USA > Illinois > Whiteside County > History of Whiteside County, Illinois, from its earliest settlement to 1908, Vol. I > Part 41
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Charles Wesley has a line for every occasion. .
ST. JOHN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH. -
Our older citizens remember the little white frame church with cupalo which stood among the trees on the northern edge of the city. Here the congregation met year after wear until it outgrew the narrow quarters, and a new building was an absolute necessity. The requisite amount was sub- scribed, the old frame was sold and moved away, and on June 16, 1891, the corner stone of the new structure was laid with suitable ceremony. Rev. Grover Clark, of the Methodist church, offered prayer, the scripture was read by Rev. L. M. Gates of the Baptist, and an address was delivered by Rev. Martin Post of the Congregational. Rev. E. Brown, pastor, explained the pur- pose of the occasion in a few touching remarks. In the corner stone was de- posited a tin box containing the names of the officers of the church and Sun- day school, city papers, coins, school reports, and other features of the current time. On Sunday, April 3, 1892, the edifice was dedicated, Rev. Samuel B. Barnitz, D. D., preaching the sermon. The entire cost was $15,000. The society began like other of the Sterling churches in the old court house, and the eleven original members who effected the organization, Dec. 4, 1854, were Isaac and Mary Recd, Catherine Lefever, M. C. Auld, Susan Auld, Benjamin and Harriet Reed, John and Elizabeth Hecker, Mary Reed, Thomas Sipe. While in the court house, Jonas Windom led the singing, and Henry Landis played the violin. After meeting a while in the old Presbyterian church, the frame church was begun in 1856, and completed in 1857. This was the building removed for the new edifice in 1891. The lot was given by John Lefever. Isaac Reed and John Hecker were elected the first elders. In April, 1857, there were 31 communicants, and in March, 1862, 46. No regular pastor at the beginning, but the pulpit was supplied by Rev. William Uhl, of Dixon, and Rev. C. B. Thummel, of Gap Grove. Rev. N. W. Lilly succeeded in 1857, and after a stay of almost two years was followed by Rev. W. A. Lipe, who ministered to the people until 1873, except an interval of service as chaplain during the war. Mr. Lipe was a vigorous preacher, and the congregation gradually enlarged. He held services- in the school house at Empire, and his labors there resulted later in the build- ing of a Lutheran church. In 1873, Rev. Emanuel Brown began a faithful ministry which ended only with his lamented death in 1900. Just one short interruption, when for a few months about 1875, the pulpit was filled bv Rev. A. K. Felton. September 1, 1900, Rev. E. Lee Fleck began his minis- try, which still continues with great acceptance. He was called from Dayton, Ohio, without the ordeal of a previous trial sermon. Mr. Fleck took his col-
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lege course at Carthage, in this state, and his seminary preparation at Wit- tenberg, Springfield, Ohio. Mrs. Fleck is also a graduate of Carthage.
Few churches anywhere have shown more healthful progress in things, spiritual and material. A spacious parsonage, a splendid pipe organ, a hand- somely decorated interior, and a basement nicely fitted for every social function, are among the substantial improvements. The thirty communi- cants of 1857 have increased to over five hundred in 1908. A Sunday school of 405 pupils, 18 teachers, four adult classes. George L. Carolus is superin- tendent. Numerous societies in connection with the church hold regular meetings, the Ladies' Aid, Ladies' Social Circle, Christian Endeavor, Wom- an's Home and Foreign Missionary. The elders of the church are Daniel Over, Anson Thummel, and Theodore Trouth. A large choir of young ladies and gentlemen led by Miss Muriel Price.
Our Daily Work is a small four-page paper edited by the pastor and distributed among the members 'on the first of every month as they leave the church. It gives a variety of items about the societies and affairs of the con- gregation that all ought to know.
Foreign mission day and other great causes of the general church are punctually observed by the Sunday school with appropriate programs of dialogue and music on Sunday evening. The offerings for these objects are liberal, and the Sunday night audiences are encouraging with full pews.
A kindly charity on Christmas week, 1907, was the entertainment of the entire Nachusa Orphans' Home, sixty-five, in the social rooms of the church at a bountiful holiday dinner.
FOURTH STREET METHODIST.
When I can read my title clear To mansions in the skies, I'll bid farewell to every fear, And wipe my weeping eyes .- Watts.
This is the last and finest of our churches. In size, beauty, convenience, and massive construction, it is the gem of our ecclesiastical edifices. The cor- ner stone was laid in 1907, and the dedication took place on Sunday, April 5. For the week preceding there was a series of jubilce exercises. On Sunday, March 29, Dr. Elliott, of Chicago, preached, and A. D. Traveler, presiding elder of Rockford district. On Monday evening Walter Keller of St. Vin- cent's church, Chicago, gave an organ recital. On Tuesday, sermon by Dr. Brummitt of Epworth Herald, and on Wednesday by A. T. Horn of Oak- land church, Chicago. On Thursday Dr. Swift of Austin spoke to the Broth- erhoods. On Friday fraternal greetings from other churches, in which Thomas of the Baptist, Parvin of the Christian, Rose of Broadway M. E., Davis of Lutheran, Fonken of Y. M. C. A., Crowl of Congregational, and Richards of Presbyterian, took part. A congratulatory letter was read from Rev. Edwin Weary, Episcopal, who was engaged in Dixon. N. G. Van Sant presided. On Sunday morning Dr. Shepard of Englewood preached, and in the afternoon, C. S. Moore, presiding elder of Dixon district made the formal dedication. Dr. Tilroe, of Chicago, spoke in the evening. All through
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these exercises the music, vocal and instrumental, was of high order, Prof. Russell A. Morrison, director, and Miss Vergie L. Bensinger, organist. Large and delighted audiences at every session.
A dainty souvenir booklet was issued containing portraits of the various pastors, pictures of the church, lists of the officers, a description of the build- ing, and a history of the society. This has furnished much of the material given in this sketch.
The style of the building is Renaissance, and from the foundation to the top of the two towers the material is concrete. There are two main divisions, the chapel and Sunday school rooms, and the capacious auditorium for the regular service. The frescoing is neat, the windows are of art glass, lighting by gas and electricity, the floors are of hard wood, the woodwork is oak, back of the pulpit is a two manual Pilcher organ. All the fixtures are in harmony, and when lighted at night the effect is inspiring and impressive. The pews will accommodate 750 people, with emergency settings for 250 more. H. B. Wheelock of Chicago is the architect. The splendid church is a monument to the Christian liberality of the men and women of the congregation, and to the untiring devotion of Rev. W. W. Diehl, pastor, who was the soul of the noble enterprise from its inception to its triumphant completion.
Fourth Street church is an offshoot of old Broadway, now the First M. - E. church. In 1867, as many of the congregation lived in the west end, a mile off, it was decided to form a new society, and 39 members withdrew. Wallace hall was rented, and Rev. J. H. Alling was sent as pastor by the con- ference. During his pastorate, the lots on Avenue A and Fourth street were purchased, and the basement constructed. Rev. W. H. Smith succeeded, 1869-72, and the church was completed and dedicated in 1871, at a cost of $18,000. A phenomenal growth. From 39 members there are now nearly 500. The Sunday school from 26 scholars to 389 with 78 on the cradle roll. Both the old church and the adjoining rectory were demolished as the entire property was needed for the new edifice.
No other society in the city has so much energy and perseverence. Every man, woman, and child puts the shoulder to the wheel. Already in 1904, $20,000 were pledged toward the building fund. The Ladies' Aid for three years has been raising $1,000 per year for the same purpose. Of the few wealthy members, one has given $2,000, another $1,500. Even young people who have to earn the money, have pledged various amounts from $50 to $100. The ladies have frequent festivals, and the congregation is kept in a continual state of pleasing excitement that leads to financial profit. The cost of the complete structure is placed at $52,000. The chapel dedicated in 1905, cost $20,000.
Rev. W. W. Diehl is the sixteenth pastor beginning with Rev. J. H. All- ing, and has served the longest pastorate, 1901-08. Of the present board of trustees, James Woodburn is president. Three local preachers, H. K. Hostet- ter, Albert Coe, Mortimer Coe. George Welsh is superintendent of the Sunday school, assisted by seventeen teachers. Mrs. A. C. Randall has the primary department. Five subsidiary societies, all flourishing, Epworth league, Junior league, Ladies' Aid, Women's Foreign Missionary, and Men's Brother-
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hood. On the building committee of the new church were Dr. Hill, C. E. Bensinger, J. P. Overholser, N. G. Van Sant, John Wagner, Isaac Bressler, A. C. Randall, George Beebe, C. H. Woodburn, and the pastor.
THE FIRST BAPTIST.
Ye purifying waters, swell! In mellow tones rang out a bell; Though faith alone in Christ can save, Man must be plunged beneath the wave, To show the world unfaltering faith In what the sacred Scripture saith ;
O, swell, ye rising waters, swell! Pealed out the clear-toned Baptist bell .- Bungay.
In common with the other churches, the Baptists had their time of struggle, beginning in June, 1856, with eleven members. Jesse Rosenberger, George Nichols, and Mrs. Phebe Worthington were among the charter mem- bers. The latter still living at nearly 96. Rev. H. H. Haff was in charge from June to September, 1856, and in November, Rev. J. T. Mason began a noble ministry which continued to 1880. The first services were held in Boynton's hall. In the choir was C. B. Smith with his violin. He studied law, and died in Mt. Carroll. The late A. A. Terrell was the polite usher. The First church, a diminutive brick with two windows on a side was erected in 1857. Mr. Mason humorously called it a kitchen, hoping for a larger addition, which came in 1865. As the congregation steadily increased, the present structure with its two towers was built in 1873. Many improvements have been made since, the last being a handsome organ, which rises back of the pulpit, and gives a cathedral effect to the whole interior. Mr. Mason's labors were abund- ant. His face was radiant on the street. Every winter he held protracted meetings, and in the spring soon as the ice had moved out, classes of converts were baptized at the foot of some avenue. He had a charge in Amboy after leaving here. His widow returned after his death, and worships in the sanc- tuary he did so much to establish. Rev. O. R. Thomas from Pennsylvania is the eleventh pastor in the pulpit. Among the later ministers pleasantly remembered are W. B. Morris, Dr. A. L. Wilkinson, vigorous and intellectual, and James A. Pierce, who was seized with a violent illness from which he never recovered. He was held in high regard by all demominations, and a fund was gathered for the benefit of the family.
Facing Central Park, the church has the most desirable situation in the city. An earnest congregation. The present pastor, O. R. Thomas, is from Pennsylvania. The total membership is 240, 85 men, 155 women. In the Sunday school 165 young people, and all singers. W. S. Adams is clerk of the church body, and the deacons are G. P. Perry, W. S. Adams, W. H. Bar- num, W. S. Frey, I. M. Phillips. Wilbur Barnum is superintendent of the Sunday school. Miss May Adams is president of B. Y. P. U. Mrs. I. M. Phillips of the Missionary Society. Mrs. Jenkins of the Ladies' Benevolent Society. The organist of the church is Miss Mabel Philips.
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THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
In deeds of love, excel, excel !
Chimed out from ivied towers a bell, This is the church not built in sands; Emblem of one not built with hands;
Its forms and sacred rites revere; Come, worship here, come, worship here!
In ritual and faith excel ! Chimed out the Episcopalian bell .- Bungay.
In 1856 at the request of a few earnest disciples of the church of Bishop Heber and Jeremy Taylor, Bishop Whitehouse appointed Rev. Mr. Down- ing, of Dixon, to hold services in Sterling. Just a little band, but they were loyal. Mr. and Mrs. Simpson, with their family, B. Fluelling, Sidney Osmer, Gabriel Davis, Mrs. Wm. McCune. Mr. Downing came every second Sunday afternoon, and the Lutherans kindly offered the use of their small white church on the edge of town. He was entertained by Gabriel Davis. In time services were held in Wallace hall. It was decided to build a church, subscriptions were generously made, and in the spring of 1865, Dr. Clarkson, of Chicago, laid the corner stone of Grace church, First avenue and Fourth street. The original cost was $14,000, but subsequent improvements have ma- terially increased that amount. The young society began to grow, and the seven original communicants were soon surrounded by a numerous congrega- tion. Among the later additions were Mrs. Coblentz, Nelson Maxson and wife, John Pricc, D. F. Batcheller, Lorenzo Hapgood. For many years, Gabriel Davis and Lorenzo Hapgood were senior wardens. In the vestry were W. A. Sanborn, M. S. Henry, and others. Rev. O. B. Thayer, formerly a Methodist, was the first rector. Dec. 11, 1864, at the first confirmation, Bishop Whitehouse confirmed thirty candidates. A succession of rectors after Mr. Thayer. Among them Gierlow, Goodhue, Lloyd, Root, Joss, Bate. Rev. J. E. Goodhue was here twice, much beloved, and his memory is precious. He was called to a charge in Newark, N. Y., and died there a few years ago. Gierlow died in St. Louis. The visits of Bishop Whitehouse to the parish are fondly recalled. Mr. and Mrs. Hapgood always entertained him at their brick cottage on Second avenue, and the next morning after confirmation, friends were invited to call. It was an informal reception. The bishop was an accomplished gentleman, not only theologian, but scholar, traveler, lin- guist, and so admirable a talker that you had only to ask a question, and he would pour forth a stream of delightful incident and comment. A hard worker. All Illinois was then his diocese.
During the rectorship of Mr. Bate, 1902, a spacious parish house was erccted in rear of the church by the munificence of John S. Miller, a promi- nent member. Within the last few years, especially since the coming of the present rector, many costly additions have been made to the original structure. Interior decoration, new pews, a fine organ, the elevation of the spire, a chime of bells, gift of the Greenoughs, western extension of the nave. In all its appointments, Grace church is a model of chaste ecclesiastical beauty and
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fitness. On all holy days and public occasions, the chimes ring out their notes of joy and solemn reminder.
Rev. Edwin Weary, the present rector, under whom the parish is enjoy- ing a high degree of prosperity, celebrated the silver jubilee of his ordination to the ministry, Oct. 18, 1882, in Grace church in 1907 on the same date. The interior was charmingly decorated with palms and flowers. Rev. G. S. Hinkle, Waterloo, Iowa, preached the sermon. The choir rendered a pro- gram of select music. · A reception after the service to all in attendance, and in the evening; also, at the parish house, to Rev. and Mrs. Weary, who is an un- tiring assistant in everything connected with the social and general work of the church. Following a congratulatory address by Rev. Mr. Whitcomb, St. Luke's, Dixon, Frank J. Bowman, esq., presented the rector and wife a gift of $50 from the congregation, $25 to represent the past term of activity, and the other $25 in hopeful anticipation of a similar term to come. To all the addresses, Mr. Weary replied in his usual happy manner.
Few rectors of his age, and he is only in the prime of life, have seen so much strenuous service. Soon after his ordination in 1882, he took charge of missions on the Labrador coast among the Esquimaux and other missions in Canada. In 1893 Mr. Weary came to the United States, and at the close of eight years in East Liverpool, Ohio, a membership increased from 100 to 375 communicants, and a handsome stone church, were positive proofs that his labors were abundantly prospcred.
The vestry consists of Frank Taylor, senior warden; John S. Miller, junior warden; William Dougherty, clerk; Harry Werle, financial secretary; Capt. A. H. Hershey, Frank Bowman, J. A. Kilgour, William Martell, A. M. Clapp, N. Gaulrapp. There are 121 communicants, 64 scholars in the Sunday school, of which Mr. Weary is superintendent. Mr. Weary came to Grace church in the spring of 1905.
THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL. I love thy church, O God! Her walls before thee stand .- Timothy Dwight.
Dr. Dwight has a good many followers who love the old church, and carry their preference to their homes in the West. A feeble folk in Sterling in 1857. Ten persons met April 17, at the Boynton House to consult: L. B. Wetherbee, A. McMoore, M. H. Hinsdale, William Mckinney, Francis Macey, Joel S. Wilcox, David and Abel Holbrook, Joshua Mckinney, Nathan Williams. On June 21, the church was formally organized with thirty mem- bers. Commercial Hall was used that winter, and in May, 1859, a room on second floor of Central block was engaged. Various supplies until Rev. U. W. Small was installed Sept. 22, 1859. His wife was Miss Gillman, a teacher imbued with the spirit of her alma mater, Mt. Holyoke and Mary Lyon. A · lot was bought on Second avenue, between Third and Fourth streets, and a frame church was erected in 1864, which was enlarged in 1870. But a mod- ern structure was found to be necessary, and on April 24, 1898, was dedicated the present magnificent temple with its stately tower. Organ, furniture, glass,
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all the equipments in the highest style of art. Prof. Samuel Ives Curtiss, D. D., preached the sermon in the morning, and in the evening, Rev. Martin Post, former pastor, spoke the message. The best musicians of the city rendered selections from the great composers of sacred song.
The special exercises continued really four days, beginning with an organ and vocal concert on Friday, and closing with a social evening on Tues- day. At the fellowship service, addresses were made by Rev. Emanuel Brown, Lutheran, Rev. William Carter, Presbyterian; Rev. J. A. Matlack, Methodist ; Rev. W. B. Morris, Baptist; Rev. Silas Jones, Christian, and Rev. B. R. . Schultze, Evangelical.
The next striking event was the jubilee from June 16 to June 21, 1907, to commemorate fifty years of development, 1857-1907. On Sunday the ser- mon was by Rev. Martin Post, the scripture lesson by Dr. Boardman, and the prayer by Rev. E. W. Clarke, all former pastors. On Sunday evening a fellowship service with the Rock Falls church, and a paper by C. A. Wetherbee on the history of the church. On Friday afternoon, there were greetings by the Sterling pastors, and in the evening talks by early ministers of the society. Of the twelve members who met in 1857 in the Second ward school to consider organization, Mr. and Mrs. John Harpham are still in regu- lar attendance. The oldest and most prominent of the original group was Joshua Mckinney, who died in 1907. Among the later members, no one has taken a more active part in the affairs of the church, and, indeed, in every good enterprise, than J. K. Chester. Much of the musical prestige of this church is due to the skill and perseverance of Miss Ella Richards, who for a long time has had the direction of the choir. Frequent recitals are a favorite feature, as well as vesper services.
Of all the former pastors, Martin Post left the deepest impress upon the congregation from his long residence and earnest spirit. In a letter written at Atlantic City, January, 1894, he says in giving his resignation: "Next April will complete 28 years since I first saw Sterling, Deacon Mckinney and a few others, and with the return of June it will be ten years since I began my second pastorate. Our relations have always been delightful. You re- ceived me with all my weaknesses and deficiencies, and I have sought to give you my best. To me and my family, your sympathy has been unfailing, and now, though the pastoral bond be sundered, the one bond, most precious of all, our common love of the Savior, will never be sundered."
Rev. Theodore Crowl, D. D., has ministered to the large and intelligent congregation of five hundred members since 1894. Both he and his excel- lent family occupy a prominent place in the social life of the community. J. K. Chester is superintendent of the Sunday school of 320 scholars. Of the six deacons, J. K. Chester, Dr. Gordon, W. W. Haskell, Prof. Austin, C. A. Wetherbee. S. P. Giddings is the dean.
ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH.
Saints below with heart and voice, Still in songs of praise rejoice.
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. The Catholics in Sterling at an early day were obliged, like the other societies, to meet for worship in the courthouse. Sol Seely recalls the wonder with which the. natives gazed at the imposing ceremonies of the ancient church as conducted by a visiting priest. The first services were by a French priest from Iowa. About 1853 organization was effected, and services were held regularly thenceforth. In June, 1863, Rev. John Daly became first resident pastor, and the first child whose baptism is recorded in the register was Dominic Eagon. He was followed in May, 1876, by Rev. M. J. Byrne. May, 1878, came Rev. C. J. O'Callaghan; February, 1889, Rev. Thos. Quig- ley ; March, 1889, Rev. P. McMahon; May, 1892, Rev. R. H. McGuire, and in October, 1893, Rev. J. J. Bennett, who has remained ever since.
The congregation has had its struggles and changes. The first church was erected of brick in 1868 on the corner of Second avenue and Fifth street, and was transferred in time to the Christian church, which now meets there for regular worship. The old Presbyterian church on Fourth street, left vacant by the erection of a new edifice, was purchased in 1879, and services held there until the completion of the stately new structure in 1900. The rectory on the south was added in 1901. In some respects the most imposing ecclesiastical property in the city, with the wide front on B avenue, the broad concrete steps and platform at the entrance, and the spire with bells soaring heavenward. The style is Gothic. This handsome church and earnest people 'owe much to the judgment and perseverance of Father Ben- nett, who at sixty-four has given his best years to the parish. He began his · preliminary studies at St. Joseph's college, Bardstown, Ky., and received his final diploma at St. Mary's College, Emmittsburg, Md. He was ordained at Chicago in 1874 by Bishop Foley, labored 14 years at Braidwood, and in 1907 celebrated the 33d anniversary of his elevation to the priesthood.
St. Mary's has about 172 families and several societies. The Altar So- ciety for various beneficent needs of the church. The Junior Society, consist- ing of girls from quite young to sixteen, and the Senior Sodality of young ladies from sixteen upwards. The Cadets are composed of boys from six to sixteen, whose motto is temperance and purity, with about ninety members. The regular temperance society of sixty men, who are ready to do battle for total abstinence and clean living. 'The altar ladies are a force, numbering 172 members, abundant in good works. The name of the parish was changed from St. Patrick's to avoid confusion, as several St. Patricks, are already in the vicinity.
CHURCH OF THE SACRED HEART.
O sacred head, now wounded, With grief and shame bowed down.
-Bernard of Clairvaux.
On the corner of First avenue and Seventh street this handsome church of the German Catholics rears its stately spire, with a melodious bell that peals welcome music every Sunday to saint and sinner. The corner stone was laid in 1884 by Archbishop Feehan of Chicago. The building committee was Henry Flock, Adam Hutten, V. Schiffmacher, N. Gaulrapp, Henry Weber. The
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church was organized in 1870, and at first the Germans and Irish held services together. The first services were held in Bressler's hall, 1870, with only thirty familics. In 1875 the frame church was built, now used as a schoolhouse. Under Pastor Beineke, afterwards, the parochial residence and sisters' house were erected. The first resident priest was Schamoni, an Italian. Rev. Father Henry M. Fegers came in February, 1885, and the church has enjoyed a steady growth. There are eighty families in membership, and various associa- tions to assist in religious work, the married ladies' altar society, the young ladies' and the young men's societies, as well as the Knights of Columbus and the Knights of America. In the school conducted by the Sisters of St. Fran- cis, one hundred children are enrolled.
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