Missouri Frontier, Methodist Episcopal Church History - 1888


	This information is from "Palmer's Directory of the Methodist Episcopal 
	Church for Dakota Conference - 1888" by Rev. John G. Palmer. Page 55

	Information transcribed by Joy Fisher, sdgenweb@yahoo.com

			

			Missouri Frontier

	On July 31st, 1883, at the request of Rev. L. Hartsough, who was then
in charge of the north half of the Dakota Mission, Rev. O. H. Sproul started
for LeBeau, Walworth county, to take charge of the Missouri Frontier, a mission 
extending from the Hughes county line on the south to the 40th parallel on
the north, embracing in all four counties. He preached in the Sanborn house
on the morning of August 12, and in the Cottage Home Hotel in the evening of
the same day - the first Methodist preaching heard between Pierre and Bismarck.
He established and maintained regular services there until October, 1884. Rev.
Sproul organized the first Methodist class September 30, 1883, in Waneta, now
Forest City, Potter county. George W. Whitlock, J. J. Kraps, Lu Kraps, J. W.
Shaw, Jessie M. Spooner, Harriet McKenzie, D. L. Fry and M. A. Fry were names
obtained at the first service. J. W. Shaw was appointed steward, and G. W.
Whitlock leader.

	At the Conference session of 1883, held in Huron, the territory covered
by this Mission was divided - Sully and Potter counties forming one charge, and
Walworth and Campbell counties forming another charge. Rev. Sproul was appointed 
to the latter, and it was agreed that he should have charge of both Missions,
and receive the money appropriated to them, as there was nothing on the field
for self support. Afterward it was declared to be unconstitutional to pay two
appropriations to one man, so one-half of the money was withheld. However, he
attended to both Missions. A minister was appointed to one part of this charge,
was on the field THREE DAYS, and drew the appropriations for two quarters ($125),
while Rev. Sproul organized and kept up the appointments in the field. The 
classes at Gettysburg and Pembrooke, in Potter county, were organized by him.
Rev. Sproul was in the Missouri Frontier country from July 1883 to October 1885, 
during which time he traveled 9000 miles. He received from the Mission Board $690;
from the charge, $95; total, $785; his actual cash expense on Mission was $1,375.
But Rev. Sproul rejoices in that he can still labor for the Master's cause.