USA > California > Napa County > History of Napa and Lake Counties, California : comprising their geography, geology, topography, climatography, springs and timber, together with a full and particular record of the Mexican Grants, also separate histories of all the townships and biographical sketches > Part 29
USA > California > Lake County > History of Napa and Lake Counties, California : comprising their geography, geology, topography, climatography, springs and timber, together with a full and particular record of the Mexican Grants, also separate histories of all the townships and biographical sketches > Part 29
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At a meeting held May 30, 1874, plans for a new church, executed by Daley & Eisen, architects, were adopted, and on Thursday, July 9th, of that year, the contract was awarded for building the same to J. W. Batchelor, of Vallejo, at a contract price of $17,375. In the meantime a transfer of pro- perty was consummated between the trustees and Rev. Richard Wylie, by which the former received 120 x 80 feet on the corner of Third and Ran- dolph streets, on which to erect the new building. Work was immediately commenced on the new structure, and the contract for painting the same awarded to E. Shultis, August 13, 1874, for $1700.
The corner-stone of the new building was laid at 4:30 P. M., Thursday, August 20, 1874, with appropriate and interesting ceremonies. The exer- cises were begun by singing, the choir consisting of Messrs. R. Peddie, J. M. Mansfield and A. C. Wood, and Mrs. George E. Goodman and Miss Fannie Jacks, the latter presiding at the organ. Rev. J. E. Barnes then delivered a brief and impressive prayer, after which, Mr. G. M. Francis, secretary of the society, read the following list of articles, which had been deposited in the corner-stone: Ist, a condensed history of the Presbyterian Church, from its organization up to the present time, including a complete list of its officers and pastors ; 2d, one copy each of the Napa papers ; 3d, catalogue of the Napa Ladies' Seminary, for 1874 ; 4th, catalogue of the Napa Col- legiate Institute, for 1874; 5th, circular of Oak Mound School, with a list of its scholars; 6th, a list of the names of the contributors to the new church ; 7th, a pamphlet containing the charter and ordinances of the city of Napa. Rev. Richard Wylie, pastor of the church, then read from Isaiah xxviii: 16 and 17; also from Zachariah iv: 1-10, and Revelations xxi: 1 and 2, and 19-27, inclusive.
Rev. Wylie then delivered a short but interesting address, in which he said : " There is a particular interest in this stone as being the only one in the whole building. It is a solitary stone. Often, in Scotland, the traveler, in crossing some lonely moor, comes upon a solitary stone, which marks the history of a people or religion long since passed away. This stone has this peculiarity : It is not only the only stone in the building, but was also the corner-stone of the old church. It is the original corner-stone-a relic of the past. On it will be inscribed the dates 1854 and 1874, the date of its original laying and of its present relaying. These dates are full of moment. They embrace within their compass almost the entire history of Napa. There are those present who aided in taking it from its original resting place in the hills not far from town, and who are, by God's blessing, per- mitted to witness this ceremony more than twenty years later. The stone is here again, a connecting link between the past and present. If there is such a thing as gratitude welling up from the human breast, the people of Napa should know that emotion, as they have been richly endowed with
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the blessings of God. It should call forth our gratitude to God for His favor towards us. I have often thought that the people of Napa ought to be the best people on earth. They are so richly and abundantly blessed, and in this way, in the raising of such structures as this to the glory of the Almighty, can we make our feeling of gratitude and thanks evident."
After the close of this discourse the laying of the corner-stone occurred, which was done by the following officers of the church : Elders Wing, McClure and Thompson ; Deacon W. S. Jacks, and W. A. Fisher, President of the Board of Trustees. The stone bears the following inscription :
LAID 1854. RELAID 1874.
Then followed a prayer by Rev. S. Bowers, singing by the choir, ending with the doxology, and a benediction by Rev. William Leacock.
The first Presbyterian Sunday School was organized by J. M. Hamilton, in July, 1852, with twelve scholars. Mr. Hamilton continued to fill the position as Superintendent until 1860, when T. B. McClure was chosen to the position, and was succeeded by F. A. McDonald, and he by E. S. Churchill, the present incumbent.
Methodist Episcopal Church .- Rev. S. D. Simonds is said to have been the first Methodist preacher who visited and preached in Napa Valley. This was in 1851. In 1852, Rev. J. Brier was sent to this valley by the Califor- nia Conference, and was succeeded after the close of one year by Rev. E. A. Hazen. Napa circuit then embraced the whole of Napa Valley, Suisun Valley, and much territory .beside. Mr. Hazen collected money and built the first parsonage in Napa City. The house was erected on a lot given to the M. E. Church by Mr. Nathan Coombs, and embraced what is now the corner of Second and Randolph streets. This was afterward'sold, and the present site was purchased. Mr. Hazen was re-appointed in 1854, the Con- ference being held in February. At that time worship was held in a build- ing erected by the Cumberland Presbyterians, which was the first church- house built in Napa City. It has since been used as a paint shop, and still stands, a dingy relic of the early days of Napa. In 1855, Revs. James Corwin and J. J. Cleavland were appointed to Napa circuit. The year fol- lowing, Mr. Corwin was re-appointed with Rev. Calvin Anderson as col- league.
In 1857, Sonoma and Napa City were united and called Sonoma circuit, with Rev. James Corwin preacher in charge. During that year Mr. Corwin built a saw-mill on what was then known as the Kellogg ranch, hauled his lumber to town and built the first Methodist church-house in Napa City, which was dedicated in June, 1858. The Conference this year was held in September, at which time Napa City was made a station, with Rev. Dr.
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Morrow preacher in charge. In 1859, Rev. Wm. B. May was appointed preacher in charge. During this year a good parsonage was built. Mr. May was re-appointed the following year, and he was succeeded by Rev. Nelson Reasoner. Rev. P. L. Haynes was appointed to succeed Mr. Rea- soner, and remained two years.
In 1864, Rev. W. J. Maclay was appointed to Napa station. A few days after his arrival the parsonage caught fire from an adjoining building, and was consumed with its entire contents, including the church records. Mr. Maclay was appointed to this charge three successive years, during which time the present church-house and parsonage was erected at a cost of about fifteen thousand dollars, on the site of the former building. The old church- house was sold to the colored people and removed to its present position, and the present house was dedicated August, 1867. Rev. D. A. Dryden suc- ceeded Mr. Maclay. In 1868, J. L. Trefren was appointed Mr. Dryden's successor, and was re-appointed to the charge the year following. He was followed by Rev. Wesley Dennett for two years. Rev. T. S. Dunn was appointed Mr. Dennett's successor in 1872, and September, 1873, Rev. S. Bowers was appointed. In September, 1874, Rev. W. R. Gober was sent to Napa, and remained for three years. In September, 1877, Rev. E. S. Todd was detailed to this field, where he preached until September, 1880, when Rev. A. J. Wells received the appointment, and is the present pastor.
The first Methodist class organized in this city consisted of Mr. and Mrs. Squibb, Mrs. Judge Horrell, Mrs. Judge Hartson, Mrs. John Horrell and Mrs. Dr. Stillwagon.
The first Methodist Sunday School in Napa City was organized in 1858, Rev. Dr. Morrow, Superintendent, and Mrs. Judge Horrell, Assistant Super- intendent. Mr. Morrow and Mrs. Horrell visited from house to house, and secured the attendance of twenty-one children on the day of organization. This number was largely increased before the end of the year. The follow- ing gentlemen have acted in the capacity of Superintendents: Rev. Dr. Morrow, J. E. Pond, D. Squibb, J. F. Lamdin, J. E. Pond (a second time elected), W. S. Turner, T. Smith, A. Taylor, Mr. Oliver, F. A. Sawyer, J. R. Coe, B. F. Sawyer, and W. C. Damon.
Christ (Episcopal) Church .- The following historical sketch of this church has been kindly furnished us by the present Rector, Rev. W. Lea- cock : The parish of Christ Church was organized Sunday, August, 29th, 1858. A meeting was held with Rev. F. C. Ewer, of Grace Church, San Francisco, in the chair, and Thos. P. Stoney as Secretary, and the following declaration signed :
" We, whose names are hereunto affixed, being desirous of establishing the Protestant Episcopal Church in this place, do consent to be governed by the constitution of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States
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and by the constitution and canons of this diocese. R. D. Hopkins, James McNeil, E. B. Gibbs, R. T. Montgomery, J. B. Smith, A. Coles, Richard Dud- ding, James Lefferts, C. M. Nichols, Thos. P. Stoney, C. W. Langdon, A. I. Donzel, J. L. Egleston, C. B. Eaton, George Fairfield, Wells Kilburn.
"The first vestry was composed of Richard Dudding, R. D. Hopkins, Wardens; James Lefferts, Thos. P. Stoney, Wells Kilburn, James McNeil, R. T. Montgomery, vestrymen."
September 13th, 1858, Bishop Kip gave his canonical consent to the organization. At a regular meeting of the vestry in September, 1858, the Rev. E. W. Hagar was called as rector. Mr. Hagar entered on his duties on Easter Sunday, 1859. Mr. Hagar having resigned, Rev. Wm. Goodwin took charge of the parish in December, 1859. On February 28th, 1860, a building lot eighty feet square was purchased from Richard Dudding for the sum of $400. Messrs. Hopkins and Sterling, being appointed as a building committee, reported a plan and specifications. The contract for building was given to John Horrell. The making of the pews was given to Messrs. White and Bradts ; pulpit and altar to Barnes Brothers. The building was ready for use in 1861.
The Rev. A. S. Nicholson was rector for a year and a-half, till the sum- mer of 1868. The Associate Mission and College Faculty of St. Augustine at Benicia, supplied services after Mr. Nicholson's resignation. The summer of 1871 the Rev. William Leacock, of Louisiana, after officiating for three months, took charge of the parish ; and there followed him as rectors from 1874 to 1880, the Rev. George D. Silliman, Walter H. Moore and R. H. Kline.
The present rector, the Rev. W. Leacock, assumed charge of the parish on November 8, 1880. The church building is valued at $3000, lot $1000, school building $800. The present vestry is composed of H. C. Parker, J. B. Dorr, Wardens ; Wm. Sharp, C. R. Gritman (Secretary), John Stowell, R. H. Sterling (Treasurer), vestrymen.
Baptist Church .- This denomination was organized in Napa as the " Baptist Church of Napa," on the 18th day of August, 1860, with some eighteen members. Rev. J. B. Morse, Pastor; John Lawley and S. W. Wil- liams were chosen as Deacons, and Lyman Chapman as Treasurer, and Thomas B. Coghill as Clerk. The brick church at the junction of Franklin street and College avenue was then built. Rev. Morse was here some six months, when he was followed by Rev. Lyman Carpenter. This gentleman's pastorate extended over a period of four years. Rev. G. W. Ford succeeded him in November, 1865, and served as pastor until 1873, when he resigned. Rev. J. E. Barnes took charge early in 1874; and during his pastorate there occurred a division in the church which lasted nearly two years. After the division of the church, one party, with Rev. Barnes as leader, purchased the
Eller Allen
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old Presbyterian building, and moved it upon its present site April 4, 1876; and it was dedicated as the First Baptist Church. In 1876, the Rev. Barnes' pastorate terminated ; and February 2d of that year Rev. J. A. Gray was ordained to the position. During his stay the original society was brought together and made one body under the old name. He served but a short time, and was followed by Rev. H. A. Sawtelle in September, 1876. It is stated that this gentleman was very popular with the members of the church, and did a good work. He, however, received a call from one of the Eastern States, which he accepted. The pulpit was next filled by Rev. H. H. Rhees, of Southbridge, Massachusetts, who served until 1877. At present no services are held in the church.
St. John the Baptist (Catholic) Church .- On the 20th of September, 1856, the lot on which this church building now stands was donated to Bishop Alemany by George N. Cornwell. The old brick church building was erected in 1858, and dedicated by Bishop Alemany November '6, 1859. The first pastor was Rev. Father Rousche, who had for his assistant, Rev. Father Larkin. In June, 1860, Rev. Father Deyaert took charge of the parish, and so remained until his death, which occurred January 1, 1876, at the age of fifty-eight years. He was a man who was very much beloved by all his parishioners, and his death was greatly mourned by them all. Through his labors the church was furnished throughout, and the lands adjoining owned by the church made into a beautiful ground. In February, 1876, Rev. Father Michael Mulville was appointed to fill the vacancy caused by the death of the former pastor. He remained in charge until Novem- ber 20, 1877, when Rev. Father M. D. Slattery took charge.
On the 7th day of January, 1881, the new Catholic Church in Napa city was begun, under the supervision of Father Slattery.
About the first of March the corner-stone was laid. The ceremony, which was performed by the Most Reverend Alemany, Bishop of this Dio- cese, assisted by Father Slattery, rector of this parish, consisted of the ritual which the Roman Church uses on all such occasions. The first por- tion of the ceremony, the blessing of the salt, significant of the preserva- tion and life of the Holy Church, was performed within the walls of the building on the spot where the sanctuary will be when the edifice is com- pleted. The remainder of the ceremony was performed at the south end of the building, where the stone was laid; and consisted of litanies, sprink- ling of the holy water, the signing the stone with the sign of the cross, and depositing in a cavity in the stone a tin casket which contained a copy of the daily Register and Reporter of the 19th inst., and a copy of the San Francisco Monitor, and the following inscription :
In Perpetuam Rei Memoriam. A. D. MDCCCLXXXI, Die Vigesimo Februarii, hanc lapidem angularem Templi in honorem Dei Omnipotentis,
.
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sub auspicio Sancti Joannes Baptistisi ædificandi Revamus Josephus Sadoc Alemany, Archieepiscopus hujus diocesos Sancti Francisci; Universalem Ecclesiam Gubernante, P. P. Maximo Leone Decimo Tertio; Mauritio D. Slattery, Rectore ; R. B. Hayes, Præsidio Statuum Fodæratorum America Septentrionalis ; Georgio C. Perkins, Gubernatore California; Joanne Cox, Muratore ; Moyisa A. Slaven, Fabro; Bryano J. Clinch, Architecto; Julius Royer, Ostiano. Posuit. Quod Bonum, felix faustumque sit !
After the stone was placed in position, the bishop and priest and their attending acolytes made the circuit of the building, sprinkling the founda- tion with holy water, and at the conclusion of the ceremony the bishop ad- dressed a few well chosen words to the assembled people.
On Sunday, July 17, the new Catholic church was dedicated in a solemn and impressive manner by the Rev. Jos. Sadoc Alemany, Archbishop of San Francisco. The edifice is a beautiful structure, purely gothic in archi- tectural design. It is fifty feet by ninety in the clear, and surmounted by a golden cross. Twenty-eight stained glass windows, obtained at a cost of $1200 admit a softened and subdued light to the interior. The front window is a masterpiece, and presents figures of the four evangelists, Saints Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The interior of the church is handsome and attractive. Seven beautiful and finely constructed gothic arches span the auditorium. The pews are not yet all in place, but those already in are of a novel design and correspond with the interior decoration. The church furni- ture was purchased at a cost of $2000. A stairway leads through the tower to a gallery erected in the rear portion of the church and fitted up for the accommodation of the choir. The building was erected by Terris & Slaven, contractors, at a cost of $12,500, Bryan Clinch being the architect. At 11 A. M. the service commenced. The Archbishop, decked in his epis- copal robes, preceded by the Rev. Fathers Louis Daniels of Vallejo, Cassin of San Francisco, and Slattery of Napa, escorted by a corps of acolytes, bearing lighted candles aloft, passed in solemn and impressive procession through the building, sprinkling its various parts with fragrant hyssop, and on out through the front doors and around the exterior of the structure, chanting Latin hymns and prayers appropriate to the occasion. A very large congregation was assembled, many unable to obtain seats, occupying chairs in the aisles. It is estimated that seven hundred people were present.
At the conclusion of the dedication ceremony a high mass was said by Rev. M. Slattery, assisted by other clergy. During the service the Arch- bishop delivered the dedicatory sermon-a learned and erudite address, which was replete with advice and counsel. The new church bears the same name as the old brick structure adjoining it-the "Church of St. John the Baptist." The efforts of Rev. M. Slattery have been crowned
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with success, and much praise is due him for the proud position in which the Catholic Church Society to-day finds itself.
Christian Church .- The Christian, or as they are sometimes called the Campbellite Church, was organized in Napa City in 1870. In 1871 the present fine church building was erected, at the head of Randolph Street, costing $7000. The first pastor was Rev. Burnett, and he was followed by Elder C. W. Webb, and he by Elder Thomas Potter. In the latter part of 1874, Elder J. Beardslee took charge of the church and remained over a year. He was followed by Elder Nathan Potter, and he by Elder B. S. Gardner.
The German Reformed Church .- This church building was erected in 1873, and is located on Third street, below Seminary street. Rev. Fox took the position of pastor upon the organization of the church and held it till 1877. Rev. De Geller is the present pastor. As its name would indicate, its members are mostly Germans, and services are held in both the German and English languages.
Seventh Day Advent Church .- This church was organized in July, 1873, and the building was erected in the winter of 1873-4, near the site of the German Reformed Church, at a cost of $2200. The organization was effected by Elders Loughborough and Cornell, who conducted a series of tent meetings here, and converted quite a number to their faith. This denomination does not supply a stated pastor, but are dependent upon their own members for exhortation, etc., with an occasional sermon from some itinerant Elder. They believe that the seventh day or Saturday is the Sabbath of the Bible, hence they keep it sacred. They inculcate strong principles of abstinence from all that injures, in the way of intoxicating drinks, tobacco, and even go so far as to prohibit tea and coffee. They teach principles of hygienic living, and all in all they are accomplishing a good work. They look for the early reappearance of Jesus Christ upon the earth, and believe that death is an unconscious state, or death in the absolute sense of the word, and that at the judgment day the physical body will be raised, and the wicked will be utterly destroyed, root and branch, while the saints will inhabit the earth, which will then be freed from all the stains of Adamic disobedience. Man is mortal in its absolute sense, and immortality is given only to the saints at Christ's coming.
African Methodist Episcopal Church .- The colored people of Napa for- merly worshipped with the white people in their regular churches, but at the time of the erection of the present Methodist Church, they purchased the old one, fand in May, 1867, they moved it to its present site, on Wash- ington street. They never had any regular pastor, and now the building is the abode of bats and mice, being entirely dilapidated.
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PUBLIC SCHOOLS .- A little more than a short quarter of a century ago there was not a public school in Napa County. Private schools were first organized, but the public system soon came into general use. Among the private schools of those early days, may be mentioned one opened by Rev. J. C. Herron, in October, 1857, which he styled the " Napa Female Semi- nary." As late as March, 1862, we find the system of private schools still in vogue, and Rev. P. V. Veeder was in charge at that time of an academy for boys. But since then, things have as greatly changed in this respect as in any other. Now there are three large and commodious school buildings in the city limits. The buildings are placed in different parts of town, so as to accommodate the scholars to the best advantage. The building in the northern part of town was erected in the winter of 1880-1, and is an ele- gant structure. The cost of the property is as follows : lot, $2750 ; building, $5000; furniture, $500; making a total of $8250. An attempt was made to burn the building just as it was completed.
The Central School Building .- This was completed in 1870. The lower story contains two rooms 26 x 38, one recitation room 15 x 25, and two cloak rooms 8 x 16, and a hall 16 x 22. In this hall is a double stairway leading to the second floor. There are also in this hall conveniences for washing. The second story is divided into two main school rooms, each 26 x 38, with recitation and cloak rooms the same as on the first floor. The ceiling of the first floor is fourteen feet, and of the second, thirteen feet in the clear. On the center of the roof stands a cupola eleven feet square and sixteen feet high, upon which stands a bell tower six feet square and sixty-four feet high from the ground. The total cost of the building was $12,600.
Napa Collegiate Institute .- Professor A. E. Lasher, principal of this institution, has kindly furnished us with the following historical sketch :
The Napa Collegiate Institute is beautifully situated in Napa City, on a high point of land, commanding a fine view of the town and surrounding country. The campus of five acres was purchased by Mr. A. H. Hamm, who erected the main building. The college building is a brick structure four stories high, containing chapel, recitation rooms, dining-room, and par- lor, besides private rooms for the gentlemen boarders, all well supplied with conveniences for warming and ventilation.
The school opened in 1860, with Mr. Hamm as proprietor and principal. A little less than a year after this, the Rev. W. S. Turner, A. M., a graduate of Wesleyan University, purchased the property. For nearly seven years the school was prosperous and had a good patronage. Mr. Turner's arduous duties were too much for his strength, and he was compelled to seek a change of labor. He leased the school to Mr. Smith, who conducted it about a year, after which it was closed for some time, until it was purchased by six men, viz: Hon. C. Hartson, G. Fellows, N. Coombs, A. W. Norton,
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G. Linn, and H. Fowler. These gentlemen greatly improved the building, adding the porches, covering the walls with cement, and finishing the fourth story.
In August of 1870, it was purchased by the California Annual Confer- ence of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The Conference elected a Board of fifteen trustees, and the articles of incorporation are dated November 22, 1870.
The Napa Collegiate Institute originated in the conviction of the need of an institution of learning, under Christian influences, of high grade, north of the bay. Its rapid growth and great usefulness demonstrated the wisdom of the conviction. It is under the supervision of the Conference to insure Christian supervision, but is not sectarian in its teachings or re- . quirements.
In January of 1871, the school was opened with Professor T. C. George, A. M., as principal, with four asssistants. Professor George acted as prin- cipal until June of 1874, when he resigned in order to rest and regain his health. The school prospered under his management, and was well patron- ized.
Professor L. L. Rogers, A. M., was next elected principal. During his administration of three years, two new buildings were erected, the princi- pal's cottage, and the ladies' hall.
In July of 1877 the present principal, Prof. A. E. Lasher, A. M., of New York State, was elected. During the summer vacation of 1878 the build- ings were refurnished and put in good order. A commercial department was organized, and a room on the first floor furnished for this department. In the vacation of the next year extensive improvements were made in new buildings and repairs. The growing commercial department demanded more room, and a fine building for the use of the primary department was erected. A fine gymnasium and tank-house were built. Water-pipes were laid to the different buildings, and on the front campus. Bath rooms were also made in each of the buildings. In the spring of 1880 the grounds were tastefully laid out with drives, walks, grass plats, shrubs and flowers, and to-day no grounds in the city are more attractive or inviting. The institute has a faculty of nine experienced teachers, each chosen with special reference to his department. There are five regular courses of study, and seven distinct departments. A diploma is given to students completing the course and passing the examination. The school has a most excellent library, which is read and used for daily reference. No school of similar grade on the coast has as much fine apparatus for illus- trating the principles of the sciences. The student not only sees the experiments performed, but must learn to handle the apparatus and perform the experiment for himself. Additions to this department are
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