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 17
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Mr. McLafferty remained in San Diego a year and a half. Resigning in January, 1873, he was succeeded by O. W. Gates,
2
OLD BAPTIST CHURCH
This building was erected in the autumn of 1869, and is still standing on its original site on Seventh, between F and G Streets
who remained eight years. Then followed Revs. A. J. Sturte- vant, one year; Edwin C. Hamilton, one year; W. H. Stenger, two years; A. Chapman, two months; E. P. Smith, two months ; W. F. Harper, from 1888 to 1893 (during which time the new church was built) ; A. E. Knapp, 1893 to 1900. The present pas- tor, Rev. W. B. Hinson, took charge the first Sunday in June, 1900, coming direct from Vancouver, B. C., and has remained ever since. The church has a membership of nearly 700 and is strong and active.
552
HISTORY OF SAN DIEGO
Among its activities, the First Baptist Church maintains a number of missions. One was organized at Old Town in 1888, in charge of H. S. Hanson, and maintained for some years. It is noteworthy that this was the only Protestant religious organ- ization ever made in Old Town. Missions were also organized several years ago at National City, Coronado and Chollas Valley. The Grand Avenue Baptist Church, on Grand Avenue between
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
Erected in 1888 on the northwest corner of Tenth and E Streets
Twenty-ninth and Thirtieth Streets, was organized in 1889 as a mission of the First Church.
Other Baptist organizations are the Baptist Scandinavian Church, organized in 1888. On the corner of Nineteenth and H Streets, is the Swedish Baptist Church. The Second Baptist Church (colored) was organized in 1888, with a membership of thirty, by Rev. T. F. Smith. Their place of worship is on B Street, between Front and First, and among the pastors have been : M. E. Sykes, J. H. Clisby, and M. A. Mitchell.
REV. . B HINSON Who has been pastor of the First Baptist Church since June, 1900, and who ranks among the leading pulpit orators of California
554
HISTORY OF SAN DIEGO
PRESBYTERIANS
The First Presbyterian Church was organized June 7, 1869- only two days after the Baptists, by Rev. Thomas Fraser, mis- sionary of the Synod of the Pacific. There were 13 members, and Charles Russell Clarke, David Lamb, and Samuel Merrill were elected elders. The first pastor was Rev. J. S. McDonald. He began his labors in April, 1870. The services were held in private houses until Mr. McDonald's arrival, and after that in Horton's Hall. Mr. Horton gave the society two lots on the
OLD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Erected on Eighth Street near D in 1871. The structure is still standing, adjoining the present church building on the south, and is part of the church property
southwest corner of Eighth and D Streets, and on these a build- ing was soon after erected, and dedicated June 18, 1871, Rev. W. A. Scott, of San Francisco, preaching the dedicatory ser- mon. In 1888, the present church building was erected and fur- nished, at a cost of $36,000.
Rev. Mr. McDonald was succeeded in 1872 by F. L. Nash. From 1875 to 1880 the church was supplied by Revs. James Rob- ertson, John W. Partridge, Mr. Lanman, James Woods, and Dr. Phelps. Rev. Richard V. Dodge began his pastorate in 1880 and continued until his death, February 26, 1885. For the following
REV. R. G. WALLACE First pastor of the United Presbyterian Church
REV. S. J. SHAW Pastor of the United Presbyterian Church
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HISTORY OF SAN DIEGO
three years the incumbents were H. A. Lounsbury and H. I. Stern. On January 1, 1887, Rev. W. B. Noble became the pas- tor, and during his incumbency the present church was built. The church suffered severely after the collapse of the boom, hav- ing a debt of more than $20,000, and it was only by a hard struggle that the loss of the property was prevented. Rev. F. Merton Smith became the pastor in 1894, but died a few weeks later, and was succeeded by Rev. P. E. Kipp, who died in 1900. Rev. R. B. Taylor commenced his work in 1901. During his pas- torate the church debt was paid and the congregation greatly enlarged. On November 19, 1904, Mr. Taylor was drowned in San Diego Bay. He was greatly beloved. His successor, Rev. Harvey S. Jordan, of Newcastle, Pennsylvania, is the present incumbent. The membership of the church is about 600. It is one of the strongest and most active influences for good in the community. It has two Women's Missionary Societies, a Ladies' Aid Society, a large Christian Endeavor membership, and a num- ber of missions are supported, including a Chinese mission, a school for Chinese children, and churches in several suburban towns.
The First United Presbyterian Church was organized on Aug- ust 18, 1888, in the Holt House, on H Street near Fifteenth, by the installation of J. W. Collins, J. L. Griffin and E. T. Hill as elders, and the election of Robert Blair, Daniel Andrew, and W. L. Hamilton as trustees. The first pastor was Rev. Robert G. Wallace, one of the organizers of the church, who began his pastorate in November, 1887. and ended October 31, 1897. He was succeeded by Rev. Samuel J. Shaw, D.D., who is the pres- ent minister.
HEBREW CONGREGATION
The Hebrews of San Diego have maintained an organization since 1872. Prior to that time, it was their custom to meet at private houses for the observance of fast days. The Herald of October 9, 1851, says: "The Israelites of San Diego, faithful to the religion of their forefathers, observed their New Year's Day and Days of Atonement, with due solemnity. The Day of Atonement was observed by Messrs. Lewis Franklin. Jacob Marks, and Charles A. Fletcher (the only three Hebrews in town) by their assembling in the house of the former gentleman, and passing the entire day in fasting and prayers."
The first organization of the Hebrew Congregation took place in 1872 at the house of Marcos Schiller in Old Town; it was called at that time the Hebrew Congregation. The organizers were Marcos Schiller, Joseph Mannasse and E. Loewenstein. Services were held in rented halls and the Unitarian Church, but
557
THE UNITARIANS
only on the Jewish New Year and Day of Atonement. There were at first eighteen members.
In 1888, the congregation was reorganized and incorporated as the Congregation Beth Israel, with a membership of 55. The first officers were: President, Marcos Schiller (who served in that capacity until his death, in 1904) ; vice-president, H. Welisch; secretary, A. Blochman; treasurer, A. Lippman. In the following year, a synagogue was built and dedicated, on the northwest corner of Beech and Second Streets. The first Rabbi was Samuel Freuder, who organized the new congregation; the second was A. Danziger, who served in 1886. E. Freud was
REV. E. R. WATSON Pastor of the First Unitarian Society
rabbi in 1887-8, and Dr. Marx Moses from 1890 to 1894. There has been no rabbi since. The congregation is small, having only 22 contributing members.
FIRST UNITARIAN SOCIETY
The First Unitarian Society began in a Sunday-school which was organized and held for the first time in Horton's Hall, June 22, 1873. Mr. Horton gave the use of the hall and organ. C. S.
558
HISTORY OF SAN DIEGO
Hamilton was chosen president; Mrs. Knapp, secretary and treas- urer ; Mrs. Haight, musical director, and Miss Carrie Hills, organ- ist. The attendance increased from 13 to 50, and Rev. Joseph May became the pastor. Among the early members were M. A. Luce, C. S. Hamilton, A. E. Horton, E. W. Morse, J. H. Simp- son, Mr. Hubon, A. Overbaugh, and their families. The first public service was on Easter Sunday, 1874. At a meeting held March 11, 1877, Rev. David A. Cronyn was chosen pastor. M. A. Luce became president of the Society at the same meeting, and has acted in that capacity ever since.
The society was incorporated in January, 1882. A lot on the northeast corner of Tenth and F Streets was purchased and the first church building erected there in that year, and dedicated August 26, 1883. Rev. Horatio Stebbins, of San Francisco, deliv- ered the sermon and Rev. George H. Deere, of Riverside, assisted. Additions were made to this building in 1887. This building was burned on Sunday afternoon, February 17, 1895. Following this, the society occupied the old Louis Opera House. They then leased a lot on the west side of Sixth Street, between C and D, and built the present Unity Hall upon it. The society also owns a lot on the corner of Ninth and C Streets, upon which it is plan- ning to place a new building at an early date. The pastors, after those named, were: B. F. McDaniel, 1887 to 1892; J. F. Dut- ton, from 1894 ; Solon Lauer, from 1895; Elijah R. Watson, from 1899 to the present time. The membership is about 200.
FIRST SPIRITUAL SOCIETY
The First Spiritualist Society was incorporated in July, 1885. Services were held in Lafayette Hall for a number of years. In 1903 the society built its hall on Seventh Street between A and B. The building cost about $6,000, and was dedicated in March, 1904. Clara A. Beck is president of the society.
CONGREGATIONALISTS
Many of the Congregationalists who came to new San Diego at an early day affiliated with the Presbyterians. But in Aug- ust, 1886, it was felt that the time had come for the establish- ment of a church of their own faith. Twelve of these people met at the home of Frank A. Stephens, on Tenth and F Streets, and made a preliminary organization. These were: Mr. and Mrs. Frank A. Stephens, who now live in Los Angeles; Arch. Ste- phens and J. P. Davies, who are now deceased ; and Mr. and Mrs. George W. Marston, Mr. and Mrs. M. T. Gilmore, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Smith, Mrs. Arch. Stephens and Mrs. J. P. Davies, who are still active workers in the church. The congregation
559
THE CONGREGATIONALISTS
was organized a month later, with Rev. J. H. Harwood as pastor, and 78 members. The first public service was held in the Y. M. C. A. rooms in Dunham's Hall, on Fifth Street, October 10, 1886.
This hall was soon too small for the congregation. A lot was leased on the corner of State and F Streets and a tabernacle erected. This building was completed in January, 1887, and ded- icated the following month. It was in 1896, during the pastor- ate of Rev. Stephen A. Norton and largely through his efforts,
x
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
that the present church building was constructed. The move- ment began in February, and at one meeting on May 10th, $17,000 were subscribed for the purpose. A lot on the north- west corner of Sixth and A Streets was purchased; the corner stone was laid in November, 1896, and the church was completed and dedicated on July 4, 1897. This is one of the most beautiful church edifices in the city. It cost $23,500, and with the ground is today worth probably $50,000. It has a seating capacity of 800. The church is a strong and active one, with a membership of 464, and supports a number of activities-among others, a foreign missionary.
560
HISTORY OF SAN DIEGO
Rev. Mr. Harwood was succeeded, near the close of 1887, by Rev. J. B. Silcox, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, who served until Aug- ust, 1889, when he resigned. He was followed by Rev. E. A. Field, W. C. Merrill, and Stephen A. Norton, respectively. The latter remained seven years. The present pastor is Rev. Clar- ence T. Brown, who came in 1903.
The Second Congregational Church, known as the Logan Heights Church, had its beginning on the second Sunday in November, 1887, when Rev. A. B. White, of Toledo, Ohio, began to preach in the schoolhouse on Twenty-seventh Street. On Feb- ruary 19, 1888, the church building at Twenty-sixth Street and Kearney Avenue was dedicated, Mr. Silcox preaching the ser- mon. The Land & Town Company gave the lots and the mem- bers of the First Congregational Church contributed liberally to the building fund. Mr. White resigned in the following Aug- ust, and F. B. Perkins became the pastor. He remained two years and resigned in 1890. George A. Hall was then the pastor until March 24, 1895. His successor was R. T. Earl, who min- istered until 1902. Since then J. L. Pearson and Henry M. Lyman have supplied the pulpit. Rev. E. E. P. Abbott is now the resident pastor.
The Chinese Mission, organized in 1885, is sustained by the American Missionary Association of the Congregational Church.
CENTRAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH
The Central Christian Church was organized October 27, 1886, with 28 charter members. Rev. R. G. Hand was the first min- ister. Henry Drury and W. B. Cloyd were elected elders, and B. F. Boone, John Coates, and A. J. Burns, deacons. The first meetings were held in various halls. During the boom, the church purchased its first lot, on Thirteenth Street between F and G. Here a frame church was built and the first service in it held on December 11, 1887, the sermon being by Rev. Mr. Johnson.
Mr. Hand remained only a few months and was succeeded by A. B. Griffith, who remained less than a year. For a year after this the pastor was John L. Brant, now a noted preacher. Rev. A. B. Markle came next and remained three years. In 1893 B. C. Hagerman became the pastor and served two years. In 1895 the present pastorate began under W. E. Crabtree.
The church was regularly incorporated in 1899. Two years later the lot on the southeast corner of Ninth and F Streets was purchased, later an adjoining lot added, and the church building removed to the new location. Upon this ground a very substan- tial and beautiful church building is soon to be erected, at a cost of $25,000. During its early years the church had a hard strug- gle, but is now prosperous. The church has a number of well-
561
DISCIPLES OF CHRIST
sustained activities and is one of the most aggressive and influ- ential elements in the religious life of the city.
The Seventh Day Adventist Church was organized January 21, 1888, with a membership of 10. Their church at Eighteenth and G Streets was immediately occupied. It has a seating capacity of 350, and the society owns it free of debt, with a lot 100x176 feet. The first pastor was Elder W. M. Healey. He was fol- lowed by Elder H. A. St. John. The present elder is Frederick I. Richardson.
REV. W. E. CRABTREE Pastor of the Central Christian Church
FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH
The First Lutheran Church was organized March 18, 1888, with 31 members. A Sunday-school was organized the previous month by Prof. F. P. Davidson. C. W. Heisler, of Los Angeles, aided in the organization. The first officers were: F. P. David- son and A. W. Smenner, elders, and Isaac Ulrick, H. Seebold, and R. H. Young, deacons. E. R. Wagner was chosen pastor, and conducted his first service October 21, 1888, in Good Tem- plars' Hall on Third Street. Services were soon after removed
562
HISTORY OF SAN DIEGO
to Louis Opera House and held there for six months, then in the old Methodist Church. The congregation then purchased the lot where the present church building stands. The church building was begun in 1893, the cornerstone laid on July 30th, and the dedication made April 8, 1894. The building has a seating capac- ity of 700. The value of the property is now estimated at $20,000.
Dr. Wagner resigned November 1, 1891, and was succeeded in February, 1892, by C. W. Maggart, of Salina, Kansas. He served until October 17, 1897, when he resigned. The present pastor, John E. Hoick, began his pastorate March 10, 1898. The church is out of debt and prosperous, and numbers about 150 members.
MISCELLANEOUS
The German Evangelical Lutheran Church has a handsome building at the corner of Twenty-fourth Street and Grant Ave- nue. The congregation numbers over 100. Rev. G. W. F. Kiessel is the pastor.
The Friends have a meeting-house at 1121 Sixth Street. Adell Burkhead is the minister.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) maintains an organization, which meets at No. 752 Fifth Street.
The Christian Scientists make the latest addition to the city's congregations, with an unique building on the southeast corner of Ash and Third Streets, completed and occupied this year. C. H. Clark is the reader to this active organization.
The Union Church at La Jolla is an unique organization. There not being sufficient population to support separate denom- inations, the people of all denominations united and organized a Union Church, on March 11, 1897. It was incorporated in the following October. The first pastor was William L. Johnson, two years; the next, J. L. Pearson, three years. The present pastor is Mr. Lathe. Daniel Cleveland, of San Diego, conducted services during the intervals between the different pastors. In 1905, the Episcopalians formed a separate organization in La Jolla and now have regular services. Recently, the Presbyterians also took similar action. The Union Church, however, was never so strong and active as at present.
The Peniel Mission, the Christian Endeavor Society, the Help- ing Hand Mission, and a number of other missionary organiza- tions, as well as the Salvation Army, are actively represented.
YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION
The Young Men's Christian Association is so strong and its work so important that it is believed a somewhat full and cir- cumstantial account of its growth is warranted.
563
GROWTH OF THE Y. M. C. A.
The association was organized in March, 1882, and for a few months held its meetings in Hubbell's Hall, on the corner of Fifth and F Streets. There is no record of any active work in 1883, but in June, 1884, it was reorganized and the old Masonic Hall, on Fifth Street, rented for its use, at $5 per month. In August, 1885, C. L. Sturges was engaged as general secretary, and from this time on an open room for young men's use was maintained. In May, 1886, J. A. Rogers was elected general sec- retary, with the modest salary of $35 per month and the use of a small room in the rear of the hall, and continued in the position till July, 1890.
Mr. Rogers had remarkable success in building up the associa- tion. His character was an interesting and noble one. Although probably not over sixty years of age, his white hair and partial blindness gave him an older appearance; yet he was a fresh, vig- orous, cheerful man, with power to please and attach boys and young men. He had been a locomotive engineer and ran a fast express out of New York City. Without technical training, he was nevertheless admirably fitted for the peculiar pioneer work in the exciting times of 1887 and 1888. Hundreds of young men came under his friendly Christian influence. The little Dunham House Hall, on Fifth Street, was the scene of crowded Sunday meetings and many social gatherings and entertainments.
The association had no gymnasium in those days, but as early as 1886 three or four classes had been formed, the principal one being for the study of Spanish. The members were active in the care of the sick and also paid regular visits to the county jail. The rapid growth in Mr. Rogers' administration is shown by the treasurer's expense account, the rent being increased in the first year from $5 to $40 per month and the secretary's salary from $35 to $75. In 1887 the association bought two lots at the north- east corner of Seventh and G Streets. Plans for a building to cost about $80,000 were drawn and bids for its construction received; but the collapse of the boom, early in 1888, prevented the accomplishment of this design. Early in 1888 the association moved to rooms on Seventh Street, just north of G, where it was proposed to build, and a large reading room was fitted up on the first floor. The membership at that time was 200. Later in the year, owing to high rent ($150 per month), another move was made, to the two-story residence on the northwest corner of Eighth and G Streets. The whole house was occupied, and here the association had, for the first time, a number of convenient class-rooms. But the financial stringency compelled another move in a few months, and the association then took up its quar- ters in a one-story building on the west side of Sixth Street between E and F, where it remained for about a year.
564
HISTORY OF SAN DIEGO
In October, 1889, a complete change was made in the director- ate, the following being chosen: J. E. Hall, J. C. Packard, Henry Siebold, W. E. Howard, Dr. Hurlburt, John P. Lewis, and L. P. Davidson. Mr. Rogers remained as secretary, and J. E. Hall was elected president; a month later he was succeeded by C. D. Todd, who served till June, 1890, when he resigned and W. E. Howard was chosen and served till the end of the associa- tion year.
During the year 1890, the association moved into the Turn- verein Hall, on Eighth Street between G and H, and opened a well equipped gymnasium, with Professor Hoeh in charge. Not- withstanding great financial difficulties, excellent work was done. Mr. Rogers withdrew in July, having been called to ministerial service in one of the country churches.
At the beginning of the new association year, in October, 1890, important changes were made. George W. Marston was elected president, Giles Kellogg vice-president, and Philip Morse record- ing secretary. John McTaggart was elected general secretary, and filled the position with marked ability and devotion for four years. Prominent workers in the association about this' time were: C. D. Todd, W. E. Howard, W. R. Guy, Watson Parrish, A. L. Bachmann, Henry Siebold, L. P. Davidson, Herbert Wylie, Irving McMahon, E. S. Gillan, E. A. Churcher, and M. T. Gil- more. At the annual meeting in 1891, a resolution of thanks was adopted in gratitude for the large membership and payment of all debts.
In 1893 it became evident that a location nearer the center of town would be more desirable. Rooms in the Express Block were therefore rented from January 1, 1894, which were head- quarters for a year and four months. At the close of Mr. Mc- Taggart's secretaryship, in September, 1894, W. E. Neelands was secretary for a few months. In April, 1895, a lease was signed with U. S. Grant, Jr., for the second floor of his new building at the corner of Sixth and D Streets, at an annual rental of $1,000. Mr. Grant arranged the room as the association desired. The floor space was 75x100 feet, which gave room for a lecture hall, gymnasium, baths, reading room, and several social and class rooms. This was the home of the association for ten years.
In May, 1895, George A. Miller (now a Methodist minister in Manila) became secretary of the association. Under his vigorous management, in its new quarters, the association started on its larger career. In the first quarter of 1896 it gained very rap- idly, receiving nearly 300 new members. J. P. Smith became general secretary in the fall of 1896 and filled the office till March, 1903-the longest service of any secretary. He was the first secretary with much experience in association work. Be-
565
Y. M. C. A. QUARTERS
sides this training, he had a fine enthusiasm and genuine sym- pathy for the young. Under his careful and faithful admin- istration, the Y. M. C. A. carried on its four-fold activities- religious, social, physical, and educational-with steady power and usefulness. As physical director, Fred A. Crosby was employed for five years. He made marked improvements in the gymnasium and exerted a fine influence over the younger boys. Professors Davidson and Freeman, of the public schools, gave the association valuable services in forming its educa- tional course. Will H. Holcomb was especially active in build- ing up the gymnasium, and many others contributed in vari- ous ways to the progress of the association.
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NEW HOME OF THE Y. M. C. A. On the corner of Eighth and C Streets
The association has always been deeply indebted to the Ladies' Central Committee for contributions of money, fur- nishings for rooms, and constant service in social affairs. Dur- ing Mr. Smith's secretaryship and for two or three years after, Mrs. V. D. Rood was the inspiring leader of the ladies' work and made it one of the most successful organizations of its kind in the state. In 1899, George W. Marston declined fur- ther re-election to the presidency, having served in that capac- ity every year, save one, since the organization of the associa- tion. He is still a member of the board of directors. Philip
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HISTORY OF SAN DIEGO
Morse, who had been an active member and valuable director for several years, was chosen to succeed Mr. Marston. In 1900, Will H. Holcomb became president, and he has filled the office, most acceptably, from that time to the present, guiding the association's affairs with great tact and ability. During his presidency, large things have been undertaken and great changes made.
During the winter of 1902-03 a very determined effort was made to provide for the payment of a debt of about $4,000 which had gradually accrued in past years. Under the direc- tion of Mr. Sutherland, the state secretary, subscriptions to the amount of $9,000 were secured. These subscriptions, payable half in 1903 and half in 1904, were collected, for the most part, and, united with the membership fees, enabled the association to reach the year 1905 with current expenses paid and the debt reduced to $1,000.
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