History of San Joaquin County, California : with biographical sketches of leading men and women of the county who have been identified with its growth and development from the early days to the present, Part 32

Author: Tinkham, George H. (George Henry), b. 1849
Publication date: 1923
Publisher: Los Angeles, Calif. : Historic Record Co.
Number of Pages: 1660

USA > California > San Joaquin County > History of San Joaquin County, California : with biographical sketches of leading men and women of the county who have been identified with its growth and development from the early days to the present > Part 32

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This present beautfiul edifice of the Gothic style of architecture was built as you might say, in sections, each section conforming to the completed plan being erected as soon as the money was at hand. The women of the church worked for more than thirty years in obtaining money by means of festivals, fairs and dances to complete the building. As far back as 1857 they began their work and that year they held a fair in the rear of the San Joaquin Republican office on El Dorado Street. During the priestship of Father Jos- eph A. Gallagher the plans were completed and June 17, 1861, work was commenced on the front half of the building. The wooden building was moved over to the east and mass therein celebrated. The work was rapidly pushed along, and July 21 of the same year the cornerstone was laid by Archbishop Joseph Alemany and Father Hugh P. Gallagher, of San Francisco, a brother of the resident priest, delivered the sermon from the text: "And this stone which I have set for an altar shall be called the house of God." Mass was celebrated Christmas eve and the building was crowded although the night was stormy and many of the worshippers came in car- riages. Father Gallagher was the celebrant,

the choir comprising the Cahill sisters, so- pranos, Mrs. H. W. Schmidt, alto, H. W. Schmidt, tenor, and Louis Beyser, bass, as- sisted by Miss Redeuill at the melodeon. The uncompleted structure was consecrated May 11, 1862, by Archbishop Alemany, assisted by four priests from abroad, the local priest, Joseph Gallagher, and the Spanish Father, Raphael Z. Vargas. The walls were decor- ated with evergreens and flowers from the gar- den of Captain Weber and the main aisle was carpeted with rose leaves. During the sum- mer of 1868 work was commenced on the ground plan as it stands today and December 18, 1870, the completed building was dedicated by Archbishop Alemany. The edifice was re- dedicated May 23, 1880, by Archbishop Ale- many, assisted by Father Wm. B. O'Connor as celebrant, Father Walsh as deacon, and Father Kenennly as subdeacon, Father Gleason deliv- ering the sermon. The present building was completed in 1893 at a cost of $50,000, the Gothic spire, transept, sacristy and side chap- els being erected at that time.

At that time 1893 the beautiful painting of Christ that now adorns the altar superseded a similar painting that hung over the altar for over fifty years. The old altar was replaced by an altar at a cost of $5,000, a gift from Mrs. Thomas Weber, a daughter-in-law of Captain Weber. The stations of the cross were pre- sented by John Gall, who imported them from Europe during his travels there. The sil- ver candlesticks and the candelabra were the gift of Miss Annie Tierney. A number of the beautiful stained glass windows were gifts of Mrs. Margaret Gall and the various Catholic societies of the church.

Mrs. Margaret Blake Alverson says in her History of Music that the Ainsa sisters, two Spanish women, highly cultivated vocalists and instrumentalists, were the first two choir singers in the Catholic church. These two women, you remember, married Henry A. Crabb, the attorney, and Rasey Biven, the newspaper man. At the time of the rededica- tion of the church, 1880, the choir comprised Fred W. Schmidt, leader of the Stockton brass band as director and organist, Miss Collicott Boshen and Weber, sopranos, Gertrude El- liott and Miss Wilson, altos; Le Rose Phelps, tenor, and Charles Pinkham, bass. On this extra occasion they also had a number of in- strumentalists. On October 9, 1881, a sacred concert was given with J. H. Dohrman of St. Patrick's Church, San Francisco, at the new organ. The principal singers were Mrs. Gertie Noble from the Presbyterian choir, Mrs. J. L. Phelps, Nettie Baker and Professor Jackson from the Congregational choir, S. D. Water- man from the Methodist and Lottie Crawford, Helen Golinsky (Mrs. Edward Oullahan),

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Ada Boschen, Jennie Winters, Nan McCarty, Le Rose Phelps and Charles Pinkham of the regular choir. The two last-named sung in that choir for more than thirty years, Pink- ham dying in December, 1899. As to the or- ganists, Wm. Carmichael, an English pianist and teacher came to Stockton to reside in 1869 and was engaged to play the reed organ, con- tinuing until his death in March, 1876; in the meantime he married Jennie Hammett a com- municant of the church. He was succeeded by Fred Schmidt, who came to Stockton from Honolulu some years previous. In Septem- ber, 1881, the pipe organ was installed at a cost of $4,000. It was built in San Francisco with flaring metal pipes, as suggested by Father O'Connor. Karl Bruck succeeded Fred Schmidt, who died in September, 1887, as organist and choir director until a few years ago, he refusing longer to serve as organist. The priests of St. Mary's church were Father Blaive, 1851; Father Maurice, 1856; A. Galla- gher, 1860; Father Motter, an Italian, 1866; William Bernard O'Connor, June, 1872, died in his priestly office December 26, 1911. He was succeeded in February, 1912, by Father W. E. McGough.

In the priests' plot in the San Joaquin Ceme- tery beneath a large stone lies the body of Father O'Connor. Upon the stone is a large raised cross and beneath it the inscription, "Rev. Father William B. O'Connor, 1841- 1911.". The spot where he lies is holy ground consecrated May 23, 1880, by Archbishop Ale- many. Some time previous to this, Captain Weber, learning that Father O'Connor was looking for a new burial ground, deeded to the Archbishop, for burial purposes, twenty acres of land on North Street, then just outside of the city limits. In 1852 he deeded the church a block of land where now stands the Holt Manufacturing Company. Now overcrowded, the bodies of over 1,000 in number were trans- fered to the new cemetery and erected "To the unknown dead," pioneers in the upbuilding of Stockton. At the time mentioned a plat- form had been erected in the center of the plot and in front of it a large cross was planted, typical of Jesus Christ who vanquished death and brought about the resurrection of the body. Four other crosses of smaller size were placed at the four corners of the cemetery symbolic of the life blood of Christ that flows to the four corners of the globe. Three can- dles were placed at each of the crosses. At the appointed hour, Archbishop Alemany ar- rived, together with Father O'Connor, who acted as master of ceremonies, Father Kenenn- ly as cross bearer, and Fathers Walsh and Gleason, readers of the litany, psalms and prayers. Forming a procession and led by the cross bearer they began their march around

the ground, the fathers repeating the liturgy and prayers. In his left hand the Archbishop carried his crozier and with his right hand he sprinkled holy water, standing at the foot of the Christ cross, which the archbishop had blessed. As the procession approached each cross of the four corners the candles were lighted, thus indicating the anticipation of res- urrection. It was a beautiful and impressive ceremony, never seen before in this county and probably not again for many years.

The memory of Father O'Connor still lives in the hearts of the people and even before his death they determined to erect a monument suitable to his memory. For this purpose a death mask was taken of his features by a sculptor and subscriptions were obtained for a handsome lifelike statue. On a beautiful Sunday afternoon, June 7, 1914, a large crowd of persons assembled in the grounds of St. Jos- eph's Home, to pay honors to the memory of him whom they had known in the religious and social walks of life for nearly a half century. A platform covered with the Stars and Stripes had been erected by the side of the statue and upon it sat several priests, the orator of the occasion, John J. Barrett, Mrs. Joseph D. Pe- ters, Miss Julia Weber, Richard Lauxen and Arthur Ashley, close friends of Father O'Con- nor. After a few remarks by Father Mc- McGough, the present pastor of St. Mary's Church, and the singing of hymns by the chil- dren of St. Agnes' choir, the bell of the chapel rang out. Miss Julia Weber then pulled the silken cord, the drapery fell away and with uncovered heads, and with an impressive si- lence, the friends again beheld the features of him "who lives forever more." John J. Bar- rett, of San Francisco, then delivered a beau- tiful tribute of honor to him who was has spir- itual adviser and friend since early childhood. The bronze statue, six feet in height, rests upon a solid granite pedestal. The pedestal stands upon a three-step granite foundation, and upon the pedestal is the following inscrip- tion :

"Rev. Wm. B. O'Connor Pastor St. Mary's Church 1872-1911

A good citizen, a kind friend, a wise coun- sellor and faithful guide. He was in all things a true priest of God."

St. Gertrude Church, Fair Oaks

The extension of Fair Oaks to the city a few years ago made it a more desirable place to reside and the population rapidly increased. Many of those who located there were Catho- lics and Father Laurence Murphy of St. Mary's Church believed that a church in that locality was an actual necessity. With this object in view a call was made and December 13, 1913, the first mass was celebrated in Fair

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Oaks hall. Subscriptions were obtained for the building of a handsome two-tower edifice of Gothic design, and in less than two years the building was completed at a cost of $30,- 000. After the erection of the building. the cornerstone was laid on July 18, 1915, by the Rev. John Cantwell, representing Archbishop E. J. Hanna. Mass was celebrated in the building with Fathers Murphy, McGough, An- derson and Sorasio of St. Mary's Church and Father Drollard of Lodi in the sanctuary. The address was given by Father Cantwell and the mass music was arranged by Mrs. Leonard of St. Gertrude parish. The cornerstone con- tains among other things a portrait of Father Wm. O'Connor, the program of the event and the names of those taking part in the ceremony and copies of the Record, Independent and Mail of that date. Numerous gifts were pre- sented by the parishioners and other Catho- lics. The large handsome stained glass win- dow representing St. Gertrude was presented by Miss Julia Weber, and the long tower win- dows on the front of the building were pre- sented by the Knights of Columbus. The oil painting of the Virgin Mary was painted and presented to the church by Miss Theresa Monatti.

The Central Methodist Church

In the west end of the present edifice of the Central Methodist Church there is a beautiful glass stained window representing "The Sow- er Sowing the Seed." It was placed there by the Westbay family as a memorial of their father, James C. Westbay, the founder of Methodism in Stockton. Arriving here Sep- tember 5, 1849, he pitched his tent near the southeast corner of San Joaquin Street and Weber Avenue and being an enthusiastic Methodist he dedicated the tent to God. Some four days later he became acquainted with George W. Pierce and Upton Reamer, two other Methodists, and they concluded to hold services in the Westbay tent. The first ser- vice was held September 15, 1849, and this was the first service of praise and prayer in Stock- ton. Mr. Westbay in telling of the incident said, "There were some seventy or eighty per- sons in attendance, many being unable to get into the tent." While the meeting was in progress a man named Hopkins pushed his way into the tent, and saying that he was a Methodist preacher and thanked God that he had found even two or three persons who had met in the name of Jesus for worship. He had just arrived that night from Tennessee and walked into town, leading a mule on which was packed his outfit. Passing the tent he at first believed it a gambling establishment, but when he heard the singing and prayer, he con- cluded it was a prayer meeting. Rev. Hop- kins delivered a short sermon that evening.

and services were conducted later in the homes of "Johnny" Green and Gallant D. Dickenson on Market Street between Center and Com- merce.

In the spring of 1850 James Corwin arrived here from San Jose. He was known as "Un- cle Jimmy Corwin," and was a carpenter as well as a preacher, earning twelve dollars a day at his trade. Corwin formed a Methodist class which comprised James C. Westbay, Joseph Landen, Upton Reamer, Dr. R. H. Rad- cliffe and "Uncle John" Andrews. It was Cor- win's custom to hold a religious meeting on the Levee every Sunday afternoon, taking with him Upton Reamer, J. C. Westbay and Phillip Groves, and they would sing, preach and pray. Although Sunday was the busiest day of the week, several of the boat captains suspended their work during the service and the meeting attracted large crowds. Phillip Groves, who was a very enthusiastic Metho- dist, was also a very eccentric person. On one occasion a very inquisitive person asked Groves who he was. He replied, "I'm a Meth- odist, a Whig and a blacksmith-Glory to God."

In the spring of 1850 James Corwin arrived here from San Jose and organized a church with the following trustees: Joseph Lamden, Upton Reamer, James C. Westbay, "Uncle John" Andrews and Dr. H. H. Radcliffe. In the following year Captain Weber deeded two lots to the church on the southeast corner of Washington and Commerce streets, then the most populated part of the city. Subscrip- tions were obtained for the erection of a church and James Corwin not only put in all of his time in working on the building but donated the salary given him as pastor. The building is said to have cost $12,000. It was dedicated July 28, 1851, by Rev. Isaac Owens who was sent here from San Jose by the Methodist Conference after they learned of the "faithful little band of Methodists in Stockton. In less than five years the church members began moving from that locality, and the trustee purchasing a lot 50x100 on the northwest corner of Weber Avenue and San Joaquin Street, moved the church to the more central location. The building was remodeled and enlarged at a cost of $4,368, and it was dedicated June 3, 1860, by Bishop John T. Peck. The evening sermon was delivered 1

Rev. John A. Anderson of the Presbyterian Church. The increase of population, the pop- ularity of the pastors and the patriotic services in the building served greatly to increase the church attendance, and the trustees began looking for a more commodious place of wor- ship. At this time the Agricultural Hall where now stands the. Yosemite Building was on sale. The society had there built a large brick building in 1861, and mortgaging the

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building was unable to lift it. The Methodists bought the building at a cost of $23,000 and converted it into a church seating about 400 persons and containing in the rear a Sunday school and a social room and a pastor's study. It was dedicated the first Sunday in January, 1870, by the Rev. M. C. Briggs, assisted by the Revs. J. H. Maddux and Dr. Thomas. It was in this church that debating society was organized by the young people regardless of creed, and their proceedings were frequently published in the Mail. Dr. J. H. Coyle, then the pastor, took great interest in the young folks and was reprimanded by some of the "old fogies," saying he was too old to take part with them. He replied, "A man is just as old as he feels," and the writer here records the splendid assistance given us in that society by Dr. Coyle.

The People's Temple

This was the name given to the Methodist Church during the pastorate of the Rev. Wil- liam Copeland Evans. Previous to that time it had been known as the Methodist Episcopal Church, North, in distinction from the Metho- dist Episcopal, South, now known as Grace Episcopal Church. In Dr. Stephens' time it was called the Central Methodist Church. It is located on the corner of Miner Avenue and San Joaquin Street and its spire, 172 feet in height, looms above the tallest ten-story build- ing in the city. It is today one of Stockton's finest buildings, an ornament to the city and for many years the only auditorium suitable for large assemblies. Time and again the old church was overcrowded, there were no ac- commodations for the children attending the Sunday school, and the noise and confusion on the street became so annoying that in 1888 the board of trustees began looking for an- other church location. Purchasing three lots on the corner mentioned the trustees proposed plans for a small building, but the pastor, Rev. S. J. Carroll, insisted in a large, fine, up-to- date structure. The old church property was sold for $30,000 and the cornerstone of the new building was laid December 21, 1889. The church was dedicated April 5, 1891, by Bishop Fowler. A splendid organ was installed, the building complete costing $87,275. It was heavily mortgaged for several years, but in 1902 the entire debt was paid. The pastors of the church are as follows: 1851, Wm. M. Morrow; '52, H. C. Benson; '53, George S. Phillips ; '55, S. B. Rooney ; '56, P. G. Buchan- nan; '58, John P. Hill; '60, David S. Dryden ; 62, John W. Ross; '65, David Deal; '67, J. H. Maddux; '70, C. V. Anthony ; '73, H. B. Hea- cock; '76, Thomas S. Dunn; '79, John Coyle ; '82, J. F. Trefren; '83, A. T. Needham; '87, Westley Dennett; '88, S. J. Carroll; '93, E. D. McCreary ; '97, W. C. Evans ; '02, Irving Love-

joy ; '10, John Stephens; '14, E. P. Dennett ; '15, H. E. Beeks; '17, M. H. Alexander ; A. C. Bane is the present pastor.

The Two German Churches

One of the oldest religious denominations in the city is the German Methodist Episcopal. A mere handful in number, they organized in 1855, and, obtaining money sufficient, built a neat little brick church where now stands the Mail Building. It was the first brick house of worship in Stockton, and the first German church in California. The little edifice was ded- icated September 2, 1855, the Rev. M. C. Briggs of Sacramento conducting the service. The building, erected only a few inches above the earth, was damp and unhealthy, and below street grade, and too small for the rapidly growing congregation. In 1869 a large wood- en church was erected at a cost of $7,000. It was furnished with a fine toned 660-pound bell costing $550, and it was first rang July 5, 1869. The building was dedicated August 1st, the Rev. Dr. Cox of San Francisco preaching the dedicatory sermon, the presiding elder, C. H. Afferbach, and the pastor, G. H. Bollinger, taking part in the services. The congregation worshiped in this church until 1896. At that time, however, the membership was small, as the old pioneers had nearly all of them "gone home," or left the city, and as the taxes were exceedingly burdensome because of the in- creased value of the property, the trustees con- cluded to sell. The lot, 84x150 feet, had been offered on sale in 1892 for $18,000 and it was purchased four years later by the proprietors of the Stockton Mail. The trustees then pur- chased two lots including two dwellings, cor- ner of American and Lindsay streets. One of the houses was fitted up as a parsonage, and the other rented and on the corner a hand- some building was erected. It was dedicated November 1, 1896, free from debt, the entire cost being less than $18,000, including the street work. In 1872 Captain Weber deeded a lot to the German Reformed denomination on the corner of American Street and Miner Avenue. The little structure that now stands there today was erected at a cost of $2,200, and it was dedicated February 2, 1873, ser- vices during the day being conducted in the German and the English language. The de- nomination was organized. in the Christian Church on Lindsay Street March 26, 1869, by the Rev. F. Fox, a traveling missionary, and services had been held at various times since 1852, Rev. Kroh holding the first services in his residence, corner Market and Center streets. Some years after the building of the church the members began quarreling and many resigned. The members remaining then mortgaged the property, the mortgage was foreclosed and the German Reformed Church

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ceased to exist. The building is now in use by the Seventh Day Adventists.

The Colored Congregations

Since 1854 the colored population of the city have sustained two church organizations, the one Methodist, the other Baptist. The Meth- odist building, a little church of wood, was dedicated May 20, 1855, the Rev. Mr. Phillips of the Methodist Episcopal Church delivering the sermon. Four years later, at a cost of $1,800, they erected a little brick meeting house, and May 11, 1859, the cornerstone was laid. It was dedicated July 11 of the same year, several clergymen from abroad being present. The building was raised above grade, remodeled and rededicated May 2, 1880, the Rev. John Coyle conducting the services. The Colored Baptist, although organized in 1854, had no house of worship until 1859, they at that time purchasing for $800 the old Pres- byterian Church, moving it to a lot on Wash- ington Street near Commerce. The building was dedicated in 1860 and used as a house of worship until 1909. The colored brethren then sold the property to the Japanese resi- dents, and purchasing the old Baptist Mission on East Market Street, fitted it up at a cost of $2,000. The old Presbyterian Church, the first church building in California, is now in use as a Japnese Buddhist temple, and across the street there is a Japanese Presbyterian chapel.

The Unitarian Society

In 1868, August 22, the Rev. Mr. Brown of Sacramento came to Stockton for the purpose of organizing an Universalist Church. He preached that evening in Hickman's Hall, but there were not enough persons of that belief in the city to support an Universalist society. Between the Universalists and the Unitarians there is but little difference in religious creed, and, in February, 1892, the Rev. W. E. Cope- land visited Stockton with the object of estab- lishing a Unitarian society. His efforts were successful, and February 23, in Pioneer Hall, a society was organized comprising some of the best and most cultured citizens. The installa- tion of Rev. W. E. Copeland as pastor took place May 2, the services being conducted by Rev. Thomas Van Ness of San Francisco. Rev. E. B. Payne of Berkeley and N. S. Has- kell of San Jose. Immediately the Protestant churches trained their big guns upon the new society, but the Rev. Copeland, who in intel- lectual ability was far above any pastor who had served here up to that period, paid no attention to their attacks. He remained three years and then resigned for a larger field of work. He was succeeded January 26, 1895, by the Rev. George Rice, who resigned his pastorate July 26, 1896, and returned to Bos- 12

ton. . Since that time up to the present the few Unitarians have been assembling in the homes of members, hoping some day to establish a church.

The Christian Science Church

In 1896 reports were circulated of the won- derful physical and mental cures being per- formed in other cities by means of the redis- covery of Christian healing as proclaimed by Mrs. Mary Baker Eddy of Boston. A certain lady, deeply interested, began readings in the new faith as early as 1896, and joined by friends they began holding weekly readings in their homes. The number of those inter- ested increased and in March, 1898, a Church of Christ, Scientist, was organized. Regular church services were now carried on, the Sci- entists meeting in Austin's Hall. They re- moved to Jory's Hall and in January, 1901, Dr. T. D. Felt became the first reader. In June, 1901, they removed to Miller Memorial Hall where they held services until 1910. The First Church of Christ, Scientist, formed a corpora- tion July 3, 1902, their object to spread the teachings of Christian Science. The directors were T. D. Felt, P. H. Burgess, Laura Klench, Margaret G. Meehan and Jesse M. Stringham. Purchasing a lot at the corner of Flora and Center streets, the home for many years of W. H. Van Valear, they erected in 1910 a neat little bungalow church. This organization is visited once or twice a year by lecturers from the Christian Science Board of Lectureship who deliver free lectures on Christian Science, which are published the following day in a newspaper of wide circulation at a heavy cost. In the last lecture given in this city September 8, 1922, Miss Jerita V. Blair said in introduc- ing the lecturer, "How grateful we are that Christian Science is again demonstrating to the world the healing power of the Christ, Truth! The human thought is being awak- ened from its long dream in materiality- belief in sin and suffering-to the grand real- ity of scientific, true being, and proclaiming in the words of a very familiar hymn :

"Theories, which thousands cherish, Pass like clouds that sweep the sky; Creeds and dogmas, all may perish; Truth Herself can never die."

The Sikh or Hindu Temple

Some ten years ago Hindu's from India be- gan immigrating to California. They had money, and purchasing land, began farming. Several hundred of them located in San Joa- quin County and began farming the Delta lands. Stockton was their headquarters, and on South Grant Street they purchased a lot and erected of wood a Hindu temple of wor- ship. The building, the most noticeable of

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History of San Joaquin County, California : with biographical sketches of leading men and women of the county who have been identified with its growth and development from the early days to the present, Part 32

Author: Tinkham, George H. (George Henry), b. 1849 Publication date: 1923 Publisher: Los Angeles, Calif. : Historic Record Co. Number of Pages: 1660

Author: Tinkham, George H. (George Henry), b. 1849
Publication date: 1923
Publisher: Los Angeles, Calif. : Historic Record Co.
Number of Pages: 1660