USA > Iowa > Linn County > Cedar Rapids > First Presbyterian Church, the seventy-fifth anniversary > Part 3
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Fortunate indeed was our Home Missionary Society to number among its founders women endowed with
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rare mental and spiritual qualifications. So strong indeed was the force exerted by them that their in- fluence still remained after these pioneers were dis- abled by bodily infirmities from active participation in the work. Among these charter members were such women as Mrs. F. E. Pomeroy, the first President, who afterward became President of the Minnesota Synodi- cal Society ; Mrs. C. E. Walker, the first Treasurer, who became vice-president of the Woman's Board of Home Missions in New York and in that capacity gave addresses to synodical and Presbyterial societies throughout the country; Mrs. D. W. C. Rowley, who became President of the Synodical Foreign Mission- ary Society ; Mrs. J.F.Ely, of whom it was recorded in the twenty-fourth annual report, "It is always a red letter day when our beloved Mrs. Ely is with us;" Mrs. T. M. Sinclair, sane, just, and charitable, holding her material possessions as a steward of the Lord ; and Mrs. James Knox, of whom Miss Alice King said at the memorial service held in honor of Mrs. Knox, "I believe that it was almost literally true of Mrs. Knox that she prayed without ceasing." Many others de- serve mention but these names were singled out as being among the charter members.
A few weeks ago two letters from the church at Mt. Pleasant, Utah, came to our pastor. The Mt. Pleasant church was completing plans for the equipment of its new building and the suggestion was that, in view of the part our Home Missionary Society played in saving the work there at the most critical point in its
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history, the ladies might like to provide a memorial window or some other part of the furnishing. As the earliest efforts of the Society were in the Utah field, assisting Dr. McMillan in his work, we could not do less than grant the request and a movement is now on foot to secure the needed funds for a memorial win- dow.
The story is an interesting one, too long to be given here; but in brief the facts are as follows: When Duncan J. McMillan, afterward Secretary of the Board of Home Missions, went to Mt. Pleasant in 1875, he began a work there under the most discour- aging circumstances. He was the first non-Mormon to venture south of Salt Lake City. He bought an old dance hall, paying what he could and giving a mortgage for the balance. There was a determined effort on the part of the Mormons to drive him out but he kept on, living in a small room in the building and sleeping on a home-made straw mattress. At last it seemed as if defeat were inevitable and he was on the point of being dispossessed for failure to meet the payments on the building, when a letter came to him from the ladies of our society containing a draft for enough to pay his indebtedness in full. A moment before, according to Dr. McMillan's own account, he had given up hope. By the timely arrival of this gift the work which has grown into Wasatch Academy, one of the most vital mission enterprises in the state, was saved. The ladies of the church had learned, quite by accident, of the desperate need of the work
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and had acted instantly. Dr. McMillan knew no one here, nor had he made any appeal. "I was completely overwhelmed," he wrote afterward, "and fell on my knees and begged pardon for my faithlessness and de- spair. The letter enclosing the check was from Mrs. Chas. E. Walker, Treasurer of the Woman's Home Missionary Society of the First Presbyterian Church of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. There was no explanation save that the money was sent by order of the society."
To the First Church belongs the credit of having introduced the annual union missionary meetings. In 1893 this society extended an invitation to the ladies of the sister churches to join in an all day missionary meeting, which was held in the chapel during the Week of Prayer. It was so thoroughly enjoyed that it was decided to make it an annual occasion.
The next event of importance that claims our atten- tion was the celebration of the Silver Anniversary on March 20, 1900. One hundred and fifty of the people of the church, with some other friends, met for tea in the evening, when the work of the society was review- ed. Two women had been sent from the society into the work of the home field, Miss Anna Noble among the Mormons and Miss Mary Barnes, who had been most efficient as a teacher in Scotia Seminary, Con- cord, N. C., an institution with which we are still in constant touch.
In 1910 Mrs. S. L. Robinson, better known in Cedar Rapids as Mrs. O. N. Hull, passed away at her home in Asheville. Our Home Missionary Society was heir to
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her residuary estate. It was most natural that in her last will her thoughts should revert to the church with which she had been so closely connected and that she should express, through a bequest, her desire to be forever identified with this people. In order to receive this legacy it was necessary for the Society to become an incorporated body. Accordingly articles of incorporation were drawn up and at a meeting on September 22, 1911, these articles were signed by twelve members of the society. During the twelve years that have elapsed since we came into possession of this legacy $3,866.00 has passed through the hands of our treasurer from the income. The workers among the mountaineers, Freedmen and Alaskans have all received aid.
So the years have come and gone, years freighted with the joy of service but often heavy with respon- sibilities. The church has always been thoroughly im- bued with the missionary spirit. In 1879 Mrs. J. F. Ely reported six missionary organizations of women and children to the Board. As I scanned the pages of these early records the question arose in my mind whether we are filled with the same zeal and earnest- ness and spiritual power that characterized those pioneers. In material possessions we have prospered. Last year our treasurer's report showed $1,221.84 sent to the Woman's Board. But how did it count in the eyes of the Lord in comparison with the $203.50, the first gift of that young society ?
Mrs. J. I. Walker shall close this paper for I feel
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that excerpts from her report as secretary, written in 1893, will bring home the truth just as forcibly in 1922. Four rules were given for doing the Lord's work, heartily, diligently, faithfully, speedily; "For the King's business requireth haste" (1 Sam. 21:8) ; "Cursed be he who doeth the work of the Lord neg- ligently" (48:10) ; "Behold thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my Lord the king shall choose" (2 Sam. 15:15) ; "Let the whole earth be filled with his glory" (Ps. 72:19).
The Building of "Little Muddy"
From an historical sketch read by Dr. J. F. Ely at the fortieth anniversary celebration in 1887.
The records of our church society were lost by fire in 1867, and in consequence we have now only such particulars and data regarding our first church build- ing as are to be obtained through the personal recol- lection of those now living who were identified with it.
ยท Prior to the year 1850, the services of the church were held in the school house. This school house was used for public meetings of every character, religious, political, and literary, and sometimes for social gath- erings.
The church society was formed in April, 1849, nearly two years after the organization of the church. The society was duly incorporated in June, 1849. Immed- iate measures were then taken to procure ground and erect a house of worship. The town lots were, at this time, divided among the original proprietors, and there was the understanding among them, that when- ever any society wished to build a church, and should select any vacant residence lot for the purpose, such lot should be deeded over free of cost. The society selected a very eligible lot on the southeast corner of Second Avenue and Third Street, then some distance
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from the business part of the town. This lot was most cheerfully deeded to our trustees by the owner, Addison Daniels.
It was then decided to build of brick. Learning that a good brick maker lived at Dubuque, the build- ing committee invited him to come down and see us. He proposed to make the brick and put up the walls at a very reasonable rate, but he must have at least $400 advanced in order to prepare his brick yard. The society agreed to this, though it was a large sum to raise in cash in those days. By a great effort, how- ever, it was raised and placed in his hands. The con- tractor, after making arrangements for land, labor, and wood, went home, and this was the last seen of him, or of the money. We learned sometime after- wards that he had gone to California with the throng of adventurers attracted there that spring by the gold fever. This untoward loss was irreparable, oc- casioned great discouragement, and wholly changed our plans. The brick building was given up, and one of some other and cheaper material, discussed, with the final result of sending a committee to Jones county to examine the merits of "grout" walls. The committee reported so favorably that this material was adopted. The times were close, and very little of cash subscription could be obtained, and only a limited amount of labor, lumber, and other material could be gathered. The season was far advanced. It was near the close of summer. But the indomitable spirit and perseverance of our worthy pioneer pastor
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never ceased to encourage his flock; and the people with a willing mind began the work. The stone foun- dations of the building, 26 by 40 feet, were soon laid. The superstructure was a slow and very tedious pro- cess. Troughs of heavy plank, having a width inside of fourteen inches and sixteen inches high, were laid on the foundations. These were filled with broken stones to the top; then the grout was poured in cover- ing the stone. After hardening, which often required some days, the troughs were raised up, and again filled. This process was repeated till the desired ele- vation was attained. There were many and various trials all through the raising of these walls. For some three months, the soul of both pastor and people were almost daily vexed by untoward circumstances. No system or regularity of work could be maintained. It often happened in fair days hands were short. Again, in a damp time, when little or nothing could be done to advantage, help was too plenty. The new walls were several times badly washed by heavy rains and these last named accidents gave rise to the sobriquet of "The Little Muddy," by which the church was familiarly known ever after. These are a few of the trying features of the undertaking.
The names of all who labored on these walls are not known. But a few of them are remembered. First, the pastor, Mr. Jones, who never hesitated in laying aside his ministerial dignity for the occasion ; taking off his coat day after day; driving a team for water, lumber, stone, or lime; and engaging cheerfully
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in anything else his hands could find to do in fur- therance of the work. The elders, Messrs. Kennedy and Lutz, were not a whit behind the pastor in their zealous efforts. The people, too, stimulated by these worthy examples, made what were then large sub- scriptions, paying mainly in labor and material. Fore- most amongst these was John L. Shearer, who de- voted his whole time to the superintendence of the work. There were also, J. R. Stuckslager, John P. Glass, the brothers John and Charles Weare, the Car- roll boys, Isaac and George. Fred Burkhardt is also remembered as a faithful hod carrier. These men were most relied upon, did most of the work. Among them a young blacksmith, named William Stewart, who may be known by some present, as his shadow, from that day to this, has never ceased to be around when anything was to be done. It is worthy to be noted, that all these men last referred to, and includ- ing Barnet Lutz, who thus labored on the walls of the old church, are still, in the good providence of God, among us, and most of them, if not all, are here present with us today.
As ever in the progress and work of this church, our ladies did their part in this emergency, affording most substantial aid and encouragement. They had then no great organization like the "Chapel Society." It was but a common sewing society in that day, yet the few were willing and anxious to do what they might. In various methods they contributed to the work. It is remembered of them, as one of the in-
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cidents of the time, how considerate and thoughtful they were of the comfort of the workmen, when they provided those bountiful supplies of hot coffee, dough- nuts, etc. for the weary and worn engaged on these walls of our Zion. Most especially was this kindness appreciated by those who came in to work from the country.
It was late in the season when the walls were com- pleted. An effort was made to get on a roof before the winter set in, but this failed ; it is supposed partly from the inability to obtain a skilled mechanic who could do it properly ; but mainly, from lack of means to do it. The situation during the winter of 1849-50, and the needs of the society, are well told in a letter of December 28, 1849, from Rev. Williston Jones to Mrs. J. F. Ely, who was then absent at Rochester, N. Y. It is, in part, as follows :
"Our church is only half covered. It was impossible to get the work that was subscribed, even enough to get the roof on before the cold weather set in. The first warm spell, however, that comes, I presume, we shall get that much accomplished. We have now, if we can get out subscriptions in work, just about funds enough to enclose it. And I conclude that, say, two hundred and fifty dollars more will lathe it inside and out, and put in the seats and pulpit. But where that $250 are coming from is more than I know .... And I look to you as our representative in Rochester to lend us a helping hand. Please ask your minister if he will recommend it if he thinks the cause a good
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one. If the friends there help us a little in our extremity, and thus forward the work of building a house in which we may worship God, they will be none the poorer for it one hundred years hence, but all the richer, and they may have, meanwhile, the con- sciousness of helping the poor and needy. Ask them, for Christ's sake and from love to His cause, to assist His poor, and the blessing of those in want will fall upon them."
This urgent appeal was not in vain. About $100 were contributed by eastern friends ; and this amount, with what could be realized on subscriptions, was suffi- cient to complete the roof, lay the floor and put in the doors and windows. The house was thus enclosed in the spring of 1850.
Temporary arrangements were then made for hold- ing services in it during the summer, and until such time as further means would enable us to put in good, comfortable seats and a respectable pulpit, and to do the necessary plastering, painting, etc. Our first seat- ing was of slabs, dressed off and raised on legs. A few chairs and a small table on the platform, made up all our furniture. The seats, without backs, were any- thing but comfortable, yet the inconvenience was borne cheerfully and with a feeling of gratitude that we were permitted to worship God in our own house.
During that summer, a fine toned bell weighing about three hundred and twenty-five pounds, was pro- cured through the efforts of the ladies' sewing society. It was first mounted on a frame about fifteen feet
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above the ground. Afterwards it was placed in a tower erected of wood in front. This tower was eight feet square, and about thirty-five feet high. A con- venient vestibule was formed by the lower portion. The bell was used not only for church services and other meetings, but also, for many years, it rang out fire alarms, and its clear tones were heard in the dawn of the great national holiday.
But the society did not rest under these circum- stances. A careful estimate being made of the full cost of suitable furnishing, and of the further work necessary on the building, it was found that $75 in cash would be required over and above what we could provide. This amount was loaned from the Church Erection Fund of the Des Moines Presbytery, the so- ciety giving three notes of $25 each, secured by mort- gage of the church property. The work was all com- pleted during the fall of 1850. The pulpit was con- structed by Henry Nelson, of heavy black walnut, and was a very elaborate affair. The building was dedicated on Sunday, January 12, 1851, and that is all the record we have of the fact, or any particulars concerning it. Those present will remember, it was an occasion of profound thankfulness to God for His goodness to us ; and one of sincere and hearty congrat- ulation among all of our people.
The foregoing history imperfectly traced, as it is, for lack of recorded data, will serve to show not only the great privations endured by the early settlers of Cedar Rapids, but more especially, the self-denying
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labors and faith of those men and women who thus endeavored to honor their God by erecting here the first "Temple to His praise," and who shall doubt that His signal blessing has crowned these humble efforts all along to this time, and through our subse- quent history ? Many here present can look back to the prayers and ministrations in that dear old church, and testify to their awakening and blessed influence, leading them to a godly life. And how many more of Christ's sincere followers, of those present and absent, and of those "gone before," did there renew their spiritual life and strength! To all who partici- pated in raising its walls, and to all who worshipped within them, the memory of the old first church is sweet and precious.
From the Sermon
Preached by Rev. Williston Jones, first Pastor of this Church, at the dedication of the "Little Muddy" church building, on the second Sunday in Jan- uary, 1851.
(Text : Psalms 84:1-4)
In the good providence of God we are convened at this time to dedicate this building to the worship of almighty God. Amidst great poverty and great dis- couragements we have toiled on, seeking to obtain a place for His worship, until at last we are permitted to see the work accomplished. One year ago last Aug- ust this building was commenced. What was done in great weakness and trembling, God has enabled us to complete and to His name be the praise. It is no spacious, costly building, with lofty dome and gilded spire towering to heaven, that we have been enabled to rear; but only a small, plain, unpretending house, having nothing but the most simple furnishing which the necessities of the house of God require. And yet it is dear to our hearts. We value it because it has cost us, in our deep poverty, no small effort to build it. We value it because it furnishes us a place for religious meetings, a religious home, and we value it because it is God's house, erected for His worship and consecrated to Him. And it is the strong desire of
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our hearts and our prayer to God that here He will display His saving grace in the salvation of sinners and that this house may become the very gate of heaven to many souls; that here the wandering may be redeemed, the desponding cheered, the fainting strengthened, the languid quickened, the slumbering aroused, and that here christians may grow in grace and God be glorified. And now trusting that God may graciously accept the humble offering for His Son's sake, we solemnly dedicate this house to the worship of the Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Ghost. And, under God, we dedicate it to the inter- ests of our holy religion, to the defense of the truth, to the promotion of human liberty, to the protection of Protestant Christianity, to the advancement of education and morals, to the cultivation of evangeli- cal piety, to labors for revivals of religion and to the triumph of the Redeemer's kingdom in this world. 'Arise, O Lord God, into thy resting place, thou and the ark of thy strength. Let thy priests, O Lord God, be clothed with thy salvation and let thy saints re- joice in thy goodness !' While this building stands may it be used for the honor of thy name. And when, through the increase of worshippers or other cause, it shall fail to meet the object for which it was erected may others, more spacious, more beautiful and endur- ing, continue to take its place until time shall be no more and thy toiling church below shall all be gath- ered home and meet for thy worship in thy glorious temple above. Amen.
From Remarks by Charles Weare at the Celebration in 1887
Those of you who came here in later days, can realize but little of the privations and hardships incident to the early settlement of Cedar Rapids. The building of that church, lowly and humble as it was, I assure you, was an undertaking of great magnitude for us in those pioneer days. When this work was begun, the entire population of the town did not exceed three hun- dred. We had no rich men ; in fact, all were poor ; and to raise money for this purpose was next to impossible. Money was not in the country. Contributions for it were raised in material and labor ; and the people went to work with a will - some quarrying stone, some burning lime, and others drawing material to the ground. And the hod-carriers (your humble servant of the number) delivered the stone and mortar to the master builder, John L. Shearer, who was faithfully on the work to the end. The pastor too, the Rev. Williston Jones, was ever present,, and always ready and active, with his coat off, sharing the personal labor with others. And so the work went on; and after many trials and disappointments, the building was so far completed as to admit of being occupied for worship. I assure you it had been a great struggle, and there was great rejoicing all around when our "Little Muddy" was ready for occupation.
Pastors
Williston Jones,
1848-1856
LaFayette Dudley,
1857-1859
Isaac W. Atherton
1859-1863
James Knox, 1864-1875
Edward R. Burkhalter,
1876-1914
R. B. A. McBride,
1914-1917
Alvin E. Magary,
1918-
Elders
The following men have served on the church Session since its organization in 1847: Alexander L. Ely, John Vardy, Isaac Lichtebarger, Arven Kennedy, Barnet Lutz, John P. Conkey, William Stewart, David Blakely, Nathaniel Andrews, James Ferguson, John L. Shearer, Isaac Cook, W. W. Walker, J. R. Stucks- lager, John S. Wattles, John F. Ely, Hugh C. John- son, C. N. Couch, J. F. Charles, E. F. Pomeroy, Thomas M. Sinclair, David M. Jones, William Water- house, C. B. Kennedy, W. J. Sloan, O. N. Hull, C. B. Weeks, C. J. Deacon, H. B. Soutter, William Ground- water, A. B. T. Moore, S. S. Dorwart, A. L. Adams, R. S. Sinclair, J. J. McConnell, Geo. E. Crawford, B. H. Bailey, Archer C. Sinclair, J. J. Amen, Henry J. Achter, J. M. Rider, W. E. Owen, R. D. Taylor, Clifton G. Crull, Rufus E. Lee, L. D. Weld, J. H. Johnson, H. H. Bennett, T. E. Ravenscroft, J. S. McGowan, J. F. Weir, E. P. Boynton.
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