The early history of the Christian church and Sunday school at Hebron.

   On May 1, 1870, the Sunday school was organized at the home of Mrs. Laura Rawson.

   Mrs. Rawson's home, the only frame home in the country, was on the south side of the river near old Fort Butler, where the soldiers were camped the summer before. F. J. Hendershot was elected superintendent. One Sunday two Otoe Indians slipped in and took seats. After Sunday school they went home with F. J. Hendershot for dinner. Their names were Jim and Jeff Whitewater. In the afternoon we went with them to camp, where there were about one hundred Indians. E. M. Correll, who was one of the party, tried to buy some beads of an Indian girl. she refused to sell. He then offered to trade F. J. Hendershot's little girl Leota for them, and very quickly, the Indian girl pulled off her beads.

   The soldiers from the camp at Kiowa would attend some times, one standing guard while the others were inside.

   The next year the church was moved to the first school house, where the Journal office now stands, and the Sunday school is still in running order.

   The Christian church was organized July 8, 1870, at the home of Mrs. Laura Rawson, with the following twenty-one persons as charter members: L. J. Correll, Maria Correll, Nellie Correll, A. E. Gates, Jacob Hendershot Delana Hendershot, Angie E. Hendershot, Matilda Hendershot, F. J. Hendershot, W. T. Harding, H. P. Harding, Mary T. Harding, Samira Potter, Ithamer Pew, Jennie Pew, Laura Rawson, Wealthy Rawson, Elba Rawson, Ida Rawson, C. J. Rhodes and Emeline Rhodes.

   The following officers were elected: Elders, Jacob Hendershot, C. J. Rhodes, L. J. Correll. Deacons, W. T. Harding, F. J. Hendershot, A. E. Gates. Clerk, F. J. Hendershot. Treasurer, A. E. Gates.

   The first revival meeting was held the summer of 1871 by Sumpter ___________ Johnson, in a house made ______________purpose by setting posts in the ground and laying poles and brush to keep the sun off.

   The first paid pastor was William Sumpter . He was followed by Chas. Rowe. The old stone church was built during his pastorate in 1877-78.

   The present brick building ws built in 1889. W. T. Hacker, pastor. R. A. Schell was the pastor eight years.

H. A. HENDERSHOT

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   H. P. Harding is the only surviving charter member who is still a member of the Christian church in Hebron.

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