By the end of 1850, however, there were problems in the community. Otto Tank had divided his land into building lots and farming lots and gave the Brethern the amount of needed land on the basis of oral contracts. The settlers wanted to buy the land from Tank so that they could own it themselves, but Tank would not accept payment and apparently would change the terms of the contracts.
Quarrels ensued and the people scattered to obtain different living and working arrangements in and around the area of Green Bay and Fort Howard. Some of them had trouble finding employment and depended on others in the congregation. However, the congregation grew in numbers and was held together by Iverson's leadership. Prayer meetings were held in his home every evening for people who were close enough to attend.
In 1853 many members of the Ephraim church decided to leave Fort Howard. They went to the Door County area taking the name Ephraim and Pastor Iverson with them. The settlement of Ephraim , Wisconsin, was established by this group. A small remnant of the congregation continued at Fort Howard, however, and Pastor Iverson periodically traveled there to visit with them and conduct services.
He would stay for a few days and then travel to surrounding areas including Cooperstown, New Denmark, and Mishicot, where he was also doing mission work.
