Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II, Part 32

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Rogers, Thomas H; Moffet, Hugh R; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: Chicago : Muncell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 972

USA > Illinois > Winnebago County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II > Part 32

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227

EMMANUEL EPISCOPAL CHURCH, ROCKFORD

ST. JAMES' PRO-CATHEDRAL, ROCKFORD

ROCKFORD COLLEGE

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

friends in New York, for a church. Instead of turning over this money to the society to com- plete the church, these gentlemen built an edifice on their own side of the river. This building was raised in the summer of 1838, and enclosed the same season. When it was completed they turned it over to the society for worship, but retained their nominal title. At that time they possessed no legal title to the land from the government.

The building erected by Kent and Brincker- hoff was the first church edifice in Rockford. It stood on the southwest corner of Church and Green streets. It was a frame structure, clap- boarded, in Doric style, 45 feet square inside, and stood on a foundation of blocks of trees cut in the adjoining grove, with sills resting upon them about 3 feet above the ground. In fact, the greater portion of the building material was obtained from adjacent lots. The building fronted to the east, and had three windows on each side. A porch about 10 feet wide extended across the front, covered by an extension of the roof, which was supported by four fluted wooden columns. This sylvan sanctuary was occupied by the First church about six years.

The Ladies' Foreign Missionary Society was organized in 1838, just one year after the founding of the church. The originators of this movement, like the founders of the church, were largely from New England, who had been interested in foreign missions and education in their eastern homes, and who had not left their zeal behind them, although they might properly have considered themselves on home missionary ground. As near as can be ascertained, a Sun- day school was organized in the spring of 1839.

The second pastor was Rev. Cyrus L. Watson, who served the church from November, 1838, to May, 1841. He was a genial, social, elderly gentleman, a good pastor, and was highly es- teemed. His death occurred at Battle Creek, Mich. Rev. William S. Curtis, D. D., supplied the pulpit from November, 1841, to August, 1842. Dr. Curtis subsequently became pastor of the Westminster Presbyterian church. His death occurred in 1885, and his funeral was held June 1st, from the Westminster church. Dr. Curtis' son, Edward L. Curtis, was a professor in the Yale divinity school. Prof. Curtis married a sister of Rev. B. E. S. Ely, formerly pastor of the First Presbyterian church. The senior Curtis was succeeded by Rev. Oliver W. Norton,

who was pastor from September, 1842, until some time in the following year. Rev. Lansing Porter served a brief pastorate from February, 1844, to April, 1846.

In the spring of 1846 the church dedicated a new house of worship on the East side. It was a brick structure, and stood on the northeast corner of South First and Walnut streets, on the site of the city hall. Its dimensions were 40 by 60 feet. The walls were 20 feet high. A projection at the rear formed a recess for the pulpit. The roof was one-quarter pitch, with a square tower on the center of the front, rising about 20 feet. From this tower a bell called the people to their public devotions. The bell belonged to Rev. Oliver W. Norton, and he took it with him when he went away. W. A. Dicker- man, as agent for the church, subsequently purchased a Meneely bell in New York, weighing 640 pounds. When it was brought to town by team it was first delivered in a warehouse. So anxious were the people to hear a bell in Rock- ford, that a platform was extemporized, so that it rang out loud and clear, and attracted all the parishioners, before it was taken to the church. No picture of this church is known to have been preserved. The exterior was finished somewhat in the Tuscan style of architecture, and it pre- sented a very attractive appearance. A vestibule extended across the interior front, with a choir gallery overhead. In this vestibule were held the prayer-meetings of the church. Two aisles extended from the vestibule to the pulpit at the rear of the church. The pews were shut in by doors in the old-fashioned way. This building had a seating capacity of about three hundred and fifty, and cost not far from $8,000. Galleries were subsequently built, with a seating capacity of one hundred and fifty. This church contin- ued to be the house of worship for this congre- gation until 1870. The construction of a new house of worship is frequently, and perhaps generally, followed by a change in the pastorate. Such was the experience of this society soon after the dedication of its new church. The resignation of Rev. Lansing Porter was followed by a call to the Rev. Lewis H. Loss, whose pastorate began in August, 1846. The pipe organ used in the church was built by H. H. Silsby and his brother. The organist at one time was Rufus Hatch, who subsequently removed to New York, and became one of the most famous operators of Wall street. During his residence

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

in Rockford he was engaged in the dry goods business, on East State street, near the site of Coyner Bros.' drug store. His home was on South Madison street, where Miss Kate O'Connor's former residence now stands. Mr. Hatch removed from Rockford about 1856. His house was purchased by Dr. Hale, who lived in it until he built another on the corner which is now occupied by the Boys' club.

Dr. Loss was succeeded by Rev. Henry M. Goodwin, D. D., who perhaps gave to the church its most distinctive pastorate. It extended from August, 1850, to Jannary, 1872. This period of more than twenty-one years constitutes nearly one-quarter of its history. The interim between the departure of Dr. Loss and Dr. Goodwin's acceptance of a call was supplied by Prof. Joseph Emerson, of Beloit College. Dr. Goodwin was a native of Hartford, Conn. He was graduated from Yale, and the Rockford church was his first parish.

The present house of worship was built during Dr. Goodwin's pastorate. It was erected and furnished at an expense of about $60,000. The structure is of pure Gothic architecture, the only one in the city, and has a seating capacity of 900. It was dedicated December 14, 1870. One of the dedicatory hymns was written by Dr. Goodwin. In literary style and spiritual fervor it is entitled to rank with the noble hymns of the church militant. Rufus Hatch, who was mentioned in a preceding paragraph, presented the pipe organ now in use to Dr. and Mrs. Goodwin. The cost of the instrument was $4,500. It was dedicated by Dudley Buck, one of the greatest American composers of choir music. Some time later Dr. Goodwin preached a sermon on Music in which he referred to its high place in Christian worship. At the close of this discourse Dr. Goodwin said that he and Mrs. Goodwin relinquished all claim to the organ. "It is henceforthi neither mine nor yours, but the Lord's, to whom I now dedicate it." In September, 1883, Mr. Hatch spent a Sunday in Rockford, and played the organ at the morning service.

Dr. Goodwin was a progressive thinker, and in certain lines he was far in advance of his time. He was an ardent disciple of Horace Bush- nell. Dr. Goodwin reverently and earnestly preached the moral influence theory of the divine sacrifice during his entire pastorate, and since his day it has been taught by many

progressive thinkers in the Congregational church, and during the last ten years it has gained rapidly in other evangelical bodies. Dr. Goodwin testified to his regard for his illustrious teacher by naming his son Horace Bushnell Goodwin. Dr. Goodwin's pleasant home while in Rockford was on Kishwaukee street. His lots extended from the corner on First avenue to Mrs. Thomas G. Lawler's home. The house, which stood near what is now 206 Kishwaukee street, now stands in the rear of the Carpenter Block, and fronts on First avenue. Soon after leaving Rockford, Dr. Goodwin wrote a book entitled "Christ and Humanity," which was published by the Harpers. It was dedicated to his friend in these noble words: "To Horace Bushnell, my revered friend and teacher, whose profound and sanctified genius has made the world his debtor, and whose eminent services to Christianity in the reconciliation of faith and . reason await the verdict of the future ages, these later studies of Christian doctrine are filially and affectionately inscribed by the author." This work was written while the author was enjoying an extended sojourn in Germany. In 1875 Dr. Goodwin was called to the chair of English literature by the college at Olivet. Mich., which he filled for several years. His death occurred at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Weld, in Williamstown, Mass., March 1, 1893. Dr. Goodwin was seventy-one years of age. His remains were brought to Rockford for burial.

Dr. Goodwin was succeeded by Rev. Wilder Smith, whose pastorate extended from May, 1872, to October 1, 1883. In 1873 George Willis Smith, then of Guilford Township, presented to the church the bell which now calls its members to public worship. Its weight is three thousand pounds, and cost $2,000. Mr. Smith died at his later home in Rockford July 22, 1887. In 1882 John Spafford deeded to the society the trian- gular park in front of the church, costing $1,500.

Rev. Theodore Clifton succeeded Dr. Smith. His pastorate extended from July 6, 1884, to January 1, 1888. In May, 1887, the church cele- brated the fiftieth anniversary of its founding. Historic addresses were given by the pastor and Dr. Goodwin. Rev. William W. Leete, the tenth pastor of the church, began his labors Septem- ber 16, 1888. He was an efficient organizer, and his pastorate was eminently successful. Early in 1889 Mrs. John G. Penfield presented a lot

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

to the society, valued at $3,000. The same year the church erected a commodious parsonage, at an expense of $5,000. Mr. Leete remained more than ten years, and conducted his last service March 5, 1899. Rev. Frederick H. Bodman was called to the pastorate June 14, 1899, and resigned December 28, 1904. Mr. Bodman was a liberal thinker, and occasionally surprised his conservative congregation by his radical utter- ances. Rev. Frank M. Sheldon was called to the pastorate September 6, 1905. He presented a virile message, and his personality was a help- ful force in the community. Mr. Sheldon resigned September 6, 1908. Rev. Thomas Barney Thompson was called to the pastorate December 23, 1908. One of the features of Mr. Thompson's pastorate was the diamond jubilee of the church. The celebration began Sunday, May 5, 1912, the seventy-fifth anniversary of its organization, and continued five days. The pastor conducted a sacramental service in the morning, and preached a sermon on "Creating a Tradition." Rev. W. T. McElveen, of Evans- ton, delivered a discourse Sunday evening on "The Gospel and Other Gospels." Wednesday evening was devoted to reminiscences. Greet- ings were read from former pastors and mem- bers, and Mrs. J. L. Clark read a historical address written by Mrs. E. P. Catlin. An incident of the evening was the burning of a note for $2,000. The jubilee closed Thursday evening with an address by Rev. Frank G. Smith, of Chicago, on "Problems and Progress of a Great Country." Mr. Thompson is a vigorous and progressive thinker, and is master of a splendid literary style. He resigned January 15, 1914.

The next pastor was Rev. A. R. Fiske, who had left the Universalist church because he believed his earlier faith was lacking in that spiritual dynamic necessary for a real evangel- ism. Mr. Fiske was called February 18, 1914, and tendered his resignation September 8, 1915. November 10, 1915, the church extended a call to Rev. Earl J. Sellard, of Peoria, who began his pastorate November 14.

The complete records of the church, covering a period of seventy-eight years, have been pre- served, and are in possession of the clerk, Sam- uel Herrick. They are an invaluable source of information to the local historian. The member- ship of the church January 1, 1915, was 348.

The Second Congregational church was organ- ized in the autumn of 1849, with forty-seven members. Nearly all had taken letters from the First church. A vacant church building and a growing population on the West side seemed to justify a separation, and time has fully vin- dicated its wisdom. During its entire history Rockford has been a stronghold of Congrega- tionalism. The first meeting preliminary to organization was held October 30, 1849, at the schoolhouse on South Main street. Rev. Lansing Porter was called to the chair, and Worcester A. Dickerman was appointed clerk. A committee of three was chosen to present at a future meet- ing, articles of faith, covenant and rules of . government for the proposed church. Benjamin A. Rose, Dexter G. Clark and Thomas D. Rob- ertson constituted this committee. It was resolved that the public organization of the church should take place November 14th; and Samuel J. Russell, Worcester A. Dickerman and Robert Clow were chosen to make the necessary arrangements.

At an adjourned meeting a resolution was adopted, by which the following named persons, who were then present, organized the church : Robert Clow, Burton P. Franklin, Rachel Frank- lin, David D. Alling, Rebecca Alling, Alexander Patterson, Helen Patterson, Ellen Patterson, Jane Gordon, Thomas D. Robertson, Goodyear A. Sanford, Elizabeth H. Sanford, Worcester A. Dickerman, Caroline M. Dickerman, Michael Burns, Deborah Burns, Samuel J. Russell, Lucy Russell, Dexter G. Clark, Benjamin A. Rose, Antoinette W. Rose, Eliza Hanford, Rebecca Spurr, Harriette W. Platt, Rial K. Town, Clarissa Town, Mary Bond, Emily G. Sanford, Susan G. Fuller, Elizabeth B. Field, Mary A. Frink, Lemira L. Meyers, Lucy C. Hyde, Sarah D. Hyde, Esther Ann Hyde, Henry C. Hyde, Gershom C. Hyde, Alonzo Gorham, Hannah L. Gorham, Mercy A. Gorham, Ann Levings, Mrs. Eliza betli C. Porter, Anor Woodruff, Mrs. Eliza Woodruff, James Porter, Ebenezer Hyde, Mrs. Barbara Porter. Thomas. D. Robertson, from the committee appointed at the former meeting, presented a report on articles of faith, covenant, and rules of government, which report was accepted and adopted. The articles of faith were thoroughly orthodox, according to the standard of the time. The orthodoxy of today is somewhat elastic; but half a century ago the term stood for a clearly defined and rigid system

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

of Christian doctriue. The public organization of this church occurred Wednesday, November 14, 1849. Previous to these formal exercises Mrs. Sarah J. Clark, Mrs. E. W. Spaulding and Mrs. Jane C. Houghton, who had been included in the original letter of dismission from the First church, but were not present at the first meeting, were received; also Mrs. Mary Haskell and Miss Eliza Holmes.

The Congregational council was composed of the following gentlemen : Rev. Hutchins Taylor, moderator; Rev. Dexter Clary, Beloit; Rev. Lewis Benedict, Rockton; Rev. R. M. Pearson, Grand DeTour ; Rev. Lansing Porter, Rockford ; Horace Hobart, delegate from Beloit.

The first pastor of the new churchi was Rev. Lansing Porter, who had served the First church as its pastor a little more than two years. and served the Second church four years.

In 1851 the church edifice, a remodeled build- ing on the corner of Church and Green streets, was found to be too small, and its capacity was increased by the addition of 40 feet to its length. Thus improved, it continued to serve its pur- pose for seven years. During Mr. Porter's pastorate the church was blessed with temporal and spiritual prosperity. A high standard of Christian living was maintained, and the obstinate backslider was promptly "excom- municated."

In December, 1853, Rev. Joseph Emerson was called. Rev. Emerson was a son of Rev. Daniel Emerson ; a cousin of Ralph Emerson, of Rock- ford, and a second cousin of the famous Ralph Waldo Emerson. Joseph Emerson was born in Dartmouth, Mass., in 1806, and died at Andover, Mass., in 1885. Mr. Emerson was graduated from Yale College in 1830, and from Andover Theologi- cal Seminary in 1835. He built the house on North Church street, where the late Ralph Emerson resided. Some of his friends thought he was building his home too far from the village -away up in Dr. Haskell's orchard. The pas- torate of Rev. Emerson was signalized by the erection of the second house of worship on South Church street, July 19, 1855, the society voted that it was expedient to take action toward building a new church. After due con- sideration a new house of worship was erected, on the corner of South Church and Chestnut streets. The lot was purchased from L. H. Rood for $3,000. Work was begun on the building May 17, 1857, and was completed in the autumn

of' 1858, the building contract calling for the expenditure of $23,478.78. Farewell services were held in the old church on Sunday, Noveul- ber 28th. After this little sanctuary had out- lived its usefulness in a growing city, it was donated to the people in Owen Township, where it was again used as a house of worship. The new church was dedicated Thursday, December 2, 185S.

On July 30, 1859, Mr. Emerson tendered his resignation, and a call was extended to Rev. Jeremiah E. Walton, whose pastorate continued until December, 1863. Mr. Walton graduated from Williams College, in 1853, and from Hart- ford Seminary, in 1856. He came to Rockford from Troy, New York, when a youug man, full of hope and enthusiasm. Mr. Walton enter- tained religious views similar to those held by the late Horace Bushnell, and especially those concerning Christian nurture. After his removal from Rockford Rev. Walton took orders as a priest in the Episcopal church. He subsequently returned to Rockford, and became the rector of Emmanuel Church. The pipe organ was con- structed iu 1863, at a cost of about $2,500. The instrument was formally dedicated February 25, 1864. Two participants are still living, L. B. Starkweather, of this city, and Prof. D. N. Hood. The organ is now in use in Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Rev. M. P. Kinney was called to the pastorate August 10, 1864, and by the munifi- cence of Mrs. Ralph Emerson, a house was built on Park street, and the use of it freely given to Mr. Kinnie as a parsonage. It has for many years been the home of Daniel Goodlander. Mr, Kinnie resigned June 26, 1870. He died like a soldier of the cross, with his armor on, in the pulpit of the Congregational church in Kenosha, Wis. The accessions to the church in 1850 were twenty-nine; 1851, thirty-five; 1852, fifteen; 1853, sixteen; 1854, twenty-four; 1855, fifteen ; 1856, twenty-seven; 1857, twenty-nine.

Mr. Kinney was succeeded by Rev. Frauk P. Woodbury, D. D., December 6, 1870, and his pastorate was the longest in the history of the church. Dr. Woodbury was born in Beverly, Mass., and was graduated from Williams College in 1861. He spent two years at Union Theologi- cal seminary and two years at Andover Theo- logical seminary. Dr. Woodbury was what may be called, an "all-around man." He was an able preacher, possessed a high order of executive ability, and withal a public-spirited citizen. He

COURT STREET METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, ROCKFORD

SHRINERS' MOSQUE AND MASONIC TEMPLE, ROCKFORD

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

frequently discussed questions of the day from the pulpit, and kept in touch with the great thinkers of his time. Two events of Dr. Wood- bury's pastorate possess more than passing historic interest. One of these is the first observance of Children's day, which has now become general throughout the United States. Dr. Woodbury introduced this beautiful custom in the spring of 1871, to emphasize Christian nurture as exemplified in the baptismal service. The words of that heroic Christian hymn, "Hold the Fort," were composed by P. P. Bliss, upon the rostrum of the old stone church, inspired by Major Whittle's graphic description of the incident in the Civil war in which General Sherman signaled "Hold the Fort." Dr. Wood- bury resigned April 1, 1888, to accept the pastor- ate of the Park Avenue Congregational Church at Minneapolis. He is now connected with the Howard School of Theology at Washington, D. C.

On June 20, 1SSS, a call was extended to Rev. Walter Manning Barrows, D. D., who was then secretary of the American Home Missionary society in New York. The call was accepted July 19, but owing to the unwillingness of the society to release him sooner, he did not begin his work in Rockford until October 1. His home was the present parsonage on North Main street, which had been purchased the previous summer for $9,000. Dr. Barrows was born in Franklin, Mich., April 12, 1846. He was a son of Rev. John Manning Barrows, who was for a time an instructor in the Troy Polytechnic Institute, and later at Olivet College. Dr. Barrows was grad- uated from Olivet, and one of the teachers who influenced him deeply was F. P. Woodbury, whom by a singular fortune, he was to succeed as pastor of this church. Dr. Barrows intro- duced vespers in place of evening worship, and sought to make the afternoon service attractive by elaborate musical programs. These included the oratarios of "The Messiah," "Creation," and other great compositions. The fortieth anniver- sary of the church occurred November 7, 1889, when Dr. Barrows preached a sermon that is historic, in that he urged the necessity of erect- ing a modern house of worship in a more favor- able part of the city. It was proposed to build a church that should cost not less than $80,000. Ralph Emerson headed the subscription list with $10,000, the site was purchased for $17,500, and the entire cost of the church was $114,000.

John Barnes was chairman of the building committee. The corner-stone was laid by Ralph Emerson April 28, 1891; and the church was dedicated May 8, 1892, with the dedicatory sermon by Rev. W. W. Leete, pastor of the First church. Among the noted speakers who were heard in the old church were A. Bronson Alcott, Dr. Lyman Abbott and Julia Ward Howe. On February 20, 1894, the new church was destroyed by fire. Dr. Barrows was a tower of strength in any emergency, and that very afternoon he gathered about him a company of Strong- Hearts at the home of John Barnes, when it was resolved to rebuild, William Dobson was chair- man of the building committee. The church was re-dedicated December 2, 1894. At the head of the banquet table sat Dr. Barrows. At his right was the venerable Dr. Kerr, and at his left a Roman Catholic priest ; while down the line was the captain of the Salvation Army, with the city pastors. This incident illustrates the all-em- bracing sympathy which has ever characterized the Second church. In building two beautiful temples within four years Dr. Barrows showed a constructive talent akin to genius. In April, 1898, Dr. Barrows resigned to accept a call to Greenwich, Conn. He died August 10, 1899, at the summer home of his brother at Mackinac Island.

Dr. Barrows was succeeded by Rev. Wesley C. Haskell. He began his labors February 20, 1899, and remained one year. The notable incident of Mr. Haskell's pastorate was the semi-cen- tennial of the church, which continued three days, November 5 to 7, 1899. Sunday evening Rev. John Henry Barrows, president of the world's parliament of religions, preached a memorial sermon for his brother, Dr. W. M. Barrows. A valuable history of the church was compiled at this time. During the half century, 1,681 members were received into the church.

Rev. Peter M. Snyder, D. D., of Burlington, Vermont, was called to the pastorate March 28, 1900, and his pastorate continued until 1912.

Twelve years constitute a long pastorate in these days. During that time many changes occur in a community and church, and even in the field of religious thought. In this changing order no minister in the country met its problems more bravely, and with a more trium- phant faith in his message, than did Dr. Snyder. He was eminently fair to all phases of religious thought. He met issues squarely and

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

in a spirit of broad Christian charity, and his message brought assurance to those who feel their need of it. Dr. Snyder preached a gospel that can be translated into life and conduct, and he set a noble example of the possibilities of such a life. Dr. Snyder resigned July 7, 1912, and preached his farewell sermon July 28. He is now pastor of a church in East Hartford, Conn.

In the autumn the church extended a call to Rev. John Gordon, of Ravenswood, Ill. Mr. Gordon is a son of Rev. Robert Gordon, and was born February 5, 1876. He was graduated from Butler College and Chicago Theological Seminary. Mr. Gordon was pastor at Grand Rapids, Mich., five years, and at Ravenswood, Ill., four years, and preached his first sermon as pastor in Rockford, November 10, 1912. He presents a virile message from the pulpit, in which he uses neither manuscript nor notes. He is also a faithful pastor, thus having a com- bination of qualities that are rare. During Mr. Gordon's pastorate the church has enjoyed a prosperity without precedent. The parsonage has been improved at an expenditure of about $7,000, and is now perhaps the most valuable parsonage property in northern Illinois. The membership of the church October 18, 1915, was SS4. Only one charter member is now living, Mrs. Hannah L. Gorham Weldon, of Santa Barbara, Cal. She is eighty-eight years of age. The last resident survivor was Mrs. Caroline M. Dickerman, who died June 2, 1914.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II, Part 32

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Rogers, Thomas H; Moffet, Hugh R; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn Publication date: 1903 Publisher: Chicago : Muncell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 972

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Rogers, Thomas H; Moffet, Hugh R; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: Chicago : Muncell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 972