Ludden, Dickey Co., ND - 1888 Methodist Church Records

	This information is from "Palmer's Directory of the Methodist Episcopal 
	Church for Dakota Conference - 1888" by Rev. John G. Palmer. Pages 25-26

	Information transcribed by Joy Fisher, sdgenweb@yahoo.com

			Ludden

	The first sermon preached in the territory now comprised in the Ludden circuit 
seems to have been by Rev. D. N. Witham, a local preacher from Biddeford, Me., on the
first Sunday in July, 1883, at the home of Mr. Eaton, on the west side of James river,
five miles south of Ludden. Afterwards he preached at Guelpt and Port Emma, and later
in the summer he preached several times in Hudson, and in July, 1884, under the 
direction of the presiding-elder, Rev. Wm. McCready, he preached at Verner. The 
portion of the work lying north of town 109 was set off as Hudson circuit, North 
Dakota Mission, and Rev. Witham was appointed pastor for 1884 - 1885, under Rev. G. R. 
Hair, P. E. July 18, 1885, the circuit was named Yorktown - W. A. Cross, of Hudson, 
appointed recording steward, Rev. Witham was continued the following year in charge of 
the same circuit with Rev. H. G. Bilbie as P. E.

	On the 30th of July, 1885, Rev. Samuel Dennison, a local preacher from Lakeport,
Mich., Detroit Conference, arrived in Dickey county. On the following Sabbath he preached
at Port Emma - on the west bank of the James River - opposite Old Ludden. Arrangements
were then made for him to alternate Sabbaths there with Rev. Witham. This course was
continued until the following spring. Bro. D. lived on the east side of the river, and as
there was no bridge, passengers had to be ferried over. In consequence many refused to
worship at Port Emma. Bro. D. then made arrangements for holding services in the old
store building of Randall Bros. at Old Ludden. Here was organized the first Sunday-school
of which we have any record.

	In April, 1884, a sad accident occurred, which was destined to be overruled for
good. A boat load of men trying to cross the river, were capsized, and two of them 
drowned. Their bodies were found in May, and Bro. D. was invited to bury them. After a
ride of 7 miles to the southeast the procession arrived at Ticeville, where was buried 
all that was mortal of the husband of Sister Rowe. On the way Bro. D. entered into
conversation with Brother Case, and learned that the people were hungry for the Gospel.
Arrangements were made by which services were regularly held in Ticeville at the house of
Bro. Samuel Case. These services were regularly held for two years, and the nucleus was 
formed for the church on the east side of the river. Brother D. continued to preach on a 
self-appointed circuit, often traveling 30 miles on foot and preaching three times on a 
Sabbath, for two years, when Rev. C. B. Gilbert was sent to take charge of the work. He
arrived in the fall of 1886, and it soon became evident that the hall was not large enough.
The advent of the railroad and the rapid growth of the new town of Ludden - one mile east 
of the old town - caused many to feel that a church building was an absolute necessity,
and finally a beautiful edifice costing $2300 was dedicated in October, 1887. At the
Conference of 1887, Rev. C. W. Riches was appointed to this charge, and has since
commenced preaching at Hecla in connection with the other points on the circuit. The 
circuit has seven preaching places. There are 26 members and 3 probationers.

	Trustees - W. H. Bohannan, C. B. Hale, C. S. Brown, W. H. Marsh, Samuel
		Dennison.
	Stewards - Mrs. W. H. Marsh, Mrs. F. Randall, Richard White, Mrs. White,
		Mrs. McNichols, J. Patchett, N. D. Witham, Samuel Case, Mrs. Robertson.
	Local Preachers - Rev. M. D. Witham, Rev. Samuel Dennison.
	Class Leaders - John Patchett, W. H. Bohannan.
	S. S. Superintendents - W. H. Bohannan, Richard White.

		Names of Members
Last Name        First Name          Membership
Allen            Ethan               member
Allen            Olive               member
Butler           B. J.               member
Bohannan         W. H.               member
Bohannan         Mary                member
Brockway         James               member
Brockway         Elizabeth           member
Dennison         S. (Rev.)           member
Dennison         Anna                member
Fawcett          Elizabeth           member
Herring          Ellen V.            member
Marsh            W. H.               member
Marsh            Hester              member
Marsh            Ann                 member
Marsh            Joseph              member
McNichols        Carrie              member
Patchett         John                member
Puffer           H. M.               member
Puffer           Nellie              member
Robertson        Mary A.             member
Robertson        Jennie              member
Tyrrell          Daniel              member
Tyrrell          Alice               member
Witham           N. D. (Rev.)        member
Witham           Sarah E.            member
Case             H. M.               probationer
Clark            John                probationer
Clark            John (Mrs.)         probationer