USA > Iowa > Allamakee County > Past and present of Allamakee county, Iowa. A record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. I > Part 43
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An effort was made to secure a resident pastor. Reverend Houghton preached his farewell sermon August 14, 1859, and went to conference to request that Lans- ing be made a station and a pastor sent. F. X. Miller, a slender youth, full of energy and spiritual life, was sent and given a salary of $300. A. H. Ames fol- lowed in 1860, C. W. Brewer and Elias Skinner in 1861, F. C. Mather in 1862, H. W. Houghton again in 1863, B. D. Alden in 1864. A revival this year doubled the membership of the church.
In 1865 F. C. Wolfe came as pastor, and this year the present church prop- erty was built at a cost of about $3,500, and dedicated November 4, 1866 by the Rev. A. J. Kynett. In 1867-68 Joseph Redlington was pastor; and in 1869-70, C. F. McLean. In 1871 Matthew Henry Smith, an Englishman. 1872, J. A. Kerr; he was a preacher after the old style, much moving about and much noise. In 1873, J. F. Wilcox. During this year Miss Leonard assisted in special meetings, and a large number were converted. Many of them have served well the church and society. The older citizens well remember the remarkable conversion of J. W. Bates, the large-hearted keeper of the Lansing House. In 1874 T. E. Fleming came to his second or third pastorate, afterwards presiding elder. In 1875-76, George Elliott succeeded his friend Fleming. He has since filled some of the first churches in Methodism, at Philadelphia, Washington and First church, Detroit. In 1877, H. W. Pratt, brother of Congressman H. O. Pratt. In 1878, H. W. Houghton was pastor for the third time. He was followed by Thomas Oliver [later the patentee of the Oliver typewriter], and he by D. M. Parker; a student by nature, kind-hearted, spiritual, loved by the people, he remained three years.
In 1883 there was no pastor ; R. K. Pierce in '84, and again no pastor the next year. 1885, F. T. Heatley from Wisconsin supplied from February to October. 1887, H. J. Bowder came for a three years' pastorate. 1890-91, J. B. Wyatt. 1892, W. A. Allen. 1893-95, E. D. Hall. A revival during the last year mate- rially increased the strength of the church. 1896-97, E. P. Stubbs. 1898, W. G. Crowder, and 1899, D. C. Perry. 1900-01, C. E. Stenson; 1902-04, R. M. Wyant ; 1905, S. C. Johnson; 1906, E. R. Langworthy ; 1907-08, L. F. Haver- male; 1909, W. W. Robinson; 1910, N. F. Norton; 1911, J. C. Warton; 1912, supplied. 1913, Guy Rutherford.
In 1886 New Albin was made a part of the Lansing charge, one pastor serv- ing both places. This continued down to '94 when E. D. Hall was given a helper in Squire Heath. Next year the charges were separate.
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Village Creek has formed a part of the charge for many years, services being held once in two weeks in the schoolhouse, in the afternoon.
The M. E. church choir was organized in 1858 with Jos. Hoberg leader. Prior to this the few members who worshiped in the little schoolhouse near the park, used the M. E. hymn book and Mr. Hemenway pitched the tune. In 1858 Rev. Sifford kept a singing school. A little later an organ was purchased, and a choir made up of the following persons: W. D. Morgan, Jos. Hoberg, S. M. Baldwin, C. Selle, A. Wood, Robt. Whitney, Mesdames V. K. Houghton, Georgie Berry, A. H. Woodruff. E. 1). Hale. Misses Susan Antony, Freelove Baldwin, Adeline Baldwin. Lizzie Morgan, organist.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
The Congregational church was organized May 16, 1853, by Rev. Timothy Lyman, with the following members: Lorenzo Bushnell, Mrs. Melinda R. Bush- nell, Mrs. Louisa Reed. Lyman C. Reed, Mrs. Fanny Haney, and Mrs. Sarah Cowles. The Congregational society was incorporated May 18, '54. the incor- porators being Timothy Lyman, Jos. I. Gilbert. John Haney, G. W. Gray, John W. Remine, G. W. Hays. F. D. Cowles, T. E. Williams, and S. H. Haines. The first church building erected by the society was occupied in 1854. On March 6, 1877, this was consumed by fire. During the same year, a new and beautifully designed edifice was begun on the old site. The basement intended for Sabbath school purposes and lecture rooms was completed in 1877 and used by the society for several years as its place of worship. The church building, however, was never finished for that purpose, and is now known as "Temple Hall." Revs. T. Lyman, Geo. Bent, D. N. Bordwell, James B. Gilbert, S. H. Canfield, Orlando Clark, A. Graves, P. Litts and C. H. Rogers, in the order named, occupied the position of pastor.
EPISCOPAL
St. Luke's Protestant Episcopal parish was organized August 26, 1855, by Rev. G. W. Watson, of Clinton, Iowa. The wardens were: George W. Barker and J. I. Taylor ; vestry, F. D. Cowles, John J. Shaw and T. E. Williams. In May, 1856, F. D. Cowles and J. I. Taylor were appointed delegates to the con- vention of the Iowa diocese. Rev. James Trimble served the parish for about one year, coming in May, 1856. During this year services were conducted in a schoolhouse. A church was built between '59 and '61, on Diagonal street. This was opened for worship on Advent Sunday, 1861, and consecrated by Bishop Lee, in 1862. Rev. T. Harker and Doctor Eddy were both connected with the church during this year. Rev. James Bentley preached occasionally from 1858 to '61.
July 23, 1862, Rev. W. W. Estabrook, D. D., delivered his first sermon, and was soon after appointed rector. Sunday, January 7, 1866, the church was destroyed by fire. Steps were at once taken to rebuild, and in 1867 a new church built on the corner of Center and Third streets was first occupied, and conse- crated by Rt. Rev. H. W. Lee, May 3, 1868. Soon after this, W. W. Estabrook left the parish and was succeeded July 5, 1868, by T. J. Burke, who accepted a
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call to rectorship in 1869, resigning his charge in the same year. Reverend Allen accepted a call to the rectorship October 9, 1869, and remained about one year. Rev. Charles Canfield officiated for a few months in 1872, since which time services were conducted occasionally by Bishop Lee.
The first couple married in Lansing according to the rites of this church were Homer H. Hemenway and Amanda S. Gray. They were married Febru- ary 5, 1857, and the witnesses were John Berry, G. W. Gray and Martha T. Haney. Among the early attendants and communicants were : F. D. Cowles and family, Sarah Cowles ( widow) and family, Dr. John I. Taylor and family, S. H. Kinne and family, Samuel B. Johnston and family, and H. H. Hemenway and family. Geo. W. Camp was secretary of the meeting of citizens called to organize the parish. In March, 1890, the church building was torn down to make place for a dwelling house.
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH AND SCHOOL
The following historical sketch of this institution is copied from the souvenir printed in 1905 commemorating the Golden Jubilee of Immaculate Conception church and the Silver Jubilee of Very Rev. G. L. Haxmeier as its rector, which were celebrated on June 7, 1905.
Rev. Father Hoar, who came to Wexford in 1851 assisted the few Catholics at Lansing. Through his efforts Messrs. Haney and Houghton were induced to donate nine lots to the Trappist Monks should they decide to locate here. The Trappists preferring the country at Wexford, did not accept the gift. The lot on which stands the old church-at present used for the Sisters school-was donated by Haney and Houghton.
The Rev. Father Kinsella of Decorah, ministered occasionally to the spiritual wants of the Catholics, saying mass at Quinn's house. Divine services were also conducted at times at Trayer's home and Farrell's house. In 1855, under the direction of Father Welch, then residing at Wexford. the first church was built, dimensions 23x30 feet, Henry Bensch contractor. Father Welch attended beside Wexford and Lansing, the Iowa River, Dorchester, Waukon and Cherry Mound. From 1857 to 1863 Father O'Farrell stopped occasionally at Lansing, he having no permanent residence. Rev. Father Hannon, stationed at Wexford from 1863- 66, supplied Lansing during that time. November, 1867, the Rev. Father Louis Cornelis was appointed as resident pastor.
Under Rev. Father Wm. Jacoby's most zealous and efficient pastorate from September 20, 1868, to March 15, 1877, the congregation was well organized and rapidly grew in numbers. He enlarged, remodeled and decorated the church, furnished the same with pretty altars, costly vestments, an organ and bell. The house west of the church was purchased by him, and later, when the Sisters of St. Francis P. A. opened the parochial school, also the house east of the vacant lot.
For two years Rev. Father J. Urbany was pastor.
Rev. F. W. Pape was appointed pro tem from January to May, 1880.
Very Rev. G. L. Haxmeier came to Lansing June 5. 1880.
The cornerstone of the new Immaculate Conception church was laid in Vol. I-22
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June, 1885. and the handsome brick edifice stands directly opposite the old church, fronting on Main street, and cost to complete the bare church about $15,000. Its dimensions are: Main body, 80 feet long by 44 feet wide, with tower in front 14x14 feet, surmounted by a spire 140 feet high, and a sanctuary in the rear 22 feet and 6 inches wide by 20 feet long, at either side of which are sacristies. On the patronal feast, December 8, 1886, it was solemnly dedicated. Since dedication a main altar costing $1,000 and two side altars at $175 each, also new pews and a $1,000 pipe organ, have been added to its appointments, and now a $1,200 peal of bells caps the climax and serves as a testimonial of both the Golden Jubilee of the parish and the Silver Jubilee of Very Rev. G. L. Haxmeier as its rector. In 1893 the parsonage was built.
From a very small beginning the congregation now numbers 130 families, aggregating over 600 sonls, and has always been noted for its generosity, good will and loyalty to both church and pastor.
THE SISTERS' SCHOOL
The Sisters' school was started in 1874 by Sisters Alphonsa and Thomasin of the Franciscan order. The former remained in charge for seven years. The school was first held in the basement of the church on North street, the younger children being taught at the Sisters' house. At one time there were five Sisters here, a teacher of fancy work, a music teacher, two school teachers and the house sister or Mother Superior. After the new church was built, the school was removed to the main floor of the old church where two commodious rooms were fitted up with all the necessities and conveniences of a schoolroom. Over one hundred pupils are enrolled in charge of Sisters Ambrose and Athanasia. Sister Lidwinia, the Mother Superior, has been in charge for twenty years. Sister Alphonsa died at the convent in LaCrosse a few years ago.
The children of this school received a diploma, for the excellence of their work in drawing, at the World's Fair in 1893. Much credit is due Very Rev. Father Haxmeier for the growth and prosperity of the school.
Upon coming to Lansing Rev. Father Haxmeier had charge also of St. Joseph's church at New Albin, which he visited once a month until 1903. Lack of space forbids a recount here of all that Very Rev. Haxmeier has accom- plished during the quarter of a century at Immaculate Conception and the twenty odd years that he guided the destinies of St. Joseph's. Suffice to say that combining as he does great business ability with sterling priestly qualities, his pastorage has been most successful, and that he is acknowledged by all, re- gardless of creed or nationality, as a man who honors his high and holy calling and who has the love and respect of the whole community. In April, 1905, he was made an irremovable rector. His parishioners are devotedly attached to him, and hope that he will remain with them for many years to carry on the great work entrusted to his care.
The Immaculate Conception church of Lansing was formally incorporated November 16, 1911, Archbishop James J. Keane, ex-officio president, Rt. Rev. Roger Ryan, vicar general, Rev. G. L. Haxmeier, pastor, and Gustav M. Kerndt and Devillo A. Holmes constituting the board of directors.
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PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
In the spring and summer of 1865 frequent visits were made to Lansing by the Rev. James Frothingham, then settled in Caledonia, Minnesota. These visits resulted in the organization of a Presbyterian church. Mr. Frothingham, as- sisted by Elder Eben S. Albert, of Mt. Hope church, effected the organization Sunday, June 18, 1865. The services were conducted in the Episcopal church edifice on Diagonal street, subsequently destroyed by fire. The following per- sons presented certificates of membership and letters of dismission: Eben T. Albert, Mrs. Jane Albert, Sarah and Elizabeth Albert, and Mrs. Margaret Rat- cliffe, from Mt. Hope church, Allamakee county, Iowa ; James and Jane Logan, Mrs. Annie Stafford, Miss Helen Gilchrist, Miss Rachael Elmendorf, and Mrs. G. W. Hays, from other churches. Mr. A. W. Purdy, Mrs. Delia Delevan Purdy, and Mrs. Margaretta Macbay were admitted on confession of faith. These per- sons were formally declared organized as a church, and Mr. M. E. Albert was chosen ruling elder.
A meeting of the regular attendants on the services of the church was held in the parlor of the American House, on Monday evening, May 7, 1866, for the purpose of organizing a church society. A committee of three was appointed to draft a constitution and by-laws for the society, in order to a proper incorpo- ration. The committee consisted of Rev. James Frothingham, M. M. Webster, and Cyrus Watts. At a subsequent meeting held at the same place, the com- mittee reported a constitution and by-laws, which were adopted. Articles of incorporation were duly adopted and recorded soon after this, and a church society duly organized according to the laws of Iowa and the Presbyterian church, to be known as the First Presbyterian church of Lansing. The first
trustees were: Amos W. Purdy, Eben T. Albert, and William C. Macbay. February 7, 1867, these gentlemen were reelected, Mr. Purdy for three years, Mr. Albert for two, and Mr. Macbay for one. January 6, 1868, the term of service of W. C. Macbay having expired. A. H. Woodruff was chosen trustee. Mr. E. T. Albert was reelected in January, 1869. At the annual meeting of the society, held January 3, 1870, the method of electing trustees was changed, the changed by-law providing that three trustees should be annually chosen to serve for one year each. At this meeting E. T. Albert and A. H. Woodruff resigned. The term of A. W. Purdy expired. An election of trustees according to the new method resulted in the choice of Cyrus Watts, George D. Purdy and G. A. Rockwell.
In January, 1871, Cyrus Watts, S. O. Smith and George Albert were chosen trustees. W. H. Burford, G. A. Rockwell and Cyrus Watts were trustees in 1872. Dr. N. S. Craig, C. T. Hart and Joseph Smith in 1873. Starr Rockwell, Geo. W. Albert, J. W. Thomas, M. McCormick, H. H. Hemenway, James Ruth, Jas. M. Thomson, Earl M. Woodward, and H. J. Frothingham, were other trus- tees down to 1882.
August 3, 1879, Rev. James Frothingham requested that the pastoral relation be dissolved, on account of ill health; and as it seemed a necessity to the pastor the congregation concurred. A farewell reception was given him at the resi- dence of J. W. Thomas, September 3. 1879, at which resolutions of the church
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were read expressing the regret and sorrow of the church and congregation at the loss thus sustained.
July 4, 1866, ground was broken for the erection of a house of worship, on North Third street, and it was occupied the following winter. It is constructed of brick. will seat about three hundred persons, is nicely furnished and in all respects a most pleasant place of public worship. The first meeting in the church was held January 31, 1867, and the first Sabbath service February 3d following. A fine pipe organ was placed in the church in 1882. And about 1897 stained glass windows were put in, and other improvements made. Heating furnace and clectric lighting have also been added.
Rev. Charles E. Schaible occupied the pulpit from October 16, 1879 until November 1. 1881. part of the time as stated supply and the balance as pastor. He was followed by Rev. Joseph Gaston, who began his labors January 1, 1882, remaining until 1883. Rev. A. L. Hutchison acted as stated supply from 1883 to April 21, 1886, when he was installed as pastor. During this time the manse was erected on the corner of Third and Center streets. August 17, 1891, Rev. Hutchison resigned. and during the period until February 6, 1893, the pulpit was occupied by stated supply, Reverend Robinson and Reverend Bristol. At that date Rev. J. R. McGlade was called, remaining on the field until February. 1898. when Rev. John Cooper came. lle was followed by A. P. Cooper in 1903 ; Joseph Z. Favire. 1905: John P. Engstrom, 1906; Robert Bradley. 1910 to 1912; F. W. Pease, 1913.
NORWEGIAN LUTHERAN
Tire Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church of Lansing was organized on the 12th of June, 1867, with O. J. Hjort, pastor. The first officers of the congre- gation were S. Arntson, president; N. A. Nelson, secretary. In October, 1868, the congregation bought the lot on which they in 1872 erected their house of worship, and were served by Rev. O. J. Hjort until his death in 1880. He was followed by Rev. H. A. Hartman, who left for Norway in 1895, since which time Rev. C. J. M. Gronlid has been their pastor.
A bell for the church was purchased by the efforts of the young ladies of the Luther League and hung in 1901. This society was organized May 15, 1897.
The board of trustees of this church is composed of N. A. Nelson, president ; C. O. Rud, secretary : Ole L. Moe. treasurer ; Nels Larson ; and Louis Reppe.
EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION
In 1860 the brethren Hammeter and Seder visited some of the Germans living in and about Lansing, and being welcomed among them began to preach here. In 1862 the Lansing Mission was organized and served by the Rev. C. Lahr, who continued the work for two years.
In 1864 Columbus Ridge work was taken from the Decorah Mission and given the Lansing Mission, making thirty-six members, served by Rev. Luter. The work was in charge of Rev. A. Strojmeier during 1865. The following two years Rev. C. Escher. now sainted, served as missionary with good results.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, LANSING
NORWEGIAN LUTHERAN CHURCH, LANSING
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In 1868 the Rev. H. Bunse was given charge of the work, and the Locust Lane appointment added, the work then consisting of four appointments. In the spring of 1869 Rev. C. C. Pfund was appointed, and remained two years, doing successful work. In 1871 Rev. J. H. Pippert was in charge. In 1872 Rev. L. Sheurer was appointed, remaining three years, in which the Columbus Ridge church was built. Again in the spring of 1875 was C. Escher appointed to this work, doing good for the following three years. Conference then sent Rev. E. O. Beck here for 1878; then follows a period of ten years of which no record is at hand.
In 1888 the sainted Rev. J. Knoche labored here with good success, having been here a year or two previous. In 1889 Rev. L. F. Smith was sent and took charge of the mission for three years acceptably. Rev. A. Goetze succeeded him, also remaining three years. In the spring of 1895 Rev. J. Abrams came to Lansing and had charge of the work one year. followed by Rev. A. H. Buente for three years. Then the charge was given in care of Rev. Schott, who also remained three years, to the spring of 1902. At this time Rev. J. M. Krafft was sent to this charge, finding here about one hundred members, four appointments, with three churches and three Sunday schools.
Rev. A. Raecker has served this church of recent years as pastor.
GERMAN PRESBYTERIAN
Under the supervision and presence of Rev. J. Frothingham and Mr. J. Albert, the German Presbyterian church of Lansing was organized May 2, 1869, with a membership of fifteen. It became incorporated April 27, 1870, with a board of trustees comprising John Sahli, Anton Guhler, and William Manger. From the time of organization the ministers of this church were: Rev. F. F. Weiss, 1869-71; F. W. H. Bruechert, 1871-75; L. Abels, 1876-79; J. Lederer, 1880-83 ; H. Schmitt, Jr., 1885-90; J. Schlechter, 1891-92; F. Urbach, 1892-97; H. DeBeer, 1897-1900 ; N. Gerdes, 1901-02; Rev. Arnold H. Kegel, 1903-13, the present pastor. Trustees in 1913, G. L. Saam, secretary and treasurer, and Engelhardt Bartheld.
A Young People's Society of the German Presbyterian church was organized June 2, 1892, under the direction of Rev. Urbach, with thirteen charter mem- bers. The society has thrived, and through their untiring efforts many improve- ments have been made on the church, including handsome stained glass windows.
NORWEGIAN METHODIST
Rev. E. Enderson and Rev. H. Gordon began serving the spiritual interests of the Norwegian Methodists in Lansing about 1871. In 1872 Rev. Enderson moved to Lansing and became resident pastor. L. A. Larson came as next pastor. With a membership of fifty he secured a lot and built a little church. Other pastors who served this church were: J. Jacobson, A. Gustafson, A. Ervenson, and R. Holmberg. With the closing of the mills many of the members moved away, and the church building was sold and moved out near Waukon, where it became unused and was eventually torn down.
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THE PRESS
The first newspaper in Lansing was the Lansing Intelligencer, started by W. H. Sumner, with material owned by H. H. Houghton, which he brought from Galena. The first number appeared Tuesday, November 23, 1852. Of those who advertised in this first issue not one is now living in Lansing. They were then written up by the obliging editor in the following attractive style :
"James Peacock advertises a variety of goods, consisting of all the intermedi- ates between a shawl and a coffee-mill, or a California hat and a wash-board. Give him call.
"F. D. Cowles wants the 'staff of life.' Feed him, somebody.
"At the sign of the Elk Horn, E. P. Bircher displays many good things which he offers to part with for a-consideration."
"T. E. Williams has a well stocked shop-as good as we have seen anywhere. Call on him and 'exchange tin.
"Chas. J. McGee is prepared to fill your houses with furniture, plain or ornamental, costly or cheap, according to the fancy of the purchaser, or the size of his 'pile.'
"Miss A. M. Battles hopes to receive calls from the ladies-and the amount of their milliner's bills from their obedient lords.
"James 1. Gilbert comes in for his share of the 'dimes.' and offers lumber as an equivalent.
"Dr. J. I. Taylor is, we believe, a successful physician, and is supposed to cure 'all the ills that flesh is heir to.' Personally we hope to have no need of his services.
"Geo. W. Camp, and Remine, and Shaw, lawyers, are ready for business, and if any of our friends are so unfortunate as to 'go to law,' we have no doubt that either of these gentlemen will 'suit' them."
Failing health caused Mr. Sumner to retire after a year or two, and the paper passed into the control of H. R. Chatterton, who changed the name to Lansing Mirror. In 1861 or '62 it suffered a temporary suspension, but in 1863 Geo. W. Haislet acquired the outfit and began the publication of the Lansing Union. In 1866 T. C. Medary bought it and changed the name back to Mirror, which it has retained to this day. He sold in 1870 to James T. and John T. Metcalf, the latter retiring in '74 and James T. continuing its publication until 1881 when he leased it to Geo. W. Metcalf and Earl M. Woodward, and for the past many years it has been owned and conducted by G. W. Metcalf alone. Under the management of these veteran newspaper men, the Metcalfs, the Mirror attained permanence, prominence, and power. Since the day of its establishment this paper has been republican.
The first democratic paper in Lansing was called the Northwestern Democrat, dating from August, 1860, when McElroy & Parker removed the Waukon Transcript to this place and changed the name. It was suspended after about a year, and in the spring of '62 one C. Lomann bought the outfit and began pub- lishing the Lansing Argus. After a few months however, he removed the material to Wisconsin under cover of darkness-and a mortgage.
The North Iowa Journal began its existence as a democratic paper in Lan- sing in March, 1863, under the conduct of Chas. B. Cole. This was another
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originally Waukon paper, having been established there as a republican paper, in May, 1860, by Babbitt & Merrill. It passed into Mr. Cole's possession late in 1862, who removed it to Lansing and sold to John G. Armstrong. He con- tinued its publication as a democratic sheet for about three years, when Taylor & Haislet bought him out and changed the name to Lansing Chronicle, which they published as an independent paper until burned out in 1871. The material was mostly saved, and was bought by the Metcalfs who thereafter for a while called their paper the Mirror and Chronicle. The Allamakee Democrat was started by R. V. Shurley in the summer of 1870, who after about a year sold out to the Sherburnes. Soon after this paper was consolidated with the Iowa North East, which had commenced publication in 1871 by T. C. Medary, who shortly after acquired entire control, and gave the paper the old name of North Iowa Journal, which he published until December, 1879, when he removed to Mason City. The first number of the Lansing Journal, under the proprietorship of John J. and Thomas F. Dunlevy, was issued in January, 1880, and these able and practical all around print-shop men have thus been engaged here for a third of a century. In 1882 they established a branch office at Waukon, and made a slight alteration in the name of the paper, it becoming Allamakee Journal.
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