The Sedalia Community Church, page 9

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Rev. Richardson                                1916
Rev. J.P. Hutchison                 1917 ‑ 1919
Rev. Apel                                           1920

The Sedalia church continued to thrive during the next 40 years. Its membership averaged around 35‑45 members with Sunday School attendance between 80 ‑100 members. At some point, an architect is reported to have visited the church and declared that it has perfect accoustics.⁴⁶ Another report is that a group of Mormons once moved into the community and attempted to take over the church. Will Cooper and John Avers reportedly stopped them. ⁴⁷

Life in the community also improved. The devastating drought of the 1880's was behind them. The building of the church may have brought about a "community" mentality and attitude. As they recovered from the losses incurred by the drought, residents may have been more willing to associate as a "community." Regardless of the reason, the social atmosphere of the community prospered.

The residents of Sedalia formed a number of clubs and organizations and the social life of the community centered around these activities. The men formed a gun club and would occasionally hold marksmanship contests. ^47.1 The women formed a missionary society and raised money which they sent to various missions.^47.2 The men also had a threshing club or cooperative. Evidently the men pooled their money and purchased collectively a thrashing machine. To use the thrasher, one must have bought into the cooperative. ^47.3 A birthday club met monthly.^47.4

Perhaps the most unique club was the Mile Stone and Literary Club or MS and LC. This group was probably started by Anna Cooper. The club met regularly and discussed books which they had read, debated topical issues, read plays together, or listened to musical performances from various community residents. The club's programs included discussions of such topics as "American Indian Homes, Habits, and Arts," "Sketches from George Elliott's Life," "King Lear,” complete with sketches, acting, and analysis of his character, state of mind, mistakes, and punishments, "Is a Chaperone Necessary in America?", musical solos by members, and reviews of various books. ^47.5 The club raised money with which to buy books. One meeting report indicates that by 1908 the club had purchased over 150 books. The club also received copies of Harpers, Atlantic Monthly, and other periodicals from Mrs. Cooper's brother who was attending school in Michigan. ^47.6

Prior to each meeting a large 4 or 5 course meal was served by the hosting family. Everything served at these meals was undoubtedly homegrown as the expense account for one of the families indicates that only flour, sugar, and spices were ever purchased.

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