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         The Presbyterian society is the oldest religious body in Mechanicsville, having been organized February 2, 1856. The first edifice was erected in 1856, and was replaced, in 1867, by the building now occupied. The first regularly appointed Pastor was Rev. R. Boag, who came here in 1863 and remained until 1868. He was succeeded by Rev. J. W. Knott, 1868-71; Rev. E. R. Brown, 1871-75; Rev. W. A. Ward, 1875-77; and the present Pastor, Rev. E. P. Wells, who entered upon his duties early in 1878. The present membership is 160.

         The Methodist Episcopal Church, which now has a membership of 160, was the next earliest religious society in this town. It was for many years a part of the old Pioneer Circuit, which embraced a large part of Linn County, and was organized as far back as 1840. The records are somewhat deficient on the subject of subdivision. The present Pastor is Rev. J. H. Hayward.

         The First Baptist Church of Mechanicsville was organized January 1, 1868, and recognized June 25th of the same year, with the following constituent members: James Leach, John Jackson, Uri Lee, Gilman S. Burleigh, Charles F. Golding, George Golding, Miss Sophia Golding, Miss Eunice Cook, Mrs. P. P. Golding and Mrs. Eliza O. Lee. The first Pastor was Rev. E. C. . . .

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. . . Edwards, called in June, 1869, and retired after one year’s service. Rev. G. W. Lewis occupied the pulpit from February 18, 1871, to October 1, 1872. Rev. H. N. Millard, the present Pastor, was chosen to that office September 1, 1875. The society dedicated a brick edifice June 10, 1877, and is prosperous, with a membership of 60.

         The Roman Catholic Society was founded in 1861, Rev. Father Lowry, of Cedar Rapids, holding quarterly services in the house of Mr. Burke. The present organization was effected in February, 1873. Their church edifice was finished in September, 1874. Prior to the completion of the church, services were held in Helmer’s Hall, during 1872, and in Wait’s Hall in 1873. Rev. William Downey, in 1872-3, Rev. E. O’Sullivan, in 1874-5-6, and Rev. Charles McCabe, from 1876 to the present time, complete the list of resident priests. About thirty families are communicants.