Shown above is a heartfelt letter from former Pauline Methodist Sunday School teacher Eleanor Husman Barrows. Courtesy of Pat and Larry Smidt and the Pauline Methodist Church.

  

Sunday School*

Sunday School met each week prior to church. Monthly class parties for the youth were held, with Mrs. Arthur Sime hosting them in her beautiful back yard. Josephine Sime also led the group in dramatic plays given on the stage of the school basement. Christmas caroling, sledding and picnics along the Little Blue River were important as well. Adult Sunday School groups were known as the Boosters and Gleaners. The Gleaners were comprised of young adult men and women, while the Boosters were older adults.

*The brief history of this group is taken in part from “Pauline and Community, 1887-1987, ‘A Trail in Time’ ”.

From The Record Books Of The Boosters And Gleaners

Sept. 21, 1945 – “The Boosters and Gleaner Classes met in the church basement for their monthly business and social meeting, with thirty five present. President of the Gleaners Class, Mr. Zogg, called the meeting to order, opening by singing ‘A Child of the King’. The group also sang ‘A Charge to Keep I Have.’ The ninety-first psalm was read by Mrs. O.G. Evans. Prayer by Rev. Wade.

Motion was made that the Gleaners apply on minister’s salary, what money they have in their treasury. Carried.

A cradle roll certificate dating to 1925 for Bernard Post, web editor's uncle.

It was voted to have our annual pheasant feed on the regular meeting date Oct. 19th.

Rev. Wade thanked the men who had helped move the barn at the parsonage, but said if anyone was looking for a job, there was still more to be done.

Refreshments were served by Mrs. Arthur Sime, Mrs. Ward Ziggafoos, Mrs. John Kluver and Mrs. Ralph Teaford. Lunch dues $1.45 - $6.60 on hand. Making a total of $8.05 paid out on minister’s salary.

Meeting adjourned – The closing song was ‘Living for Jesus.’ ”

March 17, 1953 - “. . . Minutes were read and approved. Plans were made to put a longer cord on the church clock. There was no other business of importance. The closing song was ‘Saviour Hear Us, We Pray’.”

May 20, 1952 – “The opening songs were ‘Saviour like a Shepherd lead us’ and ‘Tell me the story of Jesus’. The scripture reading which was read responsively was taken from John 1. 1-14. The Lord’s prayer was repeated in unison.  Motion made . . . to have our annual picnic in August at Prospect Park. Closing song was ‘At Calvary’. Mrs. Harvey Jones of Ayr showed colored slides of the Black Hills, Yellowstone Park and Camp Comeca. These were enjoyed by all. There were 15 present. Lunch was served by Mrs. O.G. Evans and Mrs. Ben Zogg.”

Pauline Methodist Sunday School In The News

"The Pauline Methodist Sunday school held their picnic last Wednesday on the Wm. Palmer farm, east of Pauline. About a hundred enjoyed the dinner and ice cream which was served free to all. Moving pictures were taken of the Pauline streets last Wednesday and also at the picnic. These will be shown on the screen in Hastings in the near future." –“Pauline,” The Hastings Democrat, August 26, 1926

"The Gleaners Sunday school class held a bake sale at the T.W. Jones & Sons store Saturday afternoon, in charge of Mrs. This Sunday school poster depicts Jesus and the children. Courtesy of Pauline Methodist Church, Pat and Larry Smidt. W.R. Clagett and Mrs. Aaron Jones. Proceeds amounted to $6.15." –“Pauline Items” by Mrs. Harvey P. Jones, The Hastings Democrat, Jan. 24, 1929

"The Gleaners Sunday school class is having a contest with the class divided into two sides known as the “Gumps” and the “Nebbs.” Mrs. William Grogan is captain of the “Nebbs” while the “Gumps” have Mrs. W.R. Clagett as their leader." -“Pauline Items” by Mrs. Harvey P. Jones, The Hastings Democrat, Jan. 24, 1929

"The side of the Gleaners class known as the “Nebbs” met Friday evening at the O.G. Evans. Home." –“Pauline Items” by Mrs. Harvey P. Jones, The Hastings Democrat, Jan. 24, 1929

"The “Nebbs” served lunch at the O.G. Evans store Tuesday afternoon. Lunch amounted to about $4." –“Pauline Items” by Mrs. Harvey P. Jones, The Hastings Democrat, Jan. 24, 1929

"Mrs. McKenzie’s Sunday school class will hold a party at her home Saturday evening."  –“Pauline Items” by Mrs. Harvey P. Jones, The Hastings Democrat, Jan. 31, 1929

"The “Gumps” side of the Gleaners Sunday school class met at the home of Mr. And Mrs. W.R. Clagett Sunday afternoon." -“Pauline Items” by Mrs. Harvey P. Jones, The Hastings Democrat, Jan. 31, 1929

"The junior department of the Sunday school gave an Easter program Sunday. Other numbers were a vocal solo by Rev. M.O. McKenzie, vocal duet by Mrs. Alfred Lofquist and Sara Anderson, male quartet by M.O. McKenzie, Harvey Jones, F.O. Bourne and C.L. Swigart."  -“Pauline Items” by Mrs. Harvey P. Jones, The Hastings Democrat, April 24, 1930

"The Gleaners Sunday school class party which was to have been held Friday evening in the basement of the church was postponed because of the weather." –“Pauline Items” by Mrs. Harvey P. Jones, The Hastings Democrat, May 15, 1930

The “Gleaners” Sunday school class met in the church basement Friday evening for their business meeting and social, with Mrs. Arthur Richeson and Mrs. Howard Overy as hostesses." –“Pauline Items” by Mrs. Harvey P. Jones, The Hastings Democrat, May 28, 1931

"Pupils in the elementary departments of the Pauline M. E. Sunday school will meet with their teachers in the church basement Saturday afternoon at two o’clock for rehearsal for the Easter program." –“Pauline Items” by Mrs. Harvey P. Jones, The Hastings Democrat, April 6, 1933