The continued journal of Rev. Claude Warren, pastor in Land O’Lakes Wisconsin, and his growing family.
Sunday Night Feb. 13th, 1927
At Carlson’s
Sermon today “The Religion of Abraham Lincoln” about 40 were present. In spite of deep snow and sub-zero weather attendance at church and Sunday school has kept up remarkably well.
A week ago the adult Bible class put on a home-talent play “Poor Father” which was well received. They gave it two nights and cleared about $30.00.
Have now been in charge of this pastorate since Oct. 1. The Ferry’s left the middle of Sept. and the Ely’s in October. We were hoping the Ely’s might stay longer but they were called to Pennsylvania on account of the illness of the doctor’s sister.
Mary and I drove down every week-end and stayed at the Ely cabin. Occasionally we would bring the children and once mother came when I baptized fifteen children the first Sunday in October. The Winnetka church school presented us with a silver baptismal bowl. Am so glad that Dr. and Mrs Ely could be here that day.
How we did enjoy honeymooning at their cabin those beautiful autumn days! The last of November I began coming by train and have not used the car since. So far have missed but one Sunday and that was when the children were in the worst stage of whooping cough.
Mrs. Fayerweather and Ethel St. Clair got up a fine Christmas program for Sunday, Dec. 26. The ladies of the Winnetka church furnished 75 pounds of candy. I greatly enjoyed seeing Robert Ely and Bob and Ned Hill who spent a week here at Christmas time. Also young Hamilton, Robert’s pal. Robert and I spent a night at Loni Thomos that week. I went to Stangs camp for two visits, once with Carlson and once with Harvey Cooper. Also visited the Ackley Phelps camp. Met Mr. Klobundi. Hope to make arrangements to speak at some of these camps this winter. So far I have been so busy making contacts with those families who are identified with the Sunday school that I have not been able to do much outside work.
The following homes have entertained me. Fayerweather, Byran St. Clair, Carlson, Edgar Flodeen, Caskey, Henderson Thomas, Severson,Chart, Ben Benson, Handlos and Wilde. Have been at St. Clairs and Carlsons oftner than any other places. Am making worth while contacts with Wildi, Handlos, Henderson, Thomas and others.
Have conducted two funeral services – the Paul Mayo baby and Mrs. Wm. Matson.
Ethel St. Clair is now serving as organist for both Sunday school and church. A valuable helper!
On Jan. 30 when the thermometer read 30 degrees below zero we had 32 out for church.
Have enjoyed reading lately Rupert Highes “Geo. Washington” He strips off the false legends and gives us the real man. Gave a talk before the Rotary Club Feb. 9 on this subject Got quite a come back from the men. All except Father Ruth and one or two others.
I am giving a series of talks on “Psychology of Nursing” at the Ashland General Hospital Nurses Training School. Of course the good wife dictates the lecturer and I deliver them! A course on how to handle children and sick people by proper mental suggestion.
Stayed at Jeff Henderson’s on Lake Vieux Desert. An interesting family, wife and two boys. Jeff used to run the general store at Land O’Lakes but he got T.B. and had to get out doors. So he bought a cottage on the lake and rented camp sites to tourists at the source of the Wisconsin. Prospered and put up two more cottages (cabins they are called). Jeff sells row boats and Chevrolet cars. This keeps him out in the open and his health is now been restored completely. The first year his brave little wife sawed wood and did most of this hard work.. Jeff has a job with the power company operating the dams on the Wisconsin River. He reports each week as to the height of the water.
Arnold Severson caretaker for the Porter resort is an interesting young chap. He came up from near Marshfield last March to hunt and trap. In six weeks got 1 wolf $30.00 30.00
11 mink 14.00 154.00
60 muskrats 1.50 90.00
$274.00
Then he hired out to Mr. Porter and has been here since as caretaker. Likes the country. Has had only 8th grade education. Never reads any books or papers except his home paper, altho in the long winter evenings he has abundant opportunity .
But he has many good qualities. Mr. Porter trusts him to house and feed a number of deer hunters in the fall who stay at the resort. If Porter cannot be there he places the entire responsibility upon Arnold.
Married Edith Caskey last fall. They both work for Porter. She also has only an 8th grade education altho her two sisters are now attending the High School at Phelps. What a pity this High School was not opened sooner so that the older sisters could have attended! What a different outlook for her whole life!
Arnold came north to hunt and trap. He found a job and a wife. He loves both and has the making of a sturdy type of citizenship.
The Caskeys are quite an ambitious family. Came here 36 years ago to hunt and trap but now run a summer resort. Have five beautiful cabins with electric lights and nice equipment for light house keeping. So he now makes his money in the summer instead of the winter. He used to long for a long winter with deep snow to trap wolves and mink. Now he longs for a hot summer and a long season for tourists.
A big family, six boys and four girls. Mrs. Caskey has brought them up well. They are at church almost every time. One Sunday when it was 30o below zero there were 32 at church and the Caskey Ford car brought its usual delegation. Freda the next oldest girl teaches in the Sunday school. A splendid girl. She drives the Ford to Phelps on week days and to the Donaldson school on Sunday and rarely misses a day at High School or Sunday School.
Lorie Thomas is a quarter Indian, his wife white. They have lived for fifty years on Lac Vieux Desert. Has built up a wonderful resort business. Sold out two years ago and then opened up again. They have a beautiful home with every convenience. Until this winter they used to go to Chicago. This winter on account of the roads being kept open they have been able to go when and where they please. He drives a Lincoln coupe.
Feb. 13 – Preached on the Religion of Lincoln. 45 present. Stayed at St.Clairs and Carlsons. Called on Henry Sparks, a young man about 30 years old who is a helpless invalid. Lives with his parents. Never can be any better. I call to see him quite often and he is always glad to see me. Cannot talk. Only grunts with pleasure. Likes to have me read and pray with him.
Feb. 20 –Preached on the Home life and Religion of Washington. 45 present. Stayed at Caskeys and St. Clairs.
In the afternoon John Gudegast took me out to Camp 1 of Phelps Lb. Co. a few miles north of Land O’Lakes.Keitly and Fayerweather went along to help sing. We had supper at five o’clock and had the meeting in the cook shanty at seven. Of the 57 men in the camp about 40 came to the meeting. I gave my usual talk on the Sermon on the Mount. The cook, Mr. Spring, was well pleased and asked us to come again. Mr. Klabundi, the boss was sick and could not be present. He lives at Phelps. The cook asked for additional copies of gospel of Matthew (we gave out 40). He said his wife had reminded him the week before to read the Bible regularly. Some good is done in this method of seed sowing. The men gave good attention. Mr Oler, whose little daughter is in our Sunday school, works at this camp and helped to make up an impromptu quartet.
Keitbly the school teacher said it was his first visit to a lumber camp.
I was glad to have John Gudegast drive us over. He and his brothers run a local garage. John is taking a correspondence course this winter. He comes to church almost every Sunday. Reads books on psychology and is well posted. At one time was rather wild but is now settling a good example for other young men. I hope to keep up my contacts with the men in the camps. Have made a good start. We shall eventually build a church out of virgin timber, both literally and spiritually. I have renounced the world, the flesh and the denominations. I hope to set up an altar in the wilderness where all who believe in the goodness of God may worship. Having forsaken the world I am going into the wilderness to get a vision of God and a message for humanity. I would come to grips with me in the camps where the gospel is seldom preached, men who are battling with elemental passions. men who are lonely and friendless who are hungry for companionship, men who have lost out in the battles of life and welcome a chance for a fresh start. So far my message has been well received. As time goes on I hope and pray that I may present the claims of Christ is such earnestness and power that men will voluntarily seek him who is the Way, The Truth and the Life. I consider this home missionary task now before me as the greatest opportunity I have ever had. No minister could ask for a greater challenge. Rural and Industrial America must be made Christian. We must carry the gospel to the man with the woolen shirts as well as to the so called white collared class.
Feb. 25 – Officiated at the Golden Wedding of Mr.& Mrs. J.C. Utman. A wonderful privilege to be present at such a happy occasion!
Feb. 24 – Ordination service of Rev.Booth at Mellon. I gave the charge to the pastor. Earl Munger and I represented the Ashland church.
Feb. 27 – Preached on “The Life and religion of Benjamin Franklin” 45 present.
The Out Door Club held a meeting in the evening. Geo. St. Clair was re-elected president. About 70 were present. Called on Henry Sparks.
Sunday March 6 – Preached on “Talents” 68 present. The lasgest attendance we have had this winter.
Stayed at Loni Thomas Saturday night and at John Handlos Sunday night.
Monthly meeting of Sunday School teachers and officers at St. Clairs. Rev. Stebbeds met with us. A good meeting. Financial affairs in good conditions. We have begun to use “The Devotional Life” by Treedy, as part of the Pilgrim Teachers Training Course. A committee was appointed to arrange for an Easter program..
In the afternoon Harry Wilde and I walked across Black Oak Lake to Lowenstiem and Woodhalts places. Met John Carli, the old trapper and caretaker.
Sunday, March 13 – Sermon “Salt of the Earth and Light of the World” 53 present.
Saturday night – my first wedding at Land O’Lakes, Genial Hallett and Hattie Handlos at the home of Joe Handlos. Joe drove me to Geo. Fishers after the wedding. They have a beautiful home on Lake Mamie 11 miles west of town. Runs a fox farm, 40 acres,. Does quite a profitable business. They have two beautiful tame deer a year old, Laddie and Lucy. Eat right out of your hands. Wonderful pets! Mr. Fisher was a lawyer in Chicago, entered the air service in the world war and had command of a fleet of 18 planes. Wounded in the hip and came home a cripple. Had to us a crutch. Came to northern Wisconsin for his health, married the daughter of Mr. Bent, who was one of the earliest settlers in these parts and now owns the biggest summer resort. They built an ideal home with every possible convenience. He is also a representative of the Dept. of Agriculture and bands birds which light there. They stop there one week on their way south and a short time later the same birds may be reported in South America.
The Fishers are great deer and bird lovers. They have invited the whole Warren family to spend the week-end with them as soon as possible. They have only two bathrooms and four or five bed rooms. We accepted the invitation.
In the afternoon visited the Stang lumber camp. This is my third visit to this camp, just to get acquainted. Hope to speak there later. Met Mr. Hook the time keeper, also Mrs. Hook
Sunday March 20 – Sermon “Overcoming Evil”.
In the evening the Out Door Club conducted a debate- on the relative merits of the horse and cow, three on each side.
Uncle Wash Bates, Ed Preston and Mrs. Schuck upheld the horse while Mr. Keithley, Ethel St. Clair and Mrs. Conradson defended the cow. The cow won.
An old fashioned spelling bee followed. Refreshments. About 100 were present.
March 26 – Betty goes to Ashland General Hospital to have her appendix out. She had been complaining for two or three days but no one had any idea as to the real cause. I remained at home over the week-end so Mary could spend a good deal of time with Betty at the hospital. Betty was a dear. She took the ordeal bravely and is very cheerful and patient. We expect her home Tuesday.
Grandma came home Mar. 31st after a nineteen weeks visit in Walworth and Gulfport, Mississippi. She enjoyed her winter very much
Sunday April 3 – Sermon “Turn the Other Cheek”. About 40 present. Stayed at Carlsons, called on Mr. F.P.Brewster and Henry Sparks, Mr. Brewster had a stroke last Thursday and is very low. Heart trouble. His two daughters from Milwaukee are here and a son from Missouri has been sent for.
Palm Sunday – Apr. 10 – Sermon “The Deepest Cry of the Human Heart” “Lord, remember me”!
Stayed at George Fishers. Called on Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Bent. Mr. and Mrs. Edw. Amham and dauaghter. Met Paul Flynn caretaker for Mr. Bent.
Thursday –Apr. 14th – Mary and I left for Chicago at 6:55. Arrived 9:45 Friday morning. We went to J.C.Daagons first thing to look at their slectric Una-Fan with a view to using one for street meetings and lumber camps. Also considered purchase of a xylophone.
Looked at rugs at Olson Rug Co.. Stopped at West Side YMCA. Met Clyde Williams the executive secretary. I met him in Oskoloosa, Iowa, in the YMCA twenty years ago. He and Harry Schmidt came to Marshalltown for an athletic exhibit.
At six o’clock we arrived at Austin to stay over night with Ralph and Nell. Glad to learn that Ralph is doing well as tool maker. Makes auto door locks. Jessie is filing clerk in the main office of the Portland cement Co. Likes her work and we are very proud of her. She is a splendid girl. I had not seen Ralph since Father’s funeral, seven years ago.
Saturday morning we shopped at Marshal Fields, met Jessie at 1:30, took her to lunch and then went to see “Old Ironsides” a great picture at the Auditorium. Said goodbye to Jessie and started for the South side. Stayed that night with Garfield Cox and Jean and officially welcomed the new baby. Garfield is making good as instructor in department of Economics at the University. Is co-author of a book on “Forecasting Business.”
Easter morning called on Lillian Eubank Morgan in her new home and went with her to hear Dr. Chas. W. Gilkey. His sermon “Transforming and Transcending the World” was most inspiring. He contrasted the Occident with the Orient, maintaining that each could profit by learning the secret of the others life. The sermon was replete with illustrations on how to rise above defeat and crushing experiences. The power of the risen life lies not in presenting arguments of the empty tomb but in daily practicing the presence of the living Christ.
We inspected the new parish house built a year ago. Lillian Morgan private secretary to Dr. Gilkey, enjoys this intimate relationship very much. I learned that Brown University is trying to get him for its new president.
In the afternoon I attended a Quaker meeting with Olive Bastin at the beautiful little Hilton Chapel. We sat in silence for about twenty minutes studying the beautiful colored windows, reading the devotional books and meditating by ourselves. Finally three or more people broke the silence one after the other and the meeting closed with hand shaking ad visiting. I met the student pastor of the Friends Church. The Hlton Chapel is open for any religious group, for meetings, weddings, baptisms, funerals and for private prayer. That day the Episcopalian students used it in the morning, the Quakers in the afternoon and the Christian Science group the next day.
We returned to Ralphs that night. Had another good visit. Next morning said good by to all and started for Winnetka.
Am sure our visit to Ralph’s did them all a lot of good. I feel we are brothers once more. I wish I could have as satisfactory a visit with Lewis and his family. Nell has done a great deal for Ralph, more than most wives would have been willing to do under similar circumstances. We owe her a great debt of gratitude..
Arrived at Ferry’s at 10:40. Mr. Ferry met us at the station in the rain. Dr. & Mrs. Ely were invited in for lunch and we enjoyed a grand reunion, talking Land O’Lakes church and community plans incessantly.
That night the Ferry’s drove us into the city to attend the monthly dinner of the Congregational Club held at the La Salle Hotel. A great address by Dr E.C. Guthire, new superintendent of the Missionary and Extension Society, was a rare treat. He described his visit to England to study what is being done in city missions. He has a great vision of the church of the future for rich and poor, urban and rural life..
Here I met Walton Cole, Rev. Rowell, Tom Goodwin and others. Called to see Dr. Gammon, Miss McDermott, Chas. Laidman. The memories of Dr. Breed throng about me when I go up on the 13th floor of 19 S. LaSalle Street. I used to discuss with him all of my problems at Half Day.
Tuesday – Left Winnetka at 9 a.m. for the university to speak at Bond Chapel. The new Divinity School chapel is connected with Swift Hall, the new Divinity building. Named after Joseph Bond, at a cost of $200,000. Said to be one of the most beautiful chapels in the United States. Dr. Davis introduced me. I told of my venture of last summer and its outcome. Little did I dream when I left the Seminary seven years ago that some day I would be asked to speak at the Divinity Chapel and be introduced by Dr. Davis.
We had lunch at the Kenwood Tea House with Dr. Davis, Dr. Walker, Spinka & Pauch. Invited Dr. Davis to help dedicate our Community House this summer
In the afternoon Walton Cole took me for a drive out to the lake while he told me all about his confirmation class at Grayland Church. He is doing a wonderful work with this class also in his series of special Lenten service.
In the evening I talked to a group of Seminary men at the Commons Room at Dr. Davis “Hang Out”. The men questioned me for nearly an hour on my experiences of last summer and at Land O’Lakes.
We stayed that night at the Infirmary as the guest room was occupied. The Seminary has every facility to take care of its friends.
Wednesday – Called on Dr. Craig on 47th street about renting his cabin at Black Oak lake. Decided later not to do so.
Got back to Winnetka at noon. In the afternoon the Ferry’s and Ely’s took us for a long drive along the outer drive, new stadium, Soldiers Park.
Took dinner at the new Palmer House, a magnificent dinning room (the Empire Room). Enjoyed a $2.50 dinner as guest of the Ely’s then went to see Helen Hayes, starring in “What Every Woman Knows”.
Stayed that night with the Elys at their apartments at the Orrington Hotel, Evanston.
Thursday – Had breakfast with them and enjoyed a quiet, confidential talk..
Lunched at a restaurant where we met Mrs. Barnum. At the Community House in Winnetka we met Mrs. Douglas Smith who is interested in Black Oak lake country.
I left that night at 4:50 arrived at Ashland Friday morning at 8:15 and met both classes.
Saturday (on Solomon’s Temple)
Spoke at the Congregational Church at Watersmet in the evening at a meeting sponsored by the Masons. About sixty were present. Several families drove up from Land O’Lakes, Mr. S.D. Warren a C &N.W. conductor, introduced me.
That night I stayed with the Hendersons at Lac Vieux Desert.
Sunday, April 24 – Preached on “Making All Things New”. Jesus gave the world a new idea of brotherhood of womanhood and of childhood. Now we must work out a new idea of church cooperation and union if Protestantian is to advance.
Called at Brewsters, Henry Sparks and Lori Thomas.
Monday – Left Watersmeet at 4:30 for Menominee , Michigan. Next morning Dr. Ely with Mr. & Mrs. Ferry arrived and we interviewed Mr. Warren S. Carpenter and his son regarding more land for community House and parsonage. In the afternoon Mr. Carpenter Sr. (75 years old) drove us all over Menominee and Marionette. Two Stevenson brothers, Isaac and George were the pioneers of those two towns. In Marionette we saw a statue of Isaac in a little park opposite his beautiful home. Naturally I thought it was put up by the grateful citizens but I learned later that Isaac left money in his will for the erection of such a memorial. His relatives objected to such selfish publicity but the provisions of the will were carried out in spite of their protests. So he is destined to be remembered though not with gratitude. His successor in the U.S.Senate is also being remembered but not because of his ability to amass a fortune.
At dinner we were entertained that night at the palatial home of the pioneer lumber baron, Mr. Carpenter. Beautiful paintings, rugs, stationary, draperies, immense sun parlor over looking Lake Michigan and Green Bay – everything money can buy, all but health and friends. I wonder if his life can be said to be successful. Give me in preference a little cabin on Black Oak with wife, mother, and three wonderful children where love and devotion reign supreme and I am supremely contented!
Mrs. Ferry took a late train for Chicago while the rest of us started for Land O;Lakes at six the next morning to lay out the site of the parsonage and community house.
From Thursday to Sunday night Dr. Ely, Mr. Ferry and I spent four of the most excitable days ranging from high pitched enthusiasm to the depths of gloom, the———————————— thermometer running up and down in constant shift from joy to despair.
First we practically decided to purchase 2 ½ acres additional on the north side just west of the original lot, also what we thought was 5 ½ acres on the south side of the road. Imagine our surprise when the cruiser Mr. G.H. Hagan informed us the tract on the south side covered 10 ½ acres. We finally decided to take it all, as to be able to control frontage of 450 on the north side and 1560 on the south side, total acreage about 16 acres.
Our next surprise was the stumps. They are whoppers and about as thick as fleas on a dog. You can’t take a step hardly without stumbling on one. At first we intended to blow the whole 16 acres but when we discovered it would cost from $150.00 to $200.00 per acre we decided to clear a little over two acres, one acre for the parsonage and one for the Community House. It was fun locating the site of our home in the midst of birches and spruce and jack pine. We will have a fine view of the road both on the south and east as the house is on a bend of the highway.
Thursday we drove out to Geo. Fishers to show them the plans. Also saw Walter Bent who agreed to come down that afternoon to look over the land. With his tractor he could do the job in short order. But he could not began for over a week so back we went to see Carlson, who finally accepted the job. Personally I am glad to have him take the contract. He is one of the most loyal boosters for the church and Sunday school we have. He will begin blowing stumps at once. Mr. Ferry and I called on him at his home Friday night and had one of the most important interviews of the campaign. I felt that the success of the project hung upon it. As a result Carlson started for Boniface, Michigan, the next day to arrange for shipment of dynamite, and to line up his crew.
Sunday, May 1 – Opening of trout season. Thirty-two at church. Sermon “A Forward Movement” ‘Speaks to the children of Israel, that they go forward’ EX. 14:15 Forward with Faith. Faith in God, in our neighbors, and in ourselves. I made an appeal for loyal cooperation in the erection of the Community House.
In the afternoon at 3:30 we called a public meeting to discuss plans at the Donaldson school. Despite the fact that it was the opening of trout season, fifteen men and two women were present. Mr. Ferry called on Mr. Knieth to explain the plans which were sketched on the black board. A lively discussion followed over kinds of material and construction. Then opportunity was given to offer contributed labor. Every man presented offers to give a weeks labor or get someone to take his place. Mr. Ferry was delighted with the fine spirit of the meeting. A committee was appointed to solicit labor, consisting of Geo. Fisher Chairman, Geo. St. Clair, Wiley Sparks, Harry Wilde and Jeff Henderson.
Those present at the meeting were – Geo. St. Clair, Ruddy Knuth, Gene Knuth, Ben Benson, Harry Wilds, Wiley Sparks, Chas. Gudegast, Walter, Alfred and Herbert Dickman, Oliven LaChance, Jack Benson, Matt Lucic, James Pittas and G.H.Hagan. It was a representative group of citizens whose influence will swing the community over to loyal support of the entire project. I am very hopeful concerning the summer’s work
At seven oclock I saw Mr. Ferry and Dr. Ely off on the train. They were pleased with the culmination of the week’s work. Mr. Hagan then drove me down to Carlson’s where he remained for the evening.
I have been calling on Mr. Brewster every day that I have been here. He is very low and not expected to last much longer.
Sunday, May 1 – Mothers Day – Mary and the two children, Betty and William, accompanied me this week-end to Land O.Lakes via Overland. We were entertained at the beautiful home of Mr and Mrs. Geo. Fisher on Lake Mamie, 11 miles west of town. We enjoyed a boat ride in the afternoon round the Chain O’Lakes (there are twelve in all). About dusk we drove over to Austin Bent’s who has a cottage on the west shore of Black Oak lake and saw a wonderful sight- fourteen wild deer feeding in the meadow near the house. They fled soon after we arrived but not until we had counted fourteen.
Laddy and Lucy, the two tame deer at Fisher’s came up to the children and were fed from their hand. This was a great treat.
Sermon in the morning was from the 13th of First Corinthians – the nine qualities that make a real mother. 53 present.
Monday afternoon the funeral of Franklin Brewster at the Donaldson School. Rev. Stebleds of Clearwater, preached while I offered prayers and gave a brief testimony at the close of his sermon on Seventh Day Adventist doctrines.
Friday – May 13 – A reception was given Rev. Wm. Ellis the new pastor of the Ashland Congregational Church and his family also a farewell to Mary and I. Dean Hitchock presided with talks by Prof Speicher, Rev. Coons and Mrs. Coons. Mr. Ellis and I were then called upon for remarks. I had rather dreaded this meeting but it passed off without embarrassment and I was glad to be present and with the new pastor success and happiness. I shall look back with keen satisfaction upon my contact with the young people of the church and college. Some of the old folds did not like certain sermons but the reaction of the younger generation was always wholesome and gratifying. I am content.
Sunday, May 15 – Sermon “The Last Supper” I distributed a number of copies of DaVincis picture with comment upon Peters denial and repentance.
Only 26 were presented. Many are working, others fishing or auto riding. The lure is on.
I stayed at Ben Benson’s. The Carlson’s came out for dinner and spent the afternoon.
In the evening I took a long walk down the lake shore and recited the 8th and19thth Psalms and Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. The next morning at breakfast, Ben told me of the wonderful sermon he heard over the radio. He said his neighbor, Mr. Winthrop who has a good radio frequently leaves his window open when music or sermon is coming in strong and that the sound comes over the lake very plain, a mile away. Ben said he had a notion to call me to come out and take in a good sermon. Fortunately he didn’t come down to my cottage or might have found the wondering, peripatetic preacher up in the woods evangelizing the hoot owls of the pine forest and the bull frogs of the swamp.
I took another walk this morning and came suddenly upon a grove of straight beautiful Norway pine growing on a hill side, overlooking the lake. Instantly my hat came off as I looked at trees water and sky line “The groves were God’s first temples” saith the poet. A fresh vision of God comes over me at such a sight. More than ever I believe in the goodness of God and the general run of humanity. I am leaving the lure of city pastorates for a vital religious experience in the so called wilderness of northern Wisconsin. I have found God among the lumber jacks and settlers of this community, land of lakes and pines. I have forsaken the world, the flesh and the denominations in order to promote the Kingdom of God in a needy rural community which has never had the service of a resident pastor. I am content.
Tuesday Night May 17 – For the second time the Faculty Senior banquet was held at Pinehurst, Salmo, Harvery Nourses. The college class numbers 24 this year. Prof Atkins gave a fitting farewell to them and incidentally for himself. The collage is losing a valuable man.
May 18-19 – At the annual meeting of the Superior association at Hayward I resigned as register treasurer and Rev. Ellis was elected in my place. I shall miss the fellowship of the ministers of this association which I have greatly enjoyed for three years. Rev. Robert J. Barnes the blind pastor at Hayward has become a dear friend whom I shall never forget..
On Saturday, May 21, our first truck load of household goods started for Land O’Lakes and was safely stored after some difficulties and misunderstandings in the Ferry cabin next to the Kammerer cabin on Black Oak lake
We have the piano in the Kammerer cabin and Mary is playing as I write with the fire place burning bright and rain beating on the roof. Ethel St. Clair and Myrtle S. were in this evening for lunch.
Sunday May 22 – This morning my sermon was “Like A Tree”
Ps. 1.3 There were 36 present.
We had dinner at Carlsons with Mr. & Mrs. Ben Benson as the other guests. Carlson drove us back to our new home on the lake and helped carry part of our goods over to the Ferry cabin. Last night we stayed at St. Clairs and had breakfast there this morning. As usual Harvey Crooker drove us to Sunday school. It has been a memorable day and I am so glad Mary could be here to bless the new home. A wonderful summer service and happiness with no doubt many new and thrilling experiences are before us. For the present we are thankful to be in such a beautiful summer home with such ideal surroundings for the children and near such good friends as the ferry’s and Ely’s More than ever we believe in the goodness of God. He has given us our hearts desire. To night we saw the first of many wonderful sunsets that we are to witness this summer. Clouds covered the western sky across the lake when suddenly the sun burst through a rift and laid down a path of sparkling gold which shot across the lake and touched the bank at our feet. :”In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun which is as a bride groom coming out of his chamber and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.””When I consider thy heavens the work of thy fingers the moon and the stars which thou hast ordained, what is man that thou art mindful of him and the son of man that thou visitest him for thou hast made him a little lower than the angels and hast crowned him with glory and honor”
Saturday, May 28th – Mary and I with William drove the Overland this week. It was quite a thrill to find the parsonage foundation completed on our arrival. We also examined the architects final plans and specifications and gave them our hearty approval..
Sunday May 29th – Memorial Sunday – Preached on “Liberty”. Used the flag provided by Mrs. Brewster.
Had a great visit with Mr. Ferry and Dr. Ely who were up for the week-end. Talked over organization plans for the community house.
One Monday morning we drove to Phelps and turned in our Overland for a new Chevrolet Sedan. Arrived at Ashland at 11 o’clock that night in a heavy rain storm. We hated to part with the car that took us on the famous three week evangelistic tour last summer and brought us at its close to Land O’Lakes, land of Hope and Glory, Land of Promise. We hope the new car will carry us many miles toward the realization of our dreams.
Sunday, June 5 – Sermon “How to Grow Strong” Luke 2:40 “and the child grew and waxed strong”.
Called at the home of Mr. And Mrs. Lew W. Barber in the evening. They showed us all over the house which is very beautiful. Had a very satisfactory talk about the community house. They had just visited in Sturgeon Bay where their niece, Mrs. Carl Reynolds lives. I am glad to have this contact with my former pastorate.
Monday June 6th – We returned home followed by Ben Benson and Ed Mayo with Sing’s truck for a load of goods. They stayed with us that night, visited the ore docks and boarded a Clarkson coal boat. Ben was right at home at the wheel as he was formerly a sailor on a Norwegian ocean going ship. The captain happened to be the same one that Grace and Jean met three years ago.
Ben and Ed started the next morning with a full truck lead of goods which they landed safely in the Ferry cabin.
Wednesday, June 8 – Held my last class sessions with the Academy and college groups. Gave them a talk on my plans for the future in which many of them are interested.- Thus ends an important chapter of my life, four years of close contacts with students taking them on a great pilgrimage through the Book of Books. Some real friendships have been formed in this experience which I believe will last for a life time.
Thursday, June 9 –Heard J. Adams Puffer at the Rotary-Lyons club meeting and at the High School commencement. A great speaker. He urged parents to try to make positive instead of negative statements in dealing with their children. A good suggestion which Mary and I have adopted. He also said that an expert is an ordinary man away from home. A cultured man is one with many interests. The eight main interests of life which all should cultivate are 1 – Physical 5- Educational
2 – Economic
3 – Social 6 –Political
4 – 7 – Moral
8 – Philosophical
Four things to do –
1 – Find your vocation
2 – Have an avocation
3 – Find a life partner
4 – Develop a working philosophy
In a High school curriculum, books are usually placed first. He puts them fifth in importance.
Real history
Seek advice of councilors in considering your life work. One man’s advice is worth nothing but the advice of twelve men might be of some value. Strike an average
Saturday, June 11th – A Sturgeon Bay couple Harold Knuth and Evelyn Meverdan, were married at our cabin in the afternoon. Mrs. Knuth, Mr & Mrs. Meverden, Jesse, Lila and Homer accompanied the bridal party. They will spend their honeymoon near Minocqua. It was good to be remembered by the young folks of our former pastorate and to unite in marriage a couple that had loved each other and waited for each other for over four years. It was Betty’s first wedding.
In the evening I preached the Baccalaureate sermon at Watersmeet High School. Met Mr. and Mrs. Brownall. He is president of the school board. The principal, Mr. McVeigh is a graduate of Westminster College, Fulton, MO. Mr. Parker is superintendent.
Sunday, June 12th – Preached on “Faith Courage and Physical Fitness” “Let no man despise thy youth “ I Tim. 4:12.
In the afternoon called on Edgar and Chas. Flodeen. This morning we took the four Flodeen girls to Sunday school.
Mr. Ferry was up this week end. Bud has been here for two weeks, batching it. His friend, Schwartz is working for Jerry Kesler.
Sunday, June 26th – Saw the Acadamy play Tuesday night “The Three Graces” Ruth Green, Roberta Kiel, Ruth Babcock, Wesley Warvi, Paul Young, took their parts well. Miss Cutler has been an ideal dramatic instructor.
June 15th – Dr. Harmon of Transylvania College brought aa great message “Education and Our Age”. Is the world going to the devil? It depends upon your point of view. If you are an employer, Yes; if an employee, No.
Education is training up a new class of leaders in the home, school, industry and church. Pa is no longer the head of the family, the boss now works for his men instead of his men working for him. (Crews?) are no longer accepted without question as in the good old days. Everything is in flux, all is changing. Women take their place on equality with men as a result of co-education. The working man reads and thinks and demands a larger share of prosperity. Old standards are down. Is the world getting better or worse? Will the present generation create higher standards to replace the ones which formerly held sway? Will the church of the future develop noble characters as in days gone by? Education is the cause of every advance humanity has made. We must look to educated youth to make our age an age to progress with a real contribution to the course of humanity
I know personally most of the senior class as I have taken them through the Bible pilgrimage this past year. It is a splendid class. I have great hopes for them.
Fifty one delegates arrived on Saturday June 8th to take in the Northland Young People’s Conference. I was glad to see once more John Pitt, Dean, Harry Kuhubut, Mrs. Bro, Edwin Phillips, Dr. H.D. Davies and Rev. Reidt who are members of the faculty.
Sun. June 19 – Remained at Ashland and heard John Pitt, Dean preach to the conference delegates. William had to have his tonsils out for the second time. This delayed our moving to Land O’Lakes for one week.
Sunday, June 26th – Mary and I took William and Richard on the trip this week end.. We counted 18 autos at the village on our arrival. The summer tourists are here. The entire Ferry –Hill family are here. The Ely’s are expected next week.
Preached on “Health and Happiness” today. The Keslers, Mrs. Barber, Mrs. Jeff Henderson, the Halbrits, including Phil and Bob St. Clair, helped make up a fair sized audience.
We took dinner at Carlson’s, then came back for a swim in the lake and later a visit at the Ferry’s. Tomorrow we shall move our house hold goods from the Ferry cabin next door to Knuth Brs. Storage building.
A very sad event of last week was the sudden death of Mrs. Ed. Preston. Our hearts go out in sympathy to the sorrowing husband.
June 29th – Mary and the three children took the train for Land O’Lakes on Wednesday noon while the third truck load of goods left that night. Mother and I stayed at Kepler’s that night. The next day we cleaned the house, burned rubbish, etc. Stayed that night at A.C. McDonald’s. Had supper at Dobb’s. Florence was home from Ironwood. Had a good farewell visit. She is greatly interested in our new work.
Friday morning Mother and I started by car at 7 o’clock with a big load of stuff in the back seat pitched to the top of the car. It was a hot day about 90 degrees. Arrived at the cabin at noon..
That night we met Dr. & Mrs. Ely and the Misses Vance and Gale from North Carolina. They are toy makers. The Doctor hopes to stimulate the toy business here as a winter occupation. These ladies are the typical Southern stock of former days. Have not had a vacation in twelve years until the doctor persuaded them to spend a fort night at Black Oak lake.
July 3rd – Sunday school at 10 o’clock. The Elys, Mrs. Ferry, Mr. & Mrs. Loni Thomas were present. Attendance is small this time of year. The local people take their families and go fishing or on a picnic. We miss the Caskeys.
In the evening my subject was “The Man from Philadelphia” a description of Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were signed, also description of the Betsy Ross home. The pulpit was draped with a flag donated by Mrs. Brewster.
Considering this was our first Sunday evening service the attendance was good. Was glad to see the Carlsons, Schucks, Thomasas, Ferry-Hills, Art Foth, Gudegasts and others.
July 4th was spent quietly at the cabin, getting settled, swimming, setting up the tent. We had picnic supper at the Ferry lodge after which we enjoyed fireworks. Betty and William had their share of fun shooting off fire crackers in the afternoon, blowing up toy bridges and stumps.
We are somewhat crowded with six in the cabin but expect to enjoy a great summer here.
July 8th – Started making garden. Dr. Ely is using only a fourth of his garden and told me to help myself to rest. Am putting in peas, beans, beets, raddishs, lettuce, cucumbers, swiss chard, tomatoes, turnips and potatoes. Rather late in the season but hope the venture proves good.
The parsonage is going up rapidly. Roof is on and they are now putting on metal lath ready for stucco. Every one admires the building.
Drove to Eagle River, returing by way of Phelps, stopping at Jeff Henderson’s and Loni Thomos. Loni landed a twenty-two pound muskie last week. He comes to church quite regularly and enjoys having us call to see him.
Sunday July 10th – About thirty were present at Sunday school in the morning at 10:30. Mrs. Ferry took the Primary class, Mary the next group while I had the boys and some visitors. We are learning a responsive prayer “Hear our prayer O Lord”.
In the evening the room was welll filed with local people- and tourists. Sermon “A Man of Faith” the story of Abraham taken from “The Childrens Bible”. Miss Addis Pearson of Joliet, Illinois sand Day is dying in the West”.
Those present included the Carlsons, Bensons, Pitts, Edgar and Mrs. Pearci, Chas. Flodeen, Otto Flodeen, Thomas Ferry-Hill, Prof. Riddington from British Columbia, Pearsons from Joliet.
In the afternoon we all enjoyed a good visit with the Elys, The Misses Vance and Gale were to leave early next morning. These ladies are not southerners as I thought though they have the accent. Miss Vance is from Cincinnati and Miss Gale from New Haven. As young women they intended to go as foreign missionaries but finally chose North Carolina as their field of labor. They organize Sunday schools among the mountain whites and teach the children weaving baskets, wood carving, the making of period furniture, tables and chairs also toys. In the course of nearly thirty years have trained several hundred children of the mountain whites “poor white trash” as they are called to become useful and skilled workmen. Several boys and girls of shiftless and lazy parents have developed real talent, married and established homes as different from former standards as daylight from dark. They have been encouraged to buy small farms and develop truck gardening. Credit was extended to one young man to the extent of $3,500.. In a few years he had it all paid for. The young people are taught habits of thrift, industry and thereby make themselves self-supporting. They learn character through hand labor.
The ladies began their work on Geo. Vanderbilt great estate of 250,000 acres working among the farmers and employers of the estate. Mr. Vanderbilt helped to finance their work for they wee doing for his employees what he was unable to do personally. Later at his death the ladies established themselves at Tryon, North Carolina, and organized an independent business. They have steadfastly refused to build up a big factory of standardized products, preferring to teach the children of the mountains and encourage them to develop their own factories, farms and industries. This is a wonderful education project.
Dr. Ely heard about them and persuaded them to take a vacation at Land O’Lakes. We hope to start something of that work here. To know such leaders of youth is a great privilege.
July 12th – Preached at the Watersmeet Congregational Church in the absence of Rev. Hargraves the pastor. He drives up from Eagle River every Tuesday night.
Called on Henry Sparks with the three children. He was much pleased as he is so fond of his own little ones.
July 13th – Started for Ashland to get a few articles out of storage also Jessie and the three pups from Frank Delfield who had been taking care of the litter. He kept three and we three. We stayed at the Menard Hotel that night much to the disappoint of the Eva family who told us never to come to Ashland again without sharing their hospitality. We brought home William’s wagon and trike, my bathing suit, four dogs and the rear seat piled to the top of the car.
Stopped at Holtzman’s near Ashland and met her mother, Mrs. Nellie Kedgie Jones, of the Home Economics department of the University of Wisconsin. She promises to come to Land O’Lakes if I can persuade the county agent to put in a request for her to cover several points in the county. She organizes farm women and conducts courses in food, clothing and home management. We hope to have her services in the new community house..
Sunday, July 17th – Had thirty at Sunday school this morning, and nearly fifty at church service tonight. Preached on “The Two brothers who quarreled and became reconciled.” Esau who was governed by his animal instincts, who let his body rule his mind, who despised his heritage and sold his manhood for the gratification of physical demands. Jacob who took advantage of a brothers weakness, who made a living by his wits, drove hard bargains, and cashed in on another’s failures. A great story of human weakness, family favoritism , a fathers decision, a mother’s jealousy, a brothers’ ’quarrel ending with reconciliation and forgiveness. “Surely the Lord is in this place and I knew it not.” Gen. 28:16
July 18 – Visited Chatanqua at Phelps. Stopped at Caskeys on way home.
July 24th – Sermon “Judah and Joseph” The first suggestion in the Bible of vicarious sacrifice – Judah offers to serve as substitute for Benjamin, to suffer in his stead.
July 28th – Put is a days haying for St. Clair.
July 30th – Held Basket social and dance at school house. Cleared $44.08 for Woman’s Club.
Sunday July 31st – Sermon “Moses the Deliverer” – Rain, attendance 18.
Aug. 2ndnd – Received presents from Miss Vance and Miss Gale – the “Joy Makers”, a toy writing desk for Betty and toy trucks for William and Richard.
Aug. 3rd – Began haying with Carlson and Frank Bronk (Indian) and his boy Jo. We kept at it for nearly two weeks, off and on, and finally got all his hay in the mow. Had my first experience driving a mower
Aug. 5th – Wedding at Watersmeet, Warren-Mae Lachlan. The groom is son of S.D.Warren, C&N.W. conductor. After the ceremony we drove to the Blue Gill Tea Room for the wedding supper..
Sunday Aug. 7th Sunday school 17 Church 20 – Sermon “Work and Trust” We took picnic dinner at Mrs. Deans, mother of Mrs. Polzins. The Brewsters and Polziins went with us. Albert Brewster, grandson, wanted to see what is left of the old log cabin where his grand parents lived 30 years ago where eleven of them all came down with scarlet fever at one time with no doctor, miles from the nearest town and all recovered. At another time they were driven by a terrible forest fire for three days in a lumder wagon, wandering from place to place seeking safety . When they got back there home had been destroyed and they had to -start all over again. Those were real pioneer days of northern Wisconsin
Aug. 9th – Child’s Health Clinic visited our community examining all children under six. We got reports on all of ours
Dr. J.W.Wilson and Rev. Hargraves called at our cabin.
Aug. 11th – We drove to Eagle River to see Dr. Guth, dentist.
Also signed a contract for Pyrofax gas stove, combination.
Aug. 12th – Stockholders meeting for new Community House. Mr. Barber is president of the Land O’Lakes Association, Dr. Ely vice-president, Mr. Ferry treasurer and Geo. Fisher, secretary.
Aug. 13th – Williams sixth birthday. The Carlsons took dinner with us. William received a wheel barrow of which he is justly proud. He and Richard began gravelling the highway at once.
Sunday Aug. 14th – Sunday school 24 Church 26 Sermon “Balaam and Calaab”. One man was always on the fence, the other stood alone against the mob. Was glad to see Uncle Wash Bates and his wife and to get Uncle Wash’s interesting comments.
Aug. 15th – Began the study of leaves with Betty and William.
Aug. 16th – Cleaned school house with Mrs. Carlson. Eagle River to see dentist..
. Aug. 17th — We all drove to Ontonogon where we had dinner at the tourist park fronting Lake Superior. In the afternoon drove to Green to see dear old Prof. Burr who has had a cottage on the lake for 14 years. What a privilege to see one beloved teacher of former years. I had for one year in the Academy while Mary took his work in pedagogy in college. He has a wonderful cottage. Built a good deal of it himself, sided it with cedar bark which he says will look just as fresh a hundred years from now. The fire place with its unique motto “Impone Lignum.” (Put on wood),its warming oven behind (for crackers, salt on damp days and for drying out wet shoes), the home made andirons and screen, the substantial seats each side of the fire are all the work of the carpenter-pedagogue, also keep out the rain because of the way they hang on the hinge, screen door that swings both way with screw eyes for hinges and a log wall to turn back the waves of the lake are all part of his work. Recently a prominent business man looked over his cottage and remarked to a friend upon leaving, “Brains built that house, carpenters built ours.”
Pa Burr says the world is getting better than it was in his youth. Then there was far more lawlessness and drunkeness than now he believes. The teaching profession he believes has not improved but has lost ground. He has seen education go through seven stages.-
- Individual instruction
- Batavia plan — 2 teachers in each room one to hear lessons, the other to give individual help.
- Standardization
- Supervised study
- Socialized Recitation
- Project Method
- Contract System (the present system and the worst of all he says) In this plan the pupil is assigned a contract of a month’s work and reports only at the end of the period. No clash of minds between teacher and pupil, no mutual exchange of experiences of benefit to both. Merely a searching of encyclopedias for some man’s opinion which is copied into the students note book. No stimulus to real thinking.
The afternoon spent with him will provide food for thought for years to come. Prof. Burr in my Academy days and Prof. Graham Taylor during my Seminary training are two great teachers that have molded my life. I hope to live up to their example and teachings. What a privilege to see them again now that they have reached the ripe age of four score years! Dr. Taylor I met at Washington two years ago
Aug. 18th – Our bazaar and supper with tag-day brought in over $500.00. A wonderful success, thanks to the Ferrys, Barbers, Haalbuts, Grovers Kennedys and others.
Aug. 18th – Mr. A.T. Harris and Dorothy with her husband Werner Witte from Sturgeon called at out cabin as a surprise.
Sunday Aug. 21th – Sunday school 33 – Church 38 Sermon “Ruth and Naomi”. Earl and Margaret with Peggy Munger were waiting for us after Sunday school. We had dinner and after a good visit at the Ely beach drove to town and showed them the parsonage. They started for home at 4:30 leaving Peggy to stay with Betty for a few days.
That night who should drop in for church service but Mr. And Mrs. Walton Cole of Grayland Cong. Church, Chicago. They had been visiting her brother at Eagle River. We had a good visit and enjoyed an exchange of experiences.
Aug. 23rd – Eagle River – Dentist. On way home stopped at Caskeys for a little fishing. No luck
Aug. 25th – Woman’s Club met at Mrs. Barnmas. Mrs. Ferry was re-elected president, Mrs. Carlson, vice president and Mrs. Handlos- Sect. & Treas.
Aug. 26th – The women and children of the Warren-Carlson families spent the day at Bond Falls.
Sunday, Aug. 28th – Held Sunday school at St. Clairs new Social Room. Mr. Fayerweather as adult class teacher is back on the job once more. Glad to welcome him.
The family enjoyed supper at Brewsters.
In the evening I delivered a patriotic lecture on “Washington, Hamilton and the Constitution” at the Social Room. Nearly fifty were present. Good response. Mr. St. Clair was pleased and invited me to give another lecture soon. Am glad to have this cooperation. Mr. Ferry was especially pleased. This was the Ferrys last Sunday. We shall miss Mrs. Ferry in the Sunday school
Aug. 29th – Moved benches and piano from school house to Town Hall where services are to be held until the parsonage is completed.
Aug. 30th – Sunday school meeting at the Ferrys. Mrs. Fayerweather gave her report as secretary. A good years work for the first year. A vote of thanks was extended her for her services. Mary was elected secretary, Mr. Ferry treasurer and I was put in as superintendent…Receipts for the year were a little over $300.00 for Sunday school and church.
Aug. 31st – Mr. & Mrs. Ferry took supper with us (Wednesday). As they are to leave Saturday we were glad to have this chance for a farewell visit. Mrs. Ferry said it was their first only dinner party this summer. I replied that we were honored indeed! She has accepted no invitations for bridge parties this summer preferring to give all her time to her home and the work of the church. She has collected over 300 books for the library of the new Community House including books of fiction, history, nature study and child psychology. We will have them in the parsonage until the Community House is ready.
As the month of August comes each year it brings many precious memories. Just four years ago this month my Mother was translated to the realm of glory to put on as John Bunyan termed it “garments of immortality”.
How she would rejoice at the sight of our beautiful new home! I feel she is with us in spirit. She taught me to love good books and the memory of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. I shall try to be true to these great ideals in this needy home missionary field. Our community library is a realization of her love of books that help to develop character. The patriotic lectures I am giving to Masonic gatherings and other groups in behalf of good citizenship to stimulate love of country are in keeping with the lessons I learned at Poplar Grove in my boyhood days. Mother saw Lincoln in 1860 in Chicago in a street parade. She never tired telling of her childhood impressions of the great Railsplitter. Father knew personally Robert R. Hitt, who was a newspaper reporter who wrote up the Lincoln-Douglas debates in 1858 and was always a great admirer of Lincoln. Later he was our Congressman for the Rockford District.. Father often spoke of his great admiration for “Bob” Hitt as he called him. Fathers love for people in the humble walks of life and his struggle against heavy odds endeared him to all who knew him. I received from my parents the pioneer spirit and love of adventure which will find abundant opportunities to express itself in the so-called wilderness of northern Wisconsin. With their spirit to lead us onward we shall build a highway toward the new community of the brotherhood to be. The challenge of rural Wisconsin presents a call that sounds loud and loader in our ears.
We did not get to the foreign field as originally planned but we have found in this section of the state an opportunity that will call forth our best endeavor.
Sept. 2nd – The Carlson family left ada Ford for the Minnesota State Fair and I am to do the milking in their absence. The children are getting a great kick out of driving the cow from the pasture, throwing down hay, hunting for eggs, feeding the chickens and running the farm in general. Of course the “kick” is merely a harmless figure of speech as Bossie is the gentlist cow you ever put a stool under..
Betty and William can both pull down a prettty good stream of milk, although they soon get tired of such form of farm labor, preferring to chase the bull calf or the coltie round the barn yard. Richard almost touched the cow’s teat once but drew back suddenly because he said “it wiggled.”
In haying season I helped Carlson mow, rake, and haul in most of his crop. The children greatly enjoyed riding in on top of the load and helped mow it away. William may make a farmer yet!
The Ferrys left for Winnetka by train. We bid them a farewell at the cabin and hope to see them again in a few weeks.
Sept. 3rd – Cleaned the Town Hall for use for Sunday school and church. Both school rooms are now in use as they have another teacher for the first four grades.
Sept. 4th – There were 26 at Sunday school. Preached on “Samson the Strong Man who misused his strength.” We have begun church service in the morning instead of evening.
That night I gave a patriotic lecture on “The Life and Religion of Benjamin Franklin.,.” at the Social room at Black Oak Resort.
Sept. 5th – Betty and William started for school in Edgar Flodins school bus. They walk down to St. Clairs corner to catch the bus there. Both are enjoying the new experience in a rural school. I hope it continues.
Our tenth wedding anniversary was observed on the shore of Black Oak lake with supper at Blue Gill Tea Room.
I shall let the best little wife any man ever had or ever would have tell her impression of the day.
The Community Building was completed in 1928 and used in many ways. Regular meetings here held throughout the year by the Men’s Civic Club, Women’s Club, Parent Teachers Association, Town Board, Board of Review, Town elections and other community gatherings including two band concerts, two moving pictures, piano lessons basketball games, a dinner for the school picnic, two political rallies and a Golden Wedding Anniversary in honor of Mr. & Mrs. A.J.Bates and other events.
Arrangements for the use of the building on Sundays for worship are the Roman Catholics use of the building at a stated time Sunday morning while the Protestants use it in the evening.
The next project was to create a worship place in the building.. It all began from a singing of “THE OLD RUGGED CROSS’ by one of our rural teachers at a Good Friday service. She stood by the side of a cross about six feet high. It was made of the pieces of Norway pine with the rough bark left on the wood. The singing of this song as she stood by the cross created an impression upon the congregation such as I have never felt in larger churches with elaborate and expensive alters, pipe organs and robed choirs
Mrs. Warren and I talked about it for days afterwards. How could this impression be retained or repeated Sunday after Sunday on ordinary occasions?
During the week the hall is used for meetings of various clubs, scout organizations and town board meetings. On Sunday we tried to make it look like a sanctuary. We began by stretching a large green curtain (which is used for stage purposes for local dramatics) clear across the end of the community hall. This gives the background for a chancel appearance out of which we try to create a real atmosphere of worship.
For an altar the boys took an old abandoned dining room table discarded by a summer resort owner. To make it look rustic we nailed Norway slage across the sides and ends.. For legs we used cedar posts with the bark on which gave the appearance of fallen leaves in autumn, as if just fallen at the foot of the cross. The cross itself is made of two pieces of white birch. This tree is called the White Queen of the North Woods and is greatly admired by visiting tourists. Since it suggests the lamb without blemish it is most appropriate for a rustic cross. For candle sticks we used wood from the wild cherry which grow is abundance along the shores of northern lakes. During the summer months when the tourists are here we frequently bring in small pines, to be banked at the rear and side of the alter which gives the illusion of an alter in the forest and causes the worshiper to believe he is looking down a forest aisle at a woodland sanctuary.
On Palm Sunday the children march in and place branches of cedar on the altar. This tree is the Arbor Vitae and is called by the Indians, Tree of Life. To us it suggests the lordly cedars of Lebanon used in the building of the temple at Jerusalem. The fragrant boughs laid at the foot of the cross are like an offering of sweet smell to the One who creates beauty and symmetry in nature. In early spring the girls pick trailing arbutus, the first and sweetest of our spring flowers and tuck them in and around the cedar boughs on the alter. I always preach a special sermon when the arbutus buds first open. It is a great event in the lives of residents of upper Wisconsin who have gone thru the long cold winter.
Now for the worship service on Sunday. I tell the people they must contribute something themselves if the service is to mean what it should. They must prepare for worship before coming to church to get the most out of it. The more they contribute the more they take home from the service.
While the congregation is gathering our organist, Mrs. Warren, is seated at the old fashioned organ playing old familiar hymn tunes. She prefers this to a so called “show piece” on the piano too often done with flourishing spirit but lacking a referent manner. As the people gather they listen quietly to the music, gaze at the rustic cross and the open Bible on the alter. There is something about this rustic alter that creates its own appeal. No one feels like whispering or gossiping under such conditions. Besides, the hymns played on the organ recall happy memories of former days in the old church of one’s childhood.
No minister or choir are present but all are worshiping in mind and heart. The organist is the real leader of worship and if he or she is trained for this great responsibility the minister’s task is an easy one from this point on in the service. It is aa though the organist is handing him a blazing torch which he must now carry forward triumphantly in this, the greatest of the fine arts, the art of public worship..
At the first note of the processional hymn the choir followed by the minister who has been waiting in the library room at the rear of the community hall now appear and march down the center aisle while the congregation join with them in the processional hymn, which is an objective hymn with the note of praise that uplifts the thrills the worshipers. If the service is properly and thoughtfully prepared in advance this should be one of the high moments of joy and thanksgiving so the choir and minister approach the altar. Those members of the congregation who have come prepared to worship will feel a thrill of anticipation and a high sense of spiritual joy during the processional hymn. There is a feeling that some one has been praying for the divine presence to manifest itself and that the prayer is now being answered during this high moment of praise and adoration.
Mrs. Warren whose father was minister says the place of the minister during the playing of the prelude is not in the pulpit at all. He should not be there to look over the assembled congregation or to be gazed at by them. He should come in with the choir if during the processional hymn or if there is no processional he might well remain in the pastor’s study until the first note of the doxology sounds
These are the moments that either make or break the spirit of true worship with which the service should begin
We try to plan the entire service so that at least four leading aspects of worship are stressed, namely, praise, confession, assurance and dedication. Some authorities give others but it seems to me these are the four most important.