USA > Iowa > Buchanan County > History of Buchanan County, Iowa, and its people, Volume I > Part 60
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Added to the quartette which sings at the morning service, the musical force of the vested choir of young ladies, which sings at the evening services. This choir has chosen the name of St. Cecelia and is a most efficient organization. Miss Alice Rogers is the director.
The church also enjoys on many occasions the services of a male chorus, directed by the pastor.
In the week of the 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th of December, 1904, the church celebrated its semi-centennial anniversary with appropriate and memorable serv- ices. As many as possible of the old members and former pastors were in attend- anee. Mrs. A. B. Clarke, the only one of the charter members alive at that time, wrote a very interesting letter which was read by her son, R. F. Clarke, in which she told in a bright and pleasing manner of their early experience and struggles. Mrs. Clarke unfortunately was absent spending the winter in Cali- fornia. Another interesting letter from Mrs. Adaline M. Boggs, wife of the first regular pastor was also read, and gave a graphic picture of her advent into, and first impressions of Independence and their church services in those early days. Reminiscences, roll of honor, histories of the church, anniversary sermon, Sunday school reunions and a greeting from the German Presbyterian Church were among the features of this four-day jubilee service.
Among the notable speakers from abroad were Rev. E. R. Burkholter, D. D., of Cedar Rapids, veteran pastor of the first church, and George E. McLean, L. S. D., of Iowa City, president State University.
In 1892, Mr. J. B. Jones left in his will the property known as the S. S. Allen Place to the church for a manse, and in 1902 the old building was removed and a new house was erected at a cost of $6,500.00. Again in 1905 Afrs. S. P. Campbell purchased the property and the present manse was built on the adjoin- ing lots at a cost of $5,000.00, exclusive of the value of the lots.
The church has always had the usual auxiliary societies for men, women and young people.
The Sunday school has been an active foree in the church from the first. At the present tine it is fully organized and officered by able and considerate men and women. The total enrollment in all departments is 422. An active Y. P. S. C. E. and a Westminster minister are among the most dominant factors in the life of the church in both a social and helpful way.
The Woman's Missionary Society has brought a missionary interest to the congregation and it has been instrumental in raising large sums of money for the cause of missions at home and abroad.
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In the sixty years of its history the church has contributed for all purposes $186,001, of which $39,063.00 was for benevolences.
The total membership in 1860 was 66; in 1904, 402; and the present mem- bership is 472.
NEW ENGLAND CONGREGATIONAL CITURCII
The New England Congregational Church of Independence was constituted on May 8, 1867. The recognition was on the 19th, the public services being held in the Baptist Church. The number of members at the organization was nine. On the 16th of the same month eight additional members were admitted, so that, at the time of recognition, the membership was seventeen. The officers of the church were pastor, deacons, clerk, treasurer and trustees.
C. C. Caldwell was the first clerk, Spencer W. Noyes the first deaeon, and Rev. Henry Mills the first pastor, beginning stated supply of pulpit the first Sabbath in March, 1868.
The New England Congregational Society was organized on the 18th day of March, 1868, by the adoption of articles of incorporation and compact with the church. In July the soil was broken and the foundation, superstructure and furnishings of a building followed in quiek succession. On the 16th day of Deeember following the house was dedicated and subscriptions and cash raised to meet all bills against the society. Four hundred dollars was given by the Church Building Society.
Among the early members who helped very largely financially were Doctor Bryant and Mr. C. G. Woodruff. Doctor Bryant also donated the lot north of the church, which was kept as a park for many years. Mrs. Woodruff's unele, IIon. O. Sage of Ware, Mass., donated the bell, and he and his son-in-law, Mr. William Hyde, of Ware, Mass., helped generously with money. Mrs. Chapin of Chicopee, Mass., gave the Bible for the pulpit. A church in Dubuque had burned out, but had saved their pulpit, and this was given to the church in In- dependence.
Rev. Charles Bissell was the second minister, Rev. L. W. Brintnall the third, and Rev. L. W. Foster the fourth. After the close of his pastorate, the members were mueh discouraged and no meetings were held for about two years. For several months the building was used as a schoolhouse. February 11, 1884, E. A. Chapman and family and his father. Rev. Daniel Chapman, moved to Inde- pendence. In the next two weeks, Reverend Chapman told the Congregationalists that if they would open the church he would preach. About thirty were present at his first sermon. In a month or two, the church was repaired and Rev. M. S. Croswell called as regular pastor, serving two years. E. A. Chapman was appointed Sunday school superintendent, and was either superintendent or as- sistant superintendent for twenty years, till his removal to Cedar Falls.
Reverend Horn came in July, 1886, and remained one year. In the spring of 1888, Reverend Baker took up the work and remained four years, leaving in 1892. He was a sineere, faithful pastor, though well along in years. It was during the last of his pastorate that C. W. Williams took an active interest in the church, introdueing an orchestra and Sunday evening concerts, purchased a good organ for the Sunday school and contributed largely in many ways. Rev. J. W.
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Horner was the next pastor, coming in January, 1893, and leaving in the fall of 1898, giving nearly six years of energetic service. His wife and daughters were a great help in the social life of the church, and in reaching the young people. The membership reached its highest point in these years, about one hun- dred and fifty. He was followed by Reverend Douglass in January, 1899. He re- mained a little over a year. Rev. II. C. Rosenberger came in August, 1900, serv- ing four years. He and his family gave faithful, efficient work, but owing to the removal of several important families to other localities, the church became mueh weakened. Reverend Hotze was pastor from October, 1904, to July, 1905, when the church was closed, and no regular services were held for 212 years.
In the meantime Mrs. C. A. Morgan, one of the faithful, long-time members had died, leaving her home to be used for the benefit of the church. It was sold and the proceeds used in remodeling the church building. Also the north lot was sold for the same purpose. They now have a very tasteful and convenient house of worship, and the members, though few and much discouraged, finally resolved to try again.
Rev. T. B. Couchman and his splendid family began work in April, 1908. The members rallied, and slowly but surely progress was made. After three years' service he felt called to a stronger ehnreh. Rev. Stewart Smith was the last pastor, coming in June, 1911, and leaving in October, 1912.
There was a division of opinion among the members as to the advisability of continuing the elmrch. Without union it was certainly impossible to do so, and the meetings were closed. But we trust that the influence of the little church has gone out into all the world and will never end.
The property was deeded in August. 1913, by the trustees to the state con- ference.
There were two organizations connected with the church work which should be given special mention, the Ladies' Aid and the missionary societies. The Ladies' Aid was organized June 17, 1886, with sixteen members. Mrs. H. M. Stewart, mother of Mrs. L. W. Parish, was its first president : Mrs. E. Ross was vice president, and Mrs. E. M. Potwin, secretary and treasurer. Of the first year's members, Mrs. M. R. Adams, Mrs. Louisa Parker and Mrs. E. M. Pot- win worked continously in the society till its elose in 1912, a period of twenty- six years. Mrs. Potwin was secretary for twenty-four years. Mrs. C. M. Morse was president 512 years, the longest term of any president. Many other faith- ful workers could be mentioned.
In the twenty-six years forty-six socials were held, thirty suppers, nineteen bazaars and sales of various kinds. Five hundred copies of the Columbian Cook Book were printed under the leadership of Mrs. C. W. Williams. The total amount of money earned was $3,100. This was used in various ways, such as payments on pastor's salary, putting in of electric lights, furnace, painting the church and other smaller matters. The membership never exceeded thirty in one year, and generally was less.
The Missionary Society was organized March 1, 1894, with fourteen mem- bers. Mrs. E. M. Potwin was the first and only president. Mrs. Isaac Preble was vice president, and Mrs. J. D. Boyaek, secretary and treasurer. Meetings were held regularly on the first Friday of each month, even when the church was closed. Most interesting and carefully prepared programs were given upon the
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work of the denomination in home and foreign lands. The contributions toward the support of this work amounted in eighteen years to $1,600.
In all departments of religious work the church has tried to carry its share. Those who have received their early religious training here are scattered in all parts of the United States, living better and more useful lives because of the seed sown here. Some have said that they derived more benefit from their labors in the small church than they have in the larger churches with which they have worked since.
With thankfulness for its past record and sineere regret for its close, this brief summary is submitted.
BAPTIST CHURCHI
The first Baptist Church of Independence was organized May 9, 1858, with the following constituent members: Men-L. W. Cook, M. D. Weston, Josiah Brace, J. C. Loomis. Women-Emily C. Cook, Sarah E. Smith, Urene Weston, Elizabeth Chandler, Melvina Bartle, I. F. Loomis and Electa (Young) Smith, who is the only living charter member at the present time. After holding serv- ices in the courthouse for six years, in 1865 they finished and dedicated a beau- tiful house of worship, which has since been enlarged. Its beautiful spire ris- ing above the tree tops served a guiding point for miles around to the sparsely settled community.
The dedication of the new Baptist Church occurred on Thursday, August 31, 1865, Rev. Mr. Hodge, of Janesville, Wis., preached in the morning and evening, and Rev. Mr. Chapin, of Dubuque, in the afternoon. Reverend Mr. Hunter, of Waterloo; Reverend Mr. Sill, of Shell Rock; Reverend Mr. Burring- ton, of Waverly, were also present and took part in the exercises. The attend- ance upon the services was quite large, especially in the morning. The extreme heat kept many away in the afternoon.
At the close of the service in the morning a statement of the cost and indebt- edness of the church was made to the following effect: Total cost of church, $5,600; indebtedness, $700. To assist in the liquidation of this debt $331 was subscribed on the spot, many of the friends of the church living at great dis- tances subscribing liberally.
Over half the amount heretofore raised for building and church was the direct result of the labors of the pastor, Rev. John Fulton outside of the county.
The church was conducted under the original organization until August 10, 1896, at which time it was incorporated under the laws of the State of lowa. The incorporators being S. B. Hovey, II. A. Clark, G. N. Leaeh, J. L. Mabie, Simpson Stout, W. E. Closson, George S. Dean, A. G. Beatty, Clinton E. Mil- ler, George W. Genung, Mrs. Electa Smith, A. L. Kandee, Josiah Brace, and L. A. Main.
In the spring of 1905 it was determined to improve the appearance and enlarge the capacity of the church edifice. At the Sunday morning service, March 12th, subscriptions amounting to more than seventeen hundred dollars were raised. A twenty-foot addition was built at the north end of the church extending to an ell at the east side of the building, 20x28 feet. A fine base- ment kitchen is one of the necessary and attractive features. The first floor of Vol. I-31
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the addition is used for Sunday school and young people's meetings and will open into the main body of the church by means of rolling partitions: the second floor above is furnished as a parlor for society meetings and social entertainments.
The present officers of the church are W. H. Stickel, pastor; A. G. Beatty, . clerk, a position which Mr. Beatty has held for twenty years. Deacons: J. II. Mathew, Mel L. Webster, Walter Harrington and E. M. Thompson. The board of trustees consists of Dr. M. R. Brierly, president : S. B. Hovey, vice president and treasurer: A. G. Beatty, clerk, and the following lay members: M. A. Kippen, Cliton E. Miller, Mel L. Webster, and S. Stout. In February. 1870, the Baptist Foreign Missionary Society was organized.
In connection with the church a very successful Sunday school is conducted, having been organized at the time of the organization of the church and has continued ever since. The records fail to show who the original officers of the Sunday school were and we have been unable to learn from any of the members. At present Clinton E. Miller is superintendent : Charlotte Ericson. secretary, and James Moore, Jr., treasurer. The average attendance being for the past year fifty-eight. Collections amounted to $117.79, expenses $49.25, $36.66 was contributed to missions and there is now on hand a balance of $37.88.
In connection with the church there has been organized a Baptist. Young People's Union with a membership of twenty, Miss Margaret Neilson being the president.
The Ladies' Aid Society is another attractive feature of the church's activities which, together with the foreign and home missions. are conducted largely by the lady members of the church.
ST. JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC CHURCH
In the late '60s, when Father John Gosker was pastor at St. John's Church, there was rumor of building a second Catholic Church in this city, but the pro- jeet was dropped as premature. It was in the year 1882 when the subject was revived again and accordingly a meeting was held at King's Opera House to determine the advisability of such an undertaking. Dr. F. Richard was elected president and John Till secretary of the meeting.
It was decided at this meeting to send Vincent Wieser and Nic Maas as delegates to Dubuque to ask the Rt. Rev. John Hennessey, Bishop of Dubuque, for permission to build a German Catholic Church, which was willingly granted. A committee was then appointed to go ahead with the work. The dimensions of the church were 70 feet long, 40 feet wide, with 24-foot posts, and a spire of 107 feet.
The contract to build the church was awarded to Jacob Bach for the con- sideration of $5,000. Ground was broken late in the fall of 1882 and the corner- stone laid. The building itself was to be started in 1883 and finished in the fall of that year. In the fall of 1884 the parsonage was erected at a cost of $1,400, and in September. 1897, the pipe organ, costing $800, was put in.
On March 30, 1898, the erection of the parochial school was begun and was finished in August of the same year. The first sisters were Sister M. Bernarda, M. Narcissa, and M. Marina. The cost of the building was $3,000.
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OLD CATHOLIC CHURCH
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Six months after the church was built, Father J. Drexler was appointed their pastor. He served for several years and was followed in order by Fathers Weirich, Reinert, and Naebers, who is now acting as pastor of St. Joseph's. . The church has a membership at present of about seventy families.
Among the societies are the Rosary Society organized in 1898, the Holy Face Confraternity in 1899, and the Young Ladies' Sodality organized in 1901.
On November 30, 1897, four acres of land were bought from Thomas Burk for burial purposes. This cemetery was located on the eastern border of the city. This cemetery is not used at present, the church using the St. John's Cemetery.
The total valuation of the church property at present is $20,000.
The parishioners of St. Joseph's German Catholic Church of Independence completed their handsome parochial school in August, 1898. It was largely through the efforts of Rev. Joseph Drexler that this movement was accomplished.
In the winter previous a meeting of the members of the church was called at which it was decided to build the fine structure that now ornaments the grounds south of the church. At that meeting the following executive committee was appointed : Gill Kayser, president; N. J. Iekel, secretary; Rev. Joseph Drexler, treasurer; and U. Wengert, M. Graff, John Damge, John Schmidt, Jolin F. Iekel and John Weber. The work then began in earnest. H. A. Ilall, architect, was consulted and drew np plans and specifications which were accepted and the contract for construction was given to E. S. Price.
The school building is of frame and veneered with Gladbrook pressed brick. It is 40 by 32 feet. The basement contains the cellar, winter chapel and furnace.
On the first floor there is a school room, 31 by 16 feet, a large entrance hall, kitchen, dining room and parlor, and on the second floor is a school room the same size as on the first floor and three sleeping rooms. The attic is 40 by 32 feet and 9 feet high and can be used for storage or sleeping room. The building, when completed, cost $3,000, and in a few months after completion was entirely out of debt, a splendid accomplishment for so small a congregation.
Three sisters of St. Francis Order were placed in charge of the school- one as cook and the other two as teachers. German and English both were taught. A formal dedication took place on August 10, 1898, Very Rev. George W. Heer, of Dyersville, delivered the dedicatory sermon in the German language. It was a very able effort and Rev. P. L. O'Connor, of Oelwein, who assisted in the services, gave a sermon in English. After services a well prepared dinner was served and the day's exercises closed with a lawn fete at which ice cream and other delicacies were sold, the proceeds netting the school a nice sum. This school has been condueted with more or less success ever since. The first enrollment numbered fifty-two pupils.
ST. JOHN'S CATHOLIC CHURCHI
In the years 1854 and 1855 the few Catholics of Buchanan County were attended by priests from Dubuque. Also, for several years Father Shields of Waverly, Iowa, looked after the spiritual needs of the people here. In 1856 a small Catholic church was constructed. It was a small frame building located near the site of the present Buchanan County Courthouse. On December 18, 1862, Rev. John L. Gosker was appointed by Bishop Smith, of Dubuque, to take
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charge of the parish at Independence. Father Gosker was the first resident pastor of St. John's and through his untiring efforts a church was built. On September 6, 1864, the cornerstone was laid with very imposing ceremonies. Eight priests were in attendance. Bishop Smith, of Dubuque, delivered the address. An excursion was run from Dubuque and a large erowd eame out for the ceremony. In December, 1864, the new briek church was completed on the corner of Mott and Elizabeth streets, now the corner of Fourth Avenue and Second Street Northeast. Its dimensions were 40 by 70 feet. Rev. John Gosker had charge of the congregation here for about sixteen years and ean really be ealled the founder of the true Catholie spirit in Buchanan County. He labored under great difficulties and performed his work well. He was called, by both Catholics and Protestants, "Father John." A big fair which lasted four days, from the 19th to the 22d of December, was the opening of the church. This was in charge of the women of the church, from which they realized about eight hundred and twenty-five dollars. They collected $200 more.
In the year 1878, Rev. Patrick Burke took charge and officiated in this capacity until the year 1881.
In October, 1881. Rev. P. O'Dowd was appointed rector of St. John's Church by Bishop Hennessey. This begun the work of a good and noble man, which only ended in death undoubtedly brought on by the hard labors he had given to his congregation and church. A complete sketch of Father O'Dowd may be found in the second volume of this work.
In the year 1883 the German speaking people of St. John's Church separated from it and built their own church, which is ealled St. Joseph's. The history of this society follows this sketeh.
In the spring of 1910 the advisability of building a new church to replace the old St. John's began to be considered by the people. The new project, largely through the efforts of Father O'Dowd became a certainty and the laying of the cornerstone took place on June 27, 1911. Twenty priests assisted Father O'Dowd, and the ceremonies ineident to the time were very impressive and elaborate. This was the beginning of the structure which today graees the City of Independence. Its two beautiful symmetrieal spires rise far into the heavens; its glittering golden erosses may be seen for miles around. The sum of $40,000 was expended on this beautiful structure. It was built of pressed brick and boulder foundation, in Gothic style of architecture, artistic and substantial. The new church is said to be one of the finest in this part of the country. It is large and commodious. Numerous beautiful stained glass memorial windows are one of the chief adornments. And a most beautiful altar also makes it one of the best furnished churches in this vieinity.
After Father Garland's appointment to this eharge the parsonage was entirely remodeled at a cost of $7,000, and was beautifully fitted and furnished by the congregation.
On April 26, 1912, occurred the death of Very Rev. P. O'Dowd, a detailed account of which is given in his sketeh.
Sueeeeding Rev. Father O'Dowd eame Rev. J. J. Garland. During his pastorate in this eity he improved the church very materially and for his generosity and excellent work was honored by the Pope with the rank of Monseigneur. The conferring of this title was one of the grandest ceremonies
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ever witnessed in Independence. Reverend Garland continued his labors here until his death on September 15, 1914. Rev. J. S. Linkenmeyer, who was acting as assistant at the time, was appointed administrator of the pastorate and is now acting as the same. St. John's has a membership of several hundred and is one of the strongest church organizations in the county.
Attached to St. John's Church is a convent called the Notre Dame Seminary. It is conducted under the auspices of the sisters of Notre Dame Seminary. It is intended for the edneation of the children of the Catholic community. Be- sides the care for the young, the good sisters have always done much good and noble work in tending the sick and performing other acts of mercy among the parishioners. The convent was purchased by Mother Borrimew for $7,000 in the year 1869. The school was started by Father Gosker at the time the church was built. Today there are twenty sisters in the convent, with Mother Ignatius at their head. They have branch schools at Banleston, Eagle Center and St. Joseph's German Catholic School, at Independence. The Young Ladies' Sodality, an auxiliary of the church, is one of the active and strong organizations and greatly assisted the church in a social and financial way.
GERMAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
On the 20th of September, 1858, Rev. F. C. Schwartz, a minister of the Presbyterian Church (old school) preached here to a goodly number of Ger- mans in the English Presbyterian Church in Independence. After the services were over most of the Germans present asked him to stay, at least for a time, and preach for them, which he did. He labored here till June 7, 1858, on which day the following persons met in the evening to consult in regard to a church organization : E. Zinn, F. Ilerman, P. Tempus, Charles Ileege, V. Klotzback, HI. Dellfield. F. Bittner, John Bechkemmer, 1. Moser, 1. Lan- geneckardt. I. Mohring, Henry Langeneckardt, I. Schenkowitz, Christian Sehaefer, and Eberard Langeneckhardt. Rev. F. C. Schwartz presided and it was resolved after reading and adopting the Westminster catechism, to be organized into a Presbyterian Church, and all present signed a petition to the Dubuque presbytery to grant them such an organization as soon as con- venient.
On the 7th day of July, 1858, a committee of the presbytery of Dubuque, consisting of Rev. A. Van Vliet and Rev. F. C. Schwartz, met with these people at the schoolhouse in the eastern part of the town. Reverend Mr. Van Vliet preached a sermon, and then the two ministers examined the people present, also putting the usual questions and offering praver, after which the elmurch was declared organized, under the name of the "German Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Independence, Buchanan County, lowa." The fol- lowing day, July 8th, another meeting was held, and after the sermon the following persons were duly elected as officers of the church: Eckhardt Zinn and Fred Herman, elders; Christian Schaefer and Henry Langeneckardt, deacons. These four brethren received their ordination July 11, 1858, accord- ing to the constitution of the Presbyterian Church, old school.
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