1855-1997
Agency, Buchanan Co., Missouri
Compiled by Walter Steele
2001
1798 THE METHODIST CHURCH IN MISSOURI
John Clark was the first Methodist to preach in Missouri and West of the Mississippi River. The time was late summer of 1798.
Ref: Frank C. Tucker, The Methodist Church In Missouri, 1798-1939, p. 14.HISTORY OF THE AGENCY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
History is developed from written records, memory and artifacts. Membership records, books on Methodist history, Missouri West Conference Journals as well as conversations with individuals have provided information about the history of the Agency United Methodist Church.
1916 RECORDS DESTROYED
The early records of the Agency United Methodist Church were lost in a fire in September 1916. A new register was compiled in July of 1919.
BISHOP MARVIN
"The town of Agency was founded in 1865...One of the first sermons preached within the limits of the township was delivered by Bishop Marvin, in a log cabin called the 'Wood' school house."
Ref: History Of Buchanan County, Mo., p.131.1855 AGENCY METHODIST CHURCH ORGANIZED
The Agency Methodist Church was organized sometime between 1855 and 1860. After the organization Methodist church services were held in the old Union Church which stood on the hill occupied by the Agency Cemetery at the present time, Four denominations utilized the building. Baptists, Christians, Presbyterians and Methodists cooperated. Each denomination conducted services one Sunday each month and rotated on fifth Sundays. Much of the time the same persons attended each of the services. Sunday School was held each week.
METHODIST CLERGY
Records show that there have been fifty ministers who have pastored the congregation until the present, the present being 1997.
1870s METHODIST LEAVE UNION CHURCH
The Methodist Church was the first denomination to leave the old Union Church sometime during the 1870s or 1880s. Apparently they moved to another church building one block east and one block North from the Union Church.
1880 FIRST RECORDED AGENCY METHODIST PASTOR
The first pastor according to records was Rev. Sled who became the minister in about 1880.
1890
1900 CHURCH CIRCUIT
Sometime prior to 1900 a new circuit as created by the addition of more churches. Agency, Ebenezer, Sparta and Mt. Moriah composed the new circuit.
1900 METHODIST PARSONAGE
A parsonage for the Methodist ministers was constructed in 1900. It was eventually sold in 1965.
1907 METHODISTS ERECT CHURCH
Services were held there until a facility was erected in 1907. Names on the Stained Glass Windows indicated persons and groups affiliated with the church at the time.
1907 REV. HOLLAND AND REV. MAGGART
At the time the Church was constructed in 1907 Rev. John Holland or Rev. L.C. Maggart was pastor.
1910
1920
1930
1937-1938 REV. BURTON
Rev. S.E. Burton pastored the Agency Methodist Church in 1937 and 1938.
1939-1941 REV. HOOVER
Rev. S.E. Hoover was the minister from 1939 through 1941
1941-1946 REV. ANDREWS
Rev. G.T. Andrews pastored the Agency Church from 1941 through 1946.
1944 FIRE IN THE PARSONAGE
On April 28, 1944 fire broke out in the parsonage.
1945 STORM DAMAGES THE CHURCH
In 1945 the large window in the West of the church and a small window in the North were blown out during a storm.
1946-1947 REV.NELSON
Rev. J.W. Nelson was appointed to the Agency Circuit in 1946, 1947.
1946 FIRE IN THE CHURCH
Another tragedy struck the Methodist Church in 1946, November fourth. A fire erupted from an over heated furnace. Approximately two thousand dollars damage was done to the church building according to St. Joseph firemen. A bucket brigade composed of more than forty citizens had carried water from nearby houses and battled the blaze for over an hour. According to Rev. J.W. Nelson, the pastor of the church, several large holes were burned in the floor and 210 seats became so hot that the glue holding them together fell apart. Smoke and water also damaged the interior decorations. At the time Rev. Nelson felt that the church insurance of five thousand dollars would cover the damage. Because of the damage the Methodists utilized what had had formerly been a Baptist Church building for about three or four months.
1947 REV. MOHR
Rev. Mohr was appointed to serve the Agency Methodist Church as pastor in 1947.
1947 BANQUET
On May 10th 1947 when the Agency High School alumni held its 10th banquet in the High School auditorium the Methodist women’s Dorus Club served the meal.
1947 CHURCH PLAY
In the fall, November 28 and 29, 1947 the Agency Methodist church presented a three act comedy "Hillbilly Courtship" at the Agency High School. The cast members were John Thacker, Baxter Pike, Alex Cooke, Jim Arnold, Pete Rullman, Iva Gordon, Mary Jane Arnold, Minnie Lou Babcock, Marjorie Jones, Shirleene Smily, and Karl Akers. Mr. Thacker directed the production assisted by Margaret Cooke. Cecil Reynolds was the prompter. Rev. L.T. Mohr was the pastor of the church at the time.
1948-1952 REV. BLACKWELL
1950 NEW CIRCUIT
The circuit which was composed of Agency, Mt. Moriah, Sparta, and Ebenezer was dissolved in 1950 and Agency continued alone.
1950s CHURCH WAS REMODELED
Sometime in the 1950s the church basement was remolded and redecorated.
1952 MEN’S QUARTET
The Agency Methodist church had a men’s quartet in 1952 which sang in a variety of community activities. In September of 1952 they sang in a variety program at the Dearborn Fox Hunters meeting. They sang "On the Jericho Road", "It Is No secret", and "Old McDonald. April 11th they participated in the Northwest Association Meeting of Odd Fellow and Rebecca Lodges which was held in the Methodist Church in Agency. Their portion of the program was in the afternoon. May 15th they sang in St. Joseph at the Evening Rebecca Lodge Anniversary Program. During the summer on June11th the quartet drove to Wallace for an evening program for the Faucett Rebecca Lodge memorial service. They sang, "Just A Little Walk with Jesus", "Farther Along", "Beyond The Sunset" and "It Is No Secret". It was a full summer. After the rather busy summer they continued with a full agenda in the early fall. September 12th they traveled to Richmond, Missouri. They sang much of what they had previously and ended their program with "Winging My Way Back Home". On September 28th they sang at the morning worship service at the Faucett Christian Church. "Tho Your Sins Be As Scarlett", "Just Outside the Door", and "Just A Little Walk With Jesus" were sung.
On October 1st they traveled to St. Joseph where they participated in the Service Star Legion national Convention held at the Robidoux Hotel. In the evening about 8:15 they sang "Take My Hand Precious Lord", "Just a Little walk With Jesus’ and "It Is No secret". Later on October 12th they again traveled to St. Joseph and sang at the Anniversary Party of the Inza Rebecca Lodge in the Georgetown Hall in South St. Joseph at about 8:00. "I’m Winging My Way Back Home", "Take My Hand Precious Lord", and "When He Put Sunshine In" was sung. their encore number was "On The Jericho Road". On October 19th the quartet sang at the Agency Home Coming Services in the morning. John Thacker sang two solos, "An Evening Prayer", and "Just a Little Talk With Jesus". During the year they sang in the morning worship service at Lathrop. The original quartet was composed of John Thacker, Baxter Pike, Alex Cooke and Babcock. Margaret Cooke was the pianist. In the 1970s Micky Osborn replaced Babcock.
Later, in 1974, Cindy Osborn joined the "men's quartet." It was then composed of Osborn, Pike and Cooke. The new name became "3 Hits And a Miss."
1960
1963 REV. STEELE
1963 - 1965 REV. STEELE
Walt Steele pastored the Dearborn, Agency Circuit from 1963 until 1965 while attending St. Paul School Of Theology Methodist.
" I remember you being at church the first time, just vaguely. I know we have several student ministers from St. Paul."
Ref: Cindy Rumpf1965 THE GREAT FLOOD
1965 was the year of the great flood in Agency. The basement of the church was flooded at the time. The parsonage which had been built as a residence for the Methodist ministers and their families was sold in 1965.
1966 REV. JOHN SHIPLEY
John Shipley pastored the Dearborn, Agency Circuit in 1966.
1970
1958 - 1975 AGENCY, DEARBORN CIRCUIT
From 1958 until approximately 1975 Agency was with Dearborn as a circuit.
1972 REV. NEIGHBORS
Rev. Neighbors was appointed pastor of the Agency United Methodist Church in 1972.
1972-1974 DANNY HEWITT
Danny Hewitt was appointed pastor of the Agency United Methodist Church in 1972.
"I remember Danny Hewitt. He was the minister at church when I was in high school. Danny took a huge interest in the church. He was always planning activities for us and supported our ideas. If we said that we wanted to try something, he was always there to help us in any way. If the idea didn't work, he didn't lecture us, his attitude was like "Oh, well...what next?" Danny was very close with my family, the Andersons and several other members of the church. We would get together every Wednesday night and sing at someone's house. John Anderson would bring his guitar and we would sing all kinds of songs. We even went to Jim and Olive Arnold's house one night. They fixed snacks for us and just sat and listened to the music. Danny took a few of the youth to our first lock-in. I think it was in Hamilton or Gallatin. I know Pam Hazelwood went, but I don't know if Donna went with us, too. I think we did a couple of things with the youth from Dearborn. Danny preached at our church and at Dearborn. When Randy and I got married, the minister left right before the wedding. We didn't have anyone to perform the ceremony. Mom and Dad contacted Danny. He said that he could do everything except pronounce us man and wife. A student from St. Paul's started at church about two weeks before the wedding. So we had two preachers. Danny concentrated on the little things: always had a smile, always had a nice word to say to everyone, related well with adults and youth, he was a team player and everyone felt like they were on his team. He preached from the Bible and didn't mince words."
Ref: Cindy Rumpf
1974 REV. SHOEMAKER
In 1974 Rev. Shoemaker was the pastor of the church. The church received two members on profession of faith. Two members expired. Membership was 113 with an average at morning service of 30. Church school average attendance was 45.
1974 THREE HITS AND A MISS
Later in about 1974 Cindy Osborn joined the "men's quartet." It was then composed of Osborn, Pike and Cooke. The new name became "3 Hits And a Miss."
1975 AGENCY, MT. MORIAH CIRCUIT
In 1975 Agency and Mt. Moriah were put on a circuit.
1975-1976 REV. CLAYTON
During the pastorate of Rev. Clayton in 1975 records indicate the Agency Methodist Church was on a circuit with the Halls Methodist Church. Seven members were received on profession of faith. One person transferred their membership from another Methodist church and one moved their membership to another Methodist Church. Membership was 120. Average attendance at worship was 30 with an average attendance in church school of 32. In 1976 Agency was placed on a circuit with Mt. Moriah. Rev.Clayton continued as pastor. three persons from other Methodist Churches joined the Agency church.Three left the church. Membership remained 120. Average church attendance was 25 with average church school attendance 35.
YOUTH GROUP
Cindy Rumpf recalls that when Rev. Ron Clayton was pastor youth of the church met at the Lodge building. The "Hiding Place" had a pool table and pop machine.
1977 REV. WINGER
Rev. Winger was appointed to the church in 1977 and remained two years. The had no additions and lost one. Membership was 119. Average church attendance was 25 and church school attendance was 34.
During 1978 the church received four persons from other Methodist Churches and lost two members. Membership increased to 121. Average attendance at worship was 15 and 35 was the average attendance in church school.
1979 REV. CONTRA
Rev. Condra pastored the Agency Church for one year. During the year six persons moved their membership fifteen were lost by death or removal. There appears to be a loss of 22 during the year. Membership was shown as 99. Average attendance at worship was 25 and average church school attendance was 35.
1980 REV. SINCLAIR
Although during Rev. Sinclair’s pastorate there is a loss of five members average attendance at worship is 25 and church school average attendance is 35. Membership in the church is 94.
1981-2001 REV. STEELE
In 1981 Walt Steele, who had previously pastored the church in 1963-1965, was appointed to the Agency, Mt. Moriah Circuit. One person joined the church from another denomination and one person was baptized and became a member of the church. Two members of the church expired. Total Church membership was shown as 93. Church membership was reported as 95. Average church attendance was reported as 32. Church school enrollment was reported as 65. Average attendance was 42. Membership in the United Methodist Women’s group was 13. The pastor’s salary was $3,141.00.
1982
During 1982 Roy and Rena Hazelwood, and Randy Rumpf were received into the membership of the church by transfer from another church. Anna Mae Reynolds was baptized and received into the membership of the church. Baptism and Church Membership. Rachael Rumpf was baptized as an infant. Larry Myers transferred his membership into another church. Dan Norman expired. UMW membership was reported as 20. Pastor’s salary was $3,120.
1983
In 1983 David Carpenter, and Carol Carpenter were received into the membership of the church by baptism. Baptism and Church membership. Stacy Carpenter was baptized as an infant. Don Brooks, Alex Cooke, and Dane Roark expired. Average attendance at worship remained at 40.The church school had an enrollment of 70 with an average of 40 in attendance each Sunday. The UMW continued to show a membership of 20. Pastor’s salary was $3,900.
1984
Bob Straight and Beverly Straight, David Israel and Carolyn Israel were received into the church by transfer of membership. Mary Ella and Harry C. Roark expired. Church membership records were brought up to date. Membership was shown as 105. Average worship attendance remained at about 40. Church school with an enrollment of 76 had an average attendance of 46. Pastor’s salary was $4,213.
1985
In 1985 a confirmation class was held and Brad Angst, Chad Angst, Stephanie Brown, Craig Reynolds, Gail Reynolds, Jennifer Thacker, Amy Willits, Tim Straight were confirmed and received into the membership of the church. Collin Willits and Janson Brown were baptized. Mark Coykendall, Brian Coykendall, and Scott Coykendall were baptized and confirmed and received into the membership of the church. They were baptized by immersion in the pond at George and Dorothy Grables. Sandy Coykendall had her membership transferred into the church as was Connie Angst. LeRoy Barnett expired. Church membership was reported to be 117. Average attendance at worship continued to be about 40. The average for church school was 40. The UMW reported a membership of 22. Pastor’s salary was $4,382.
1985 DISCUSSION OF BUILDING NEW CHURCH
The church was having the roof repaired and for the first time there was discussion of adding on to the church building or possibly building a new church.
1986
The church reported a membership of 116 at the close of 1986. Bill Massengale and Sarah Steele moved their memberships into the church. Jim Arnold expired. Average attendance continued to be 40. Church school had an enrollment of of 64 with an average of 45. UMW attendance was reported to be stable. The pastor received a salary of $4,382.
1987
Pat Dickerson, Dan Dickerson, Bev Florke, Jim Florke, and Scott Florke transferred their membership into the church. Alicia Florke was confirmed and received into the membership of the church. Leeta Brooks, Carolyn and David Israel transferred memberships to other Methodist Churches. Beulah Davis and Roma shoemaker expired. Church school enrollment was 58 and attendance averaged 38. The pastor received a salary of $4,600.
1988
The 1988 church year ended with a membership of 115. Lisa Driskel was baptized and confirmed and received into the membership of the church, Leona Kuntz, Vickie Kline, Cheryl Rosenauer, Steve Rosenauer, transferred their memberships into the church. Robert Straight, Beverly straight, and Stanley Gabriel transferred their memberships into the church. Mary Jane Litton expired. Average attendance at worship was 40. Church school averaged 38 with an enrollment of 58. UMW continued with a membership of 20. The pastors salary was $4,800. UMW, Night Owls, Men’s Club, as well as an MYF were the basis of programming of the church.
1988 NIGHT OWLS AND QUILT SHOW
Sarah Steele was the first president of the Night Owls. The group held the first Quilt Show and Quilt Block contest July 30, 1988 when the Agency Picnic was being held. Many of the ladies helped prepare for the event. The show was held in the basement of the church on Saturday during the annual picnic. The contest was to prepare a 14 inch block which was displayed. Viewers were requested to judge the blocks as to originality, how well it was sewn and its eye appeal. Gail Reynolds was first place winner receiving a ten dollar prize for her ‘heart" block. The quilts had been divided into six categories. A ribbon was presented to the winner in each category. Four members of the Agency United Methodist Church won ribbons; Leona Kountz, Carol Carpenter, Cindy Rumpf and Jane Ann Reynolds. Also winning were Kathy Reynolds from Savannah and Mary Amthor from Rock Port. There had been a great deal of excitement generated in making preparation for the show. At first it was thought the show might be a "flop" as it was the first one. However near the end of the preparatory time the group of women were wondering if indeed there would be enough room for the many entries which were being brought in. Nearly one hundred persons showed up to view the interesting and colorful displays. Approximately 87 quilts were on display as the doors opened to the viewers.
1988 BANNERS
Also during 1988 the UMW "Night Owls" special project was to create banners to be hung beside the altar in the church sanctuary to add to the sense of worship. The first banner was made for the Easter season using the cross and other Christian symbols of the season. Cheryl Rosenauer and Vicky Kline were responsible for the final version which had been discussed by the group. The second banner, with the Agency United Methodist church symbol hang for several years in the church sanctuary throughout the year where it was viewed with reverence and pride. A third banner was created to represent each of the Sunday School classes as well as other church organizations. The theme on the banner presents in visual form the words of our Lord, "Come Unto Me". The banner was made at the monthly meetings and was completed for the annual church home coming in October. They symbol of the banner identifying the "Golden Angels class", was the Bible. A Rainbow identified then "Rainbow class" taught by Randy Rumpf. Jane Ann Reynbold’s high school class chose the shining star as their symbol. The dove symbolized the Jr. High Class which was taught by Cindy Rumpf and Kathy Driskel. Anita Willit’s class, third through sixth grade class, had as their symbol the butter fly. The Lamb was chosen by Gail Reynold’s pre-school through second grade class. The UMW symbol was used for the UMW’s evening group called the Night Owls. The Kite identified the MYF which was composed of Jr. High and High School aged youth.
1988 MEETING WITH DISTRICT LOCATION COMMITTEE
According to note in the pastor’s monthly calendar the Agency Church met with the District Location Committee at 3:00, August 21st. 1988 at the church.
There is also a note indicating a meeting with District Supt. Bunge and the Development and Redevelopment Committee at the church on December 11th at 3:00 at the church.
1989 VOTE TO BUILD A NEW CHURCH
In March, 1989, the congregation voted to build a new church on CR FF. Highway. Furnishing such as the stained-glass windows, pews, chairs, tables, light fixtures would be used in the new building.
1992 GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY
On Sunday May 3, 1992, a ground breaking ceremony was held. The building was designed and built by members of the congregation, who hired contractors only for jobs they were unable to tackle.
On that bright and sunny day, George and Dorothy Lou Grable turned the first shovel of ground on land that would soon be the new sight of the Agency United Methodist Church. The Grables donated the 1 1/2 acre plot for the building.The new church would sit just south of Woody’s Grocery on CR-FF.
1993 FINAL SERVICE AND NEW BEGINNING
Sunday March 28, 1993, was the final service in the old building and the first worship service in the new building.
1993 DEDICATION SERVICE
Sunday, May 2, 1993, the congregation held a dedication service, conducted by Pastor Walt Steele, and Dr. Glen Wiggs, D.S. for the new Agency United Methodist Church.
AGENCY CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
1989
Harry Brown expired 1989
Richard Thacker transferred membership to St. Paul’s 11/21/89
Willa Thacker transferred membership to St. Paul’s 11/21/89
1990
Anna Mae Beam transferred membership to Huffman 1990
1991
1992
Randy Law transferred of membership to Agency 1992
Maryanne Law transferred of membership to Agency 1992
Casey Marie Carpenter Baptism and church membership 1992
Kristina Kay Law Baptism and Church membership 1992
Valerie Nicole Law Baptism and Church membership 1992
Elmer Carr expired 1992
1993
Debra Litherland Received by baptism and Profession of faith 1993
Wayne Litherland Received by transfer of membership 1993
Nancy Hartell Received by transfer of membership 1993
Larry Hartell Received by transfer of membership 1993
Rachael Rumpf Confirmed and received into membership 1993
Ryan Rumpf Confirmed and received into membership 1993
Adam Cress Confirmed and received into membership 1993
Alex Cress Confirmed and received into membership 1993
Matt Florke Baptized, Confirmed and received into membership 1993
Steven Kline Baptized, Confirmed and received into membership 1993
John Kline received as associate member 1993
David Litherland Infant Baptism 1993
Betty Haggard transferred to other Methodist Church 1993
Alice Anderson transferred to other Denomination 1993
Ian Rousenauer Infant Baptism 1993
Bessie Norman expired 1993
Brian Coykendall expired 1993
Virginia Reece expired 1993
Bernice Angst expired 1993
1994
Mary Cotton received by transfer of membership 1994
Charles Cotton received by transfer of membership 1994
David Carpenter Baptism 1994
Alyssa Gilmore Child Baptism 1994
Ray Berchet received by transfer of membership 1994
Ester Berchet received by transfer of membership 1994
Rae Gene Berchet received by transfer of membership 1994
John Seever transferred from other denomination 1994
Alice Seever transferred from other denomination 1994
Larry Hartell transferred to other Methodist church 1994
Nancy Hartell transferred to other Methodist church 1994
Edith Jones expired 1994
Lovella Reece expired 1994
Olive Arnold expired 1994
Gladys Roark expired 1994
Amber Bogue Baptism and Church Membership 1994
Jenny Embry Baptism and Church Membership 1994
Jennifer Hendrix Baptism and Church Membership 1994
Pete Rhulman expired 1994
1995
Doddie Guinn transferred membership to Agency 1995
Dean Guinn transferred membership to Agency 1995
Letha Brooks transferred membership to Agency 1995
Don Bennet transferred membership to Agency 1995
Francis Brown expired 1995
Charles Cotton transferred Membership to Agency 1995
Mary Cotton transferred Membership to Agency 1995
Peggy Bogue transferred Membership to Agency 1995
Caleb Black transferred membership to Agency 1995
Merlin Brown transferred membership to Agency 1995
Gloria Brown transferred membership to Agency 1995
1996
Stacia Johnson Baptized 3/31/1996
Alicia Guinn Baptism and Church Membership 3/31/1996
Clarissa Rasco Baptized and Church Membership 3/31/1996
Charles Hosher Received by Transfer; Methodist 3/24/1996
Alice Hosher Received by Transfer: Methodist 3/24/1996
Rod Johnson Received by Transfer:Presbyterian 10/6/1996
Darwin Watkins Received by Transfer: Methodist 11/24/1996
Virginia Simpson Received by Transfer: Baptist 9/8/1996
1997
Beverly Straight Received by Transfer: Methodist 1/12/1997
George Grable expired 1/? /1997
Transcribed by Walt Steele
Copyright � 2001 by Agency Methodist Church Board