USA > Iowa > Boone County > History of Boone County, Iowa, Volume I > Part 40
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HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY
The Marion Street Methodist Episcopal Church has a comfort- able membership both in the main body of the church and the Sab- bath school. The equipment of the church, among which is a pipe organ, is of the best and long has been enjoyed. A parsonage worth about three thousand dollars, was built under the administration of Rev. 1. 11. Elliott. This has been somewhat remodeled by the present pastor, Rev. A. L. Golden, who is an eloquent and popular pastor and has the distinction in the Des Moines conference of being known as the marrying preacher.
SACRED HEART CHURCH By Mary Regan Davitt
Reminiscences of the Catholic church in Boone must carry one back to the early 'sos, when from the northern part of Iowa driving an ox team over the bleak and snow covered prairie, the Rev. Father Marsh discovered in the little borough called Boonesboro two Catho- lie families. Their joy at again seeing a Catholic priest and the privileges of again assisting at the holy sacrifice of the mass was unbounded.
At intervals for some three or four years the Rev. Fathers Marsh, De Jean and Scalin served the little band of Catholics to be found here. Successor to these priests was the Rev. Father Butler, who remained for about two years. Father Butler was succeeded by the Rev. Father Delaney, the first permanent pastor. He erected a little church in Boonesboro dedicated to St. Joseph. The congregation occupied this church one year before planks were furnished for seat- ing the members. In course of time pews were placed in the church. At this time the congregation was greatly increased, due to the build- ing of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad across the State of lowa. The congregation built the sidewalk from Plugtown to Boonesboro, the way being almost impassible on account of so many marshes. At this time there was an increasing attendance both from town and the surrounding country. During Father Delaney's pas- torate St. Patrick's cemetery was purchased by liberal subscriptions from members of the church.
Successor to Father Delaney was the Rev. Father Concannon, more tenderly remembered as Father John. He was a most devoted priest and conscientiously attended the needs of his people. Father Concannon died suddenly in August, 1875. His successor was Rev. T. J. Mackey, who earnestly discharged all his priestly duties. To
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better accommodate his already increasing congregation, he held serv- ices in Ive's Hall, on East Eighth Street, in Boone. Father Mackey's pastorate covered a period of three years.
For an interval of several months the church was without a permanent rector, during which time the parish was under the care of Rev. Father O'Reilly. In 1878 Rev. Father Smith was appointed pastor, and during his pastorate he did much to promote the wel- fare of his congregation. Two years following his advent he pur- chased the present church and school site, removed the church from Boonesboro to Boone, now made necessary by the number of Catholic residents in Boone and vicinity, building for the church what is now known as Sodality Hall.
During the winter of 1882 the parochial residence was destroyed by fire, with all church records. The following year the congrega- tion erected a fine parochial residence, now occupied as Sacred Heart School.
During the years 1885 and 1886 the Rev. Fathers Ward and Hogan were temporarily in charge of the parish. In 1887 the Very Rev. B. C. Lenihan assumed charge of the parish and continued in the pastorate for sixteen years. During the first year of Father Leni- han's residence he established the Sacred Heart School, sacrificing the comforts of his residence by occupying the sacristy of the church as his home that the children of his parish might enjoy the benefits of a sisters' school. In a short time a modern residence was erected for Father Lenihan.
In 1892 and 1893 the present Sacred Heart Church was built. It is one of the most beautiful church edifices in the City of Boone. ranking in value, architecture and interior decoration with the best in the state. The beautiful church, substantial school building. modern parochial residence and Sodality Hall all stand as monu- ments of Father Lenihan. During his pastorate he had as his assist- ants Rev. Fathers Phelan, Logue, Wren and Murtaugh.
At the time it seemed the keenest sorrow that could be felt was the announcement of the removal of Father Lenihan to Fort Dodge. where later he was elevated to the dignity of monsignor. But a keener and more heartfelt sorrow came a few years later when the beloved priest was called to his heavenly reward.
While Father Lenihan was sojourning in Europe during the last vear of his pastorate in Boone, the parish was in charge of Rev. Father Straven. It was greatly due to his earnest efforts that Leo Council, Knights of Columbus, was established in Boone.
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The next pastor was Rev. Father Saunders, who came to the church from a congregation that was as loath to part with him as the Boone congregation was to part with Father Lenihan. Father Saunders soon endeared himself to every member of the congregation. Through his excellent executive administration, in the space of five years the church debt was completely wiped out. He called the members of the congregation together, a committee was elected, and they set out to do what seemed the impossible. The Block System was formulated by T. F. Fenton, which proved the success of manag- ing the debt. By this system each member of the congregation agreed to assume a portion of the debt and pay. the same at stated time. The pastor, committeemen and congregation worked in harmony. At the end of five years something over $47,000 was contributed to Sacred Heart Church, thus completely unburdening the parish of indebtedness.
Again was the Boone congregation called upon to part with a beloved pastor. Father Saunders responded to the call of his bishop. In May, 1910, he was appointed successor to the late Monsignor Lenihan, of Fort Dodge, lowa, where later the title of monsignor was conferred upon him.
In May, 1910, the Rev. James P. Barron succeeded Monsignor Saunders and during his five years' residence here he has done much to add to the spiritual welfare of the congregation. He has made many necessary and ornate improvements to the parish properties by repairing the church, redecorating the interior from water colors to oil, retaining the original designs of the lamented Monsignor Leni- han. In the year 1913 he purchased and remodelled a home for the sisters. The improvements aggregating $12,500 enhanced the value of the parish property, now estimated at $80,000.
Sacred Heart Cemetery is located one mile southwest of the court- house. An association of the lot owners of the cemetery has been formed with an efficient corps of officers. Yearly assessments are paid by the owners of lots, thereby creating a fund for the improve- ment of the cemetery. By the co-operation of the ladies the burial grounds is rapidly becoming a beautiful and fitting place for the dead.
CHURCH SOCIETIES
On October 18, 1903, Leo Council of Knights of Columbus, was organized with sixty members. During the following years to the
SACRED HEART SCHOOL. BOONE
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
AUTOR, LENOX TILDEN FOUNDATIONE
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HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY
present time their initiations have enlarged the roll of membership until they number 250 members. They have aided the church most liberally by contributions. They own and occupy their own hall, which is well furnished and forms a social center for the parish.
In 1907 a Court of W. C. O. F. was established and now has an enrollment of sixty members.
Last but not least is the mention of the Ladies' Aid Society of Sacred Heart Church. This society represents nearly all of the lady members of the parish. They have aided more than any other organ- ization of the church in the defrayment of a heavy indebtedness. Always united, energetic, interested and willing to do their part when called upon, their every effort has been crowned with suc- cess. They have now detached themselves from church monetary affairs and will in the future aid and work for the interest of the Sacred Heart School, its progress and development. It is safe to predict their success in this worthy cause.
SACRED HEART SCHOOL
For its size, Boone is especially fortunate in the excellence of her parochial school, which is ably managed by a competent corps of instructors. Sacred Heart School stands out prominently as the crowning effort of this parish. The school is most ably conducted by the Sisters of Charity, B. V. M. They occupy a building whose rooms are commodious, well arranged, heated, ventilated and lighted. There is an attendance of 195 pupils.
Aside from the full high-school course offered its students, the Sacred Heart School offers a course in music second to none, and when the students leave this institution they are capable of entering upon the work of colleges which have placed the Boone Parochial High School upon the accredited list.
BOONE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
In 1865 David Lutz, a one-armed soldier, owned and occupied a modest home on Seventh Street, just east of Payne's fine, modern. brick livery barn. One room of the building was devoted to a ped- agogue and his pupils, the crippled soldier being that person. In this primitive school room, early in the year 1866, the Methodist Episcopal Church of Boone was organized and for a number of years thereafter it was known as Eden's Chapel. "Father" Coit, who
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HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY
had come here for his health, was the first pastor. He lived in a little frame parsonage where the present church building now stands. Shortly after his ministrations began he passed away and his body was taken to Boston, his former home, for burial. Among the names remembered of the first members are the following: Austin Joyce and wife, R. C. Coldron and wife, Vincent Tomlinson and wife, Albert Ingersoll and wife, George Russell and wife, Darius Harvey and wife. Thomas Main and wife. Within a year or two after the organization others joined the society, among whom were Ira Case, Stephen R. Page, W. W. Nixon, E. T. Culver, J. J. Herri- man, Jacob Snell, Dr. D. S. Diffenbacker, L. C. Bartlett, L. E. Smith, Stephen Bush, B. F. Wheeler, Sidney Goucher, Martin Fate, Benja- min Heath, - Shaw, Margaret E. DeTar,
Crabtree, H. S. Sigler, John Phillips, Sophia Schropshire, W. B. Weaver, Mrs. Phil Pickering, Mrs. W. E. Crary.
Services continued to be held in the Lutz home until 1869, when a frame church edifice was erected at a cost of $5,000. The building was dedicated early in the year 1870 by Elder Samuel Jones, of the Boonesboro Methodist Episcopal Church. The first church build- ing was erected on the ground near where the present structure stands and when discarded was sold to the Swedish congregation and removed to the corner of Fifth and Carroll streets. The congrega- tion continued to grow and flourish, so much so that by the year 1893 the question of building a larger and more modern church was given serious consideration, which finally resulted in plans being drawn and contract let to E. C. Culver, of Boone, for the present building. The foundation was laid in June, 1893, but for various reasons the building was not completed until in the early part of 1895. However, the congregation held services in the basement in the fall of 1894. When the church was finished a pipe organ was installed at a cost of $1,500, and in January, 1895, the splendid house of worship, which cost about $35,000, was dedicated.
The little frame parsonage occupied by "Father" Coit was later replaced by a brick structure, designed as a home for the pastor, which in 1913 was remodelled and connected to the church build- ing. It is now used for Sunday school and other purposes. To replace this building and furnish a home for the pastor a fine piece of property at No. 312 Boone Street, with a well preserved two-story frame residence standing on a beautiful lawn and shaded by handsome trees, was purchased of the P. C. Goetzman estate, where the present pastor is now domiciled.
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HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY
Rev. Coit, the organizing pastor of this church, remained with the congregation but a short time, when he was called to his final reward. He was followed in the pulpit by Revs. Brady, B. F. W. Cozier, W. A. Chambers, A. P. Hull, McIntire, J. G. Eckles, J. Z. Armstrong, Will Cook Martin, M. D. Collins, E. M. Holmes, E. W. McDaid, E. W. Sage, F. W. Vinson, Joseph S. Wright, Peter Van Dyke Vedder, under whose administration the present church was built; Luther B. Wickersham, W. W. McGuire, W .G. Hoensheldt, J. B. Harris, who died here while in the service ; A. H. Collins, Charles H. Myers, and present pastor, Rev. George D. Crissman, who came in 1912.
The Boone Methodist Episcopal Church is one of the strongest religious organizations in the State of Iowa. It now has a mem- bership of about eight hundred. The church is in good financial condition and its property is very desirable and valuable. The enrollment in the Sunday school is very close to one thousand.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
It was not until the year 1866 that the embryo of Presbyterianism in Boone County developed sufficiently for the organization of a church. The preliminary steps were taken and in accordance with a public notice, March 6, 1866, a meeting was held for the purpose of establishing a Presbyterian church. The following associated themselves as charter members: Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Lambert, Mrs. 1. Q. Wheat, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Burns, Mr. and Mrs. David Lutz, Newton Whitehead and Mrs. F. Day. Henry Burns was elected and ordained ruling elder.
The first church building, erected in 1868, was a frame structure, the cost being $1,500. The Rev. J. M. Phillips, assisted by the Rev. William Cambrel, officiated at the dedication. The first minister. the Rev. J. M. Preebles, acted as stated supply from 1866 to 1867, and he was followed by the Rev. A. M. Heizer. Mr. Heizer labored with the church the following two years and during his ministra- tions here forty-seven united with the church by letter and fourteen by profession of faith. His successor, the Rev. William S. Mess- mer, came in 1870 as stated supply and no records are left of his work. In 1872 Rev. Joshua Cooke was called and remained with the church for one year as stated supply. January, 1873, Mr. Cooke was extended a call to become pastor of the church and the same month was installed as the first pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Boone.
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HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY
As a result of his pastorate here sixty accessions were made to the church-fifty-seven by faith and three by letter. He closed his ministry in this church, May 12, 1878, and in the following August Rev. Joseph A. Donahey was called as stated supply. Through his efforts a new church was built and dedicated December 28, 1879, the Rev. E. R. Davis assisting at the dedicatory exercises. The church is a brick structure and stands at the corner of Green and Seventh streets. Rev. Mr. Donahey closed his ministry here August 7, 1881. The Rev. J. G. Cowden supplied the church from August 29, 1879, to January 3, 1882. He was succeeded by the Rev. Henry N. Payne, March 1, 1882, who continued his pastoral duties until June 30, 1885. In November, 1885, a call was extended to the Rev. G. C. Lamb. During this period the church had 155 members. Mr. Lamb ministered faithfully to this congregation until the spring of 1894 and in July of the same year Rev. Scott W. Smith accepted a call as stated supply. In October, 1895, he was extended a call to become the regular pastor of this church, which he accepted, and continued his work in Boone, devoting his entire time to this community. On July 1, 1898, the Rev. Mr. Smith resigned his pastorate in Boone, and his successor, Rev. William Y. Brown, deliv- ered his first sermon as stated supply for this church July 29, 1898. Ile took the charge September 23, 1898, and remained until May I, 1001. In the same year Rev. O. H. L. Mason, D. D., was called and remained with the church for a number of years, resigning February 1, 1910, when he removed to Long Beach, California. The present incumbent, Dr. S. A. Munneke, took charge in April 1910. The church membership now numbers about five hundred.
Associated with the church is a Christian Endeavor Society, organized June 22, 1887, with a good membership, and a Junior Christian Endeavor Society. There is also a Sunday school, with a membership of more than two hundred. The Ladies Home and Foreign Missionary Societies also have good memberships.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
The present Baptist Church practically is an outgrowth of the Baptist Society, organized at Boonesboro, April 27, 1861, by S. M. Ives, A. Murray, Julia A. Ives, Jane Pilcher, Susan Murray, Louisa Moffatt, Sarah Cummings, Elizabeth Waters and Hannah Hull. The members assembled for religious services in Union Hall, the first five years of the society's existence and, later, held meetings in the old Congregational Church Building.
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Presbyterian Church Catholic Church First Universalist Church
Swedish Lutheran Church Swedish Mission Church Grace Episcopal Church
A GROUP OF BOONE CHURCHES
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HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY
December 27, 1866, at a meeting held at the home of Allen Parker, the Boone Baptist Church was organized, with Allen Parker, Sally Parker, S. M. Ives, Julia Ann Ives and Mary Smith as charter mem- bers. About the year 1891 the two societies consolidated.
The pastors of the Boonesboro Church were Revs. O. A. Holmes, A. W. Russell, A. E. Simons, S. P. Day, S. R. Shanafelt, J. Moxom, D. F. Mason, J. H. Delano and H. N. Millard. Some of these also presided over the Boone congregation. The first pastor of the latter church was Rev. A. E. Simons, who was here from the organization until September, 1869. His successors were the following named clergymen : J. R. Shanafelt, November, 1869, to 1870; J. Moxom, July, 1871, to 1872 ; for a time there was no regular pastor, then came H. S. Cloud, who remained from 1875 to 1876; J. H. Delano, April, 1876, to 1877; H. M. Millard, December, 1878, to October, 1882;
again for a time there was no regular pastor, then came I. W. Edson, December, 1883, to February, 1886; J. W. Allen, July, 1886, to Feb- ruary, 1892; W. E. Randall, July, 1892, to April, 1896; F. M. Archer, May, 1896, to May, 1899; S. E. Wilcox, June, 1899, to November, 1901; R. W. Hobbs, April, 1902, to March, 1905; C. E. Tingley, July, 1905, to May, 1908; E. J. Bronson, October, 1908, to June, 1910; Hal P. Fudge, October, 1910, to August, 1911; William J. Coulston, November 1, 1911, to the present time, 1914.
The records of the church are not as complete or satisfactory to the historian as might be desired. However, some interesting details have been recorded. For example, at a special meeting, held in September, 1867, the following letter was read, endorsed by the church body and sent to the Upper Des Moines Baptist Association : "As a church of God we desire to unite with you in giving fellowship and in work to advance the cause of our Lord Jesus Christ. We therefore address you in this letter and send messengers to meet with you. On the 30th day of December, 1866, a few of us met together and decided to organize ourselves into a Baptist Church and adopt as our declaration of belief the articles of faith found in the ency- clopedia of religious knowledge. In the first organization there were two brothers and three sisters. The number seemed to us quite small, but we felt that God in his providence had led us to this place for some wise purpose and that we must go forward in the work, trusting in God for strength and success. Since that time others have been added to our number and our hearts are much encouraged. We have from the first enjoyed the labors as pastor of Rev. A. E. Simons, in whom we are united. Until recently he has
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divided his time between us and the church at Boonesboro. From this time on we hope he will be able to devote all his time to us. We have now engaged in building a house of worship. We expect to complete the main building next year. We sustain a very good Sun- day school, for the present, in connection with the Presbyterians, but as soon as we get into our room we expect to organize a Baptist Sun- day school. We sustain a regular weekly prayer meeting. As to our field Montana has had a remarkable growth. In a little more than two years we have reached a population of 2,000 and our pros- pects are no less bright as regards permanent prosperity and growth in the future. Indeed there has been no time when we have made such rapid growth as now. In town we have no church building of any kind and we mean that there shall be one in which the Baptists shall have the first church building. For the accomplishment of this work we are doing all in our power. Our congregations are near filling the hall in which we worship and everything looks encouraging. We invite the association to meet with us next year. We send our pastor, Rev. A. E. Simons, as delegate.
"By order and in behalf of the church.
"A. E. SIMONS, Pastor."
The records further show that on Nov. 23, 1867, the members of this church met for the first time "in the new prayer meeting room." For a time the society had met in Tuscan Hall, which was also occu- pied by the Good Templars. The church went to some expense in fitting up this room. Later the members met in Ives Hall. Feb- ruary 5, 1876 the records continue: "A meeting was held in the new Baptist Chapel on Arden Street and the old chapel on the hill east of town has been sold. A temporary building with two lots on Arden Street has been purchased by the society."
On March 7, 1891, steps were taken toward the erection of a new church building to cost not less than $5,500, by May 9, 1891, $2,700 had been secured and it was voted by the church authorities that operations on the new building be at once commenced. May 18. 1891, at a special meeting, it was decided to hold "farewell serv- ices" in the old church on the following Sunday. On July 29, 1891, the corner stone of the present church building was laid, with an address by Dr. Stetson, of Des Moines College. In the fall of that year the basement was completed, so that services could be held there. The Boonesboro and Montana churches united and formed the Boone Society.
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HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY
The First Baptist Church is a frame building and stands on the corner of Sixth and Greene streets. The property is valued at $12,000. The present membership of the church is 292; attendance at the Sunday school, 291. The societies associated with the church are the Woman's Missionary, Ladies' Aid, Baptist Young Peoples Union, Farther Lights and Junior League.
SWEDISH COVENANT CHURCH
This society was organized in 1894, at the house of J. K. Johnson, with about thirty charter members, among whom were the following : Edward Lidell and wife, Verner Sandberg and wife, J. K. Johnson and wife, Frank Nygren and wife, Charles Hulteen and wife, Rev. P. Nelson and wife, J. Wideberg and wife, Mrs. John Baughman, C. A. Carlston and family, John Hedberg, Alfred Norberg and wife, William Thoren, wife and three sons, Mrs. C. V. Nelson, and Ernest Carlson.
For a short time services were held in the Universalist Church and in halls, but very soon after the organization, a lot was pur- chased at the corner of Fifth and Carroll streets, at a cost of $1,000. The old church belonging to the Methodist Episcopal Congregation was then purchased for $200 and moved to this lot. Some improve- ments were made on the building, including the putting in of double walls, double floors, decorating, painting, etc. From time to time the building has been redecorated and otherwise improved. A few years later a parsonage was erected at a cost of $2,000 and stands on the lot adjoining the church on the west.
For a time the pulpit was supplied by the Covenant with J. E. Pamp. The first regular pastor was Rev. C. A. Ostling, who remained three years. He was followed by Rev. J. P. Hultgren, who remained for a similar period. Then came Rev. Oscar Dahlberg, who remained three and a half years, his successor being Rev. W. N. Rosling, who remained a year and a half. Since that time there has been no regular pastor, the pulpit having been supplied by various speakers. At the present time it is supplied by Rev. August Swanstrom, who preaches here twice a month.
There is a Sunday school, with but a small membership, and also a Ladies' Aid and Woman's Missionary Society, in connection with the church.
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GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Grace Episcopal Church is the composition of two religious bodies St. Paul's and Grace Episcopal churches. St. Paul's was the one first organized, the important event taking place at Boones- boro in the fall of 1867. The list of charter members, as fully as can be remembered by Mrs. Charles A. Sherman, from whom the data for this article was obtained, was comprised of Charles A. Sherman and wife, James Hazlett and wife, J. Rush Lincoln and W. C. Harrah. Charles A. Sherman was senior warden and J. Rush Lincoln, junior warden.
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