Pursuant to arrangement, a meeting of the churches of the Crete, Cropsey and Seward mission fields was held with the Seward (Anderson) Church, on Saturday, November 20, 1875, when the following delegates reported as representatives of the churches from the Crete, Cropsey and Seward missions:
      Crete, E. D. Aller; Barkey's, J. Barkey; Cropsey, K. A. Moore; Eivballs, G. F. McElwee; Evergreen, G. F. McElwee; Wallsworth's, E. D. Aller; Horn's, E. D. Aller; Seward, G. W. Anderson; Orton, J. Keger; Occidental, J. Figart; Wayland, H. Hoffer; Stateroad, M. Hoffer; Parker's, J. Marble; Fillmore, D. H. Figart.

      The meeting was organized by electing Elder Jonathan Marble, Chairman, and Brother J. H. Paxton, Clerk.

      On motion, all the brethren, some forty from the different churches present, were made advisory members.

      On motion, Brother K. A. Moore was called on to address the meeting; in response to which the meeting was entertained with the rise and progress of the church in Nebraska, exhibiting from statistics that the number of organized churches on the two mission fields was fourteen, with an aggregate membership of 205. Elder E. D. Aller, receiving official information on the resignation of Elder D. S. Warner, of the Seward mission, deemed it advisable to visit the churches on that field. While the brethren were generally found true to their first love, the churches were sadly demoralized, and as a necessity immediate action was indispensable to the success of the mission work on this field, and that on consultation with the brethren it was considered for the best interests of the work to call a meeting of the churches; the churches of the Crete-Cropsey field concurring to devise measures for supplying the vacancy. And further, that the gratifying fact was apparent that the supply could be had within the bounds of the field in the persons of Elder Jonathan Marble, and Brothers John Figart and John Keger, who are willing to enter the active ministry, thus relieving the Board of Missions of much perplexity in filling said vacancy; and finally, that the object of the meeting was to consider and ratify such measures, with the concurrence of the Board of Missions, as will best promote the mission work in Nebraska. After which the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted:
      WHEREAS, The Board of Missions of the Church of God, has through its agency permanently established the Church of God in Nebraska; and believing mission efforts the most effective means for church extension, we most cordially appreciate the efforts heretofore made, and urgently solicit a further recognition of the interests of the church within the bounds of the Nebraska Eldership. And while we recognize the feasibility of church extension by opening up new fields, we are led to question the expediency of it, and would respectfully ask the Board not to withdraw its support from the fields already opened in view of the inability of their being self-sustaining from the present impoverished condition of the people from providential causes; therefore,
      Resolved, That we recognize the hand of Providence in carrying into our young State the principles and doctrines of the Church of God, and do gratefully appreciate as a people the inestimable favor conferred on us by the Board of Missions.
      Resolved, That in appropriating funds for church extension in opening up new fields, it is evident that the old work will become inoperative from the inability of the churches to support those who labor for them.
      Resolved, That we respectfully and urgently ask the Board of Missions that for the coming year the amount appropriated the present mission year will be duplicated.
      Resolved, That in consequence of Elder D. S. Warner reigning his field of labor in Nebraska, and Elder Jonathan Marble, and Brothers John Figart and John Keger, residing within the bounds of the work, are willing to assume the labors of said field, we cordially commend them to the Board of Missions as brethren well qualified, and recommend their appointment to fill said vacancy.
      Resolved, That we recommend a consolidation of the ministerial force on the Crete, Cropsey and Seward missions, believing that a co-operative work will prove more efficient than as at present arranged.
      Resolved, That we request the Board of Missions to pay over to Elder J. Marble all unexpended moneys appropriated to the Seward mission for the present year, in consideration for his ministerial labors as mission worker in Nebraska.
      Resolved, That the Board of Missions was most fortunate in securing the services of Elder E. D. Aller as a mission worker in Nebraska, whose zeal, energy and industry, with large social qualities, eminently qualify him as the standard-bearer and representative man of the church, whose labors have been instrumental in the conversion of scores of souls, the organization of many churches and the extension of the principles of the Church of God, an evidence of the wisdom of the Board in their selection, and we cordially commend him as a thorough mission worker.
      Resolved, That from our knowledge of the missionary operations on the Crete, Cropsey and Seward fields, we are led to the conclusion that the efficiency of Elder E. D. Aller as a worker has fully met the expectations of the friends of the cause, but with the extent of territory to be supplied in connection we would recommend that he be relieved from Crete and surrounding appointments and given a more general work, believing that his labors will be more effective in promoting the mission work and disseminating the principles of the church than under the present arrangement.
      Resolved, That while the friends of the mission cause who have so generously contributed to the extension of the church in Nebraska have our thanks, we cannot but specially recognize the noble, generous spirit which actuated the sisters to put forth their efforts in rearing up so imperishable a monument, one that will immortalize their memory when time will have obliterated the perishing things of time; and while the church in Nebraska, in its incipiency has been their word, we are now willing, that it has grown to its full stature, that it may become their patron saint. They have our warmest thanks and sincere prayers.
      Resolved, That the thanks of this meeting are tendered the brethren and the citizens for their hospitality.
      Resolved, That a copy of the proceedings be sent to the Board of Missions, also, to THE CHURCH ADVOCATE for publication.

[The Church Advocate 40 (December 15, 1875): 5.]

      J. K. Paxton's "Nebraska Mission Meeting" was first published in The Church Advocate, Vol. 40, No. 33 (December 15, 1875), p. 5. The electronic version has been transcribed from a copy of the article printed from a microfilmed edition of the newspaper held by the State Library of Pennsylvania. Thanks to Adams Memorial Library for arranging for the interlibrary loan, and to St. Vincent College Library for the use of its microfilm reader/printer.

      Inconsistencies in spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and typography have been retained.

      Addenda and corrigenda are earnestly solicited.

Ernie Stefanik
Derry, PA

Created 19 May 1999.
Updated 15 July 2003.