Early Female Evangelist: Alice Mather, Spencer, IA (UPDATED)

In Oklahoma City in 1904 a woman from the Methodist Episcopal Church preached a revival in the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. At this point, both groups were busy building and there was apparently some sharing of resources.  Oklahoma at this time was more open to the idea of the two fractured sections of Methodism working together than the general denominational structures of both. They were also, apparently, open to the idea of a woman preaching a revival as well.

The event was duly reported in the local newspaper, with numerous tidbit or pithy quotes as was the custom, and she was referred to always as "Mrs. Mather."

She was Margaret Alice Moody Mather from Spencer, Iowa. She was born 27 January 1862 in Clayton Co., Iowa. She married in 1883 Luther Pearson Mather (b. 1838, Fenner, NY).   She was mentioned in The Northwest Christian Advocate of March 17, 1897 (pg. 20) as an "evangelist" and that she assisted Pastor A.R. Cuthbert, pastor in a revival that saw many conversions. Her name would emerge in various copies of that journal as well as the Conference journals of Iowa Methodism. The 1900 Iowa census lists her as an "evangelist" and her husband as a day laborer. She was the mother of three children but as of 1900 only two remained: Leo David Mather and Alice Floy Mather.  She died 1947 in Clay Co., Iowa.

Her home conference, Northwest Iowa, had this to say about her in the Christian Advocate, volume 80 (1905)," Mrs. Alice Mather, an evangelist from Spencer, NW Iowa Conference is assisting the pastor, Rev. F.L. Buckwalter. She is a loyal Methodist, a fine preacher, a sweet singer and sympathetic in her preaching. She preaches straight to the hearts of the people, and all are delighted with her...The meetings prove that Methodist preaching and methods, directed by the spirit, will still bring about genuine conviction and conversion. The people have crowded the altar..."

It was clear, Oklahoma received a rare blessing in inviting this woman to come and preach in Oklahoma City. Who knows how many she inspired in the faith or encouraged to follow where they felt they were being led vocationally?

"Methodists Around To New Zeal By A Woman Evangelist's Discourses" "Is a Powerful Speaker", "Interest in Revival's Becoming Intense and Numbers are Nightly Becoming Converts to the Christian Faith." (Oklahoman, April 15, 1904; pg.8); U.S. Federal Census, Iowa; The NW Christian Advocate 1905; NW Iowa Conference Report, 1911; NW Christian Advocate, 1912; Spencer Clay County (IA) News (Dec.2, 1897, p.3); The Perry (IA) Daily (Dec.14,1894, pg.1); The Alton Democrate (IA) (March 14,1896,pg.8); Monmouth Daily Atlas (IL) (March 10, 1916).

BARNARD MEMORIAL UMC, HOLDENVILLE, OK

BMUMC c2015, Marilyn A. Hudson

The history of Methodism in Oklahoma is often finely intertwined with the history of the state through settlement, education, community building, or the arts.  In an era when examples such as Andrew Carnegie taught that with great wealth came great responsibility communities often benefited with new schools, churches, museums, hospitals, and orphanages when local individuals "made good."

 

The church name, “Barnard Memorial United Methodist Church”, stems from the supportive presence of the Robert McFarlin family as members of the Methodist work in Holdenville.   Mrs. Robert (Ida Barnard) was listed as a charter member of the congregation and her husband joined the church in 1906. 

 

McFarlin started in farming and ranching but as they experienced success through oil exploration they supported many enriching endeavors including the Fine Arts Auditorium at Southern Methodist University in Texas, the library at Tulsa University and the building of McFarlin Methodist Church in Norman. He is considered one of the driving forces in Oklahoma's role in the petroleum industry and thus a shaper of modern Oklahoma.

The Methodist Episcopal Church, South's work in Holdenville was named as a memorial to the family of Mrs. McFarlin, specifically a brother named Benjamin Barnard who died as a young man. A brother and a sister is mentioned in her obituary in the late 1930's with a Holdenville address.

Methodist Ministers: Dr. Dean C. Dutton

Dean C. Dutton was born in about 1871/72 in Virginia, he married a woman named Katherine (b. 1875 in Iowa) and there were two daughters  Helen A. (b. 1899, IL) and Adena (b. 1901, IL).  Other sources indicate had been born in Wisconsin and reared in Seattle. He had received his education from the Upper Iowa University and took his doctor of philosophy from Kansas City University.  He pastored at Animosa, IA; Webb City, MO, and at Oakley Methodist Church in Kansas City, Missouri and at Wesley in Oklahoma City. While in Oklahoma City he served as president of the Ministerial Alliance and was director of the Oklahoma Epworth Institute (held at Shawnee). In 1923 he left Wesley  for the University of Oklahoma in Norman to become a "community lecturer and vocational counselor, a new department and take charge of the 'Hearthstone University', a home service department."  ["Dean C. Dutton Leaves Church." Oklahoman (Sept.16,1923):39] While there, his wife died.

Assorted records give clues as to the character and interests of Dr. Dutton.  He is mentioned as being a presenter-lecturer on the Redpath-Horner Chatauqua on the Pioneer (B) Circuit under supervision of C.M. Hirst. He was on the second day of a 1918 event. (Lyceum Magazine, Sept. 1918, p.38).

In 1929 he served as the president of the National Cigarette Law Enforcement League, Inc.  His name is on the letterhead of a letter from Alva B. Jones dated May 25, 1929.  (Dear President: Letters to the Oval Office from the Files of the National Archives, ed. Dwight Young. p.42).

An undated publication, The Beautiful Ministry of Womanhood: A Survey of Opportunities for Ministries of Kindness for Christian Womanhood, Including Social Service Circle Programs shows him as author of "The Great Life" Library.  The booklet was published by The Great Life Publishing Company, 321 N. Chelsea, Kansas City, Missouri and sold for fifteen cents.  It may be a publication of the Methodist Episcopal Church for their women's ministries.

In about 1930 he published Quests and Conquests through  The Life Service Publishing Company (19230) or Oklahoma City (presumed). Description of the Quests include "A search for the Wealth of Life, Truth and Assurances of Reality. Conquests - Building this Wealth into Personality. TWO VOLUMES IN ONE. Part One - Gems of Literature arranged in One Hundred and Twenty-one Lessons in Life Building. Part Two - The Supreme Philosophy." The work apparently included all the material of the author's two editions of Heart Throbs of Truth for Life Building. His other written work include My America and the open road : a textbook directing "The National Awakening" ... / : Bridgeport, Ill. : Thought Wealth Press, 1948.  Fellowship / Cincinnati, Ohio : International Character Education Associations, 1933.

In 1922 he addressed the O.C. Baptist's Pastors Conference on "The Ministry of the Spirit"
(Baptist Mess anger , April 5, 1922; pg. 13).

An exact date for his death is not known, however, there is a Dean C. Dutton  in the Bridgeport City Cemetery, Bridgeport, Lawrence Co., Ill, listed as born Dec. 15, 1871 and having died Oct. 16, 1954. He visited to speak at Wesley and it was noted he was living in Illinois.   He is buried with a Carrie L. born 1884 and who died 1959.  It is believed this is his second wife.

Methodist Ministers: Dr. Sidney H. Babcock

Dr. Sidney H. Babcock Born 1877- died 1957
FindaGrave (has obituary)

Notable church assignment:

• Atoka
• Barnard Memorial, Holdenville (The "Rose Window"- stained glass- was suggested by Dr. Babcock)
• Lawton
• St. Paul's, Shawnee
• Altus
• Elk City
• Woodward

Other:

• Former vice-president of OCU
• Former president of the board of trustees of OCU
• One of the original Trustees in the founding of SMU in Texas
• 7 time delegate to Methodist General Conferences, representing Oklahoma
• Served as chaplain during WW1 in France
• Education was from Arkansas College, Batesville, Arkansas and Vanderbilt in Chicago, Illinois
• Author of "The History of Oklahoma Methodism" (see link on this page)

Methodist Youth

The Epworth League was the youth fellowship for the Methodist Episcopal Church. It was a young adult association (ages 18–35).  It was formed in 1889 in  Ohio  for the purpose of promoting intelligent and vital piety among the young people of the Church. Although associated with pre 1939 Methodism, I t is still in existence today having been reinvigorated to meet contemporary needs.

Certificate at the Jones UMC.

After 1939, there was the M.Y.F.

The Oldest Methodist Work in Oklahoma?

In trying to determine the first Methodist church in Oklahoma there are many intriguing and fascinating stories revealing a wide range of efforts.  At this time, the oldest church still in existence is thought to be Eufaula.  They can trace efforts there back to 1831.

 

Prior to 1831, much of the area of far eastern Oklahoma would have been encompassed by what was called "Arkansas Territory".  The Methodist church was active in this region and had several strong ties back to Illinois and Tennessee.  They also had notable pioneering and circuit riding preachers, such as Willam Stephenson who would launch explorations into Texas.

Goodrich Memorial UMC in Norman, Oklahoma

In 1942 a new work, funded primarily by Dr. and Mrs. Hugh (Emma) Goodrich, began in what was then northwest Norman. The church had begun with 21 charter members (many from McFarlin's congregation) and was located at the southwest corner of N. Porter and Frank Street.  In 1956, the church moved to a new building at 200 West Hayes.

 

An arson fire destroyed the church on December 23, 1986 totaling the sanctuary, classes and offices. Along with the space went choir robes, pianos, organ, church records, and so much more. The decision was made to rebuild at the location Joe Robinson was then pastor of the 400 plus member congregation. The upcoming Christmas Eve service was accomplished through the help and support of various churches in the community.  They moved the service in to the fellowship hall - a cinder block construction - just across the street. They salvaged the altar and the candle sticks. Chairs were lent by St. Stephens UMC and despite the nearly $250,000 dollars in fire damage the service went on as planned.  

 

Lay Leader at the time, Clinton Wilson, was instrumental in salvaging the old metal cross from the sanctuary. Cleaned, it served as a link to the past as they worshiped in the cinder block fellowship center and during the rebuilding process.

 

 

A list of pastors includes: H. Frank Miller, T.N. Weeks, Phil Zinn, Leroy Sewell, Clyde Chestnutt, Charles Richardson, Jay Irby, Sam Fox, Richard Hedger, Keith Cupples, Gary Ritzky, Roger Wood, Joe Robinson, Marvin Ramsey, Marvin J. Hudson, Jim Shepherd.

Sources: Interviews with church members; A Priceless Heritage: McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church (1999); The Oklahoman.

Needed: Photos of the church