Lafayette County WI Archives Church Records.....Leadmine P. M. Church ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/wi/wifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com December 16, 2006, 9:24 pm We extend a most cordial welcome and invitation to all members and friends everywhere to share with us and enjoy this great centennial celebration. May your homecoming and presence among us be a time of spiritual blessing and a season of blessed fellowship. The Anniversary Committee A VOTE OF THANKS We wish to extend our gratitude to all the business men and establishments and individuals herein named who contributed so generously to make this centennial booklet possible. Then too, an expression of thanks to Barb Hammer, Fred Palfrey and Loren Hammer for their fine work of soliciting among the members and friends of the church. We thank the History Committee, Barb Hammer, Grace Rowe, and Mary Richardson in preparing the history of the church herein. Also a special thanks to Barb for her many hours spent typing. Also a very special thanks to Rose Simmons who sketched the before and after pictures of the church and designed the cover of our booklet. We wish to thank the ladies of the church and the food committee, Dolly Palfrey, Louise Sheffer, Kittie Bennett, Zula Genthe, Delva Fetch, Darlene Pedley, and Sharon Farrey, for planning, preparing, and serving the fellowship dinner. We thank our table-waiters, Judy Duncan, Violet Rowe, Daphene, Doreen, and Shirley Palfrey, for their efficient service. Thanks also to Neil Copeland, Loren Hammer, Fred Palfrey and Norman Hayes for taking care of our parking needs, and assisting with the chairs and tables. Thanks to our young men, Jeff, Joe, John and Jim Palfrey, Gary Duncan, and John Hayes for running many errands and serving as ushers. We also thank Margaret Copeland, Marion Bennett, and Hazel Hammer for the beautiful table and church decoration. Also for assisting where needed on other committees. We, too, say thanks to Betty Hayes, and Lillian Bowen for their fine work in looking after the publicity. To Howery Printing and Wendt Studio for their kindness and help in preparing this booklet. Thanks also to the Singspiration Committee, Barry Hammer, Janice Goffinet, and Joyce Farrey, who planned a most enjoyable program of spiritual music. Thanks too, to the various church groups who participated in our singspiration. Your thoughtfulness and participation was greatly appreciated. The Anniversary Committee To A Friend I spoke to you about your soul today; Perhaps you wished that I would go away And say no more and let you be. But, oh, My cherished friend, if you could only know The longing in my heart for you, the dread Of looking forward, after you are dead, Unto that uncertain day when you must stand Before the Throne of Christ! Works of your hand. Fruits of your heart, will not avail, for He Will ask you, "What did you do with me?" Dear friend of mine, there is no other way Except through Him, whom you deny today. How could I bear it, if in your despair And bitter grief, you cried, "Did she not care Enough for me to speak? to point the way? To save me from this anguish and dismay?" My heart is bleeding thinking of your woe, Your terror, and your helplessness, and so I spoke to you about your soul today. I could not leave you, could not go away. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 Dedication We, the history committee, wish to dedicate our church history book to Grace Rowe. Grace came to this community as a teenager in 1914, when her father, Rev. Joseph Blenkinsopp, came to this circuit as pastor. She is the second of five generations who have atttended and served in our church. Grace is active in Sunday School, Youth Groups, and other church activities. She has been the church pianist for many years. Thank you Grace for being a living testimony to all of us here at Leadmine P. M. Church and surrounding area. Dedicated people like you, your faith and prayers have made it possible for us to celebrate our 120th Anniversary. FIVE GENERATIONS The first of our five generations is Rev. Joseph Blenkinsopp. Grace Rowe is the second generation with her daughter Dolly, being the third. Grace's grandchildren and great-grandchildren are the fourth and fifth generations. Bottom Row Jamie, Jolene, Joyce Ubersox, Joni Pedley, Jennie Palfrey. Middle Delva Fetch, Darlene Pedley, James Palfrey. Standing Grace Rowe, Dolly Palfrey. Insert Rev. Blenkinsopp. [photo] CHURCH CALENDAR Sunday Service 10:00 Sunday School 11:00 Church 6:00 - Teen Group 7:30 Evening Service (Alternate Sundays with Benton) Wednesday 7:00 Prayer and Bible Study (At Benton) [photo] Inside View of Church [photo] Bob- Margaret and Carrie Bennett Greetings In Our Saviour's Name: It is indeed a joy and a privilege for me to write the introductory remarks in this booklet commemorating the anniversary of and dedication of the Leadmine Primitive AAethodist Church in this bicentennial year of our Lord, 1976. Not only is this the place where the Lord has seen fit for me to serve Him this conference year as lay interim pastor, but even more precious is the fact that it was here that I found the Lord Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour. As a young fellow of ten years of age in a daily vacation Bible school I invited Jesus to come into my heart. From that day on the Lord used the Leadmine P. M. Church as a channel through which I was fed spiritually as a babe in Christ. This was accomplished through dedicated preachers and laypersons in the church and Sunday School who were genuinely interested in my spiritual welfare. There were many such persons that I can name and remember and I praise God for them. When the Lord opened the door of service, it was at this church that I had the opportunity to begin serving. Certainly, high in my recollections of what this church means to me is the fact it was here that a young lady, Margaret Sheffer, who is now my wife, was also actively serving the Lord. It was in this community and under the ministry of this church that we began to raise our family, each of whom is now involved in some aspect of the Lord's work. Why have I given you this brief testimony and commentary? Simply to impress upon you why I feel it is important that as a local church we continue to move foreward and hold high the banner of the Lord Jesus Christ. There are other boys and girls, men and women that need to be won to the Lord. There still remains, as a high priority, the responsibility of faithfully proclaiming the good news of salvation and redeeming grace in this community. In Revelations 3:8 the Lord says "Behold I set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it." It is my sincere prayer and desire that the Leadmine Primitive Church will take advantage of the door of service that the Lord has opened and continue to serve until He comes. In closing may I take the opportunity to thank each one who has participated in the remodeling and beautifying of the church here at Leadmine. Many have contributed generously of their time, talents, and material gifts to make it possible. May God bless each of you and all who will be touched by the work that has been done here. We do hope you will plan to come and visit us and perhaps see fit to make this your church home and place of worship. Sincerely yours in Christ, Robert Bennett THE PASTORS WHO SERVED THE AREA DURING THE PAST 129 YEARS* These names may not be in order in which each served, but we do want to acknowledge their contributions to the church and area. Rev. Wm. Tomkins Rev. Wm. Wood Rev. Thomas Robinson Rev. J. W. Trenery Rev. B. F. Hilton Rev. John Sharpe Rev. James Alderson Rev. T. Doughty Rev. Hernrey Lees Rev. T. A. Cliff Rev. John Shortridge Rev. Thomas Jarvis Rev. Joseph Hewett Rev. James Arnold Rev. Christ Hendra Rev. John Hardcastle Rev. Chandler Rev. J. R. Lindsley Rev. F. B. Schoenfeldt Rev. R. M. Stephenson Rev. Joseph Blenkinsopp Rev. John McGee Rev. S. S. Shortridge Rev. Charles Johns Rev. S. S. George Rev. Evan P. Thomas Rev. C. W. Tyrrell Rev. Harold Hatton Rev. Joseph Mason Rev. R. Lewis Rev. C. W. Sterner Rev. Wm. R. Esser Rev. Wm. Vasey Rev. Robert Bailey Rev. Gene Carroll Rev. Gary Morganstern Rev. Robert Smith Mr. Robert Bennett Present Pastor Some of the laymen who served our community are: Mr. John Sides Mr. Samuel Stevens Mr. John Winders Mr. Patterson Raisbeck Mr. George Watson Mr. William Brew Mr. Thomas Harker Mr. Gerald Guth Mr. Aaron Raisbeck Mr. Robert Raisbeck Mr. T. Cottingham Mr. James Peacock Mr. Bainbridge Mr. Vipond Mr. James Peacock Mr. Lloyd Hover *Parts taken from Centennial Program 1847-1947 Benton Primitive Methodist Church, Benton, Wisconsin THE HISTORY OF OUR AREA The village of Leadville, or Democrat, now Leadmine grew from a cluster of miner's cabins in the 1870's. Joseph Harker was the town's first1 storekeeper. Later two more stores were started by Joseph Coulthard and John Buxton. In 1884, a post office was started in the Buxton building and John Side was appointed as the postmaster. Alf and Roy Coulthard succeeded their father as storekeeper and postmasters in Leadmine. Later owners of the store were R. Patterson and Leslie McKenna and Phillip Sweeney. In the 1870's the people in the New Diggings township felt that the location of the polls should be moved to Leadmine since Leadmine was more centrally located. It took several years to settle this question. It wasn't until the early 1890's that the question was settled and the present town hall was built. The Leadmine School started around the year of 1868. The old Leadmine School was built in 1872 and the third room was added in 1895. Some of the teachers between 1870-85 were Wm. Sample, Thomas Blenkiron, Charles Gear, Margaret Smith, James Buxton, Mary Ann Bird, Abbie Noland, Sarah E. Bird, Charles Fox, Carrie Harper, Emily Emerson, D. S. Pulford, and Crawford Harper. The last two teachers of the Leadmine School were Beulah Bainbridge and Rosalind Brown. The school was closed in 1965 and later it was sold and turned into two apartments. For many years the town pump was located in the center of Leadmine. This pump supplied water for all the people in town. The pump remained in the center of town until 1972 when curb and gutter was added to Leadmine's main street. At this time the pump was removed. The Leadmine P. M. Church was once known as the Pleasant Grove Church. Among the earliest members of the church were the Birds, Rudds, Robinsons, Peacocks, Clarksons, and Fowlers. According to the deed, the present church started in 1865 when Joseph B. Bird, John Sides, John Garter, Joseph Bird, and James Peacock purchased one acre of ground from William and Elizabeth Murphy for $67. The following article pretty well sums up the history of our area. This is the story of a ghost village called Aetna, in the Town of New Diggings, Lafayette County, southwestern Wisconsin. No one knows why it was called Aetna but a 90 year old woman, Mrs. Emily Calvert who was born and raised there has an idea. She says that when she was a girl there was a limekiln just beyond the mill on the higher ground. She can remember the smoke and flames that belched out of it, and the peculiar smell, like a disinfectant. She thinks that someone might have thought it resembled a volcanic eruption. As they had heard about Mount Aetna on the island of Sicily, they called the village Aetna. The story of Aetna is part of the story of the present village of Leadmine, once called Leadville or Democrat. Aetna was the earliest settlement. It must have started soon after the Black Hawk War in the 1830's. * * * * * According to the History of Lafayette County, the Aetna Mills and postoffice, "two and one half miles north of New Diggings, were erected by Seldom Quimby and Caleb and Henry Potwin, who operated them until 1851. Then the latter sold out their interest to Quimby, by whom the business was carried on until 1854." The Potwins and Mr. Quimby came from New England. Mr. Quimby was called "Yankee Quimby", according to Mrs. Calvert, who can remember stories her father told about him. Henry Potwin kept the first store in New Diggings while Caleb Potwin went to Shullsburg. There are no Quimbys around here now, but one is buried in the Looney family graveyard. The buildings they erected were of rock or stone. The mills were "54 by 32, four stories high, and supplied with four run of stones." Another stone building facing the mills was used as a store and postoffice. Still another, which later became Mrs. Calvert's home, was the place where Mr. Quimby lived. It was a wayside inn with a dance hall upstairs, Mrs. Calvert thinks. None of these stone buildings remain at present except the store, three walls of which are still standing. The other rocks have been hauled away and placed in other buildings. * * * * * The first schoolhouse was built about 1838, according to Mr. W. W. Murphy, who described it. It was about 16x24 feet, not plastered, and lined with lumber. There were four windows and1 a large floor laid with wide green lumber, so when it dried there were large cracks. The desks were models of primitive arts. They consisted of a wide board extending the full length of the sides; with another underneath, making a convenient receptacle for books and slates. In the middle of the room there was a bench for the little children. They had to sit on there for hours without anything to rest their backs against and with their feet dangling in the air. "School superintendents was elected in each township, whose duty it was to examine and grant certificates to applicants for schools", said Mr. Murphy. There was a little incident which serves to illustrate the working of that system. An honest farmer, Mr. Martin Donner, was elected to the office of superintendent and one afternoon dropped into my father's office. 'Jim,' he said, 'a feller is coming this evening to get examined, and, as I am a little rusty, wish you would lend me a grammar book so I can read up a little'." * * * * * There was no choice in teachers. The early settlers had to take whatever materials presented itself. There were many who came to the "diggings" because they felt here was a chance to get rich quick. Many were well educated, but lacked the necessary training for teaching and only adopted it until better opportunities were presented. The wages were rarely over $25 a month, including board, but the board was not paid in cash. The parents of the children attending school were required to take turns boarding the teacher. This was called "boarding around." It usually fell on Mr. Abraham Looney, Warren Johnson, and James Murphy to board the teachers because they had larger houses than most. Sometimes the teachers, being single men, wanted to stay with those who had the most attractive daughters. Mr. Looney lost an only daughter this way. She became Mrs. William J. Bird. Some of the teachers became prominent in their professions and some in other businesses. Mr. Messmose, an early teacher, became a lawyer and practiced in Mineral Point. * * * * * When this school became to [sic] small to hold the pupils, a new one was built a few rods away to the north, between two churches. It is now the Leadmine State Graded School. The two churches were built at about the same time and not very far apart. One was Primitive Methodist and the other Methodist Episcopal. The P. M. Church was built in 1859 and is still being used. It is sometimes called Pleasant Grove Church. When the members of the Methodist congregation became too old to travel the distance, their church building was moved to Leadmine. This was sometime between 1907 and 1914. In 1925, the congregation became so small that the building was sold and is now used as a residence. The place where it now stands is on the road between Leadmine and old Aetna. The M. E. Cemetery (behind the Leadmine Schoolhouse) is used only once in a while, but it is kept up. The postoffice at Aetna was established in 1857 and John Hoffman was appointed postmaster. He remained in charge until 1960, when R. H. Emerson was appointed. * * * * * The lime kiln in Aetna, just beyond the mill, was run by Tom Blenkiron. He also taught the early school. Mrs. Calvert's older sisters went to school to him. Her grandfather, John Moody purchased the Quimby property in 1854, and held it until his death in 1872, when it was turned over to his son-in-law, R. H. Emerson. R. H. Emerson had come from England in 1850. He returned to England and married Mary Moody in 1851. She was the daughter of John Moody, who was a Bristish [sic] sea captain. They came to Aetna, where Mr. Emerson took charge of the mills. They remodeled the Quimby place and made it into a beautiful home. Mr. Calvert has a stereopticon view of the house and also one of the mills. He decided that Aetna needed a community building because he wanted to organize a literary society. So Aetna Hall was built in 1876. It was 30 x 60, one story high, had a seating capacity of 300, and cost $1200. For many years it was used for church suppers and festivals, school commencement exercises and political rallies. After Mr. Emerson died, it was sold and moved several rods away where it is now being used as barn. * * * * * There were families living in houses all the way up the hill to Leadmine across Shullsburg Branch was Bob Peasley's big house which is still there. Not far away was the home of Senator J. H. Earnest. Mrs. Calvert says: "A private school for the Emerson children was taught by Miss Santry of New Diggings. Later my mother's sisters came from England. They stayed and taught us for about 6 years. William Semple, a Methodist minister who came from Ireland, taught the Democrat School. He also taught 'pay school' in the subjects he taught was Latin. I still have my Latin primer." Mrs. Calvert says he [sic] can remember the circus wagons which went through Aetna traveling from Shullsburg to Dubuque and also the covered wagons of immigrants. Usually they had a cow tied behind. Someone told the Emerson children when the immigrants got hungry, they sliced a piece off the cow. She said that for a long time they looked for a cow that had been sliced. * * * * * Cork Hollow was just over the hill toward New Diggings. This is where my great-grandparent, John W. Curwen, settled. Some of the Irish families were Leary's, Sullivans, Simms, McCarthys, McLauchins and Peoples. Some of them lived in homes with Dutch doors, open at the top. These fanscinated [sic] the Emerson children. They used to trade buttons with the children of Cork Hollow. The women wore long skirts which they would kick out as they walked, and the children would mimic them. Some of the people who lived on the hill between Aetna and Democrat or Leadville were Tom Beck, Joe Harker, Jonathan Allen, Matt Stott, Mr. Chadwick, Tom Blenkiron, Jonathan Hoffman, John Beck, the Corletts, who moved to Big Patch, and the Whites who lived in Matt Stott's house after he and Blenkirons moved to Leadmine. Some of the people who used to drive past Emerson's house on the way to the Methodist Church were Jack, Tom, Will, Joe, Matthew, Mark, and Lizzie Buxton, Mrs. George Fields and the Tebilcoxes. The Cottinghams had a two-seated buggy in which they came to church, in would be filled up and overflowing with children. Rev. Peter Mather was the presiding elder at the revival meeting. * * * * * One of thee Cottingham boys became the Doctor for the Kohler plant of Kohler. Dr. Cornelius H. Harper of Madison once taught in the Leadmine School. His family came from Hazel Green, about six miles away. His brother was the regular teacher but he had to go back to Dakota to Homestead some land so Mr. Cornelius Harper came to substitute for him. Miss Annie Bird, who was one of his pupils said, "He boarded at our house. We liked Neal Harper (Cornelius) so well that we all hoped his brother would stay out west. He had a way with young folks." When the time came that milling was no longer a profitable business, the mill was closed down, but Mr. Emerson continued to operate the store. After his death in 1893, his daughter, Mathilda, kept store and remained in the Emerson home until about 1908. Then the building and property were sold. The mill and house were torn down and the stone hauled away to Cuba City. The hall was moved and became a barn, and many of the small homes on the hill were moved away. So now all that remains of a once busy village is the old rock store building and the Peasley place across the Branch.* *Joanne (Curwen) Bennett, "Aetna, Former Boom Town, Now Extinct" Badger History, pub. by the State Historical Society. BACKGROUND OF OUR CHURCH Primitive Methodism had its beginning in England. It was an offshoot of British Methodism. Known at first, with others, as INDEPENDENT METHODISTS, that spirit of independence that characterized the movement was influenced and intensified by Lorenzo Dow, an American preacher who, while in England for a prolonged period, emphasized the great value of Methodist Camp Meetings and out-of-door preaching. Such had been a success in the United States. Field preaching was accepted and drew great throngs from the common walks of life by the preachings of John Wesley, George Whitefield and others, years before in England. It was thus felt it could happen again. Thus under the inspiration and persuasion of the traveling preacher, Lorenzo Dow, and upon the call of Hugh Bourne, assisted by William Clowes, two aggressive leaders, to whom history has given the honor as the fathers of Primitive Methodism, the first of these Camp Meetings by this body of sincere, fiery, evangelistic old fashioned Methodists was an all day prayer, song and preaching event, resulting in many conservations. The date of that memorable Camp Meeting was May 31, 1807. Of that first Camp Meeting we read "Four (preaching) stands, were erected, the Word of God went forth with power, and souls, were convicted and converted and English Camp meetings became an established fact." Lorenzo Dow was an important figure in the establishment of the Primitive Methodist Church, for there is no doubt that the "Fathers and Founders" were much impressed with his appearance, earnestness, doctrines and disciplinary views. It was following this significant event, and at the next annual conference of the Church founded by John Wesley, that this body, which had now frowned upon such out-of-door displays of undue emotion, passed the following resolution "It is our judgement that such meetings are improper in England; and we disclaim all connection with them." This primarily, was the cause of the separation from the Methodist Church of England and the founding of Primitive Methodism. The date of the memorable Camp Meeting on what was called "Mow Cop's bleak and frowning summit" was May 31, 1807. There years later, or in March 1810, this new body came to be properly known as Primitive Methodism and almost two years after that, or on February, 1812, officially took its name. Primitive Methodism had rapid growth in England. In its first forty years it grew to one hundred and fifty-two thousand. That growth continued until it merged with other Methodist groups forming one great Methodist church in England in June, 1932. At the time of such union, its membership consisted of two hundred and twenty thousand, and its Sunday schools had three hundred and eighty thousand teachers, officers and scholars. It had more than eleven hundred ordained ministers, nearly thirteen hundred local preachers and over eleven hundred class teachers. PRIMITIVE METHODISM IN THE UNITED STATES On the 16th day of September, 1840, a few interested people gathered in New York City and organized Primitive Methodism in the United States. The official name given the body was "The American Primitive Methodist Church." [1] In 1842 ten enthusiastic Primitive Methodists settled near Galena, Ill. They opened their houses for religious services, their names being: John Leekley, Robert Hodgson, Jane Hodgson, Margaret Leekley, Richard Hodgson, Mary Ann Hodgson, Christopher Lazenby, Mary Leekley, Frederick Dobson and James Thompson. Mr. John Leekley is given much credit by the church, serving as a local preacher until his death in 1854. The first quarterly meeting was held at Grant's Hall, near Galena, in February, 1843. By now the work has spread to Rocky Ford, New Diggings, Shullsburg, Platteville, Big Patch, Vinegar Hill, and others. The first P. M. Church to be dedicated in the Northwest was at Vinegar Hill in the fall of 1843. In 1845, Rev. Hugh Bourne visited the U. S. In May, 1845, the first West Conference was held in Platteville. [2] Primitive Methodism today has one Conference embracing churches in Pennsylvania, New York, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Illinois, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Iowa. [3] We are in the Western District. Other churches who are in this district with us are Platteville, Big Patch, Mifflin, Linden, Portage, Ridgeway, Streator, Wardsville, Pleasant View, Albion Prairie, Busseyvill, St. John's, Benton, Jenkysville, Boone, Fraser, and New Diggings. [4] Primitive Methodism has missionary work in Guatemala, Central America. It sent its first missionaries there in the year 1921. It has in recent years multiplied on the field its churches, its membership, its native ministers, its medical clinics and has, with the newly established United Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A., and with which it works as one, a very fine Bible Institute. [5] Some of our missionaries in Guatemala are Don and Elaine Lawrence, Paul Lewis, Tom and Lois Hays, Bill and Rachel Vasey, Rev. and Mrs. Loren Anderson, Alice Campbell, Rev. and Mrs. Gale Moris, Rev. and Mrs Wm. Hays, and Rev. and Mrs. Robert Robinson. [6] [1] Background of our Church and Primitive Methodism in the United States taken from "The Christian Way" by Paul Weft, J. Allan Ranck and William C. F. Hayes. [2] Taken from Centennial Program 1847-1947 Benton Primitive Methodist Church [3] Taken from "The Christian Way" by Paul Wert, J. Allan Ranck and William C. F. Hayes. [4] P. M. Year Book [5] Ibid (Same as Number 3) [6] Ibid (Same as Number 4) FOUNDING OF THE LEADM1NE CHURCH Finding an exact date on our church is almost impossible. According to a picture, that was once Mrs. Seldon Sheffer's, the date of the present church is 1856. We do know that there was a church before this time. In 1847, under the charge of Rev. Thomas Robinson, the Primitive Methodist Episcopal Church was organized. Rev. Robinson was a farmer in this area with a post office box in Aetna. He was born on July 10, 1811 in Cumberland, England. On August 12, 1844, he came to Lafayette County and worked as a blacksmith in New Diggings for 9 years. Later he engaged in mining. Rev. Robinson owned 512 acres in this area. At one time of another, Rev. Robinson held every town office. In 1833, he married Ann Lee. Ann was born in England in 1804. They had four children - Ruth, Isaac, Mary and Matthew. Rev. Robinson gave the piece of ground that the church now stands on and President Zachary Taylor signed the grant which gave this piece of land to the church. Later on in 1865, an acre of ground was bought from William and Elizabeth Murphy. This acre of ground is possibly what is now the cemetery. Joseph R. Bird was also a farmer in this area with a post office box in Aetna. He was born on August 22, 1832, in Canada. Joseph came to New Diggings in 1855 and owned 20 acres there. In 1860, he married Mary Robinson. She was born in Cumberland, England. Joe and Mary had 7 children - Grant, Joseph, William, Esther, Annie, Ella, and Stella. BUILDING FUND For many years the congregation was faced with the problem of heating the Church. The old black pot-belly stove of early years was replaced by an oil burner and later an automatic oil furnace with blower to force hot air away from the furance. Each of these systems were an improvement but failed to keep the floors warm. The members of the church knew that something needed to be done about keeping the church warm if we were going to get the people out of their warm homes to attend Church and Sunday School during the winter months. However, lack of funds always prevented them from going ahead to correct the problem. In September 1963, a society meeting was called to discuss whether we should dig a basement under the church and install a furance or if we should put an addition on the back to serve as Sunday School rooms and the basement would provide a place for a new heating system. Lacking funds, our two greatest resources were faith and prayer, combined with dedicated christians willing to give of their time and talents to such a worthy cause. In October 1963, a business meeting was held and Mary Haffele was elected Chairman and Hazel Hammer, Secretary and Treasurer of the Building Fund. Margaret Copeland, Mary Richardson and Rev. Robert Bailey were the other members of this committee, it was our job to find ways of raising money to finance the new building. The Building Fund got under way with potluck suppers combined with entertainment afterwards and coin folders. Some of the farmers donated market hogs which they sold and gave receipts to the funds. Also, the use of some acreage was given, which we planted the corn and harvested and sold to a local farmer. A few special offerings were given to the fund such as Thanksgiving and Easter Offerings. Also, the loose offering from the first Sunday of each month goes to the fund. Most of our funds have been donations from individuals who were interested in seeking our church progress and memorials for loved ones. In the spring of 1965, the new building got under way. Robbins and Pedley drew up the blue prints for the new addition. Ernest Mowry of Leadmine dug the basement and Glendenning Redi-Mix poured the cement basement. A crew of men and women from the church helped with the construction where ever possible. Loren Hammer was chairman of the building crew and was assisted by Neil Copeland and sons, Ed Richardson, Fred Palfrey, Wayne Bennett, Rev. Robert Bailey, Everett Haffele, Jim Scott, John Pedley family, and Norman Hayes. Some days the women would pack lunch and we would picnic on the church lawn and other times we would go home for lunch. It was a great time of fellowship combined with our work and every one involved was full of enthusiasm. Our buildings progressed slowly, since all the labor was donated by workers who held full time jobs. However by December 1966 the frame work was completed, including roofing, siding, windows, and the doors were hung. How thankful we were because now we would be able to work inside when the weather was bad and the women also could help with interior work. The following two years we continued to work on the interior. In the fall of 1967 the exterior of the Sunday School rooms were painted. Thanks to Mrs. Howard Sheffer who donated paint enough to complete the job. Also, in 1968, the building was wired for electricity by Everett Haffele. Finally in December the furnace was installed by Robbins and Pedley of Benton. Our only cost was the price of the heating system since all labor for installing was donated by the Robbins and Pedley families. Mr. Charles (Chub) Bennett cut the passage way through the church and our Church and Sunday School became one unit. How thrilled we were because we finally had reached part of the goal we set out to accomplish. We would be able to sit in a warm church while the cold winter winds blew outside. Perhaps the most humorous part of all was the first Sunday we went to Sunday School after the furnace was installed to walk into a very cold church. The Gas Company didn't fill our fuel tank and the tank was empty. This happened a few times the first winter until every one got on schedule but it really has been a great step forward and our attendance has been good all year round. Our next two years were busy ones putting the finishing pouches to the interior. Panelling was put on the walls and a new vinyl floor covering was laid. Also new draperies were purchased and basement walls painted and water proofed. Our new Sunday School rooms were now ready for use and just in time too. Our first social event held in the new addition was in March 1970 when Mr. and Mrs. William Pedley celebrated their 65th Anniversary. It was a great honor for all of us since this was the oldest couple in our church and they had spent their entire lives in this community. In the past six years many things have been held in our Sunday School social room. Some very happy occassions [sic] and some very sad ones too. We completely redecorated the Church in 1972 when Mrs. Adelaide Farrey requested that she be allowed to carpet the entire church. Dedicated laborers put in many long hard hours to completely strip and repaper the church walls and apply panelling over the old wains coating. Woodwork and church pews were stripped of old varnish and refinished. The settee was refinished and reupholstered in orange velvet to contrast with the paper and carpeting. Previous to this the church had installed and lowered the ceiling. Also, the Narthex has been panelled. Like all projects that are started, there is always something to be done. We hope that in future years we will be able to put in a water system and rest rooms. Also, we plan to insulate and re-side the church in the very near future. Many changes have been made in this little country church and the new addition has changed the exterior design. We have tried to preserve warmth and country charm this little church has had down through the years. Unchanged are its faithful members and friends whose families have put down strong roots in this area. The word of God is still preached today as it was back when this church was bulit [sic] in 1865. Yes, faith and prayer has carried this little church through many a trying times this past 120 years. It is this same faith and prayer that will help us in the future. These were the members of the Building Fund Committee at the time of our Ground Breaking Ceremony. They are: left to right: Rev. Bailey, Peg Copeland, Neil Copeland, Hazel Hammer, Loren Hammer, Mary Haffele, Everett Haffele, Mary Richardson, and Ed Richardson. [photo] SUNDAY SCHOOL No one knows for certain when the Sunday School organized. Early records indicate that there was a Sunday School being held at the P. M. Church, Pleasant Grove in 1887. When church was held at night the Sunday School would be held at 10 o'clock on Sunday morning and at 1 o'clock in the afternoon when church service was in the afternoon. From records available the annual Sunday School picnic was held on July 4th with picnic dinner, entertainment, and ice cream and lemonade for refreshment. Many picnics were held at Horseshoe Bend. The Sunday School and its many dedicated teachers are responsible for the spiritual growth and salvation of many boys and girls, men and women in the area. In later years the name of the church was changed to Leadmine P. M. Church. The Sunday School still plays a very important role in the lives of young and old in our community. Classes run from Pre-School thru adults. Many dedicated teachers are bringing the message of salvation to eager listeners. Through out this year members engage in various activities to reach out and show a genuine interest in others. They still enjoy the annual picnic usually held at Shullsburg Badger Park in August. At Christmas time they go caroling and give fruit baskets to the elderly and shut-ins in nursing homes. They have their usually Christmas and Halloween parties and an Easter Egg hunt. They present Bibles, to 3rd grade students, a New Testament to 8th grade graduates and Bibles to High School graduates. Several service men have also been presented with New Testaments. Average attendance now is around thirty members with four teachers. Down through the years, Bible School was held with local teachers. Sometimes Bible School was combined with Benton, with teachers coming from the Rural Crusade. At the end of the week, a program was held with each class doing something in the program. YOUTH GROUPS Down through the years many youth groups were organized. In the early 1940's Rev. Sterner had a very active group of girls and boys and many lives were won for Christ. Later in the 50's, Mrs. Thelma Cook had a group of girls called Pioneer Girls that would meet to study God's word. They would have camp outs and play games for entertainment. They would meet in the members homes and have refreshments and sometimes supper. In the early 1960's, another youth group was organized. At first they met in various homes and every one would take something for lunch. Later when the new addition on the church was finished, they would meet at the Church. They studied the "Christiam Way" [sic] which prepared them for membership in the church. Rev. Bailey, Rev. Carroll, Rev. Morganstern and Rev. Smith were our pastors during this time and they taught the lessons. Attendance was good and everyone was enthused about this group. Other activities included skating and sleight riding, parties, cook-outs, picnics, Halloween and Christmas parties. At Christmas time they would combine with the Sunday School to go caroling. They made tray favors for hospitals and nursing homes. The past year they made and presented birthday cakes for the people at Shullsburg Nursing Home. Also they presented the church with a dozen folding chairs. In the fall of 1975 the small group of youth and a new group called Good News Club was formed for ages up to twelve years old and a teen group was also formed at this time. A combined Youth Rally made up of ail the churches in the Western District is held the first Monday of the month. We are very thankful for these young people and the dedicated teachers who are bringing the word of God and His salvation to our community. We realize that the cry of babies in church and the laughter of youth is our assurance that our church will go forward bringing the message of salvation for many years. HISTORY OF THE GOOD CHEER SOCIETY The first meeting called for the purpose of organizing a Ladies Aid Society of the Leadmine Primitive Methodist Church was held on November 29, 1914. The Rev. J. D. Blinkinsop was the Pastor at the time and presided over the first meeting. As if was a very stormy day, not many were present, 8 ladies in all, whose names were taken down as members. They were the following: Mrs. George Ewing Mrs. Will Bird Mrs. Charles Ayers Mrs. Jane Rowe Mrs. James Driscoll, Jr. Mrs. John Peacock Mrs. John Redfern Miss Mary Blenkiron It was voted to ask Mrs. Frank Horsley to be President of the Society being that she was the oldest member of the Church, an honor she declined when asked to accept it. The date of Dec. 2nd was set for another meeting, to be held at the Church for the purpose of completing the organization of the Aid. At the meeting held on December 2nd, 1914, the following were elected: Mrs. George Ewing Chairman Mrs.Will Bird Secretary An election of officers was held and the following elected: President Mrs. Rachel Buxton Vice-President Mrs. Will Pedley Secretary and Treasurer Mrs. Will Bird Assistant Secretary Miss Mary Blinkiron It was voted that no yearly dues be charged, but that 10c be charged each member and other persons present at the meetings. A lunch to be served. It was also voted that meetings be held every alternate Wednesday at the home of members, the first to be held at the home of Mrs. Andrew Lindsey on December 9th. The name chosen for the organization was "The Good Cheer Society" and the society has surely brought much Cheer into the surrounding community. The new members meeting at the Church on Dec. 2nd were: Mrs. A. Lindsey Mrs. R. Buxton Mrs. W. Pedley Mrs. Wes Rowe Miss Belle Hoffman Mrs. Albert Driscoll Miss Effie Carter Miss Lucile Buxton These and the ones at the first meeting were considered the Charter Member, 16 in all. Was suggested that each member bring material sufficient to make an apron, so the sewing started in a small way and grew in volume until in the years before the depression many of the bazaars cleared over One-Hundred Dollars, sometimes as much as was made on the suppers of later years. Mrs. R. Buxton served as President for two years, Mrs. George Ewing for two years, and Mrs. Wm. Bird for 20 years. Mrs. Joe Dawson was then elected for this year. Many different ones have filled the other offices faithfully and well. Many improvements have been made to the Church through the efforts of this Society. It has been papered twice, a new carpet bought, the floor painted and later covered with linoleum. New stained glass windows, a new foundation built, the entry built, cement steps and walk to the cemetery, and it was also shingled. The highest number of members enrolled at one time was 59 in 1917. Forty-three have moved away or withdrawn for other purposes. Eighteen have passed away. The present number is 37 enrolled. During these years the ministers have been the following: Rev. J. D. Blenkinsop Rev. John Magee Rev. S. R. Chubb Rev. C. H. Johns Rev. S. S. George Rev. E. P. Thomas Rev. C. W. Tyrrell Many have been the activities of the Society down through the years since ifs start in 1914, just 25 years ago. To enumerate them all would take a long time, but their effort has been rewarded by many lives blessed by their efforts. Their support to the Church has been the best that could be expected. It has remained faithful in all the years since it's start.* * Mrs Will Bird, History of the Good Cheer Society. 1939 As we look towards the future, we are looking forward to continuing the noble work, along the many lines of endeavor. We pray His blessing upon the Work that it may go forward to His honor and Glory. ** **Rev. Harold Hatton, History of the Good Cheer Society. 1939. The Ladies Aid in later years met at the Rebekah Lodge, the Town Hall, and in the Sunday School rooms at Benton. They were very active in making carpet rag rugs, quilts, and pillow cases. They also put several floals in the Benton Labor Day parades. In September, 1964, the Ladies Aid celebrated their 50th Anniversary. Those who were members in later years were: Mrs. Hannah Hover, Mrs. Lou Glasson, Mrs. Sed Sheffer, Mrs. Elmer Carter, Mrs. Redfern, Mrs. Ralph Hatfield, Esther Lindsay, Mrs. Bert Cook, Mrs. Charles Ewing, Mrs. Raymond Genthe, Mrs. George Farrey, Mary Farrey, Mrs. Henry Hoffman, Mrs. Nels Down, Mrs. Frank Horsley, Mrs. Joe Dawson, Mrs. Eddie Cherry, Mrs. Knudson, Mrs. Earl Hover, Sara Carter, Mrs. Will Fawcett, Etta Looney, Hattie Bennett, Margaret Bennett, Zula Genthe, Helen Fowler, Rita Laird, Kittle Bennett, Maggie Bird, Sarah Bird, and Nannie Carter. Etta Driscoll, Esther Farrey, Mary Richardson, Louise Sheffer, Eva Redfern, Blanch Farrey, Jeanette Perkins, Doris Sheffer, Adelaide Lindsay, Alma Coates, Gertrude Sheffer, Ellen Glasson, Etta Farrey, Lucretia Peasiey, Lucille Buxton, Lydia Richardson, Hazel Hammer, Mabel Elzen, Greta Preston, Freida Wright, Olive Pratt, and Verna Osterholtz. LEADMINE MISSIONARY SOCIETY The Missionary Society was started on April 20, 1919. The collection from the Sunday School on every 5th Sunday was given to the Society. Officers were elected. They were: Mrs. Seldon Sheffer President Anna Fawcett Vice President Lulu Mullin Secretary Etta Looney Asst. Secretary Jennie Hatfield Treasurer Other members were: Mrs. Charles Ayers Mrs. Elmer Carter Mrs. Albert Driscoll Mrs. Louise Glasson Mrs. Ralph Hatfield Mrs. Joe Looney Miss Esther Lindsay Mrs. Wes Rowe Mrs. James Driscoll Mrs. Raymond Genthe Mrs. William Howe Mrs. George Longhenry Miss Lucile Robins Mrs. George Ewing Mrs. George Farrey Mrs. Edward Fields Mrs. Louise Genthe Mrs. Frank Horsely Mrs. John Mullin Mrs. Charles Peacock Mrs. Bert Cook Mrs. William Fawcett Miss Ama Hoffman Mrs. Thomas Lindsay Mrs. Will Pedley The Missionary Society was mainly concerned with sending money to the missionaries, sponsoring foreign children, and they had a Bible Study. They also served lunch on election day. TRUSTEE BOARD The Trustee Board first started around the year of 1943. Before this time, the Ladies Aid took care of the church's finances. Many have served on the Trustee Board since it was started. The following members have served on this board at one time or another. Mr. and Mrs. James Preston Mr. and Mrs. LaMont Cook Sarah Bird Nannie Pedley Louise Sheffer Mrs. Jack Tippetts Mrs. Miller Mrs. Earl Hoover Mr. and Mrs. Charles Copeland Bob Bennett Stanley Palfrey Mary Richardson Loren Hammer Everett Haffele Eleanor Bennett Norman Hayes [photo] Present Trustee Board: standing Loren Hammer, Norman Hayes, Neil Copeland, Stanley Palfrey. Seated - Peg Copeland, Louise Sheffer, and Mary Richardson. CHURCH PIANISTS We would also like to mention our church pianist. They play an important part in our church, These names may not be in the order in which they served the church. Stella Bird Bessie Farrey Zula Sheffer Etta Farrey Joyce Coulthard Bernice Ewing Esther Lindsay Ruth Bird Lillian Looney Mary Jane Preston Bessie Bancroft Mrs. Charles Ewing Grace Rowe Joyce Kuhn Alice Dawson Margaret Bennett Pauline Copeland Shelia Scott Hazel Hammer Joanne (Richardson) Roy Barb Hammer [photo] Our present pianist: Barb Hammer and Grace Rowe Dear Friends, I have spent sixty-two years in this community moving here in the spring of 1914. I have attended church and Sunday School since I was a baby with my father and mother, Rev. and Mrs. J. D. Blenklnsopp. I have enjoyed the friendship and love of a wonderful number of people through the years in this community. I love to teach Sunday School and many of my Sunday School scholars are still active in the churches either in Benton or Leadmine or other churches. When my father was the minister of this church, I used to play the organ when the organist was absent. I have played the organ and piano anytime I was needed. Sincerely yours in Christ, Grace Rowe CONTRIBUTORS Paul Andrews John Pedley family Mill's Red Bell Carr Cheese Factory Thelma Brown Mr. and Mrs. Charles Copeland Mr. and Mrs. John Copeland and family Mr. and Mrs. Albert Zier and family Mr. and Mrs. Roger Wetzel and family Stephen Copeland Mr. and Mrs. Willis Bowen Mrs. Louise Sheffer Mr. and Mrs. Loren Hammer Barb and Barry Hammer Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Sincock and family Mrs. Kittie Bennett Mrs. Mary Richardson Mr. and Mrs. Norman Kvalheim Martin's House of Pianos and Organs Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Perry Sentry Foods Myron Fiedler Brown Motors Robbins Radio and TV Mr. and Mrs. Thomas O'Hearn Mrs. Zula Genthe Mrs. Nellie Scott Mrs. Marion Bennett Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Rowe and family Veterinary Associates Mrs. Etta Carr Additional Comments: Full Text of Leadmine P. M. Church Anniversiary and Dedication Dec. 4th and 5th, 1976 File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/wi/lafayette/churches/leadmine5gbb.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/wifiles/ File size: 48.5 Kb