USA > Iowa > Marion County > Pella > Souvenir history of Pella, Iowa : contains a concise story of the founding and life of Pella, Iowa > Part 11
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Members of the consistory: Elders. H. W. Pietenpol, vice president: D. G. Gosseling, treasurer; S. B. Baron, clerk; P. G. Gaass, E. M. Cole, Frank LeCocq and C. Boat.
Deacons: A. T. Klein, H. Veenstra, A. C. Van Houweling. A. B. Van Houwel- ing, M. Vander Linden, E. A. Roorda and A. D. Versteeg.
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SUNDAY SCHOOL
Enrollment, 445. General superintendent, S. B. Baron. Divisional: Adult, A. B. Van Houweling. Young people, Chas. F. Dykstra. Children, Mrs. M. Vander Linden. Secretary and treasurer, Earl Boat. Librarian, S. N. Van Vliet.
THE THIRD REFORMED CHURCH OF PELLA
The Third Reformed Church was the seventh of that denomination to be organized in Iowa. A committee appointed by the Classis of Illinois met at the Second Reformed Church on Thursday, November 5, 1868. This committee con- sisted of Rev. E. Winter, Rev. P. De Pree, Rev. Abram Thompson, Elders A. Kuy- per and A. Klyn.
At this meeting the organization of the Third congregation was effected and the following officers were chosen: Elders, D. H. De Haan and D. Van Zante; deacons, C. Blom and C. Bieshaar.
At the first congregational meeting held January 1, 1869, it was decided to call a minister and the consistory was authorized to take the necessary action to bring this about. At the second congregational meeting of January 27, 1869, J. De Haan offered to furnish a residence for a parsonage, rent free for one year. It was decided to issue a call on Dr. J. H. van Veen of Groningen, Netherlands. which led to a correspondence lasting nine months. This call was not accepted. A call was then issued to Rev. K. Weiland of Rydott, Ill., and this call was ac- cepted. Rev. Weiland was ordained as pastor May 15, 1870. The Methodist Church building had been purchased March 28, 1870, for the sum of $2,500.00.
November 21, 1870, a Men's Missionary Society of 32 members was organized. April 8, 1870, was organized and it was decided that all the Sunday School exer- cises should be in the Holland language.
In the spring of 1875 Rev. Weiland accepted a call to another field. This was preceded by serious misunderstanding between the minister and the con- sistory which involved the entire congregation and seriously affected the harmony and growth of the young church. Four months later Rev. Zubli, a Presbyterian minister of Kansas, was engaged, at a salary of $800.00, to take charge of the church for one year. Again the congregation passed through dark days. The conduct of the minister led to much scandal and finally, in July, 1876, he sud- denly disappeared and a few days later notified the consistory by letter that he had resigned.
In October, 1876, Rev. F. Rederus, having been called and accepted, took up the work as pastor. From this time on there was great improvement. His work was greatly blessed and many new members joined the church. A larger and better church building was bought in 1870 and entirely paid for. In May, 1882, J. De Haan gave $600.00 to the church fund, with the understanding that he and his family were to have the exclusive use of a certain seat in the church until 1887. In February, 1887, bought a residence and rented it to the church for a parsonage at $78 per year. Owing to the condition of his health, Rev. Rederus felt compelled to resign in April, 1886. Less than a month later, May 8, 1886, God called him to his reward. He had served the congregation faithfully for ten years and his work was blessed in the upbuilding of the congregation and the conversion of many.
Rev. Jan Smit accepted a call from the church and took up the work in No- vember, 1886. Under his leadership the congregation again commenced to grow
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and many new members were added to it. April 2, 1888, the present parsonage was purchased for $2,000.00. October 8th, Rev. Smit resigned. A number of calls were issued, but not accepted, and the congregation was without a regular pastor for nearly two years.
In July, 1894, Rev. H. Douwstra was called and accepted the call. He was ordained December 2, 1894, and served the church acceptably until November 25, 1901. Under his leadership the congregation grew and the greatest harmony prevailed in every department. In August, 1900, about $2,000.00 was raised for the purpose of enlarging the church building. In May, 1903, hymn books in the English language were purchased for the Sunday School. June, 1918, to hold the morning service and the Sunday School service in the English language.
In August, 1902, Rev. H. J. Pietenpol, having accepted a call from the con- gregation, took up his work and served with great ability and with marked suc- cess until August, 1908. In 1904 more than $2,000.00 was expended in enlarging and modernizing the parsonage. The three years following, from October, 1908, to November, 1911, Rev. P. A. Bouma was the pastor, and under his leadership the work of the congregation was greatly enlarged, both at home and in the for- eign field. The mission for India was allotted a yearly sum of $350.00. In June, 1909, it was decided to support Miss Josephine Ter Winkel as the missionary for the Third Church in India, at a salary of $650.00 a year, which in 1918 was ad- vanced to $700.00.
November 8, 1911, a call was issued on Rev. W. Bekkering, which he accepted, and he commenced his work in December, 1911. Because of increasing ill health his pastorate was not of long duration, but was signally blessed. He preached his last sermon on Sunday, September 19, 1915, and went to his reward on the 11th day of October, 1915.
After a second call had been made on Rev. P. Braak, in June, 1916, he ac- cepted and was ordained March 9, 1916. Under his able and devout ministra- tion the congregation grew in power and influence. Twenty-five families were added to the congregation and 85 individual members.
It had long been felt that the increasing number of members required a larger and more modern church building, and under the aggressive leadership of their pastor it was decided in June, 1916, to build if the pledge of $16,000.00 could be secured from the congregation. The last service in the old church building was held on Sunday, September 10, 1916. The building was sold for $800.00, and the present commodious and modern building was dedicated May 24, 1917. The building, including the clock and furnishings complete, cost something over $30,000.00. This sum was all covered by pledges payable on or before January 1, 1919.
In September, 1920, Rev. P. Braak accepted a call to Lansing, Ill. His de- parture was deeply regretted, not only by the members of the Third Church, but by a host of warm friends in the city.
The present pastor, Rev. George Hankamp, was called in July, 1921, and commenced his work September, 1921. While his pastorate is as yet of short duration, his work has already been marked by a spirit of harmony and enthusi- asm in every department of congregational activity, and the promise of a long and fruitful service in this part of God's vineyard is bright. Not only is he popular with the members of the Third Church, but in the short time that he has served in Pella, his able sermons attract many others every Lord's day.
In all these years the work of janitor has been carried on by but three inen. Mr. Arie Van Drunen served in this capacity during the first winter. Mr. Teunis
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ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHURCHES
Van Arkel from 1870 to 1890, and since that date, for 28 years the present janitor, Mr. B. Van Ommen, has served to the satisfaction of the entire congregation.
As given in the Church History published in 1918, the church has a mem- bership of 160 families and 400 individual members. The members of the con- sistory as given in the History of 1918 are: Elders, N. Bogaards, G. B. Kolen- brander, John De Kock, N. Vander Linden, D. De Bruin. Deacons, H. W. Kolen- brander, G. Van Zee, G. Bennink, A. Veldhuizen and John Ter Louw.
THE FIRST CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH
August 2, 1866, a group of 42 persons met and passed a resolution to the effect that they withdrew from membership in the First Reformed Church of Pella and declared their intention of forming a new congregation. On the 5th of August members of the consistory were chosen and on the 12th of the same month the consistory was formally confirmed.
Thus was organized the First Christian Reformed Church, which today is one of the largest congregations in Pella. The first pastor, Rev. H. R. Koopmans, was ordained as minister on October 27, 1867. A commodious brick parsonage was built across the street from the church building.
The second pastor, Rev. J. Noordewier, was ordained as pastor on October 10, 1869. He was a gifted and devout young minister, full of zeal for the work, and under his ministration the young congregation grew in numbers and influ- ence. In August, 1871, Rev. Noordewier accepted a call from Kalamazoo, Mich., to the great sorrow of the people whom he had served so acceptably and faith- fully.
The congregation issued a call on Rev. W. Coelingh of Holland, which was accepted, and he was ordained as the third pastor of the church on the 17th day of December, 1871. Here he served well and faithfully and with marked success until 1874, when he accepted a call to Zeeland, Mich.
The fourth pastor, Rev. S. Baron, was ordained as pastor of the church Au- gust 13, 1876. He was a devout and earnest minister, but his health was greatly impaired, and while he labored faithfully here, there was more or less friction in the congregation and the growth of the church did not advance. On July 24, 1881, at his own request, and because his failing health did not permit him to continue the arduous work, he laid down the work as pastor. In 1889 God called His faithful servant to his reward.
He was succeeded by Rev. E. Broene, who began his work as pastor August 26, 1883. During his ministry of about three years there was substantial growth in the congregation and renewed harmony and enthusiasm. In 1886 he accepted a call to Drenthe, Mich. He died in Michigan in 1911 and was buried in Grand Rapids.
In October, 1887, Rev. J. B. Hoekstra became the sixth pastor of the church and labored here with great zeal and with blessing on his efforts. Many new members were added to the congregation. He accepted another call in August, 1891.
The seventh pastor, Rev. J. Manni, took up his work here on September 18, 1892. That he was the right man for the responsible place was soon manifested. Not only did the congregation grow in numbers, but under his leadership the following congregations were organized in the vicinity: At Leighton in 1893, at Peoria in 1894 and at Sully in 1896. After five years of faithful and fruitful labor, he accepted a call from Passaic, N. J.
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SOUVENIR HISTORY OF PELLA, IOWA
In August, 1898, Rev. J. Keizer arrived in Pella and became the eighth pastor. Although his ministry here lasted less than four years, it was marked by a steady growth in the congregation, and by the addition of several new congregations in the territory surrounding Pella. These were at Galesburg and Otley, and also the Second Christian Reformed congregation at Pella. In April, 1902, Rev. Keizer moved to Kalamazoo, Mich, His faithful service here is remembered with grati- tude by the people he served.
Dr. J. Timmerman was the ninth pastor and he was ordained to the work in October, 1902. While his term of service was not of long duration, as he was called to another charge in the summer of 1904, his work and the success he achieved will long be remembered by the members of the church.
The tenth pastor, Rev. T. Van der Ark, came as pastor in April, 1905. He was a preacher of unusual power and his work was greatly blessed, especially among the younger membership of the church. There was a substantial growth in the congregation and a new and modern parsonage was constructed. In March, 1910, he accepted a call to Dretthe, Mich., and left Pella to the deep regret of the entire congregation.
His successor, Rev. C. De Leeuw, was the eleventh pastor and he was or- dained July 17, 1910. He served the congregation with zeal, and as he was a man of great talent and fervor his ministry was marked with spiritual growth and the material advancement of the church. He did much in the nine years of his service to place the First Christian Reformed Church in the foreground of the leading congregations of Pella,
The present pastor, Rev. J. De Haan, has served since August, 1920. He is a fearless and eloquent preacher of the word and many people of Pella who are not affiliated with the congregation are often seen at the Sunday services, drawn by the power of sermons. It is the hope of the church and of many others in Pella that the two years of his sojourn thus far are but the beginning of many years of faithful service here in Pella.
The present enrollment given is as follows: Families connected with the church, 200. Individual members, 420. Sunday School, 200. Catechistical Class, 200. Young Men's Society, 19. Ladies' Aid, 66. Young Ladies' Society, 17. Girls' Society, 40.
THE PELLA BAPTIST CHURCH
The first church organization was effected about six miles south of Pella at the home of Israer C. Curtis, in December, 1844, with six members, and was known as the Aurora Missionary Baptist Church, In 1858 they voted to move the organ- ization to the village of Pella.
The first church building was erected in 1857, but owing to a division of the membership, a second church was organized, and the building of the first church was sold to pay indebtedness. The membership dwindled, and in 1863 they disbanded.
Soon after this a group of Baptists, who had not belonged to either of the churches, consummated a new organization and worshipped in the College Chapel.
The present house of worship was erected in 1874, but but not till 1887 was the auditorium completed, this being made possible then by the second church dis- posing of their property and uniting in a common effort. In 1907 the building was remodeled and the pipe organ installed.
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ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHURCHES
LIST OF PASTORS
1844-54-Oeeasional monthly preaching.
1889-90-Rev. John Stewart.
1854-58-Rev. E. H. Scarff.
1891-93-Rev. J. D. Burr.
1861-69-Rev. E. H. Searff. 1894-97-Rev. C. E. Farr.
1870-72-Rev. J. R. Shanafelt.
1898-99-Rev. F. E. Butler.
1872-74-Rev. E. C. Spinney. 1900-05-Rev. G. C. Peck.
1875-76-Rev. T. W. Powell.
1905-06-Rev. Z. H. Lewis.
1876-78-Rev. H. R. Mitchell.
1906-10-Rev. A. LeGrand.
1878-80-Rev. Charles Payne.
1910-14-Rev. J. W. Bailey.
1880-81-Rev. L. A. Dunn.
1914-16-Rev. J. W. Coulston.
1881-85-Rev. F. F. Thickstun.
1917-20-Robert Carroll.
1885-86-Rev. W. H. Dorward.
1920 -A. C. Droz.
1886-89-Rev. F. E. Britten.
THE ORGANIZATION
Mrs. R. H. Van Spanekeren, Clerk.
P. H. Stubenrauch, Financial Secretary.
A. C. Kuyper, Treasurer.
Miss J. M. Mouie, Benevolence Treasurer.
E. J. Van Gorp, Chairman Social Com.
John Braafhart, Chairman Ushers Com. Board of Trustees
Board of Deacons
H. P. Van Gorp,
H. H. Sadler,
H. J. Vanden Berg,
R. A. Awtry,
F. M. Frush,
Henry Bruinekool,
J. F. Mourie, B. A. Awtry.
F. R. Gambell,
A. P. De Reus.
THE LADIES AID SOCIETY
Visiting Committee
Floral Committee
Mrs. J. M. Cox,
Mrs. A. P. De Reus,
Mrs. E. Dennis,
Mrs. R. A. Awtry.
Mrs. N. Firth,
Mrs. G. Van Houten,
Linen Committee
Mrs. J. Van Zante,
Mrs. Mourie.
Miss Dirkie Hoogland.
BAPTIST ORGANIZATIONS AND OUR RELATIONS TO THEM
The Pella Baptist Church is associated with seventeen others to form the Oskaloosa Baptist Association. This Association holds an annual meeting of dele- gates from the various ehurehes for the discussion of matters of common in- terest to the churches.
This ehureh is also a part of the Iowa Baptist State Convention, which in- eludes all the Baptist Churches of Iowa. The Convention holds an annual meeting for diseussion of matters of importance to the Baptists of the state as a whole.
We also belong to the constituency of the Northern Baptist Convention, which is the largest organization of the Baptists of the north part of he United States. This convention holds an annual meeting in the interest of our great denomina- tional activities and enterprises. It is our greatest annual gathering.
The General Convention of the Baptists of North America holds a meeting every three years. It is designed to bring together representatives of all the
Sunday School
H. H. Vander Ploeg, Superintendent. J. H. Chochrane, Chorister.
Lueile Choehrane, Pianist.
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SOUVENIR HISTORY OF PELLA, IOWA
Baptists of the continent, in the interests of good-fellowship and mutual in- spiration.
The Baptist World Alliance represents the Baptists of the whole world and especially of the United States, Canada and England. It holds a meeting every five years which is intended to be mainly inspirational.
THE SECOND CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH
In the year 1897, Rev. R. Van der Kieft, an Evangelist, arrived in Pella from Holland. At that time the Fourth Reformed Congregation was without a regular Pastor and they engaged Rev. Van der Kieft to preach for them. Later it was the desire, both of the congregation and of Rev. Van der Kieft, that he should be ordained as a minister of the Reformed Church, and he made an application to be examined and ordained. This was not granted and a number of the present members of the 2nd Christian Reformed Congregation organized that Congrega- tion under the leadership of Rev. Van der Kieft, who was ordained as a Minister of that denomination, and the congregation was received in full fellowship.
For a time services were held in the old City Hall, but a few weeks later the church building was purchased, where the Congregation still worships.
The first members of the Consistory were: Elders, James Muntingh, W. J. Midendorp, W. den Hartog. Deacons, Herman Bogaard, Jan Bloem, H. Ryken.
Rev. R. Van der Kieft served the Congregation as Pastor for ten years. His work was greatly blessed and he enjoyed the earnest support and loyal co-opera- tion of the entire membership. When, at the end of this period, he accepted a call to Michigan, it was a matter of sincere regret to the Congregation.
A call was then made to Rev. Van der Berg, of Nebraska, which was ac- cepted. He served the Congregation for four years during which the Church grew in membership under his devoted leadership. When he accepted a call from the Reformed Church in Kilduff, Iowa, it again left the 2nd Church without a Pastor.
At a congregational meeting it was decided to issue a call on Rev. Fles, which was accepted. He served the congregation with ability and devotion for a period of four years, during which the greatest harmony prevailed and the Church was built up and strengthened under his Pastorate.
Owing to the failing health of Mrs. Fles and the advanced age of the Pastor, he was compelled to ask for his release, which was granted. His departure was the occasion for deep regret on the part of the entire Congregation.
The following five years after the departure of Rev. Fles, the Congregation was ably and acceptably served by the Rev. G. G. Haan. At the end of five years as Pastor he accepted a call from the Reformed Congregation of Bethel.
From July, 1921, the Congregation has been under the leadership of the present Pastor, Rev. Walkotten. While he has served but a short time, the Con- gregation is greatly pleased with his work and the greatest harmony and good- will prevails in every department of the Church. It is the earnest hope of the membership that the Congregation will enjoy the leadership of the Rev. Walkotten for many years to come.
The Church is free from debt and own the modern parsonage on East First street, and the church building.
The present Consistory is composed of the following members: Elders, Hendrikus van der Kieft, Wm. Huiser, T. Zylstra, Nickolaas Booi. Deacons, Merijn Van Gorp, Leendert Wielaard, Jacob Kuyk, Teunis Van Dyke. Superin- tendent of Sunday School, L. Braam.
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ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHURCHES
HISTORICAL RECORD OF M. E. CHURCH OF PELLA, IOWA
The articles of incorporation of Methodist Episcopal church of Pella, Iowa, are dated May 21, 1855. They are gotten up in the form prescribed by the church discipline, and are signed by the following named church trustees: Green T. Clark, N. L. Baston, J. F. Woodside, R. G. Hamilton, John B. Hamilton, Horace Strickland and J. Greenwood, and countersigned by Joseph Brooks, presiding elder of Ottumwa district. They bear the following indorsement: "Filed for record June 4, 1855, at 3 o'clock P. M. and recorded June 7, 1855, Book 'F,' page No. 489. D. Stanfield, recorder of Marion county, Iowa." Also as follows: "Re- ceived in church and recorded on page No. 16. R. G. Hamilton, recording steward."
The church at this early date was designated as "Pella Circuit," with as many as seven places for preaching, as follows: Six Mile, Ramey, Pella, Hamilton, Centre, Rochester, Prairie College.
The second quarterly conference was held at Pella, Iowa, January 7, 1865, for "Pella Circuit" at which meeting Jack Ramey was appointed secretary, with the following official members in attendance: E. R. Frost, preacher in charge of circuit; Henry Richardson, C. S .; George Bennett, C. S .; Jack Ramey, C. S .; B. F. Van Leuven, L. P.
At this meeting the preacher in charge makes the following report: "I have visited eighty-five families the past quarter, conversed with them on the subject of religion, instructed the children, and offered prayer in every family, except two or three. I have also received twelve probationers and have received by let- ter: Jacob Reynolds, Miss S. C. Reynolds, Daniel Satchel, Maria Satchell, Rev. B. F. Van Leuven and Julia A. Van Leuven; also Nancy Riggen. Dismissed by letter: J. L. Correll, Joanna Correll, R. Dawson and M. A. Dawson."
Of course these are not all of the minutes of the second quarterly conference, and there are many more names that could be given that would at once be recog- nized and recollected by the older people of our community. When or where the first quarterly meeting of the conference year 1865 was held, the records do not show, or they have been lost or misplaced, but it is quite evident that between 1855, the date of the articles of incorporation, and the year 1865 there were dif- ferent presiding elders, as well as many changes of preachers in charge, but as near as we can ascertain with any degree of certainty, a meeting or conference was held at Oskaloosa, January 1, 1853, at which time the appointments already named, were located, embracing all the territory lying between the Des Moines river and Skunk river, from Monroe to Oskaloosa, Monroe being formerly called "Tools Point" and known as such in the early years of the Methodist Church. At this meeting of January 1, 1853, the presiding elder was Rev. John Hayden, and the preacher in charge was D. T. Sweem. In the conference year of 1854 and 1855, the preacher in charge was Rev. G. H. Clark, and the presiding elder was Rev. Wm. Simpson. At the quarterly conference held in Pella, March 15, 1856, authority was given the trustees to erect a suitable church building in Pella, as it was considered that the membership of this particular appointment was amply sufficient to justify such proceeding, the presiding elder, the Rev. Wm. Simpson, giving his endorsement to such movement, so that a building committee, consist- ing of John Greenwood, R. G. Hamilton and Luke Stallard was appointed and ordered to at once proceed to plan and carry to completion such enterprise. The Rev. T. T. Henderson was the preacher in charge, having been appointed by the district conference in 1856 to succeed G. H. Clark. In the intervening time the building committee had secured a suitable lot on which to build, and a sub- scription of some considerable amount of money, and built the church to com-
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SOUVENIR HISTORY OF PELLA, IOWA
pletion in 1857. The building was located on the west side of Lot No. 8, Block No. 70, across the alley, east of the present public sehool building named Webster.
Happily the building committee was made up of two of the most experienced carpenters known in all the country roundabout, namely, Greenwood and Hamil- ton. The responsibility, however, of planning and leading in the work was thrown upon Mr. R. G. Hamilton, and the foundation was done by Mr. Luke Stallard, a native of England, who had learned his trade in that country, working at it for many years before coming to Ameriea, so that no better workmen could be em- ployed, from the foundation to roof, than this committee, a full guarantee for as substantial a building as could at all be erected.
So the first Methodist Episcopal church in Pella was ordered, provided for, and built and occupied in the year 1857, just about ten years subsequent to the time of the arrival of the Hollanders from the Netherlands, and their landing on a spot they named "Pella." The exact date of the dedication of the completed ehurch is not mentioned, but evidently it must have been near the middle part, or towards the latter part of the year 1857. The building thus erected was a frame construction, 30 feet east and 40 feet north and south, with double front door in the south end, fronting on "Peace Street," with sundry windows on the east and west sides, and two also in the north end, all for light and ventilation. The customary brick flue, extending from the overhead ceiling, through the attic and roof, was also provided for the usual stove heating arrangement incident to those days. A series of neat and rather ornamental small shelves, one foot long by six inches wide, supported by fancy sawed brackets, were placed on the wooden ceiling along both sides and ends, on which to place the candle holder, with tallow candle each, to be lighted to furnish sufficient light to see to read the old fashioned "Buckwheat" notes during night service.
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