On Jan. 6, 1875, the Sedalia Democrat printed the “annual sermon” by the Reverend Van Wagner of the Congregational Church. He believed it was a pastor’s responsibility to examine the “field,” as Van Wagner described the area in which he worked. He notes the progress Sedalia has made, as well as several problems in the community. In addition, he offers some opinions that mark him as a progressive and Christian man.
Van Wagner pointed to Sedalia’s prosperity, proudly noting the 113 buildings that had been built during the year, in addition to the large market house. The new buildings would benefit the entire community, and Van Wagner revealed something of his philosophy when he suggests that caring about doing “the greatest good for the greatest number” should guide the behavior of the elected officials.
The religious state of Sedalia was “not all we should wish it,” Van Wagner said. While the city had a number of churches and attendance had increased during the last two years, Sedalia “cannot as yet be called a church-going city.” He suggested that Sedalia’s churches might do more to make themselves inviting to the hundreds of railroad men that lived here or that passed through Sedalia.
However, the religious situation in Sedalia was improving. Van Wagner praised the new church in East Sedalia; he does not identify the denomination, but describes a “building of good proportions and taste” with a “graceful spire” and “fine-toned bell.” The church had one of the “most flourishing” Sunday Schools in Sedalia, where children were taught the basics of the Bible and Christian living.
The Catholics, Van Wagner said, were also building a new church, St. Vincent’s Church on East Pettis Street. At a time when anti-Catholic prejudice was common in the United States, Van Wagner pointed out that while he disagreed with much Catholic doctrine, he wished them success in their endeavors.
Van Wagner praised Sedalia’s 19 teachers and the public schools, which were “harmonious and prosperous.” However, he noted questions that should be asked about the purpose of public education. He specifically noted the question of what the students were to be taught and what they were to become.
The situation at the public schools was not all it should be, Van Wagner felt, but the problem was one that originated in state law. Schools at the time were segregated by race, with white children and black children attending separate schools. Van Wagner condemned segregation, pointing out that the words and status of black and white “were not known in the constitution of heaven and should not be on earth,” as both blacks and whites “have a common father in heaven.”
Van Wagner does not specifically mention the state of Sedalia’s poor, but does comment on the cost of living, which he believed to be too high. He describes Sedalia as a place where “rents are so high and living so dear.” He also comments on the problem of disease, particularly tuberculosis and typhoid, which caused many deaths.
Van Wagner devoted much of his column to the problems of alcohol and tobacco use. Next week’s column details his comments on these problems.
