Madison, South Dakota

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This is an excerpt from a centennial publication from Madison, South Dakota. This quotation is from a woman named Mother Walker, with the following introduction from the writer...

"Inside the domicile, an air of neatness prevailed, and soon Mrs. Lee prepared a very palatable meal, while Mother Walker, in gentle accent of quaint Scotch dialect, told of their advent into the county."

"Weel, noo, aboot t' people that's here, it's ilka this awae. At t'east end o' t' lake there's William Dean, an' John Hare's families, who came in 1872; then farther till t' west is William J. Baker and family, George Thompson and family, and D.B. Hollingsworth, who came in t' spring of 1873. South o' t' lake are John Gilchrist and family, James and John Law, who came in 1873, and John Hales, over at t' west end, in 1873, and Bessie Lee in 1872, and at Lake Herman there were t' families o' Herman N. Luce, A.E. Demick, William H. Luce and Charles Demick.

This is a transcript of an article from a local Madison, South Dakota newspaper, dated September 29th, 1891

"A CHURCH EVENT"

Ceremony of Laying the Corner Stone of the New Presbyterian Church Yesterday Afternoon

The cornerstone of the new Presbyterian church of this city was laid on Monday afternoon at 4:30 o'clock, with appropriate ceremonies. The following programme was carried out:

1. Introductory words by the pastor, Rev. J.Y. Ewart.
2. Singing - Choir.
3. Invocation - Rev. J.F. Ames.
4. Scripture reading - Pastor.
5. Historical notes - Prepared by Mr. Henry Neill and read by Mr. J.H. Williamson.
6. Address - Pres. Beadle.
7. Singing - Choir.
8. Deposit of copper box containing articles of historical interest, and laying of cornerstone
by Mr. John Gilchrist, assisted by Mr. Willard.
9. Prayer of Consecration - Rev. C.E. Hager.
10. Singing - Choir.
11. Benediction - Rev. W.J. Cleveland.

The following articles were deposited in the copper box: Copy of English New
Testament; Shorter Catechism; Historical Notes of Presbyterian Church of Madison, S.D.;
two copies of church card containing names of Elders, Trustees and Officers of Sabbath
School, Ladies Aid Society, Ladies Missionary Society, Busy Bees' Mission Band, Busy
Bees' Aid Society; and of the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor. Copy of
Lake County Leader of March 26, 1881, published during the great blockade and printed
on one sheet of foolscap paper; copy of Madison Sentinel of September 25, 1891; of the
Lake County Independent of September 24, 1891; and of The Madison Daily Leader of
September 26, 1891; a copy of the latest issue of each of the following religious
publications: The Central West, the Interior, the Northern Presbyterian, the Westminster
Teacher, the Herald and Presbyter, the Presbyterian Journal; a Catalogue of the South
Dakota State Normal School for 1890 - 1891; a copy of the Northern Presbyterian
Calendar for 1891, and a copy of the latest circular of the Presbyterian Board of Ministerial
Education; a United States coin, a German coin and a Prince Edward island coin.
The Presbyterian church has reason to be thankful that her new church edifice is started
under such favorable circumstances, She is grateful also for the sympathy of her sister
churches shown in her hour of loss and trial and rejoices in the unity of spirit and purpose
manifest among the churches of Madison. May no obstacle be put in the way of the work
of building until another spire shall point heavenward and another roof shall shelter the
worshippers of our common Father and Savior.

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