Visiting Ministry at Blue River Gospel Hall, WI

Blue River Gospel Hall, Blue River, Grant Co., WI (OB) 1932-current

Itinerants

• Bro. Baldwin 1955
• Robert Boyle 1962
• Louis Brandt 1932-1933, 1948-1949
• Herbert Dobson 1959, 1962
• Paul C. Elliott 1948-1949, 1959, 1963
• G. Gould, Sr. 1932-1933
• G. Gould, Jr. 1935
• J. Gray 1960
• Bro. Hamilton 1960
• Bro. Hyde 1958
• Charles Keller 1940
• Albert Klabunda 1940, 1955
• Oswald L. MacLeod 1946
• Lorne McBain 1956, 1959
• Bro. McKinley 1958
• Stephen "Steve" Mick +1931-1960+
• Robert Orr 1963
• G. Prieur 1932-1933
• Oliver Smith 1940, 1948-1949, 1959
• Archibald "Archie" Stewart 1932-1933
• Charles Summers 1932-1933
• William Warke 1931, 1949
• C.H. Willoughby 1947
• Bro. Yost 1958

News

Unless otherwise noted, sources are Blue River.

1930's

1931

• The Boscobel Dial, 1931-8-5 advertised evangelists Stephen Mick & William Warke as preaching every night, except Saturday, starting Wed., Aug. 5th, 1931 in a gospel tent at North Side Park, presumably in Boscobel. Stephen and William were living in Chicago at the time, and "all creeds and classes are invited to attend". No collections.

1932

• OR 1932-12: "Br. Steve Mick is following up the tent work in a rented store, with manifest blessing. Some fifteen souls have been saved and others are interested."

1932

• LOI 1935-5: Stephen Mick, Boscobel, WI: "You will be interested to hear that the little assembly at Blue River, Wisconsin has almost completed their new hall and very shortly they will be able to meet in it. Truly this should be a

cause of thanksgivings to our God for all that He has wrought in these parts in the last three years. The Lord has also blessed our efforts in Bell Center where a number have been led to Christ and where a Sunday School is now being conducted. I purpose the Lord Willing to go back there as soon as the weather gets warmer. Please pray for the effort put forth in these parts."

1933

• WiS 1933-6: Wisconsin: "For many years in this state there were only 2 assemblies: one at La Crosse and one at Lake Geneva. Within the last 6 years assemblies

have been planted at Bee Town, Black Earth and Lynxville, through the labors of Bren S. Hamilton, S. Mick and A. Stewart. Recently a baptism was held at Lynxville, in the Mississippi river, when 20 obeyed the Lord. A splendid opportunity was given for Bren O. Smith, S. Hamilton, E. Brandt and J. Martin to preach the gospel to 600 people who were present. As a result of S. Hamilton’s labors a new assembly was formed. There were 24 who broke bread the first Lord’s day. At the town of Blue River, (in the Wisconsin river) as a result of the labors of S. Mick, 26 were baptized. The gospel was preached by Bren L. Brandt and G. Prieur. A new assembly was formed and 26 broke bread the first Lord's day. At different periods, Chas. Summers, G. Gould, Sr. and A. Stewart gave a helping hand in these parts."

• AA 1933-12: Wisconsin: "Brethren Arch. Stewart and Steve Mick have had fruit from the gospel effort in Steuben. The people are very poor and very dark: but four or five have brightly professed within the last three weeks. The assemblies at Blue River and Lynxville go on well, brother Stewart writes."

1935

• AA 1935-11: Wisconsin: "Messrs G. Gould Jr. and Stephen Mick (601 Superior St., Boscobel, Wis.) are much encouraged by the interest shown in the gospel message proclaimed at Shanghai Ridge. This is a new and needy section, about 20 miles from Boscobel. They purpose going on to Blue River after finishing the present series."

1940's

1940

• WiS 1940-11: Wisconsin: "Steve Mick had a week’s meetings at Stitzcr but became seriously ill and is in the hospital. Pray for him, and his wife and 3 children. His address is 1514 Wisconsin Ave., Boscobel, Wisconsin. Henry Miller was having meetings with interest in Black River Falls. Chas. Keller and A. Klabunda had three weeks meetings at Blue River after the conference."

1946

• LOI 1946-12: Oswald L. MacLeod, 1715 Laverne Ave., Dayton, OH: "Brother McLeod, after seeing blessing in the salvation of souls and restoration of backsliders in tent meetings in Akron with Brother Mick, went to Jackson, Mich, to to help the Lord's people. From there he went to the Blue River, Wisc., conference and then on to Garnavillo, Iowa for meetings."

1947

• LOI 1947-6: C.H. Willoughby, 10625-127th St., Edmonton, AB: "Brother Willoughby had a few meetings in the neat, new Gospel Hall in Sudbury, Ontario. He then had two weeks good meetings in Barrie, Ontario, where the Christians appreciated the ministry. He was in 86th St. Gospel Hall in Chicago for a few meetings around the middle of April and then went on to Blue River, Wisconsin. His ministry is fresh, and his visits appreciated."

• LOI 1947-7: C.H. Willoughby, Edmonton, AB: "Brother Willoughby, after having some good meetings in Blue River, Wisconsin, went on to La Crosse. He was on his way northwest, where he hoped to labor during the summer months, as he has done for many years. Our brother seeks to reach out of the way places, where few go with the Gospel, or to visit the scattered saints."

1948

• LOI 1948-4: Louis Brandt, Garnavillo, IA & Steve Mick, 1514 Wisconsin Ave., Boscobel, WI: "These brethren started Gospel meetings on Feb. 29 in Blue River, Wisc."

• LOI 1948-11: Oliver Smith, 1312 Williston St., Waterloo, IA & Paul C. Elliott, Aplington, IA: "These brethren started a series of gospel meetings in Blue River, Wisc., about the middle of September."

1949

• LOI 1949-9: William Warke, 1259 W. 86th St., Chicago, IL: "Brother Warke at present writing is continuing tent meetings in Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin. Brother Brandt of Garnavillo went to help him for a few nights but is continuing longer. There is some interest on the part of the town

people and as many as twenty have been in some nights. Christians from Blue River usually drive over and this helps swell the attendance and helps with the singing. This is real pioneer work, as it is necessary for the brethren to board out."

1950's

• WiS 1955-4: "Brethren here report a little encouragement in seeing a young woman profess and her husband would like to be saved, too."

• WiS 1955-6: "Bre. Klabunda and Baldwin expected to commence here June 5th in Gospel meetings. Pray for Gospel fruit."

• WiS 1955-8: "Bre. Klabunda and Baldwin in fifth week, last report, two had professed, attendance fair West Union, Iowa had a profitable day the fourth of July, with five baptized in the morning. Nine preachers present. Elliott and Yost at Elroy, Wise., Bro. Brandt hopes to try Wapello, Iowa Bro. Mick may help. Warke and Jamison hope to try Brooklyn, Wise., 20 miles south of Madison. O. Smith and DeBuhr in Minnesta. Pray for all such."

• WiS 1955-12: "About nine of the Lord's servants present to help in ministry and the Gospel at recent conference here which was well attended. Some helpful ministry. Bro. S. Mick, who has labored much here, recently had some nice meetings in Cumberland, Md., saw a little blessing. He hoped to visit Lonaconing in the Gospel."

1956

• WiS 1956-8: Garnavillo, IA: "Bre. McBain and McCready finished over six weeks of Gospel meetings here and the saints, with themselves, were much cheered by seeing God’s hand in the salvation of a number, whom we trust shall go on well. Bro. McBain may give help in the Fremont area with Norman Crawford and Jas. Lipke. They expected to pitch tent on Hwy. 20 between Clyde and Bellevue, Ohio., There is some interest in that area. Bro. McBain gave a call at Blue River, Wisc."

• WiS 1956-9: WI & IA: "O. Smith and L. Debuhr still at Willmar, two have professed L. Brandt and Hy. Wahls at Minnandare. Sam Hamilton and S. Mick in third week at Lynxville, one has professed, others interested. Jamison and Paul Elliott going on in Sparta, good attendance. Eight baptized in Blue River July 29th, a happy time and Word ministered to saint and sinner. Have heard that God visited a family who attended the Pine Creek conference in Manitoba in June. Three daughters professed, a son troubled much. Clay Fite visited Garnavillo & Joliet."

• WiS 1956-10: "Annual Conference d.v. Oct. 20th and 21st, commencing with Prayer Mtg., Fri. Oct. 19th, 8 p.m. Ministry welcome according to Jeremiah 6:16. Correspondence to Raymond Studnicka, Boscobel, Wisc."

• WiS 1956-11: Ontario, WI: "On Sept. 30th., twelve were baptized from here and Blue River. Also at Garnavillo six obeyed the Lord thus some from Lynxville, Wise., included. The Conference at Hitesville was reported very good, with ministry calculated to lead the saints from consideration of self to God and His good Word. Twelve of the Lord’s servants ministered and preached the Gospel."

1957

• WiS 1957-10: "Annual Conference d.v. will be held October 19th and 20th., commencing with Prayer Mtg., Oct. 18th. Usual order of meetings. Brethren walking in the "old paths" are always welcome. Corresp. Raymond Studnicka."

1958

• WiS 1958-2: Hitesville, IA: "The Lord gave a good day here New Year’s Day although crowd somewhat smaller — cold weather and the flu hindered some coming. A good way to start the New Year. Sam

Hamilton at Aredale, Yost and Hyde at Blue River, Wisc., some interest."

• WiS 1958-7: Stout, IA: "Recent Conference felt to be helpful to the many who attended. Several of the Lord’s servants there to give help in the ministry which was timely, searching and profitable. Bro. Gray stayed on and went to Hitesville later. Bro. McKinley went to Manchester, then to Blue River, Wise. W. Ferguson went on to Garnavillo for some ministry meetings, with nice interest. Bre. Brandt and Hy. Wahls tried Millville, near Garnavillo, with the Gospel."

• WiS 1958-11:
  • Politics or Prayer: "Old brother Herman when Oliver Smith (his neighbor, before he was saved) asked him to cast his vote... "I can do more at home on my knees". (Oliver Smith at Blue River Conference)
  • Wisconsin: ""Bro. Mick at Black Earth. Baptisms recently at Plainfield, Blue River and Ontario, Wisc."
  • Hitesville, IA: "A baptism was held near here Sept. 7th. Seven obeyed the Lord thus."

• WiS 1958-12: West Union, IA: "S. Hamilton has been plodding away here. McKinley and Elliott in Garnavillo, Smith and L. DeBuhr around Willmar, Minn., bro. Mick in Black Earth — recent conference at Blue River good. Bro. Dobson in Marion, Iowa."

1959

• WiS 1959-6: La Crosse, WI: "Recent Conference first weekend in May was large and helpful. The ministry was varied but practical and to the point, with no uncertain sound. All calculated to upbuild and strengthen those who seek to go on in God’s ways. Brother Saword continued in Iowa assemblies for a visit as he is on his way back to Venezuela — bro. Warke at Soldiers Grove, Wise., bre. McBain and Dobson to Blue River, Wisc. Bro. W. Ferguson had a good week at Garnavillo, Iowa, prior to the Conference. Bre. Brandt & Wahls saw an aged man, brother to the late Ed. Osthoff of Clayton, Iowa, saved at Eastman, Wise."

• WiS 1959-7: "Bre. Dobson and McBain had a good series of Gospel meetings here when the seed was faithfully sown."

• WiS 1959-10: "Annual Conference will d.v. be held Oct 17th and 18th commencing with Prayer Mtg., Fri. Oct. 16th at 7:30 p.m. Usual order of meetings. Corresp. Raymond Studnicka. Boscobel, Wisc."

• WiS 1959-11: Fallen Asleep: Garnavillo, IA: "Our beloved sister Mrs. James Palmer “went home following an operation in a Fort Dodge Hospital July 28th. She was saved on the way home from the Blue River Conference in 1938 and received into the Assembly here shortly after and has gone on faithfully for the Lord. Remember her husband in prayer in his loss... Titus 2:13. A son has professed to be saved since the death of his mother."

• WiS 1959-12:
  • Recent Conference here was largely attended and help was given by the Lord in ministry and the Gospel. About eight of the Lord’s servants present. Weather was excellent for it. Bro. Mick had been preaching at Black Earth. Bre. Smith and Elliott had good meetings at Hampton, Iowa, with some blessing."
  • La Crosse, WI: "Bro. James had a few meetings here, also visited Hitesville, Iowa with Bro. Hamilton; Garnavillo, Beetown and Blue River - ministry appreciated."

1960's

1960

• WiS 1960-4: "Bre. Hamilton and Mick had eight weeks here in the Gospel — two had professed to be saved, interest fairly good on the whole. Bre. Brandt and Wahls were in Prairie Du Chien at last report, using a rented hall."

• WiS 1960-9: IA & WI: "Bre. Dobson and Elliott had tent at Marion; L. DeBuhr and Eric McCullough at Hector, Minn., a new place. Bre. Brandt and Wahls south of Prairie Du Chien, bro. S. Hamilton at Pine Hill with some strangers coming, J. Gray paid visits to Beetown and Blue River. We have heard that meetings at Hector, Minn, by DeBuhr and McCullough are quite encouraging — some strangers coming nightly."

• WiS 1960-10: "Annual Conference will be held D.V. Oct. 15th and 16th, commencing with Prayer Mtg., Oct. 14th, at 8 p.m. Meetings will be in the usual order. Corresp. Raymond Studnicka, Boscobel, Wisc."

1961

• WiS 1961-4:
  • "Bro. Hamilton was trying some meetings here at last report, trusting to see an interest in the Gospel."
  • Soldiers Grove, WI: "Bre. Brandt and Wahls were here, one had professed but they had to give up their building."
  • West Union, IA: "Bro. Mick was continuing here, getting a number in to hear the Word."

• WiS 1961-9: "Annual Conference dates, Oct. 14, and 15 D.V. Usual order of meetings. Corresp. Ravmond Studnicka, Boscobel, Wisc."

1962

• WiS 1962-1: "Conference this year was well attended, with good and refreshing ministry and saints seemed to be cheered in their testimony. These Iowa and Wisconsin conferences are largely attended good ear for the Word. Bro. Sam Hamilton visited Mississippi with Bro. Ballhagen for a week. Bro. Mick is in Belvedere, Ill with fairly good hearing."

• WiS 1962-2: "Robert Boyle visited here, also Ontario, La Crosse, Black Earth and Brodhead."

• WiS 1962-10: "Annual Conference will be held this year as usual October 20th., and 21st., commencing with Prayer Mtg., Fri. evening Oct. 19th., at 7:30. Visitors freely entertained and usual order of meetings will prevail. Corresp. Raymond Studnicka, Boscobel. Wisc."

• WiS 1962-12: "The recent conference was well attended with eleven of those giving their time to the work of the Lord present. Bro. Dobson closed at Mason City."

1963

• WiS 1963-8: Iowa: "Bre. Louis Brandt and Henry Wahls pitched their tent at Charles City in this State. Bro. Warke was at Cresco, Iowa, helped by brother R. Surgenor. Bre. Elliott and Robert Orr have been at Blue River, Wisc. The West Union Assembly had their usual All-day meeting the Fourth, with good attendance and eight of the Lord’s servants present. Ten were baptized there June 30th , bro. Brandt reports."

• WiS 1963-9: "Saints here had a nice all-day meeting August 4th, with four of the Lords servants present to minister the Word — a day well spent."

Sources

• Assembly Annals (AA): 1933-12; 1935-11
• Letters of Interest (LOI): 1935-5; 1946-12; 1947:6-7; 1948-4&11; 1949-9&11
• Our Record (OR): 1932-12
• Words in Season (WiS): 1933-6; 1940-11; 1955-4&6&8&12; 1956:8-11; 1957-10; 1958:2&7&11-12; 1959:6-7, 10-12; 1960:4&9-10; 1961:4&9-10; 1962:1-2&10&12; 1963:8-9;