California Congregational Church (May 11, 1867

California Congregational Church (May 11, 1867 - June 17, 1883)

Merged with Presbyterian Church in 1883

From the January 8, 1868 The Loyal Journal:

Religious - A council of Congregational churches will be held at this place next Saturday at the school room south of the Railroad, for the purpose of taking into consideration the propriety of admitting to the general Conference of Congregational Churches of Missouri, the church at this place and also at Pleasant Hill. Rev J. M. Bowers of Sedalia, is expected to preach on the occasion.

From the May 28, 1874 California Democrat:

The Job of enlarging and improving the Congregational Church building has been taken by H. G. Hern, and is going forward. Twenty feet are to be added to the length of the house which is to be painted inside and out. The walls are to be papered, the windows furnished with blinds, and the lot to be neatly enclosed. Five hundred dollars is the sum which the church needs and is aiming to raise for these purposes, the larger portion of which has been secured.

The ladies of the church propose having their strawberry festival in aid of the enterprise on the evening of Tuesday, June 9th.

From the July 9, 1874 California Democrat:

The addition to the Congregational church in this city is completed, and the church is now of ample capacity for a large congregation. The building is considerable improved in appearance, and is no longer "the little church around the corner."

From the November 4, 1875 California Democrat:

Festival and Oyster Supper

The ladies of the Congregational Church will give a Festival and Oyster Supper at Beam's Hall, for the benefit of Rev. F. G. Sherrill, on Thursday night, November 11th. As is set forth in the circular announcing the event, Rev. Sherrill has labored faithfully among his people for eight years, receiving but a small salary, insufficient for his support, and having never had a donation, the ladies are desirous of giving him the Festival for the purpose of raising all the money they possibly can. It is not necessary to bespeak a large attendance, for we know there will be, as no man is more highly appreciated in the community than Mr. Sherrill. The ladies will call on the good people on next Saturday for their donations. Give liberally.

From the March 11, 1880 California Democrat:

Churches

Congregational Church - Rev. J. W__, Pastor. Services regularly every 2d and 4th Sunday in each month at 11 o'clock A.M. Sabbath School regularly every Sunday at 3 o'clock P.M.

Part of an article from the April 9, 1914 Moniteau County Herald newspaper:

The New Presbyterian Church

Dedicated to His Service, Imposing and Attractive

On June 17, 1883, took place the union with the Congregational church of California. The Congregational church was organized May 11, 1867, with seven members, Mrs. Charlotte Moore being the only surviving member. The first pastor was Rev. F. G. Sherrill from 1868 to 1876. By this union the following persons were received into the membership of the Presbyterian Church: A. B. Stevenson, Mrs. Lydia J. Stevenson, Miss Emma J. Stevenson, H. B. Stevenson, Adam J. Light, Mrs. Carloine Light, John W. Moore, Mrs. Charlotte W. Moore, John M. Williams, and Mrs. Alice G. Williams.

If anyone has information on this church, please contact Alan Sparks.

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