USA > Iowa > Page County > History of Page County, Iowa : also biographical sketches of some prominent citizens of the county > Part 19
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The next pastor was Father Clark, who remained but a short time, when Father Williams was assigned, whose stay was also short. Next came Father Cook who by his energy and perseverance and enterprise, erected the hand- some church edifice which now adorns the site and freed the same from al! debt. He remained here nearly eleven years, when Rev. Father Bulger was called from Malloy, Iowa, to administer to the wants of the mission. To him
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ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, SHENANDOAH
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is due the erection of the handsome parsonage, about 1898, and the purchase of an additional lot. A truer Christian, a nobler man than Father Bulger, it would be hard to find. A man of culture and education, of broad views, liberal and generous, he won the esteem and regard of all to whom he became known.
In 1906 G. J. Toher succeeded to the pastorate of this church and is the present incumbent. The church now numbers fifty families on its member- ship rolls and thirty-five children in the Sunday school. The organization is growing and prosperous and by the time this work reaches the eyes of its readers, St. Mary's contemplated handsome new church edifice will have been completed. In October, 1899, the present rectory was built at a cost of twenty-five hundred dollars.
April 3, 1909, plans were accepted for a new church edifice. The plans and specifications of C. J. Bowell were adopted. The old church building was moved to the rear of the lots and services will be held there until the new edifice is completed.
The new church will somewhat resemble the old one in the general out- side appearance and plan. It is to be built of pressed brick and will cost from twelve to fifteen thousand dollars. The building will be forty-six by ninety-two feet, not including the tower, which will be sixteen feet square. There will be two main entrances to the church, one in the north and the other from the east, and there will be two outside entrances to the sacristies on either side of the pulpit. The auditorium of the church will seat three hundred and sixty and in the rear of the room will he a large gallery for the choir, the entrance of which will be by stairs from the tower room. In front of the pulpit will be room for three large altars and the two rooms on either side, called sacristies, will be good-sized rooms. The windows will be of Gothic and cathedral glass. The buildings will stand five feet above the street grade and there will be two outside entrances to the basement. The outside wall will be sixteen feet high and from the ground to the top of the cross on the tower the height will be eighty-seven feet.
The new church will be constructed of the very best material and will afford the Catholics a much better building in which to worship. The inter- ior will be renewed also and will when finished be one of the nicest churches they have in this part of the state. The new building will be a credit to the town and community also, and with the new Methodist church next door will make that corner a very attractive one.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, SHENANDOAH.
The first sermon preached in Shenandoah was by a Methodist minister, Rev. Samuel Farlow, in the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy depot on the even- ing of December 25, 1870. The text was Luke 2: 16,17. At the close of their service a Methodist class of twelve was organized, with Stephen Spurlock as leader and Albert Blake, steward. Services were held in the depot until the summer of 1871, then they were held in Mentzer's Hall. The first quar- terly conference was held by Elder Knox, of Council Bluffs, in August, 1871.
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The first Thanksgiving services in the town were held in Mentzer's Hall in November, 1871. The sermon on this occasion was preached by James Mc- Cabe. The ministers who have filled the pulpit are: Samuel Farlow till Sep- tember, 1871; G. C. Wanick, 1871-72; Rev. Evans, 1872-73; Fred Harris, 1873-75 ; W. S. Hooker, 1875-76; J. A. Conrad, 1876-77; W. J. Beck, 1877- 78; J. Woodworth, 1878-80; G. W. Bennett, 1880-81 ; J. C. Eckles, 1881-83 ; A. P. Hull, 1883-85; U. O. Allen, 1885-86; L. B. Wickersham, 1886-91 ; A. E. Griffith, 1891-04; G. W. Roderick, 1894-96; M. C. Waddell, 1896-98; F. L. Hayward, 1898-99; William Stevenson, 1899-1902; William Dudley, 1902-05 ; C. J. English, 1905-07; and B. F. Crissman, the present pastor.
Early in the summer of 1871 the Sunday school was organized with twenty-five members and Stephen Spurlock as superintendent. The Sun- day school has kept pace in its growth with the church and is in good con- dition.
In 1889 Shenandoah Chapter, No. 1656, of the Epworth League was or- ganized with fifty-six charter members and Miss Lulu Kittle elected pres- ident.
The Junior League, which provides for the young people between the ages of eleven and seventeen, was organized in December, 1889.
March 28, 1891, the Epworth Guards was organized to make a place for the little folks under eleven years of age.
In 1873, the people tired of meeting in "an upper room" decided that they must have a home of their own. Steps were accordingly taken to see what could be done toward building a new church. The result was favorable. Lots were purchased and during the pastorate of Rev. Evans the spire of the first church in Shenandoah pointed heavenward. It was a neat frame build- ing capable of seating two hundred and fifty people, and was built by Cov- ertson & Dillingham, at a cost of two thousand six hundred and fifty dol- lars. By 1882 it was seen that this building had outlived its usefulness and had grown too small, people often being unable to gain admission.
Plans were discussed but nothing definite accomplished. The matter was not entirely dropped, however, but the leaven kept working. In 1885-6 it was almost accomplished but failed. The church had two years previously been sold to the Swedish Lutheran but they were unable to pay for it and it was thrown back on the hands of this church. On the strength of the sale lots had been purchased on Clarinda avenue, so the church had both prop- erties on its hands. This was discouraging. In the fall of 1886 under Rev. Wickersham a final effort was made. Soliciting committees were appointed to secure subscriptions. After some hard work it was seen that the object could be accomplished. It was decided to build on the old site and as far as possible use the material of the old church in rebuilding. The lots on Clarinda avenue were sold and the proceeds put in the new building. Isaac Monk, J. S. Elliott and George Bogart were appointed a building committee and the contract let to George Cotrill. The work was begun at once and ac- tively pushed to completion and finished June 1. 1887. at a cost of about eight thousand dollars. The result was the present church which was dedi- cated June 5. 1887, by Bishop Bowman. The church grew and prospered
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PROPOSED M. E. CHURCH, SHENANDOAH
PRESENT M. E. CHURCH, SHENANDOAH
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from the first. Soon after its organization plans were made to provide a parsonage. The lots joining the Laws property on the east were purchased and a small house was built and occupied as a parsonage by Rev. Wanick. This location proved, as was thought, too far away from the place of holding service, and when the church was decided on it was also decided to erect a parsonage in a more convenient location. The property on the hill was sold to William Laws and the lots on the corner of Sixth avenue and Church street, the present location, was bought. A house costing about twelve hundred dollars was built and remained in use until May, 1892. For some years it was thought this ought to be replaced by another building, as it had become much out of repair through age and long use. In 1891 it was de- cided to build a new one. The old one was sold and moved away and the proceeds used toward rebuilding. Isaac Monk, John Myers, Edward Roe and Joe Needham were appointed a building committee. Plans were se- cured and bids taken for its erection. On the 11th of June the official board met and canvassed the bids and directed the committee to contract with George Cotrill at twenty-three hundred dollars. This was done and the parsonage is now equal to any in the Des Moines conference.
The membership of this church now numbers seven hundred and fifty. The Sunday school is something over three hundred. The official heads of the auxiliary societies of the church are as follows: President of the La- dies Aid Society, Mrs. J. H. Snook ; president of the Home Mission Society, Mrs. J. S. Stevenson ; president of the Epworth League, Miss Lena San- man.
In the spring of 1909 plans were drawn and accepted for a new church edifice to be erected on the site of the old building, which lot is on the corner of Church street and Thomas avenue, and is one hundred and three by one hundred and thirty-four feet in dimensions. The proposed cost of the build- ing is fifty thousand dollars. From the fact that the membership of this church has increased rapidly in the past few years, the house of worship erected several years ago, which at that time was more than adequate, now fails to meet the demand of the members and visitors of the church. Its seat- ing capacity is five hundred and fifty, while the membership of the church alone is seven hundred and fifty, therefore, the building of a new structure became imperative.
The style of architecture of the new building will be colonial, with strong Doric features. The seating capacity in the main auditorium will be six hundred and in the part devoted to the Sabbath school, seats for five hun- dred will be provided, making in all seating room for eleven hundred people. As a matter of course a pipe organ will be installed in the new church.
BAPTIST CHURCHI, SHENANDOAH.
The first Baptist church of Shenandoah, Iowa, was organized June 18, 1871, with the following constituent members: Frank H. Alden, Mrs. Mary B. Alden, James W. Alden, M. G. Bash, J. Henry Binney, Mrs. S. E. Field, O. H. Frink, Stephen Gangbin, Rebecca Gangbin, George Green, Amanda
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Green, George W. Gunnison, Mrs. H. L. Gunnison, D. C. Herrell, William North, Mrs. E. J. North, Miss Sarah North, Miss Hattie North, Clark Reed and Mrs. Hannah Reed.
The organization took place in Mentzer's hall and they continued to hold meetings in Mentzer & Williams hall for some years, until by a kind invita- tion from the Presbyterians, they occupied their house.
December 12, 1880, a church edifice was dedicated at a cost of about thirty-five hundred dollars. The building of the parsonage and additions to the church building increased the value of the property to about seven thou- sand five hundred dollars. The church had a seating capacity of between three and four hundred. Within a year important improvements were made on the church building. It was now heated by furnace and lighted by electricity.
The following persons have served the church as pastors: S. J. Mc- Cormick, D. C. Ellis, J. W. Roe, Amos Pratt, H. B. Foskett, F. N. Eldridge, O. T. Conger, A. B. White, L. J. Shoemaker. D. W. Griffith, John Y. Atchi- son, Walter J. Sparks and George P. Mitchell.
The corner stone was laid and the new magnificent church edifice was built in 1905. The structure with the furnishings, cost in round mimbers twenty-five thousand dollars, and the lot is valued at five thousand dollars. This church also has a beautiful pipe organ, which was installed at a cost of two thousand five hundred dollars, one thousand dollars of which was contributed by the "Laird of Skibo Castle," Andrew Carnegie.
The membership of the Baptist church now numbers five hundred.
CHRISTIAN CHURCH, SHENANDOAH.
The Christian church was organized June 7, 1874, by J. R. Gaff, with twenty-five charter members, as follows: D. Adams, Silas Call, Jr., Silas Call, Sr., Laurina Call, Amanda Goodrich, F. Goodrich, John M. Gudgel, Charles Hope, Thane Hope, C. Jones, J. Long, Agnes Long, T. P. Latimer, J. A. Latimer, L. B. Latimer, Sarah Lomax, Emily McCloy, Rachel Pen- nington, Laura Turner, T. J. Williams, Mary Williams, Mrs. Wilson and Phoebe Young. During the first year they built a parsonage but the or- ganization was not so strong, so on February 17, 1875, a more permanent organization was effected and Silas Call, Jr., F. G. Goodrich, and Rodney A. Rice were chosen deacons and on March 17, 1879, Jeff Williams, Silas Call, Jr., and William Button were elected trustees and John M. Gudgel and Ben Boyd, deacons. Until 1882 the church held their meetings in Williams' hall, when it was decided that they needed a house of worship. A subscription was circulated, to which the members subscribed very liberally and in August, 1882, a comfortable house of worship was dedicated by Rev. Carpenter.
The pastors who have served the church from 1882 to the present time are: George A. Hendrickson, H. C. Littleton, J. H. Wright, Edgar G. Price, J. P. Davis, Albert Schwartz, Fred E. Hagen, and T. J. Golightly, the present pastor.
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CHRISTIAN CHURCH, SHENANDOAH
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LATTER DAY SAINTS CHURCH, SHENANDOAH.
The church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Shenandoah was or- ganized August 22, 1875, with nineteen members, presiding elder, S. S. Wilcox, officiating. The charter members were as follows: S. S. Wilcox and wife, N. A. Austin and wife, E. S. Wilcox and wife, M. E. Pace, Ben- jamin Austin and wife, E. J. Moore and wife, Zella Moore, Mark Moore, William Redfield, Sr. and wife, J. R. Badham and wife, Fannie E. White and Ida Steele. Services were held regularly in private residences until 1880, when their present church building was erected. The building is frame, twenty-six by forty feet, and together with the lots cost upwards of thirteen hundred dollars. Since the organization of this church it has grown rapidly and prospered abundantly, the present membership being one hundred and twenty-five. Sunday school convenes every Sunday at 10 A. M., preaching services at 11 A. M. and 7:30 P. M., and prayer meet- ing is held on Thursday evening at 8 P. M. Mrs. Mary E. Pace has been the Sunday school superintendent for over twenty years.
Elder S. S. Wilcox was president of the branch in 1892, from January to his death October 20th of that year, and had been for several years be- fore. Elder W. D. Ledingham succeeded him for about three years until his death, then Elder J. V. Roberts was elected president and remained so for six years; next, Elder E. S. Wilcox was elected president in 190) and has so remained ever since, excepting six months, when Elder J. B. Cline filled the position.
Presidents of branches, or pastors, receive no salary. J. F. Redfield is clerk of the branch and has been for the past several years. The branch elects officers every six months.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, SHENANDOAHI.
The Congregational church of Shenandoah was organized April 8, 1877. with a membership of twenty-two persons, as follows : T. H. Read and wife, Mrs. H. B. Smith, Mrs. J. B. Armstrong, Mrs. Matthew Norton, Mrs. Samuel Spree, Mrs. N. R. West, O. H. Kelsey, A. S. Lake and wife, Willard Dutton and wife, Miss Anna M. Dutton, J. N. Lincoln and wife, Mrs. G. A. Quimby, Mrs. W. A. Smith, Mrs. A. J. West, Mrs. Mary A. Duffye, John Spencer and wife, and Miss Lucy Flint. Professor J. E. Todd, of Tabor College, preached an able sermon on that occasion. The trustees first serv- ing this organization were: A. S. Lake, J. S. Johnson, W. C. Martin and G. A. Quimby. These gentlemen also constituted a building committee and soon set themselves to work to contrive means whereby a church edifice might be constructed. Hence under their supervision in 1878 the present church building was erected. On Sunday. June 16th of that year, this building was dedicated free from debt, Rev. Brooks of Tabor College preaching the dedicatory sermon. The building was contracted for and built by Cotrill & Beard, under contract of two thousand five hundred and thirty dollars. The audience room is thirty-five by forty-eight feet and
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eighteen feet high. The lecture room at the rear end is twenty-five by thirty feet. The former has a seating capacity of two hundred and twenty, the latter one hundred and the gallery sixty, the three combined seating four hundred persons. The building is provided with a clear-toned bell, weighing over eight hundred pounds, which hangs in a substantial belfry. The build- ing, seating, fixtures and improvments cost in excess of four thousand dol- lars. A pipe organ was installed in 1902 at a cost of twelve hundred dollars.
The parsonage stands upon the same street with the church and is just a few paces south of it. This building was completed October 19, 1880, by H. M. Bartlett, who was the contractor, at a cost of eighteen hundred hundred dollars. It is a two-story frame building and presents a plain, substantial appearance.
Rev. William Plested was the first regularly installed minister of this church and began his pastorate here Sunday, June 11, 1878. There being no parsonage, he and his family occupied the residence later owned by Captain McGogy. September 1, 1879, Rev. Plested resigned as minister and was succeeded by J. O. Stevenson, a much-learned minister from Con- necticut, who began January 4, 1880, and resigned October 24, 1886. To him the success of the Congregational church is largely due. The next divine of this church was Rev. J. H. Boggess, who began his career as minister here in January, 1887, and resigned in July following. The next minister was E. C. Moulton, who came here from Ames, January 1, 1888, and closed his labors January 1, 1890. Rev. J. T. Robert was next and came June 1, 1890, and resigned in May, 1892. He was succeeded by Rev. George Peebles, of Roseville, Illinois, who began his work in that year. Since that time the pastors have been C. R. Shatto, who came in 1899; A. S. Henderson, in 1903; W. A. Schwimley, in i906; and W. J. Turner, who began his work February 16, 1908 and is the present pastor. The church now has a membership of two hundred and fifty and a Sunday school num- bering one hundred and fifty. There is also a Ladies' Aid Society and the church maintains a weekly prayer meeting, which convenes Thursday night of each week. The church is lighted by electricity and all in all the con- gregational organization is in a thriving condition.
THE EMANUEL SWEDISH LUTHERAN CHURCH, SHENANDOAH.
This church was organized with forty-four charter members, January 22, 1883. Rev. C. G. Widen of Essex was the first pastor and continued to serve until his removal to Council Bluffs, about eighteen years ago.
In the summer of 1883 they contracted for the old Methodist Episcopal church for fifteen hundred dollars and paid down four hundred and fifty dollars but being unable to meet the terms of the contract, the church re- verted to the Methodists. In 1889 they again undertook to secure a church, purchased a lot on Thomas avenue for three hundred and twenty-five dollars and erected thereon a neat chapel, twenty-eight by thirty-six feet, for twelve hundred and twenty-five dollars, including lots. It was dedicated January
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22, 1890, by Rev. C. A. Hemborg, president of the conference, assisted by Revs. Widen of Essex and Ryden of Red Oak.
SWEDISH MISSION CHURCH, SHENANDOAH.
The Swedish Mission church was organized here about 1887. The original seven members were Oscar Forss and wife, C. Strom and wife, S. Turnquist, John Ring and Ed Leyden. The first pastor was C. A. Bar- gron, of Coin, who spoke here once a month. The meetings were held at the homes of the members, but gradually the little society grew in numbers and G. P. Peters, of Red Oak, was secured as the next pastor, who came here and held services once in three weeks. On the 24th of July, 1891, a committee went to Red Oak and conferred with a committee there and the result was the employment of a regular pastor to divide his services equally between the two places, one week at Shenandoah and the other at Red Oak. Rev. K. Forsman was regularly called for one year, beginning January 1, 1892.
The growth of the society made necessary the erection of a church building, which was done during the spring of 1891. It is a neat little church, twenty-eight by thirty-two feet, the total cost of the lots, building and furnishings being about eleven hundred and fifty dollars. The first meeting held in it was June 26, 1891.
FREE METHODIST CHURCH, SHENANDOAHI.
The first meeting in connection with the present Free Methodist work in this city was held in a vacant building two doors east of the Delmonico Hotel, March 20, 1887. Rev. E. N. Miller and W. H. Holmes were in charge of the meeting. Services continued every day until May 1, when the revival closed with a meeting at the Opera House. Charter members of the class were : J. D. Carey and wife, A. P. Seabloom and wife, C. S. Hanley and wife, Rosa Gibson, Frank Woods and Charles Haley. At the close of the meeting May Ist, the class was increased to twenty-two. Rev. J. M. Reilly of the Red Oak and Bingham circuit had charge of the church as the first pastor. Meetings were then held every Sunday at the residence of C. S. Hanley and by September the class had increased to thirty-two, with a Sunday school of about fifty members. The need of a church building then became so pressing that on the 25th of September the class instructed C. S. Hanley to purchase the old Presbyterian church for three hundred dollars, which was done and the building. moved from west of town to its present site and repaired and renovated. The first trustees were elected October 6, 1887, consisting of J. D. Carey, William Griffith and C. S. Hanley. No regular pastor was secured until August, 1887, Rev. J. M. Reilly having supplied the pulpit previously. At that time Rev. J. G. Stanard was appointed and held the position one year, being followed by C. S. Hanley for two years, when Rev. J. M. Reilly was again appointed.
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The first Sunday school was organized April 17, 1877, with J. D. Carey as superintendent.
UNIVERSALIST CHURCH, SHENANDOAH.
The Hayden Universalist church was organized by Rev. Q. H. Shinn, July 1, 1891, with thirteen members. They owned a fine lot and on May 24. 1892, Rev. Shinn broke ground and held religious services on the grounds, also appointed a building committee.
CHURCH OF CHRIST, SHENANDOAH.
This society was organized July 7, 1892, consisting of J. D. Carey and wife and George Hafer and wife. Meetings were held at the residence of J. D. Carey, who was chosen pastor in charge. An addition was built to his house for the accommodation of the church.
HISTORY OF ST. JOHN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, SHENANDOAH, IOWA.
For a few years previous to 1896 it was known that a very few members of the Protestant Episcopal church resided in Shenandoah, who had not identified themselves with the numerous churches of the town, yet wor- shipped with them, yet with an earnest longing for the service of the old church. An increase of interest was gradually manifested as "discoveries" of communicants were made in and about the city. An appeal was sent to Bishop William Stevens Perry to send a missioner to look over the field. Rev. L. R. J. Hoyt, D. D., came and arranged for a service on the 5th day of July. 1896. The use of the Congregational church was cordially prof- fered and the fine choir of the church kindly volunteered to render the choral service. Archdeacon Hoyt conducted the service, preaching an able and eloquent sermon. The service, novel to most of the congregation, was very impressive. This was the first Episcopal service held in Shenandoah. After the service a few of those interested repaired to the residence of Mr. and Mrs. L. N. Wilson where the rite of baptism was administered to five persons by Archdeacon Hoyt. This was the beginning of the unorgan- ized mission. Subsequent services were occasionally held by this faithful archdeacon (who entered into rest in May, 1909), the places being mostly at residences. In the same year Rev. L. P. McDonald, the rector of St. Paul's. Council Bluffs, whose able historical discourses were productive of much good in increasing the interest among churchmen and imparting in- formation of the church and her ways to others, departed this life.
On September 27, 1806. Rev. Arthur Chard. rector of the church at Creston, held morning and evening services at the Universalist church. There were no other services except one by Dr. Hoyt, until the evening of May 14, 1807, when Bishop Perry and Archdeacon Hoyt held a confirmation service at the Congregational church, confirming eight persons. During the autumn monthly services were held by Rev. Mr. Welles, rector of Grace
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