USA > California > San Bernardino County > Ingersoll's century annals of San Bernadino County, 1769-1904 : prefaced with a brief history of the state of California : supplemented with an encyclopedia of local biography and portraits of many of its representative people > Part 44
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HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
the Rev. Dr. Warren, superintendent of missions for California, assisted by Rev. A. Parker of Los Angeles, organized the First Congregational church of San Bernardino, with ten members, on February 17, 1867. The charter members were M. H. Crafts, Mrs. M. H. Crafts, Joseph Rowell, Joseph Logs- den, Martin Logsden, Miss Nancy Dixon, Mrs. Eliza Peacock, Mrs. C. S. Douglass, Mrs. A. C. Perdew, Mrs. Martha Bowlands.
The Rev. B. L. Crosby succeeded Rev. Mr. Johnson. In March, 1868, the first Congregational Association in Southern California was held in the Court House. Rev. A. Parker of Los Angeles, Rev. J. A. Johnson of Santa Barbara and Rev. Osborne of San Bernardino were the officers. On this occasion M. H. Crafts and Joseph Rowell were ordained deacons.
Rev. Josiah Bates was sent by the Home Missionary Society, July I, 1870, to labor in this church in connection with his work at Anaheim. Later he came to San Bernardino to reside, dividing his time with Riverside. He preached to good congregations in the old Court House for three years. Prayer meetings were held at Dr. Peacock's. The first infant baptism oc- curred May 7, 1871. The Sabbath school was organized in connection with the church in May, 1871. Rev. F. R. Girard and Rev. Isaac Asherton were the next pastors. In 1875 Rev. W. C. Stewart entered upon his pastorate.
In this same year it was decided to build a home for the growing church. Dr. Winchester, Truman Reeves, W. R. Tolles, Deacon Uriah Thompson, Deacon M. H. Crafts and the Rev. J. T. Ford, the new pastor, were appointed a building committee. M. H. Crafts donated the lot on the corner of D and Fifth streets, where the present church stands. Subscriptions were taken among the members and congregation, and several eastern friends helped,- one, Miss S. Bayly of New York, giving $500, and the Congregational Church Building Society loaned $500. A plain, substantial building was completed and furnished, and on May 7. 1876, it was dedicated free of debt. The Rev. Dr. Warren of San Francisco and Dr. S. T. Packard of Los Angeles assisted the pastor and Dr. Hough preached the dedicatory sermon. The church cost about $1800.
In 1876 several members of the church began to hold prayer meetings from house to house in Lugonia. Later services were held in the Lugonia school house and a Sabbath school was formed. In 1880 it was decided to form a church there, and on May 21, 1880, letters of dismissal were granted by the First church of San Bernardino to fourteen members, who joined the new organization. the "Second Congregational church of San Bernardino." which later became the Lugonia church and is now merged into the First church of Redlands.
In 1883 Rev. J. T. Ford was appointed Superintendent of Home Missions for Southern California. He had been the beloved pastor of the San Ber- nardino and Lugonia churches for eight years and left the church united and prosperous and almost entirely self-supporting. The Rev. C. H. Davis sup-
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plied the pulpit from October, 1883, until April, 1884. He was followed by the Rev. J. T. Foster, Rev. E. C. Oakley and Rev. J. W. Jenkins. Rev. J. R. Knodell filled the pastorate from 1893 to 1897 and during his term the church was most prosperous, materially and spiritually. In 1894 the church was enlarged and renovated, a furnace and a large organ added. Mr. J. W. Rob- erts gave $1000 toward these improvements, and the church was re-dedicated in September, 1894. Rev. J. C. Robbins entered upon his pastorate in March, 1897. During 1899 it was voted to receive the members of the Spanish Mis- siou, conducted by Rev. A. B. Case, into the church. On May 18, 1898, the church celebrated its 31st anniversary with a reunion and a sumptuous repast.
Rev. W. E. Noyes, Rev. Mr. Williams and Rev. J. F. Davies have served the church since 1899.
The Sunday school has always been a very prominent part of the work of this church. It has an attendance of about 100. The Chinese mission in connection with the church has done excellent work, a number of its mem- bers being received into the church. It was first started by Miss Emeline Bradford, now Mrs. C. H. Davis, November 16, 1882.
The Ladies' Aid Society was organized in 1871, and has always been untiring in its efforts to assist in all good work. Among the early zealous workers were Mrs. Emma Davidson, Mrs. Eliza Peacock, Mesdames .M. H. Crafts, R. A. Davis, John Morris, Sibley, W. R. Tolles, Truman Reeves, Laura J. Morse, Deacon Crawford, Hart, White, Wright and Muscott. The Ladies' Home and Foreign Missionary Society was organized in 1884 and reorgan- ized in 1895. This society has been a liberal contributor to all good works.
During its more than thirty years' existence there have been about 600 names enrolled on the books of this church, many of these having been re- ceived on confession of faith. Of the ten charter members, five have passed `o the church militant. There are now 126 members.
This church has been the mother of several other Congregational churches. The Second Congregational church, formed from it, became the Lugonia church, which in turn became the Redlands Congregational and the Lugonia Terrace churches. The Highlands and Riverside churches also received many members and much assistance from the older sister. Many of the early members later returned to the Methodist and Presbyterian churches when these were organized. Through many discouragements and against many obstacles the First Congregational church of San Bernardino has striven earnestly and zealously to uphold the standard of its Master and its efforts have been blessed.
The First Baptist Church of San Bernardino organized November 10, 1866, with the following members: Rev. I. C. Curtis and wife, Dr. B. Barton, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. F. Shackleford, Mrs. Huldah Johnson, Messrs. John Cul- bertson and Ezra Kerfoot. Revs. Fuqua, Friar and Freeman were present
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HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
and assisted in the organization. Mr. W. F. Shackleford was elected deacon and Mr. Ezra Kerfoot, clerk. Rev. Curtis was elected pastor and services were held on the third Sunday of each month in the old South M. E. church. Rev. Curtis remained with the church for three years, then for nearly three years the church was without a settled pastor.
In 1872 Rev. D. G. Loveall became a member of the church and for sev- eral years preached once in two weeks, although he was never elected pastor and received no compensation for his services. In 1875 the church was reorganized with about twenty-seven members, Rev. J. P. Ludlow was called as pastor and T. M. Parsons and A. R. Nevers were chosen deacons. About this time the Methodists gave notice that they wished the exclusive use of their church, and services were held in the residence of Dr. Allen for a time and then in a hall in the Ancker Block. Rev. G. W. Allen was elected pastor and a Sunday school was organized.
In the fall of 1870 the association met with the church. As the associa- tional boundary then extended to the northern line of Santa Barbara, the delegation was a large one. The services, though not so systematic as those now held, were interesting and profitable.
In 1880 Rev. Chas. Button came to Riverside and for two years served both the San Bernardino and Riverside churches. During this pastorate the lot was bought and the present church erected. For this building Rev. But- ton visited the east and raised $500. Some members of the church who had no money to give worked with their hands, and others gave both money and labor. The ladies organize a sewing circle whose motto was, "Work, but no gossip." Some of the members yet remember how hard they worked to earn the $400 which they contributed to the church building and furnishing. Various supplies followed Rev. Button's pastorate, until Rev. Thos. Phillips was elected pastor July 1, 1885. He was followed by the Rev. A. J. Frost, who was succeeded by Rev. M. G. Shaw, the present pastor.
The San Bernardino Association of Spiritualists was originally a society known as The Brotherhood of Kindred Manifestations, but on September II. 1872, the former society changed its name and made a transfer of its land and hall to the Association of Spiritualists. The first officers of this society were: President, J. W. Smith ; vice-president, Mrs. Mary Carter ; secretary, L. A. Blackburn ; treasurer, Mrs. E. M. Wallace; trustees, H. M. Wallace, John Metcalf, Wm. Stones. The membership at organization was over fifty. The society has ever since kept up regular weekly meetings and owns the building known as Liberal Hall, free of incumbrance.
The present officers are: J. Marchant, president ; Mrs. Maggie Zimmer- man, vice-president ; Mrs. Lizzie Keller, secretary; N. B. Hale, treasurer ; trustees, James Boyd, W. C. Fuller, L. Meecham, Emily Deering, H. D. Peck and Mrs. Eva Smith.
The Presbyterian Church of San Bernardino was organized by the Rev. .
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HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Jas. Cameron, pastor of the Colton church, November 1, 1874. The church was a branch of the Colton church, holding services in the Baptist church and in the Knights of Pythias hall until December 5, 1882, when it was reorgan- ized with a membership of 12. Soon afterward the workers began to plan for a building of their own, and this was completed and dedicated free of debt in 1885. The Rev. Mr. Hill was the pastor at this time. In 1886 the Rev. Mr. Morrison was called as pastor. The church is situated on the cor- ner of E and Church streets, facing the park. A Sunday school room has been added to the original building and a manse for the pastor erected on an adjoining lot.
The present pastor is the Rev. D. McG. Gandier. The membership of the church is about 250 and that of the Sunday school about 300.
St. John's Episcopal Church. In May, 1882, an Associated Mission was organized by the Rev. S. G. Sines, with the Rev. F. W. Reed as assistant, which included San Bernardino, Colton and Riverside. In 1885 San Ber- nardino became a separate mission in charge of the Rev. C. L. Fitchett, and shortly afterward it was organized into the independent parish of St. John's. In 1890 a church building was erected at the corner of Fourth and F streets, which was occupied by the church until its destruction by fire in December, 1897. A new church was erected upon the same site in 1898 and was con- secrated on the first Sunday after Trinity, June 4, 1899. It seats about 200, has convenient vestry and guild rooms, and is lighted by gas and electricity. The font and altar are those used in the old church, having been saved at the time of the fire. The font was the gift of the children of the parish ; the altar is a memorial of Dwight Fox, for some years a vestryman of the parish. The entire value of the property is about $8,000.
Besides the missionaries who aided in its organization, the Revs. J. W. O'Brien, J. Merlin-Jones, E. M. W. Hills. J. H. McCracken, H. A. Brown, J. D. H. Browne, C. H. W. Stocking and P. H. Hickman have served as rectors.
A chapter of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew, a Woman's Guild, a Woman's Auxiliary Missionary and a Junior Auxiliary are the minor organ- izations which aid in the work of the parish.
The services of the church are: Morning prayer every day : Holy Com- munion on holy-days : special services during Lent. Sundays-Early cele- bration at 8 a. m. : morning prayer and sermon at II a. m., except on first Sunday of every month, when there is a second celebration ; evening prayer and sermon at 7:30.
Church of Latter Day Saints. The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was organized in San Bernardino in June, 1864, by Elders H. H. Morgan and Hyram Falk. This branch of the church of Latter Day Saints distinctly state in their creed that "we believe that the doctrines of plurality and a community of wives are heresies and are opposed to the law of God." A number of the "Josephites." the followers of Joseph Smith,
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HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
who organized this Church of Latter Day Saints in 1830, had remained in San Bernardino after Brigham Young had called his followers back to Salt Lake City in 1857. In a short time the new society numbered 200 members, and a location was purchased on the west side of D street between Third and Fourth, on which a hall was erected and used as a place of meeting. being free to all societies. This lot was sold in 1887 and the following year a new church was erected on a lot on the corner of Fifth and G streets. This building is still used by the saints for religious services. In October, 1899, the enrollment reported for this church was 265. A Sunday School is main- tained with an enrollment of 138 and an average attendance of about 70.
A society for young people is known as the Zion's Religio-Literary So- ciety, the object of which is the improvement of its members along literary, social, musical and spiritual lines. It has a membership of about 70. There is also a Ladies' Aid Society whose object is to help the needy and distressed.
SOCIETIES.
History of Phoenix Lodge, No. 178, F. & A. M.
By C. A. Mackechnie, M. S.
Previous to the formation of Phoenix Lodge in this town, there had been constituted a lodge of F. & A. M. under the name of Unity Lodge No. 130. The date of the charter was May 13, 1859. After a series of peculiar and un- fortunate events this lodge was declared "perpetually extinct" by the Grand Lodge, May 13. 1863. It is considered best to let this matter lie hid in the archives of the Grand Lodge.
After the extinction of its charter, several Masonic brethren decided to meet and re-establish a lodge of F. & A. M. in the town. On September 12, 1865, an application was made to the Grand Lodge of California for a dis- pensation to form a Masonic Lodge in this city. This application was signed by James A. Rousseau, M. D., James C. Peacock, M. D., George Washing- ton, August Winkler, Wolff Fleischer, Hyman Goldberg, D. T. Heuston and John B. Hamilton, all of San Bernardino, Cal.
The dispensation was granted October 20, 1865, by M. W. Gilbert, B. Clairborne, Grand Master, to these petitioners, and this lodge was known as "San Bernardino Lodge," U. D. Bro. J. A. Rousseau was appointed the first W. M .; J. C. Peacock, S. W., and August Winkler J. W.
The first regular meeting was held on November 2, 1865. The stated meetings were held on "Thursday succeeding full moon in each month." This was changed in October, 1866, to the Saturday preceding full moon in each month. The fees for degrees were as follows: E. A. $35, F. C. $20, M. M. $20, Affiliation $5. The monthly dues were fixed at one dollar per
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HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
month. The first candidate to receive the degrees in this lodge was Bro. I. R. Brunn, who is still with us. The hall where the brethren met for work was situated on Third street. It was an adobe building, now destroyed, very near the southwest corner of Third and D streets.
On September 27, 1866, the name "Phoenix" was suggested for the new lodge, which was ultimately adopted. Bro. James H. Lander installed the officers of Phoenix Lodge No. 178, F. & A. M., on October 25, 1866, at the same time legally constituting it, and on December 19, 1866, the officers for the ensuing year were installed by Bro. Peterson of Los Angeles. During 1867 there was nothing of importance beyond work. In February, 1868,
Bro. Caro presented the lodge with the 3, 5 and 7 steps. In this year, 1868, for some unknown cause the installation of officers did not take place until March II, when Bro. Sam Praeger was installing officer. On St. John's day, 1868, the brethren met at John Brown, Sr.'s place for a picnic, where the W. M. delivered an excellent address upon Masonry, which was after- ward published. A ball in the evening at J. W. Waters' hall concluded the ceremonies of the day. The expenses of the entertainment amounted to $300, which was liquidated by the sale of ball tickets.
The brethren then decided to remove to more suitable quarters, and
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HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
accordingly rented the upper story in the Van Tassel building, situated at the corner of Utah and Fourth streets. The rent was to be $30 per month, "payable in U. S. gold or silver coin." This building was situated where the Swing block now stands, at the northwest corner of Fourth and D streets.
A public installation of officers took place January 11, 1869, in J. W. Waters hall, where an address upon Freemasonry was delivered by P. M. M. W. Glover, father of the present chairman of the Board of Supervisors. On this occasion Bro. Rousseau was presented with a golden Past Master's jewel by Bro. Rolfe, in the name of the lodge, for his efficient and praise- worthy services to the lodge. During this year the members became very anxious to own their hall, and so it came to pass that on February 20, 1869, a committee was authorized to inquire into the feasibility of building a hall and to confer with a similar committee of the I. O. O. F.
On June 19, 1869, Bro. Rousseau on behalf of Bro. Lewis Jacobs pre- sented the lodge with a fine set of silver working tools. Bro. Peacock pre- sented to Phoenix Lodge a number of books for the purpose of forming a Masonic library, and was tendered a hearty vote of thanks by the lodge on January 15, 1870. On this occasion Bro. Kelly also presented the lodge with the letter "G."
February 1. 1870, a meeting was called to consider the propriety of establishing a hospital. After some preliminary talk a committee of three was appointed to act in conjunction with a like committee from other asso- ciations to procure a suitable place for a hospital. Nothing more was heard of this for quite a long time, and no evidence exists of the books presented by Bro. Peacock, all trace of them being lost.
A committee was appointed on September 3, 1870, to receive subscrip- tions for the building of a Masonic Hall, and was composed of Bros. Heuston, Jacobs. Rolfe, Suverkrup, Brunn, France, Bright and Caro. Sufficient prog- ress having been reported, it was ordered that a committee be appointed to "raw plans of a proper Masonic Hall and to ascertain the cost. February 4. {871, proposals were received from Messrs. Stewart, Waters and Miller, offering suitable pieces of land for building upon. The proposition of Mr. Miller was received and accepted. Messrs. Wm. MacDonald and Ralph Var- ley made propositions to the lodge regarding building, which was let on June 3. 1871. to Mr. MacDonald. In the matter of obtaining a hall of their own the brothers were ably assisted 1y their lady relatives, who announced on October 28, 1871, that they had collected $560 as the proceeds of a ball.
The Grand Lodge was called upon to lay the cornerstone of our present building, and on October 3. 1871, the Grand Master deputized P. M., Horace Conan Rolfe to act as Grand Master, who appointed the following brethren as Grand officers: I. H. Levy, D. G. M .; George Lord, S. G. W ; Henry Suverkrup, J. G. W .; Lewis Jacobs, Grand Treas .; H. M. Willis, Grand
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HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Secy. ; J. S. Sawyer, J. G. D .; S. P. Waite, Gr. Marshall; B. F. Mathews and D. T. Henston, Gr. Stewards ; S. C. Hammer, Gr. Tyler.
The ceremony was performed by the acting Grand Master and the ora- tion was delivered by H. M. Willis. This building was paid for in various ways. Many brothers made due bills to the committee to be paid in cash or lumber, or even labor, and then mortgages were taken upon the property until such time as they were able to pay off all outstanding obligations. As an illustration, Bro. Caro on April 1, 1871, sent in a written report with a list of due bills held by him to the amount of $890, and orders for about 17,000 feet of lumber. Bro. Caro concludes his report, "hoping that you will be pleased and satisfied with your humble servant." The ladies, too, were also aiding and assisting in the great and glorious undertaking of erect- ing a Masonic Hall, and they again announced on July 20, 1872, that they had received $103.50 for the purchase of the necessary furniture. Phoenix Lodge has always been indebted to Bro. Lord and his helpmate for many tokens of their appreciation, and as Mrs. Lord is an indefatigable worker with needle and thread, she presented to Phoenix Lodge on December 14. 1872, a set of tidies for the several stations and altar, with the proper jewels worked thereon. Bro. Caro also presented on behalf of Bro. Fleischer a photo of some distinguished brothers of Bombay, India.
At this period in the history of our lodge it is proper to state that I have been creditably informed that the ladies, while working hard to devise ways and means to obtain money, were subjected to a great deal of abuse and many instances of gross insults were offered to them.
The Masonic Hall being completed, the Grand Lodge was asked to dedicate the hall, which was done by P. M. I. H. Levy as acting Grand Master, who appointed the following officers: J. A. Rousseau, D. G. M .: I. R. Brunn, S. G. W .; George Lord, J. G. W .: Lewis Jacobs, Grand Treas. : J. S. Sawyer, Grand Secy .; M. W. Glover, Grand Chap .: J. S. Bright, S. G. D .; B. F. Mathews, J. G. D .: I. W. Satterwhite, Grand Orator; L. Caro, Grand Marshal : H. Suverkrup and S. Jackson, Grand Stewards: W. Fleischer, Grand Tyler. John Brown, Sr., who was well known in San Bernardino as a pioneer and father of Bro. Joseph Brown, presented Phoenix Lodge witlı $20, and for his generosity was tendered a vote of thanks. May 10, 1873, it being ascertained that Bro. Jacobs was about to visit his old home in Europe, it was moved and seconded that the lodge wish him a prosperous voyage and a speedy return. Inquiry was instituted August 2, 1873, regarding Bro. Wm. France, who was supposed to be lost in the mines of Arizona or California. A special meeting was called on January 10, 1874, for the pur- pose of exercising charity in the case of Bro. Sawyer, whose home was burned down on January 9 during his absence from home. A motion was made to offer. $300 to purchase the necessary material to build a house, but an amend- ment was offered and carried unanimously that the sum of $500 be offered.
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Several brothers offered to loan $50 and two offered each 1000 feet of lumber.
November 7, 1874, an invitation was received and accepted from the Board of Supervisors of this county requesting Phoenix Lodge to invite the M. W. Grand Lodge of California to lay the cornerstone of the new Court House at 2 p. m. November 12, 1874. The cornerstone was laid on that day with the usual ceremonies, after which Bro. H. M. Willis, orator of the day, delivered a most eloquent and interesting address to one of the largest audiences ever assembled in our town. A short time ago I saw some of the contents of the box, but many valuable relics of the ancient town dis- appeared, notably a bottle of old whiskey and sundry coins of the realm. It was supposed to be due to a tramp who had excavated the box and stolen what he considered to be the most valuable records. The picture of George Washington hanging on our wall was presented by Bro. Andreson Septem- ber II, 1875.
A special meeting was called on December 15, 1875, for the purpose "oi considering the calamity that had befallen, this morning, the different sister orders of the town in having their hall burned down, thereby being without a place to meet in." The free use of our hall was tendered to San Bernardino Lodge No. 146, I. O. O. F., Morse Encampment No. 27, K. of P., and Para- dise Lodge No. 237, I. O. B. B., until such time as they can procure a suitable place to meet in. The M. W. Grand Master and Grand Lecturer visited Phoenix Lodge, March 29, 1876, when the latter exemplified the third degree. The fees for degrees were reduced to $50 on April 8, 1876. December 27, 1876, Bro. S. H. Knapp, D. D. G. M., of Grand Jurisdiction of New York, was introduced and delivered a very interesting address on Masonry.
A committee of three was appointed January 20, 1877, to confer with the Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias to arrange for a hospital. This committee reported on February 24, 1877, that they had procured a house for a hospital situated on the premises of Bro. D. F. Mathews, which was ready for use. The Grand Lodge met at Riverside April 26, 1877, with Bro. J. C. King, acting Grand Master, to lay the cornerstone of the Masonic Hall. The Grand Lodge was assisted by San Bernardino Lodge No. 146, I. O. O. F., and Morse Encampment No. 51, I. O. O. F. The Grand Orator, W. J. Law, delivered an oration, and the Stewards made a collection, which was placed in the hands of the brethren at Riverside to be distributed by them among the workmen and indigent members of the craft. February 16, 1878, it was reported that the assets of the lodge were valued at $7500, consisting of hall building, valued at $6000, furniture and jewels $1500. Against this there was a mortgage of $1550 upon the property bearing interest at 11/4 per cent per month. This indeed spoke well for Phoenix Lodge.
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