Charles Vanzandt
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Local Minister who performed 1200 area wedding ceremonies and 1500 funeral rites |
Charles VanZandt (1882-1971) was born three miles southwest of Cassville and was united with the Corinth Baptist Church, being baptized by S.M. Skaggs. Mr. VanZandt was ordained as a deacon at the young age of 17, beginning a long career of service. In 1904 he was licensed to preach by the Corinth Baptist church and was ordained into the full work of the ministry by Washburn Prairie Baptist Church in 1908. |
Charles and Dollie Ireland Vanzandt wedding photo |
He pastored several local churches; his longest tenure was with the Exeter Baptist Church where he served for 25 years. By his estimation, he performed 1200 wedding ceremonies and 1500 funeral rites. He also served as Clerk and Moderator for the Barry County Baptist Association for 10 and 12 years respectively. |
Paster Charles Vanzandt baptizing at Exeter Church March 10, 1918 |
| To reach his appointments, he used practically all modes of transportation—horseback, buggy, on foot, train and automobile, traveling in all sorts of weather. He recalled that once while conducting a revival in Viola, it rained almost everyday. Finally, he gave into desperation and decided to return home. The heavy rains had caused all the streams in Barry County to rise near flood stage and the only way out was to ford White River by swimming a horse across. He made it and caught a mail hack (horse-drawn vehicle that carried the mail) into Cassville. In addition, he served as Recorder of Deeds for Barry County during the mid—1930’s. His legacy touched many lives in Barry County. |
Charles Vanzandt, Barry County Recorder's office, April 17, 1933 |
