USA > Iowa > Dubuque County > Dubuque > Semi-centennial celebration of the First Congregational Church, of Dubuque, Iowa, May 12th and 13th, 1889 > Part 10
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12
Favored as we are with such a corps of energetic and wil- ling workers, inspired with the example of those who have
I26
gone before, let us press onward and upward, in the spirit of Him who said, "Suffer little children to come unto me."
"WOMEN IN CHURCH WORK."
"The Lord gave the word, the women that published it were a great host,"
said the Toastmaster, in presenting Mrs. Ada Bingham. Mrs. Bingham beautifully responded as follows :
Woman's kingdom is continually broadening, the recogni- tion of her influence becoming more and more universal. We do not read of Sarah, Rebekah or Rachel as being con- sulted upon weighty questions even of family discipline.
The domestic Mrs. Noah and the well preserved Mrs. Lot were obliged to content themselves with being introduced as the wives of their illustrious husbands, and is it not true that in later ages and all climes, women have been remembered as the wives and mothers of noble men rather than as factors in the world of affairs ? "Now," says a recent writer, "woman can not be too good, nor too aspiring, nor even too learned. She must be universal."
As the Gospel ship has sailed down the ages, by no class has it been more joyfully hailed than by the women of all lands.
To the oppressed it has brought freedom, to the disheart- ened hope, to the rude and uncultured refinement and thoughtfulness for others, the keynote of good breeding. As we read how Mary of Bethany loved to leave for a time her daily toil, choosing that "good part"' of listening to the words of wisdom that fell from the lips of the Master, we feel that she must have arisen refreshed and invigorated, with a new impetus for the daily routine of home duties, and may it not be that the Christ could reveal to such sympathetic listeners glimpses of His Kingdom and His glory which slower, though
127
perhaps stronger, natures could not grasp? As followers of Him who dignified womanhood by accepting her companion- ship no less than her homage and reverence, truly Christian women have ever been laborers in His vineyard, and the Gos- pel has penetrated many homes owing to the brightness and warmth which the hands of loving Christian women have thus brought. The words and deeds of our Pastors' wives are not forgotten, nor are the lives of many consecrated women who have labored here during the past fifty years, some of whom have passed on to the work beyond. Their lives illustrated what an active, efficient Christian may do for the Church and in the world, and yet make her home the happy, restful, most beloved spot to her dear ones. They were never too op- pressed by care to give sympathy, counsel and help to those in need. We often hear now of the patriotism shown by women of this Church during the dark days of the country's peril, and of the heroic efforts of some now aged to send ne- cessaries and comforts to the soldier boys.
There has been in the Church for years, as there is at pres- ent, a Ladies' Aid Society, and for the past nine years a Young Ladies' Benevolent Society, which has a department devoted exclusively to missions. Many schemes have been artfully devised and laboriously executed by the members of these societies for the purpose of raising funds. As one vic- tim has said: "The ladies are adepts in the production of that anaesthetic which makes the extraction of coin a pain- less operation." That the money thus pleasantly raised has been put to worthy use, the records of both these organiza- tions will show, and occasionally when the brothers in the Church have needed a little financial aid for some worthy un- dertaking their sisters have cheerfully come to the rescue.
The Woman's. Missionary Society has existed for many years. In spite of obstacles it has flourished, the members eager to do their part in letting in the light upon those who sit in darkness, even though they be across the seas. Many a box and barrel packed by these organizations has gone on
I28
its way to gladden the home of the pioneer preacher; many offerings have helped the colored students of the South struggling for an education, and many a dollar has gone to advance the good cause in foreign lands that never would have been put to such noble use but for these circles. And the silent influence that has permeated our Church as the di- rect result of the Missionary meetings, and of the fervent prayers there breathed to our Heavenly Father, no one can estimate. It has been well said: "A man may give ten thousand dollars and it only represents the force of one soul. Ten thousand women may give a dollar apiece, and the ag- gregate represents the soul force of an army in the design and forethought which have attended its appropriation." Little bands of "King's Daughters" are more recent organi- zations. Believing that a daughter of the King should strive to be "all glorious within," they meet to pray and talk together and go out to labor anywhere if only they may be of service "In His name."
Fifty years ago the mothers of the Church were content to sit quietly through the public meetings, voicing their emo- tions only in song, and giving their opinions entirely by proxy. But to-day the attitude of woman toward public speaking is changing. Her voice is everywhere heard speak- ing in behalf of temperance, education and other interests, and Christians are growing more and more to feel that on distinctively religious themes woman should not be silent, that if she may appropriately speak on any subject, she certainly may testify to the strength and uplifting she derives from her spiritual experience, but we must be cautious and not allow ourselves, in our enthusiasm, to encroach upon the privileges of our bothers in the prayer meetings, lest in an excess of gallantry and generosity, they give us the field and retire in- to perpetual silence.
The little army who organized fifty years ago to battle with sin and unfurl the standard of righteousness in Dubuque had much to contend with of which many of us know nothing.
129
Their's was the work of organization, of arousing enthusiasm, recruiting men and supplies, and the young soldier of to-day has but to enlist in that branch of the service for which he is fitted-his uniform is waiting, his companions already in arms. There is a place in the advancing line for each one and no excuse for inaction. Every talent may be utilized in this army. The soldiers consider their highest honor to be in service-their richest reward the consciousness of useful- ness. The veterans have made for us our opportunities, and we of to-day may appropriate almost literally the words of Adelaide Proctor and say to them:
" We inherit all your treasures, We are heir to all your fame, And the light that lightens round us Is the lustre of your name; We are wise with all your wisdom, Living on your past we stand;
On our brow we bear your laurels And your harvest in our hand."
THE TRUSTEES.
In introducing Mr. J. H. Tice to respond for the Trustees, the Toastmaster applied to them the text, "Seven men of honest report * and wisdom," then said : "Now, Mr. Tice, stand up and say what you know about the Trus- tees. Remember, this is not a court of justice and you are not under oath, and that any little latitude you may take will not be laid up against you," which was greeted with great laughter. Mr. Tice arose amid the clapping of hands, and very presently turned the laugh on the doctor in the follow- ing manner :
I am glad this is not a court of justice, that I am not under oath, and that you have accorded me a "little latitude," for I have an old score to settle with you, sir, and shall take this
130
opportunity to do it. When Dr. Lewis first approached me on the matter of a response, I said to him decidedly, "No, I I am not the man to represent so able a body of men as the present Board of Trustees is composed of." But he shook his head and waved his hand in the most threatening man- ner, intimated there was a little crookedness on the part of the finance committee, of which I was chairman, and that I had better secure his silence. He has haunted and pursued me ever since. At every street corner I have met him, and, peering over the dash-board of his buggy, the smile in the left corner of his mouth seemed to say, "You are my victim." The wire of my door bell during the past week has been or- namented by a bell at one end and Dr. Lewis at the other. I telephoned for the patrol wagon, but he got away just in time to escape being taken to the "cooler." Now, if he expects me to respond to the sentiment, "Choose ye out seven men of good repute," I give it up at once. Seven men of good repute in one church ! What do you take us for? If you had said seven good-looking men, or even seven of those props of wisdom who always say, no matter what happens, "I told you so," that would be easy. Then the idea of choosing them when he knows they are elected, and the whole thing is arranged before it comes to a vote. If we could have an "honest ballot and a fair count," things might be different, but the office of Trustee is too good a thing to be disposed of in that manner. You know how it is yourself, doctor. You are on record as having said some damaging things at the Trustees' banquet last winter. You intimated that as you were driving up Couler avenue, you were halted by a Teuton, who said, "Schtop a leetle, dochtor." Expecting a patient and a fee, you did it only too quick. The German said, "How comes on the election next week?" Not catching his idea, you answered : "I don't know of any election near at hand." He said, "You not know of the election of Drustees next week," and he smiled and you smiled, and you know what followed. Now, that's enough, don't you think, on the
I3I
subject of "choosing seven discreet men." Let us talk about something more in harmony with this gathering. We have with us to-night the venerable Dr. Holbrook, of California, who for many years was closely identified with the early his- tory of this Church. He has crossed a continent to join with us in this celebration. Old friends have grasped his hand and welcomed him, and strangers have looked upon him with rev- erence. I can imagine your feelings, dear sir, on the receipt of our invitation. "As the hart panteth after the water- brooks," so you thirsted to revisit once more your old parish, to exchange kind greetings with the few old veterans still in the field. We, the Trustees, thank you for this visit. Our celebration and banquet would be incomplete without you. You have golden sunsets in your country and a Golden Gate on your coast, but what are these compared to the peaceful, restful going out of a life so full of service as yours has been ? Dr. Whiting is also with us, an old and honored friend. Twenty-two years ago, on a cold, crisp March morning-it was the Sabbath-I arrived with my family in Dubuque. That evening I attended this Church. You were in the pul- pit. I don't know whether it was your fatherly face, or the kind looks of the people I saw,-perhaps a little of both,- but my footsteps have turned hitherward ever since.
As I look around me, I am reminded that your list of sur- viving friends is much larger than that of Mr. Holbrook. Many of the old line workers of to-day are those who united with this Church during your pastorate. You ought to, -as no doubt you do-rejoice to see this honest, enduring fruit of your toil. It is a crown of glory to you, more enduring than that of kings and emperors. We expected you to be with us on this occasion, for, when you removed from Dubuque, you left us hostages in the persons of your daughter and son-in- law, Mr. and Mrs. Col. Taggart, who are honored members of our Church and Society. We cordially welcome you to this fiftieth anniversary.
And Dr. Bingham is here-the dear old soul. Everybody
132
loves him. I am hadicapped from saying one-half the good things about him I would like to, as I have some relatives of the same name and some one might think I was influenced by this remote tie of kinship. I like the Doctor for several reasons, one of which is his fondness for a good horse. No one who has ever heard the Doctor preach will pretend that he ever attempted to mislead or throw dust in the eyes of his people, but I have seen him when I thought he really enjoyed dusting those who sought to keep pace with him on the road. I would like above all things an instantaneous picture of the Doctor as he bowles along with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye, calling on some of the fast steppers of Traer, "Come on, boys !" Why even his whiskers streaming out behind seemed to wave back something like, "In the Sweet Bye and Bye." And Mr. Harrington is also with us from the energetic, doughty little State of New Hampshire, and the Keene-est city in that State. You are too young and vigorous to be reckoned amongst those I have mentioned. Your work here is so recent that the paint has hardly got dry on the additions you made to this Church. They are now our young active members and the burden of responsibility is being transferred to their shoulders. The society you organ- ized under the mystic title of the " C. V.," while not preserv- ing its distinctive name, still lives in the hearts of its mem- bers. I have somewhere read that the oldest and largest vine in the world is in the neighorhood of Santa Barbara, California. Its branches cover an area of 5,000 square feet, and it anually produces over 10,000 pounds of grapes-truly a most wonderful vine. But I know of a larger and older one-a vine planted over 1,800 years ago, and its branches cover the whole earth. This Church is a branch of that vine. You have helped to till it, and we welcome you as we do all visiting friends to sit beneath its shade. We also greet our present Pastor, Dr. Brown. Your work with us is not yet in print-the volume is not yet completed-but judging from some of the advance sheets, you are making history of which
I33
this Church may justly be proud. In conclusion permit me to say that the Trustees thank you all for the skill in planning and the executive ability in carrying out the program that has made this Semi-Centennial a grand success and an event long to be remembered.
"THE ABSENT."
" As one turns the page, one sees The old familiar names no more, They're writ on other lists than these." -Lucy Hooper.
Pronouncing the above toast and poetic sentiment Hon. S. P. Adams was called upon for the response. As a long-time member of the Church, who was converted under Dr. Hol- brook's ministry, the toast was most fittingly assigned. The following brief report is but a small part of his response:
When informed by Dr. Lewis that this was to be my theme, I asked how it it came about that I was selected to speak to that subject, and he replied that he was sure he didn't know and I have not yet found out. First, I think of the absent who are present, like brothers. Wm. Rebman and John Maclay* who are not now of this fold, but who worked with us in the early days, but long ago left us, and formed new church relations; I reckon they now wish they had remained with us and helped us to round out the first half century of the Mother Church!
Then I think of those who stood as pillars here, and hav- ing fought the good fight, and kept the faith, until the Master called, have gone to join the Church Triumphant; among whom I recall the memory of Lucius H. Langworthy, Geo. C. Dean, Chas. A. Metcalf, Dr. Jesse Guernsey, our former Pastor, Mrs. H. L. Stout, Lewis A. Thomas, H. A. Wiltse, August Kaiser, Franklin Hinds, Judge James Burt, Mrs. James Beach, Mrs. Lyman Whiting, Mrs. A. Wolcott,
* Both were in the room.
I34
William Barnard, and later Miss Matilda Kaiser, to whom the Church and society were so greatly indebted for her invalu- able and gratuitous aid in the service of song, so long as health and strength remained to her.
" THE NEXT FIFTY YEARS."
"For we know in part and we prophesy in part."-St. Paul.
"Ye who expect that age will perform the promises of youth, and that the deficiencies of the present day will be supplied by the morrow, attend to the history."-Rasselas.
Mr. John T. Adams, son of him who gave the preceding response, and Superintendent of Summit School, was asked to give us a forward look into the "Next Fifty Years," as the prospect appears to him, which he did, as follows :
Imagine, if you will, that several of us were hurled fifty years into the future, and have returned to-night to tell you what we saw and heard. As we are cast into the streets of 1939 we enter a new world. Those who have been shouting for a change are abundantly satisfied. As we look back to 1889, we think of it indeed as a day of small things. Water, horse and steam power have been replaced by electric power ; the lamp and gas jet have given way to the electric light ; the heat of summer is mysteriously gathered up and stowed away in small electric packages and bottles to be sold three for a quarter for winter's use ; railroads and rolling stock as they were in 1889 are not worth ten cents on the dollar ; but on the new through line the citizen of New York may board the "Electric Current" at noon, take supper while passing through Iowa, and breakfast next morning in the Grand Pa- cific of San Francisco. The astronomers have at last re- sponded to the signals of the scientific men of Mars, some in- terchange of facts lias already been made, and much of inter- est is expected in the near future.
As regards the First Congregational Church of Dubuque
I35
and its work, the developments are no less remarkable. In the First ward we find a mission, one of the largest in the City,-a recruiting station for the First Church. Taking the motor out Dodge street, around Grand View avenue to Ju- lien avenue, we come in sight of a handsome stone edifice just completed. It is the Summit Congregational Church. We learn, in conversation with the Pastor, that the first build- ing, though twice enlarged, was too small to accommodate the large attendance. The Pastor referred very feelingly to the Sunday School which was held many years before in what was known as the Summit House, before the Chapel was built. He told of the difficulties that the School had to contend with, that 175 scholars were crowded into quarters designed to accommodate forty-five, and how, at length, the patience and endurance of the School was rewarded with the sympathy and contributions of their friends, resulting in the erection of the Chapel. (A prophecy soon fulfilled .- ED.) The attendance of 175 soon increased to 300, and before many weeks a church was organized. There are five Congrega- tional churches in the city, all in a flourishing condition. In the Seventh, Tenth, Eighteenth and Twenty-second wards we find our missions, and let me tell you right here in pa- renthesis, that the Methodist mission, started in 1889 on Jack- son boulevard, proved a failure! To Christianize and civilize the natives in that part of the city, it was found necessary to do Congregational work in their midst. During these fifty years, strange as it may seem to you, the Methodists have lost their hold. They are unable longer to reach the mass- es, and the practical, broad-minded men of their own denom- ination are quietly contributing toward the Congregational . work !
The missionary zeal of our Church has grown beyond all expectation. As much as it gives to have the Gospel preached to itself at home, it is giving even more to have it preached to the rest of mankind. While doing most of its outside work through the American Board and the American Home Mis-
I36
sionary Society, it has done and is doing some special work besides. Only the other day our missionary committee had a telephone conference with the committee of the Fourth Church in Kobe, Japan. This Church, by the way, is one of our children, and we have done together considerable of this special work. This last conference was held for the purpose of selecting sites for two new missionary stations.
There are still many places that are deplorably in want of the true Gospel, and it was the purpose of the committee to start their missions where they would do the most good. Senegambia was selected for one and Boston for the other. At the latter mission a strong effort will be made to lead the editor of the Congregationalist into new light, for on the great moral questions of the day he is still a quarter century behind the times.
On the first Sunday after our arrival we had a peculiar ex- perience. Entering the Third Congregational Church we were by reason of the large attendance given a seat near the door. When about time for the services to begin we noted absence of the Pastor and Choir, and wondered why they failed to appear. Calling one of the ushers we asked him to explain their absence ; he replied that there was but one Con- gregational minister in the city; that the other four had left the last week for an extended tour through Africa to be ab. sent two Sundays, during which time the Pastor of the First Church would fill the five pulpits. (We afterward learned that the usher was in his right mind.) The Pastor of the First Church was to preach the morning sermon. Large con- gregations were gathered in all the other churches, but no Pastor. In his stead a peculiar looking instrument, an im- provement on the phonograph, stood near the pulpit. When the organist of the First Church played his first selection, the tone was instantly transmitted to the other churches, and they enjoyed the same music. The same sermon, lacking only the presence of the speaker, was heard in five different churches at the same time. When the hymns were sung, the music
I37
was borne from church to church and back again so that in each was heard the voices of the five congregations, and as together these twenty-five hundred persons united in singing, " Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love," it was an inspiration not soon to be forgotten.
It is a hopeful sign for any Church when it can number among its young people such able helpers as Mr. Steinbeck, Mrs. Bingham and Mr. John Adams, whose names appear on this program. In this Church they are representatives of many whose readiness and ability to labor in the present and whose intelligent outlook upon the future, together with their loyalty to the cause of Christ, give promise that the work so ably begun by the fathers, will be carried forward by those who are just entering the places of responsibility. The Chris- tian Endeavor Society and the Young People's Benevolent Society are noble adjuncts of the Church's power and train- ing-schools for duties which lie in the future; while the Sun- day School work is largely dependent both for teachers and officers upon the young people of the Church.
THE CRUMBS GATHERED.
After the printed parts of the program, Dr. Lewis called on the Pastor "to gather up the crumbs." In response, he first mentioned the various committees whose members had served so efficiently in bringing about the success of this delightful occasion, and on behalf of all who had shared the results of their labors, heartily thanked them. The Choir and Chorus who had furnished the delightful music were specially remem- bered. Mention was also made of those who through infirm- itiy had not been able to attend, particularly Mrs. Jane Thomas, whose years of service in the Church, in the army as a hospital nurse, and in many charities, endear her to all who know her. In closing his remarks, he said :
"We come now to the end of this wonderful feast. These
REV. C. O. BROWN, D. D.
have been days of 'cloudless skies and waving tree-tops.' We shall bear the memory of them with us forever. Surely, if the poet is right when he says :
"I am a part of all that I have met,"
then this blessed occasion is henceforth a part of ourselves. Forever from this hour its influence is upon us. The worth of such days as these cannot be reckoned in gold. Such oc- casions enter into the springs of action ; they become peren- nial fountains of life and character ; they go with us through the long journey, giving fragrance to memory and verdure to the desert places of life ; they go over with us and salute us at the throne. Particularly do I rejoice in the influence of such a gathering upon the young. They behold in these be- loved Pastors of former years the fulfillment of divine prom- ises, and in the honor which greets them in this field of their labors a part of the rewards of righteousness. Thus there is set before them a powerful lesson which says that the noblest
139
aim in life is to do the will of God, and the noblest rewards are those which follow obedience to the divine law.
We have been sitting together in heavenly places. Christ Jesus has been in the midst. Our hearts have been as one. Surely none can wish to carry any dross over this golden threshold of the years. We cannot come up to such heights of social and spiritual intercourse without a broader vision of opportunities and responsibilities. Henceforth we must be better men and women for the privileges of these days."
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.