Our History
The History of Watertown and Codington County is well documented in many historical works. Likewise, the history of the First United Methodist Church of Watertown is also preserved in several anniversary issues that celebrated such milestones as the 75th anniversary and the centennial celebration which was held in 1979. In 2004, the First United Methodist Church of Watertown celebrated its 125th anniversary and, in honor of that event, the History and Archive Committee prepared a synopsis of each of the pastors that have served this congregation from its beginnings in 1879. In doing this, we have relied heavily on the work that has preceded us and thank those before us for their commitment and dedication to keeping alive the history of our congregation.
Briefly, Watertown came into existence in July of 1878 and its streets were plotted in September of that year, although it was not officially incorporated until May 30, 1880. As settlers poured into the region, aided by the arrival of the Winona and St. Peter Railroad and the many other railroads that followed, the organization of churches was one of the basic pillars of civilization that was quickly established in the community to tend to the spiritual needs of the hardy pioneers that settled this pristine land.
Itinerant preachers, known as circuit riders, first came into Dakota Territory in the 1860s and gradually worked their way north as the Native American tribes were subdued. One of the first preachers mentioned in northern Dakota Territory was a Congregational minister, George S. Codington, for whom our county was named in 1878. He traveled extensively throughout the eastern part of Dakota Territory after his arrival here in 1872, although his main ministry seems to have been in the Brookings area. Perhaps as a result of his presence, the first church established in Watertown was the Congregational Church which was organized in March of 1879. But the Methodists were soon to follow and the Watertown Methodist Episcopal church, led by Albon D. Chase, was organized later that year.
Reverend Chase was one of the very first settlers in Codington County and the records of the Codington County Commissioners meeting in August of 1878 report that an A.D. Chase was named Judge of Probate, so perhaps he was involved in the political as well as religious organization of the area. A former member of the West Wisconsin Conference, Reverend Chase held the first Methodist service in Watertown at the home of D. M. Richardson in May of 1878.
Apparently Reverend Chase left the area for a year or was otherwise unavailable because, in 1879, Seymour Snyder is mentioned as an interim pastor, a position he held for just one year. Reverend Snyder is credited with building the first small church parsonage while services were held in a school house. Records indicate that a S. Snyder also established a church at Gary, South Dakota, in 1879. It would seem coincidental if this were not the same person, but there is no verification of that.
Reverend Chase returned to the ministry of the church in 1880, this time to settle permanently, and again became pastor of the fledgling church. Services were held every two weeks at Gesley’s Hall, located on the east side of Oak (now Broadway) Street. A small but satisfactory church was soon built that year with the aid of the Church Extension Society. He would remain as pastor of the church until 1881. Reverend Chase was apparently known as a gifted public speaker throughout the territory and evidently his interest in the community did not end when he was no longer pastor of the Church. Records show that he was appointed railroad commissioner by Governor Arthur C. Mellette on November 27, 1889 His pulpit bible was presented to the church in 1989 by his descendants, the McBath family. Records do refer to him as “grandfather of the McBath boys.”
In 1881, William Fielder, an Englishman who came to the United States via Canada, was appointed as pastor. The first church, which had been built the previous year, was officially dedicated and membership increased. The small parsonage built by Reverend Snyder was enlarged and several other “preaching places” were established. Reverend Fielder is especially remembered for his great evangelical zeal. Other events of note in Watertown during his tenure are that four church societies were established and the first Codington County Court House was built in 1883. This would serve until it was razed in 1928 and the present court house was built. Reverend Fielder went on to be Presiding Elder of the Huron District (1883-87) and of the Aberdeen District (1887-89).
A. D. Traveller was next appointed as pastor of the church and served from 1883-1884. According to records, his two years were marked by strong “evangelistic activity.” Reverend Traveller spent seven years altogether in Watertown and was a charter member of the Dakota Conference. On October 9, 1885, notwithstanding his name and no pun intended, he was assigned the post of “Traveling Elder.” He also served as Presiding Elder of the Aberdeen District (1885-1887) and returned as Presiding Elder of the Watertown District (1887-90).
About the next pastor, E. W. Adams, little is known or reported except that he apparently added many new members to the congregation. He was pastor of the church for one year only and served in 1885. During Reverend Adams’ tenure, Watertown hosted for the first time the Dakota Annual Conference, with Bishop Brown presiding. W. H. Selleck followed Reverend Adams in 1886 and also served just one year, going from here to Aberdeen.
E. E. Clough was appointed to the church in 1887. Due to rapidly growing numbers (records indicate that the church has 204 members in 1888), the church built in 1880 was deemed inadequate and a new lot at the corner of Oak and Warner Avenues (our present site) was purchased, the old church sold and the parsonage relocated to the east of the new lot. $1,000 in improvements were made to the parsonage. A new church was begun in 1888 at a cost of $15,000 of which only $5,000 remained as debt against the property. After his tenure in Watertown, Reverend Clough was appointed to the church in Yankton.
In 1889, W.S. Robinson was called to the church. He and his family came to Watertown from the New Jersey Conference but found the climate too rigorous. His tenure lasted only one year. In 1889, there are several souvenir books published about Watertown which indicate that at this time, the town boasted approximately 5,000 inhabitants.
A. W. Adkinson was appointed as pastor of the church in October of 1890. Again, he is credited with adding many new members to the church. During Pastor Adkinson’s year, the debt on the church was reduced to just $2,000 and the Young People’s Society of Christian Endeavor became known as the Epworth League. In 1941, this group’s name would again be changed to the Methodist Youth Fellowship. Due to his wife’s failing health, Reverend Adkinson left after just one year to relocate to the church in Albuquerque.
From 1891 to 1896, the church was lead by W. H. Vance and his tenure saw prosperity as well as disastrous crop failures, grasshopper plagues, drought, and the resultant exodus of many settlers. Reverend Vance arrived in Watertown in the middle of winter, January, and records indicate he thought he had instead landed at the North Pole. He was nevertheless greeted very warmly by the Ladies Aid Society and he and his wife enjoyed five years in Watertown, despite the string of natural disasters that plagued his years here. Records indicate that in 1893, there were about 6,000 people in Watertown, eight newspapers and eight railroads.
E. P. Hall was appointed to the Church from 1896-1898 and little is known of him except that the church continued to make steady progress and growth in both numbers and spirituality. Alexander C. Stevens succeeded Reverend Hall and spent 1898 through 1902 at the helm of our church. During Reverend Stevens’ years at the church, the mortgage was paid off and ceremoniously burned. It is also noted that gifts to “benevolent causes” increased as well as the church’s spiritual leadership in the community. As the twentieth century began, the Junior League was established in Watertown, a group of upper grade school children who continued to meet into the 1930s. Watertown’s population continued to grow; in 1900 about 7,000 souls lived, worked and prayed here.
From 1902 through 1907, W. S. Shepherd guided the members of the Methodist Church. Reverend Shepherd oversaw the building of a newer, more modern parsonage at a cost of $3,400 and sold the old parsonage for $650. Records indicate that two revival meetings added greatly to the church’s membership. A glance at the minutes of the Trustees and Stewards Meetings indicate that, for example, in August of 1904 the church’s electric bill was $5 and salaries for the month totaled $214. There is a reference in the minutes of October 1906 that the church should write Andrew Carnegie regarding repair of the church organ with the thought the Mr. Carnegie might be willing to “disburse some of his surplus cash where it would do much good.” There is no indication of whether or not the letter was written or if there was a reply. In 1907, the church had 440 members, 482 attendees at Sunday School, property valued at $21,000 and had made gifts totaling $1,163.
Also during Reverend Shepherd’s tenure, Sunday School was graded into Beginners, Primary, Junior and Intermediate Departments. All of the adult Sunday School classes had their own names. Later in his professional life, Reverend Shepherd became district superintendent and served in that capacity from 1916 to 1922.
J. P. Jenkins was appointed pastor at the church and served it well from 1907 through 1910. A primary focus of Reverend Jenkins ministry was missionary education and the improvement of Sunday School education. The Sunday School Easter collection often exceeded $1,000. The Jenkins Memorial Home for the Aged, later known as the Jenkins Methodist Home and now the Jenkins Center, is named for Reverend Jenkins. In 1908 the Post Office was built two blocks north of the church and a band shell rested directly across the street to the north, next to the court house. Minutes of the 1909 Trustees and Stewards Committee refer to a letter to the Ladies Aid Society from the Watertown Water, Light and Power Company, dated March 8, 1909, which compliments the ladies on their fine work. The minutes of the May, 1911, meeting reflects for the first time the possibility of building a new church. After his tenure in Watertown, Reverend Jenkins was appointed to Dakota Wesleyan as Vice President.
J. N. Greene from Brazil, Indiana, replaced Reverend Jenkins in 1910 and stayed at the church’s helm until 1912. Reverend Green is said to have had very strong oratory and literary talents which made his sermons well regarded. It is recorded that growth in the church continued, with religious education being an important part of Reverend’s Greene’s ministry. On April 16, 1911, Reverend Greene made a strong appeal that the entire Easter offering be send to Home and Foreign Missions. Five hundred people attended the service and $1,002 in silver dollars piled up on the altar.
From 1912 to 1917, Franklin F. Lewis, became pastor of our church. His most obvious accomplishment was the building of the current church which commenced in 1914. The church raised $47,000 in pledges for the new building and in June of 1914, specifications were presented and the contract let to the Brickell Construction Company of Watertown. The last service in the old church was held on June 21, 1914, after which the church was razed and interim services were held at the Metropolitan Theater located in the Lincoln Hotel. Architect Harry Jones of Minneapolis oversaw construction as the First Methodist Episcopal Church rose on its present site, a gleaming gothic-style cathedral built of Colfax sand stone. The new church was dedicated on October 17, 1915 with a special address from our previous pastor, Reverend Shepherd.
The church boasted a fine organ built by R. J. Bennett of Rock Island, Illinois and two beautiful stained glass windows, the Good Samaritan window in memory of Mrs. Sarah Ann Wiley (owner of the Wiley Boarding House) which faced south and the Light of the World window, facing north, which was dedicated to the memory of Mr. and Mrs. D. C. Thomas. The church’s large auditorium was the scene of many community activities as well as religious and educational events. The church also had a gymnasium which was used by the church as well as by the city and the schools until the high school was built in 1923. The final cost for the building was $75,000.
While Reverend Lewis was in Watertown, other events were also taking place far beyond our borders. While World War I raged in Europe, Watertown continued to grow in peace, although a tornado tore through Watertown in 1914, doing extensive damage to the city. The Codington County Poor Farm was built in 1915 although no connection with the church has been noted. In the spring of 1917, the popular and effective Reverend Lewis was transferred to Janesville, Wisconsin.
From 1917 to 1921, Gay Charles White, another pastor gifted with strong literary ability and a deep interest in humanity, came to Watertown from Portland, Maine. His years at the church saw a growth in spirituality through service, education and missionary and evangelistic work Reverend White was later named Superintendent of the Mitchell District. In 1920 a booklet, Forty-Two Years of Prairie Methodism. Our Parish Record: “Yesterday and Today” “What of Tomorrow?” was published and provides a strong record of the church’s life for the first years of its existence. In 1919, there were 882 members in the church, 791 attendees at Sunday School, property valued in the amount of $175,000 and $5,083 sent to various charities. Reverend White became Presiding Elder of the Mitchell District from 1921-27.
The Ladies Aid Society was very active in these years, taking part in sewing projects, putting on suppers and hosting an annual church fair. Money raised was used to refurbish the parsonage and assist with church repairs. The Watertown Foreign Missionary Society, established in 1890, raised money with its Birthday Roll and the Women’s Home Missionary Society made quilts and provided hospitals and schools with supplies and education scholarships.
G. M. Calhoun was appointed to the church from 1921-1926, coming here from the Wisconsin Area. During his years, a Children’s Choir was organized and week day religious education was started. Children and youth in grades one to nine were dismissed to go to their respective churches on Thursday afternoons. Average attendance in 1925 was 516 and the program involved over 80 officers and teachers. The program was disbanded sometime in the 1930s, briefly reinstated after World War II and then discontinued in the 1950s. Natural disasters continued to plague the community and test its resilience, particularly the flood of 1921.
During J. S. Hoagland’s ministry, 1926 to 1929, records indicate the church continued to grow in “friendly helpfulness.” The late 20s and early 30s saw peak numbers for Sunday School, with an average attendance of over 600 and a high of 800 attendees. During Reverend Hoagland’s years, church services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings and 7:30 p.m. on Sunday evenings. Sunday School was held on noon and the Epworth League met at 6:30 p.m.
From 1929 to 1937, Reverend C.B. Harrold oversaw the church and records indicate he was loved by all and exerted a strong influence in the community. These years of depression and drought were some of the darkest and yet the church’s community withstood the depths of despair that characterized these years so bleakly. The community took part in many WPA projects, for instance the building of the airport, grading and paving of streets and school construction.
In 1938, W. R. Peterson became pastor and served through 1945. During his tenure, church departments came to be organized more efficiently and a planned system of visitation by lay members was instituted. The Sunday evening Bible classes attracted many and one member, Mr. C. F. Stadfeldt, pledged $10,000 toward paying off the last $20,000 of church debt. Other gifts followed and again the mortgage was ceremoniously burned on October 12, 1943, twenty-seven years after the church was dedicated. The Keystone Fellowship, a young adult group, was organized and was active for many years in supporting missions and providing social activities for the members and their families. During part of Reverend Peterson’s tenure, A. N. Courtney served as Parish Visitor, a position he held through 1948.
Beyond Watertown, another seminal event for the church as a whole took place in 1939 when the three different branches of the Methodist Church (the Methodist Protestant Church, the Methodist Episcopal Church and the Methodist Episcopal Church, South) agreed to a Declaration of Union to form the Methodist Church.
B. A. Davis came to Watertown in 1945 to 1946. According to records, Reverend Davis was instrumental in education and emphasized an understanding of doctrine and policy by those who were members or sought to become members. Reverend Davis later became Superintendent of the Northern District in the middle of 1946.
From 1946 to 1949, James A. Leach served as pastor of our church, coming here from our neighboring state of Minnesota. Another talented public speaker, Reverend Leach was influential in the church as well as the community. During his tenure, A. N. Courtney continued as parish visitor, a position he held for a total of seven years. One of the citizens of Watertown that he visited was a Mr. Cook, a former harness maker whose business was once on the site of County Fair’s current parking lot. Although not officially a member of the church, Mr. Cook willed the church $10,000 upon his death and that is how Cook Hall came into being. It was built as part of a remodeling project which turned the old gymnasium into two floors containing both Sunday School rooms and a large meeting area. Reverend Courtney had previously serve as Superintendent of the Aberdeen District in 1930-31 and Superintendent of the Aberdeen/Watertown District from 1931-36.
Allen E. Wittrup served the congregation from 1949 to 1955 coming also as his predecessor had from Minnesota. According to records, his portrayal of events at a series of Lenten suppers was very popular. During Reverend Wittrup’s tenure, Mrs. Hugh Ching served as parish visitor in 1952 and Kenneth Voas was secured as Director of Religious Education until 1953. Under Mr. Voas’ direction, the Kum Dubl Club was organized. This group, consisting of young adults, was primarily involved with personal evangelism. The senior and intermediate youth groups, which were especially involved in missionary projects, flourished as did Sunday School programs.
With E. C. Antrim’s appointment in 1955, the pastor was, for only the second time in its history, from South Dakota. He served here from 1955 to 1961 and said, when arriving, that “it was just like coming home.” His first ministry had been just a few miles west in Henry. Reverend Antrim led the church during a period of growth. His ministry was particularly enriched by a missionary trip to La Paz, Bolivia with a group of other ministers. Miss Adah Minard became parish visitor and, according to records, the women of the church were organized to do “systematic home calling.” The church celebrated its 75th anniversary on October 16, 1955. From 1956 to 1957, G. D. Witthaus served as Parish Visitor. In 1958, Reverend James N. Smith was appointed as Administrator at the Jenkins Home and he and his wife became a vital force in the life of the church and Reverend Smith later served a long term as Parish Visitor.
While not directly related to the Reverend Antrim’s tenure, it is interesting to note that the Jenkins Memorial Home in Watertown was established in 1954, the first home for the ageing owned and operated under the auspices of the newly formed Methodist Homes, Inc. In 1956, a permanent home for it was found when a contract was reached with Dr. Robert Bartron of Watertown whereby the former Bartron Hospital and Clinic, the Nurses’ Residence, and an adjoining apartment complex was transferred to Methodist Home, Inc. and the facility opened as a Nursing Home in February, 1958.
In 1961, Clayton A. Berry received the call to Watertown, staying through 1967. Revered Berry’s ministry was intensely focused on missions and five young members of the church traveled to the Neuquin Argentina Youth Work Camp to construct a Church and parsonage along with other young people. While traveling in Argentina, Reverend Berry saw the need for a church to be built in Dolavon in Chubut Province. Our church assumed responsibility for raising $10,000 to assist in the building of this much needed church. Two of our members attended the dedication and an altar cloth was presented the congregation from our women. Also during this time, the Church’s dining room was remodeled.
Other staff was added at this time, including Judith Dunnell who served as Director of Christian Education from 1963 to 1965. Gordon Higgins became Youth Director in 1965, staying through 1966 and working effectively with both the Sunday School program and the MYF. From 1965 through 1971, E. H. Jarman served as Parish Visitor.
In 1967, Gustav K. Van Tassel answered the call to our Church, a position he retained until 1982. His ministry was marked by his strong, compassionate leadership and his caring consideration for others. In 1968, the union of the Evangelical United Brethren Church and the Methodist Church was completed, resulting in the formation of the United Methodist Church. As a result, our church’s name was re-confirmed as the First United Methodist Church while the former EUB church became the Ninth Avenue United Methodist Church. Also the Women’s Society of Christian Services was re-designated as the United Methodist Women. Church enrollment at this time stood at 1,092.
Other staff on board during Reverend Van Tassel’s ministry included Maxine V. Williams who served as Director of Christian Education from 1968 to 1974, Elmer P. Brinkman (Associate Minister from 1974 to 1977), William L. Byllesby (Associate Minister from 1979 to 1980), and Barbara Gist (Associate Minister from 1981 to 1984). The Church’s Bennett organ was rebuilt in 1967 by Eugene Doutt and other re-modeling of the church property was undertaken during these years. In 1972, a Building Committee considered enlarging and remodeling the church and the following year Phase I was undertaken which included remodeling of the dining room, kitchen, rest rooms and halls. Phase II was undertaken from 1975-1979 and included enlargement of the altar and podium area in the sanctuary. The second floor of the Cook Hall wing (the original gymnasium location) was converted into a pastor’s study, business office, associate minister’s office, work room, Roy Uthe Library, conference room and church lounge and the entire main floor was re-carpeted and redecorated. A major celebration was held in 1979 marking the Church’s centennial year.
In 1982, Leonard K. Haggin was called to the church, replacing Reverend Van Tassel who had enjoyed a twelve year ministry in Watertown. Reverend Haggin served until 1984 and church membership stood at 1,003 when he arrived. Evangelism and mission work were important during this ministry; one mission project involved helping to build an eye clinic in Sierra Leone, Africa. Associate Pastor Robert Wall replaced Pastor Gist in the fall of 1984 and would serve the church as Associate Pastor for the next five years, until 1989. Joint Thanksgiving services were held with the Watertown Congregational Church at this time.
Harold E. Fitch became pastor in 1984, serving through 1987. Reverend Wall remained as Associate Pastor during this period. Reverend Fitch’s ministry concentrated on Christian evangelism, education and worship. A home for the senior pastor (31 Sunrise Drive) was purchased on August 3, 1985, made possible in part by two significant memorial bequests. The pastors made an effort to call on all inactive members in special evangelical visits. One service was conducted on Sunday morning and re-broadcast on a local television outlet during the week, necessitating special wiring be installed in the balcony. Adult bible study classes were held on Sunday mornings. A fund to purchase a second parsonage for the Associate Pastor was begun and two new choirs were formed, an adult bell choir and a 7th-8th grade Speech choir. Three houses to the south of the church were removed and a parking lot established for the church.
The church welcomed Reverend Peter W. Moe in 1987 and he served here until 1992. Reverend David Scarff became Associate Pastor in 1989 through 1991. Youth Director JoAnn Arndtson joined the staff in 1988 and planned the “First Annual FUMC Family Camp” at Lake Poinsett that year. Goals were set to increase adult Sunday School participation and the Bethel Study Series was instituted and well received. As the church celebrated 110 years in 1889, Reverend Moe emphasized the importance of faith, not only for our forbears but also for the present congregation. In 1989, when South Dakota celebrated its centennial year, Reverend Albon D. Chase’s bible was presented to the church from the McBath family.
Reverend Moe concentrated on the congregation’s strengths and established an effective outreach program. Neighborhood visitations were made and growth sought. A second parsonage was purchased in October of 1987 (420 7th Avenue NE). Matthias Krier joined the staff as Associate Pastor in 1991 and remained in that position until 1995. Jo Kjetland became Youth Director and the Youth were involved in a number of meaningful mission projects.
Charles Horner became pastor of the church in 1993 through 1994. Associate Pastor Krier became Youth programs director in addition to his other duties. Pastor Horner was dedicated to involving the laity more in services and in service. An elevator was installed in the church in 1993 which allowed our handicapped members easier access to the church. Mission and education activities continued to be strong during this period and the women groups continued to be active and make important contributions to the spiritual and social life of the church.
From 1994 to 1999, James Pomeroy served as Senior Pastor, assisted by Matthias Krier in 1994, Raymond Baker from 1995 to 1996 and Matthias Krier again from 1996 to 1999. Gideon Eberhart served as Visitation Pastor for several years during this time. Pastor Pomeroy was concerned not only with spiritual growth but also financial realities. Surveys were done to ascertain the congregation’s needs and neighborhood “Cluster” groups were instituted for visitation and input. Debt reduction also became a focus. The Youth continued to be involved in mission activities and a “Spirit Alive” group was formed to institute a contemporary Sunday service. Two sessions of Sunday School were held and a fellowship for members in the “middle” ages was established.
The flood that devastated Watertown in 1997 provided many opportunities for spiritual leadership in the community. Reverend Pomeroy served as President of the Watertown Ministerial Association at this time and spent many hours counseling in Red Cross shelters. Later in his tenure, a new computer system was installed in the office.
In 1999, Senior Pastor Eric Grinager and Associate Pastor Joel Higgins were called to service and quickly made a strong impression and proposed a “new start” philosophy. Primary objectives were to take advantage of new fellowship opportunities, bring technology into the services, appeal to unaffiliated Christians in the community and provide leadership opportunities for members of the congregation that had not become previously involved in the church. Youth programs have flourished and many mission projects have been undertaken. Outreach programs have been instituted and Christian Education programs continued and expanded. The United Methodist Women have been involved in many activities both in the church and the community and the WOW (Weekend Of Women) retreat has become a popular annual activity. The Helping Hands Ministry continues to be a successful way to include many people in vital church functions. The motto “every member a minister” has been truly embraced.
A sizeable bequest, earmarked for projects only in the church, allowed many improvements in the last few years. Some of the projects undertaken were the installation of new sidewalks and steps, a new steel roof, repair of the stained glass windows and installation of new storm windows, an underground irrigation system, new carpeting and a handicapped bathroom. Unrelated to the bequest, the assistant pastor parsonage was sold and a new one purchased at 180 18th Street NE.
On July 1, 2004, Associate Pastor Dayne Zachrison began his service at the church and will continue the work which has been so lovingly embraced over the last 125 years. His primary focus will be working with the youth, the missions, and the Christian Education programs.
Today, when we look back over the last 125 years, it is obvious that “Faith of Our Fathers” is more than a popular hymn. It is the bedrock on which this church was built, from the hardy pioneers and early preachers who brought religion with them to a sparsely populated land, to the strong, visionary leaders who guided us safely through the boom periods of prosperity and growth as well as the valleys of war, depression, and natural disasters. Equally strong, committed leaders plot our course today, a course based in faith, hope, and spiritual maturity. Their bequest of a dedicated, vital ministry will be the ultimate legacy. This is the First United Methodist Church of Watertown, a church blessed with a strong past, a committed present, and a future bright with possibility.
