The Indian Grove Christian Church, more commonly known as Powell Church, was organized Dec. 25, 1873 by Elder O.H.P. Wheeler with nine members. The Church is still active (1966) and is located in Chariton County, Missouri, about 19 miles northeast of Brunswick. The land for the church and cemetery was donated by Milton Powell and his wife, Margaret. The deed which they executed on Aug. 11, 1877, and for the Indian Grove Christian Church "one acre of land in the southeast corner of the south half of the northeast quarter of Sec. 3, Township 54, Range 19". After the congregation was organized and before the church building was erected, services were held in the homes of the members. Chief among the homes so used was that of the Powell's. The first pastor of the church was O.H.P. Wheeler. Carter DeWeese, the first charter member, serves as pastor from June 30, 1877 until Aug. 11, 1922. During that time he preached 2,285 sermons, 144 funerals, baptized 284, and married 99 couples. (Source: POWELL FAMILY RECORDS, by Mrs. Merna Potts of Albany, Oregon (1966)
https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2139451/powell-cemetery
Rev. Carter DeWeese was a much loved and much respected person and one of the best known ministers in central Missouri. Records vary as to how many sermons he preached and funerals and baptisms performed, but regardless, he was mightily used by God.
"Carter DeWeese was born in Boone County, Indiana on Dec. 26, 1840 and died Aug. 5, 1925, aged 84 years. He was united in marriage to Nancy E. Powell, daughter of Charles E. and Lydia Powell on Jan. 3, 1861. To this union five children were born, three daughters and two sons. One daughter, Edith, died at age three. He united with the Christian Church at Brown's Wonder, Boone County, Indiana on Jan. 6, 1862 and was baptized Feb. 23, 1862. He began his ministry in 1877. He has preached 1,926 sermons, 142 funerals and baptized 248.
He leaves to mourn their loss, one half-brother, two sons, two daughters, 24 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren, besides a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services were conducted at the Indian Grove Christian Church on Aug. 7 and the body laid to rest in the family lot there. Services were conducted by Rev. T.B. Sweet of Kansas City, an old friend and co-worker."
THE BRUNSWICKER, Brunswick, Missouri, Friday, Aug. 14, 1925 REV. CARTER DEWEESE DIED LAST WEDNESDAY
"Carter DeWeese was born in Boone County, Indiana, Dec. 26, 1840, and at his death had reached the ripe old age of 84 years, 7 months and 10 days. He was married Jan. 3, 1861 to Nancy E. Powell, daughter of Charles E. and Lydia Powell, who preceded him in death eleven years ago. Five children were born of this union, three daughters and two sons. One of the daughters, Edith, died at the age of three years. The four surviving children are Mrs. Isaac Allen of Sumner, Mrs. John T. May and Warren W. DeWeese of Mendon, and C.M. DeWeese of near Indian Grove. Besides the four children, Rev. DeWeese leaves one half-brother, Frank Pierce of Huntington, Indiana; 24 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren; together with other relatives and a host of friends.
Rev. DeWeese was united with the Christian Church at Brown's Wonder, Boone County, Indiana, on Jan. 26, 1862, and baptized Feb. 23 that year. He came to Missouri a short time later and entered the ministry of the Christian Church in 1877. For almost half a century he lived in the vicinity of Indian Grove preaching in Chariton County and nearby counties, and became one of the best known ministers in this part of the state. Always devout and earnest in his work, ever faithful to his calling, he walked uprightly before God living. Everyone who knew him was his friend, and many will miss his wise counsel and kindly companionship.
Funeral services were conducted Friday at the Christian Church at Indian Grove, by Rev. T.B. Sweet of Kansas City, an old friend and co-worker of Rev. DeWeese. Burial was in the family lot at Indian Grove."
THE MARCELINE JOURNAL-MIRROR, Marceline, Missouri, Friday, Aug. 14, 1925 DEATH REMOVED AGED MINISTER
(https://www.geni.com/people/Reverend-Carter-DeWeese/6000000080867503863)
