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Rev. John Haller, District Superintendent, appointed Henry Temple, Earnest Cripin, Edward Schewe, and Martin Blair to act as assistants to Rev. Humfeldt and in November of 1894, the present congregation was organized under the name of the Emmanuel [sic] German Methodist Church. The first Board of Trustees included Heinrich Moore, Adam Giesick, Dadid Muth, Fred Moor and Jacob Kerbs.
In 1895, through
great self-denial, Rev. Humfeldt and the congregation built their first
church building. It was dedicated on December 22, 1895, by Rev. Christ
Herman. With the building completed, a Sunday School and Epworth
league were organized.
In 1896 the church was admitted to the Conference Protocol as part of the Bison, Kansas, charge. Henry C. Warner was pastor, and John Kracher the District Superintendent.
Two years later the congregation decided that their pastor should live in Otis, and began building a new parsonage. At the next Conference Adam Quinzer became the first resident pastor of Otis, and moved into the partially completed home. At the same time the Otis church was released from the Bison charge and joined the Albert charge. Under the able leadership of Rev. Quinzer, the congregation grew a great deal. Rev. Quinzer was then appointed to Bazine, where he died. He is buried in the Otis Cemetery.
In 1901 A. P. Becker was appointed pastor. During his tenure,
the parsonage was completed. In Sept. 1903, Wm. Pommeranke was appointed
pastor. In April 1904, the Wichita-Kansas Conference was held in
Otis, with Rev. A. D. Jugemier, District Superintendent, presiding.
In 1905, the Albert charge joined with Kinsley, and the Otis church
became a self sustaining congregation with a hundred members, and thirteen
Sunday School Classes. The value of the property was reported to
be about $3,000.00 with $1,000.00 pledged for missions. The Otis congregation
went on to became one of the foremost Methodist churches of the District.
In 1907 Fred Kaltenback was appointed pastor. Under his leadership, an addition was built to the Church with a partial basement for a new furnace.
Then followed these ministers: John Haller, 1910-13; John Koehler, 1913-16; P. H. Mattaei, 1916-19; and John Kracher, 1919-24.
Fred Brunkau served as pastor from 1924-32. During his long tenure a full basement was added to the church. H. A. Laeger served from 1932-1937 and was followed by C. M.. Williams who served until 1940. He was followed by Virgil Hays from 1940-1944.
In 1944, Mahlon E. Markwell was appointed pastor, remaining until 1950. It was during his pastorate, on April 28, 1946, that the Otis Methodist Church / Immanuel Methodist Church celebrated its 50th Anniversary with Bishop William C. Martin presiding. Rev. Nelson S. Gardner, District Superintendent, was also present.
In 1950, Samuel Paulding was appointed pastor. Due to ill health, he served only one year and was followed by H. R. Husted. During his pastorate a choir room was added to the Church.
In 1955, J. Ralph Watkins was appointed pastor and served until 1958. During his tenure, a new parsonage was constructed. It was dedicated on November 6, 1955, by Rev. Dr. J. R. Throckmorton, District Superintendent.
In 1958, Carl Shultz became the pastor and served until 1961 when W. Jack Thomas assumed the pastorate of the Otis Methodist Church.
The following information is taken from the April 28, 1946, Golden Anniversary
worship bulletin.
| Bishops
William A Quale* Lynn Waldorf Chas. Meade William C. Martin *William A. Quayle
|
District Superintendents
John Demand Ed Youngmeyer John Haller L.E. Cook Noah Smith H. C.Atkins E. W. Freeman Nelson S. Gardner |
| H. S. Humford
Werner Adam Quanzer A. P. Berker Wm. Pommerenke |
Fred Katenbach
John Haller John Hohler P. H. Matthaei John Krocher |
Fred Brunkou
H. A. Laeger C. M. Williams V. M. Hayes M. E. Markwell |
| Adam Geisick
C. Galloway C. Geisick H. A. Brack |
Henry Kerbs
Wm Hartman Alex Kerbs F. J. Miller |
Alta Scheuerman
Mrs. W. J. Harder J. B. Moore George Schlegel |
| Index to Church Histories |
 |
