They were Scotch-Irish, descended from the persecuted Covenanters of Scotland. They had found only a temporary home in North Ireland and many had come over to America before the Revolutionary War. They were staunch supporters of the colonists and many fought in this war for freedom. From the East some pushed westward and were the pioneers of many of our communities. Those in the South moved North because they were very opposed to slavery so traveling by family clans, congregations and parts of congregations they settled here in the midwest.

One hundred ten years ago on December 17, 1855, the congregation was organized with thirteen families and thirty four members. First they met in private homes and then in 1856 a log cabin was built that served as a church and a school. Rev. Joseph McCracken was the first minister and installed in 1857, but stayed less than two years. Mrs. McCracken never did come to Clarinda.

In 1857, land was bought for the church and cemetery. One and one-half acres was purchased for the consideration of twenty-five cents from James Caskey and one and a half acres from Robert and Ann Eliza Wright for two dollars. A small church building was erected in 1860 at the cost of about five hundred dollars. The year following, 1861, the Rev. David McKee came to be their pastor at a salary of four hundred dollars per year. Only one hundred and fifteen dollars was collected the first year for his salary and only part was in cash; the rest was in provisions. Families were large and money was scarce in those early years. The janitor's salary was very small and he also furnished his own fuel to heat the building. Once it was quoted as low as eighteen dollars a year.

The Civil War years were trying years. Twenty-six of the young men volunteered leaving the older ones to do the farming. No congregation in Page County furnished so large a number in proportion to their membership. Since the church was so near the Missouri border, guns were carried to church. One morning during the service word came that Bedford was being threatened by invaders. The Rev. McKee announced from the pulpit that the men should take their guns and proceed to Bedford. The women went home to get provisions to sen a wagon load of supplies. On another occasion word came that College Springs was being invaded and one member, Mrs. James (Catherine Mawhinney) Caskey, melted a pewter kettle and molded three hundred rifle bullets to be used in the emergency. However, the raid never materialized.

In 1868, a new church was built costing about twelve hundred fifty dollars. New seats were purchased in 1871 and were sold to the members for eleven dollars per seat. To avoid any trouble, they took the ages of the members and the oldest on down were given their choice in location of their pew.

In early days, it was a long ride for many to go to church in buggies and wagons. The service began at ten o'clock with explanation of a Psalm, then at eleven, the sermon. After this was a short intermission while people went to their wagons and buggies for a bite of lunch. After intermission was an hour's lecture and then after that came Sabbath School. With the changing times, church still starts at ten o'clock but lasts only one hour followed by Sabbath School. In the evening the fellowship groups meet followed by the evening worship. For thirty-two years, the Rev. McKee served as pastor. At his death, he was laid to rest in the shadow of the church that he had served so long and faithfully.

A new church building was dedicated in 1894 at a cost of seventeen hundred dollars. Rev. J. W. Dill came two years later and was the pastor till 1908. In 1911, an additional one and one-half acres of land was purchased from James and Jane Blair and a parsonage was built which is still in use today. Rev. H. G. McConaughy and his bride were the first to occupy it. Rev. McConaughy was the pastor from 1910-15. Rev. S. J. Johnston served as pastor from 1916-20. It was during his pastorage that the present brick building was constructed at a cost of twenty thousand dollars. Rev. M. S. McMillan served as pastor from 1920-31. Then followed Rev. R. I. Robb, 1932-39. Rev. E. G. Russell, 1940-48. Dr. C. T. Carson, 1949-59. The present (1966) pastor is the Rev. Marion L. McFarland who was installed in 1961.

In World War I, there were only two servicemen from the congregation, but one of these, James Arthur Whitehill, paid the supreme sacrifice. In World War II, there were thriteen names on the service plaque. In the cemetery lie the dead of three wars. Markers are on their graves and flags have again been purchased, for the markers, to fly on Memorial Day each year.

The years have brought many changes. The long line of horse sheds are gone and cars now park there. A good gravel road replaces the old dirt road. Electricity has come with the REA and with it the many moderr conveniences in church and parsonage. Church fellowship suppers are much enjoyed served from the well-equipped kitchen. A Daily Vacation Bible School is held each summer. The children enjoy the large lawn with its swings, merry-go-round and volleyball court for recreation. Ping-pong and shuffle-board in the basement provide additional recreation facilities.

The congregation was incorporated as a non-profit organization under the Constitution and Statutes of the State of Iowa in 1965. The denomination if Presbyterian in form of government and to this they prefix the word Reformed because they adhere to the Westminister Standards.

They are called Covenanters because they bind themselves in a Covenant to adhere to these and live in accordance with the teachings of the Bible. The Psalms are used exclusively in worship and are sung a capella.

In this quiet rural setting still worship descendants of the pioneers and some are the fifth and sixth generation. The church though unpretentious, is attractive inside and out. Inside the church is finished in Nu-wood and the beautiful stained glass windows catch the rays of the sun. On either side of the pulpit are the Christian flag and the United States flag and at the-back is the Blue Banner of the Covenanters inscribed in letters of gold these words, "For Christ's Crown and Covenant".
Source: Atlas Fremont & Page Counties Iowa - 1966
Compiled by Midwest Atlas Co., Box 771, Fremont, Nebraska

Reformed Presbyterian Congregation of Clarinda,styled 'Covenanters' is one of the religious denominations of Harlan Twp. Rev. David McKee principally complied the following, of which we will take excerpts.

For many year's private dwellings and school houses were used as places for.public worship. Soon after the first members settled, they erected a log school house, which also served as a meeting house. In 1860 they erected a frame building, which served until 1866, when it was found too small and they present (1890) large, well planned edifice was built. It is a frame structure 40' x 60 feet. It easily seats 500 persons. Most of the membership reside on farms near the church and in Harlan Twp.

The congregation has a good Sabbath School of 240 members and supports a Woman's Christian Temperance Union and a Young Women's Christian Temperance Union, besides a Ladies Missionary Society.

The doctrinal principles of this sect are the same as those held in common with other churches bearing the name Presbyterian.

This denomination had a very good war record, and the women. also formed themselves into a commissary department and some had their only sons in the ranks, while others had two and some three sons in the Union Army. (Civil War) [REF:#1]