History of Maquoketa Baptist Church

BROWN, SCOTT, HOLMES

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 12/1/2007 at 17:29:45

Historical Sketches of Iowa Baptists
Burdette Company, Burlington, Iowa, 1886

The history of the Maquoketa Church was given. Organized in 1848, the first pastor was Charles E. Brown. He was succeeded in 1851 by Rev. George Scott, and he by Rev. O.A.Holmes in 1853 or 1854. Brother Holmes continued 5 or 6 years, and 1859 removed to Webster City to begin many years of most useful service in the newer fields of the Upper Des Moines and Iowa Valley Associations.

In May, 1859, the house of worship of the Maquoketa Church was entirely destroyed by fire. The lot had to be sold to pay a debt, and dark days set in. The day of adversity was set over against the day of prosperity. But the Church, though cast down, was not destroyed. The last year of Brother Holmes' pastorate the Church had reported 115 members. In 1861 they were reduced to 74. Subsequently they prospered again and were able, in 1867 or 1868, to purchase of the Presbyterians a comfortable brick building, in which again to "keep house for the Lord."