The Little Log Chapel

Contributed by Dr. James W. Sternitzky

We have been unable to determine when the little log dwelling was built in the town of Fremont, a half mile east of the York town line.

In 1908, Grant Snyder moved to the area from Richland County, Wisconsin. His father was postmaster at Bloom City, but his son, Grant wanted to be a farmer so he moved away from the hills to the good level land of Clark County. He bought the land adjoining the forty acres where the log cabin was standing. It was owned and occupied by Rex Kidd at that time. This was still wild country where cougars were often heard screaming nearby in the dead of night. Bears were frequently seen eating wild berries in the clearings. Mr. Kidd ultimately sold the log cabin property to Mr. Zorn who in turn sold it to Mr. Snyder a few months later.

Being a religious man, Mr. Snyder started a Community Sunday School in the little log cabin and later Fred Gross, a lay speaker from Spokeville, began preaching there on Sundays. When the fledgling congregation grew, Rev. Knack took over the pulpit. Eventually, he was replaced by Rev. Andres who was then followed by other pastors including Rev. Ogden, Rev. Borchart and Rev. Gibson. When the membership grew, other places of worship replaced the tiny log church and it was eventually dismantled. The land became the property of Gary Schmitz but the memories of it still belong to those who loved it and once worshiped there.

Source: Granton Community Memories 1856-1976, Pg. 11, by the Granton Bi-Centennial Committee