USA > Wisconsin > Fond du Lac County > Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, past and present, Volume I > Part 41
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This school is exclusively for girls and young ladies. They may enter at twelve years of age and are prepared for any college they may elect. Four courses of study are offered: the Ancient Classical, Latin Scientific, Modern Classical and English. These are carried through the sophomore year as pur- sued at the university, with additional advantages in German and French. Ex- tended courses are provided in piano forte, violin and vocal music, elocution and voice culture. A well equipped art studio gives advantages in drawing, char- coal, antique, still life, water color, oil painting and art illustrating. A course is also offered in art needle work.
SISTERS OF THE HOLY NATIVITY
The convent of the Sisters of the Holy Nativity, situated on East Division street, Fond du Lac, is a branch house of the order which is located at Provi- dence, Rhode Island, and of which the present bishop of Fond du Lac was the founder. The Sisterhood was organized in Boston, in 1882, removing to Prov- idence in 1888. The works in which the Sisters are engaged are various. Some are engaged in parish work, others in assisting priests in giving missions, others are devoted to ecclesiastical embroidery, and others are engaged in literary work, having produced such helpful books as "Our Family Ways," and "The New Creation." The Fond du Lac branch was established in 1890, the house which was formerly the Amory residence having been presented to the Sisters by one of their associates. The Sister in charge of this branch is Sister Rebecca, S. H.
CATHOLIC HOME FOR THE AGED
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GRAFTON HALL, FOND DU LAC
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HISTORY OF FOND DU LAC COUNTY
N., under whose direction most of the western work of the Sisters is managed. From the Fond du Lac house Sisters have been sent at different times to most of the parishes and missions in the diocese, teaching, visiting, supplying books, holding informal meetings, opening Sunday schools and giving Bible talks to congregations gathered in farm houses, kitchens or schoolhouses.
CATHEDRAL CHOIR SCHOOL
The Cathedral Choir School stands unique among the private schools of the country. It is founded upon the plan of the choir schools in England, with an endowment which enables it to receive boys at a great reduction in price of tuition. In return they render a service of singing in St. Paul's cathe- dral. Besides the choristers proper, a few other boys are admitted, as also in the English choir schools. One or two free scholarships, covering board and tuition, are given to boys with very fine voices and able to do solo work. With this musical exception, the education is the same as at other schools. Boys are prepared for college or for business, but special encouragement is given to the study of the classics.
The buildings are entirely modern, equipped with hot and cold water, heated by steam and lighted by gas and electricity. The advantages offered are a thor- ough education in a first class school at a very low rate of tuition.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
On the 26th day of February, 1855, in Fond du Lac, twelve people met to- gether for the purpose of organizing a society, which was named the First Pres- byterian church. These persons, having obtained letters of dismissal from the First Congregational church of the city, constituted the charter membership and were as follows: Erastus W. Drury and wife, Deborah Van Patten Drury ; Daniel R. Van Dyne and wife, Phebe; James Monroe Gillet and wife, Emeline E .; William Jones and wife, Elizabeth; Joseph S. Trigg and wife, Susanna; Mary Ann Broady and Mrs. Rebecca Smith. Of this number Mrs. Emeline E. Gillet, of Appleton, Wisconsin, is now the only survivor. Regular prayer meet- ings were held in the homes of the members, and occasional preaching services were held, first in Darling's hall at the corner of Main and First streets, and afterwards in the Marr Street schoolhouse. Eventually a building was erected on the southeast corner of Main and Rees streets, the ground and building cost- ing $7,000. The city, having in a few years grown to the south instead of the north, the congregation decided to move the church, and on the first Sunday in December, 1865, the congregation was settled at the new location, on the south- east corner of Sheboygan and Wingate (now Marr), streets, which has since been its permanent home, although additions and improvements have been made.
The church has prospered and now has a membership of 175, while the Sun- day school numbers 120 members. There are also a Woman's Society, Woman's Missionary Society and Deborah Society, all in flourishing condition. On the 26th of February, 1905, the church celebrated its fiftieth anniversary.
The pastors who have served the church from the time of its organization to the present are: Rev. Reuben Frame who began his labors as stated supply Vol. I-22
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HISTORY OF FOND DU LAC COUNTY
April 1, 1855, and served until February, 1858, when, on account of lack of funds, he was relieved from the service and the church was then without a pastor until April 1, 1860, when Rev. Henry M. Robertson came as stated supply, serving as such until January 24, 1861. On the 4th of February, of the latter year, he became the regular pastor, serving until September 26, 1866. Thomas G. Smith became pastor April 17, 1866, serving until March 31, 1874. His successor was Rev. Thomas C. Kirkwood, who served from May 19, 1874, to December 20, 1878. For ten months the church was without a pastor, the pulpit being sup- plied by various ministers. Rev. Donald Dross became stated supply October 20, 1879, and remained until May 17, 1881. Since then the pastors have been : John P. Hale, June 16, 1881-June 1, 1886; Joseph A. Milburn, July 13, 1887- June 9, 1890; John Baltzly, December 30, 1890-June 9, 1896; William H. Iliff, November 10, 1896-March 27, 1897; A. C. V. Skinner, September 10, 1897-June 20, 1898; A. W. Bill, October 16, 1898-April 1, 1900; Louis P. Peeke, June 20, 1900-June 20, 1911 ; James Edgar Wilson, September 1, 1911, who is the present pastor.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
A few people met in the Franklin schoolhouse on East Main street, near what is now Third street, May 21, 1845, and consummated the organization of what has since been known as the First Baptist church. The charter members included David Spafford, Hannah Spafford, Hannah J. Spafford, Wanton Hall, Fanny Hall, Adah Peck, Sarah Ann Stevens, Henry Conklin and Mary Conklin. The first meetings were held in this schoolhouse and a little later usually were held in Taycheedah, the members constituting this society mostly living in that neighborhood. During the first four months the congregation had no regular pastor but on the 4th of November, 1845, Rev. Henry .Hovey was called to the pulpit. He served until the following year and on the 10th of November, 1846, was succeeded by Rev. W. H. Card, who served the church until 1850, his suc- cessor being Rev. Samuel Cornelius, who served from 1850 until 1855. It was during his pastorate that plans were made for the erection of a house of wor- ship, the initial step in this direction being taken August 16, 1851. The funds, however, were soon exhausted and in order to complete the building, Rev. Corne- lius went east to secure money for this purpose. He obtained in this way a thousand dollars and this, with an additional amount subscribed by the mem- bers, completed the building, which was dedicated December 29, 1853. This. was a frame structure and stood on the corner of Forest avenue and Union street, serving the needs of the congregation for more than a half century.
In August, 1859, the Taycheedah congregation disbanded and thirteen of the number applied for admission into the church at Fond du Lac. From this time on the church continued to grow and in time the building proved entirely inade- quate to the needs of the membership, so that in 1906 steps were taken toward the erection of a new structure, the cornerstone of which was laid May 28th of that year. The building was finished and dedicated April 21, 1907, the dedicatory ser- mon being delivered by Rev. L. A. Crandall, of Minneapolis. The building, lo- cated on the northwest corner of Macy and First streets, is a handsome structure built in Gothic style of architecture, the outer walls being of vitrified brick. of chocolate color, with Bedford stone trimmings. The windows are of opales-
NEW ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH, FOND DU LAC
NEW FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, FOND DU LAC
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HISTORY OF FOND DU LAC COUNTY
cent glass in green and brown. In 1911 a pipe organ was installed. The cost of the building, including the site, was $30,000. The main auditorium has a seating capacity of 300, and this room, which can be thrown into the Sunday school room, seats 600. The present membership numbers 375, while the Sun- day school has an enrollment of 200. There is also a Young People's Union with a membership of 100, in addition to a Woman's Missionary Society num- bering 50. The church is supported entirely by voluntary subscription.
The pastors who have served the church from the date of its organization to the present time are: Revs. Henry Hovey, 1845-46; W. H. Card, 1846-50; Samuel Cornelius, 1850-55; R. Jerrard, 1855-56; C. H. Remington, 1856-57; J. B. Rogers, 1859-61 ; Dr. Nisbet, 1862-71 ; A. A. Drown, 1872-76; F. A. Marsh, 1877-80; Y. S. Martin, 1880-82; W. W. Pattengill, 1884-90; T. V. Caulkins, 1890-98; William Gray, February, 1898 to April, 1898; Henry Happell, August, 1898-June, 1903; H. C. Miller, 1903-12. The present pastor, Rev. P. G. Van Zandt, assumed charge on the Ist of April, 1912.
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
This society was organized in a schoolhouse on Main street, July 19, 1846, under the supervision of Rev. Stephen Peet. There were nine charter members, as follows: Jerry Homiston and Mary, his wife; James Wright and Martha, his wife; William Carey and Polly Ann, his wife; Mrs. S. S. N. Fuller ; Mrs. Margaret Perry ; and Amanda Bannister.
Meetings were held in the schoolhouse in which the organization was effected, but there was no regular pastor until September, 1846, when Rev. L. C. Spafford assumed pastoral charge and remained until the fall of 1852. In December, 1846, Deacon K. Gillet and Hon. James M. Gillet, with their families, nine mem- bers, joined the church.
In February, 1847, steps were taken toward the erection of a house of wor- ship, and for this purpose Dr. Mason C. Darling deeded a lot on the corner of Marr and Second streets, on which a small frame building was erected, but owing to the lack of funds this was not completed and ready for occupancy until March, 1850, and even then the interior was unfinished. This building cost the congregation $900. However, during the construction of this building, the old schoolhouse having burned, and the courthouse having been built, services were held therein until the new church could be occupied.
In 1853 Rev. Silas Hawley assumed charged of the church. Early in this year several members withdrew to form a Presbyterian denomination, but this organization was not consummated until in 1856, when thirty-seven more mem- bers applied for letters of dismissal and with those who had previously left the church formed a society afterward known as Plymouth church. About this time Rev. Hawley resigned and Rev. E. Brown filled the pulpit for six months thereafter, his successor being Rev. W. A. Baldwin, who remained two years. In the meantime the Congregational people had begun the erection of a stone building on Forest avenue, which was later used as a grist mill. The walls had reached the height of fifteen feet, when the division in the congregation occurred and the half finished church was sold.
The Plymouth congregation built a chapel on the corner of First and Macy
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HISTORY OF FOND DU LAC COUNTY
streets, and under the pastoral charge of Rev. W. L. Mather, occupied the same four years, at the end of which time the two congregations reunited and wor- shiped in Plymouth chapel. The old building on Marr and Second streets was sold to the Free Baptist society and Rev. R. H. Williamson was chosen pastor of the reunited congregations, remaining in charge four years. Rev. C. W. Camp assumed charge in July, 1863. By this time the church proved inadequate to the needs of the growing congregation and in 1865 a movement was begun for the erection of a new building and as a result, a fine brick structure on the corner of Sheboygan and Wingate (now Marr) streets, was dedicated in the month of October, 1869, at a cost of $37,634, not including the furnishings. This house of worship served the congregation for more than forty years but on the night of September 25. 1908, it was destroyed by fire. In the following year steps were taken toward the erection of a new and handsome edifice, the same being dedicated on Sunday, March 6, 1910. In style of architecture the building is Romanesque. It stands on a solid granite foundation, and the walls are of red granite, with brown stone trimmings. The main floor of the auditorium has a seating capacity of 500 and the balcony will accommodate an additional 250. The interior is beautifully finished and furnished and is conveniently arranged for banquets and social gatherings as well as for the regular church services, having parlors, kitchen, cloak rooms, etc. A recreation hall is also located in the basement, which serves as the headquarters of the Knights of King Arthur, as well as for the simpler forms of athletics. Many memorials have been presented to the church in the way of windows, furniture, etc., but perhaps the largest gift is the splendid pipe organ, presented by Phinelan B. and Ellen D. Haber, in memory of their daughter, Marie Dickinson Haber, who died May 22, 1896. The entire cost of the building, including the organ and furnishings, is $53,000, of which $13,000 was received from the insurance on the old building, while the remaining $40,000 was raised by the congregation six weeks prior to the dedication of the building.
As previously stated, the first pastor to serve the reorganized congregation was Rev. R. H. Williamson, who remained four years. His successors have been as follows: Revs. C. W. Camp, 1863-68; Arthur Little, 1868-78; E. M. Betts, 1878-81; John Safford, 1881-85; Samuel T. Kidder, 1885-92; David L. Holbrook, 1892-99; Joseph H. Chandler, 1900-07; Lewis H. Keller, 1908 to the present time, 1912.
DIVISION STREET METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
The Division Street Methodist church claims the distinction of being the pioneer religious organization in the city of Fond du Lac. The first sermon ever preached in the city was November 17, 1839, in the home of Dr. Mason C. Darling, a log structure, by Rev. Jesse Halsted. At that time there were not more than three hundred people in the entire county of Fond du Lac. After that year no regular services were held until 1843, in which year Rev. H. S. Brunson was appointed to take charge of what then constituted Fond du Lac circuit, which covered a wide area of territory. Prior to this, however, occasional services had been held by itinerant ministers in private homes. Upon the arrival of Rev. Brunson, he formed an organization in November, 1843, composed of
OLD CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, FOND DU LAC
NEW PLYMOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, FOND DU LAC
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HISTORY OF FOND DU LAC COUNTY
the following members: Charles Olmsted and Sarah B., his wife; D. C. Brooks and Eliza Ann, his wife; Norman Pier and Sarah, his wife; Mrs. Parsons and Francis McCarty. This class was organized in the home of Edward Pier, two miles south of the city. Thereafter regular preaching services were held in the homes of the members until the erection of a schoolhouse on Main street, in 1843. A little later this schoolhouse was removed to Fifth street and con- tinued to be used for religious purposes until it was burned, December 12, 1848. By this time the new courthouse had been built and it was used for religious services until a church was erected.
In 1844 Rev. Joseph Lewis was appointed to the Fond du Lac circuit and remained one year, his successor being Rev. Morgan L. Noble. In 1847, Rev. H. R. Colman became pastor, and it was during his ministry that the first step was taken toward the erection of a house of worship. Rev. Colman remained one year but on account of ill health was forced to resign at the end of that time. His salary for the two years' service was but $400 and he contributed one-fourth of this amount toward the building of the new church. Rev. Henry Requa became pastor in 1849 and remained but one year, being succeeded by Rev. J. S. Prescott, during whose service the church was completed. This build- ing was located on Marr and Third streets, and a mission church, known as the Cotton Street church, a sketch of which is given below, was also erected on Arndt street. The Marr street church was dedicated in 1852 by Bishop Ames.
At this time the circuit was divided and Fond du Lac became a separate charge. Rev. Ezra Tucker becoming the first pastor. The congregation grew as the years passed and by 1863 the church became too small to accommodate the people. However, it was not until July 25, 1865, that Spencer Hall, located on Division street, was purchased and dedicated as a church, the building with the site costing $5,000. The old church building was sold to the German Evangelical society. In 1866, Spencer Hall was raised, and a basement built under it. A tower was also added. The building, 110 X 55 feet, was at that time the largest auditorium in the city, and the total cost, including site and improvements, was $20,000. The dedicatory services were held May 5, 1867, in charge of T. M. Eddy, D. D., of Chicago. From time to time various improvements were made and in 1875 a splendid pipe organ was installed, at a cost of $3,000. This build- ing, located on the northwest corner of Division and Marr streets, has continued to serve the society to the present time, 1912, but plans are now under way for the erection of a handsome new structure.
The pastors who served the church from the time of its organization to the present are : Revs. H. S. Brunson, 1843-44; Joseph Lewis, 1844-45; Morgan L. Noble, 1845-47 ; H. R. Colman, 1847-49; Henry Requa, 1849-50; J. S. Prescott, 1850-52; Ezra Tucker, 1852-53; E. S. Grumley, 1853-55; T. T. Kutchin, 1855- 56; Cyrus Scammon, 1856-57; A. P. Allen, 1857-58; H. B. Crandall, 1858-59; J. T. Hollister, 1859-61; W. Latin, 1861-63; John T. Woodhead, 1863-66; O. J. Cowles, 1866-68; H. C. Tilton, 1868-71; G. C. Haddock, 1871-73; W. W. Case, 1873-75; O. J. Cowles, 1875-77; S. N. Griffith, 1877-79; Sabin Halsey, 1879-82 ; F. S. Stein, 1882-83; John Faville. 1883-85; F. S. Huntington, January, 1886- October, 1886; W. W. Painter. 1886-89; George H. Trevor, 1889-91; W. H. Thompson, 1891-92 ; William Clark, 1892-94 ; George H. Trevor, 1894-95; H. W. Thompson, 1895-96; R. W. Bosworth, 1896-99; Sabin Halsey, 1899-1905; H. F.
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HISTORY OF FOND DU LAC COUNTY
Wiltsie, 1905-07 ; John Lloyd, 1907-09; Walter A. Hall, 1909, who is the present pastor.
COTTON STREET METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
In 1850, there being some funds left after the erection of the church on the corner of Marr and Third streets, and as there were a number of Methodist people living in what was known as Lower Town, a small mission or chapel was erected on Arndt street. This building was later used by the Presbyterians as a mission. The original intention of the Marr street Methodists seems to have been merely to furnish those of their faith living in Lower Town with a place for holding class meetings and Sunday school, rather than for regular services of a permanent organization, as this section of the city was growing very rapidly, owing to the fact that the principal mills and factories were there located. The first step taken toward the erection of this church on Arndt street was at a meet- ing of the officers of the Marr street church, held at the residence of J. J. Driggs, July 15, 1850, the meeting being presided over by Rev. J. S. Prescott. This building was completed and dedicated in October, 1852, the service being in charge of Rev. W. G. Miller. About this time the conference was in session in the church on Marr street and Rev. M. Himebaugh was appointed as its first pas- tor. In 1853 Rev. Himebaugh was succeeded by Rev. W. Spell, who remained two years, and he in turn was succeeded by Rev. J. C. Robbins in 1855, who remained for a period of two years. In 1857 Rev. T. C. Golden assumed pastoral charge. About this time the city began to grow to the south and this caused a great decrease in the congregation, so that the society was not self supporting and Rev. Golden resigned. The few members who were left then attended ser- vices at the church on Marr and Division streets until 1859, when the conference appointed to this charge Rev. H. R. Colman, a brother of Hon. Elihu Colman, a prominent attorney of early times. At the end of one year, however, in 1860, the society united with the congregation on Marr street, remaining with it until the fall of 1866, when, desirous of again having a separate organization the mem- bers of the former Arndt street church withdrew and Rev. M. D. Warner was appointed as their pastor. Under his able administration the number of members was greatly increased and the edifice, no longer large enough to accommodate the people, was sold to the Presbyterians and moved from its former site. The mill men and manufacturers took a very active part in the erection of a new church, which was built on Cotton and Juneau streets, and was dedicated in 1868. It is of red brick, built at a cost of $15,000. A neat parsonage stands on an adjoining lot.
The present membership of the church numbers about 120, while the Sunday school numbers about 125 members. There is also an Epworth League and a Ladies' Aid Society.
The list of pastors who have served from the time of organization to the pres- ent are : Matthias Himebaugh, 1852-53; William Spell, 1853-55; James C. Rob- bins, 1855-57 ; Thomas C. Golden, 1857-58; Henry Colman, 1859-60; Marshall D. Warner, 1866-68; John Hill, 1868-69; William H. Windom, 1869-71 ; George Fel- lows, 1871-72; C. R. Pattee, 1872-73; J. T. Woodhead, 1873-75; W. R. Jones, 1875-76; John Faville, 1876-77 ; J. Scott Davis, 1877-78; C. D. Pillsbury, 1878-79 ; W. D. Ames, 1879-80 ; Hiram Curtis, 1880-81 ; W. H. Sampson, 1881-82; A. M.
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HISTORY OF FOND DU LAC COUNTY
Bullock, 1882-86; W. H. Hollister, 1886-87; Robert Sherwin, 1887-88; James H. Tippet, 1888-89; Stephen Smith, 1889-90; C. M. Starkweather, 1890-92; G. F. Reynolds, 1892-96; G. S. Parish, 1896-97; W. F. Iliff, June to September, 1897 ; W. M. Newing, 1897-98; F. E. Bauchop, 1898-99; J. E. Manning, 1899-1901; W. J. Perry, 1901-02; Stephen Smith, 1902-04; W. H. Leaman, 1904-05; J. H. Paul, 1905-08; C. I. Andrews, 1908-09; Anton Hatlestad, 1909, and the present pastor, 1912.
The churches in North Fond du Lac and Taycheedah are also connected with this charge and are served by the same pastor. They have only small congrega- tions, each numbering only about twenty members. Each church also maintains a Sunday school. The church at Taycheedah is the oldest house of worship in the county now standing.
GERMAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
This society was organized in 1859 in connection with the English Methodist Episcopal church, at which time it was a part of the Northwest conference, but since 1871 has been identified with the Chicago German conference. Among the first members were Joseph Grebe, Margaretha Goetz, Maria Roehr, Catharine Bucher. Emma Musgat, William Volkland, Frederich Wegel, Friedericka Wegel, Sophia Schmidt, Henriette Hartmann, Maria Schmidt, Friederich Eckel, Elizabeth Reineck, Maria Grandt, Christina Kuebler, Henry Lay.
In connection with this charge there are churches in the towns of Friendship and Eldorado and one in Parsonage City. The church property is valued at $10,000, and the membership numbers 106.
From the time this society has been a separate organization to the present time it has been served by the following pastors : Christian Wenz, 1862-65 ; Henry Wegner, 1865-68; his assistants were Friedrich Gottschalk, 1865-66; Conrad Eberhardt, 1866-67; Charles Thalheim, 1867-68; Charles G. Becker, 1868-69; John Schnell, 1869-70; Peter Schaefer, 1870-74; Ernst G. H. Fitzner, 1874-77; Carl Iwert, 1877-79; William Schmutzler, 1879-81; from that time until 1886 the records do not show who served the church; in that year and until 1888, John Beinert ; again from that time until 1891 there is no record of pastors given; H. Karnopp, 1891-93; Benhard Becher, 1893-98; John D. Meyer, 1898-1900; Ferdi- nand A. Bose, 1901-02; Emil Klawiter, 1902-04; William F. Beyer, 1904-06; F. W. Kracher, 1906-07; F. G. Ruff, 1907-08; A. H. Kopplin, 1908, and who is the present pastor in 1912. A. Seffern is the assistant pastor.
ZION AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
was organized early in the '60s, and in 1867 the members put up a brick edifice for religious purposes, on the corner of River and Eleventh streets. The first pastor was Rev. S. Hutchinson, and the present pastor is James A. Darey.
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