USA > Iowa > Hamilton County > History of Hamilton County, Iowa, Volume I > Part 46
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52
The Methodists were also the first to organize in the northern part of the county ; and they were the first to build a church in Webster City. WILL. L. CLARK, a pioneer member of the church, gives the following account of the early history of Methodism in Hamilton :
"In the years 1857 and 1858, Rev. David P. Day had the honor of forming the first Methodist 'Class' in this vicinity, which became the cornerstone of Methodism in this city. After 'Father Day' had filled his useful mission and passed from earth to his reward in heaven, the class was kept together by a few pioneers who firmly believed in the principles of the Methodist Episcopal church. A few years after the death of Rev. Day the charge was served by Rev. Abbott. who lived in what is now Cass township. Next came Rev. Montgomery, then Rev. Win. Black, who remained till 1864, and was succeeded by the two Hest- wood brothers and Rev. Kendall. Up to 1862 the general meeting place for the class was at the 'White Fox' schoolhouse, two miles north of this city. This was the first schoolhouse built in Hamilton county, and to many of our carly settlers that spot seems almost like hallowed ground.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, WEBSTER CITY
1
391
HISTORY OF HAMILTON COUNTY
"The board of stewards for the first organization in this city was as follows: David Beach, Benj. Beach, Simon Day, O. W. Story, with Jacob Skinner as recording steward.
"Reverend William Black, the second pastor in charge, received but $239 the first year, and $400 the second year. It may here be added, however, that times were not what they are now-a-days; and the donations amounted to much more. Wood, several dressed hogs, a half of a beef, a jar of butter, a sack of beans, any amount of crabapples and enough primitive sorghum to sweeten them, were among the annual thank-offerings to the pioneer Methodist preacher hereabouts !
"All through the long dark years of the Civil war, the Methodist, Congrega- tional and Baptist societies held their services in the 'Old Town Hall,' and part of the time at 'Rhodes' Hall.' There were many seasons of revival within these old halls, one of which has long since crumbled to decay.
"After the war cloud had passed over and peace perched upon our banners, the Methodist society began to grow in strength and numbers and it was found necessary to provide a home of their own. Hence in 1865 a building committee was appointed, composed of the following gentlemen: David Beach, Simon Day and Albert Cook. They met with but little success in raising funds till 1866, at which date the foundation was laid for the building which we occupy- through the providence of God-tonight. The contract was awarded to Alex. Turner and Samuel Baxter, who engaged 'Uncle' Alsop Sage to take charge of the brick-work and masonry. The brick were made by our pioneer brick maker, Ira Hilliard, now of Spencer, Iowa. The lime was furnished by 'Uncle' Jacob Payne and U. Briggs, who also furnished a portion of the stone for the founda- tion. The lumber with which this building was finished was partly of native hardwood, sawed at Tucker's mill, and the pine lumber from which the seats, etc., were made, was hauled from Boone and Iowa Falls, then the nearest rail- road points, and cost the builders $80 per thousand. The painting and graining was executed by J. E. Dain, now a resident of Idaho territory. At the time this church was erected it was looked upon as a good-sized building. It stood 'out on the prairie,' as it were, with no building near it, except the old brick school- house."
Between the building of the first church and the building of the second in 1886, the following pastors served: Rev. J. A. Copeland, Rev. D. M. Mallory. Rev. J. Martin Bly, Rev. J. R. Berry, Rev. H. T. Curl, Rev. H. D. Brown, Rev. John Hogarth Lozier, Rev. R. C. Glass, Rev. H. E. Sexton, Rev. Jos. A. Potter, Rev. N. E. Earhart, Rev. Bebee, Rev. D. W. Phifer.
Of all the ministers above mentioned, the strongest preacher and the most remarkable character was John Hogarth Lozier, known as the "Fighting Parson." He was a man of strong prejudices and decided opinions, which he was not at all backward in expressing. As a consequence, he made many bitter enemies as well as hosts of warm friends.
In 1886, the society tore down the old church above described and erected a new church on the corner of Bank and Des Moines streets. At the time this church was erected, it was the largest and finest structure in the county.
In 1896, a parsonage was erected just north of the new church building.
392
HISTORY OF HAMILTON COUNTY
After the building of the church in 1886, the following pastors were assigned to this charge: F. H. Sanderson, 1886-88; S. P. Marsh, '88- 89; Robert Bagnell, '89-'92 ; H. K. Hastings, '92-'95; J. W. Mahood, '95-'97; G. H. Kennedy, '97-'99; F. E. Day, '99-'00; H. G. Pettenger, 1900-February, 1901 : E. S. Johnson, Feb- ruary, 1901-'03; G. W. Southwell, '03-05; F. W. Ginn, '05-'08; C. H. Kamp- hoefner, 1908 ---.
In 1912, the church of '86 was torn down and a new, imposing structure erected on the same ground. The board of trustees that constructed the new church consisted of the following members: J. B. Hughes, J. L. Peterson, J. N. Iliff, L. T. Oleson, R. P. Smock, S. K. Virtue, P. H. Ruppel, I. Mulholland. F. A. Huddlestun.
Some of the "old time" Methodists who attended services in the "Old Brick Church," who saw the church of '86 erected, worn out and torn down, and who are now anxiously watching the erection of the new, magnificent temple of 1912, are Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Gage, Mrs. N. B. Trumbauer, Mrs. G. T. Adams, Mrs. W. W. Boak and Mrs. and Mr. A. A. Cook.
ST. PAUL'S UNIVERSALIST CIIURCH
In January, 1874, the Universalist church was organized in Webster City by Rev. B. F. Snook. A frame church was erected at the corner of Bank street and Willson avenue and it was dedicated November 14, 1875. Rev. Snook continued as pastor most of the time until 1882, when Rev. S. R. H. Biggs was called and occupied the pulpit about one year. In 1884, Rev. W. W. Nulling was engaged as pastor and continued to occupy the pulpit until 1888. Nulling was not a Uni- versalist, but he was a strong preacher and his sermons were entirely satisfactory to the members of the church. Domestic troubles caused his resignation early in 1888. He was succeeded by Dr. Amos Crum, who took charge of the church in August, 1888. Dr. Crum occupied the pulpit for two years at the end of which period he resigned and Rev. B. F. Snook who had founded the church was recalled. Rev. Snook now occupied the pulpit from October 1, 1800 until October, 1892. He then relinquished the pulpit to Dr. Amos Crum, who was again called to the Webster City charge. Dr. Crum occupied the pulpit for about six years. He was succeeded in July, 1898, by Rev. Chas. Graves, who con- tinued in charge until May, 1899. In the meantime, during 1898. the old church was rebuilt and enlarged and the new church was dedicated in October, 1898.
In June, 1899, Rev. F. H. York was chosen as the local minister and remained with the church until August 1, 1900. Rev. James Alvin Clark was pastor from November 1, 1900, until the fall of 1902. Rev. A. N. Alcott was elected April 1, 1905, and stayed about two years when he was succeeded by Rev. N. E. Spicer, who continued as pastor until August, 1912.
In 1910 a fine modern dwelling was erected on Boone street as a parsonage.
Of all the ministers who have occupied pulpits in Webster City none were ' more dearly beloved by the people in general than B. F. Snook and Amos Crum. Rev. Snook made Webster City his home long after he ceased to occupy the local pulpit. When his life's journey ended, he found a resting place among his friends in Webster City.
ENGLISH LUTHERAN CHURCHL. WEBSTER CITY
L
ST. PAUL'S UNIVERSALIST CHURCH, WEBSTER CITY
393
HISTORY OF HAMILTON COUNTY
Dr. Crum, during his residence here was considered almost indispensable. He was broad-minded, patriotic, highly talented and was always ready and willing to perform any public service assigned to him. He died at Marshalltown and was buried in Graceland Cemetery at Webster City.
The name of the church was changed to St. Paul's Universalist church and under that name the organization was incorporated.
THE GERMAN LUTHERAN CHURCHI
The German Lutheran church was first established in Webster Ctiy in 1874, Wm. and John Horn and August Witte being among its first members. A small church and parsonage was then built in the 1000 block on Second street and Rev. H. W. Rabe was called as pastor. For years, Rev. Rabe conducted the church and a small parochial school, preaching and teaching in German. Rabe was succeeded by Rev. J. C. Cramer and he by Rev. F. J. Ochlert. In 1893, while Rev. E. R. Hanow was pastor, a new church and parsonage was erected at the corner of Bank and Prospect streets. E. R. Hanow was succeeded by Rev. A. Wilner. Rev. Wil- ner was succeeded by Rev. W. F. George, who was pastor until 1912, when he resigned to accept the presidency of a college at Mankato, Minnesota.
UNITED BRETHREN
This organization formed its first class in the White Fox neighborhood in 1887. In 1890 the United Brethren church at Mulbury Center was dedicated. At the close of the service it was found that the church was comfortably seated, car- peted and out of debt.
In 1892 the church at Webster City was built and about 1898 the Oak Glenn church which had been built by the Methodists was acquired by the United Breth- ren and a congregation established there.
It has been usual for the minister assigned to Webster City to fill the pulpit at Oak Glenn and Mulbury Center. The pastors who have served since the build- ing of the church at Webster City are S. S. Eslick, N. F. Hicks, C. J. Stark, J. D. Snyder, L. W. Nine. B. J. Clark. A. B. Roberts, A. A. Pruitt, O. C. Buxton, J. W. Shoemaker, E. F. Clark, S. B. McVey and J. W. Peterson.
THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH
Christian Science was discovered in 1866 by Mrs. Mary Baker Eddy. It was brought to Webster City in 1886. Meetings were held in private homes a short time. As the attendance increased, the Odd Fellows hall was rented and after- wards the G. A. R. hall. Then the Hamilton County State Building was com- pleted, rooms were fitted up there, where the organization remained for four years until 1900, when the present church home on Bank street was finished. First Church of Christ ( Scientist ) was organized under the state laws of Iowa in De- cember, 1895, the late Judge Hyatt obtaining the charter. The organization has a membership of about 50.
394
HISTORY OF HAMILTON COUNTY
HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF WEBSTER CITY,
IOWA. 1855-1912
By Capt. Frank E. Landers.
The Webster City Congregational church was organized by Rev. Thomas N. Skinner of Toledo, lowa.
The first records contain this account :
"Met on the 12th of August, 1855, to organize a Congregational church in Webster City, consisting of five members:
George D. Wheeler and wife, Leslie Grant and wife, John G. Hancock. Appointed Rev. W. L. Coleman, chairman.
Appointed G. D. Wheeler, secretary.
Opened by prayer and proceeded to organize.
Adopted as our articles of faith and covenant the following : We believe," etc.
This meeting for the organization of a church was held less than a year after the plat of the town of New Castle was signed, only thirty days after the signing at New Castle of the plat of the town of Webster City, and twenty-eight days be- fore the postoffice was established.
Hamilton county at that time formed the east part of Webster county, and Boone township, which comprised a strip six miles in width running across this county, had a trifle over two hundred inhabitants.
The building in which the meeting was held was owned by Leslie Grant, and located on the east side of Superior street and south of Fourth street.
There was very little preaching for the first year, or until August 15, 1856. when Rev. Thomas N. Skinner "commenced labors as a home missionary."
Many of the church services were held in the store of Mr. Wheeler, which was situated on the south side of First street and west of River street.
On November 15, 1856, H. M. Barstow and wife were admitted to member- ship, joining by letters from Lisbon, Ill., they being the first additions to the church.
At the close of one year's services, Rev. Skinner declined further labor on account of ill health.
During the year 1857 there was no regular preaching, and until January 15. 1858, when Mr. Skinner was invited "to preach as he thought duty called." on every other Sabbath.
At this time, Rev. Skinner and wife and John R. Clark and wife united with the church, and we are told that "it was communion season." This is the first communion service of record.
Contemporary accounts tell us that the five charter members had moved away previous to this time, leaving Mr. and Mrs. Barstow the only resident mem- bers, so that, wherever they were, whether at their daily labors, the table, the fireside, or their family altar, there was the Webster City Congregational church. and church services were held seven days in the week. But help came so that there were now six in the family, three men and their wives.
On April Ist Rev. Skinner was engaged to preach for one year.
During this year there were four additions to the church, two of whom were Joseph Fisher and wife.
1/
1
6
-
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, WEBSTER CITY
393
HISTORY OF HAMILTON COUNTY
After the close of Rev. Skinner's services, there was no regular preaching until September ist, 1862, when Rev. William II. Osborn was engaged for one year, but was retained for two years.
His is the first salary mentioned, being $500, of which the Home Mission paid $350.
February 7, 1863, George Shipp and wife and S. B. Rosenkrans united with the church. With these recent additions, renewed life and strength was given.
A new schoolhouse having been built, the church on April 11th voted to buy the old one and fit it up for a place of worship.
On the 27th of April, 1863, twenty new members were received, among whom were Sarah A. Arthur, John Frank and wife, Martha A. Frank, Francis Ilillock, and John D. Howe and wife. On the 4th of May, David Eyer and wife became members.
May 30th the first election of officers was held. Those elected were : Deacons -John R. Clark and John D. Howe. Clerk-S. B. Rosenkrans. Treasurer- John Frank.
It is reported that George D. Wheeler was elected deacon at the time the church was organized.
On July 5th, John R. Clark was installed deacon by the pastor. This is the only installation of deacon given.
December 1, 1863, John Frank, Geo. Shipp, J. D. Maxwell and others not named associated themselves together for the purpose of organizing a corporation for church purposes, and for establishing a church society, and the erection of a house of worship in Webster City, and adopted articles of association. It as- sumed as its corporate name that of "The First Congregational church of Web- ster City." Its business was to be managed by three trustees, who should at all times be governed by the instructions of the association and was to be of per- petual existence.
The articles were signed by the three named incorporators, who were also the three trustees.
The acknowledgement was taken before Julius M. Jones, clerk of the district court.
There is no mention made in the church record of these articles of incorpor- ation, and it can only be assumed that the church membership was the other in- corporators not named and that the present board of trustees are the successors of the named incorporators.
In after years the corporate name of First church has been used. J. D. Max- well, one of the incorporators, did not become a member of the church until 1874, eleven years after.
The new meeting house, as it was called, was ready for use and services held in it in January, 1864. It was situated on the lot where was afterward built the residence of Deacon George Shipp.
September 1, 1864, a call was extended to Rev. William F. Harvey, who be- gan his services as pastor in October, and remained for six years. During his pastorate many changes were made in the rules for church government, among which were the adoption of new articles of faith and covenant.
February 2, 1867, the quarterly communion was established, to be held on the first Sabbath in January, April, July and October.
396
HISTORY OF HAMILTON COUNTY
At a meeting held December 29, 1868, was elected the first board of trustees by the church, five years after the corporate trustees were named. At this meet- ing the first move was made toward building a new church. January 5. 1869, a building committee was appointed composed of the following persons: Henry McKee, Hiram Zelie, Jesse R. Burgess, Kendall Young and Jacob M. Funk.
The new church was ready for use by the next December, and the old school meeting house was sold and afterward moved to the east of Seneca street and made a part of the present dwelling of Charles Wiese.
Rev. Harvey discontinued his services September 1, 1870, and was succeeded by Rev. George R. Ransom, October 6th. Mr. Harvey, previous to the building of the new church, preached one Sabbath each month at Rose Grove. He was unmarried while pastor at Webster City. He died in Clarion. December 1, 1889.
Rev. Ransom was ordained January 1, 1871. January 22d. the new church which had been used for more than a year was dedicated. Rev. Dr. Guernsey of Dubuque, officiating. The total cost of the church and lot was $5,110. Novem- ber 13, 1872, Rev. Ransom was installed pastor. He resigned his pastorate in January, 1876.
In June, 1876, Rev. D. N. Bordwell accepted a call to the church, remaining until October 1, 1879.
December 31st, Rev. J. E. Wheeler became pastor and continued his services until January Ist. 1883. He spent his later years in Massachusetts, where he died March 18, 1893.
Rev. J. D. Wells accepted a call from the church May 1, 1883. During his pastorate the annual hand book was published. He discontinued his services March 5, 1888. He died July 27. 1899. Mr. Wells was succeeded by Rev. J. S. Norris, who preached but one year, resigning on account of ill health.
August 15, 1889, Rev. J. T. Blanchard was called by the church. He com- menced services October Ist. During his ministry, the present church was built. March 24, 1900, a building committee was appointed, consisting of Messrs. Covil, Estes, McMurray, McMurchy and Eyer.
The new church was dedicated January 18. 1891, President Gates of Grinnell preaching the dedicatory sermon. The cost of the church was $17,500. The old church was taken down and the material used in the new one.
Mr. Blanchard resigned August 15, 1895, and was succeeded by Rev. C. P. Boardman, who commenced services January 1, 1896, and remained for three years.
April 8, 1899, Rev. J. O. Thrush commenced services as pastor and continued until January 3. 1910.
April 5, 1910, a call was extended to the present pastor, Rev. Arthur Metcalf.
Since the organization of the church there has been added to membership inaking a total of 1,092. The membership at the end of ten years was 46; twenty years 136; thirty years 364; fifty years. 391, and January 1, 1912, 406.
The church maintains a Sunday school, Ladies' Aid society, and Women's Missionary society, and has had in past years maintained active young people's societies.
The Ladies' Aid society recently placed in the church a fine pipe organ.
During the existence of the church it has entertained many state and district associations.
397
HISTORY OF HAMILTON COUNTY
The social work of the church and its societies is unwritten history.
The articles of faith were adopted at the time of the organization.
In 1865, through the influence of Rev. Harvey, new articles were adopted, and in 1893 the St. Louis Creed of 1883, took the place of the articles of faith.
To a student in theology, a study of these three independent statements of belief would be of interest; to the church as a whole, little thought is given to these changes.
The three might easily be classified as the Law, the Gospel, and the Epistles. January 1, 1912.
THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, WEBSTER CITY, IOWA
By R. I'. Homan.
(The following article is compiled largely from an address given by Rev. L. N. Call, in the church, Nov. 29, 1908, and from the church records. R. W. Homan, church clerk.)
The First Baptist church of Webster City, Iowa, was organized in the res- idence of J. Rhodes, Nov. 27, 1858, by Rev. O. A. Holmes, the original mem- bers being Rev. and Mrs. O. A. Holmes, Mr. and Mrs. J. Rhodes, Mr. and Mrs. Francis Fawkes, Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Averill, A. T. Beardsley, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Short, Nathan Averill, Sarah Lyon and Mary E. Beardsley. None of these are now members of the church. Rev. Holmes was chosen as pastor, A. T. Beardsley as clerk and J. Rhodes as deacon.
Among the supporters of Rev. Holmes were: John Rhodes, D. D. Chase, Geo. Shipp, J. S. Letts, Josephus Hartman, Beach Brothers, Doctor Burgess, G. Burkley, Joseph Fisher, S. B. Rosencrans, D. Sketchley, Kendall Young, J. M. Jones and others, Thus it will be seen that some in other churches and some not members of any church, helped to maintain the services of the church in these first years. Later J. S. Letts was elected clerk and on January 1, 1860, J. N. Skinner was elected deacon. On January 26, 1861, the following trustees were elected : John Rhodes, W. S. Johnson, H. Averill, Geo. Shipp and J. M. Jones. A building committee was appointed but owing to a serious financial depression which then prevailed nothing was done in the way of a building.
On August 9, 1862, the following delegates were appointed to represent the church at the Baptist association to be held at North Union church in Boone county : Rev. O. A. Holmes, Deacon John Skinner, Nathan Averill and Horace Segar. On January 10, 1863, it was voted to pay the pastor for half-time for a year, $100.00 in cash, goods and farm produce-"such donations are to be fur- nished at the lowest market prices." This shows that salaries were meager in those days and money hard to raise.
As the country became more thickly settled during these early years many active, earnest workers were added to the church by letter and by baptism. On August 14, 1863, the Upper Des Moines Baptist association met with the church, it being the first time that the church had entertained an association. During these early years the spirit of hospitality and good fellowship was strong and the older members of the church gratefully acknowledge the generous help received from members of other churches and from many who were not mem- bers of any church.
398
HISTORY OF HAMILTON COUNTY
April 15, 1865, articles of incorporation were adopted and the following offi- cers elected : Trustees-W. S. Johnson, D. D. Chase, and R. Bell. Clerk-I. N. Averill. Treasurer-E. O. Stevens.
On January 5, 1867, Rev. O. A. Holmes resigned as pastor, having served the church in that capacity for over nine years. He seems to have been a general favorite with his people and to have done a splendid work among them. During his work here he went out and organized several Baptist churches, among them the churches of Iowa Falls, Boone and Fort Dodge.
From this time until Sept. 3, 1870, no records to speak of, were kept and the church was unable to get a pastor. But during this time valuable new mem- bers came and the church again showed activity. The church was reorganized Sept. 3, 1870, and on October 30, 1870, steps were taken to secure a pastor and a call was extended to Rev. H. D. Weaver, then of Alton, Ill. This call was ac- cepted and on November 5, 1870, Mr. Weaver took charge of the work and re- mained one year. At this time Frederick Kelley was chosen deacon, and A. A. Wicks, clerk, and on December 23. A. A. Wicks was elected deacon, which office he still holds.
January 1, 1871. the Sunday school of the church was first organized. Rev. H. D. Weaver, the pastor, being chosen superintendent ; W. R. Patrick, assistant superintendent ; John Church, secretary and librarian and A. A. Wicks, treasurer.
On June 3, 1871. "the trustees were authorized to purchase the lot of Mr. Sage, provided it could be had for $300.00." But evidently the deal was not carried through as there is no record of any purchase. On Sept. 6, 1871. the church, through its trustees, A. A. Wicks, O. C. Burton and Chas Stoddard, purchased of Mrs. Cooper the north fifty feet of the lot on which the church now stands and in 1874 their first building was erected on this lot. The purchase price for this fifty feet was $200.00. On April 26, 1875, the church bought the south eighty- two feet. or the remainder of the lot. The consideration in this case was $320.00. The Ladies' Aid society raised the money to make the purchase in both instances.
Up to this time, since the first organization of the church, the meetings had been held in various places, the court room, Union hall, Rhodes' hall and the homes of various members. the organization having no building of its own. How- ever, on January 5, 1874, a meeting was held in the home of Wm. R. Patrick to see what could be done about building a church building on the ground owned by the church, which was the north fifty feet of the lot where the church now stands. A building committee was appointed consisting of H. S. Lee, A. A. Wicks and Wm. R. Patrick. The work was pushed through with such energy that the build- ing was completed, furnished and the first meeting held in it February 25, 1874. this meeting being the weekly prayer service. On the following Sunday services were held and eleven people presented themselves for membership. Wm. R. Patrick was elected deacon, to fill a vacancy, and on March 14, 1874. G. W. Lee was elected church clerk. For some time there had been no permanent pastor, the pulpit being supplied by different ministers, but on September 16. 1874, a call was extended to Rev. A. V. Bloodgood which was accepted. On January 5, 1875, the following officers were elected : Trustees-D. D. Miracle, Reuben Lee, and A. A. Wicks. Clerk-G. W. Lee. Treasurer-A. A. Wicks. In the fall of 1875 the church building was enlarged.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.