USA > Iowa > Pottawattamie County > History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, from the earliest historic times to 1907, Vol. I > Part 15
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who remained two years. In 1884 Rev. E. D. MeCrary became pastor. The church had grown to the number of two hundred and fifty, a $5.000 parson- age was built. In 1887 Rev. W. H. W. Resse became pastor, but was made presiding elder at the close of the year, and in '88 and '89 Rev. D. C. Franklin became pastor, and it was during his pastorate that a sentiment grew in favor of building the present church. In 1890 Rev. Franklin was appointed elder of the Atlantic district and T. Mckay Stewart was assigned and during his pastorate the present large structure was built at a cost of $50,000, and on May 5, 1892, it was dedicated in the presence of a congregation of 1,500 per- sons, by Bishop Joice, when $16,000 was raised to apply on indebtedness. From September, 1892 to '95, H. P. Dudley was pastor, and '95 Rev. J. H. Senseny was appointed pastor. At this time, 1897, the church had a membership of four hundred and fifty and a Sunday school of two hundred and fifty and an active Epworth League.
In the fall of '97 Rev. Waddell succeeded Rev. Senseny, the latter being made presiding elder of the Des Moines district, and was followed by Rev. Calfer, who served three years and was followed by Rev. Stratton, who was compelled to retire at the end of one year on account of sickness.
This brings it up to the pastorate of Rev. Jas. O'May, the present pastor, and 1907 finds the church with a live membership of five hundred and a Sun- day school of three hundred.
While in the old brick a good choir was organized with, for a time, a pretty fair orchestra.
The pipe organ in the present church renders the orchestra unnecessary.
This appears to be the parent church. The mother of the Fifth avenue and Trinity, besides several missions in city and adjoining territory.
During the week ending September 14 the Des Moines conference held its meeting here, presided over by Bishop Goodsell. Rev. O'May of Broadway church is assigned to Creston. Rev. J. M. Williams succeeds him here. Pre- siding elder. Council Bluffs district, A. E. Griffith; Fifth avenue, E. C. New- land; Epworth, W. L. Holly; Crescent, W. H. Doyle; Neola, E. B. Scrogan; Oakland, A. J. Mathews; Walnut, to be supplied; Trinity, Charles Mayne, are the assignments.
THE FIFTH AVENUE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
This church has grown from the Overton mission on Fourth avenue and Sixteenth street, organized in 1888.
The next year the present site on Fifth avenue and Eighteenth street was secured and a church erected.
This building was remodeled in 1905 under the pastorate of Rev. W. N. Graves.
The pastors in the order of their pastorates are: S. Alexander, Geo. H. Bennett, Chas. W. Brewer, A. F. Conrey, J. I. Farley, W. H. Cable, M. T. Tweedy, G. P. Fry, E. W. Erickson, J. W. Abel, W. N. Graves and Eddy C. Newland, the present pastor.
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This church is situated in a part of the city that is developing rapidly; the membership numbers two hundred; is a harmonious congregation.
It has a Sunday school numbering two hundred and fifty, under the leadership of Dr. C. S. Erickson. a most efficient superintendent.
The church also maintains splendid Epworth and Junior Leagues under the leadership of President Edward Owens and Superintendent Clara Smith.
The Ladies' Aid Society is a very valuable help to the church work; its president is Mrs. Nellie Evans; the church is largely indebted to this society for its existence.
The Epworth mission at Twenty-sixth street and avenue G has recently organized as an independent church with the Rev. Mr. Webster as pastor and has a growing membership and Sunday school.
TRINITY METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
In November, 1888, a petition addressed to Rev. W. T. Smith, presiding elder of the Methodist Episcopal church, was circulated by Mrs. Mattie Witter, and signed by Lee and twenty-four others requesting him to organize them into a society to be called the Trinity Methodist Episcopal church of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and pledging themselves to sustain the doctrines, usages and interests of said church.
On Sunday night, December 30, 1SSS, this list was read to the congre- gation and a class was organized by the pastor. Soon after this an annex to a briek church was built on the southwest corner of Fourth street and Ninth avenue, which was paid for. and in which service- were held until 1899, when the value of the church property was $5,000.
In 1902 the church sold the lot and so much of the building as was completed, and erected the church that now stands on the southeast corner of Ninth avenue and Fourth street, where they have continued to worship until the present time.
The church is in a prosperous condition with a membership of one hun- dred and fifty, and a Sunday school of one hundred.
Rev. Charles Mayne i- now on his third year as its pastor.
ST. PAUL'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
Was organized by the Rev. Edward Pect, rector of St. Paul's church, Des Moines, April 17, 1856.
The vestrymen of the parish were: John B. Beers, D. C. Bloomer, Horace Everett, Adison Cochran, W. C. James, T. P. Treynor, J. P. Casady; Samuel Perrin and Geo. W. Dodge.
Bishops Lee and Kemper assisted in completing the organization.
A lot was purchased for the church building in the fall of 1858, the build- ing of the first church was begun in 1861 and completed in 1863. It seated one hundred and cost $1,100. In 1867 the church was lengthened twenty- five feet and two transepts added, doubling the seating capacity. The expense of this enlargement was $3,000.
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In 1876 a lot for a rectory was purchased and a rectory built on it at a cost of $1,700 in the following year. In 1880 another lot was purchased.
In 1884 the building of the stone church was begun and was completed in 1886 at a cost of $40,000, with a seating capacity of four hundred and fifty.
The following is a list of the rectors:
April 17, '56, Rev. Edward Peet; from January, '57 to June, '61, Rev. Geo. W. Watson ; from December 25, '62 to April 17, '65, Rev. Faber Billsby ; from June, '65 to June 30, John Chamberlain ; from '71 to '75, Theophilus J. Brookes; from Easter, 1875 to 1882, F. T. Webb: from January 15 to July 1, 1891; T. J. Mackey; from July 23, 1891, to April 1. 1895, E. J. Babcock ; April 1, 1895 to November 20, 1898, L. P. McDonald; from February 1, 1899 to October, 1903, G. E. Walk; from March 1, 1904, Homer Worthington Starr, being rector at this writing (1907).
The parish began in 1856 with five communicant members.
In 1907 it has three hundred and seventy-five; two hundred pupils in the Sunday school, four hundred and thirty confirmed persons, five hundred and forty-three baptized persons and six hundred and one individuals con- nected with the parish.
LUTHERAN CHURCH.
This church has organizations among our people of four different nation- alities, viz., English, German, Swedish and Danish.
That of the English was organized in August, 1891. In 1898 they built the church on the southeast corner of Willow avenue and Seventh street.
This is known as St. John's Lutheran church, and at this writing has a membership of one hundred and ten and Sunday school of as many children.
Rev. George Snyder is the pastor.
St. Paul's German Lutheran church at No. 627 Seventh avenue was organized in October, 1881 and for a time rented rooms in which to hold their meetings, until 1892, when they erected the building they now occupy. Their first pastor was Rev. A. Detzer. It now has one hundred and forty-six communicants and a flourishing Sunday school.
Rev. J. H. Lindemeyer is the pastor.
The Danish Lutheran church was organized in 1871, and consisted of the Rev. H. Hansen and one man, a Mr. Newman.
From this small beginning it has grown to a membership of three hun- dred at the present time, with a prosperous Sunday school and a mission on Nineteenth avenue, and also on East Broadway, where weekly services are held and Sunday schools established.
Rev. Jens P. Heede is the pastor. This church is situated on the south- east corner of Ninth and Mynster streets.
The Swedish Lutheran church, situated on the southwest corner of Seventh and Mill streets, was organized November 12, 1890, with twelve
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members, Rev. C. E. Elving of Omaha serving as first pastor. The church "prospered and the following year the pretty church and parsonage were built, the lot and buildings being of the value of $10,000. It has one hundred and twenty communicants, a Sunday school, Ladies' Aid Society, Luther League and a fine church choir. B. N. Glim is the present pastor; trustees, Otto Applequist, Carl Olson, Oscar Swanson and B. A. Olson.
The Swedish Baptist church was organized in 1893. The church build- ing now occupied by it was originally built by a German Methodist society and by them sold to a Jewish organization and used for a time as their synagogue, and finally sold by them to the present owners. The church is small, numbering only forty-two communicants, with a Sunday school of thirty-five scholars. Both of these, however, are growing.
Rev. G. D. Forssell is the present pastor.
The Danish Baptist church is situated on the northeast corner of Seventh street and Seventh avenue, was organized in 1876.
The church was built in 1885. Like most of our churches its growth has been slow. There being but one hundred communicants, with a Sunday school of one hundred and twenty-five. H. A. Richenbach is the present pastor.
CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN COUNCIL BLUFFS.
The introduction of Christian Science into Council Bluffs was by Mrs. E. B. Fenn of Omaha in the autumn of 1885. Mrs. Fenn had taken a course of instruction of Mrs. Mary Baker G. Eddy, discoverer of Christian Science and founder of the Christian Science church, and by request had come to Council Bluffs to give Christian Science treatment to invalids who had failed to find health and healing by material means, and who, having heard of this new-old way, desired to test its healing power.
In the spring of 1886 Mrs. Jeannette D. Coleman of Boston, came by invitation to organize a class for the systematie study of Christian Science with its text book, "Science and Health With Key to the Scriptures," by Mary Baker G. Eddy.
There were eight members of this first class, prominent among whom were Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Filbert and Mrs. Mary D. Porterfield, who afterward studied under Mrs. Eddy as teacher, going through both primary and normal classes in Massachusetts Metaphysical College, located in Boston, and who later taught classes in Council Bluffs.
During the following year Mrs. Fenn taught a second class which included several persons prominent in Council Bluffs cireles.
During several years and before the organization of a church proper, meetings for study and divine service were held in the homes of those inter- ested in Christian Science. Later on, religious services were held on the Sabbath in what is known as the Brown block on Pearl street. These services were conducted by Mrs. Al. Freddie Delong of Omaha, and other students of Mrs. Eddy, giving a short address on Christian Science.
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In the year 1895 the present form of worship was instituted by Mrs. Eddy for all churches of this denomination and adopted by the Council . Bluffs society.
This service consists of silent prayer followed by audible repetition of the Lord's Prayer by the congregation, the singing of hymns and reading pas- sages of the Scriptures and Science and Health alternately. It was not until June. 1899 that a church was formally organized and chartered with thirty- one members, an upper room was leased in the Sapp block on the corner of Broadway and Scott streets for the meetings of the new church, and here for several years the little flock met every Sunday morning and Wednesday even- ing.
At the semiannual communion season new members were added from time to time until the church numbered in 1902 seventy members.
In the summer of this year a second church was organized which con- tinued a separate existence until January, 1907, when the two organizations united in one under the name of First Church of Christ, Scientist, of Council Bluffs.
It was soon found that the former places of meeting were inadequate for the larger organization, and the spacious auditorium of the Carnegie Library was secured until the church is able to erect its own house of worship, which it hopes to do in the near future.
As a part of the missionary work this church has undertaken a free read- ing room where Christian Science literature of all kinds is kept for sale, for reference, and for free distribution.
This room is kept open every afternoon except Sunday, with someone in attendance, and visitors are always welcome.
For this brief history we are indebted to Mrs. Helen C. Montgomery, who, in introducing the subject says, "Every new movement of consequence is more or less an invasion, or at least an innovation, hence it is interesting to trace the causes which led to it, and its trend.
"It might be likened to the mustard seed which is said to be the smallest of all seeds, and yet grew to be the greatest of all herbs. Whether this proves true of the Christian Science faith in Council Bluffs, the future alone will determine.
"It may certainly be likened to the seed sown on good ground, for it speedily took root, and in due time brought forth its thirty, sixty, and it may yet be an hundred fold, for the harvest is not yet ended.
"It has at least stood the test given by the great founder of the Christian religion, twenty centuries ago :
" 'Every plant which my Father has not planted shall be rooted up.'"
THE JENNIE EDMONDSON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL.
"Tall oaks from little acorns grow."
The little acorn from which the Women's Christian Association Hos- pital has grown, was planted by five Christian women calling themselves the "Faith Band," and consecrating themselves to any Christian work into which the Heavenly Father might lead them.
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The first meeting of the Faith Band occurred in the parlors of the First Baptist church in May, 1884, after the close of a district convention of the Young Men's Christian Association, and in the following month the organi- zation now known as the Women's Christian Association of Council Bluffs was projected into being, growing into completeness as the months passed by. It began with prayers and this has been always its resource and its recourse.
The first definite object mentioned after permanent organization was effected, was a cottage hospital, but lacking unity of purpose and perhaps faith to ask the needed help for such an undertaking, the project was tem= porarily abandoned, and evangelistic and charitable work among the poor of the city was substituted. This was for two years carried on with much benefit to the donors as well as the recipients. Among the members of the Faith Band was Mrs. Dr. Green, always full of love for her kind and devotion to her Savior, and has passed to her reward.
Miss Laura Cole was an early member who served for two years as treasurer. She too has been called to the higher life.
In the autumn of 'S4 and '85 systematic visits among the poor and the dispensing of charity was carried on and brought new revelations of human life to many who had heretofore seen only its sunny side. On Christmas day of 1884 an entertainment was given at the Baptist church through means of which about three hundred women and children were presented with clothing, books and toys. Some of the Sunday schools that year gave, instead of receiving presents, exemplifying the truth that it is more blessed . to give than to receive.
The result of this entertainment was a central mission Sunday school that for nearly a year distributed weekly to the most ignorant and neglected of the city the bread of life.
Out of this grew a sewing school for poor girls where they were not only taught the art of making garments, but also provided with wholesome clothing.
This was in operation for three years until it gave way to the larger work of the hospital.
In August, 1886, the plan of opening a cottage hospital again engaged the attention of the association, but it was not until November of that year that decisive action was taken which resulted in the renting of a small cot- tage in the northern part of the city and opening it for hospital purposes. This was named the Cottage Home Hospital.
At this time the association was given the collection from the union Thanksgiving service, a custom which has since that time been yearly observed, and for which the members feel grateful not only to the pastors but also to the public. As the work became better known, donations came from various sources from the charitably inclined, donations of fruit, vegetables, furniture, etc. In this the Sunday schools and the public schools as well as individuals and churches have nobly borne a part. Their names cannot be given in this history, but their gifts are recorded. The hospital, while it never refused to shelter the impecunious, was not designed to be exelusively a charitable insti-
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tution, but requires those who are able to pay for their accommodation to do so.
In April, 1887, basket donations were solicited from ladies of means in the city, to the value of two or three dollars each, to supply the larder of the hospital, which has ever since proved an efficient aid to supplying the table. Mention should be made of Mrs. O. M. Brown, who became a member this year, and until her decease was a faithful and untiring worker. In June, 1890, she too passed within the veil.
In the autumn of '87, finding the cottage too sinall the association leased the brick residence known as the MeMahon place, situated on the corner of Sixth avenue and Ninth street, and moved all their appurtenances into these more commodious quarters, and three years later the property was purchased for the sum of $4,200 and remodeled to suit the purpose for which it was intended. A steam heating plant was introduced which, with other improve- ments and repairs made, cost the sum of $2,634, making the debt at that time $6,834.
The society was incorporated under the laws of Iowa on the 20th day of July, 1886 by the following named persons signing the articles of incorpora- tion : viz., Josephine Allen, Mary G. Green, Laura M. Cole, Perris Stacy, Caro- line A. Day, Helen E. Sealy, Angela Shugart, Anna B. Phelps and Angeline H. Peak.
The officers eleeted for the first year were as follows: President, Josephine Allen ; vice-presidents, Mary G. Green, IIelen E. Sealy, Perris Stacy, Caroline A. Day and Amelia Bloomer; recording secretary, Mary G. Green; corre- sponding secretary, Helen Montgomery ; treasurer, Lydia B. Atkins; trustees, Anna B. Phelps, Angela R. Shugart, Sarah E. Tulleys, Mattie E. Gaylord, Laura M. Cole, Minta Gaines and Angeline H. Peak.
In 1898 the association received a substantial donation from the late Mrs. Sarah J. Ballard, being $10,000 in money and property, which was sold for $10,115. This enabled them to add largely to their facilities for carrying on the good work, and in recognition, the board has endowed a room and two beds in perpetuity, preference to be given to old ladies without means.
In June, 1905 the association accepted a loan of Mr. J. D. Edmondson of $40,000, at five per cent interest during his lifetime and at his death the prin- cipal is to become the property of the association, thus making it largely a dona- tion. By this agreement, while the property remains in possession of the association, it will be hereafter known as the Jennie Edmondson Memorial Hospital, and two rooms are endowed, and a tablet placed to perpetuate the memory of the first wife of the benefactor.
On receipt of this assistance the board proceeded to look up a suitable location and decided on a beautiful location on East Pierce street known as the Boek property, and having agreed upon the plans, commenced active operation on the new building, which was rapidly pushed to completion, and on the 12th of February, 1907, possession was taken, since which time the association finds its self installed in a beautiful three-story fire-proof build- ing with sixty-two rooms exclusive of bath and store rooms, with all the modern
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appliances required for conducting the same, and in which lighting, heating and ventilation have received the fullest consideration.
A training school for nurses has also been established in which thirty- seven have been graduated.
The salaried employes, including superintendent, number thirteen. The building has a capacity for comfortably caring for seventy-five patients and in case it became necessary, could eare for one hundred.
The direetors for 1907 are: President, Mrs. R. M. Sprague; vice-presi- dent, Mrs. Clem Kimball; recording secretary, Mrs. M. C. Gaines; correspond- ing secretary, Mrs. Mary E. Thomas; auditors, Mrs. O. H. Lucas and Mrs. J. B. Atkins, Mrs. M. F. Rohrer, Mrs. W. W. Wallace, Mrs. G. H. Richmond and Mrs. J. H. Carse.
The grounds are large and so situated as not to be in danger of being crowded in the future and with abundance of room that may be needed for enlargement of present buildings, or building additional ones.
THE CHRISTIAN HOME ORPHANAGE.
Inaugurated in 1882; incorporated in 1883.
Those who are skeptical as to the Bible story of the prophet being fed by ravens, should visit the above named institution.
In the fall of 1882 Rev. J. G. Lemen, then pastor of the First Baptist church of Council Bluffs, organized a department in connection with his church work to give aid to the poor of the city.
It soon beeame known, and children were brought to him even as they were to another person some nineteen centuries ago, and if he did not claim to bless, he fed and clothed them.
Himself poor, he struggled on often far into the night, but always found a way to meet the emergency. Children continued to come, and the work grew until it eneroaehed upon the time he owed to his pastoral duties. At this point, he claimed, God's hand appeared, and the decision was made for him, not by him. He gave up his pastoral work and devoted his whole time, and that of his family, to the work of saving destitute and afflicted children. His . house being too small he rented others, having faith that the Lord would put it into the hearts of the people to sustain him.
At times he did not know where the next day's food was to come from, but it came. More room was needed as the children continued to come, more houses were rented and help employed and the money came to pay for them. Hundreds of our citizens had no conception of what he was accomplishing, so quietly was the work progressing. A chapel was needed and play grounds, these also were provided as well as sehools, and the ravens continued to come. If a child was feeble or crippled it had special care.
Year after year it continued to grow, but the constant strain was wear- ing the faithful pair away. On September 10, 1902. Mrs. Florence J. Lemen, the devoted wife, passed away, but the founder worked on, making improve- ments and adding to and enlarging its grounds for two years more, when his Father called him October 6, 1904.
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Then people wondered what would become of it.
The ravens came in flocks.
H. R. Lemen, son of the founder, took up the orphan's burden where the father had laid it down. Large, substantial buildings with all modern improvements have supplanted the old frames, a department has been added for aged and dependent women, also for deformed and afflicted children. Ample playgrounds for both sexes provided. The grounds adorned with trees and flowers, and in all its arrangements it will compare favorably with any of the benevolent institutions of the state.
Its property is valued at $275,000. Five thousand helpless children have passed through it to comfortable homes.
And still the ravens come.
THE GOOD SAMARITAN SANITARIUM AND MATERNITY HOME.
Dr. G. W. Pangle, Founder.
After practicing medicine thirty years in this city, in 1900 he founded the above named institution at No. 723 First avenue, where he makes a spe- cialty of treating women, and providing homes for infants born within the institution. It is not conducted strictly as a benevolent institution, as all pa- tients that are able are expected to pay for treatment and care, the same as is customary in general hospitals. The great increase in his practice required more room and greater facilities and during this year he purchased the entire block known as the Foster Flats, where he is prepared to receive all of the afflicted that apply.
ST. BERNARD'S HOSPITAL.
It is doubtful if any city of its size is better provided with benevolent institutions than Council Bluffs. All of these have started from small begin- nings. Among these is the St. Bernard's Hospital.
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