1900-1930

As the new century began the people gave of their means and the Lord prospered. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Muller donated an acre of land across the road west of Hartford No. 3 meeting place and thus the first step toward building a church was realized. The lumber was purchased, shipped to Carnforth, Iowa, and haul­ ed to the church site with teams and wagons. Much of the building was done by church members with some help from neighboring farmers, and with Mclnteer and Frieze as contractors.

The state of Iowa granted the church its first 50 year charter as an independent unit of 58 members. The Muscatine pastor was to come once a month. On October 11, 1903, when the church was dedicated, the entire cost of $3,630.24 was paid in full and $60.00 was left in the bank. "Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!" (Psalm 106:15) Physical improvements that came with the new building were the woodburning furnace in the one basement room and gas lamps. The lamps were lighted with a wick soaked in denatured alcohol and fastened to a long slender pole. A new organ was purchased for $100.00 at this time.

This was to be a beloved house of the Lord, a "Lighthouse on the Corner" for many people. The church's beautiful stained glass windows were an inspira­ tion for worship. Interwoven with love into church history, is the work of faithful pastors and their wives who were instrumental in bringing the word of God to their people. Then those who received the living gospel message wexe empowered by the Holy Spirit to prove that "Jesus Christ saves, keeps, and satisfies".

Also treasured in the memory of present older members is the church Christ­ mas season. At the close of the Sunday School program by the children, the candles on the large Christmas tree were lighted one by one and their warmth brought out the pine fragrance. In the dim flickering light the congregation would sit in quiet anticipation, then slowly and softly sing "Silent Night, Holy Night" with voices blending and hearts full of love and praise for the King of" Kings on His birthday. To this day the service is much the same, with electric lights replacing the candles.

Early meetings were conducted by members. Some of the topics discussed were -- Church Privileges, Church Obligations, How to Support a Local Church, and Bible Verses that Help. Today's youth are presently studying Campus Crusade's "Ten Basic Steps Toward Christian Maturity". The young people also have a youth choir which meets on Thursday evening. Once a month, follow­ ing the evening service, they are involved in a "singspiration" with several other churches in the area. The singspiration group also sponsors a "Watch Night" service on New Year's Eve.

Throughout the first 40 years and more, in the horse and buggy days, travel was understandably difficult. Roads were not well graded so they were either dusty or very muddy in summer and often very rough or filled with deep snow in winter. Long trips to church might mean an hour or more on the road in below zero weather. Heated soapstones or bricks helped to keep feet warm. Much walking was done if members lived near the church or if roads or weather prevented any other mode of travel. Cars were few and far between and the first ones really frightened the horses. In 1912, the possibility of putting up sheds on the church grounds to shelter the horses in winter was discussed but never materialized. Individual drivers blanketed their faithful animals.

People took lunches along to church and had an afternoon service so they could reach home before chore time and dark. When roads improved somewhat, an occasional meeting was held at night when the moon was shining to help light the way. Horses with a good sense of direction, and the use of lighted dash­ board lanterns or side carriage lamps aided night travel.

In 1906 the dues were raised to ten cents per month and the next year the first offering plate was purchased. Before then the few offerings actually taken, were collected in a man's hat. Dues were increased over the years as the Lord blessed and as the need arose. By the late twenties they were $10.00 a year for each member. Student pastors came from Chicago by train and received $20.00 for each trip.

In 1907 the women of the church organized a missionary society for the pur­ pose of serving the Lord by helping missionaries at home and abroad with their prayers and financial support. Named first president of the society was Mrs. Henry (Adelaide) Muller who served 20 years, and Mrs. John (Edna) Blome who was treasurer 35 years. In a later period, Mrs. Herman (Emma) Muller served as secretary 25 years.

The work of the group reached many countries. In addition to the church's missionaries, support was given to Bertha Lang and native Bible women in China and Margaret Lang in Nigeria. Home mission work was carried on in Childrens' and Old Peoples' Homes, among Indians in Arizona, and the hill people of Ken­ tucky. Later, offerings were sent to the Paul Friederichsen 's in the Philippines and the Elmer Hutchisons in the Belgian Congo.

During the early years, the monthly Thursday afternoon meetings were held regularly in members' homes. Visiting missionaries were welcomed to share their experiences and correspondence kept them in touch with the society over many years. The 25th anniversary program in 1932 included a song by the charter members, plays and several readings.

In 1911 the church joined with the German Baptist Convention of Forest Park, Illinois. This later became the North American Baptist General Confer­ ence with offices now being built in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois.

A full basement was completed in 1918 in order to have more classroom space, also kitchen and dining areas. At this time a new furnace was installed. This was all put to good use as the Victor ChurcQ. was host to the Young People's State Convention that fall. The churches of the Iowa Association met annually for a convention, Victor taking its turn with the others. Because of limited facilities, the meetings were held a few times in the Victor Methodist Church, as was the Young People's Convention in 1933.

In January, 1922, it was voted to have all future business meetings conducted in English and an English pulpit Bible was purchased. As with all foreign language churches, the break with the mother tongue was a deeply moving experience for the older members whose whole spiritual life was associated with the language. During World War I the state governors requested all German-speak­ ing churches to conduct their meetings in English. However, after the war, German was used again to some extent. Since children and younger people could not understand the German, and most families were speaking English in their homes, the complete transition to English was accomplished by the mid-twenties.

In 1925 George Lang of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and in 1929 and 1930 Paul Friederichsen of Chicago, ministerial students, spent their summer vacations with relatives in the Victor Church and took over the midweek services and Sun­ day meetings except when the Muscatine pastor came.