History of Scott County, Iowa, Part 65

Author: Inter-state Publishing Company (Chicago, Ill.)
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago, Inter-state publishing co.
Number of Pages: 1280

USA > Iowa > Scott County > History of Scott County, Iowa > Part 65

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College Avenue Presbyterian Church .- In May, 1955, A. C. Fulton donated to the trustees of the First Presbyterian Church, a city lot on College and Fulton avenues, in Davenport. for church purposes. The size of the grounds was increased by pur- chase, and a substantial church edifice ereeted, and opened for ser- vice in January, 1875, and was incorporated March 6, 1876, by the following incorporators:

Rev. J. D. Mason, P. S. Morton, A. M. Miner, Thomas Havens, J. Il. Knostman, Jas. II. Weise, G. F. Knostman, J. W. Vooddry, Miss E. Andreas; and the following persons were appointed elders: Thomas Havens, Wm. Walker, P. S. Morton. J. H. Knostman.

Rev. J. D. Mason was the first pastor, and officiated until April, 1876, and was succeeded by Rev. W. S. Messmer, who was pastor until October. 1877, when Rev. J. W. Coleman was called, and was pastor nntil Jannary. 1880. at which time the present pastor, Rev. Rob't Edger was installed.

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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.

Christian Church, or Disciples .- On the 25th day of July, 1839, 17 persons who had formerly held membership with the Christian Church at other points, mostly at Cincinnati, met at the house of D. C. Eldridge, and under the auspices of Elder James Rumbold, organized the Christian or Disciples Church, of Davenport.

As early as April of that year, the few disciples commenced meeting at the honses of the brethren, under the leadership of Owen Owens, of Cincinnati. Elder Rumbold arrived in Daven- port on the 22d of July, 1839, and on the 25th organized the church.

A few words relative to Elder James Rumbold may not be amiss in this connection, as he stands intimately associated with the church here. Brought up in the Kirk of Scotland and uniting with the Scotch Baptist, at Aberdeen, in 1824, he removed to this country in 1836, and settled in Troy, New York, where. with his wife and two others, he organized a church on the Bible alone and commenced preaching to them. This was the nucleus of what is now a large and flourishing church. In July, 1839, he re- moved to the city of Davenport. In March. 1841, he assisted in the organization of a church at Long Grove, in Scott County, bap- tizing seven on one day, three weeks thereafter. In March, 1842, he removed to Galena, where he organized a church and baptized five; preaching awhile for them and then returning to Davenport. During the time Elder Rumbold preached here, he baptized abont 40 persons. On the 10th day of July, 1840, he baptized Miss Elizabeth Carroll, who was the first person immersed in Scott County. The fact that a mechanic, a foreigner by birth, without education, further than what he obtained by his own exertions, should have been able to accomplish so much, is evidence of the simplicity of Bible teachings and the facility with which they may be communicated to others.

In this connection we would panse to mention one of the noblest of God's handiwork, a pure, humble-minded Christian, who long since has been gathered to his Fathers. Early in the history of the church in Davenport, we find the name of James Glaspell as- soeiated with it as an elder, which capacity he continued to fill with great acceptance up to the year 1847, when he fell asleep in Jesus. As a sincere, pious. believer, you will rarely indeed meet with his equal. As a citizen he stood high in the community, and when he died his church did not alone mingle their tears with the bereaved family.

After the organization of the church in Davenport the brethren continned to meet on Lord's days at their residences until Nov. 3. 1839, when they rented Mr. Tapley's carpenter shop, on Second between Main and Brady streets, at four dollars per month. In 1844 a lot was purchased on Brady, between Fourth and Fitth streets, and a brick meeting-house, considered large for the day, erected at an expense of fiom 8700 to $800. In 1855-'56 the pres- ent house of worship. the " Christian Chapel." was erected on the

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CITY OF DAVENPORT.

site of the old one, the church in the mean time meeting at the court house. This chapel was ereeted at an expense of about $8.500; is 40x75 feet. with basement.

In 1842 the Christian Church was incorporated by act of Legis lature under the style of the Church of Christ, meeting in Daven- port. John Owens. Richard S. Craig and Charles Lesslie were appointed Trustees under the act.

For five years Elder Rumbokl was the only preacher the Daven- port church had. In 1844 Dr. 11. P. Gatchell, of Cineinnati, was employed by the church as their pastor. He remained in that capacity one year, when he removed to Rock Island, but preached for this church until 1547. In 1545 Eller Charles Levan, of Phila- delphia, was employed as pastor, which position he ocenpied for nearly two years. For two or three years after his removal from the city , although the church was without a pastor, yet the members continued to meet regularly on Lord's day for breaking of bread, exhortation and prayer. Elder James E. Gaston suc- ceeded Mr. Levan. and in turn was followed by Elder Alexander Johnson, neither of which remained long in the position. Nov. 19. 1854. Elder J. Hartzell was employed by the church as a preacher, which capacity he filled until Feb. 7. 1>55, when he was succeeded by Elder Eli Regal. of Ohio, who on account of ill health resigned his position on the 10th of October of the same year. Until August, 1859. the church was again without a preacher. the brethren in the meantime mecting regularly on Lord's day for attending to the Lord's Supper and on Thursday night for prayer- meeting. In August. 1859. Elder Samuel Lowe was chosen and entered upon his duties as pastor. May 5. 1861, Elder James Chal- len came and remained as pastor nearly eight years. Succeeding him J. B. Johnson came and remained about three months. April. 1871. H. H. Black came and remained about three years. J. Carroll Stark eame in May, 1874, and remained 11 months. In the latter part of the summer of 1875 John Encell came as pastor and remained two years. After which William M. Roe came in May. 1578, and remained two years. D. R. Dungan came in July, 1850, and is the present pastor. Present membership of the church is 1 \0.

First Methodist Episcopal .- As already stated. Rev. Mr. Gavitt, from Ohio, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, preached the first discourse in Davenport, but it was not until 1,39 that an attempt was here made to organize a class. In that vear Rev. B. Mead was the presiding elder for the Iowa District. Believing there were sufficient members living in the vicinity, he authorized William L. Cook to form a class. Ilis search among Protestants resulted in finding five members besides him- self and wife, who had been members of churches in other places. A time was appointed for a meeting to be held at the house of Timothy Dillon, situated on Third street, near Washington Square. At this first meeting were present, as members, William L. Cook

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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.

and wife, Timothy Dillon and wife, Israel Hall, W. S. Ruby and Mary Ruby. Here this little band of Christians, longing for a closer union with Him in whom they trusted, in deep devotion poured forth many desires for spiritual food in this strange land, and, in that little cabin, alone with God, they dedicated themselves to him and his ser- vice, renewing their covenant vows, and forming the First Methodist Episcopal Church in the then village of Davenport. From this time meetings were continued every Sabbath, being generally con - ducted by Mr. Cook. The society increased until private rooms became too small, and in the fall of 1840, the church then num- bering abont 20 members, it was thought best to erect a building. Though its members were few and poor. they purchased a lot on Perry street, between Fourth and Fifth, which was then consid- ered ont of town, and built the first brick chapel. This church was seated at first with slabs and split saplings, flat side up, and lighted with a "chandelier " composed of a block of wood sus. pended by a rope from the ceiling, in which were inserted some half-dozen tallow candles, and warmed by a stove which looked as thongh it might have done good service before the flood.

A petition was sent into conference in 1840 for a preacher, and F. O. Chenowithi was sent to the Davenport station. The church gradually increased in numbers until the little church on Perry street became too small, and in 1853 a large and commodions house of worship was erected on the corner of Fifth and Brady streets. This second church was used until 1872, when it was thought best to change the location, and a new and handsome edifice was erected on Brady street. between Ninth and Tenth, at a cost of $20,000. The church has been ministered unto by some able divines, and is now in a flourishing condition, with about 500 members. Other churches have sprung from this, and the denomi- nation is now represented by five churches in the city-, the First, the Fourteenth Street, German, Cook Chapel, and African. Among those who have labored for the congregation at Davenport were Revs. D. Worthington, Joseph T. Lewis, William Simpson. A. Collins, J. B. Taylor, John Kelley, Langdon Taylor, A. J. Kynett. S. Haines. Mr. Linderman, R. W. Keller, Mr. Bowen, R. L. Collier, JJ. G. Demmitt, P. Brown, HI. Baylies, A. B. Kendig, J. R. Fuller Mr. Anderson, E. Miller, Mr. M. MeCleary, Mr. Marwell, J. H. Rhea and Mr. Brush.

Forrteenth Street M. E. Church, Davenport, Iowa, was organ- ized in February, 1867. The trustees appointed at the organiza- tion were J. G. G. Cavendish, A. Morton, W. Hender. J. T. Mar- tin, S. L. Mitchell, J. M. Frizzell, L. Perkins. The membership numbered about 50. The first pastor was the Rev. A. B. Kendig. Succeeding pastors in the following named order: Reverends Enery Miller, W. Frank Paxton, L. F. Copeland, R. W. Keeler, Wm. Fawcett, E. Skinner, Frank Brush, HI. S. Church, and S. W. Heald. The present Board of Trustees is: W. Hender, Wm. Ar- mill, N. K. Fluke, P. Earhart, A. L. Duncan, E. Sherman and I.

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CITY OF DAVENPORT.

T. Martin : the present membership is about 200. The value of the church property at the organization was about $10,000 ; the present value about $12,000. which includes a good and commo- dions parsonage. A Sunday-school was organized in the Taber- nacle (a rough board building on a corner of the church lot) in March, 1867, with about 40 scholars and J. G. G. Cavendish as superintendent, and Walter Hender. secretary. The gentlemen continued in their respective offices about seven years. when A. L. Duncan succeeded in the superintendency for one or two years. Walter Hender then held that office for five years, when he re- signed and A. L. Duncan was again elected, and held the office until he removed from the city. Prof. J. W. Ruggle was elected and now holds the office. The school now numbers about 230, con- sisting of primary and normal with all the usual intermediate de- partments. The library contains about 700 volumes.

Episcopal Churchés .- Philo W. Sprague, pastor of the Trinity Episcopal Church, was born in Charleston, S.C., Feb. 26, 1852. He is the son of James W. and Henrietta Sprague, nee Woodruff. His parents moved North just before the war and settled in Sehe- nectady. N. Y .. where Philo attended sebool until he was 15 years of age. He then entered Union College and graduated in the full classical course, when but 19 years of age. at the expiration of which time he entered the Theological Seminary, ot New York, where he remained three years, and graduated in 1874. Upon graduating he took charge of Calvary Church, Byonia, N. J., where he remained four years. In 1878 he received the appointment of Professor of Ancient Languages in Griswold College, and canon in charge of Trinity Church. corner Seventh and Brady streets, Daven- port, and at once assumed the duties of the respective positions. Rev. Philo W. Sprague and Harriet A. Woods were united, in marriage Dec. 11, 1879. Miss Woods was a danghter of JJoseph W. Woods. a merchant of Boston. One child has blessed this union-Caroline W .. born March 22. 1881.

The First Baptist Church .- The first religions services were held in the house of John M. Eldridge, on Brady street, where the gal- lery of Hastings. White & Fisher now stands. The first preacher was Rev. Israel Fisher, who went from here to Oregon, where he died about 15 years ago. The first organization, called the First Baptist Church. of Davenport. Iowa, was organized by him and was composed of the following members, nine in number : J. M. Eld- ridge. Mrs. Mary A. Eldridge, John Swartont. Chas. Swartout, Richard Pierce and wife, David Wilson and wife. Richard Pierce and Daniel Wilson were appointed deacons. The new church fitted np a room on Front street. over a store, as a place of worship, where they continued until they built a brick church at the corner of Fourth and Brady, on a lot given by Mr. Antoine Le Claire to the church. Here the church continued until the house became too small for their use when they removed to the corner of Sixth and Main and built the building now occupied as the High School Build-

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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.

ing (old). The present church organization was composed of mem- bers who withdrew from the first church and organized as the Second Regular Baptist Church of Christ in Davenport, Iowa. The first church continued its organization with Rev. Mr. Folwell, now of Connecticut, as pastor, until about 1861. when many of the church uniting with the present organization, the united church took the name of "Calvary Baptist Church," as the church is now known.

The Second Regular Baptist Church of Christ. in Davenport, organized Oct. 7, 1851. Those comprising the constituent members of the church were Dea. C. G. Blood, Dr. J. M. Witherwax, Esther Blood, May J. Solomon, Levi Davis, Rev. B. F. Braybrook. Luey A. Braybrook, Deacon Jolin Solomon, Johnson Brown, Emeline B. Witherwax, Mary Solomon, Sarah Brown. W. M. Crosson. Of this number Levi Davis is the sole surviving member. The first officers of the church were Dr. J. M. Witherwax, C. G. Blood, W. M. Crosson, Trustee; Levi Davis, Clerk: J. Solomon, Treasurer. The first pastor of the church was Rev. E. M. Miles, who settled with the church June. 13, 1852, and resigned Feb. 26, 1857. Mr. Miles has now almost retired from the ministry and is living on a farm near Camanche, Iowa. After a vacancy of two months Rev. Isaac Butterfield became pastor April 26, 1837, and continued to Oct. 27, 1863, a period of six years and six months. Mr. Butter- field continues still to serve as a pastor at Jackson, Mich. After a vacancy of four and a half months. Rev. D. S. Watson be - came pastor, settling with the church March 13. 1864, and con- tinuing in this.relation to Sept. 22. 1567-three years and three months. Mr. Watson subsequently removed to California, where he died. After a vacancy of one year Rev. T. W. Powell became pastor Sept. 27. 1868. and resigned on account of failing health Oct. 1, 1870. In December, 1875, Mr. Powell was recalled to the pastorate of the church and continned pastor until Jan. 19, 1879. Ife is at present settled in Milwaukee. Wis. After Mr. Powell's first pastorate a vacancy of three and a half months followed. Rev. N. S. Burton, D.D., became pastor Jan. 15, 1>71, and continued until November, 1875. He is a present pastor of the Baptist church in Akron. O. After the close of Mr. Powell's second pas- torate the church was pastorless until October. 1879, when the present pastor, Rev. W. H. Stifler was called from Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

The present house of worship was erected in 1852 and cost about $25,000. It is situated on the corner of Fourth and Perry streets. The church is in a prosperous and flourishing condition and has 373 members. It sustains two Sabbath schools, the home school and the North Davenport mission chapel. The following named comprise the officers of the church : Pastor. Rev. W. H. Stifler, D. D; Deacons. Levi Divis, D. T. Young, A. J. Montagne, Nor- inan Jordan, William Thompson, A. L. Mossman; Trustees, E.

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CITY OF DAVENPORT.

S. Ballard, E. S. Crossett. A. F. Williams; Clerk, HI. C. Wales; Treasurer, M. D. Snyder; Sabbath-school Superintendent, W. Raraback.

CONGREGATIONALISM. BY REV. J. G. MERRILL.

The birth-place of the Congregational Church of Davenport was a small building on the west side of Main near Fourth street. At this time there were 30 families in Davenport; there were three stores, a hotel, two groceries, two commission houses, and St. An- thony's Church was being built.

At first the little church had no minister. Sermons were read by one of the deaeons in a room hired for public worship. They sung out of the old village hymn book, and were made twice glad when a minster casually spending Sabbath in town could preach to them. The church met in various places-on Second street, on Main where sehoo! was kept during the week and the family kindly removed their beds for Sunday services, at the foot of Brady and over a grocery or fruit stand, and near Ripley, in an unpleasant room in which a man could not stand erect. This latter place was called by the unregenerate of the time, " brimstone corner.'

When the church was a year old. a minister came to Stephenson, now the city of Rock Island, bearing a commission from the A. II. M. Society, "for Stephenson and vicinity." It was Rev. J. P. Stuart, who on looking over his field considered Davenport as part of the said " vicinity" and preached for the little church six months.

We find upon the records of the old church bearing the date of March 18, 1841. this vote: " Not to use any wine at the commun- ion but that made from raisins or free from alcohol.

The first infant baptized was upon the 18th of April. 1841. Rev. Mr. Mitre being in town on that day. At the same time a com- mittee was appointed to adopt measures for building a meeting- house. Mr. Le Claire was waited upon and generously gave the church a lot. A part of the church were not satisfied with the loca- tion and an exchange was made for the site upon which our former house of worship stood, and here the project rested. On May 30, the church united itself by vote with the General Association of Iowa, a body assuming no jurisdiction over local churches, but afford- ing a means of intercommunication and mutual help. In Septem- ber, Rev. Renben Gaylord was invited to become the pastor of the church, but declined to accept. But as good Providence would have it, the same month came from the East Rev. A. B. Hitchcock, a graduate of Yale College. He was invited to minister to the church, and was commissioned by the A. H. M. Society, which as- sumed a part of his support. The church then numbered about 15 members.

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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.

The coming of the new minister awoke the sleeping church-build- ing enterprise. Mr. H. was sent East, a journey of three weeks by canal and stage. to secure funds. He obtained $540, a large sum in those days, and being able to handle tools he with three other breth- ren who gave their time, erected a building 38 x 24. Generally speaking, when a minister helps build a church, or is settled while his people build it, on its completion he is no longer needed. There was no exception in this case, and Mr. H. was glad to accept a call to Moline, his record as a faithful minister going with him.

The church was without a pastor for nearly a year when Rev. E. Adams was chosen. Mr. A. was one of the famous "Iowa Band " which our churches delight to honor. He began to preach in November, 1844, to an extremely feeble church, supported in part for the subsequent eight years by the American H. M. Society. His salary was not far from $400.

Thirty was considered a large number for a congregation. The choir was assisted by a portable melodeon, held upon one arm by a man, who, with the fingers of the other hand, played the bass, while his helpmeet on the left played the soprano, each accompanying the instrumental efforts with the voice.

The highest price paid for pews at any time during Mr. Adams stay was $20. Seven were sold for that amount, one for $16, two for $12. nine for $10. etc. This was not at first but about the half way point of Mr Adams's ministry.

Money was worth much in those days. Twenty per cent. was the best the church could do when it tried to borrow.

Mr. Adams was the first installed pastor of the church, his in- stallation taking place in 1847. Three years after he began to preach in Davenport. His ministry continued 10 years, during which time 178 members were added to the church, On the 24th of May the committee on supply of the pulpit were requested to employ Geo. F. Magoun. A new church was soon talked of, to be not less than 60 x 90 feet. But after consultation such an under- taking seemed too large, and on the 6th of September, 1855, it was voted to enlarge the old church by widening it, and on Nov. 13, Mr. Magonn was invited to become pastor, at a salary of $1,000. The call was accepted in a characteristic letter, which is spread in full upon the records of the church. Mr. Magoun was installed January, 1856, Rev. M. K. Cross preaching the sermon. These were bright days in the history of the church as far as men could judge. Congregations were very large, larger perhaps than any congregation regularly maintained since that time in town. The church was aggressive, interested itself in missionary work, col- onized the Congregational church of Davenport, had a band of " Young Workers," and still held on to the project of building a new edifice upon the lot adjoining the old church, a piece of ground that had cost them $1, 900, and for the purchase of which they gave a mortgage upon their property. Two hundred and fifty dollars was paid for plans of a building like Beecher's to cost up among the thousands.

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IIISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.

Then came the crash of 1857. Its full effect was not felt the first year, but in '58 and '59 houses stood tenantless: hundreds left the city in single boats. The census showed a decrease of 5,000 in population. Property had a merely nominal value ; church mem- bers were financially erippled ; the mortgage upon the church, which had come to be 83.000, was an intolerable burden. The min- ister's salary, which he had eut down to $600, could not be paid. Disaster produced dismay. Slight misunderstandings between the minister and a few of the people increased the embarrassment of the situation until at the end of the fifth year of his ministry Mr. Magoun resigned. Of these years he says : "I remember them as associated with blessed seasons of revival, especially two or three years, when conversions were pretty constant, and I held inquiry meetings every Monday night, summer and winter."

A council was called. Petitions accompanied with promise of help from members of the congregation were presented. The council recommended Mr. Magoun's stay, provided the financial embarrassment could be removed. It was simply impossible under existing circumstances, and the pastoral relation was dissolved.

Here follows a sad piece of history. The church that had num- bered 250, the congregation which had filled the capacious house, were scattered to the winds, and for a year there was no organiza- tion. no service ; the rains beat through the roof of the sanctuary, its windows were broken, and desolation was on the house of God. The First Congregational Church of Davenport after an existence of 21 years was no more.

We come now to the history of the present organization : The Edwards Congregational Church. On July 18, 1861. a company of 26 persons met, organized and voted to call a council to recognize the church. On Aug. 11 of the same year the council met. Dr. Win. Salter, of Burlington, preaching the sermon. Rev. Wm. Windsor, now of Marshalltown, was the first pastor of the church. His salary was 8600. the Home Missionary Society paying $200.

Early in his ministry Mr. Windsor went East to secure funds to save the meeting-house from being sold. He obtained $2.500. Members of the church and other citizens of Davenport interested in the enterprise gave all in their power, and the happy hour came when there was no debt. Soon repairs scemed necessary, and by great self-sacrifice 81,200 was raised for the purpose. In the process of repairs an attempt was made to remove the unsightly pillars from the center of the house. The last prop was being taken out when the roof fell in, and the whole structure was a wreck. The crash of the fall had hardly ceased resounding through the streets before a few members of the church were cal- culating with a pencil. upon a shingle, the cost of the increased re- pairs. Those who had given their last dollar reached deeper into their purses and found their last penny, and, driven by necessity, accomplished what seems to us a miracle.

744

HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.

This was at the beginning of the war. As our great civil con- test advanced. and the Government needed money, as you all know, it issued promises to pay that became less and less worth their face. The first pastor of the church was fearfully embar- rassed pecuniarily.

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History of Scott County, Iowa, Part 65

Author: Inter-state Publishing Company (Chicago, Ill.) Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Chicago, Inter-state publishing co. Number of Pages: 1280

Author: Inter-state Publishing Company (Chicago, Ill.)
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago, Inter-state publishing co.
Number of Pages: 1280