USA > Iowa > Des Moines County > History of Des Moines County, Iowa, Volume I > Part 56
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All the various departments of the church are well organized and doing effective work.
In 1854 was organized what was known as the Second Presbyterian Church of Burlington, its founders withdrawing from the first church. The difficulty started in the session, not on account of any difference in faith or practice; but of a difference in the views of the members, as to the duty of ministers to express their views on the question of slavery then agitating the country. The following named persons organized the Second Presbyterian Church: G. W. Snyder, John G. Law Elder, Daniel Winter, A. Harbach, David Rice, William Winter, Robert Winter, Maria B. Harbach, Elizabeth Winter, Laura Rice, Peter Jacoby, May Wedg, V. Jeremy Wedg, Mary E. Bearner, H. L. Wedg, J. C. Fletcher, Susanna Snyder, C. B. Snyder and Mary C. Clark. The Presbyterians at this time seemed to have considerable trouble, for we find on October I, 1858, was organized what was called the Westminster Presbyterian Church. What led to its organization we have been unable to discover. Those organizing this church were George Lindrum, Julia Lindrum, C. A. Whittaker, P. V. Ander- son, M. E. Hayden, Grispella Ianes, Martha Stewart, Hester Stewart, Mrs. Jane Young, William Gillies, L. M. McCook, A. F. Whittaker, James R. Nairn, J. M. Case, Robert Donahue, John Dickey, Lucia Whittaker, Ellen M. Corse, Jane Dickey, Isabelle McChesney, Peter Jacoby and Euphemia Jacoby. Neither of the above organizations continued for any length of time. The Westminster people built a church which stood on the ground now occupied by the church of Christian Scientists. This property in the Gos came into the ownership of St. Paul's Catholic Church, and was used by them until the erection of their new building at the corner of Columbia and Fourth streets. On the dissolution of the Westminster Church, many of its members became associated with the Congregational Church. At the termination of the Civil war, all differences between members on the question which agitated the country ceased and all who had departed from the parent church came back except those who had united with the Congregational Church.
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HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
CONGREGATIONAL CIIURCHI
( Burlington)
Wherever you find in any new country a settlement of people from New England, you will find a Congregational Church.
This church was first organized under the name of "The Constitutional New School Presbyterian Church of Burlington." At this time there was so much division in the Presbyterian Church it was hard for one raised in that faith to properly locate himself or herself. At this place I quote from the letter of Dr. Samuel Fullenwider written to Daniel Matson, secretary of Committee of Invitation to the Fiftieth Anniversary of the First Presbyterian Church of Kos- suth : "I have no doubt you younger members often challenge the wisdom and prudence of the fathers who founded the Church of Kossuth, but, by way of apology, and an explanation of their actions, it would seem necessary to inquire a little into the doings of the General Assembly and the causes of the division. From my memory there were two which were mainly the procuring causes, viz .: The one, the union with the Congregational brethren in the matter of home mis- sions, and the other, the relation of the General Assembly to slavery. There were doubtless other causes."
There were men in the assembly who represented the advanced thoughts on slavery. They had for years with increasing zeal urged on the assembly to make a more explicit, practical utterance on slavery, but could only obtain a reaffirma- tion of its former utterances, which, if my recollection serves me right, were made in 1818. Though they were by no means pro-slavery, yet they were nothing more than "Glittering Generalities." There were many who were dissatisfied with the working of the home missions, and had been trying to have the union with the Congregationalists dissolved; but there were enough men who claimed to be conservatives who opposed the change, and they, holding the balance of power, when it came to a vote, defeated both measures. So certain parties or persons, in the fall of 1836, preferred charges against certain Presbyterians. They were the most radically anti-slavery and the most clamorous for sustaining the union with the Congregationalists and were sufficiently venomous, when deprived of seats in the assembly, to give the anti-slavery men no hope and insure success for the non-unionists.
When the assembly met in the spring of 1837 the moderator would not allow the chief clerk to read the names of the delegates from these presbyteries, so depriving them of their seats without citation or trial. Certain members left the rooms, and with these tabooed presbyteries founded what was called the "New School Assembly." From what is known of the founders of the Congregational Church in Burlington, and those succeeding them, it can be readily seen why the first organization was given the name above stated.
Evidently the first organization contained many persons of the New School Presbyterians, persons who had pronounced views on the slavery question and who favored the union with the Congregationalists on the question of home mis- sions. Fundamentally, orthodox Congregationalism is the same as that of the Presbyterians.
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HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
The Reverends Reuben Gaylord and Rankin preached for the Presbyterians at Kossuth and other places. The Rev. A. Leonard was one of the first Presbyterian ministers to the Round Prairie Church.
The church at Burlington, from the time of its organization as a New School Church, as well as from the time it became known as a Congregational Church, never at any time failed to raise its voice against the crime of human slavery. Doctor Salter, pastor for more than a half century, was known throughout the state and the whole West, as the "Abolition Preacher." At a time when many ministers of other churches, who through fear of offending some members who held pro-slavery sentiments, held their tongues on this question Doctor Salter and those of the church who preceded him were outspoken on the question.
The Congregational Church had its incorporation at a meeting held at the school room of Mr. Park Stewart, situate on Court Street. There were present at this meeting the following named persons: The Rev. James A. Clark, a mis- sionary of the American Home Missionary Society ; James G. Edwards and wife, Mrs. Ellen T. Edwards ; William H. Starr, Mrs. Frances C. Starr, Doctor Knapp, Mrs. Helen M. Larrison, William Haynes, a Mr. Bronson and wife, Arthur Brigman, Joseph Brigman and Mrs. Ruth Sheldon, who was the first woman school teacher in Des Moines County. This meeting took place on the 25th of November, 1838. It was at this meeting the church was organized. Mrs. Edwards was a member of Old South Church, Boston, before she came West. Some years after the death of Mr. Edwards she married J. M. Broadwell.
The congregation worshiped in the house in which the church was organized for several years, and was ministered to by many persons, among whom were Reverend Mr. Clark, Reuben Gaylord, Asa Turner, W. C. Rankin, W. C. Boal. The first regular pastor was Rev. Horace Hutchinson, who continued to preach for the congregation till the time of his death in 1846.
Conditions had so changed that on the 28th of December, 1843, it became a Congregational Church. At this time a reorganization took place, for what cause we do not know. It seems from the following names many of the New School brethren were going into the Congregational Church, particularly Rev. Aaron Leonard, who was a man of strong personality. The reorganization took place in a room on Main Street on the date last mentioned. The Rev. A. Leonard presided at this meeting. There were present at this meeting : Rev. A. Leonard, A. S. Shackford, secretary, R. Armstrong, W. H. Starr, Charles Hendrie, Mrs. David Leonard, James G. Edwards, Mrs. A. Leonard, Mrs. M. J. Kelley, Mrs. McCosh, Mrs. Ellen T. Edwards, Mrs. L. Buell, and David Leonard. The above named persons unanimously affirmed a motion to reorganize the church and become a Congregational Church according to the constitution and confession of faith of that church. There were forty-one members of the church at this time. How many of this number joined the new organization we do not know, but it appears that the constitution thus adopted was subsequently signed by the follow- ing persons : Abner Leonard, Elizabeth Leonard, David Leonard. Mary S. Leonard, Jane Wilkins, Benjamin Lewis, William II. Starr, Robert Armstrong, Albert S. Shackford, Sarah McCash, Louisa Buell, Margaret J. Kelley, Ellen T. Edwards, Sarah S. Prince, Mary McGuire, Annie E. Chase, Catherine Nealley, Frances C. Starr, Anson E. Bruner, Maria Pitt. Mary Allen, Rebecca Field, Matilda B. Ransom, William and Jane Moore. After the completion of the
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organization, the church became connected with what was known as the Denmark Association of the Congregational Church, to which A. S. Shack- ford was elected as delegate. From the time of its organization in 1838 up to 1846, the congregation owned no house of worship. In this year was com- pleted at a cost of $6,000 a building 40x50 feet. This building stood on the ground now occupied by the present structure. This building was commenced in 1843, and completed in 1846, and was dedicated to the High and Holy One December 29, 1846, the Rev. William Salter discoursing from the following passage of Scripture :
"And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths; for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem." Isaiah II, 3.
Rev. William Salter at the time of dedication, was pastor. The former pastor, Reverend Hutchinson, having passed away into his "Eternal Rest." The congregation having assembled at its meeting place on Columbia Street near where stood the old Mccutcheon House, known to all old settlers, extended an invitation to the Rev. William Salter to become their pastor. This was on the 15th day of March, 1846. The invitation was accepted, and on the 30th day of the December following, the Rev. William Salter was installed pastor of the church at a council held on that day. The Rev. Reuben Gaylord was mod- erator of the council. The Rev. T. M. Post of Illinois College at Jacksonville, preached the installation sermon and the Rev. Asa Turner of Denmark offered the installation prayer. The Rev. James A. Clark of Fort Madison made an address to the people there assembled. The sermon of Reverend Post was based on the following words of Scripture: "But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ." Ephe- sians IV, 15 (and see context).
Some time in 1854 this building was enlarged by an addition 20x40 feet, constructed on the west end. After twenty years had elapsed from the time of completion of the first building, it became necessary to construct a new and more commodious one to supply the needs of the congregation. During this time the membership of the church had not only increased in numbers, but in wealth. Then it was determined to erect a building not only suitable for its needs, but one which the people composing it, as well as the people of the whole city could look upon with pride. It chose for its architect, Charles A. Dunham, a resident architect, known throughout the state for his skill in design- ing, and giving character to what he designed in the way of churches, and other buildings to be erected. The last services held in the old church were held September 9, 1866, the last prayer meeting, September 13th. At this last meeting Reverend Doctor Salter spoke, choosing for his remarks the following passage of Scripture:
Haggai II, 1-4. "In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, came the word of the Lord by the Prophet Haggai, saying, Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and to the residue of the people, saying, Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing? Yet now
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be strong, O Zerubbabel, said the Lord; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the Lord, and work ; for I am with you, said the Lord of hosts."
What feelings of emotion, love and gratitude must have filled the hearts of this people who for so many years had worshiped in this sacred edifice which must give way for another and better one. The memories of the past, with its struggles, its joys, its hopes, its fears, all came rushing into present consciousness. The songs of triumph which once cheered the hearts came back once again. The sorrows for the loved and gone, once again filled their souls. Here it was, within these sacred walls, under this roof, for so long they had met to rejoice and were cheered with the knowledge that before long another and one more beautiful would take the place of the one which for so many years had sheltered them.
The work of taking down the old house soon commenced. The corner stone of the new edifice was laid on the 4th day of July, 1867. The architect was present on the occasion directing the work. A large concourse of people had assembled to witness the occasion, and hear what was said. The congregation and all the pastors of the city had assembled at Marion Hall nearby, and having formed in procession, marched to the place where the services of laying the stone were to take place. Robert Donahue, one of the members of the church, had charge of the procession. Rev. William Salter, the pastor, deliv- ered an address on the occasion. Rev. George D. Stewart, pastor of the Pres- byterian Church, read the portions of Scripture contained in LXXIV and XCII Psalms. While the choir and congregation sang :
"Here in thy name, Eternal God. We lay this corner-stone for thee, Oh. make the house thy fixed abode, And keep it, Lord, from evil free." Etc.
Rev. Asa Turner, the pioneer of Congregational ministers in Iowa, offered the dedicating prayer. The benediction was pronounced by the Rev. J. B. Fuller, pastor of the Baptist Church. A copy of the Bible, that of the church hymn-book, a list of the names and members of the church, with its officers, a copy of the Burial Hill Declaration of 4th of June, 1865, a copy of the Declaration of Independence and that of the Constitution of the United States, of Washington's Farewell Address, of Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, the Constitution of Iowa, of the Burlington City Charter, and Ordinances, of the Burlington newspapers, the Religious News, and the Independent and a photograph of the old church building, were placed in a metallic box carefully sealed, and placed in the corner stone. The corner stone having been laid, the work progressed as fast as possible till its completion. It was not fully completed and ready for occupancy till December, 1870. The lower rooms in which the Sabbath School is held was completed in 1869, when on the 26th of that month, they were dedicated, Rev. William Salter preaching the sermon. Rev. W. F. Baird, pastor of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and Prof. J. T. Roberts, of Burlington University, assisting in the services. Addresses were delivered by A. E. Millspaugh, superintendent of the Sabbath School, and other members of the church.
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HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
The church dedication took place December 25, 1870. The hopes of the congregation had been fully realized, and their hearts filled with gratitude to God for his loving kindness and care. It was a proud day for his Congrega- tionalists of Burlington and especially to their revered pastor.
ORDER OF EXERCISES
Ist. Invocation by the Pastor.
2d. Hymn 548.
3d. Reading of the Scriptures by Rev. D. E. Jones.
4th. Hymn 549.
5th. Sermon by Rev. J. P. Fuller, D. D., Pres. Knox College.
6th. Prayer of dedication by Rev. Asa Turner.
7th. Hymn 550.
The church continued to prosper under the care of its pastor, but it was to meet in a material way an unexpected loss, when one Sabbath morning, by reason of defect in the heating furnace it took fire and almost the whole inside was burned to such an extent that it required many thousand dollars to place it in good condition. Fortunately, the walls which had been constructed of stone, were uninjured. But with energy the congregation went to work to repair and make over the inside portion of the building. This work was completed within the year. The Rev. William Salter continued their pastor until August 15, 1910, when he was taken Home, his beloved wife having preceded him many years before. Occasionally, with Mrs. Salter accompanying him in his buggy, the Reverend Pastor would go to Aspen Grove Cemetery, there to drive along the ways beneath the leafy shade of trees. While so passing along, a tree which was being cut down, fell, striking Mrs. Salter and killing her almost instantly, and severely injuring the Reverend Pastor. It was an acci- dent for which no blame can be attributed to any one under the circumstances.
For many years prior to the death of this aged pastor, he had several associates, the last of whom is the present pastor, the Rev. Naboth Osborne.
Pastors of the Congregational Church from April 12, 1846, to August 15, 1915: Rev. William Salter, D. D., from April 12, 1846, to August 15, 1910. Associate pastors : Rev. William Buss, called January 24, 1882. Resigned Octo- ber 16, 1884. Rev. George D. Herron, called January 1, 1892. Resigned June I, 1893. Rev. Frank N. White, called April 5, 1894. Resigned October 9, 1898. Rev. R. L. Marsh, called June 1, 1899. Resigned June 31, 1899. Rev. Naboth Osborne, called April 19, 1906. Pastor from August 15, 1910.
ST. PAUL'S CATHOLIC CHURCH
No church organization is more attentive in looking after the spiritual wel- fare of its communicants than the Catholic Church. This church had its begin- ning in Burlington in 1839. Bishop Lorcas, to whom had been intrusted the interests of the church in this part of the then western country, having learned that some two or three Catholic families lived in Burlington made preparations at once to see that they were supplied with religious ministrations. For this
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purpose he directed the Rev. Samuel Mazzuchielli to take such steps as he deemed necessary for the spiritual welfare of those families in Burlington and for the upbuikling of the Catholic Church in that place. That he might have the better opportunities in the work intrusted to him he gave him an assistant in the Rev. Constantine Lec, at Galena, Ill. In November, 1839, Father Mazzuchelli started on his mission down the Mississippi River visiting the different places where he could find Catholic families. On his arrival at Davenport he stayed a few days with Father Pelamorgues, then proceeded to Burlington, a small village containing about ten or twelve hundred souls, of whom twenty-seven were Catholics. A German family by the name of Thollmann lived presumably in a log cabin in which were assembled on December 17, 1839, the Catholic population of the town, and at this time and place was celebrated the first Holy Mass ever offered in Bur- lington. The Rev. Father was unremitting in his labors for the church. Ile visited Burlington several times in 1840. In the same year he purchased from Mr. Postlewaite a lot on which in the same year was erected the first Catholic Church in Burlington. The Rev. Father was its architect, its dimensions were 30x55 feet, with a basement so arranged as to be suitable for school purposes. The building thus completed was blessed and dedicated in honor of St. Paul. From 1840 to 1843 Rev. J. A. M. Pelamorgues, Rev. J. G. Alleman and Rev. A. Godfret ministered at St. Paul's at different times. In October, 1843, Father Alleman resided in Burlington and had charge of St. Paul's. The first entry in the Burlington baptismal records is that of John Owen MeCollin, on the 17th day of October, 1841, just one year and eleven months from the time the first mass was celebrated in the cabin of Mr. Thollmann, Father Alleman administering the same. In the summer of 1842 Rev. A. Godfret made several visits to Burlington and St. Paul's Church. Father Mazzuchelli kept his records in the register of St. Michael's Church, Galena, which was unfortunately destroyed by fire, so that much of the history of St. Paul's was lost. Bishop Lorcas made frequent visits to St. Paul's as shown by the baptismal records from May, 1842, to July, 1845. The Catholics in Burlington at this time were mostly Irish and German and it was but natural that in a short time segregation would take place between them. In August, 1843. Rev. John Healy, an easterner, took charge of this congregation. Reverend Ilealy ministered to the congregation until August, 1845, when Rev- erend Father Hugo was appointed and took charge until 1847. After the de- parture of Reverend Hugo, Bishop Lorcas stayed in Burlington for some time. When during these times St. Paul's was without a pastor the Reverend Father Alleman, of Lee County, looked after the flock. In September, 1848, Rev. George Riffle was installed as pastor. He made Burlington his home until 1857. Rev. P. M. McGinnis was sent to St. Paul's in April, 1857, and it seems he and Rev- erend Riffle had charge of St. Paul's Church for one year. It appears at this time a separation of the two congregations which worshipped at St. Paul's took place, for at this time St. John's Church was organized. Notwithstanding this separation Father Riffle ministered to both congregations from 1852 to 1854. Reverend Father Kinsella was appointed pastor of St. Paul's in February, 1854. and continued to minister to the church until May, 1855, when he was transferred to Allanakee County. He was succeeded by the Reverend Father Hammon who was its pastor for one year, when Father Kinsella was reinstalled and continued in its pastorate until October, 1861. Following Father Kinsella came Rev. J. B.
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Donlan, who continued its pastor until in the fall of 1869. Of Father Donlan it can be truthfully said, no one could have been more faithful in the discharge of the duties which his pastorate cast upon him. He was not only an able expounder of the Word of God from the Catholic point of view, but one who never failed to visit the members of his flock, whether in sickness or health. In truth he was a "Good Shepherd" to those entrusted to his care .: He departed this life on the 29th of January, 1871. Father Donlan was succeeded by Rev. Martin Lee in 1869. During the pastorate of Rev. Lee, St. Patrick's Church was organized, and on its organization Father Lee was transferred to it as its pastor. Following Father Lee came in the order as pastors of St. Paul's, Rev. J. R. Goffney, Rev. P. J. Morin, then from 1873 to 1880 Rev. Thomas Gunn, who was trans- ferred to Cedar Rapids. His successor was Reverend Father Lowrey, who was succeeded by Rev. Bernard Mackin, who died in July, 1909. After his death, Rev. Thomas F. Galligan, the present pastor was appointed. The old church erected in 1840 had served its purpose for twenty years, when the building known as the Second Presbyterian Church was purchased and being put in repair con- tinued to be the church home of the congregation until the completion of the beautiful structure situated on the northeast corner of Fourth and Columbia Streets.
ST. JOHN'S CATHOLIC CHURCH
This church is an off-shoot from St. Paul's Church. As stated in our short history of St. Paul's Church, in 1852, for the benefit of the Germans connected with St. Paul's. St. John's Church was organized and soon after a church build- ing was erected on South Hill on the north side of the public square. Father Riffle was its first pastor and continued to fill this office for the church until 1857, when he was transferred to another parish and Father Leutner came and remained one year. He was succeeded by Father Mathias Michaels, who retained the pastorate for three years. Father Michaels was followed by Rev. Charles Excel who held the pastorate for two years. Rev. Bernard Herdner was appointed pastor in September, 1863, and continued to fill the duties of that office until Angust, 1870, when Rev. John B. Fendrick was appointed to the pastorate. Dur- ing his time a small addition to the church was built and also a sister's academy. St. John's congregation came in charge of the Jesuit Fathers in May, 1876, under the direction of William Becker, S. J. The Jesuit Fathers continued in charge of the church until in the early '70s, when the church and congregation came under the control of the Fathers of the Benedictine Order, who are in con- trol at the present time. When the Jesuit Fathers had the administration of the offices of the church, under the direction of Rev. William Becker, S. J., a new cemetery grounds were purchased, and a commodious residence secured. When Rev. N. Greisch, S. J., had control a large Gothic church was erected. The Jesuit Fathers were instrumental in the organization of St. Frances' Hospital, the first hospital built in Burlington. Since the Fathers of the Benedictine Order have administered to the parish, the beautiful school building situated on the north- east corner of Division and Eighth streets has been erected. Rev. Thomas Burk, O. S. B., is pastor at the present time.
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