Willow Creek Church

( 1883 -  )

The Gospel Messenger Oct. 9, 1883 page 238

The Church in Dakota

 No doubt many are waiting anxiously to hear the results of the organization of the first church of the brethren in Dakota, of their Love-feast, their prospects, etc. As previously announced in the Messenger, there was a meeting of the members in this part of the Territory, at the house of Bro. Wm. Horning, in Brown county, Saturday, September 29th. The object of this meeting was to effect an organization, in which we were assisted by Bro. Jacob Murray, of Waterloo, Ia. He is a missionary for North-western Iowa, Minnesota, and the North-west generally.

  After devotional exercise, Bro. Horning stated the object of the meeting. Bro. Murray said we must first determine whether there is a willingness on the part of all present to to into organization at this time. It was unanimously desired by all that we proceed to organize. Bro. Murray was elected to Moderator and the writer hereof, Secretary of the meeting. Moderator said it would be in order that letters be received from those bearing letters from the congregation to which they belonged before coming here. – There were only six present who had letter to hand in to-day, and about as many more said they would get letters soon. Two members residing in the county were not present. Bro. Samuel Horning was chosen to act as clerk of the congregation, and to take care of the church records. Bro. Murray was called to the oversight of the church here, for the present.

  Bro. Murray now proceeded to give us very wholesome advice, and to give us encouragement to let our lights shine, as the banner of Emmanuel was now erected on the far-off prairies of Dakota. His words were warmly received and appreciated by all present, there being quite a number not members. Bro. then followed, speaking of our small beginning, but said if we continued faithful we could have a successful ending, and not only that, but have appiness all the time while working for Jesus.