Page Co., IA. Church History

Church History:
Church of God of North America of Shambaugh, IA.

Historical records show that the Shambaugh Church was organized at the Fruit's Schoolhouse in the spring of 1869. Later, the congregation moved to the Mt. Joy Schoolhouse and a parsonage was built. After a time, this parsonage was sold in order to raise funds for the construction of a bethel in Shambaugh. A brick structure costing $3,000 was erected in Shambaugh in 1883.

This building was struck by lightning and leveled by fire on August 30, 1912. Ten days later the members gathered at a picnic and formulated plans to rebuild.

On November 13, 1913, a fram structure was dedicated. Through the years this structure was remodeled an improvements made. This building was destroyed by fire on December 5, 1955. Immediately, a building fund got under way and the congregation planned for a building of yellow brick construction. Work began on April 21, 1956. a cornerstone was laid on October 14, 1956. The same being dedicated on August 7, 1960. Rev. G. E. McDaniel of Dalton City, Illinois, a former pastor had much to do with the plans and work on building.

Visitors from a dozen congregations filled every corner of the sanctuary for the dedication service. Following the prelude, the responsive call to worship at the dedication service was led by the pastor Rev. B. P. Moore. The invocation was given by Rev. H. L. Heim of Conrad, Iowa. A vocal solo was sung by Rev. Chas. Hilliard of Sutherland, Ia. The Scripture lesson was read by Rev. B. T. Yeager, now of Syracuse, Indiana. The offeratory prayer was given by Rev. Delane Stephens of Wayland, Iowa. Members of the Shambaugh congregation participated in the service by giving financial and building committe reports, the reading of the Church's history, etc.

Speaker for the service of dedication was Dr. O. J. Wilson, President of Findlay College. Following the address of Dr. Wilson, the Rev. C. H. Lacquement, D. D., President of the Iowa Eldership, led in the litany of dedication. Rev. G. E. McDaniel led in the prayer of dedication. Pastors Gordon Jenkins of Decatur, Illinois, Chas. Hilliard, and C. H. Lacquement participated in the evening service.

The interior of the building is of Gothic design with a natural oak finish. The first floor includes the vestibule, classrooms, the pastor's study, sanctuary, and baptistry. The baptistry was installed as a result of memorials given in memory of the late Rev. J. W. Cabbage. The large oil painting over the baptistry was painted and given the church by Mrs. Glen Miller, a sister of one of our members.

The basement has a fellowship room, classrooms, a kitchen, rest rooms and a furnace. The bulletin board was provided by the young people of the church which cost $250.

Eight men have entered the Gospel ministry from this congregation. Namely:

Jesse Huddle,
Leroy Cabbage
Forest Beery,
Eliza Beery,
Homer Denny,
Hubert Miller,
Donald Bliss, and
Lloyd Bliss.

Five of these are graduates of Findlay College. Some of our present members (January 1, 1966) are descendants of some of the first members of our organization.

Following is a list of the ministers who have served the church as pastor and the order in which they served:

Elder Thomas,
Elder Murray,
Elder Wilson,
Rev. C. Wilson,
Rev. A. Wilson,
Rev. C. L. Wilson,
Rev. J. W. Cabbage,
Rev. Fred Manchester,
Rev. N. S. Newcomer,
Rev. D. L. Cox,
Rev. W. E. Kelly,
Rev. F. E. Hamlin,
Rev. I. Ossman,
Rev. Jesse Huddle,
Rev. Leininger,
Rev. G. W. Wyatt,
Rev. Mrs. Sutliff,
Rev. J. W. Cabbage,
Rev. Raymond Jinkerson,
Rev. J. Roy Branchflower,
Rev. J. W. Cabbage,
Rev. Carl Lyle Windsor,
Rev. W. E. Hilliard,
Rev. G. W. Ledbetter,
Rev. & Mrs. T. Fessler,
Rev. B. T. Yeager,
Rev. Lum Tipsford,
Rev. John Green,
Rev. Arthur Marston,
Rev. Tom Harlan,
Rev. Russell Wilson,
Rev. G. E. McDaniel
Rev. Burns Moore,
Rev. M. F. Kellerby,
Rev. Jerry Armstrong.

Source: Atlas Fremont & Page Counties Iowa - 1966
Compiled by Midwest Atlas Co., Box 771, Fremont, Nebraska

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E-Mail: Paul R. Sarrett, Jr. Page Co., Coordinator