USA > Iowa > Harrison County > History of Harrison County, Iowa : its people, industries and institutions, with biographical sketches of representative citizens and genealogical records of many of the old families > Part 19
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CHRISTIAN CHURCHES.
What was formerly styled the "Campbellites," but now usually known and incorporated as the Christian church, was first formed in Harrison county fifty-four years ago, in 1860, in Clay township, at the house of Josiah Tuffley, on section 24. During the Civil War days this society went down. Among the original membership are now recalled Mr. and Mrs. Tuffley and Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Willis. In 1863. the society was reorganized by Rev. John Snyder. The members forming this reorganized church were Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Thompson. Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Frederick and Mr. and Mrs. George Murphy, Meetings were for a time held in the Ross school house, and later in the old Bush school-house. Then the society was removed to the village of Modale, where it occupied a school building until 1875, when the Union church was erected. Early pastors were John Snyder and Joel Palmer.
The church at Modale was organized .April 17. 1877, by thirteen charter members under Rev. Coryell. The constituent members were, originally, Jacob Hammer. Cynthia Hammer, Josiah Tuffley, Mary S. Tuffley, Lewis G. Bailey, Jane E. Bailey, Thomas and Laura Boswell. Ellen Spracklin, Mary Robertson, William Boyd, John Rice and E. Benedict.
Pastors, or preachers, stationed at Modale were Reverends Joel Palmer, Jacob Hammer, S. Wright, G. B. Molter, Joel Woods, James Cameron, J. H. Painter. C. Blanchard, Henry Coggswell. Henry Caryell, Mathew Wing, A. B. Hammer. J. D. Howe, W. B. Crudson, O. Girt, John Plumer, Lock- hart, O. M. Johnson. U. G. Miller, T. J. Begnar, W. L. Millinger, O. M. Tarince. The church now has a membership of seventy-five.
The Christian church was organized at Mondamin March 23, 1883, by S. Wright, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Beaman, Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Crewdson, Mr. and Mrs. T. S. Crewdson, Mary Beaman, Matilda Watts. Linnia Stines, and Mr. and Mrs. C. Jenkins. The first services were held in the village school- house, but in 1884 a frame church edifice was erected, at a cost of eight hundred dollars. It was twenty-four by thirty-eight feet. Among the earlier
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preachers at this point are now remembered Reverends Wright, Blanchard, Crewdson, Howe, Conoran, Hurd. Gist and Plummer. In 1891 the church had a membership of forty-six. Its present membership has not been re- ported to the historian.
At Woodbine, the church of this denomination is styled the "Church of Christ," and it dates its organization from August 31, 1883, when it was organized by Reverend James Cormoran, with twenty-one charter members. In 1891 the membership had grown to one hundred and seventy-five. In the spring of 1885 a church was erected on Weare and Scranton streets. It was thirty-six by sixty feet and built of brick, and was dedicated by Rev. D. R. Dungan, of Des Moines. Before this the services were usually held in the Baptist church. The brick church was used until they erected their present beautiful frame structure in 1905, at a cost of twenty thousand · dollars, with the parsonage-both being frame structures, and modern. It is the largest church of Woodbine, and in all particulars is up to date. The present membership is about two hundred and fifty and all departments are in excellent working order. Among the pastors recalled are Reverends E. L. Poston. W. H. Hardman, C. Blanchard, J. A. Walters, J. W. McClure, H. T. Morrison. A. B. Cornell, C. L. Picket, G. W. Thompson, J. H. Wright, B. F. HIall, L. D. Norris, A. T. Ainsworth, G. H. Nicol, and I. H. Fuller, the present pastor.
In Cass township, in 1888, a society was organized by the Christian sect, and services were held at Six Mile Grove in the school house.
At Missouri Valley, the Christian people formed a society in 1883. They erected a neat church building in 1887, forty by forty-five feet, on the corner of Fourth and Superior streets. The lot cost the society six hundred dollars and the building cost one thousand one hundred dollars. In 1891 the membership of this church was one hundred and forty-two. The various pastors who have served at this point have been Reverends C. P. Evans, D. R. Dungan, J. Denton, Israel Swihart, J. W. Snyder, D. D. Miller, Elder Wagner, L. J. Correll. James Conoran, J. H. Painter, E. L. Preston, D. J. Howe, J. K. Reid, John Hurd, J. B. Vawter, A. B. Cornell, T. L. Reed, J. L. Johnson, Dr. Carter, Mellenger, Adair, John Williams, J. H. Carter, Higbey, M. C. Hutchinson, B. H. Whiston and W. D. Crewdson. In 1914 the membership of this, one of the strongest churches in the county, had reached two hundred and thirty and, during the month of December, 1913, they dedicated their present magnificent brick edifice, which was erected at a cost of ten thousand dollars. It is among the fine church struc-
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tures of western lowa. It was erected under the management of Rev. W. D. Crewdson, pastor.
The charter members of this church should not be lost sight of with the flight of years, for it was they who laid well the foundations for what has come to be a strong church in Zion. Their names are, Mr. and Mrs. J. IJ. Darting, Mr. and Mrs. George W. Frazier, Mr. and Mrs. George Darting, Mr. and Mrs. A. Edgecomb, Mr. and Mrs. James Owens, Mr. and Mrs. D. M. Harris, Mrs. M. Holbrook. Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Bessire, Mr. and Mrs. William Wade, Mr. and Mrs. C. F. Johnson.
At Logan the Christian church was formed many years ago. A buikdl- ing was erected in 1901 and dedicated June 2 of that year. Its cost was eight thousand dollars. February 8, 1904. it was burned, having only two thousand dollars of insurance. But with heroic efforts the society went io work and rebuilt, bigger and better than ever, the work being accomplished the same year of the disastrous fire. It is among the best in Harrison county.
CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF THE COUNTY.
The Catholic people held very early services in the Magnolia portion of Harrison county, the first services being at about 1865, if not earlier. It was during that year that they organized a church. The carly members of the parish were, William Kennedy and family ; James Kennedy and family; William Ferguson and family; Patrick Morrow and family; William Morrow and family : Timothy O'Connor and family, and a few more whose names have slipped from the memory of the church members of this date. They at once erected the first Catholic church in Harrison county, in the town of Magnolia, at a cost of one thousand three hundred dollars. The first priest to officiate was Father Kelley, who was succeeded by Father Dexacher and he, in turn, by Father Hayes, who was succeeded by Father Eagan, who do- nated the little crucifix and the picture that hung for near a half century by the altar. He brought these from Omaha and had them lashed to the dash- board of his buggy. Next came Father McMenomy and Father Keenan, after which the pulpit was supplied from Dunlap, by Father Armon. Next was Father Gallighar, Father Moore and Father Lynch, who, being ill. went to Ireland and died there in 1878. At about that date an addition was made to the original church building. After Father Lynch came Father Mc- Cormick, of Modale, then Fathers O'Brien and White. The last named was a strong temperance advocate. Father Murphy followed Father White. He lived at Modale. Then came Father Malone, who resided at Woodbine.
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and had charge of the parish here. The church site is beautiful, and the congregation is large. They have their own cemetery.
The Catholic church at Missouri Valley, known as St. Patrick's, was organized in 1867. by the following members: John Tamisiea, John and L. Martin, Joseph Mohat. Joseph Dean. P. Snyder. J. Daugherty, Edmond Burke. B. Riley. E. W. Bennett. Jacob Zohner. J. Kelley and Louis Piquet.
The same year in which the church was organized. a neat church edifice was erected, large enough for the needs of that date. It cost was two thou- sand five hundred dollars, and had a seating capacity of two hundred and fifty. Before 1867, services were hell at private homes, Fathers Tracy, Kelley. Dexacher and Eagan officiating. Following these came the faithful Fathers, McMenomy, Dunn, Garahou, Lynch, Morran, Kempker, Malloy and T. J. Mullen.
In 1891 the congregation was made up of an even hundred families, representing something near five hundred persons.
The present condition of this church is excellent. The total member- ship is one hundred and sixty families. In 1877 an addition was made to the church edifice, and in 1892 the corner-stone of the present building was laid for the fifteen thousand dollar brick structure. The services were in June and Father Nugent preached a forceful sermon. This church was first used for worship on Christmas day, 1892. Under Father Nolan there have been improvements, including a heating system, frescoing the walls, etc., to the extent of eight thousand dollars. The present value of the Catholic property here is estimated at forty thousand dollars. The church is free of debts and has cash in the treasury.
The first resident priest in Missouri Valley was Father P. J. Moran. He remained until 1890, and following him came Fathers J. F. Kemper and T. J. Mullen, who remained seventeen years and was followed by the present pastor, Father M. F. Nolan, who has accomplished much for his congregation.
ST. PATRICK'S CHURCHI.
At Dunlap, St. Patrick's Catholic church commenced its operations by celebrating mass the first time in 1867. when there was only one diocese in łowa, and when Rev. J. Keenan residing at Magnolia had charge of all Catholic work in Harrison county. Then came Father B. J. McMenomy, of Council Bluffs, who cared for the flock along the Northwestern railroad from Denison down the Boyer Valley. Following him came Father H. J. Anen, who was the first resident priest, coming in the spring of 1872. He
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secured the property now occupied by the church and school, and July 4. that season, began the erection of a large brick church edifice, which structure was unfortunately blown down by a cyclone while in course of construction.
In the autumn of 1873 Father Anen was succeeded by Father Francis E. Moore, who died after a short illness in September. 1876, and his re- mains were laid to rest in Council Bluffs cemetery. At this time regular services were being hekl in Barrett's hall. Following the deceased pastor came Father Michael Lynch, and to him the church owes the splendid equip- ment at Dunlap, for he it was who, after ten years of unceasing energy and labor in the missions of Harrison and Shelby county, sought to recuperate his ill health and visited his native land, but all to no avail, for he soon died in his mother's arms in the land that had given him birth.
August 1. 1886, Father W. J. McCormick came as pastor. remained six years, built the lofty steeple to the church edifice, and also opened the paro- chial school. In July. 1892. he was followed by Father J. J. O'Brien, who remained until May, 1896, being succeeded by Father J. C. White on July 4 of that year. During Father White's pastorate, parish debts of more than a thousand dollars were paid off, the church frescoed and many lesser im- provements made. Following him came Father Hanson, who is doing a good work in both church and school. The present membership of this congre- gation is six hundred and fifty-five.
The parish school opened in the autumn of 1890, in the old public school building, was closed in 1894 and reopened in September, 1909. It now has about one hundred and sixty-five enrolled. A full high school course is carried. Father Hanson is the present principal, and is assisted by five sisters of the Holy Humility of Mary, a teaching order, whose mother-house is at Ottumwa, lowa.
In June, 1910, the society of St. Patrick's church purchased the old J. R. Wheeler property and converted it into the present convent. In June, 1913. fractional block No. 35, east of the convent, was bought for the site of the school, where will stand the new building.
At Modale a Catholic church was formed in the seventies, and in 1883, a commodious edifice was erected, a frame structure costing one thousand dollars, and within a few years the congregation had a membership of fifty souls. At this date ( 1915) the church is served by the pastor of the Catholic church at Woodbine.
At Little Sioux, at an early date, the Catholic people were quite numerous. A church was erected and is still standing, but only a family or two live in the village, and services are not kept up.
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At Woodbine, Sacred Heart Catholic church was organized in 1903 by Father White of Dunlap parish. The Cromie, Lacey, Rock, Daugherty and Mathis families were prominent in the organization and first work of this parish. In the same year and the year later, the present fine frame church edifice was erected and the corner stone has the following inscription : "Sacred Heart Church, Rev. J. C. White-1903." The church is well fur- nished, indeed is one of the best in the county, in its interior arrangement and furniture. In 1914 Doctor O'Connor, after the death of his wife ( who was prominent in the church and was noted far and near for her excellent musical attainments, both in and out of the church), generously donated a clear, charming-toned bell which was placed in the belfry of the church. where it will ever sound out as a truly befitting memorial for Doctor O'Con- nor's deceased companion.
The pastors have been Fathers White and Hanson, of Dunlap, and the resident pastors have been Fathers Malone and Sullivan. The present value of the church property in Woodbine is now estimated at ten thousand dol- lars. Before the establishment of the Woodbine church, most of the Catho- lics of the town worshipped at Dunlap. Father Sullivan now has charge of the Catholic work at Woodbine, Modale, Mondamin and Magnolia.
SEVENTII-DAY ADVENTISTS.
This denomination has never been very strong in Harrison county, al- though there have, from time to time, been a few in different parts of the county, but not of a sufficient number to organize and crect houses of wor- ship. Many years ago, at Logan, there was a sprinkling of this religious faith, as there was also at Missouri Valley.
THE BRETHREN OR "DUNKARD" CHURCH.
The Brethren, or "Dunkard," church is an organization which grew out of a great religions awakening which occurred in Germany during the closing years of the seventeenth century, when large multitudes became dissatisfied with the state church and withdrew from its communion and associated together for the worship of God. They were called Separatista or Pietista. In 1719 they commenced to emigrate from their land beyond the seas, and were most numerous in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska and Kansas. They have held worship in Harri- son county, Iowa, since 1871, the first meetings being held in a school house
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near Wakefield's mill, in Calhoun township. In 1891 they perfected an or- ganization and erected a church building at the head of MeGavren ( First) street, in Missouri Valley city, on land owned by L. S. Snyder. The cost of this building was about six hundred dollars. It was dedicated by Reverend Johnson, August 16, 1891, when they had a membership of fifteen. Their carlier pastors were Reverends John Filmore, Isaac Dell and L. S. Snyder.
THE LUTHERANS.
Zion Lutheran church at Magnolia was founded in 1875 by a minister from Des Moines. Reverend Mr. Harr became the first pastor, and was followed by Rev. Wilhelm Mollon, who served eight years. In 1886, came Rev. Fred Nuffor of Will county, Illinois, who was pastor in 1892, since which time there have been several pastors in charge.
At first, services were held at private houses and in school houses, but finally the society purchased two acres of ground in the southwest part of the town and, in 1884. built a frame church edifice, which was soon provided with a fine organ. Altogether, the property cost several thousand dollars. In the records it is learned that in 1891 there were twenty-five voting mem- bers and a congregation of fifteen families. . \ parochial school was being maintained at that date, one day in each week, with about twenty-five chil- dren in attendance.
The church now has forty-six voting members and three hundred and fifty souls in the congregation. One account gives the pastors in charge in the church at Magnolia to have been Reverends F. Miller, G. Hoar, W. Mal- Jon, J. F. Noffer, J. Aron, F. Koenig and H. W. Saeger.
Evangelical Lutheran Trinity church at Persia, was organized, after several years of preparatory, or primary, work by different ministers of the denomination. November 13, 1898; Rev. H. Schaller being the pastor. The following signed the first constitution : Henry Dohrmann, Hans Iwen, Fritz Thomsen, Pater Matthiessen, Johann Koll, Hartwig Martens, Marcus Mar- tens, George Martens, Theo. Burmeister, C. Schaffler, Gustav Tornow, Henry Kuster.
This church was founded as an exclusively German Lutheran church, but at present the English language is also being used to some extent in its services, on special occasions.
The present church edifice was erected in 1900, at a cost of one thousand five hundred dollars, and also a parsonage which cost one thousand eight hundred dollars. Extensive improvements have been made on the property
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from year to year. The congregation now enjoys a voting membership of twenty-one and has ninety-six communicants, making a total of one hundred and eighty souls. Though not large, the congregation is active, gladly doing the work of the Master in this community. It it in a very flourishing con- dition today. The following have served as pastors: Reverends II. Schaller, L. Eschbach, C. G. Treskow, and, since 1910, the present pastor, Rev. C. Lilie.
At Missouri Valley there is no regular church, but what is known to this denomination as a "preaching place," is maintained there. There are now twenty-two communicants, to whom a German sermon is delivered on the afternoon of one Sunday in each month, by Rev. J. H. Lindemeyer, of Coun- cil Bluffs. An English sermon is also delivered the last Sunday of cach month. This commenced about two years ago, 1912. Among the wor- shippers in this congregation may be named Henry and Mrs. Meyer, Carl Meyer, Theodore and Mrs. Meyer, Ernest and Mrs. Litge, Mrs. Clinton and Mrs. Holcomb, Henry and Mrs. Sahn, Dr. August Heise, Mrs. F. Schur- hammer, Mrs. Harris, Mrs. Martin, Mrs. Vickery, Mrs. Boulden, John and Mrs. Paper, Nancy Paper, and a few others.
. This denomination worships in the Danish Methodist church. The society belongs to the Evangelical Synod of Missouri.
GERMAN EVANGELICAL.
But few of this denomination are residents in Harrison county, as the majority of our people are Americans, and hence are naturally allied with some other branch of the orthodox churches.
In the carly months of 1858, this church was formed at Magnolia. The first members included Fred W. Hauff, Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Hauff, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Lorantz, George Reinhard and fam- ily, George Leonard and family, and possibly several others whose names have been lost in the shifting of many years. For seven years and more this handful of faithful followers of the Master worshipped as best they could, without having a house of worship of their own. In 1867, they built a com- modious building at Magnolia, at a cost of one thousand two hundred dol- lars. In 1891 it was written o this church that it was among the strongest religious bodies in Harrison county. During the first year of their organi- tion, Rev. J. F. Schreiber was pastor : in 1861 came Rev. H. Kleinsorge: in 1883, Rev. J. F. Boener ; in 1865, Rev. H. Bunse ; 1866, Rev. Anton Huelster; in 1867, Rev. H. Bunse; 1870, Rev. L. Scheurer; in 1871, Rev. Otto Rall;
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in 18;2. Rev. 11. Kehli; in 1873. Rev. M. Gruener; 1874. Rev. H. Stellercht : 1876. Rev. II. Wittie: 18;8. Rev. 11. Stellercht : 1881, Rev. J. Pflaum : 1883. Rev. H. Buente: 1886. Rev. J. M. Zellhoefer: 1889. Gustave Koehn : who was followed by Rev. L. Reeps, and the pastor next in succession was Rev. H. Raecker. A good parsonage was provided in 18;o. The member- ship in the early nineties was ninety. Its present standing is unknown to the author.
FREE METHODISTS.
Twenty-five years and more ago, there were two Free Methodist churches in Harrison county. One was at Sandy Point, Clay township. where. in 1889, a church building was erected. Another of this denomina- tion was in Allen township, where services were held in school houses.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES.
Probably the earliest services of this denomination were held in La Grange township in 1852, by Reverend Rice ( brother of Doctor Rice of Magnolia).
The first society of this denomination really formed in the county was that at Magnolia, which was founded in April, 1855. There were but three charter members, the smallest number we ever knew forming themselves into a church body. These were Dr. J. H. Rice, John Danielson and Rev. W. W. Luddon. The last-mentioned gentleman was a highly educated man, possessing all the true Christian graces, though not a brilliant pulpit orator. In the spring of 1856 to this flock were added Mr. and Mrs. Silas Rice, Mr. and Mrs. S. E. Hillis, Miss Julia Hopkins, and Mrs. Irish, a sister of Silas Rice. In the autumn of that year Mr. Luddon resigned and Rev. H. D. King, of Trumbull county, Iowa, became pastor. The new pastor and family were a great help to the struggling little church. The example they set in their daily walk was indeed an inspiration to the community, and, though a half century and more has passed, their good works still follow and they are frequently referred to by older settlers and their children.
It was not until the fall of 1859 that a Congregational church was dedicated here in Magnolia. Rev. John Todd, of Tabor, Iowa, preached the dedicatory sermon. This building served the church until 1876, when another was built at a cost of three thousand five hundred dollars. In 1865 Reverend King, owing to ill health, resigned and was followed by Rev. W. S. Black, whose conduct proved none too good, for one of his profession and he had
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to leave. The next to take up the pastorate at Magnolia was Reverend Mor- ley, who gave way to Reverend Haywood, and he, in turn, was succeeded by Rev. C. P. Boardman. Then came Oliver Brown, followed by Miss Abi P. Preston, in May, 1891. Miss Preston was a returned missionary from Tur- key, who came from Des Moines. In 1891 the membership of the Magnolia church was eighty-three. The church is "supplied" now and does not have a large membership.
At Dunlap the Congregational church was organized in May, 1859, under the direction of Rev. Henry D. King. The first members were Mrs. Henry B. Lyman. Theodore P. Kellogg, Mrs. Permalia D. Kellogg, James L. Rob- erts and Mrs. Henry G. Roberts. Reverend King was also pastor at Magno- lia at that time. The first services in Dunlap were held at a private house, that of J. L. Roberts, and the first deacon was H. B. Lyman, who was the earliest Sabbath school superintendent. Following Reverend King came Rev. George B. Hitchcock, who served until October, 1866, when Rev. John B. Lowry was elected pastor, receiving the sum of two hundred dollars per year. In 1868 came Rev. C. N. Lyman, at a salary of eight hundred dollars. He served until 1871 and then the society was without a pastor until 1873. In May of that year. Rev. Duncan McDermid came to the pulpit. He was succeeded by Rev. J. Copeland in May, 1875, who, in turn, was succeeded by Rev. H. S. Mills in 1877. In 1883 Rev. A. Rogers commenced as pastor, remaining until April, 1887, when Rev. J. M. Cummings succeeded him and served until 1893. Then followed Revs. J. William Carson, John P. Clyde, Evarts Kent, Roscoe Douglas, J. A. Armstrong. William Gardner, and the present pastor, Rev. George A. Conrad, who came in 1912.
The first church edifice was erected ai Dunlap by this denomination in 1867, on the south side of Court street, between Sixth and Seventh, and cost one thousand dollars. This building was used until 1876, when a new build- ing was erected, and dedicated October 17, of that year. Its cost was five thousand dollars. It was soon provided with a fine pipe organ, probably the first in Ilarrison county. Later, a good parsonage was provided at a cost of thirteen hundred dollars. That was sold and another better suited to the pastor's family secured. In 1892 the church had a membership of one hun- dred and twenty-five. Its present membership is one hundred and thirty. The present church building is the one erected in 1876, a frame building, valued at four thousand five hundred dollars. The parsonage is worth about two thousand five hundred dollars.
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"NO SALVATION FOR RAILROAD MEN."
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