USA > Iowa > Des Moines County > History of Des Moines County, Iowa, Volume I > Part 57
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478
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
ST. PATRICK'S CHURCHI
This church came into existence from a division of territory of St. Paul's Church. It was organized in 1870 under the direction of Rev. Martin Lec, who ministered to its people for a short time only. His sickness compelled him to relinquish its pastorate. When Father Lee had charge, the congregation com- menced to erect a church home on West Washington Street. Father Kinsella succeeded Father Lee. He finished the church and saw that a house for the priest had been built as well as a parish school building. Father Kinsella continued to be pastor of St. Patrick's Church until 1880, when in Holy Week, he was taken away from all earthly labors. Rev. M. Kirkpatrick succeeded Father Kinsella and held the office of pastor of the church until 1885 when he was succeeded by Rev. J. J. O'Brien, who ministered to the congregation until 1882, when Rev. W. J. McCormick was appointed pastor. Father McCormick was dearly loved by his parishioners. He ministered to them for seventeen years, when he was sent to Melrose, Iowa. He was succeeded by Rev. T. H. Brownrigg, the present pastor.
ST. MARY'S PARISH, WEST BURLINGTON
When the large shops of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad Com- pany were constructed at West Burlington, the Jesuit Fathers of St. John's Church established a mission church at this place which they looked after. The congregation received a resident pastor in the person of Rev. Father Wilhelmi, who continued to minister to the congregation until 1888, when he was succeeded by Rev. Peter Hoffman, who continued in the pastorate until July, 1893. Rev- erend Hoffman was followed by Rev. George Gerlinger. At the present time the parish is in charge of Rev. Anthony B. Schoenig. The congregation have built a parochial school building which was first conducted by the Sisters of Notre Dame, St. John's Parish. The parish is in a flourishing condition.
CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
This church is among the oldest in Burlington, being organized February 2, 1840. It is the oldest Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Iowa. The first vestry was composed of the following named persons: Charles Mason, senior warden ; V. P. Antwerp, junior warden ; A. C. Dodge, George Partridge, Bernard Hener, Charles I. Starr, Charles Neally, James W. Grimes, William B. Remey, J. P. Bradstreet and Henry W. Moore. Rev. John Batchilder was its first rector. From 1840, the time of its organization, the church had no permanent home until 1850, when it purchased the lot at the southwest corner of Fifth and High Streets, on which it erected a church during the same year. In 1857 a tower was crected to the church and a chancel addition was made. Some time in later '50s the church purchased an organ which was used for many years. In the early 'zos the church undertook to erect a new and more commodious building, and with that view purchased a lot north and fronting on the North Hill Public Square. Plans had been prepared and the foundation for the new church had been laid, but for some cause unknown to the writer the project was abandoned,
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the lot sold and the present church building was soon after erected on the site of the original church building. Presiding officers of the church: S. H. Jones, senior warden; Dr. G. A. Chilgren, junior vestry; W. L. Cooper, treasurer ; W. H. Davidson, Lyman D. Guest, clerk ; John A. Gregg, H. C. Jordan, Jno. A. Mc- Cosh, A. L. Philips. Rev. John Kerrin is the present rector.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, BURLINGTON
This church was organized April 1, 1849. Charter members: Rev. J. G. Johnson, William B. Ewing, William R. Hawley, Heinrich Chamberlain, Mary Kitchen, Ann Bridges, Kilsey Martin, Benjamin Gore, Kitty Gore, Aaron Cham- berlain, Harriet Smith and Susan Holdridge. The church made a good begin- ning, for on the day of its organization there were baptized by immersion and taken in as members of the church, John M. Webbers, John Bridges, Mary Gar- rett and Anelle McGrue. The above named were baptized at the close of the morning services. At the close of the evening services of the same day there were baptized George Von Beek and his wife, Adeline, Rev. J. G. Johnson, the pastor, performing the rite of baptism. The first church erected by this con- gregation was built on the ground on which is now located the Young Women's Christian Association. It was a brick structure and one of the best in the city for the time. The church disposed of this property and constructed the beautiful church now occupied by it on the southwest corner of Sixth and Washington streets. Rev. Roy Barrett is its present pastor.
THE FIRST GERMAN BAPTIST CHURCH
The German Baptists of this country, although not federated with the English speaking regular Baptists, hold principles in common with them.
The first German Baptist settling in Des Moines County was a certain Mr. Wilde, who arrived here about 1857. Not finding a German Baptist Church, he united with the First Baptist Church. Ten years later, about a dozen German Baptists arriving from the Fatherland, made Burlington their home. They were destined to lay the foundation of a church society that has been a power for good in the community.
The formal organization was effected October 27, 1868, with the follow- ing charter members: Henry Rieke and wife, Chr. Jordan and wife, F. Jordan, J. Henry Rieke, Elizabeth Brenneke, Mary Buerich, Minnie Wiesel, Mary Kohrs Meyer, Friederike Rieke.
A branch church was simultaneously established at Prairie Grove near Danville, Iowa, with the following members: D. Siefken and wife, D. Piepe- gerdes and wife, H. Henricks and wife and L. Hofenga and wife. The recog- nition services were held November 7, 1869. Prior to the calling of a regular pastor, Mr. H. Rieke, Sr., conducted the services.
From its inception to the present time, there has been gradual and normal development of all branches of the work.
The first edifice, erected 1870, was outgrown after twenty years, and re- placed by the present structure, the equipment of which proves inadequate for the needs of today.
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HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
The following six pastors served the church during the forty-seven years of its history : Rev. John Khors, 1868-1877: Rev. Fr. Hoelzen, 1877-1889; Rev. R. Machholz, 1889-1895; Rev. Jacob Merkel, 1895-1900; Rev. Joseph Scholz, 1900-1910; Rev. O. E. Krueger, 1910 -.
The church now has a membership of 450, forty of which form the branch church at Prairie Grove under the pastoral care of Rev. D. J. Siems.
The various organizations of the church are in a flourishing condition. The Sunday school, under the leadership of Mr .. J. Gerdes, supported by a body of devoted officers and teachers, recently received, the "Honor Roll," presented by the Iowa State Sunday School Association, for efficiency.
The Men's Bible Class is without doubt the largest in the city.
A recent membership campaign in the Young People's Society, of which Mr. G. H. Johnson is president, resulted in fifty-two new members.
The present Board of Deacons is composed of Messrs. H. Rieke, Sr., Chris. Kohrs, Sr., Wm. Kohrs, Hugo Moelzen, H. Rieke, Jr., O. Schwieger, and Fr. Lohmann.
For a long period of years Mr. Chris Kohrs, Sr., has been the faithful treasurer of the church, while Mr. E. H. Hoelzen has rendered efficient service as secretary.
From an educational point of view, it is to be regretted that the German language is losing ground. The church finds it necessary to adapt itself to the needs of the young people, and the children in the use of the English language. Thus the instruction in the Sunday school follows the line of necessity. On alternating Sundays the evening services are also given in English. It has become a matter of experience that the community can be better served by the use of both languages. The church is becoming more conscious of its oppor- tunities and responsibilities in this part of the city.
DIVISION STREET M. E. CHURCH
This church was organized October, 1853. The first official board of the church was composed of Oliver Cock, D. S. Ebersol, Levi Hagar, H. C. Haw- kins, W. C. Hunt, Willian E. Brown, William Johnson, Thomas Robertson, Adam Fordney. First Board of Trustees: Oliver Cock, W. E. Brown, H. C. Hawkins, Martin Heisey. The congregation held its meetings in the South Hill Schoolhouse which had just been completed. In the spring of 1854 it commenced to erect a church building at the northeast corner of Division and Fifth streets. The church name of the organization was "Ebenezer Church." Its first pastor was Rev. W. Flanders. This church continued in existence for many years and was for a time the leading M. E. Church in Burlington. Its people requested the ablest and best talent in the Conference be sent to Division Street Church. Among its pastors were Rev. H. W. Thomas, Rev. P. P. Ingalls, W. E. Waring. T. E. Corkhill and others who were considered among the ablest ministers in the Iowa Conference. A consolidation of Old Zion and Division Street Church was attempted and in a certain sense effected ; but not without friction. Out of the contention which arose at the time, the First M. E. Church and Grace M. E. Church had their origin. The subject of the conten-
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HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
tion has no place in this book. The Division Street property subsequently passed to the Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church people and is now their place of worship.
ST. PAUL'S FIRST GERMAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
This church commenced as a mission in 1845 under the care of Rev. Sebastian Barth and was regularly organized July 8, 1848, by Rev. William Herminghaus. The charter members of the organization were Andrew Delle, Christina Delle, Rosina Fichtner, Barbara Klauberg. Present pastor Rev. Charles Guenther. In connection with the history of this church I will state that the Rev. John L. Walther ministered to the congregation of the church for ten years. At the breaking out of the Civil war he was appointed chaplain of an Illinois Infantry Regiment, and was killed on the first day of the fight (April 6, 1862) at the battle of Shiloh. He wanted to show the boys he could fight as well as preach.
THE SWEDISH EVANGELICAL MISSION CHURCHI
In the year 1850 there were but 231 persons in Iowa of Swedish ancestry. There are now over seventy-five thousand. One of the early settlements of Swedes in Iowa was in Boone County. There is a Swede settlement, not far from Stratford, at what is called Swede Bend, in which lived a Mr. C. A. Bjork, who was an earnest Christian gentleman, and a man of considerable ability. He was the organizer of the first Swedish Mission Covenant in Iowa, which was the beginning of the Swedish Evangelical Mission Covenant of America. The Swedish Evangelical Mission Covenant of America has about thirty-five thousand communicants. The beginning of the work of the Swedish Evangelical Mission in Burlington was not commenced until about 1855, however a few of the brethren had met in their homes for song, Bible reading and prayer. Dur- ing these times, Rev. John Wenstrand, then stationed at Keokuk, would come to Burlington and preach for the brethren. The people of this faith in Burling- ton and West Burlington acted jointly for a time, when in 1887 the church in West Burlington was organized. At this meeting, Mr. Gust Palmgren was chair- man and Mr. Lindgren secretary. The organization purchased the German Lutheran Church building on the corner of Wheeler and Sumner streets, which building the congregation has since occupied. This church was incorporated under the laws of Iowa in 1889 and joined the Swedish Evangelical Mission in the year 1893.
TILE SWEDISH EVANGELICAL MISSION CHURCH OF BURLINGTON
After the organization of the West Burlington Church, the friends and members who lived in Burlington first met at 600 Gertrude Street, May 29, 1887. and adopted a resolution that their mission society should thereafter be a congregation under the name of The Swedish Evangelical Mission Church of Burlington, Iowa. At a business meeting held at 312 Leebrick Street, Burling- ton, June 13, 1887. a constitution and by-laws were adopted. At this meeting Vol. 1 -- 31
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HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
the Rev. K. Forsman was present, and took part in forming the organization. This congregation joined the Swedish Evangelical Mission Covenant of America September 1, 1890, and became incorporated under the laws of Iowa, February IO, 1891. This congregation for a number of years rented a hall at the corner of Marshall and Smith streets, where it held services until 1898. Then it purchased a lot on Central Avenue at the east end of Smith Street. On this lot was erected a church building in 1899, which was dedicated November 26, 1899. Rev. A. Nystrom was then pastor of the church. The churches at Bur- lington and West Burlington have always acted in unison, and help each other in their work.
CIIRISTIAN CHURCH
D. P. Henderson, Mr. Mattlock, Joshua and Arthur Millers and others, adherents to the faith and belief of the Christian Church in 1853 organized a church society for the benefit of the spiritual welfare and the propagation of the belief of the Christian Church. Through hard times and other matters this organization did not succeed as they had hoped. Mr. C. C. Miller, an ardent adherent to the faith and practice of that church, came to Burlington in 1870. He with others felt the need of a church, organization. On October II, 1870, at the residence of Anna Harris ( Harris House) on North Main Street, aided by Elder S. T. Shartess of Vinton, Messrs. C. C. Miller, A. Abbott and Ranson Trobee were chosen elders, at the meeting for organization, and the following-named persons, at the same time, became members of the infant church : Ranson and Elizabeth Trobee, Alexander and Mary A. Abbott, George R. and Emeline M. Scott, Thomas Hickson, Thomas Barr, George Knesram, A. Muzzy, Mary E. Muzzy, James A. Duvall, Japhet Hand, Rachel E. Hand, L. F. Smith, Sarah Allen, Ann Harris, Elizabeth Harris, C. C. Miller, Charity A. Muzzy, Mrs. A. C. Smith, Sallie Ann Hand. At the next regular meeting, Mary Cornwell, L. Kate Edwards, Mrs. Lizzie Phillips, Mrs. Ilinkson, Mrs. Catherine Miller and Mrs. Duvall were added to the society.
In the fall of 1870, the society went from the residence of Ann Harris to a small room in the old courthouse ( Marion Hall), where they worshiped during the winter of 1870-71. They then occupied the Reformed German Church building on Market, between Sixth and Seventh streets, until January, 1874, when they bought the Olivet Congregational Church property, on Boundary Street. This building was not centrally located for the church membership and it was sold and a large church edifice was erected on the corner of South and Thirteenth streets. This church has had a wonderful growth within the last ten years. Murrvill C. Hutchinson, pastor.
SWEDISH M. E. CHURCH
This church had its origin as far back as 1857 when a class was organ- ized among some Swedish people five miles west of Burlington by Rev. P. Norberg. The first members of the church were John Pearson and wife, C. P. Peterson and wife, J. P. Erickson and wife, Andrew Carlson and wife, and Mrs. Marjorie Staff. This society built a small church in 1861. The people
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HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
of this society were ministered to by various ministers of the church in con- nection with a Swedish M. E. Society in New Sweden, Jefferson County. Rev. Alfred Anderson in 1871 was appointed pastor of the charge west of Burlington and in that year organized a society in Burlington and built a church on West Hill at the northeast corner of Spray and Leebrick streets. Mr. Henry W. Starr donated to the society the ground on which this church stands. For a time the church had a hard struggle, but with energy and enthusiasm and personal sacrifice the church has prospered of late years. Present pastor, Rev. O. E. Olson.
UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Rev. R. C. Hamilton of Morning Sun, Ohio, who was then supplying the pulpit of the United Presbyterian Church at Keokuk was sent to Burlington by Rev. Henry Wallace then superintendent of missions to look after the flock at Burlington. Mr. Hamilton preached his first sermon to the people of his faith in First Presbyterian Church August 15, 1875. He visited among the United Presbyterian people then here dwelling for a short time giving them encouragement as the apostles of old. They requested him to present to the presbytery their wish for a church organization. At the time there were thir- teen persons who were united with the church. The presbytery considered the request and sent the Rev. E. D. Campbell of the Mansfield Presbytery to organize a church in Burlington. He arrived on the 14th of July, 1876, and entered on the work entrusted to his care. On July 15, 1876, at 3 o'clock P. M., he preached in the First Presbyterian Church his first sermon, having for his text "For I have much people in this city." On the 16th of the next month the United Presbyterian Church was organized in the basement room of the Presbyterian Church, Rev. Henry Wallace of Morning Sun, and Ruling Elders Henry M. Cheltrin of Morning Sun and F. A. Duncan of Columbus City were the committee on organization. Rev. Wallace preached the sermon and Mr. Duncan was appointed clerk. Charter members-Robert W. Coulter, Mrs. Nancy D. Coulter, Wilson W. Blake, Mrs. Maria S. Blake, John Paisley, Mrs. Margaret McCosh, Mrs. Jane Dungan, Mrs. A. G. Swindler, Mrs. Nancy McLane, Mrs. Rosa Sponholtz, Robert G. Saunderson, William C. Stewart Mrs. W. C. Stewart.
Adherents-W. J. Donahue, Mrs. Lizzie G. Donahue, James W. Wright, Samuel A. Wright, William G. Wright, Miss Anna Wright, Calvin McConaughey, Mrs. Eliza McConaughey, Samuel McIntyre, W. J. Cunningham, Mrs. W. J Cunningham.
The election of ruling elders resulted in the choice of Robert W. Coulter and Wilson W. Blake. They were ordained by Rev. James Brown, D. D., of Keokuk, June 9, 1876. The first communion was held June 11. This church within ten years from its organization commenced to erect a church edifice, a fine frame building on Valley Street, west of Central Avenue. It was of the Swiss style of architecture, and had a tasteful spire in height about ninety feet. The building was completed in 1879. The church prospered both in members and wealth. In the year 1905 it erected on the northwest corner of Gunnison and Division streets a beautiful church building, having all the modern conveniences of churches. Rev. A. L. Graham is its pastor at the present time.
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HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
FIRST M. E. CHURCH
On the 25th day of March, 1879, certain persons, members of the M. E. Church of Burlington (Old Zion), and Ebenezer Church, commonly called Division Street M. E. Church, became incorporated under the name of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Burlington, according to the Faith, Discipline, and practice of that church in the United States.
Evidently the purpose of the new organization was to merge the two con- gregations into one, which however, failed, the cause of which has no place in this work.
The result of the action taken, resulted in the building of two large and beautiful church structures in the city, the church building erected on the southeast corner of Washington and Fifth streets and what is known as Grace M. E. Church.
The trustees of the M. E. Church on March 25, 1881, for the consideration of $9,000, conveyed to the Burlington Opera House Company, lot 375 and the north half of lot 374, Original City. The building (Old Zion), the picture of which is shown in this book, was soon after torn down and an elegant opera house erected where it stood.
The history of Old Zion is so largely connected with Methodism in Iowa it appears to the writer, that the name should be given to the M. E. Church which most nearly takes its place, and it should be called New Zion, which will call to memory "Old Zion," Church of God.
Since the organization of the First M. E. Church, it has made wonderful progress in all good works. Has the largest membership of any Protestant church in the city. Its house of worship constructed of granite, with its fur- nishing, cost in the neighborhood of sixty-five to seventy thousand dollars.
The present pastor, Rev. W. H. Heppe, is a man having a liberal education, original in his conception of the matters upon which he discourses to his people.
GRACE M. E. CHURCH
On November 19, 1871, Rev. W. G. Wilson met with Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Whitford, Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Mantor and Mrs. Elliot, in the West Boundary school building and organized the South Burlington Methodist Episcopal Church. Public services were held in the schoolhouse on the Sabbath and the mid-week prayer meeting at the home of Mrs. Elliot. A house of worship was talked of, money raised and a lot purchased at the corner of South and Thir- teenth streets for $450.00. In January following the work of building was commenced and progressed so rapidly that on March 24, 1872, the new church known for many years as "The Little White Church," was dedicated by Pre- siding Elder, I. P. Teter. At this time there was a membership of forty and a Sunday school of one hundred.
In 1889 under the leadership of W. N. Hall, pastor, articles of incorporation were filed by W. N. Hall, T. J. Myers, C. T. Patterson and I. N. Ripley changing the name of the church to Grace Methodist Episcopal Church and naming as Trustees W. T. McLane, C. T. Patterson, W. Bucklew, H. L. Pennebacker, G. M. Hall, L. W. Dickinson, M. L. McLane, I. N. Ripley and
.
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HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
George Sweeny. A building site was secured at the corner of Central Avenue and Angular Street on which was erected the present convenient and substantial structure, the corner stone was laid in 1889, the dedication taking place on the 23d of November, 1890. The present membership is about four hundred. The church has been served by the following pastors (the year of appointment is given ) : W. G. Wilson, 1871 ; J. H. Power and P. J. Leonard, 1872; J. G. Barton, 1873; C. L. Stafford, 1876; Nelson Wells, 1877; G. W. Byrkit, 1878; U. B. Smith, 1881; T. J. Myers, 1883; A. V. Kendrick, 1884; W. N. Hall, 1887 ; WV. R. Stryker, 1890; G. B. Swartz, 1893; W. H. Mahaffie, 1897; E. L. Schreiner, 1899; J. W. Hackley, 1900; C. L. Tennant, 1903; J. W. Lambert, 1908; J. W. Poole, 1911 ; W. A. Longnecker, 1914.
FIRST GERMAN EVANGELICAL CHURCH
The above named church was organized in 1841 by Jacob Wilhelm, Seibert Magel, Conrad Pfeiff, Balthasar Schmitt, John Philip Kreichbaum, George Blick- hahn, Louis Teuscher, Henry Fehling and Fred Funck. The first pastor was Rev. Mr. Rieger, who came in 1841 and stayed till the spring of 1844. The first meeting-place was in the garret of a house on the corner of Main and Columbia streets. In 1844 Rev. H. A. Eppens became. their pastor and remained until April, 1849. In or about the year 1847 their place of worship was changed to a room over what was Carpenter's Jewelry Store, corner of Third and Jefferson streets, where they continued to worship till 1850. In 1849 Rev. Theodore H. Dressel became pastor, and so continued until July, 1855. On the 19th of July, 1855. Rev. Frederick Fausel, from the Theological Seminary of Marthasville, Mo., became pastor.
In 1850 their present elegant and commodious house of worship, situated on the southwest corner of Columbia and Sixth streets, was begun. It is a brick structure, original size 40x60 feet, with stone basement, and with tastefully and beautifully finished interior. A semi-circular gallery runs around the east end of the audience-room, in which is a fine organ, and all the appointments of the house are such as becomes a temple devoted to the worship of the Almighty. In 1869 some additions were made to the edifice, including an extension of twelve feet to the main building, and the erection of a steeple ninety-two feet high. The house occupies a commanding position, overlooking a large part of the city, the river, etc. ; will conveniently seat about seven hundred people, and cost $12,000. It was dedicated April 6, 1851, Rev. Christopher Young, of Quincy, Ill., preach- ing the sermon from John, XXI, 1-5. Rev. M. Kroenlein, of Franklin Center, Iowa, Rev. Conrad Riess, of Muscatine, Rev. J. G. Shinn, of the Burlington Presbyterian Church, and Rev. William Salter, of the Burlington Congregational Church, assisted at the dedication, which was a joyful occasion to the faithful members and friends of the church. Rev. Karl Michels is its pastor at this time.
We wish to state in this connection that we would like to give a historical account of all the churches in the city and county, but under the circumstances this would impose on us a task entirely too burdensome. It is almost impossible to get correct church data from which to write. In the change of officers, records become lost or through carelessness are not preserved. I have been able to find
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