USA > Iowa > Fayette County > Past and present of Fayette County, Iowa, Volume I > Part 29
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Presbyterianism in the United States is a reproduction and further de- velopment of Presbyterianism in Europe. The earliest Presbyterian emigra-
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tion consisted of French Huguenots who came to the Carolinas and Florida in 1562 and 1565. The Huguenots also settled in Nova Scotia in 1604 and the same sect later mingled with the Dutch in New York and the British Presbyterians and Episcopalians of New England.
From 1620 on, English Puritanism colonized New England, and this was of the two types which developed from the discussions of the Westminister Assembly into Presbyterianism and Congregationalism. A few years later Presbyterians from Ireland also appeared, and from that time on the growth of the church was rapid.
During the war of the Revolution the Presbyterian churches suffered heavily. The ministers and people, with scarcely an exception, entered upon the struggle of constitutional liberty with all their souls. The Presbyterians exerted great influence in the construction of the Constitution of the United States, and the government of the church was assimilated in no slight degree to the civil government of the country.
The church made steady growth through the years, though differences crept in as to polity and government. A great and widespread revival marked the opening years of the century, resulting in marvelous increase of zeal and numbers. A curious feature of this same revival spirit was the fact that over it there were brought into existence two factions, the revivalists and the anti- revivalists. During the years prior to the Civil war various other questions arose which caused dissension and separation, and eventually the three great divisions, Presbyterian, Southern Presbyterian and Cumberland Presbyterian, were formed.
The Cumberland Presbyterian church was formed from the Cumberland presbytery of Kentucky and Tennessee in 1810, and is moderately Calvinistic in its doctrines. The Presbyterian church in America was constituted doctrin- ally in 1729, by the adoption of the Westminster Catechisms and Confession. In 1838 the New School branch seceded in consequence of its opposition to the strict construction of the standards, the abrogation of the Plan of Union, and the employment of church boards instead of voluntary societies in carrying on benevolent and mission work. In 1860 the Southern Presbyterian church withdrew as a consequence of the secession of the Southern states. By the reunion of the Old School and the New School branches, in 1870, on the "standards pure and simple," the "Presbyterian Church in the United States of America" was constituted as it now exists.
Presbyterianism is both a faith and a form, for each of which it claims scriptural precedent and sanction. The apostolic churches were served by three classes, elders, deacons and evangelists, or missionaries, the latter be-
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coming later settled ministers. With this fact in view, it maintains the parity of the gospel ministry in opposition to every form of prelacy, and discards the doctrine of "apostolic succession." That the ministers are all simply brethren, and Christ alone their Master.
Presbyterianism teaches that any number of Christian people, meeting statedly for public worship and the orderly celebration of the Christian sacra- ments, and covenanting together for these ends, is a particular church, and dependent on no specific order of men above it for leave to be and to do. But, in the constitution and care of these churches, Presbyterianism avails itself of the advantages of a representative form of government, and, recog- nizing the church as a great commonwealth, it aims, by means of approved formulas of faith and order, to bring its detached parts into an organized union. Its faith is based simply and solely on the word of God, and is a broad yet firm stand for those things which they believe are most nearly in harmony with the Gospels.
The system claims for itself, and rightfully, a large-hearted catholicity. It extends the right hand of fellowship to all communions that profess the faith, and hold to the headship, of Christ, and most cordially does it co-operate with Christian people of every name in giving the Bible to the world and in every good work for the purification and elevation of our common humanity.
The American Presbyterian churches have always been characterized by a zeal for missions, and wherever the gospel is preached in foreign lands, there are found earnest and faithful missionaries sent out by the great Presbyterian church.
In educational matters the church has always stood in the front ranks and some of the strongest and most influential educational institutions in this country are supported and controlled by the Presbyterian church. With the great idea in view that "all knowledge leads to truth and all truth leads to God," the church has put forth great expenditures of time and money in founding and fostering schools, of every grade from academy to university, which have been, and are still instruments of inestimable influence in elevat- ing the human race, through correct education. The church has maintained the position that collegiate education, while it should be broad and liberal, should at the same time be filled with Christian idea and the Christian spirit. recognizing thus the prime fact that all truth, natural as well as revealed, has its source and end in God. The great educational institutions of the church stand indeed as bulwarks against the winds and tides which are blowing and drifting men from truth and life to the shores of error and death, and they stand, on broad and deep foundations, fitting temples of literature and science,
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conceived of in their highest forms and widest reach, and ennobled and glori- fied by the pervading presence and power of religion.
The church is today, more than ever, thoroughly organized for effective work, having its boards and commissions, through which it operates in advanc- ing the work of missions at home and abroad, in the building of churches, in the publication and diffusing of church and denominational literature, in pro- viding for the relief of its aged and infirm ministry, and in promoting the work of educating its children, and in training a godly and scholarly ministry for its pulpits and missions. The church has co-operated freely with all the prominent reforms of the age and is rightfully numbered today among the great religious denominations of the world, and as a part of the visible body of Christ it steadily holds on its way, and is grandly contributing to the great work of winning the world for Christ.
For many years the Presbyterian element in and around West Union had no church of their order. The first attempt to plant a Presbyterian church was made by the United Presbyterians ; but this failed. Some time after this, a petition to the presbytery of Dubuque, in connection with the general assem- bly of the Presbyterian church in the United States of America, was presented, asking for the organization of a church in West Union. The following ex- tract is made from the records of the presbytery of Dubuque, at a meeting held at Littleton, Iowa, April 25, 1867 :
"A petition signed by twenty-five persons, of whom nineteen are church members, was presented, asking for the organization of a church of our order at West Union, in Fayette county, Iowa. Jesse Philips, of that place, was heard by the presbytery in behalf of the petitioners. It was therefore resolved that the request be granted, and that a committee of three be appointed to organize a church at West Union, if the way be clear, at their earliest con- venience. Revs. J. McKean, J. D. Caldwell and Elder S. F. Glenn were appointed said committee."
This committee met in West Union, June 19, 1867. A sermon was preached by Rev. Caldwell, and was followed immediately by the organ- ization of the church. Only eleven persons joined at this meeting. These original members were the following: Nathan Shaw, Eleanor Shaw, Lovica J. Bell, Elizabeth H. Shaw, Rebecca H. Shaw, Wm. Selder, Jesse Philips, Nancy A. Philips, E. M. Campbell and Mary J. Irvin. Nathan Shaw and Jesse Philips were elected as ruling elders, and immediately ordained and in- stalled with appropriate ceremonies.
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But the church was yet without a house to worship in or a pastor to direct their devotions. In the autumn, however, the latter want was supplied. Rev. J. W. Dickey was called from Ohio, to take charge of the newly formed church, and this proved the beginning of a long pastorate. Mr. Dickey was not, however, installed until November 5, 1868.
From the spring of 1868 to the fall of 1869 the old Methodist Episcopal church was used. This was purchased by the Presbyterian society and occu- pied for three months, but was finally deserted, and services were held in the court house till January, 1871. In the meantime the society had been busy building a church edifice worthy of the worship of God. The building com- mittee was composed of Messrs. E. B. Shaw and L. Fuller, M. D., who superintended the work. The result was a very good brick structure, with commodious and comfortable appointments. It was well suited in every way for the purpose designed, and exceedingly neat and tasteful in appearance. The cost of this house was only four thousand five hundred dollars. The building was dedicated with appropriate services, in January, 1871. The sermon was preached by Rev. D. Russell, of Manchester. From that time, the church has had a name to live. It has had a home, and around that home have gathered many pleasant memories.
The pastoral relations of the Rev. J. W. Dickey with this people, which had been so long maintained, were finally severed April 18, 1876, at a meet- ing of the presbytery held in Dubuque. Thus the critical period of the church's history-the formation and moulding of its character-was in the hands of this servant of God. For nine years he held the reins and guided the church successfully, as long experience had taught him. The church owes much to the faithful labors of this, its first and, so far. only pastor duly installed.
Rev. Mr. Dickey was succeeded by Rev. D. Russell, who had charge for one year, but was never installed. He served from May, 1876, to May, 1877. The prosperity of the church still continued and many were attracted to the preaching of Mr. Russell. He was followed by Rev. W. O. Ruston, immedi- ately, who served the church as its pastor for more than eight years. During his ministry special attention was given to the benevolent work of the church, more than one hundred and twenty-five dollars having been sent to the sup- port of our boards in one year. Dr. Ruston having accepted a call to the First Presbyterian church of Dubuque, Rev. J. F. Hinkhouse served the church as stated supply for three years. In April, 1889, a call was placed in his hands, which he declined. Mr. Hinkhouse was an enthusiast in the cause
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of missions, and he put forth many efforts along that line while here. To Mrs. Hinkhouse's ability as an organizer is due the Mission Band of Willing Workers. Rev. Samuel Hodge, D. D., succeeded Rev. Hinkhouse, beginning his work with Bethel church September 1, 1889. He entered this field with enthusiasm and a fervent desire for the upbuilding of Zion in this little "city set on a hill." Dr. Hodge's ministry was cut short in a little more than two years. "Home" was the theme of the last sermon he preached to his people. He was nearer home than he thought. Eight days afterwards, on January 4, 1892, he passed through the gates and found rest at "Home."
The church, bereft of its minister, and struggling with its burdens, re- mained for more than a year without a pastor. During that time the Sunday school and Mission Band met regularly, and a Christian Endeavor society was organized by Dr. W. H. Simmons.
Rev. W. W. Lewis came February 1, 1893, from the Congregational church. For the upbuilding of Presbyterianism in West Union at that time, no better plan could have been devised than that proposed and carried out by Mr. Lewis. The old church building was remodeled and a dining room and kitchen added at an expense of about six thousand dollars, the congregation meeting in Zeigler Hall during the repairs. November 19, 1893, when the beautiful new church was dedicated, was a glad day in the history of Bethel church.
Rev. J. Dyk succeeded Mr. Lewis as stated supply, remaining until March 1, 1896. During that year occurred the death of the two first elders of the church, Messrs. Nathan Shaw and Jesse Philips.
The installation of Rev. Noel occurred May 19, 1896.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF OELWEIN.
This church grew out of the old disbanded United Presbyterian church organized in 1875. Dubuque presbytery being petitioned in the spring of 1885, the field was investigated, and a commission appointed, consisting of Rev. W. M. Robinson, of Coggon, Rev. W .. O. Ruston, of West Union, and Elder J. E. Cook, of Independence, to organize the church. Tuesday, Decem- ber 1, 1885, this commission met in the parlor of C. E. Redfield, at seven o'clock P. M. Edward A. McDonald presented a letter of dimission from St. Andrew's Presbyterian church, Toronto, Ontario, and Mrs. E. A. McDonald one from the Presbyterian church of Allison, Ontario. C. E. Redfield was then received by letter from the United Presbyterian church of Oelwein. Mrs. Redfield came from First Presbyterian church of Fairbank, Iowa. Mr.
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and Mrs. George Jamison and Mrs. Sarah E. White were received on pro- fession of their faith, Mrs. White also receiving baptism. The organization was then perfected and given the name of the First Presbyterian church of Oelwein, Iowa. Messrs. E. A. McDonald and Charles E. Redfield were elected elders. The old United Presbyterian church building, which stood where the Central high school stood, was secured and moved to the present site.
For the first ten years the church was ministered to by stated supplies, as follows : Rev. Daniel Russell, Rev. Meyer, Rev. H. C. Herring, Rev. Krotzer, Rev. Noel and Rev. Lewis serving the young church in a most acceptable manner. Growing in members, the church in 1895 extended a call to Rev. Samuel Conybear, who ministered until December, 1900. Rev. James M. Wilson ivas called March, 1901, and served until February, 1905. In April, 1905. a call was extended to Rev. Arnold Moody, who accepted and ministered most acceptably until March, 1909. Rev. Nichol was called in April, 1909, and installed during May. He now serves this field.
CLERMONT.
The Presbyterian church was organized February 28, 1859. Its first deacons were Alexander Fay, Ebenezer Hyde and A. G. Collins ; first trustees, F. Stedman, E. D. Button and A. J. Collins. These trustees purchased lots and built the church, which was dedicated October II, 1863, by Rev. Charles R. French, who remained about ten years. Rev. Dickey preached for a short time, but the society, by death and removal, became so small, that no more services were held for a time.
MAYNARD.
The First Presbyterian church of Maynard was organized August 12, 1877, by Rev. A. K. Baird, from Wyoming, Iowa. The first pastor was Rev. McMullen. The corner stone of the Presbyterian church at Maynard was laid on Saturday, September 29, 1877. The edifice cost about two thousand dollars.
The Presbyterian churches of Fayette county have always occupied an important place in the communities, and they have had through the years a definite and potential influence for the uplifting of the people and the main- taining of a high moral standard. Its pulpits have been filled by men of abil-
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ity and zeal, who have honored the several communities of their residence. The church has kept in the vanguard of progress and keeps pace in all good work with the other religious denominations of the county.
CHAPTER XVI.
FREEMASONRY IN FAYETTE COUNTY.
By D. W. Clements, Grand Master of Masons in Iowa.
Many of the early settlers in the territory of Iowa belonged to the fra- ternity of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, but the sparsely settled con- dition of the country was not favorable to the early formation of lodges.
Des Moines Lodge, located at Burlington, was the first lodge organized within the territory. It received its dispensation from the grand master of Masons in Missouri, on November 20, 1840. Iowa Lodge was next organ- ized at Bloomington (now Muscatine) under a like dispensation, on February 4, 1841. The third lodge was Dubuque, located at Dubuque, and received its dispensation October 10, 1842. The fourth and last lodge organized under dispensation from the grand master of Missouri was Iowa City Lodge, located at Iowa City, which received its dispensation October 10, 1842.
These four lodges joined in organizing the grand lodge of Iowa, An- cient Free and Accepted Masons, at Iowa City, on January 2, 1844, and from that time all the lodges organized in Iowa received their first authority from the grand master of Masons in Iowa, and, at the present time, there are five hundred and twenty active working lodges within the commonwealth.
In Fayette county a lodge was organized soon after the first settlement was established. Its early settlers felt the need of a closer bond of brother- hood and organized a lodge as soon as there was a settlement sufficiently large to warrant an effort in that direction.
WEST UNION LODGE NO. 69.
West Union Lodge No. 69, of West Union, Iowa, is the pioneer lodge of the county and has been in existence for more than fifty-five years, a period so long that there are not at the present time any of the charter members living. It was established at West Union on March 3, 1855, by the dispen- sation of George Acheson, right worshipful deputy grand master of Masons in Iowa, during the active formative period of Masonry in the new state. Twenty-three dispensations for new lodges were granted during that Masonic year and was followed by a like number of dispensations during the following year.
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The grand lodge then met on the first Tuesday in June and the dispen- sation to West Union Lodge, U. D., was granted so late in the Masonic year that no returns were made by it to the succeeding grand lodge communication. From the returns made in June, 1856, we learn that the first officers of the lodge were as follows: C. A. Cotrell, worshipful master; J. B. Hollings- head, senior warden; John Dorland, junior warden; William McClintock, treasurer; L. C. Noble, secretary ; L. Fuller, senior deacon ; J. T. Goodlove, junior deacon; James Ritchie, tyler. It then had a total membership of twenty-two. The charter was granted to it on June 4, 1856.
During the Civil war, Masonry by its principles and teachings cemented a closer bond of brotherhood between its members in the Union service, and also aided in mitigating some of the rigors and barbarism of warfare. These facts added to its inculcation of benevolence, greatly increased the popularity of the institution and brought postulants to its altars, and thereby enabled the Ma- sonic lodges to continue their existence, notwithstanding the great deprecia- tion in active membership, caused by absence of the soldiers at the front and the great mortality there. West Union Lodge during this period continued to keep up its organization and held its meetings. On December 31, 1908 (the date of last report), it had one hundred and eleven members in good standing. The present officers are: R. F. Dewey, worshipful master; G. G. Archer, senior warden; C. J. Mclaughlin, junior warden; W. J. Rogers, treasurer; J. O. Elwing, secretary ; C. B. Hughes, senior deacon; A. R. Burrett, junior deacon; T. J. Wonneberg, senior steward; H. M. Stafford, junior steward; A. Titus, tyler.
CLERMONT LODGE NO. 160.
Clermont Lodge No. 160, Clermont, Iowa, was formed under a dispen- sation from James R. Hartsock, grand master of Masons in Iowa, given April 18, 1860. The lodge then had a total membership of nine, and the officers were as follows: Charles Sawyer, worshipful master ; R. B. Apple- man, senior warden; P. G. Wright, junior warden; Orrin Hough, treasurer ; A. D. Miller, secretary ; J. B. Hough, senior deacon; William Alvey, junior deacon ; Thomas Alvey, tyler.
It received its charter June 4, 1861. It began its career at the beginning of the Civil war, with but two members more than enough for a quorum, and the value of its precepts were tested in the trying times that followed and were not found wanting.
This lodge has just passed its semi-centennial anniversary, having been
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in existence for more than fifty years. The writer had a personal acquaint- ance with many of the old settlers who were pioneer workers in this lodge. In it he was initiated, passed and raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason.
This lodge has experienced many changes of fortune. On December 31, 1908, its total membership was reduced to thirteen members in good standing. Its present officers are: William Larrabee, Jr., worshipful master; Fred Heckel, senior warden; Frank Shipton, junior warden; B. C. Gruver, treas- urer; Frank Frisbie, secretary; L. R. Walker, senior deacon; C. F. Weck, junior deacon ; C. G. Houg, senior steward; H. M. Knodt, junior steward; E. P. Erickson, tyler.
YORK LODGE NO. 202.
York Lodge No. 202, Fairfield (Taylorsville), now located at Arlington, Fairfield township, Iowa, received its dispensation on December 18, 1866, from Reuben Mickel, grand master. It began with a membership of fourteen and the first officers were: S. P. White, worshipful master; Hiram German, senior warden; Charles Herriman, junior warden; S. R. Rice, treasurer ; Peter White, secretary; Peter Kuny, senior deacon; Stephen Seward, junior deacon ; Charles Glidden, tyler.
The lodge was chartered on June 5, 1867, and with the local community prospered for many years £ Recently, because of deaths and removals, the membership was somewhat reduced, but during the past year there has been a revival of interest. On December 31, 1908, it had twenty-eight members in good standing. The present officers are: E. S. Taylor, worshipful mas- ter; B. B. Walrath, senior warden; George M. Simpson, junior warden; J. A. Blanchard, treasurer; Floyd Finney, secretary; D. J. Gallaher, senior deacon; G. M. Brown, junior deacon; W. F. Lake, senior steward; O. R. Hutchison, junior steward ; O. A. Phillips, tyler.
PLEIADES LODGE NO. 248.
Pleiades Lodge No. 248, Fayette, Iowa, was organized the year follow- ing the organization of York Lodge. It received its dispensation October 10, 1868, from Reuben Mickel, grand master. Its first report, made in June, 1869, shows a total membership of twenty-nine. The first officers were : Thomas Fowells, worshipful master; William Morras, senior warden; M. C. Sperry, junior warden; J. Rhoades, treasurer; John Sanborn, secretary ;
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S. Hendrickson, senior deacon; John Hawn, junior deacon; Joseph L. Gran- nis, senior steward; D. C. Crittenden, junior steward; Job L. White, tyler.
The lodge received its charter on June 2, 1869. While the membership of this lodge has never been large, it has not suffered the periods of fluctuation that has come to other lodges during the changeable times of the last half cen- tury. The leading men of Fayette and its vicinity, including some of the most talented men connected with the university located there, have been enrolled among its members.
On December 31, 1908, it had sixty-three members in good standing. The present officers are: E. C. Hill, worshipful master; E. N. Humiston, senior warden; Charles Scobey, junior warden; F. S. Walker, senior deacon ; George Bronn, junior deacon; G. B. Hill, treasurer; E. N. Hartman, secre- tary; C. M. Swartley, senior steward; A. Fox, junior steward; J. G. Cru- baugh, tyler.
STANDARD LODGE NO. 35I.
Standard Lodge No. 351, Waucoma, Iowa, was given a dispensation April 6, 1875, by Joseph Chapman, grand master. It then had ten members and its first officers were: A. P. Fowler, worshipful master; W. E. Bender, senior warden; Linus Fox, junior warden; James Miller, treasurer; Henry Felker, secretary ; O. B. Dodd, senior deacon; William Miller, junior deacon ; Robert Patterson, senior steward; Voltaire Johnson, junior steward; John Lawrence, tyler.
This lodge has prospered with the community in which it is located; it has attracted to itself the leading men of the vicinity and at last report had sixty members in good standing. Its present officers are: Charles Cochran, worshipful master ; F. B. Reed, senior warden ; E. H. Mumby, junior warden ; L. C. Stone, senior deacon; James Torvell, junior deacon; O. B. Dodd, treas- urer; J. M. Burnside, secretary ; B. I. Bright, senior steward; E. E. Hobby, junior steward; Chris Willman, tyler.
HEBRON LODGE NO. 374.
Hebron Lodge No. 374, Oelwein, Iowa, was organized soon after the town was established. On March 4, 1876, it received its dispensation from Henry W. Rothert, grand master, who is now the superintendent of the Iowa School for the Deaf, located at Council Bluffs, Iowa. It began with a mem- bership of ten and its first officers were: S. C. Kenyon, worshipful master ; B. Davis, senior warden; W. V. Irvine, junior warden ; D. O. Hill, treasurer ;
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