meeting, beginning the first Saturday in May, 1886, at school-house No. 5, near the Hills.

  There are two ministers belonging to this church, and one deacon, with a good, working membership, and by the help of God we hope to do a little good in defense of the cause of Christ.  Four accessions to the church already, three by baptism and one reclaimed. We need ministerial help, and would be thankful to minister desiring a good home, to come see our country before locating elsewhere.

  Brethren and sister, do remember us in your prayers that the little vine planted here may grow and bear much fruit, to the glory and honor of our Heavenly Father.  Weather very fine; mercury has not been down to zero, as indicated by the thermometer, this winter, here at the hills. God bless the Brotherhood. Pray for us.  Wm. G. Cook.             Dec. 20, 1885