Outagamie County WI Archives Church Records.....The Christian Endeavor Society
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Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 August 11, 2008, 12:27 am

The Christian Endeavor Society,

ORGANIZED in April, 1883, the second society in Wisconsin, and one of the
earliest in the country, has ever been helpful in the work of the church. Early
in his pastorate, Rev. John D. Willard gathered the following as charter
members: *Nellie P. Ballard (Conkey), Fred W. Barker (Rev.), Ralph W. Bailey,
Cornelia S. Briggs (Burch), Secretary; Alice W. Darling, Ella S. Ewing
(Langnek), *Laura J. French (Dunn), F. J. Harwood, Harry R. Miles (Rev.),
President; Tillie Nichols (Fish), Lulu Pond (Tuttle), James R. Russell, *Lottie
A. Russell, and *Rev. John D. Willard. The* names with astericks indicate that
they have gone to receive their crowns.

    To many of these, and others joining later, the most vivid recollections of
Mr. Willard's active labors in their behalf is a lasting benediction. He was so
truly "father" of the society that its life seemed dependent on his efforts (he
always led its meetings), yet he had so trained its members in faith and loyalty
to Christ that his departure bound them together in deepest sorrow and earnest
desire to carry on the work he had taught them to love. Under Mr. Willard's
leadership the society attracted to its membership many from other
denominations, who later withdrew to form similar societies in the Baptist,
Methodist and Presbyterian churches. The Fifth Ward Mission School was then
organized, affording a field of activity for the Endeavorers who sustained that
work as its officers and teachers. Services at the jail, and cottage prayer
meetings were other activities in which the society was engaged. On the first
anniversary of the death of their leader they gathered at "Riverside" for a
Memorial Service. This service, including the decoration of graves of deceased
members, has been observed each succeeding year until now there are more than
twenty thus remembered. Writing of her husband's deep interest in this work Mrs.
Willard says: "Often on the approach of the Monday evening C. E. meeting, being
very tired, he would almost shrink from this service, but invariably came away
uplifted, helped and thankful.

    In Rev. Dr. John Faville the society was strengthened by a friend and helper
of unremitting interest and fidelity. When possible he was invariably present,
and his wise counsel and instruction fell on good ground bringing forth a rich
harvest. During Mr. Faville's pastorate Endeavor societies were organized in the
two Mission Chapels. Members of the "parent" societies united also in these
branches. Junior and Intermediate C. E, societies were also begun in our church,
officered by members of the "Senior" socety which has an active interest in
their prosperity. The last year of Mr. Faville's ministry with us witnessed the
addition to the church membership of forty-five who previously were members of
C. E. societies. Being asked what the C. E. Society was to him, he says: "I
could write a volume about the C. E. Society, while I was pastor at Appleton. I
found it one of the monuments that Mr. Willard left. And from the first meeting
to the last it was one of the most hopeful and helpful departments of the
church. I could not have kept house without it."

    The Endeavor society seeks to win young people to an open confession of
faith in church, and to develop its members into active, efficient and loyal
church members. Prayer, bible study, testimony, interest in the work of the
church, missionary work, and systematic giving are means to this end. There has
ever been perfect harmony between this society and all other branches of church
work. Its helpfulness is not confined to the activities within the church. It
has been a factor in the Endeavor work of the state, and even beyond; furnishing
an officer of the national society-two state presidents; the first and a
succeeding president, also a district president. The second district convention
was held with us, and two state conventions-also the last convention of the Fox
River district. Neighboring "Rallies" have been held here, a mutual help to our
own and other societies. It has also had a glad part in sending its light to
mission fields. Last year its contribution to this work was one hundred and
fifty dollars. Perhaps the best evidence of the good work of the society is in
the lives of those who have been its members. Scattered, some even to foreign
countries, its former members are found filling positions in almost every
honorable calling.

    It has been specially fortunate in having had pastors so devoted to its
interests and our present pastor, Rev. F. T. Rouse, is equally its friend and
helper. "The least burdensome and most inspiring service of the church," is his
enthusiastic commendation.

                                             ELMER E. DUNN.


Additional Comments:

Extracted from:

THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
APPLET0N, WIS.

PREPARED FOR THE
SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY, DEC. 18, 1900.
BY
J. F. FULLER, A. M., Compiler of the "Fuller" Genealogy.

1850—1900.
APPLETON PRINTING CO.,
APPLETON, WIS.


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