USA > California > San Diego County > San Diego > History of San Diego, 1542-1908 : an account of the rise and progress of the pioneer settlement on the Pacific coast of the United States, Volume II > Part 16
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G. A. D'HEMECOURT
Located, 1894; city engineer 1900-1907; later, connected with engineering department of San Diego & Arizona Railway
to the railroad fund five years previously received a most unex- pected Christmas present in addition to the assurance of a new railroad.
It is most interesting to note that San Diego is perhaps indebted for its good fortune to the calamity which befell San Francisco on April 18, 1906. Mr. Spreckels and his family were San Francisco refugees, though they fled from the burning city in their own steamer and found shelter in their own magnificent Hotel del Coronado. Mr. Spreckels had been very ill a few weeks before and had planned to go abroad for a prolonged stay. The destruction of San Francisco changed his plans and he came to San Diego to remain for months. During those months the rail- road project took shape in his mind, so that it may be said that
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HISTORY OF SAN DIEGO
as San Diego lost a railroad by the unforeseen event of the great panic in 1873, so it gained a railroad by the unforeseen disaster at the Golden Gate in 1906. As its history was powerfully influ- enced in the wrong direction by the earlier event, so it will be powerfully influenced in the right direction by the later event.
While unstinted praise is given to Mr. Spreckels for the con- summation of the railroad hopes, the labors of many others over a long period of years should not be forgotten. These efforts did not produce tangible results, but they were not thrown away. Every article written in favor of the direct eastern outlet, every meeting held in its behalf, every movement set on foot to that end, from the days of Frémont to the days of Spreckels, contrib- uted something to the final result. The cause that has faithful friends is never lost. The cause that can endure through more than two generations, and inspire the enthusiasm of a commu- nity when failures have been so numerous as to pass into a proverb known throughout the state-such a cause can know only triumph in the end. It was this triumph which came to the peo- ple on the memorable fourteenth of December, 1906, and which brought San Diego to the threshold of 1907 with rare exaltation in its heart.
An old epoch had closed ; a new epoch had dawned.
PART SIXTH Institutions of Civic Life
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CHAPTER I
CHURCHES AND RELIGIOUS LIFE
T
HE organized religious life of San Diego began in 1769 and has been continuously maintained down to the present time. It was begun, of course, by the Roman Catholics, whose con- gregation at Old San Diego was served by priests from the mission until the latter was abandoned, when a resident priest was supplied.
The first priest whose name appears in the records was Father Vicente Oliva, from the mission. He left in 1847 and was suc- ceeded by Father Juan Holbein. A room in the house of José Estudillo was at first used as a place of worship. On September 29, 1851, the cornerstone of a church building was laid, on a lot given by the city trustees. Father Holbein made himself obnox- ious to the Masons, who were strong at Old Town, by forbidding the members of his flock to attend their ceremonies, or even to go into the street while a Masonic procession was passing, on pain of excommunication. The Herald says that he was other- wise illiberal, and interfered with the education of the Old Town children. It appears the school trustees distributed a circular announcing the opening of their school, and Father Holbein, from his pulpit, with one of these circulars in hand, forbade his members to send their children to this school. This and his atti- tude toward the Masons gave offense to the American popula- tion. He left in September, 1853, and was succeeded by Father Marincovich, who only remained a few days. In 1856 the priest was Father Meinrich, and a year later Father Jaime Vila was in charge. Father Juan Molinier came soon after, and under his pastorate a new church was built. The church was conse- crated with high mass on November 21, 1858. The San Diego Guards assisted and fired a salute, and a dinner was given by José Antonio Aguirre, who had contributed largely to the build- ing and equipment of the church.
This church is still standing, in the southerly outskirts of Old Town. It was built of adobes, but a few years later these were enclosed with weatherboarding. It is the Church of the Immac- ulate Conception, and is still used for services on Sunday, when priests attend from New San Diego. In it are kept some vest- ments, images and other articles which were used at a very early
FATHER ANTONIO D. UBACH
The famous priest of San Diego from 1866 until his death in March, 1907. (For biographical sketch see page 175
ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH On the day of Father Ubach's funeral, April 3, 1907
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HISTORY OF SAN DIEGO
day in the mission. A number of Indians still attend this church -a little remnant of the once great band of mission neophytes. Outside hang two bells which have an interesting history. They were confiscated by Charles V. of Spain from the churches in Bohemia, and found their way here through Mexico early in the last century. They bear the following inscriptions : "Ave Maria Porimus, 1802"; on one is added "San José, H.," and on the other, "Sivan Nepomnceus, 1822."
After Father Molinier, Father Vicente Llover was cura for a time. In 1866, Father Antonio D. Ubach came to San Diego and took charge of the congregation until his recent death. Soon after coming, he undertook the erection of a new brick church at Old Town, but Horton's Addition drew the popula- tion away and he was never able to complete it. The cornerstone was laid on July 18, 1869, and the foundation stands, as men- tioned in Ramona, on the east side of the main street, in a good state of preservation.
Early in the seventies, a large part of the congregation hav- ing removed thither, Father Ubach organized St. Joseph's Church in Horton's Addition. The first place of worship was Rosario Hall. The church building, at the corner of Third and Beech, was dedicated January 31, 1875, by Rev. Francis Mora. It was a small wooden building, which is still standing in the rear of the new brick structure. At the time of its erection, it was considered a fine building, and was spoken of by the news- papers as being situated "on the mesa, west of town." The new brick church was completed and dedicated in 1894. It is a com- modious and imposing structure. The parsonage adjoins it on the north.
The church on Golden Hill, called "Our Lady Queen of the Angels," was organized in 1905 by Father William Quinlan. A fine church building is being erected for it. The Sisters of St. Joseph opened the Academy of Our Lady of Peace in 1884, in a building erected by Mr. Horton on block 12 of his Addition, which they have conducted successfully ever since and is in a prosperous condition. St. Joseph's Hospital and Sanitarium was opened in June, 1890, by the Sisters of Mercy. It has large and beautiful grounds on University Avenue and Sixth Street, where a building was erected in 1891. The original building has been greatly enlarged, and there is a chapel and other buildings. The grounds are beautifully improved. The sanitarium is non- sectarian, and here a large number of invalids and aged people find a comfortable home and good care.
EPISCOPAL
The first Protestant denomination to obtain a foothold in San Diego was the Episcopalian. The Reverend John Reynolds, of
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EPISCOPALIANS AT OLD TOWN
the Protestant Episcopal Church, was appointed chaplain of the Post at San Diego, on December 31, 1850, and was army chap- lain for the troops stationed at the mission until August 31, 1854, On July 4, 1853, the Herald announced that "hereafter the Rev. Dr. John Reynolds . chaplain of the U. S. Army, will conduct divine service at the court house, and for the first time we have Protestant church services in our town of San Diego." The very first service at Old Town was held at 3 P.M., on July 10, 1853. The details of these early meetings are meager, but the Herald and "John Phoenix" supply some local
THE FIRST CHURCH BUILDING IN NEW SAN DIEGO
Erected by the Episcopalians in May, 1869, on the northeast corner of Sixth and C Streets. It now stands on Eighth Street immediately adjoining St. Paul's rectory
color. The paper complained that "an audience of over a dozen is rarely seen at the court house, where Dr. Reynolds preaches on Sunday, while the Sabbath calm is broken in upon by the riot of the inebriated, and the very words of holy writ are drowned by the clicking of billiard balls and calls for cocktails from the adjacent saloon." Derby's references to Dr. Reynolds are almost entirely in a joking way, and not to be taken seriously.
Dr. Reynolds had been rector of the Episcopal Church at Stockton, and was well spoken of by the newspapers of that
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HISTORY OF SAN DIEGO
place. He was about sixty years of age, and was large and stout. Lieutenant Adam J. Slemmer, U. S. A., married his daughter. Dr. Reynolds removed to the Atlantic States about August, 1854.
After this, there were no regular Protestant services at Old Town, until after Horton came. Ministers occasionally came along and preached a sermon or two. The best remembered of
DANIEL CLEVELAND
Located, 1869; attorney Texas & Pacific Railroad, 1876-85. One of the founders of the Bank of San Diego, 1870. Prominently identified with St. Paul's Parish from its organization, 1869, and for nearly thirty years senior warden; lay reader since 1871; delegate from Diocese of California to General Convention, 1889, 1901. Has been president Society of Natural History, Coronado Beach Summer School, Univer- sity Extension Society, San Diego Art Association, and Southern California Society of Sons of American Revolution
these occasional sermons was that of Bishop Kip. He had been given charge of the Diocese of California and set sail, with his family. Coming up from Panama on the Golden Gate, the steamer was disabled, as has been related, and ran aground while trying to leave port. At this time the Bishop and his family were the guests of Don Juan Bandini for a week. His first ser- vice within his Episcopal jurisdiction was the burial, in the Prot- estant cemetery near Old Town, of some passengers who had died
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BISHOP KIP
on the voyage. On the following Sunday, January 22, 1854, he preached in the court house at Old Town. On this occasion Lieutenant George H. Derby acted as clerk, read the responses, and led the singing. These two afterward became intimate friends. The Bishop said (to Daniel Cleveland) that, had he known at the time that the little man who assisted him so rev- erently and efficiently in this service was "John Phoenix," he would not have felt so comfortable and assured in the service as he then felt.
REV. SIDNEY WILBUR
Who organized the first Protestant Church and was the first regular minister in San Diego
Rev. Sidney Wilbur arrived in San Diego in October, 1868, and proceeded immediately to arrange for services at new San Diego. The old government barracks had been long unused and were very dirty, but he courageously undertook to make them fit for the purpose. With the aid of an Indian, he cleaned and washed a portion of the large hall, and on November 8, 1868, held his first service in it. Having borrowed a melodeon, he played it himself, in addition to rendering the church service and preaching. He continued to hold services here for some
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HISTORY OF SAN DIEGO
time, and his work aroused so much interest that he was able to organize a parish early in 1869. Mr. Horton gave two lots on the northeast corner of Sixth and C Streets, and in May a church building was erected upon these lots, with money donated by the Episcopalians of San Francisco. This was the first church building of any kind in new San Diego. It now stands on the west side of Eighth Street, next door south of St. Paul's rectory and is used as a residence. It was built with two stories, and while the services were held on the lower floor, Mr. Wilbur and family made their home on the second floor. It was used for church purposes until about November, 1869, when it was removed and another building, known as Trinity Hall, erected on the same spot. This second building was removed, in April, 1871, to two lots on the southeast corner of Fourth and C 'Streets, now covered by the Brewster Hotel, which lots Mr. Horton had in the meantime conveyed to the society in exchange for the lots on Sixth and C Streets.
In August, 1886, the two parish lots on the Brewster Hotel site were sold and two lots on the southeast corner of Eighth and C Streets purchased. The church and rectory were built in 1887 and first occupied at Easter in that year. The first cost of the buildings was about $13,000, and considerable money has been expended on them since.
The first parish meeting was held November 26, 1869. Rev. Sidney Wilbur, Daniel Cleveland, Oliver T. Ladue, E. D. Swit- zer, J. S. Buck, C. P. Rudd, K. J. Ware, George E. Nottage, Daniel Stewart, and John T. Hawley were present, and were chosen as the first vestrymen. The name of the organization was the Parish of the Holy Trinity. Of these organizers, Rev. Mr. Wilbur yet living in San Francisco, and Daniel Cleveland in San Diego, are the only survivors. Others who acted as vestrymen and were active at an early day, were: Charles S. Hamilton, John P. Young (now manager of the San Francisco Chronicle), Wm. J. McCormick, Dr. Thomas C. Stockton, Dr. W. W. Royal, and Mr. Lake. Daniel Cleveland acted as senior warden for almost thirty years.
On January 22, 1887, new articles of incorporation were adopted and filed, by which the name of the parish was changed to St. Paul's.
Rev. Mr. Wilbur resigned on December 1, 1870, and was suc- ceeded by Rev. Dr. Kellogg, of Cleveland, Ohio, who served about two months. In January, 1871, upon request of the vestry, Daniel Cleveland was licensed to act as lay reader, and he has acted frequently in that capacity since, at times when there was no rector. In February, 1872, Rev. J. F. Bowles became the rec- tor, and remained a few months. In the following October, Rev. Hobart Chetwood came and remained until February, 1876.
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BISHOP RESTARICK
During his pastorate the parish was harmonious and prosperous. His successor was Rev. Henry J. Camp, who remained until May, 1881. There was then an interregnum filled by the lay reader, until July 25, 1882, when Rev. Henry B. Restarick arrived to take charge of the parish.
Mr. Restarick was a young man, energetic and tactful, and soon infused new life into the congregation. He found about 20 communicants; when he left, twenty years later, there were over 400 communicants, plenty of funds and a large number of
HENRY B. RESTARICK
For twenty years rector of St. Paul's Church; created Bishop of Honolulu in 1902
REV. CHARLES L. BARNES The present rector of St. Paul's Church
activities. A fine new parish church and rectory had been built, and four other church buildings-two in San Diego, one with a rectory at National City, and one at Bostonia-had been erected and paid for through his labors. From the time of his ordina- tion to the priesthood in Iowa, in June, 1882, until his election and consecration as Bishop of Honolulu, in 1902, he had only one parish-St. Paul's, San Diego. He was consecrated bishop in his own parish church, July 2, 1902.
Rev. Charles L. Barnes was chosen to succeed Mr. Restarick, and is still the incumbent.
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HISTORY OF SAN DIEGO
The working organizations of St. Paul's are: Woman's Aux- iliary to the Board of Missions, the Guild, a Chapter of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew, etc.
St. James's Mission on Logan Heights was founded by Bishop Restarick in 1888. Services were first held in a store building on Logan Avenue near Twenty-fourth. In 1891, two lots were purchased at Twenty-sixth Street and Kearney Avenue, and a church building erected. The building was consecrated as a mission and later became an independent church. The rectors, beginning in 1889, have been: Messrs. Sanderson, S. H. Ilder- ton, James R. De Wolfe Cowie, F. W. Chase, A. L. Mitchell, F. A. Zimmerman, Alfred R. Taylor, and Alfred Kinsley Glover, who is still in charge.
All Saints Mission, corner Sixth and Thornton Streets, is an- other of Bishop Restarick's foundations. Rev. J. A. M. Richey is its rector.
St. Peter's Mission Hall, Coronado, was organized in 1887 by Bishop Restarick. The church at National City is called St. Matthew's and that at South San Diego, St. Mark's. At La Jolla there is a small congregation, which recently began to hold services, with Mr. Cleveland as lay reader.
METHODISTS
The activity of the growing settlement at Horton's Addition brought about the organization of congregations of a number of the principal Protestant denominations at nearly the same time. The Methodists were a close second to the Episcopalians, in point of time. The pioneer minister of this denomination was Rev. G. W. B. McDonald, who came January 12, 1869, and at once organized a church and Sunday-school with about 20 members. Prior to that date, meetings had been held at the homes of mem- bers, led by H. H. Dougherty, who came to San Diego October 10, 1868. Mr. McDonald was a native of Nova Scotia. He spent his remaining days in San Diego and was an active and useful citizen. He died February 8, 1886, aged 65.
Following Mr. McDonald, Rev. I. H. Cox acted as supply until October, 1869, when he was relieved by Rev. D. A. Dryden, who was the first regularly appointed minister to take charge of the congregation. The formal organization was made in January, 1870, at which time a church building was dedicated, free from debt, on the northeast corner of D and Fourth Streets, on two lots given by Mr. Horton. It is said that Mr. Dryden made the pulpit and chair with his own hands. This building is still stand- ing, at No. 646 India Street, to which place it was removed when the new brick church building was erected. It was used as a barracks for the volunteers during the Spanish War, and is now occupied by the American Televue Company.
.
FIRST METHODIST CHURCH Erected on the corner of Ninth and C Streets in 1906
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HISTORY OF SAN DIEGO
The first board of trustees consisted of: G. W. B. McDonald, R. D. Case, J. M. Young, C. B. Richards, N. W. Hensley, J. W. Gale, A. E. Horton, E. Aylesworth, and W. F. Pettit. The ded- ication took place on February 13, 1870, and the sermon was preached by Rev. M. C. Briggs, D.D., of Santa Clara. This church was removed, as stated, in 1887, and a three-story brick block erected on the site, for the combined uses of the church and as a business block. At the time of its erection and for sev- eral years after, this was one of the most substantial and useful buildings in the city. The first floor and the front of the second and third floors are rented for business offices, and the rear of the second and third stories contains the auditorium. This new church was dedicated on February 26, 1888, Rev. R. S. Cantine, of Los Angeles, preaching the dedicatory sermon.
Recently, the congregation outgrew these quarters, and the building was sold in 1905 and plans prepared for a new church. The cornerstone of a new building was laid July 1, 1906, Bishop John W. Hamilton, of Mexico, delivering the principal address. The new church is the most magnificent in the city, and has cost about $65,000. The lots, on the northwest corner of Ninth and C Streets, are worth about $35,000.
This congregation has been, from the beginning, a strong and active element in the religious life of the community. Among the ministers who have served at different times are found the following names: G. W. B. McDonald. I. H. Cox, D. A. Dryden, H. H. Dougherty, W: Inch (who died February 12, 1871), J. R. Tasey, James Wickes, G. S. Hickey, T. S. Houts, M. M. Bovard, J. L. Mann, A. H. Tevis, P. Y. Cool, A. M. Bunker, T. S. Uren, E. S. Chase, M. F. Colburn, L. M. Hartley, R. L. Bruce, A. M. Gibbons, and the present incumbent, Dr. Lewis Guild.
The Central M. E. Church, at the corner of Twenty-sixth Street and Harrison Avenue, was established January 12, 1887, with a membership of 12, under care of Rev. J. I. Foote. The corner- stone was laid July 31, 1887, Bishop Fowler officiating. Among the pastors have been: D. H. Gillan, J. Pittenger, and C. M. Christ. The present pastor is Rev. Bede A. Johnson. There is a parsonage, and the congregation is a prosperous one.
There is a prosperous German M. E. Church, in its own build- ing at Sixteenth and I Streets. This church was organized in 1887 and the building was first used on April 4. 1888. The first pastor was Rev. L. C. Pfaffinger. Succeeding him, L. E. Schneider, F. A. Werth, and Mr. Schroeder served. The present pastor is Rev. Frederick Bonn.
A Scandinavian M. E. Church was organized in 1880.
The African M. E. Church was organized in 1888, with a mem- bership of 9. Rev. W. H. Hillery was the first pastor, and after him appear the names of W. E. De Claybrook and Rev. Price
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THE METHODISTS
Haywood. Their place of worship is at No. 1645 Front Street.
The Bethel African M. E. Church meets on Union Street near H. Among the pastors are Rev. George A. Bailey and W. M. Viney.
The Coronado M. E. Church was organized in 1887, with 20 members. The congregation has a good property. The first pas- tor was Rev. Silas S. Sprowles, who was succeeded by Rev. A. Inwood.
The First Free Methodist Church was organized in the sum- mer of 1897 by Rev. C. B. Ebey and wife, W. H. Tucker and
FIRST FREE METHODIST CHURCH Corner of Front and Beech Streets
wife, F. F. Allen and wife, Virginia M. Walters, and Maggie A. Nickle. Meetings had been held the previous year at the Help- ing Hand Mission, and immediately prior to the organization in a tent on the corner of Eighth and G Streets. A church build- ing was erected in 1899, on the same site, which was dedicated on January 1, 1900, by Rev. E. P. Hart, of Alameda. The first pastor was Rev. W. G. Lopeman, and following him were Revs. C. B. Ebey, James Seals, E. G. Albright, John B. Roberts, and
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HISTORY OF SAN DIEGO
J. Q. Murray. A lot on the corner of Front and Beech Streets was purchased in 1900, and the church building moved to that location. During the pastorate of Mr. Roberts, a parsonage was built adjoining the church.
The Methodist Episcopal Church South has a strong and act- ive organization. In 1871, Bishop John C. Keener purchased for the Society two lots on the southeast corner of Seventh and D Streets. A few years later, Rev. John Wesley Allen was appointed pastor for San Diego, and arrived November 23, 1882. The first service was held on the 26th of the same month, in Hubbell's Hall. The congregation then worshipped in the old Masonic Hall until their church building was ready. The corner- stone of this building was laid on the first day of January, 1884. The new edifice was called "Keener Chapel." It was dedicated May 11, 1884, Rev. W. B. Stradley, of Los Angeles, preaching the dedicatory sermon. The greater part of the funds for this building was provided by the Board of Church Extension, and the congregation began its work out of debt. The lots were after- ward exchanged for one on the southeast corner of Eighth and C Streets, and the chapel was removed to the new location and at the same time considerably improved, as well as being pro- vided with a parsonage.
Mr. Allen remained until November, 1884, when he was sent to Santa Barbara and succeeded by W. W. Welsh. Then fol- lowed R. Pratt, E. T. Hodges, James Healey, R. W. Bailey, J. F. C. Finley, James Healey again, W. H. Dyer, A. C. Bane, R. W. Rowland, S. W. Walker, C. S. Perry, C. S. McCausland, R. P. Howett, M. P. Sharborough, and S. E. Allison, the present incumbent. Mr. Allison is a native of Georgia, and served in the Texan and New Mexican Conferences before coming here. He was transferred to the Los Angeles Conference in 1900, and came to San Diego in 1905. The total enrollment of this church organization is 493, and the present membership about 125.
BAPTISTS
Although the Methodists began holding services in private houses earlier, the Baptists were before them in the organization of a congregation and the building of a church edifice, being sec- ond only to the Episcopalians. The first congregation was organ- ized by Rev. C. F. Weston on June 5, 1869. He had been preach- ing at the government barracks since the preceding February. At this organization, W. S. Gregg and Dr. Jacob Allen were chosen deacons and E. W. S. Cole, clerk. The church building was com- menced in August and opened for worship October 3, Rev. Mr. Morse preaching the first sermon in it. This building was on Seventh Street near F, on a lot given by Mr. Horton. He also
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THE BAPTISTS
gave the young congregation a church bell-the first one ever used in new San Diego. The formal dedication took place on the 31st of the same month, and Rev. B. S. McLafferty, of Marys- ville, preached the sermon. Mr. McLafferty was called to take charge of the congregation, and arrived for that purpose on December 18, 1869. The present church building, on Tenth and E Streets, was built in 1888, and cost $32,000. The First Bap- tist Church was incorporated on August 19, 1887.
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