Seeing the need to preach the full gospel message from God's Word, the Rev. Mr. H@ V. Foleye Rev. Mr. H@ V. Foley began holding services in Jan. 1943 on 200 E. Broadway. He not only preached that men could be saved from their sins and have fellowship and communion with God, but that men and women, boys and girls could be healed by the power of God. The doctrine of being filled with the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, according to the Books of Acts, was also proclaimed.

Thanksgiving Eve, 1943, a fire which destroyed most of the block, also destroyed the church. But the small group of Christians was not discouraged and they moved down the street to an abandoned saloon. The old bar was pushed aside and a pulpit, an altar and seats were brought in and the Word of God was proclaimed.

Some of the charter members were Mrs. Jessie Magruder, Mrs. Bernice Sheppard, Mrs. Rose Spencer, Mrs. Eule Warden, and Mrs. Elva Wiseman. Rev. Foley resigned in 1944 and various ones ministered, including Mrs. Margrette Baunhofer until 1952 when Mr. and Mrs. Lester Norris became pastors. er Norris became pastors. in Nov. 1953, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Perkins accepted the pastorate and land was given to the church by Mrs. Eule Warden on North Jackson to build a new church. in 1956 the new church was completed and a happy congregation moved in to praise and worship God. Mr. and Mrs. John Mead pastored from 1964 to 1965 and Rev. and Mrs. Foley returned and pastored from 1965 to 1969. Different ones filled in until the church closed in 1973. On Nov. 17, 1974, the church reopened at a house on 507 E. Broadway with Rev. and Mrs. David Meek as pastors.

The first services of the Brunswick Baptist Church were held in 1907, the upstairs of a building located where the Post Office is today. Services were discontinued in 1908. Following a tent revival led by a Missouri State Missionary, the church reorganized in 1915. The first pastor received a sal 1915. The first pastor received a salary of $8.00 for preaching two Sundays per month.

Meetings were held over Mr. E. B. Johnson's store with 26 members. Mrs. Frankie Paul is one of the charter members.

The site where the church now stands was purchased for $2000. An old blacksmith shop had to be torn down before construction could begin.

The building committee of 1919 was W. E. Mansfield, C. A. Straub, J. B. Robertson and B. T. Dameron. Women in the church under the leadership of Mrs. Nora Crow and Mrs. Georgia Straub helped raise money for the building by having bake sales and quilting bees. The church was dedicated in October, 1924. The educational building was dedicated in 1966 and the church redecorated in 1974.

With the recent resignation of the pastor, Rev. Bill Wormsley, the pulpit committee consisting of Kenneth Richardson, Harold Breshears, Mrs. Lassie Yoder, Mrs. Opal Jones and Melvin Link is seeking a new minister.

The officers in the church are; Deacons, Harcers in the church are; Deacons, Harold Breshears, David Link, Melvin Link, Roy Lee Oldvader, Kenneth Richardson; Trustees, John Gross, Melvin Link, Larry Rice; Church clerk, David Link; Treasurer, Larry Rice; Financial Secretary, Mrs. Mary Beth Oldvader.

The origin of the Catholic Congregation at Brunswick dates back to the days when the Missouri River was the principal way of travel. In the early 1850's, Divine Services were held in the homes of pioneer settlers, among whom were the Strub, Wittmer, and Meyer families. In the late 1850's, Father J. H. Hogan resigned the pastorate of St. Michael's Church in St. Louis after having secured the permission of Archbishop Kenrick to go into the interior of North Missouri to attempt to establish the Church. Father Hogan made his first visit to Brunswick in the year 1859 and returned again in the summer of 1860. He rente again in the summer of 1860. He rented the old city hall and there he administered the sacraments and preached the word of God. The progress of the little parish of St. Boniface was slow due to the outbreak of the Civil War. In 1869, the Reverend Mr. Hogan, administered the Sacrament of Confirmation at the city hall. Ten years after the founding of the parish, a frame structure 60' x 30' was built high on a hill, commanding a grand view of the surrounding territory. It was dedicated in the fall of 1870. The first one baptized in this church was Caroline Strub, and theast Mass was celebrated by one reared in this vicinity, Father Martin, O.F.M.

The congregation of St. Boniface Church gradually grew so that the little church dedicated in 1870 was inadequate. In the year 1901, Father Columban Valentine, O.F.M., pastor, called a parish meeting to discuss building a new church. A committee composed of E. J. Tschann, Julius Strub, William Wittmer, Charles Koch, Ben Strub, and B. J. Strub, were appointed on the building committee. Two lots were purchased on the level with the city, and the work began. On April 24, 1902, the first stone for the foundation was laid, on June 1, 1902, the corner stone was laid by the Reverend M. F. Burke, Bishop of St. Joseph.

Many of the furnishings of the old Church were used for years and things were added gradually. The beautiful Gothic structure 90' x 37' with its lofty tower overlooked the city. The Church was dedicated by the Rt. Rev. M. F. Burke, on Oct. 26,1902. This church with its beautiful Gothic High Altar still serves the Catholics in Brunswick and surrounding areas.

At this time (June, 1976), St. Boniface parish consists of 76 families. Father Joseph J. Wilberding is the present pastor and has been at St. Boniface since 1970. On June 5, Father Wilberding observed his 33rd anniversary of ordination to the priesthood.

As early as 1850 there was a small group of Christians or Campbellites in Brunswick, probably constituted by Allen Wright. Among the first members were Mrs. Edwin Price and son, Sterling, later a professor in Missouri University and a preacher of some note. Others were George W. Brown and wife, Adamatine Johnson, Dr. William Beddow, and John Allega and family.

A large number of members were added to the congregation when Dr. W. H. Hopson, State Evangelist, made visits, and in 1853 when Elder D. P. Henderson and Jacob Creath held a meeting. In January 1854, Elder T. P. Haley was called to the pastorate and continued in the work until 1857. Under his leadership the congregation grew in number and influence. Meetings were held during this time by Elders Moses E. Lard, J. U. Wright, and T. U. Gaines.

Until 1854 the congregation worshiped in the City Hall, an upper room over the Market House and calaboose. During that year arrangementse. During that year arrangements were made with Rev. Beebee, pastor of the Presbyterian Church, by which the Christian congregation occupied the Presbyterian Church one-half time. This arrangement was secured through the influence of that most excellent friend of the church, Dr. Edwin Price, and Adamantine Johnson, first elder of the congregation.

Benjamin H. Smith succeeded Rev. Haley as pastor and during his pastorate a beautiful little brick church was built overlooking much of the town. After the breaking out of the Civil War, and subsequent hard times, it became necessary to sell the church building which was purchased by the Methodist Episcopal Church. This building was later owned by L. W. Heisel and burned, together with the City Hall, in the fire that destroyed the whole block, February 3, 1917.

The members were scattered but the disciples wh 0 had remained and others who had moved in, rallied their forces and reorganized in 1872.

We may not have the names of all who were ihave the names of all who were in the re-organization, but among them were: Mrs. Elizabeth Burris, Mrs. Nancy Hines, Mrs. Julia A. Harris, Mrs. Ruth J. Taylor, Mrs. Ann E. Cross, Mrs. Martha Basey, Mrs. Mary Merchant, Mrs. Anna Kennedy, Mrs. Mary Knappenberger, Mrs. Susan Cabell, Levi Bowersmith, James L. Plunkett, John H. Harris, Willis H. Plunkett, Henry H. Davis, John Musick, Mrs. Harriet Johnson, Mrs. Mattie Kilgore, Mrs. A. E. Venable, Thomas Mosely, Mrs. Elizabeth Clark, Miss Emma Hines, Robert Boyd Cabell, S. R. Pulliam and Mrs. Lucy Benton.

The Congregation worshiped in the City Hall until the erection of the building now occupied, which was dedicated in 1876. During this time the congregation was ministered to by Rev. T. U. Gaines. The first minister in the new building was Rev. R. N. Davis.

Rev. Lanny Lybarger, the present minister came to Brunswick on Oct. 10, 1965. Rudolph Krause is ch . airman of the church board and Melvin Rowoth is vicepresident. Other officers are: Treas., Dr. W. Aficers are: Treas., Dr. W. A. Burton; Sec'y, Barbara Barry; Financial Sec'y, Julia Stroemer, Missionary Sec'y, Muriel Myers; president of the Christian Women's Fellowship, Patsy Lybarger.

The first meetings of the First Baptist Church were held in 1873 in a building located southeast of the present sale barn. The building was used jointly with the Methodist Church on alternating Sundays.

After a while the church moved to the first Negro school building which stood where the Chevrolet garage stands now.

Since the members were interested in having a building of their own where they could worship God, they decided to purchase some land and erect a church building. Of course not being rich they had to raise money through various projects, such as fish fries, pie sales, and festivaprojects, such as fish fries, pie sales, and festivals. They bought the ground where our church now stands on South Taylor and built a frame church which was destroyed by fire in the fall of 1936.

At the time of the building of the old church the Rev. Amos Johnson was pastor and served faithfully for many years. Following him was Rev. Ephriam Jenkins and Rev. 0. T. Redd, whose pastorate ended in 1899, when he moved from Macon to Kansas City to teach at Weste . rn Baptist College. Rev. Redd served the first and third Sundays each month and some records in a ledger shows there were times when the church paid him as little as $5.00 per Sunday; other times less than $10.00. The largest amount paid at one time was $66.80, yet he raised a family of six children and educated them: one became a minister, two were teachers and two or three musicians. We wonder how he was able to do all this, but we know all things are possible with God.

In 1900 Rev. G. D. Saunders became pastor and served several years. He was followed by thers. He was followed by the Reverends Samuel A. Love, Rev. Howell, Sayies, Harvey, Herring, Burton and Cahron. Then Rev. Saunders came back for a brief return engagement.

When the old church burned, we were without a pastor, but we did have insurance-$1,000, which was used to start building our present church in the spring of 1937. Through the hard and faithful work of the members we soon had a church. On August 15, 1937 the church was dedicated by our Moderator, Rev. T. R. Sayles who also preached the dedication sermon.

Following the dedication we called Rev. T. A. White, who with his wife helped us finish the building. They were then called to Brookfield, Mo. Succeeding him were Rev. Gyce, Rev. King, Rev. Miller, Rev. Rowan, Rev. Briscoe, and Rev. Knox, and Rev. Spriggs.

In 1963 our church was blessed with Rev. C. H. Smith, and his talented wife. Rev. Smit ' h served us faithfully for 12 years until his death in 1975.

We are still working to improve our building and furnismprove our building and furnishings.

In 1976, we feel privileged to have as our minister Rev. Herman 0. Tolson, who was the first black city mayor in Missouri, being mayor of Mexico, Missouri.

The 1840's saw a flood of immigrants coming to the United States from Central Europe. They came for many reasons, to escape the heavy taxation known as "Blood Tax", long servitude in the army, better economy, and more freedom to worship as they felt.

The first several decades were beset by many problems of unrest- the floods in the river bottoms where many had settled, followed by the tragedies of the Civil War. The records give us little information on the spiritual life of these immigrants during these first decades. There is some indication that services were held and perhaps children were baptized by itinerant pastors. A Maldren were baptized by itinerant pastors. A May, 1868 "Brunswicker" states, "a committee was appointed to correspond with a view of securing a preacher. After several unsatisfactory trials, one Rev. C. Heinici was regularly employed as preacher and parochial teacher, and he entered upon his duties on May 9, 1869." According to available records, it was not until the spring of 1871 that the Rev. Biltz of Concordia, Mo., came to Brunswick to conduct worship services for the people of Lutheran background and to baptize their children. A recent graduate of Concordia Seminary, Candidate F. G. Walther was installed on August 26, 1871 and officially the St. John's Lutheran Church was formed. Meetings were held in the German Methodist Church. William Brandt and Louis Sasse were the first new officers. Twenty members signed a newly drawn constitution. Later the City Hall was used as their place of worship.

April 27,1873 a new church was completed on the purchased lot of Louis and Gertrude Sasse. The complete cde Sasse. The complete cost of the building was $2,800.00.

In addition to serving the congregation in Brunswick, Pastor Walther traveled by horse and buggy and also conducted services in a schoolhouse in the river bottom area as well as in the village of Dalton. in 1878 the congregation purchased a parsonage for their pastor at the corner of Harrison and Washington.

On October 31, 1912, the church edifice was destroyed by fire. The following week it wasresolved to erect another building. December 7, 1913 this building was completed at a cost of $10,000.00.

In September of 1920 the faithful service of F. G. Walther came to an end. After serving 49 years in this parrish, he resigned. With the coming of Rev. E. W. Abel, September 1921, it was decided to eliminate all German from the public services. In 1930 he died from a heart ailment and a call was extended to Rev. W. J. Boehne of Monett, Missouri. He was installed January 18, 1931. During Pastor Boehne's tenure the present edifehne's tenure the present edifice was erected at a cost of $25,000.00 and dedicated March 26, 1939. He served the congregation until April 1960.

The Rev. John W. Cramer served as pastor from 1961-1966; the Rev. Loren Schwiebert, 1966-1970; Rev. Arnold E. Heimsoth 1970-1973 and presently the Rev. Charles Spomer serves as pastor.

During the church's centennial celebration in 1971 it was observed that during its first 100 years there had been 1,455 baptisms, 428 marriages, 883 confirmations and 624 burials. At present it numbers approximately 380 souls and 308 communicants.

Mrs. Lucy Heisel and Mrs. Clara Harmon, both of Brunswick, desiring to start a Church of the Nazarene in this area, wrote to the general board of the church asking for a service to be held in Brunswick. In answer to their efforts, Dr. T. W. Willingham of St.er to their efforts, Dr. T. W. Willingham of St. Louis, District Superintendent of the Missouri District, held a service in the M.F.A. Hall in Brunswick, in January of 1943 with forty-nine in attendance.

Rev. Stanley N. Whitcanak, Pastor of the Moberly Church of the Nazarene, accepted the obligation of serving as the first minister of the group. He held services every Saturday night in a store room in the business district of the town. After more than two years,. Rev. Paul Swada of Macon, Mo., accepted the call to become a full-time pastor and moved to Brunswick. The church was organized and continued to meet for several years in the building now occupied by the MVHRDC and Leo's Bike Shop.

Rev. Albert Wideman of St. Louis was called to serve the church and it was during his ministry that land was purchased on North Taylor Street, and a building was erected in 1946. It was in 1962-1963, under the pastorate of the Rev. Mr. J. M. Dennison of Oskaloosa, Iowa, that this building was remodeled.

The present paed.

The present pastor, the Rev. Mr. Lawrence Grant of Olathe, Kansas, is also chairman of the church board. Other officers are: Linda Bondy, secretary, John Bondy, treasurer; Kenneth Bondy and Mrs. Elda Sailor, members of the church board.

The Prairie Chapel Church was originally built near Dalton, Missouri, then known as Bowling Green. In the year of 1853 an acre of ground was deeded by W. A. and Rachel Pugh for the site of a house of worship. The people of the Prairie Chapel community purchased this church for fifty dollars. it was taken apart in sections, loaded on wagons drawn by oxen and hauled to the present site. All work on the building was donated. The building was completed the same year, and was known as the Prairie Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church South.

The first Sabbath School was organized May 29, 1854, with the following ofanized May 29, 1854, with the following officers: Superintendent, Samuel Elliott, Ass't. Supt. W. C. Shackelford, Librarian E. E. Isle. In 1860, when the Civil War broke out, services were discontinued, but reopened April 18, 1869, with the same officers in charge.

On June 1, 1884, after some extensive remodeling, a rededication service was held by Reverend McAnnally, who was editor of the St. Louis Christian Advocate and Reverend J. F. Shores, the pastor at that time. A large crowd attended the basket dinner.

In the early history of the church, revivals of three weeks or longer were held, and meals were cooked and served on the grounds.

About 1885, Prairie Chapel became a part of the Triplett Circuit. The cemetery was deeded to the church by the late Samuel Elliott and was known by the name of the church.

Today Prairie Chapel is a part of the Brunswick Circuit, and the minister, the Rev. Mr. Scott Hall; Chairperson Administrative Board, Harold Wolfe; Chairperson Council on Ministries,airperson Council on Ministries, Howard Mauzey; Treasurer, Mrs. Kathryn Wolfe.

In 1818, three years before our state was admitted to the Union, James Keyte, a young Methodist preacher from England, arrived in St. Louis. The records show that in 1821 the Rev. Mr. Keyte was pastor of the Boonslick Circuit which included what is now Howard and Chariton Counties. Before the town was established, there were Methodists who met in homes for prayer services and preaching. The first members were T. H. Spenser, John T. McAshan, Wilson Elliott, John G. F6tzer, and Ephraim Rucker. The Rev. Mr. Keyte, who established both Keytesville and Brunswick, built the first house in Brunswick, which was used as a general merchandise store, a post office, and a church.

The following notice appeared in the October 14, 1847 issue of the Brunswicker: