USA > Iowa > Polk County > Des Moines > Des Moines, the pioneer of municipal progress and reform of the middle West, together with the history of Polk County, Iowa, the largest, most populous and most prosperous county in the state of Iowa; Volume I > Part 63
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Mr. Hughes was followed for a brief period by Rev. Mr. Scribner, who in turn was followed by Rev. Mr. Dinsmore. By this time the membership had greatly increased. Rev. W. J. Gill succeeded Mr. Dinsmore and continued to serve until the two churches were united.
Meantime the New School church was bravely struggling on. The Presby- tery of Des Moines in 1852 consisted of eight churches and only four ministers, Revs. John H. Shields, of Centerville; John C. Ewing, of Troy; Asa Martin, of Bloomfield; and Thompson Bird, of Fort Des Moines. Dr. Wishard well says, "Mr. Bird was obliged to be minister, elder, deacon, trustee, and financier in general, so far as any finances entered into the life of the church." We have already seen how prominent and helpful he was as a citizen, a leader in every good word and work, and, in 1851, the first president of the incorporated town of Fort Des Moines. The Central church in '52 numbered only eleven members. In ten years, "Pastor Bird's little flock had grown from eleven to seventy-eight," and had become the largest congregation in the Presbytery. After holding services in the homes of the members since 1848, in '50 the meetings were held in the courthouse. In '53, the congregation was holding church services in a small frame building of its own on Fourth street.
In 1864 Mr. Bird was released from the pastorate because of failing health, and in '67 his eminently useful career was rounded out into completeness.
He was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Wetmore, who served one year. Rev. T. O. Rice followed, continuing his labors until 1871. During these years plans were matured for a larger church building. The old church property was sold, but; was still occupied by the congregation. The foundations of the present Central church on Eighth and High were laid. In '66 the Fourth street building was burned, and with it all the church records were destroyed. Under the pressure of necessity, the new edifice was pushed to an early completion. The dedication occurred in 1870. Mr. Rice's ministry had been fruitful of results. The mem- bership of the church in its new home had increased to 140,-nearly as large as that of the First church. Rev. Mr. L. P. Rice served as pastor from '72 to '75.
In 1875 the desire for a union of the two congregations developed into con- ferences to that end. The two branches of the Presbyterian church in the county had been happily united and as Dr. Wishard says, "The dangerous horns had been shed." With all their growth, the two congregations in Des Moines
2 Following Dr. Wishard's sketch.
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found it difficult to maintain two separate churches and pay adequate salaries to two pastors. The Central church had incurred obligations in building and its capacious edifice had somewhat anticipated the future. The two congrega- tions safely passed the conference period and finally agreed upon a basis of union. The First church sold its property and put the proceeds of the sale into the Central. The two pastors Mr. Hill and Mr. Gill removed all remaining em- barrassment by resigning their pastorates. Mr. Gill was chosen the first pastor of the united church, and continued his labors until 1878. In '79 Rev. S. H. Thompson succeeded to the pastorate of "the Presbyterian church of Des Moines." Then occurred a vacancy. This was happily filled in 1881 by Rev. J. B. Stewart, D. D., of Milwaukee. Because of delicate health, Dr. Stewart declined installa- tion ; but, as his work progressed, his influence grew and the church correspond- ingly grew, in grace and in membership. With occasional rests he was able to continue his labors until the spring of '87. During his six years' service, 235 members were added to the church, 50 by profession of faith and 185 by letter. Rev. S. E. Wishard, D. D., took up the work in the following fall, and in November, 1887, was duly installed. During the two years of his pastorate, 196 were added to the church, 82 on profession and 14 by letter. The succession of pastors is as follows: Dr. Howard Agnew Johnston, Dr. Albert B. Marshall, Dr. Barton B. Bigler, Dr. Murdoch McLeod, and Dr. George P. Magill. The present membership is 918.
Retracing our steps, let us note the blossoming out of the missionary spirit of the pioneer Presbyterians of Des Moines.
The First Presbyterian church, on the East side, sprung from the parent Central church. Rev. W. J. Gill organized the congregation June 21, 1877. In November following, Rev. Wallace W. Thorpe succeeded, continuing his labors until August, '80. Rev. William J. Young then gave the church three years of effective service. During his ministry a church building was erected on Des Moines and. Seventh streets. In October, '83, Rev. William M. Bartholemew began a pastorate of eleven years. He was followed by Rev. F. N. Riale. In March, '96, Rev. W. C. Atwood began a ministry which continued until the fall of '99. During his pastorate, the question of a larger church building was first agitated. Rev. J. W. Day followed, remaining until the fall of 1910. During his pastorate the present church building, corner of Twelfth and Maple streets, was erected and dedicated. Dr. Day was succeeded by Rev. Dr. R. K. Porter, of Columbus, Ohio, the present pastor. With the new pipe-organ recently in- stalled, the members have ground for the claim that theirs is the most modern and best equipped church in the city. "The First" has an enrollment of nearly four hundred members. Of the thirty-five charter-members, Mrs. L. C. Barlow is the only one now on the church roll.
The South Des Moines Presbyterian church, the outgrowth of a mission Bible School, was organized in Pierce's Hall, March 3, 1879. Rev. J. H. Malcom, later of Chicago, was instrumental in the work of organization and was the church's first pastor, remaining in that field altogether about a year and a half. In September, 1880, Rev. Alexander Scott succeeded him, remaining about two years. Rev. W. J. Young served the church about two years, at the same time carrying on other work on the east side. In May, 1885, Rev. S. Ollerenshaw began his labors with the church. The little house of worship was improved and a parsonage was erected during his pastorate. In 1890 the church reported 80 members and 240 members of its Bible school. Mr. Ollerenshaw was succeeded by Dr. Robertson, whose life came to an untimely end, by asphyxiation, during his attendance upon the Sessions of the General Assembly of the church. After him the church was served by Rev. Harrison Scott Condit who in November, 1899, went to Russell, Iowa, where he is now serving Unity church. Next comes the longest pastorate in the history of the church, that of Rev. A. W. McConnell, D. D., now pastor of a church in Los Angeles. During his pastorate of almost ten years, the old church building was destroyed by fire. When the little strug-
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gling congregation rallied from the blow they built the present handsome and convenient edifice. The next pastor was Rev. W. S. Crozier, who stayed but one year and then, for the health of his family, went to Colorado. Next came Rev. W. R. Coventry, who is at present serving the church at Seymour, Iowa. While he was pastor, the church enjoyed a measure of prosperity. The congregation then divided, part staying with Clifton Heights, having called Rev. J. E. How- ard, the present pastor. The new wing of the church is now known as the Park Avenue church, and is in a flourishing condition under the leadership of Rev. Mr. Hughes.
The beginnings of Westminster church are to be traced to a school held at the home of Mrs. Edwards, 1068 Twelfth street. The church society was or- ganized by Rev. J. B. Stewart, D. D., Elder J. A. Ankeny and Rev. W. J. Young, missionary, on March 23, 1884, with forty-four charter members. Mr. Young was the heart and soul of the movement and continued with the church until Oc- tober 10, 1887. On his own responsibility he erected the church building on Thirteenth street just below University. The building is now occupied by the congregation of the First. Christian church.
The Rev. G. N. Luccock began his ministry on December 4, 1887. He con- tinued to serve the church as pastor until September 9, 1891. Rev. William Miller was called to the pastorate and began his labors on September 23, 1891. He remained with the church until September 15, 1892. Rev. William Gardiner was secured as stated supply, beginning his labors on November 20, 1892, and remaining until April, 1894. Rev. Hugh Jack was called from Nevada, Iowa, on the 27th of May, 1894. He continued until December 31, 1895. After an interval of six months a call was given to Rev. Samuel R. Boyd, who began his labors in August, 1896, and continued with the church until February, 1899. For. the second time the Rev. Hugh Jack became pastor of the church, beginning his ministry March 5, 1899, and remained until April, 1904. After a vacancy of six months the Rev. S. D. McFadden was called and served acceptably until the summer of 19II, when he accepted the vice-presidency of Highland Park College. Rev. John Bamford succeeded Mr. McFadden.
Until 1893 the church home was on Thirteenth street. During the closing year of the pastorate of Mr. Luccock it became evident that the church should be out farther. A lot was purchased at the corner of Twelfth and Forest ave- nue, but owing to the fact that the growth of the community had not been so rapid as had been anticipated, the society did not attempt to place a building on the new location until during the pastorate of Mr. Gardiner. At that time, what is now the interior of the chapel was erected and made ready for the brick veneer. After Mr. Jack's first pastorate the church passed through many reverses. The membership was depleted by removals, the organization became involved in debt and the situation was such when he returned that it was im- possible for the congregation to offer any fixed salary; but Mr. Jack soon had the work in a fairly prosperous condition. In 1901 the first steps were taken toward the erection of the present building. The thought at first was to erect a building much more expensive and larger than the one now on the ground, with the result that it was not until the fall of 1903 that the foundation of the present building was laid. Before work was begun, Mr. Jack accepted a call to the First church of Peoria. The building was brought to completion and for the most part paid for during the present pastorate. It is built of buff pressed brick-the auditorium is about fifty-eight feet square. It is seated with heavy oak pews, has a hard-wood floor, is finished in rough plaster and frescoed. The room, with the balcony, will seat nearly 500. The church has a fine pipe organ purchased about three years ago.
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The windows are stained glass, two of them being memorial windows, placed, one in memory of William Dennis, one of the early elders of the church, and one in honor of Mrs. Edwards, "the mother of the church," who is still living on Twelfth street.
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The property of the church today is valued at about $20,000. The actual membership has been more than doubled during the last seven years in the face of large removals from the church, due to removals from the city, and now numbers a little more than 300. The Sabbath School has an enrollment of 275.
Bethany church was organized in 1888, also the outgrowth of Bible school work. Rev. S. W. Pollock was placed in charge of the work of organization. A house of worship was built, and at the organization nearly thirty members were enrolled. Rev. W. H. Black succeeded, taking up the work with result- ful vigor. Others who have filled the pulpit are: Rev. A. M. Heizer, Rev. Isaac White, Rev. E. M. Barakart, Rev. P. Read, Rev. John D. Carpenter, Rev. A. W. Haines, Rev. Thomas Hughes, Rev. Hugh Ewart, Rev. H. A. Leaty. There were seventeen members at the outset. There are fifty members on the roll at present. During the five years of the present pastor's service about sixty have been dismissed to other churches. The Sunday school is in a flourishing con- dition.
The Sixth Presbyterian church, in the western portion of the city, at the intersection of Twenty-fourth street with Cottage Grove avenue, also grew out of Bible school work organized by Rev. W. J. Young. In the fall of 1888, Mr. Young gathered a Mission Bible school on Twenty-second street, rented a vacant store-house, and seated it and began preaching there. In the following spring a church was organized, with about thirty members, most of them dis- missed from Central and Westminster. The membership rapidly increased. Lots were secured, a church edifice was erected, at a cost of about $7,000, and the dedicatory exercises were held. The name has been changed to Cottage Grove Avenue Presbyterian church. Dr. J. W. Comtermine is the present pastor.
Highland Park Presbyterian church was organized in April, 1890. The congregation's first pastor was Rev. S. W. Pollock. The succession was Rev. John E. Stewart, W. M. Grafton, D. W. McMillan, E. B. Linn and the present pastor, W. Boynton Gage. From small beginnings the church membership has increased to 253.
Thus with seven centers of influence in Des Moines, the pioneer Presby- terian church is evidently "here to stay" and grow. With able pastors devoted to the service to which they have been called, and with a following of united and enthusiastic members, and with Sunday schools vigorously maintained, the church's power for good in the community is unmeasurable.
CHAPTER IV.
THE BAPTIST CHURCH.
The first Baptist society of Des Moines came into being November 17, 1850. The society was formally organized January 18, 1851, with Rev. J. A. Nash as moderator.1 Its services were held for a time in the Methodist church. On the Ioth of February, following, it was formally resolved that although Mr. Nash, the first pastor, ought to receive $150. for his year's work, the church was unable to pay him more than a third of that amount. A committee was ap- pointed to consider and report on plans for the erection of a church building. In due time the committee reported in favor of the erection of a structure 35 x 25, one story high, "with suitable doors and windows," the walls to be constructed of brick if the brick could be obtained. The recommendation was approved, and the first service in the new church was held October 13, 1855. The dedi- cation occurred March II, 1856. It stood on Mulberry street, north of the old courthouse, and remained standing until well along in the sixties, when it was torn down to make room for a new brick building.
The congregation so increased that on August 9, 1863, the church appointed Dr. W. H. Dickinson to secure plans and figures for a larger building. Three years later the Baptist society had what was then conceded to be "the finest church in the State," located on the corner of Eighth and Locust streets, which years afterward was torn down to make place for the Rogg building, long used as a public library. The dedicatory sermon was preached by the Rev. Dr. Goodspeed, pastor of the Second Baptist church of Chicago.
Dr. Nash continued to serve as pastor until 1865. After his resignation he and other pastors continued to supply the pulpit until April, 1866, when Rev. L. W. Hayhurst was chosen pastor. Late in 1866 the church membership had increased to 273, notwithstanding the organization of a new church in the city.
But the end of growth and consequent enlargement had not yet come. A still larger, more convenient and more beautiful church building was voted, the result of which commitment was the dedication, on the 17th of November, 1896, of the new and beautiful edifice now standing on the corner of Eighth and High streets. The burden of the work of the building committee fell upon Mr. W. D. Lovell.
The latest evolution, this third church home of the Baptist society was at the time of its dedication well described in the press as "commodious, symmet- rical, chaste and ornate," and "as nearly a matter of honor to the city as it is one of pride to the church." It was designed by Architect Eastman of Des Moines. The stone of which it is constructed is from an Iowa quarry. It is roofed with slate, and the interior is artistically decorated. It has a large audi- torium, a lecture room, Sunday school room, pastor's study and basement din- ing room and kitchen. It was built at a cost of $68,000.
Buildings erected by the voluntary subscriptions of many are not erected by
1 The purpose to organize antedated this event. In January, 1848, the Polk County Commissioners donated a lot to the Baptists of Ft. Des Moines on condition that they build a church within two years,-the lot to be held in trust by Major McKay, clerk of the board. Near the end of the two-year period, the Major (then District Judge) bought the lot to prevent its reversion, and, later, he presented it to the society.
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magic. The movement for the new church began in 1892, when the society was notified that the Locust street building was unsafe, and might topple over at any time. Following this startling announcement the services were held in the Y. M. C. A. auditorium, and later in the old High street church. The corner- stone of the new church was laid September 23, 1894; but not until the 17th of November, 1896, the forty-sixth anniversary of the organization of the society was the dream of its members realized.
The morning service was opened by an organ voluntary by Miss Lulu Nash, the invocation by Rev. J. R. Murphy, a former pastor ; scripture reading by Rev. E. P. Bartlett, secretary of the Baptist State Convention ; prayer by Rev. A. H. Ballard, pastor of the East Side Baptist church; an original hymn by Rev. W. E. Witter, of Boston, former pastor of this church; sermon by Rev. Dr. Law- rence, of Chicago. At the afternoon service, Attorney General Remley, Governor Drake, the pastors of several other city churches, and the resident pastor, Dr. Til- den, took part, and a hymn written by Dr. Dickinson, one of the pioneers of the church, was sung by the choir and congregation.
Following is a list of pastors over this church :
J. A. Nash, 1851 ; L. W. Hayhurst, 1866; J. V. Schofield, 1869; J. R. Murphy, 1871; L. M. Woodruff, 1879; C. M. Brink, 1882; H. L. Stetson, 1887; H. W. Tilden, 1890; W. M. Walker, 1898; Howland Hanson, 1905.
At the present time there are nine Baptist churches in the city as follows :
First-Eighth and High, Rev. Howland Hanson, D. D.
Maple St. Baptist, Rev. Samuel Bates.
Swedish-Pennsylvania avenue, Rev. Albin Holmer.
Forest Avenue-Forest avenue and IIth, Rev. E. M. Griffin.
Duncan Church-Lyon street, Rev. A. C. Snowberger. Corinthian-Linden and 15th, Rev. T. L. Griffith.
St. Mary's -- Pennsylvania avenue, Rev. J. O. R. Wimbush.
Calvary-E. Ninth and Des Moines, Rev. James W. Graves. First African Baptist-School (no pastor assigned.)
CHAPTER V.
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH.1
Polk county from its beginning belonged under the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Catholic bishop of Dubuque. In 1851, the Rev. Alexander Hattenberger was sent as the first resident priest to Ottumwa, whose mission included the en- tire Des Moines valley as far as Fort Des Moines, where he made visits in '51 and '52, and is remembered to have said holy mass in the log hut of a German Catholic in Fort Des Moines.
In 1853 Rev. Father Timothy N. Mullen was sent to the Des Moines valley. He was accompanied by several families who settled about fifteen miles south- west of Fort Des Moines, known as the "Irish Settlement," and at Churchville also. Father Mullen commenced a log church in the "Settlement," but remained only a short time. The church was finished in 1854 by Father Kreckel. Rev. John Kreckel was in 1853 appointed pastor of Ottumwa, with Fort Des Moines as one of his out-missions. In 1854 he celebrated mass in Fort Des Moines and found only eight families,-amongst whom was T. Cavanagh, "the friend of mis- sionary priests." Father Kreckel afterwards spoke with grateful remembrance of the first assistance given him in Fort Des Moines-a gold half-eagle from Mr. Cavanagh. The Catholics in "the Settlement" made better progress; and in the autumn of 1854 Rev. Father Philip Laurent, who passed through Fort Des Moines-riding horseback from Council Bluffs to Dubuque, stopped over Sun- day with the Catholics of the Settlement. He estimated the number of Catholics at that time in Polk county to be about thirty-five families.
Early in 1855, Rev. Louis DeCailly, nephew of Bishop Loras, was sent to Fort Des Moines ; but remained only a month or two. Before returning to Dubuque, he arranged for the purchase of two lots on the southeast corner of Sixth avenue and Locust street, Fort Des Moines, Bishop Loras completing this purchase from Thomas G. Given for $1,000 for the two lots. Bishop Loras sent P. M. Casady $1,000 (exchange on St. Louis) ; however, the grantor was satisfied with $800 and returned $200.
In 1855 Rev. William Emonds spent a week in Polk county, visiting the few Catholics in the city, and administering a baptism at Des Moines in July.
St. Ambrose.
In the spring of 1856, the Rev. George H. Plathe was sent to Des Moines as resident pastor. He opened the baptismal register of St. Ambrose church, and this historic volume shows his first date as March 16, 1856, and his last date as April 8, 1860. The baptisms in 1856 numbered sixty, and in the follow- ing year eighty-nine. Among the earliest Catholics occur the names of O'Neill, Sommer, Walsh, McGorrisk, Rogers, McTighe, Drady and the Cavanaghs. Until 1856, divine services were held in residences; in that year Father Plathe built
1 The author is under many obligations to the historian of the Catholic Church of Iowa, the Rev. John F. Kempker, of Davenport, formerly of Valley Junction, Poik county, for this carefully prepared outline history of the Catholic church in Des Moines and Polk county-written in response to the author's request, seconded by the request of the Rev. Father Nugent, of Des Moines. The author's part in these pages is that of editorially adapt- ing the subject-matter to the general treatment accorded the several other pioneer churches.
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a frame church on the southeast corner of Sixth Avenue and Locust street, a place then considered pretty far out. A small room was added for his study and residence. Later, he resided with Mr. and Mrs. Mulholland. Pending the erection of the church he used a building on Fifth street, between Market and Vine. The first church. about 40 by 24 feet, soon proved too small. In 1858, an extension was added.
The removal of the State Capitol to Des Moines in 1857 brought many Catholics to Polk county. During these years, until 1860, the number of St. Ambrose parish gradually increased to about one hundred families. Many others settled in more remote corners of the county, also in the Irish Settlement and in Churchville. Father Plathe "was a most exemplary priest, spare, somewhat tall in figure, soldierly in bearing, kindly-spoken, zealous and watchful, a little se- vere against dancing and the like, but urbane, cultured and loved by his people." Pioneer hardships broke his health, and he was removed to his brother's home in Dubuque county, where he died, April 23, 1860, in the 54th year of his age.
During the nine months ensuing, the congregation was visited from time to time by Rev. J. J. Marsh, from Ft. Dodge.
In the autumn of 1860, the Very Rev. John F. Brazill was sent as pastor. He soon awakened a wonderful interest in church matters in Des Moines. The whole city became alive to the thoroughness of his lectures and sermons. Soon afterwards a large church fair stirred up some strife ; but, through his diplomacy, it ended in making the church very popular in Des Moines.
In 1861, Father Brazill added still another extension to the church and bought a frame house for a residence. In 1862, the new brick St. Ambrose church was commenced. It was finished in 1864, its dimensions about IIO by 56 feet. It was considered at that time one of the best churches in the West. It was dedicated in 1865. In 1874, a new parochial residence was purchased on the northwest corner of Sixth Avenue and Locust street, at a cost of $8,000.
Father Brazill remained in Des Moines until his death in 1885, becoming closely identified with the history of St. Ambrose church and of the city of Des Moines. In August, 1885, Father Brazill was stricken with disease, and in a few days thereafter, on the 25th, he died aged 58 years. He was buried in the Catholic cemetery of Des Moines. In his last will, he bequeathed his pos- sessions to the church.
In a few weeks, the work was taken up and ably continued by the present incumbent, the Right Rev. Monsignore Michael Flavin, D. D. V. F. Father Flavin first saw the light in Ireland in 184.1. As a student in Mount Melleray Seminary, and Carlow College, he gained a finished education, completing his theology in St. Vincent's College, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, in 1869 and '70. July 20, 1870, he was ordained priest in St. Ambrose church, Des Moines, by Bishop O'Gorman of Omaha. He was first assigned to Dubuque, was then sent to some missionary work on the prairies, and then for ten years became pastor of St. Mary's church, Davenport. Father Flavin has proved himself a wise director and a zealous priest, as is seen in the flourishing and prosperous condi- tion of his Des Moines congregation, and as is demonstrated especially in the successful completion of the beautiful St. Ambrose church on the northwest corner of Sixth Avenue and High street, with a commodious residence for the priests. St. Ambrose is built of stone in cathedral style, with extra dimensions of 185 by 103 feet.
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