The Davis Methodist church, one of the oldest in the area, was organized in June 1859 under the auspices of the Rev. James McLane, with 12 charter members. For three years services were held in the Davis schoolhouse and also the church leased the Evangelical chapel, and held services there when the church was not in use by the other congregation. In 1866, four years later, the structure presently in use was built at a cost of $1800. Methodism came to the Davis area with the "circuit rider", the local preacher, and the class leader. The preacher on the frontier was often assigned very large areas through which he rode on horseback, ministering to families and settlements wherever he found them. Where there were enough people in one area, the circuit rider would organize these into a class and place someone in charge as a class leader. This pattern we find occurred in the beginning of the Davis Methodist church in 1855. Rev. Jacob Hartman was the preacher assigned to the Durand circuit by the Rock River annual conference. The present church building has been remodeled several times since it was first established. The building is in excellent repair after having been kept up by the present day congregation. A delightful party was given at the Emmert Tea room in Freeport Tuesday night by the Willing Workers class of the Methodist church of Davis in celebration of its 20th anniversary. A delicious three-course dinner was served at 7 p.m. to 54 members and guests. After the dinner teh toastmistress, Mrs. Emmerson Hofmeister, took charge of the program, which opened with the singing of the class song, "More Like The Master," with Mrs. Myriah Bliss at the piano. This was followed by a prayer by Mrs. J.M. Beck. Mrs. Anna Meinert, who has attended the Methodist Sunday School for more than 50 years, gave the history of the class. She told that the class was organized January 6, 1919, with seventeen charter members, twelve of whom were present for the anniversary celebration. The first president of the class was Mrs. Mary Arnsmeier; secretary, Mrs. Anna Meinert, and treasurer, Miss Eliz DeGunther; the charter members, Mrs. Mary Arnsmeier, Mrs. Anna Meinert, Miss Ella DeGunther, Miss Mildred Arnsmeier, Mrs. Lida Meier, Mrs. Elsie Afflerbaugh, Mrs. Florence Alberstett, Mrs. Florence DeGunther, Mrs. Myriah Bliss, Mrs. Edna Price, Mrs. Louisa Rutter, Mrs. Evelyn Bradley, Mrs. Verna Raymer, Mrs. Nettie Lapp, Mrs. Enita Schoch and Stella Glaim. In behalf of the class Mrs. Meinert presented Mrs. Arnsmeier who has taught the class for over 25 years, with a lovely bouquest of carnations. Mrs. Arnsmeier responded, expressing her appreciation. Miss Mary Etta Nott, of Freeport accompanied by Miss Fritzenmeier, sang three lovely solos. Mrs. Martin Fritter, also of Freeport, gave two readings which were enjoyed. Mrs. R.L. Bradley read several poems, Rev. J.M. Beck gave a short talk. The program closed with the singing of "Blest Be The Tie That Binds." Each charter member present was presented with a jonquil by Mrs. Verda Mulhal, chairman of the decorating committee. In the twenty years the class has been organized two members have passed on. They were Stella Glaim and Beatrice Lensgraf. Those present were Mr. and Mrs. William Arnsmeier, Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Armstrong, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Brenneman, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Brach, Mr. and Mrs. Russell Coffin, Mr. and Mrs. E.R. Ditzler, Mr. and Mrs. M.H. Hoover, Mr. and Mrs. E.H. Hofmeister, Mr. and Mrs. George Horton, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Haas, Mr. and Mrs. M.H. Alberstett, Mr. and Mrs. Edward DeGunther, Mr.a nd Mrs. H.A. Raymer, Mr. and Mrs. R.E. Rutter, Rev. and Mrs. J. M. Beck, Mr. and Mrs. R.L. Bradley, Mr. and Mrs. L.O. Meier, Mrs. Verda Mulhal, Mrs. O.J. Buticofer, Mrs. Elsie Afflerbaugh, Miss Flora Stegner, Mrs. Anna Meinert, Miss Mildred Arnsmeier, Mrs. Emma Howard and guest, Mrs. Myriah Bliss, Mrs. Lillian Roenneberg, Mrs. Neva Warburg, Miss Jean Warburg, Mrs. Jessie Guehring, Mrs. Edna Price, Mrs. Ada Nath, Mrs. Anna LaFurge, Mrs. Esther Helmts, Mrs. Martin Fritter, Miss Marietta Nott and Miss Fritzenmeier. Journal Standard 2 February 1939