USA > Wisconsin > Eau Claire County > History of Eau Claire county, Wisconsin, past and present; including an account of the cities, towns and villages of the county > Part 50
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First Methodist Church. The first known gathering of Meth- odists in this city was a prayer meeting held in the house of D. S. Hastings, in the Fall of 1857, which was continned weekly until the arrival of Rev. William Darnell, who organized a class of twelve members, viz: Samuel Wells and wife, D. S. Hastings and wife, William Martin and wife, Riley Martin, Mr. Congdon and wife, B. C. Dunn and wife, Mary A. Silvers. The services were held at first in the Presbyterian church, and later in the school house. Rev. Chauncey Hobart was the presiding elder, and in 1860 the charge was divided into East and West Eau Claire, with Rev. E. C. Cobban pastor of the former and Rev. W. A. Chambers pastor of the latter. A lot on South Barstow street was secured by subscription in 1863, and the foundation stone of the church edifice was laid by the Rev. Isaac Springer, then pastor. The building was completed in 1868 and dedicated February 9, the sermon on that occasion being preached by Rev. J. M. Chaffee. During the pastorate of Rev. C. R. Kellerman the building was enlarged to meet the increasing membership. Parsonage lots were secured and the building begun between 1868 and 1870 under the auspices of Rev. G. D. Brown. In the Spring of 1891, the trustees under the leadership of Rev. S. W. Trousdale, began improve- ments on the church building, making a new front, and providing a parlor, dining room and kitchen, which greatly increased its beauty, convenience and utility.
In 1892 there was but one charter member living, Mrs. M. G. Dunn, who has since passed beyond. At that time the member- ship numbered 149, eighty-three of whom had joined the church during the three years and a half. In 1908 the church building was destroyed by fire and a new edifice was constructed on the corner of Gray and Farwell streets at a cost of $13,000.00. It is admirably equipped for church work in all lines of service, and
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is a source of joy to the loyal membership, which now numbers 185. The large progressive Sabbath School, the Epworth League, the Junior League, comprising most promising material for the coming church, and the Ladies' Aid Society are all recognized as strong elements in the strong life of this strong, Christian organization.
First Congregational Church. In October, 1856, Rev. A. Kidder came on a vacation trip from his pastorate in Western New York and stopped at this place, then a village of ten or twelve houses on the east side of the river and three or four on the west. He was invited to preach to the people on the first Sabbath, in what was afterwards the bar room of a hotel, and again on the next Sabbath, October 19, when he received a unanimous request at a public meeting called for the pur- pose to remain and organize a Congregational church. He accepted the invitation, the usual legal steps were taken, trus- tees chosen, and on December 19, 1856, the First Congregational church was organized, consisting of seven members: Mr. Thomas Barland, Mr. Elias Ketcham, Mr. Gilbert E. Porter, Mrs. Hunt- ington, Mrs. Ellen Ketcham, Mrs. Harriet Ketcham and Rev. Alberoni Kidder. A building 16 x 24 feet of green, rough boards, with board roof, was erected to be used as a church and school- house. In this structure on the East Side, and in an unfin- ished room over a store on the West Side, regular Sabbath serv- ices were held until the next Autumn, when Reed's block was finished and a convenient hall in the second story used. The Rev. R. Hall, superintendent of Missions for Western Wisconsin, in the winter of 1856 and '7, approved of the work done, and secured for Mr. Kidder a commission from the American Home Missionary Society.
A subscription was started in the Spring of 1857 for a build- ing for a house of worship, the site corner of Barstow and Emery was donated by Chapman, Thorp & Co. Lumber was given in generous measure by mill owners and lumbermen on both sides of the river, the whole community was enthusiastic and liberal, and in spite of the financial crisis of that year the church was completed in the fall. It was, by common consent, to be used by both societies alternately, for in July of this year a Presby- terian church had been organized by Rev. Mr. McNair, but the population was steadily increasing ; there was room for the labors of both pastors, and, in March, 1858, Mr. Kidder, with the con- currence of his church, proposed to take the west side of the river for their field and leave the east side with the church build-
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ing to the Presbyterians. To this they agreed and entire har- mony has prevailed between the two brotherhoods through the ensuing years. It now became necessary to build another taber- nacle, and again was shown the noble spirit which animated the pioneers. Steps were taken at once, the lot on the northwest corner of Broadway and Third avenue was donated by Adin Randall, an active early settler who gave much to aid the grow- ing village during his short life here. The people were zealous and "had a mind to work" (see Nehemiah iv :6), and a sufficient sum of money was raised to put up and enclose a building 40 x 60 fcet, but the prostration of business at that time made it impossi- ble to do more until the Spring of 1859, when by the persistent efforts of pastor and people the work was resumed. The Church Building Society furnished three hundred dollars and the church was dedicated free of debt in December, 1859. Rev. J. C. Sher- win, Missionary Superintendent of Missions in Northwest Wis- consin, preached the sermon. Meanwhile church services had been held regularly in the school house on the corner of Broad- way and Fifth avenue.
Mr. Kidder resigned the pastorate of this church in 1862, but continued missionary work in the Chippewa Valley for many years, organizing churches at Mondovi, Augusta, Osseo, Bloomer, Durand and other places. He was pastor of the Mondovi church while still residing at Eau Claire for eight years, and of the Durand church for nine years after its formation. He was beloved and honored in district and state conventions through- out Wisconsin, and in many parishes where, in later years, he was called "Father Kidder" with reverent affection. He died at his home in Eau Claire in March, 1905, at the age of ninety- one years, with a clear mind and holding a sure faith in the constant upward movement of humanity and an eternity of service beyond the veil.
Mr. Kidder was succeeded in the Eau Claire Congregational church by Rev. B. A. Spaulding, who was compelled by impaired health to resign after one year. His successor, Rev. George Spaulding, served the church acceptably for five years, and was followed in 1869 by Rev. J. F. Dudley. Under him this became the leading Congregational church in this part of the state. From 1872 to 1884 he was stated clerk of the Northwestern district convention of Congregational churches and an acknowledged leader of that body, and for ten years was president of the State Home Missionary Society. Three times during his pastorate here the state convention met in this church, and in this period
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a fine new house of worship was built on the site of the old one. It is of Dunville stone, the auditorium has a seating capacity of six hundred, the lecture and Sunday School rooms are of modern style and well furnished, and the cost of the building was $40,000.00. It was dedicated in January, 1887.
In August, 1895, Mr. Dudley resigned the pastorate, having accepted a call to the First Congregational church of Fargo, North Dakota. Ilis ministry of twenty-six years had been in the highest degree instructive and uplifting to both church and city, and the love and esteem of those who knew him grew stronger with every year. After his departure the pulpit was supplied for six months by Rev. F. B. Doe, then for two years by Rev. T. C. Hunt. Rev. J. W. Frizzell was pastor from January, 1898, to August, 1905. He was a strong personality, an able, warm- hearted, earnest worker, an interesting speaker and a vigorous, logical thinker. The membership increased during his pastorate, and his active concern in civic and industrial conditions, and all that tended toward the betterment of mankind made him a valued citizen and leader. Rev. J. R. Pike succeeded Dr. Frizzell in 1905, and for four years was a sincere, cultured, spiritual leader, excelling in organization and introducing new and useful methods into Sunday School and other departments.
Grace Lutheran Church. This church was organized January, 1910, with 137 charter members and a Sunday School of eleven teachers and 100 pupils. The enrollment is now-1914-thirty- nine teachers and 360 pupils and the congregation numbers 453. There is a prosperous Ladies' Aid Society of seventy-five mem- bers, a Men's Club, Young People's Society, a Philathea Bible class of sixty-six members and a Baraca Bible class of thirty-five. The property at Grand and Second avenues and the parish house thereon are paid for, and when the proposed church building is erected on this location the church will be fully equipped. The Rev. H. M. Thompson, the first pastor, received his degree from St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota, taught four years in Pleasant View College, Ottawa, Illinois, and after three years of theological study was ordained and installed as pastor of this church on June 19, 1910. His work in the upbuilding of the church activities has been most efficient and greatly appreciated by his people. It is with their sincere regret that he now accepts a position as president of Pleasant View Lutheran College at Ottawa, Illinois, and they are compelled to choose another pastor.
The Swedish Lutheran Immanual Church. The first Swedish people who came to Eau Claire were Nels Gustaf Anderson and
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his sister, who came here in 1856. After that time a few settled down here from time to time. In 1876 Rev. J. Magny from Svea, Minnesota, visited our city and found a few Swedish families and conducted services now and then until 1883, when he organized the present congregation. Rev. J. E. Nedberg, at that time a student from our school at Rock Island, Illinois, took up the church work and continued it for some time. In 1886 Mr. Nord- strom started a subscription to raise funds for the erection of the church building and succeeded so well that the work of erection was begun in the summer and completed in 1887. Rev. P. Norstrom was the first ordained and duly called pastor of the church, remaining here two years-1887 and 1889. After him came Rev. C. A. Bar, who worked faithfully as pastor of the church for a period of nine years from 1890 to 1899, and was succeeded by Rev. A. A. Jacobson, who labored very faithfully for two years. Then Rev. C. O. Lundquist was called to take charge and remained over four years. In 1909 Rev. Julius C. Lorimer, the present pastor, entered on his duties as pastor. The congregation has a good church; parsonage and Luther hall. valued at $10,500, free of debt. The church numbers 350 mem- bers, has two Sunday schools, a Ladies' Aid, Men's Society. Dorcas Society, Luther League and Young Peoples Society.
The First Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church, of Ean Claire, was organized February 1, 1864, with a congregation of twenty-one heads of families or about fifty souls. The first pastor was Rev. L. Norem, of Elk Mound, who held occasional services in a small school house on the corner of Barstow and Wisconsin streets, until the winter of 1865, when Rev. Ammon Johnson, of the Springfield (Illinois) Theological Seminary, was installed as settled pastor. A school house was built and used as a church in 1868 on the lot where the church now stands on Hudson street and Fifth avenue. In 1869 Mr. J. G. Thorp donated a lot on the corner of Wisconsin and Dewey streets, and a church building was finished and dedicated in 1873. The congregation at that time felt the need of a parochial school for their children, and Robert Sather, afterward county clerk of the county, took charge of it and did successful work for nine years. As member- ship grew those on the west side decided that they should have a building of their own for divine service. The funds were raised, the school house was removed and sold, and in its place a church was huilt in 1872. After eleven years of successful labor, and witnessing the prosperous growth of the church he had established, Mr. Johnson was called to Aurelia, Iowa. Rev.
CHANDLER HOUSE
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J. Hoyrne was called from Menomonie in 1876, and was pastor imtil 1894, and president of the church at large until his death in 1902. On January 1, 1894, the Rev. Peder Tangjerd succeeded and is still in charge. The membership is over two thousand, an increase of over 600 since 1894. This is the oldest Norwegian congregation in Eau Claire county, and is in a flourishing condition. On January 4, 1910, a new church called Grace English Lutheran Congregation was organized by the English speaking members of the First Lutheran Evangelical church.
Our Saviour's Scandinavian Lutheran Church, of Eau Claire, was founded April 22, 1876, by Rev. Dr. H. G. Stub, of the Luther Seminary, St. Paul, who represented the Norwegian Lutheran synod in America. The first minister to the church was the Rev. L. P. Dietrichson, of Chicago, Illinois, who began his services during 1876. The early members of the church were M. J. Argard, Louis Everson, C. P. Johnson, John Kragstad, Even Olson, J. O. Gilbert, Mads Aobren, Robert H. Segler, Ole Anderson, John C. Nelson, A. M. Johnson, A. R. Bergh. C. Berg, H. R. Kjorstad, P. O. Lochen, Magne Olson, A. P. Martensen, H. Ulstrup, J. Reid, Soren Johnson, A. Pederson and Ole P. Onstad. In the summer of 1877 the congregation purchased a lot on Oxford avenue and Fulton street and erected their church. It was built by the Phoenix Manfacturing Company at a cost of $2,653.00, and was dedicated October 14, 1877. A school house was built on the church lot in the summer of 1881, which became the parochial sehool of the church, and when an evening school was begun for teaching the English language to Scandinavians many citizens contributed generously to the undertaking. The Rev. Mr. Dietrichson was succeeded in 1879 by Rev. Harald Haakenson, who served five years. His successor, Rev. U. B. Hermstard, remained three years and was followed by Rev. J. W. Treus in 1887. In the summer of that year a parsonage was built on the church lot at an outlay of $1,500. Rev. J. W. Preus was succeeded in May, 1899, by the Rev. Oluf S. Rygg, the present pastor. The sacristy within the church was built during the sum- mer of 1899 and in 1900 its pipe organ was purchased. In 1901 the church was repaired, painted and new windows furnished at a cost of $1,000. In 1905 $500 was expended in repairing and improving the parsonage. In 1906 and '7 cement sidewalks were laid about the premises at a cost of nearly $500. In 1911 the old school building was sold and a larger one of brick and cement was erected at an expense of $6,500. The second story
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of this Guild hall is a concert and lecture hall and library. The basement will contain a large dining room, kitchen, furnace room, etc. The present membership is about 600, communicants 375, an increase of 183 under the administration of Rev. Mr. Rygg. In connection with the church are a Men's Club, a Ladies' Aid Society, Young Peoples' Society, two church choirs and "Will- ing Workers," a society of small girls. Mrs. Rygg is organist and choir instructor.
The Epiphany Evangelical Lutheran Church, of Eau Claire, was founded in October, 1895, by Rev. Edward Sylvester, with a membership of about twelve families. The church, a frame building with a seating capacity of 150 was erected under his supervision at a cost of $1,500. The parsonage was built in 1900 at a cost of $1,200. In 1904 Rev. Mr. Sylvester was suc- ceeded by the present pastor, Rev. Theodore Laetsch. Under his administration extensive improvements have been made in both church and parsonage, an organ valued at $1,200 bas been pur- chased, and a furnace heating plant at $325. The basement has been enlarged and fitted up for use of the Young People's Society and for social purposes, and an addition made to the parsonage at a cost of $925. The total valuation of the church property is $10,000. Present membership fifty-five families, or 350 souls.
The First Church of Christ, Scientist. On May 11, 1891, at the close of a class which was taught by one of Mrs. Eddy's students the Eau Claire Christian Science Society was organized for the purpose of holding regular Sunday services, and these have been held since that time. In July, 1894, another of Mrs. Eddy's students was called to this field, and the following year, on January 5, 1895, the Church of Christ, Scientist, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, was legally organized and incorporated under the laws of the state of Wisconsin. The church was later called The First Church of Christ, Scientist. On April 12, 1898, the building on the corner of Gray and Farwell streets was purchased from the Unity church, and on April 12, 1905, the final payment was made, and a clear title acquired in exactly seven years. Since that date many improvements have been made inside and outside. A reading room and Sunday school have been main- tained, as also yearly lectures, and much time devoted to the work in many ways. These labors in behalf of the cause they love so well were recognized and commended by Mary Baker Eddy in a letter received by one of her students in the class of 1899 :
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" 'Pleasant View,' Concord, New Hampshire, July 15, 1909.
"My Beloved Body Guard: Your brief, brave, tender lines of loyalty to truth are reassuring to the woman in the wilderness. Like song of birds at evening, they reach my ear and heart. God bless you, dear ones, and accept my thanks and prayer for your prosperity to be continued. With love, Mother,
"M. B. EDDY."
The church is prospering under the able leadership of Rev. Martin Sindell.
Christ Episcopal Church. The first services of the Episcopal church of which at present we can find any record were held in the dining room of the Eau Claire House, in the summer of 1858, by the Rev. A. B. Peabody, a missionary of the church residing at Star Prairie in St. Croix county. Robert Tolles was the only communicant of the church who was present. On the evening of June 21, 1858, at a meeting of persons favorable to the building of an Episcopal church in the village of Eau Claire, the same being held in the school house, the following officers were elected : Mr. E. A. Frear, senior warden; Mr. N. B. Boyden, junior warden, and Messrs. D. R. Moon, W. G. Bridges, J. A. Grey. A. Meggett. C. M. Seeley and George Mulks, vestrymen. In the journal of Bishop Kemper, the first bishop of Wisconsin, we obtained the following: "On the 14th of July, 1861, at Eau Claire, I baptized James IIenry and Emma Cora, children of James and Anna Bonell." The bishop also states that he held services and preached. For eight years after the election of the first vestry only occasional services were held, sometimes in the Eau Claire House and at other times in a hall or the home of Mr. James Bonell.
In 1866 the parish was made a mission and the Rev. C. II. Hendley was placed in charge. Ile was the first missionary who had a residence in the city and regular services were held, but at the close of 1867 he left and once more the church people had to depend upon occasional services, mostly held in the Reed boarding house. On May 1, 1870, the Rev. R. F. G. Page took charge of the mission. Services were held in Marston hall and in the old Universalist church building. This building stood on the land which is now occupied by the chancel of Christ churen. The cause for the removal from Marston's hall was the destruc- tion of the building by fire. This was a great calamity to the mission. as all the books and furniture, including a valuable
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cabinet organ was destroyed. The struggles and perseverance of the members of the church in those days are a matter of his- tory and something to be admired. To compensate them for the difficulties and obstacles with which they had to contend for so many years they were at last able to secure sufficient subscrip- tions to justify them in commencing the erection of a long desired home of their own. July 7, 1873, lots 3 and 4, block 14, were purchased, and the cornerstone of the first church was laid by the Rt. Rev. William Edmond Armitage, S. T. D., assisted by the Rev. M. L. Kern, rector of Zion church, "Chippewa Falls, and the missionary, Rev. R. F. G. Page, on September 10, 1873. This was the last official aet of Bishop Armitage. The mission pro- gressed rapidly under the ministration of Mr. Page, who was greatly beloved and respected throughout the whole community. It was indeed a severe blow when he sent in his resignation to the bishop in the month of August, 1874, and removed to the diocese of Illinois. The Rev. Peter Brown Morrison, B. D., was appointed to the mission on September 13, 1874, and immediately entered upon his duties. The first official act of the third bishop of Wisconsin, the Rt. Rev. Edward Randolph Welles, S. T. D., was to deliver a sermon in the hall on Barstow street the first week Mr. Morrison took charge. In the same hall on Friday, October 8, 1875, the bishop being present, the convocation of LaCrosse was organized and the first services of the convoca- tion held.
Mr. Morrison undertook to complete the church building, which had remained incomplete since Mr. Page's departure. The work of building upon the foundation commenced August 3, 1875. On Sunday, the 14th day of November, 1875, the church being ready for nse, though still incomplete, it was occupied for the first time. The sermon was preached by the missionary from the text I Kings, chapter 8, verse 27. The Rev. W. H. H. Ross, of Grace church, Menomonie, assisted in the services. Bishop Welles visited the new church on Tuesday, October 12, 1876, and in his diary wrote: "At 3:30 p. m., after a brief service read by the Rev. Mr. Kern, of Chippewa Falls, and the Rev. Mr. Page, of Baldwin, I preached in the new church at Christ Church mis- sion, Eau Claire. At 6:30 p. m. preached, confirmed and addressed a class of seven persons presented by the rector. The new church at Eau Claire when entirely finished will be among the most beautiful churches in the diocese. It has been built at a great cost of self-denial, especially on the part of the devoted missionaries." Of the first services held in the new church the
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missionary wrote: "There was a large congregation present, and all happy to be in their own." One of the great joys of the missionary was to be able to place in the chancel over the altar a handsome memorial window to the two former bishops of the diocese under whom he had labored in the Master's vineyard. This memorial was made possible by the offerings of the Sun- day school. During his ministry Mr. Morrison did a great deal of missionary work in the neighboring towns and villages, notably at Menomonie, Baldwin, Rice Lake, Black River Falls, Durand and Tiffany Creek. He established a mission at Altoona, and later during the year 1884 to 1886 had charge of the same along with the North Side mission at Eau Claire. After a rectorship of three and one-half years Mr. Morrison resigned the charge of Christ church, the resignation took effect March 22, 1878. After the departure of this priest, who had labored with great self-sacrifice for the building up of the mission, services were maintained by the Rev. S. Y. Ynndt, rector of Christ church, Chippewa Falls, who gave us alternate services from his own parish.
It was not until April 8, 1880, that the parish again obtained a resident priest. On that day the Rev. Joel Clarke took charge. He was a man of brilliant qualifications and many improvements in the interior of the church were made through his efforts. IIis rectorship ended probably about September 14, 1882. Bishop Welles brought the Rev. Henry H. Skinner to Eau Claire on December 8, 1882, and at a reception held in the church base- ment introduced him to the church people assembled, and placed him in charge for six months from date. The Rev. Charles S. Starkweather, B. D., took charge on September 1, 1883, and after a very successful pastorate resigned on September 30, 1884. The Rev. Reginald Heber Weller, Jr., B. D., the present bishop of Fond du Lac, was elected rector and entered upon his duties on the 30th day of September, 1884. During his incumbency the last mortgage on the parish property was cancelled. He also introdneed much to improve the beauty and solemnity of the worship, and the quiet dignity and spiritual uplift which are the chief marks of the services today are greatly attributable to him. He resigned September 29, 1888.
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