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 |