Rensselaer Journal, Volume 11, Number 16, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 September 1901 — NEW INDIAN `CHVRCH. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

NEW INDIAN `CHVRCH.

The dedication of the First Presbyterian church of Fort Hall, Ida., which took place the other day, marked an epoch in the history of Bannock and Shoshone Indians of th&t reservation. The germ that resulted in the establishment of this church was planted and nurtured by Miss Amelia J. Frost, who came to the reservation as a missionary under the auspices of the Connecticut Indian association in July, 1887, and has labored there continuouslj since that time. A notable impetus was given her work when, commencing in 1595 or '96, the Rev. James Hayes, a Nez Perce Indian of the Presbyterian church, has visited this reservation each summer, accompanied by a few of his chosen members, and earnestly worked in conjunction with Miss Frost for the establishment of the church that has just been dedicated. , At the dedication there was a large gathering of Indians as well as a number of white people from Pocatello. Idaho Falls and Blackfoot. Dedicatory remarks at some length were made by

the Rev. James Hayes, speaking English and being Interpreted Into “the Shoshone language for the benefit of the Indians. Short addresses were made by other speakers. At the close of the services a collection was taken, the sum realized amounting to about $39. A basket dinner was served on the grounds and the time passed pleasantly until 3 o’clock, when all took part in a song service. This church was organized June 18, 1899, with eight charter members. It now has a membership of 65. The elders are Alec Watson, Ben Smith, Hubert Tetoby and Edward Grant, all full blood Shoshone Indians. They have a substantial and commodious frame building neatly finished and with chairs, bell, pulpit, library and organ, all costing about $2,500, a goodly portion of which was contributed by the Indians, either in material, labor or money. For several years Miss Frost was located at this agency, where she established a mission school for Indian

girls. Something less than two years ago this work was turned over to the Episcopal chureb. Miss Frost then removed to land that had been set apart by the Indian office for religious purposes, where she constructed the building Just dedicated. They are situated six miles north of this agency

CHURCH RECENTLY DEDICATED, near Gibson station on the Oregon Short Line railroad. Debt is not in evidence, the improvements being free from Incumbrance.

MISS FROST AND ONE OF HER CLASSES OF INDIAN GIRLS.