What is a Methodist Church Society???? Neat Story Goes with him Though.
Pvt. (USA), Aaron Bergstresser
Methodist Church Society. -- This was the first religious society established in Harlan, and was organized in 1859 with one member, Aaron Bergstresser. The church was organized by Rev. J. J. Stewart, Presiding Elder. Harlan was formerly called Harlan Mission of the Council Bluffs District, Iowa Annual Conference. The records of the church are not in a very complete condition, but from them it is learned, that the first preacher to introduce worship in Shelby County, under the auspices of the M. E. church was Rev. H. A. Tarkington, not long before the establishment of the Harlan society. The first regular Methodist pastor appointed for Harlan was Rev. Kirtland Card, who came in the early part of 1859. The present pastor is Rev. D. C. Franklin, who is now serving his third year. The church edifice was erected in 1872. It is in size 30x50 feet, but a contract has been signed for enlarging the building. The church has in connection a flourishing Sabbath School of about 100 members. The school started shortly after the establishment of the church. The present Superintendent is J. M. True.
Billie
