USA > Iowa > Page County > History of Page County, Iowa : also biographical sketches of some prominent citizens of the county > Part 20
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church, Council Bluffs, at Odd Fellows Hall. Then for several months the little flock was without a shepherd, as Mr. Welles had left the diocese and it was not convenient for other clergymen in the vicinity to continue the work. In 1898 Archdeacon Allen Judd, to whom much of the success of the mission and especially the securing of the beautiful church edifice is due, began his monthly visits in the Universalist church edifice which was secured, and monthly services continued for about two years under the faithful labors of Mr. Judd, alternating with the mission at Garden Grove. During this period (1898) the mission was called to mourn the loss of one of its most highly esteemed members, Jonas Tyner, who, although living twelve miles distant, was a most devoted and faithful attendant and one of the most earnest promoters of the mission, both by his means and influence. He did not live to see the consummation so devoutly wished, of seeing the church established here, yet the beautiful memorial window in the front of St. John's, placed there by the loving hands of his family, is a touching reminder of his work and carnest zeal for the Master. At his request Rev. L. P. McDonald officiated at his burial, a large concourse attending.
At a meeting held September 17, 1899, pursuant to permission given by Bishop Theodore N. Morrison, in response to petition, a mission was organ- ized. The petition was signed by Wm. Bird, Mary Bird, G. B. Jennings, W. J. Staples, A. J. Gash, Benjamin Clare, Mrs. Benjamin Clare, W. E. Gaston, L. N. Wilson, Mrs. L, N. Wilson, Geo. B. Chatfield, L. M. Tutt, Mable Oliver, Cora Rounds, Mary Tyner, Richard Tyner, Emily G. Rawe, W. H. Taylor. Archdeacon Judd was chairman and L. N. Wilson secre- tary. The name selected by vote was St. John's (after the "beloved dis- ciple"). The following Bishop's Committee were elected: G. B. Jennings, warden; L. N. Wilson, clerk ; O. T. Rankin, treasurer ; Wm. Bird, A. J. Gash and W. E. Gaston. The certificate of the organization as a mission was signed by Bishop Morrison Oct. 9, 1899. In July, 1900, the Swedish Lutheran church was rented for one year. After which time the Universalist church was occupied until their own beautiful church home was completed. While occupying the Universalist church Mr. S. R. V. Story, a student in Tabor College, kept up the services as lay reader, Mr. Judd officiating oc- casionally.
In 1900 a very desirable lot on Church street was secured at a reasonable price and paid for by voluntary contributions by members and friends.
During the year 1903 voluntary subscriptions to the amount of $3,000.00 were secured among the members and friends of all denominations and people generally, who evinced a most cordial and liberal spirit of Christian fellowship. and arrangements were made for the erection of a church edifice upon the lot secured a few years previous. It was decided to build it of brick and a local architect, Mr. J. W. Todd, employed to make the plans and superintend the construction. The building committee consisted of O. T. Rankin, Wm. J. Staples and L. N. Wilson. The result was entirely satisfactory and during the year 1904 a beautiful, churchly edifice was ready for consecration and entirely paid for, as Bishop Morrison refused to con- secrate until every cent of its cost was paid. As before stated, it was largely
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through the indefatigable labors of Archdeacon Judd that this was ac- complished.
CONSECRATION.
The first minister in charge was Rev. A. F. Ernest Boss, a deacon re- cently graduated from the New York Seminary. He received his priestly orders while here and was made formally priest-in-charge, although his service began July 1, 1904. He resigned January 1, 1907, being assigned to the important parish of Muscatine, Iowa, where he is at present doing acceptable service.
An interval to Feb. 1, 1908, occurred during which time the Sunday school was kept up regularly, under the efficient superintendency of Mr. G. B. Jennings, and the chancel and pulpit frequently and very acceptably filled by the clergy from St. Paul's, Council Bluffs.
On February 1, 1908, Rev. H. Harris, D. D., was transferred from the diocese of Quincy, Illinois, to this mission and resigning upon call of the Bishop of Nebraska August 1st. Another interval of three months occurred, evening services being held occasionally by Rev. Mr. Jones of Council Bluffs.
On October 1, 1908, Rev. Richard Ellerby was transferred from Esther- ville, Iowa, and is at present the efficient priest-in-charge.
Many items of minor interest to the public are omitted in this brief his- tory, yet it should be mentioned that much of material as well as of the spiritual growth of the mission is largely due to the untiring efforts of the zealous band of ladies comprising Epiphany Guild. They, by funds secured from sales, dinners and suppers, at which they have been generously pat- ronized, furnished considerable means for sustaining the good work.
The beautiful circular memorial window over the chancel, being a copy of the famous painting by Hoffman of Christ in Gethsemane, was donated by Mrs. Brockett, in memory of her husband. The carved oaken altar was donated by the Sisters of St. Mary, St. Katherine Hall, Davenport. The present Bishop's Committee (corresponding to the vestry of organized parishes) is composed of G. B. Jennings, warden ; L. N. Wilson, secretary : O. T. Rankin, treasurer; Wm. Bird, Percy W. Miner, W. J. Staples and D. B. Miller.
The following is the summary of property in the last report to the annual convention. "Title to property vested in trustees of funds and dona- tione : Church sittings, 125: building, brick and stone. insurance $2,000.00. value $3,500.00; furniture. $500.00; land, estimated value, $2.000.00: total value of property. $6,000.00; condition of property good: free sittings in church."
ST. JOHN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, SHENANDOAH.
This church was organized October 9, 1899, by Rt. Rev. Theodore N. Morrison, Rev. Allen Judd, minister in charge. The following signed the petition to the bishop for the formation of St. John's mission : W. J. Staples, William Bird, Mary Bird, his wife, O. T. Rankin, A. J. Gash, Mr. and Mrs.
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Benjamin Clare, W. E. Gaston and wife, L. N. Wilson and wife, G. B. Jennings, George B. Chatfield, L. M. Tutt, Mabel Oliver, Cora Rounds, Mary Tyner, Richard Tyner, Emily R. Rawe and W. H. Taylor.
Under this organization the officers were: G. B. Jennings, warden; L. N. Wilson, clerk ; O. T. Rankin, treasurer ; William W. Bird, A. J. Gash and W. E. Gaston, committee.
For several years Rev. Allen Judd was in charge of this mission. The first located pastor was A. I. E. Moss. He remained here two years and was succeeded by Rev. Harry Harris, who remained about six months. He was followed by Rev. Richard Ellerby, who came in August, 1908, and is the present resident pastor in charge of the mission. This mission re- ceives partial support from the diocese. The first baptismal service was performed by the archbishop.
The present official board is as follows: L. N. Wilson, secretary ; O. T. Rankin, treasurer ; bishop's committee, G. B. Jennings, warden ; William Bird, W. B. Miller, Percy W. Miner, O. T. Rankin, William J. Staples and L. N. Wilson.
On Sunday, April 10, 1903, the beautiful little St. John's chapel was dedicated by Bishop Morrison, Rev. Allen Judd being the minister in charge. The building is of dark brick and stands on a commanding eminence on the corner of Church street and Mentzer court, and has the distinction of be- ing the first brick church edifice erected in Shenandoah. Its cost was about three thousand dollars. The building committee was O. T. Rankin, W. J. Staples and L. N. Wilson ; architect, John Todd.
COLLEGE SPRINGS UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
Mary C. Taggart.
The United Presbyterian church of College Springs, Iowa, was born away back in Scott county, Indiana. There, at Lexington, the Monzingo families and others, together with their pastor, Rev. J. S. Maughlin, planned to come west and establish an Associate church. In pursuance of this plan, Edward Monzingo came to Iowa as advance agent, arriving in Page county, so the record runs, on April 9, 1857. Rev. Maughlin and family about the same time went back to Ohio and Pennsylvania for a visit. Leaving Mrs. Maughlin and the baby daughter with relatives in Ohio, Rev. Maugh- lin westward took his way, reaching Clarinda April 20, 1857, where he was met by his friend, Edward Monzingo.
During the ten days previous to April 20th, M. Monzingo had already explored the country in the vicinity of Amity. Now together they start out to look for new homes-to decide on that hoped for location where a colony of church members might dwell near each other and for a congregation of the associate faith in the wide, wide west. In and about what we now call College Springs, was to their vision, the fairest place of all, or possibly it only seemed to their judgment the vicinity of great promise, for there was then almost naught but landscape to view, little but great expectations and
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large hopes to recommend the vast stretches of unbroken and unimproved prairie. Doubtless the little school which had been established here two years before (1855) influenced these two pioneers in their decision- which decision subsequent history has proven a wise and happy choice. Contemporaneous and companionable, these friends, Amity College and the United Presbyterian church of College Springs, have watched together the passing of fifty years.
Rev. Maughlin preached the first Sabbath after his arrival at the home of Mr. McKissick, located not far from the present home of Mrs. Mary K. Anderson. The organization proper of the congregation took place. so most memories agree, in the month of June, 1857. No place do we find the day of the month recorded. Edward Monzingo thinks it was June 11, 1857. This meeting for organization was held in an old house that stood for many years on the Mckinley farm. An "old house" shall we call it? No. It was then, in the '50s, new, a genteel, up-to-date frame structure, consisting of two rooms below and a space above, commonly called the loft but more gracefully known as the upstairs, as commodious as the average house, then, was this-the home of Mr. and Mrs. Robert McLean.
At the meeting in June, presided over by Rev. J. S. Maughlin, the following whose names we treasure as our charter members, signed the first formal papers of organization : Thomas Maughlin, Mr. and Mrs. John McKissick, Mr. and Mrs. John Latta, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Monzingo, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Mclean and P. N. Hoge. Of these, only two ac- cording to our knowledge, are living today-Robert McLean, of Rock Valley, Iowa, and Edward Monzingo, of Coin, Iowa. Thomas Maughlin was a cousin of Rev. Mauglilin and a brother of Mrs. James A. Blair. The McKissicks were elderly people, their family consisting of two or three sons. The Mckissicks and Lattas remained here only a short time. Trace of them has been lost. William McMichael, Sr., of Philadelphia, and James Hamil, of Xenia, Ohio, were within bounds at the time of the organiza- tion but they belonged to the Associate Reformed church, and held back for a time, wisely concluding then to unite with the new Associate church. which they did at the first communion in the autumn of 1857. On this occasion Mr. McMichael was appointed and acted as ruling elder. having served in that capacity in the Fifth Associate Reformed church of Phila- delphia. About twenty-five persons partook of the sacrament at that first observance of the Lord's Supper by this congregation.
In the meantime, August, 1857, Rev. Maughlin had gone to Ohio, re- turning with his family to Iowa. The next spring, April, 1858. came the Mcculloughs, more Monzingos followed and later William McKees, all from Scott county, Indiana. Joseph A. Reid and family were here as early as 1857. William McLeans arrived in May, 1858, from Philadelphia. J. W. McKinley's came from Ohio in July, 1858. In May of that same memorable year, 1858, back in Pittsburg occurred the celebrated and to-be- celebrated union of the Associate and Associate Reformed churches of
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America, henceforth our congregation of Amity, Iowa, shall bear its new name-United Presbyterian.
Its people worshipped from time to time in the homes of its members, one regular place of meeting for some time being in the home of James Hamil on what is now the J. R. S. Hawthorne property. In an old church record under date of October 10, 1859, we read: "Resolved, that the con- gregation lath and put one coat of plaster on the house belonging to Mr. Hamil, which we now occupy for the present winter." J. L. Anderson, James Simpson and J. W. Mckinley were appointed to fit up said house for the use of the congregation. Evidently the good people wanted to pay their way. There were no partitions in the house at that time. That very historic house is said to be incorporated in the present comfortable resi- dence of Mr. Hawthorne. Rev. Laughlin lived just east of the United Pres- byterian parsonage. Their house of antebellum date still stands in Col- lege Springs. At that business meeting just referred to, October 10, 1859, we note that the sum of twelve dollars was subscribed for the purchase of a Sunday school library. John K. McCaskey was appointed librarian.
The financial question propounded itself quite early in our history. The preacher must be paid. In 1860 J. W. Mckinley was appointed to write a new subscription for Rev. Maughlin's salary for one year with two columns on the paper, one for cash and one for produce. We smile at this these later days when all farm products are easily convertible into coin. 'Twas not so here fifty years ago. Markets were distant, home demand small. There were few elevators, stock buyers and great poultry houses then. It is stated that even up to the times of Revs. Anderson and Morrison, grain and produce were sometimes accepted in lieu of cash. Money was scarce in the '6os and early 'zos too, when a period of financial stress was experienced. The sexton's salary was fixed in 1862 at twelve dollars per annum. T. P. Espy was appointed to serve one year. Evi- dently this was underbid later on, for at a congregational meeting January 14, 1865, please bear in mind the month-January, J. B. Harbison pro- posed to act as sexton as long as it would be necessary to have fire that season for the sum of one dollar. Furthermore, it is recorded that his proposal was accepted and the money raised by collection to pay the same.
The first leader of song recorded is A. W. Bratton. Perchance his labors as such ware too arduous, for he offers his resignation as chorister June 17, 1861. His resignation was accepted. But further on in this very meeting he is reinstated, willingly, no doubt, with the comfort of rein- forcements for it was decreed that four choristers should be elected. Ac- cordingly Albert Van Eaton, N. P. Hoge, A. W. Bratton and George Mc- cullough were chosen. The "sense" of this congregational meeting seems to have been musical. A resolution was offered thereat "to instruct the choristers to use no tunes which they knew the congregation is not ac- quainted with." After some deliberation this was voted down. At this juncture of proceedings it was moved, by a more practical, far-seeing member, we can easily imagine, that the congregation organized a "singing society" among themselves.
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As to the record of eldership, Thomas Maughlin and John McKissick were chosen as ruling elders at the organization, June, 1857. William Mc- Michael was added at the first communion in the fall. The year following, 1858, James Hamil and J. L. Anderson were elected. In 1860 George Mc- Cullough and Albert Van Eaton were elected. John Monzingo and James Simpson were appointed unto the office in 1861, having served in that capacity in other places. All these were worthy officers under the minis- try of Rev. Maughlin. No other changes are recorded in the eldership now for a period of thirteen years, or until 1874.
It should be remembered that up to this time, the early '6os, there was yet no house of worship, not that they had made no movement toward such, for we read in the very first minutes on record, Amity, Iowa, June 6, 1859 (the day and month coincident with this date) "On motion resolved that the building committee proceed to building a church immediately."
As a matter of fact it was seven long years after these "immediate" measures were enacted before that church building was realized. Two years after this resolve the darkness of the Civil war was upon them. During that time of lengthened trouble, the little village of Amity was often wrought up over threatened violence or attack. One day came the unwelcome report that a band of rebel marauders from Missouri were on their way to burn Amity, the little anti-slave town, that very night. Natur- ally enough, the people were in a state of excitement. The women, quick witted and provident, proceeded at once to bury their valuables. A num- ber of the men gathered at the Maughlin home that evening, resting all night upon the floor with guns at their sides, ready for defense at the slightest alarm from the outposted sentinels. Needless is it to state that peace was declared long before Amity was burned.
There was no church building for nine years, yet they did not get dis- couraged and disband. Instead they waited and worshipped until the opportunity to build came. Rev. Joseph S. Maughlin who had the honor of being the organizer and first stated supply of this congregation, was born in Lower Chanceford, York county, Pennsylvania, June 2, 1823. He was educated at Franklin College and Canonsburg Seminary. He married Miss Mary McCaskey, a lady of culture and ability, whose home was near the classic village of New Athens, Ohio. After his work at Amity, they removed early in 1863 to Onawa, Iowa, their home for a long time. About ten years ago, to be near their sons, Will and Albert, and also in search of health, they went to Snohomish, Washington, where Rev. Maughlin's last days were spent. He died August 24, 1902.
Revs. Thomas McCartney and J. G. McKee supplied the pulpit in the spring of 1863. A call was made out at one time for Rev. McKee, but he declined. In May, 1863, Rev. D. C. Wilson was appointed by the general assembly as home missionary to southwestern Iowa, with head- quarters at Amity. His own account as a pioneer missionary in this region as written for "Our Country and Church" is a most interesting one. "The appointment," Dr. Wilson states, "was not sought by me, much less de-
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UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. COLLEGE SPRINGS
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sired. My name, however, had gone to the Committee of Missions without reservation and licentiates in that day were in honor bound to go where- ever appointed."
Rev. Wilson preached his first sermon in Amity, Sunday morning, July 12, 1863. The attendance was over a hundred. The young minister from the east was astonished at the number. The village was small and a great open prairie surrounded it. Where had all the people come from? The membership theri numbered about forty but some of the men were away as soldiers at that time. Where was the new preacher to board? House room among the parishioners was at a premium. Robert Murphy had a house of three rooms but the third and spare room was furnished with, not golden oak, but with yellow wheat, to such an extent that no space remained for a clergyman of even moderate size. The young man was just out of the seminary. He owned four sermons. The people expected two sermons every Sunday. The need of a quiet retreat for study and meditation was immediate and urgent. The garret in Mr. Murphy's house seemed to be the only available place for his study that first summer and winter. The question of board and a private study for the preacher was comfortably settled the next spring, 1864, when William McMichael built an eight room house on their farm. This was the palace of the prairies. That farm is now the home of John Rice and family.
Up to this time, the coming of Dr. Wilson, there was still no church building. Services were held in private residences or schoolhouses, some- times even in groves. The United Presbyterians had the use of Amity College, the old brick building, a part of the time. It was enclosed for use but not finished. Under date of December 30, 1865, we find this entry on record: "Resolved that we propose using the brick building at fifty cents per day, Amity College furnishing the fuel except what is now on hands belonging to the congregation."
It is indeed interesting to trace their efforts in securing that first frame structure, fifty-two by thirty-six feet in dimensions. Early in 1863 Robert McLean, P. P. Tuttle, George Mccullough and D. R. Pollock were ap- pointed a committee to complete the draft and estimate the probable cost of a house. To Mr. Mccullough was delegated the special mission of finding out on what terms we could buy lumber at Hagey's mill on the Nodaway. The above committee after reporting two months later were discharged. A building committee was then appointed, consisting of Messrs. Pollock, Mckinley, Murphy, Mccullough and Hamil, invested with author- ity to do all things necessary in and for the prosecution and completion of the building. That fall, 1863, lots 1, 2 and 3 of block 44 were purchased from Amity College, consideration fifty dollars, for the site of the United Presbyterian church building. At a business meeting that winter, February, 1864, the object of the meeting was slated to be to adopt measures to for- ward the "meeting house to speedy consummation." Their hopes so long deferred, no wonder they moved to push matters. That same day Mr. Tuttle and Mr. McCullough were appointed to go and see timber on the Nodaway,
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said to be for sale. Now the outlook brightens. The very next month it was moved that all hands meet on the Nodaway river, Tuesday, March 22d, for the purpose of getting out timber for the church building. It was . done as commanded. Strong native timbers were hewn from that five acre tract by the riverside. Stout hearts and strong hands were required these times, nor were they found wanting. And unto that courageous band of forty, our brethren of the '6os, we would ascribe more credit and praise for the construction of that first simple frame structure than we would do ourselves, a prosperous people, almost four hundred strong, in the erec- tion thirty years later, of our present magnificent church edifice.
At that time St. Joseph, Missouri, eighty miles away, was the nearest railroad point. Frequent were the trips by wagon to St. Joe in those good, but as it seems to us now, somewhat inconvenient old days. For the farmers must needs go all that distance then for many of their common supplies. Thus far and no farther then did the railroad run, so many an easterner realized as he stepped off at St. Joe in search of Amity, Page county, Iowa. And still, though the railroads through these increasing years have crept nearer and tantalizingly nearer, all around and about the patient old town, in fact, to the north, to the south, to the east, and to the west, still the denizens of greater College Springs await the coming of those coveted steel rails, their ears still strained to hear the shrill music of the "kyars."
A part of the siding for the first building was hauled by ox teams all the way from Ottumwa, Iowa, a distance of one hundred and seventy-five miles. It took the driver, a Mr. McCord, just three weeks to make the trip there and back. Some of the finishing lumber used to cost ten dollars a thousand. Robert McLean was the architect and Mr. Tuttle the head carpenter. Unto Patrick Farquhar was entrusted the finishing work. He had served a strict apprenticeship back in Scotland and was a fine workman. Mr. Farquhar made the seats out of native lumber. The little pulpit stand, now in use at the college, was fashioned by his hand out of Nodaway walnut.
Rev. D. C. Wilson went back to Pennsylvania in the autumn of 1864 to solicit funds as agent of the congregation for the new building. He thus secured eight hundred dollars- a very great help. Mrs. Mary K. Anderson relates : "Back in Indiana county we contributed toward the new church at Amity, Iowa, never thinking then that we ourselves would be settled there in a little more than two years." Below we append a bit from the account of money received by Rev. Wilson for this purpose: Blairsville, $38; Bethel, $27.50 : Mahoning, $54 ; Cross Roads, $30.25 ; Pigeon Creck, $61 ; Matthew Wilson, $10; Sarah Wilson, $10.
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