Rash's Surname Index


Notes for Harry Patterson ARMSTRONG

Pastor of Middle Creek Church 1908 - 1941

Harry and Alice Richards met as students at Park College, Parkville, MO, which was then a Presbyterian college. Harry was graduated with an A.B. degree from Park College in 1898. He first attended Western Presbyterian Seminary (later named Pittsburgh Theological Seminary) in Pittsburgh, PA. He transferred to, and was graduated from Omaha Presbyterian Seminary in Omaha, NE, Class of 1901, and ordained 10 April 1901 by Kearney Presbytery, Nebraska. Harry and Alice were married June 6, 1901.

His service in ministry began with one year of missionary work in Petchaubree, Siam (now Thailand) but returned because of Alice's bad health. Then 4 years as Pastor at the Presbyterian Church in Wakefield, NE, then Field Representative for Hastings College, Hastings, NE.

He had been called to the Middle Creek Church in Winnebago on October 18, 1908, and preached his first sermon as its pastor on November 1, 1908, and was installed by the presbytery on December 12, 1908. He was only the second installed pastor that congregation had had. Alice died in 1912, a few weeks after daughter Josephine was born. She died of a sudden heart problem.

On June 19, 1913, Harry married Helen Webster Osborn, granddaughter of George Osborn, one of Winnebago, IL's pioneer families and whom in 1846, gave land for the building of Middle Creek Church and cemetery. She was a graduate of Chicago Art Institute & had taught art in Portland, OR. schools prior to marriage. This was her 1st marriage. Her stepdaughter Josephine says she was a very good mother, very kind.

Harry was elected Moderator of the Synod of Illinois in 1935. In 1936 Blackbourn College conferred on him a Doctor of Divinity (DD) degree.

After 33 years as Pastor at Middle Creek Presbyterian Church, Winnebago, IL., he retired on July 27, 1941, due to failing health. In retirement Harry and wife Helen lived in Beloit, Wisconsin, but later moved back to Winnebago, IL where they lived at the time of his death. Helen remained in Winnebago and stayed active in Middle Creek church.

Harry's funeral was held on Easter Sunday afternoon at Middle Creek Presbyterian Church. He & both wives are buried in the Middle Creek Presbyterian church cemetery, Winnebago, IL.
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