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 64
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97
From St. Ambrose several other congregations have been called into ex- istence, the first of which was St. Mary's, organized chiefly for the benefit of the German-speaking element of the community. In 1871, Rt. Rev. Bishop John Hennessy sent to Father Brazill as his assistant the Rev. Aloysius Nicolas Sassel, and before the close of the same year appointed him pastor of St. Mary's. Father Sassel selected a church site on the west bank of the Des Moines river at Second and Crocker streets. Generously aided by others in the city, he succeeded so well that in 1873 he had completed and in use a large two-story basement, and had
REV. J. F. BRAZIL OF ST. AMBROSE CHURCH A prominent character in Des Moines from the '60s to the '90s
REV. SANFORD HAINES Pioneer Methodist Preacher of Polk County
455
CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY
surrounded himself with a parish of about seventy families. In 1875 the church was completed, a neat brick edifice, in dimensions about 120 by 46 feet, in Gothic style, and presenting a pleasing view from the street and from the river. Father Sassel opened a parochial school. He introduced the Sisters of St. Francis of La Crosse, and continued unflinchingly the task of making necessary improvements, little by little, and of cancelling the indebtedness incurred, which at one time reached the sum of $8,000. "This was no easy task, for the congregation was small, and widely scattered. Furthermore, Father Sassel was so genial, kind- hearted, zealous, learned and talented, that he gained the cooperation and good- will of all. He lived a plain, frugal life, and devoted his income and his strength to his parish. At the time of his demise he had the congregation on the highway to prosperity, and with an incumbrance reduced to $4,000." Father Sassel died May 6, 1883, and was interred in St. Ambrose cemetery.
"The congregation of St. Mary's was then intrusted to the spiritual direction of the Fathers of the Benedictine Order, and, under the pastorate of Pater Rev. Winfried Schmitt, it has abundantly prospered-its debts all paid, its improve- ments completed, the school enlarged and improved, and the whole parish well organized and prosperous."
In 1882, Bishop McMullen, of Davenport, created a new parish in Des Moines, appointing as the first pastor the Rev. Joseph F. Nugent, who was at that time pastor of What Cheer and out-missions. He arrived in East Des Moines to as- sume his duties, on July 1, 1882. "Although it was Saturday, he set to work with his usual energy to prepare for the Sunday celebration, gathered about him a few parishioners, secured a hall, built a temporary altar in it, borrowed a chalice and altar-stone from Father Sassel, and vestments from Father Bra- zill, and at half-past ten o'clock on Sunday, July 2, 1882, the congregation had assembled in Teachout's Hall, 512 East Locust street, for the celebration of the first holy mass in the new parish. As this was the Feast of the Visitation, Father Nugent and his parishioners selected the Visitation as the title for the prospective church."
In the previous year two lots at the northwest corner of East Court avenue and Seventh street had been purchased, and a small two-room school had been built thereon. St. Michael's school was opened in 1881 by the Sisters of Charity, two of whom came daily from the west Des Moines school. "Many of the first parishioners well remember the charitable zeal and tireless energy of Sister Mary of the Cross and Sister Mary Eulogia." In 1883, four rooms were added. Here Sister Mary of the Cross presided as the first Sister Superior. On Tues- day, the first week in July, 1882, we find fifteen or twenty men at work put- ting up a temporary church, close by the school, the structure, measuring 50 by 36, built of boards set on end, with board roof. It was finished for services before the close of the week. It was formally opened and occupied July 9. In October of the same year it was enlarged with an extension, received a shingle roof, and was designated the "wigwam."
A more eligible church site was chosen on the southwest corner of East Walnut and Tenth streets, but it was some years before the congregation was able to build. After many struggles the incumbrances on the church grounds were liquidated, and in the summer of 1889 the foundation of the new church was laid. On December 20, 1892, the edifice was completed and opened for divine services. It is brick, 125 by 56 feet in dimensions, "well constructed, after a beautiful Gothic plan, with provision for extension and tower in the same style to be added on the north front. It presents a magnificent view from the trains entering Des Moines from the east, where the fine lines of this temple blend into a pleasing picture with the State Capitol in the background. The material progress was insignificant, however, in comparison with the growth of the spiritual edifice, reared by Father Nugent. The influence of the sacra- ments and teachings of the church were enhanced by Father Nugent's eloquence and his talents for organization. A deserved tribute was paid him on the twelfth
456
CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY
year of his pastorate. John Flannery, acting as speaker for the congregation, delivered an address warmly commending the faithful and resultful labors of Father Nugent, and commenting on the far-extending influence which he had gained not only in his parish but in the city and state, and in other states as well."
"The vigor and activity of Father Nugent continued and increased with the years. In 1901, he procured a beautiful and ample convent home for the Sis- ters, on East Twelfth and Court streets. In 1907, an excellent school edifice was completed, on Tenth street and adjoining the church on the south. The parish now is strong and prosperous and is a monument to the rare worth and executive ability of the Rev. J. F. Nugent, LL.D."
In 1905, the Rt. Rev. H. Cosgrove, D. D., Bishop of Davenport, created St. John's parish, forming it from the northern portion of St. Ambrose congregation, and appointed Rev. D. F. Mulvihill, of Adair, as the first pastor. He organized the parish, secured favorable grounds at Twentieth street and University avenue, built a large brick school with good ventilation and furniture, arranged the upper hall for a temporary church, and built a substantial brick parsonage. The Sisters of Charity are conducting a well managed school with six sisters as teachers and with an enrollment of nearly two hundred pupils.
St. Anthony's church, Des Moines, was created in 1906 by the Rt. Rev. H. Cosgrove, D. D., with a view of providing for the spiritual welfare of the Italian people of the community. He appointed Rev. F. V. Romanelli as the pastor, who organized the congregation, secured grounds on South Fifth street, where he built a church and parsonage, and opened a parochial school. "He is a devout, ener- getic, well educated priest, specially accomplished in history and the fine arts, and has achieved good results for the Italians of Des Moines."
St. Joseph's Academy, one of the leading academies of the state, under the ad- ministration of the Sisters of Charity, is situated on Grand avenue, and surrounded with ample grounds. "Father Brazill, who had a sound judgment as to the value of sites and the future growth of the city, was instrumental in securing this loca- tion and founding St. Joseph's Academy. Although for many years the growth was slow and the hardships were discouraging, the sisters persevered, until now the St. Joseph's has grown into a highly favored institution for advanced learning, with a staff of thirty-three sisters, and an enrollment of nearly two hundred and fifty students."
In 1893, the Sisters of Mercy, of Davenport, were called to Des Moines, where they opened a hospital in a rented building. Two years later they built a hospital on Fourth and Ascension streets, naming it Mercy Hospital, to which several solid additions have been made. It is now a large and well equipped hospital, ranking high in the estimation of physicians and the public, regardless of church affiliations.
St. Catherine's Home for Working Girls was founded in 1907, on Twentieth street and Grand avenue by Sisters of Mercy from Council Bluffs. It is conducted by these sisters with the view of furnishing shelter and a home to young ladies who are. wage-earners. In this it has been eminently successful.
Polk county has a strong Catholic congregation with resident pastor in the Sacred Heart church of Valley Junction, to which is attached the out-mission of Cummings, in Warren county. The parish was formed in 1893 with Rev. Hugh O'Rourke as pastor, who built a frame church of about 60 by 32. He was suc- ceeded by Rev. J. H. Renihan in 1894, and the Rev. John F. Kempker, from July, 1896, till April, 1897, during which time Father Kempker liquidated a foreclosed mechanics lien on the church, and other claims. The attendance was good, the congregation including more men than women, a rare circumstance. Rev. William B. McDonough then assumed the administration, and built a parsonage. He died March 8, 1899. "He was a lovable priest, in whom there was no guile." Valley Junction then came under the pastorate of the present incumbent, the Rev. M. Gleason, who has since built a substantial, handsome brick church. The town was called into existence by the location of the C. R. I. & P. railway round house
1111
ST. AMBROSE CHURCH
MERCY HOSPITAL
WEBSTER
Home
HOME FOR THE AGED AND INFIRM
457
CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY
and shops, and the "newly forming congregation went through the inevitable pio- neer vicissitudes and disappointments ; but now it has every prospect of becom- ing a strong parish."
St. Mary's church, Mitchellville, is attended as an out-mission from Valeria, in Jasper county.
1
CHAPTER VI.
ST. JOHN'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH.
The records of organized work in the Lutheran church in Des Moines dates back to the fall of 1854. At that time a meeting of all the Lutherans of the city was called for the purpose of organizing. This first gathering was held in the old Grimmel homestead located on the corner of Sixth and Grand avenues. The per- manent organization of the English Evangelical Lutheran church was effected at that time. The first place of meeting was the old courthouse, then standing where the Wabash depot now stands. The society moved from this place to the south room of the Kirkwood House. Afterward they used, through the kind- ness of Rev. Thompson Bird, a building bought by him as a schoolhouse for Mrs. Bird. This first organization was under the pastoral care of Rev. Reuben Wiser.
In this same Grimmel homestead, a few years later, a meeting was held for the purpose of considering the propriety of locating a Lutheran college in Des Moines. Plans were perfected and the present Hoyt Sherman property, extending west to Nineteenth street, was secured. The Baptists afterward purchased it and built the Des Moines college thereon.
The church and college failed to receive the necessary support and the work remained at a standstill until May, 1865, when the Rev. Morris Officer, secretary for Home Missions, visited the field for the purpose of finding material with which to organize an English Lutheran "work," in this then growing town. A committee of inquiry was appointed, consisting of H. N. Weller, Joseph King, Mrs. Kate Rambo, and Samantha Hilbert, who became the acting agents making possible the organization of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran church.
This event occurred on Sunday, November 26, 1865, in the First Christian church, with Rev. A. M. Geiger as the first pastor. The following was the char- ter membership : Joseph King, Mrs. Ellen King, W. Hippee, Mrs. Rachel Hilbert, Mrs. Samantha Hilbert, Mrs. Daniel Hoxie, Mrs. Mary Hoxie, Gotlieb Arrus, Mrs. Caroline Arrus, Philip Arrus, Mrs. C. A. Curry, H. N. Weller, Mrs. Mar- garet Weller, Mrs. Rebecca Holliday, Mrs. Mary Fox, John Altman, Mrs. Eliza- beth Altman, Mrs. Elizabeth Miller. Mrs. Joanna Beaner, Miss Melinda Keffer, Mrs. N. G. Thornton, Seigfred Weiser, W. H. Lehman and Miss Mary Lehman.
On March 4, 1866, the first trustees, Messrs. Hoxie, Beaner and Weller were elected. These were given authority to purchase a church site. They secured the southeast corner of Seventh street and Grand avenue for $1,500. The deed to this lot was secured, but, being without funds, George Schramm, not then a resi- dent of Des Moines, but who afterwards became very active in the church, ad- vanced the money. Not until January 3, 1869, was the first little frame church dedicated. The building committee was George Schramm, George Sneer and Rev. A. M. Geiger. The cost of the building was $6,000.
In January, 1883, when the Rev. George C. Henry became pastor, the need for more commodious quarters was recognized and a committee was appointed to se- cure a new location. In June, 1889, the old property was sold for $15,000 and the present site on the corner of Chestnut and Sixth avenue was purchased for $8,000, and the same year, on September 12, the corner-stone was laid. The building was not completed until two years later, on February 28, 1892. On that occasion two of the former pastors were present. Dr. Clutz delivered the dedi-
458
459
CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY
catory sermon. The cost of the present building, including organ and furnishings was $25,000.
The present membership of St. John's is about 700. Following are the pas- tors who have served this congregation: Rev. Reuben Wiser, 1854- - , Rev. A. M. Geiger, December 2, '65-September 12, '71; Rev. A. I. Crigler, December IO, '71 to December 20, '74; Rev. C. A. Gelwicks, December 13, '74 to April I, '80; Rev. G. F. Behringer, February 15, '80 to December I, '81 ; Rev. George C. Henry, December 3, '82 to October 21, '94; Rev. J. A. Wirt, June 22, '95 to May 9, '08; Rev. A. B. Leamer, August 1, 1908, to the present time.
The first directory of Des Moines (in 1866-7) adds a bit of local color to the story of the pioneer Lutherans of the city. From this source it is learned that the church's opposition to secret societies was at first not well understood, and at the organization the affiliation of several prospective members with such societies cut down the number of charter members to a few families.
In 1866 the little congregation consisted of "eleven families, four wives, with their children, four widows and eight single persons, in all about one hundred souls."
The Locust Street church, first occupied in '64, though only 30x40, was large enough to enable the pastor to live in the rear of the auditorium. During the school week, the German school maintained by the congregation occupied the auditorium.
Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Congregation, "a strict representative of con- servative Lutheranism in Des Moines," with a membership of 275, was founded, November 16, 1859, with J. List, pastor, who was succeeded, in '63, by F. Lutz. The succession of pastors is reported as follows: F. Matter, 1867; A. C. Klein- lein, 1883; J. Klindworth, 1891; H. W. Kahre, 1896; H. W. Schmidt, 1903; Charles W. Voss, 1908 to the present time. This church is located on Third and Chestnut streets.
The First Swedish Evangelical Lutheran church, of Des Moines, was or- ganized November 28, 1869, and incorporated in 1871. Its present church edifice, built of brick, was erected in 1886. It is located on the corner of East Fifth and Des Moines streets. A brick manse for the pastor was built in 1910, on the corner of East Seventh and Maple streets, at a cost of $7,000. The present membership of this thriving congregation is about twelve hundred, two-thirds of whom are communicants. Its list of pastors is: J. Tilleen, D. D., now of Chicago, 1872-80 ; L. A. Johnston, D. D., now of St. Paul, 1881-86; A. W. Stark, now of DeKalb, Ill., 1886-90; A. A. Dahlberg, now of Menominee, Mich., 1891- '98, J. A. Sandell, deceased, 1899-1907. Present pastor, A. P. Westerberg.
Zion's Norwegian Lutheran church, of Des Moines, was organized June 23, 1880. The church building of this congregation is on the East side, corner of Ninth and Des Moines streets. Its membership is 130. Its pastors have been J. H. Myhre, H. C. Hahn, O. E. Bordahl, L. A. Vigness, O. O. Hafsted, John Hetland, W. Williams and O. R. Sletten.
The German (St. Paul's) Lutheran church, on East Ninth and Court, was organized in 1885, by Rev. M. Buerer. Succeeding the founder, the following pastors have served: G. Weng, John Remsch, H. Christiansen, H. Japen, H. Schmidt and E. A. Sagebiel. Its present membership is 175.
CHAPTER VII.
THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH.1
The first recorded service of the Episcopal church in Des Moines was held on . Sunday, October 15, 1854, the Rev. Edward W. Peet, recently arrived from Rah- way, N. J., officiating. After the service, a number present adjourned to the home of Dr. Morris on Third street, near Walnut, and effected an organization, elect- ing as vestrymen Dr. J. W. Morris, D. O. Finch, Madison Young, Wm. F. Ayers, Hoyt Sherman, John D. McCall, John F. Howe, Larned Case, and Byron Rice. Larned Case and Madison Young were appointed wardens. Ira Cook 2 was soon after elected a member of the vestry to fill a vacancy. The organization was named St. Paul's. Rev. Mr. Peet took charge of the work in March, 1855. Serv- ices were held in the courthouse until the church was built on Seventh street, near Walnut.
The first service in the new church was on Christmas day, 1856. At the end of five years, the rector reported fifty communicants. Dr. Peet's rectorate ended in the autumn of '64.3 At this time it was found necessary to enlarge the little church.
Later rectors were Rev. J. Evans Ryan,4 Rev. Frederic Brooks, a brother of Bishop Phillips Brooks, Rev. Edward Lounsbery, who resigned to become presi- dent of Griswold College, in August, 1869, Rev. Pliny B. Morgan, during whose rectorate the lots at the corner of Ninth and High streets were purchased and the rectory built. The church also was enlarged in 1871 by wings on both sides, thus providing about two hundred additional sittings.
1 The author is indebted to Rev. Allen Judd for the sketch from which the follow- ing is compiled.
2 To whose history of the church, Mr. Judd acknowledges himself indebted for much of the data used.
3 Perhaps mention should be made here of Rutherford Chapel. Through Dr. Peet's efforts money was raised, lots were bought and a small chapel was built where Mercy Hospital now stands. A Sunday school was kept up here for some time and services were held, but the mission did not prosper, and finally the property was sold.
4 Mr. Ryan's rectorate was shortened by the following event, which occurred after the assassination of President Lincoln. It was Easter day after the black Good Friday of the assassination, and Des Moines was aroused to a pitch of excitement almost bordering on frenzy. Mr. Ryan, though a loyal republican in politics, and himself deeply moved by the common feeling, went to church believing that Easter Day, with its hallowed associations, and the Church with her faith in God, should rather soothe than stimulate the excitement, and turn the thoughts of the people into other channels. He therefore began his sermon by saying : "There are those here who will expect me to speak at length of the great tragedy which is agitating our minds today. They will be disappointed. I will speak rather of Easter and of the resurrection of the dead." And he went on to preach an Easter sermon as though there were no murdered Lincoln at Washington. Perhaps, he was not tactful in his way of saying it. At least, some of the people, part of the vestry even, were indig- nant that he should ignore the subject of the hour. The congregation was divided, some believing Mr. Ryan to be right and others condemning. During the week, the feeling be- came more intense, and on the following Sunday morning, Mr. Ryan went to the church to find the doors locked. No services were held in St. Paul's Church that day, but during the following week, a compromise was effected, by which Mr. Ryan was allowed to go on with his work as rector until such time as he could resign without unseemly haste. This he did in August at the end of his first year in the parish.
460
IRA COOK Pioneer Surveyor
461
CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY
Rev. J. Saunders Reed 5 took charge of the parish just before Christmas, 1873. Mr. Reed was a missionary and held the first Episcopal church services on the east side of the river, thus beginning what afterwards became the Church of the Good Shepherd, later renamed St. Marks.
During all these years some of the original vestrymen continued in their of- fices, among whom were Hoyt Sherman and Ira Cook. Faithful women also did their part. After Mr. Reed's resignation in August, 1876, Rev. J. B. Clark was minister in charge until the election of Rev. Joseph S. Jenckes, in '78.
Meantime debts had accumulated; hard times came on ; the lot on High street was relinquished, and even the church was offered for sale; but generous gifts by members of the vestry and of the congregation saved the property, and ultimately, in 1881, it secured again the lot on Ninth and High streets, upon which the new church was later built.
Mr. Jenckes was succeeded by Rev. William H. Van Antwerp in January, 1882. Dr. Van Antwerp labored diligently for the building of the new church and remained to see it completed, at a cost of $37,670, or, with memorials and special gifts, about $42,000 ; all of which was paid during the construction, with the exception of about $11,800. Dr. Samuel Watson succeeded Dr. Van Ant- werp in 1889, followed by Rev. J. J. Wilkins in January, '91. Largely through Dr. Wilkins' earnest efforts and the hearty cooperation of the vestry, the Easter offering in '92 was $11,157,-more than enough to pay off the entire debt of the parish. The church, now free from debt, was ready for consecration, and Bishop Perry, assisted by Bishop Garrett of northern Texas, consecrated the beautiful building on November 27, 1892. Later rectors have been the Rev. J. Everest Cathell, whose rectorate was the longest in the history of the parish, and to whose efforts is due the beautiful chime of bells ; and the Rev. R. B. H. Bell, the present rector, whose talents and zeal promise well for the future of the parish.
Mention has already been made in this sketch of service held on the East Side by Rev. J. Saunders Reed. These were continued at irregular intervals by Rev. Joseph Jenckes, and an organization was effected early in the Eighties, with B. P. Bush as warden, Mr. Burgess secretary, and Mr. Curtiss treasurer. H. C. Senteney was appointed treasurer in March, 1881, and held that office and per- formed its duties faithfully for seventeen years. Lay services were held every Sunday, B. P. Bush, H. C. Senteney, and others acting as lay readers. Services were held in various down-town halls until Christmas of 1884, when for the first time, the little new church, only partly finished, on the corner of Thirteenth and Des Moines streets, was occupied by a joyful little band of worshipers. Rev. W. P. Law was minister in charge. Mr. Law had worked with his own hands on the new building. Sophia R. Drake, and Mrs. Louise Hurley constituted the board of trustees. Mr. Law was succeeded by the Rev. J. Evans Ryan, then dean of Des Moines convocation, in 1887 ; under whose devout and earnest ministrations the congregation and Sunday school were rapidly built up, and the church build- ing completed and freed from debt. Next came Rev. Allen Judd, from January 1, 1890, to January 1, '96, the longest rectorate, up to the present time. During his time, the first rectory was built, an addition was put on the north front of the church, the vested choir was introduced, and the membership of the parish in-
5 As illustrating the churchmanship of the time, the following is told by Mr. Cook: A certain Mr. Fuller, a member of the parish, got at loggerheads with Mr. Reed. Mr. Fuller was an earnest churchman and never missed a service; but he would not stay to hear Mr. Reed's sermons. When remonstrated with, he replied "The Bible was written by inspired men, and is the word of God. The Prayer Book is the best and nearest book to the Bible, and it is expressly declared that no matter how unworthy the man may be who officiates and uses these books, the efficacy of the truths contained in them is not impaired; and so I attend the service. But the sermon is that of J. Saunders Reed. That is not inspired. I am not obliged to sit and hear it; and I am not going to do it." And so, every time at the conclusion of morning or evening prayer, the gentleman would arise, tuck his prayer book under his arm, and quietly walk out, while his good wife would remain in her pew. until the sermon was preached and the congregation dismissed.
462
CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY
creased to about one hundred. The Rev. A. V. Gorrell succeeded Mr. Judd. Then Rev. Dr. Cathell of St. Paul's exercised a fatherly oversight over the congregation until Rev. Mr. Hatton took charge in February, 1898. Rev. Milton Runkle came in November, '99, and the Rev. William Bowen in 1902. During his time, the church was remodeled and refurnished, a chancel added and a furnace put in.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.