Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 35, Number 89, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 July 1903 — A Church Set On Fire. [ARTICLE]

A Church Set On Fire.

An effort was made a few nights ago to burn the Methodist church at North Judson. Fife was started in the rear of the building, and when discovered it bad burned through into the main auditorium. The lose is not material. There has been a very bitter feeling aroused against the pastor, the Rev. Jesse D. Hickman, with a certain element, because of his efforts to have the Nicholson law enforced. He began the work one month ago, and to some extent succeeded, although efforts in several instances to convict offenders failed because of the strong sentiment m their favor. It is believed that the attempt to burn the church was in retaliation for bis earnest work. The insurance companies will make an effort to ferret out the offenders, and this may lead to heading off other depredations very annoying to the community.