SECTION V.
THE CHURCH AND ITS ORGANIZATIONS
submitted by Lynn McCleary, February 13, 2011, pages 184-235

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One of the most impressive features among the early settlers of this county is the personal attempt to keep alive the teachings and customs of their former homes in the religious sense. Their absolute dependence upon the divine favor and support in all their undertakings, speaking generally, shows itself in their very early movements to establish church services and religious training for the young of the families. This was before the time of such pressing affairs of business and intensity of labor that occupies such a prominent place in our present daily struggles, and before men had placed other affairs in advance of their religious obligations. True, there were many indications of the wild frontier with its accompanying lawlessness and roughness, but it is not necessary to make a nice line of distinction to establish the general principle of the chapter under discussion.

As one of the earliest comers refers to those times in the following language: In the midst of the innocent pleasures of these days God was not forgotten. The people came for miles to attend services in some log school house, some humble dwelling of similar construction or in the groves in the summer seasons. They sang the old songs familiar to the entire country then but, alas! forgotten now. 147   The pioneer preacher was on the ground, himself a settler. It is affirmed by those who should be good authority that Rev. Martin Baker preached the first sermon in this county. He is said to have been a zealous Christian worker, a man who scorned wrong-doing and who fought for the right amidst the greatest difficulties.

Col. Henry Hardman's house in Rochester township was the very earliest house in the county to be used for both church and educational purposes. For all good purposes that seems to have been a center. Here Chauncey Hobart organized his flock. Solomon Ingham traveled up and down the Cedar Valley, a hero of the Cross among the pioneers, and died only within the decade in Tama County. Rev. Robert Porter was among the early ministers of the Presbyterian church. Robert Carothers, who followed him, became the superintendent of the college for the blind later in life. The Congregational church was the first to have a settled pastor, Rev. Alden, a member of the home missionary society. 148   All these successors will appear in the individual histories of the county church records.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

The first meeting in behalf of a Presbyterian church in Cedar County was held at Red Oak Grove, March 1, 1841. At that time one was organized by Rev. M. Hummer, an itinerant missionary, with ten members and two ruling elders, under the title of "The Presbyterian Church of Red Oak Grove." From March, 1841, to October, 1847, the number of communicants was increased by occasional ministerial supplies to twenty-two. Then for more than three years the church seemed to be stationary, having no services.

On January 26, 1851, public notice was given in the M. E. church at Tipton, that those favorable to the Presbyterian church would meet at the court house February 8th, at 2 o'clock p. m., to organize a Presbyterian Society, to purchase a lot and erect a house of worship. During the year twenty-seven members were added to the organization.

From September 1, 1851, to May 1, 1858, a period of nearly seven years, Rev. Geo. D. Porter, by invitation commenced and continued his ministerial labors as a stated supply for the united congregations of Red Oak and Tipton. During this period ninety-two persons were added to the church, seven upon examination and eighty-five upon certificates, about thirteen annually. June 25, 1854, the new brick church which had been built in Tipton was dedicated. In the meantime the session of the church had been occasionally enlarged also as the necessities of the church required. About seven baptisms were annually performed, and $250 annually raised. From May, 1858, to June, 1860, the church was again without a minister.

After this the Red Oak and Tipton congregations were divided. We find the following resolution recorded under date of February 27, 1860, at a congregational meeting of the church at Tipton:

"Resolved, that instead of a united call from the Tipton and Red Oak churches for the pastoral labors of Rev. Robert Carothers, the call be from the Tipton church, and that we request Presbytery at its next session to apportion the time of preaching between the two churches."

Rev. R. Carothers being thus called, and having accepted the call, commenced his labors at Tipton in June, 1860, was installed as pastor of the church at Tipton July 14, 1860, and continued his pastoral labors until June 26, 1866, a period of six years, when he resigned his charge. During this period sixty-two persons were added to the church, twenty-six on examination and thirty-six on certificate, or about ten annually; forty-two baptisms were performed, or seven annually; and $4,358.50 were raised for various religious objects, at home and abroad, or $726.41 annually.

On November 1, 1866, Rev. D. L. Hughes accepted a call and began his labors, and on November 28th he was regularly installed. Fourteen members of the church, including one ruling elder, were dismissed May 27, 1867, to form another Presbyterian organization at New York Prairie, leaving a membership in the church at Tipton of seventy-eight, including three ruling elders, viz., John Ferguson, Wm. Kettell and Dr. C. L. Chambers.

The Hebron church was organized October, 1870, continuing to exist until April, 1878.

Rev. E. L. Dodder succeeded Mr. Hughes, being installed November 8, 1870. In September, 1873, James Newcom, P. W. Neiman, and J. B. Piatt were ordained elders in place of Kettell, Shearer, and Chambers, resigned. Rev. Chas. Axtell came to the pastorate January, 1874, and the present house of worship was built in 1876, at a cost of $4,000. In February, 1880, the old elders, Shearer, Chambers and Kettell, were restored. Under Mr. Hughes the largest number of the church roll was 85; under Mr. Dodder, 82; under Mr. Axtell, 117. 149   Rev. A. C. Brown became pastor in 1882, who served the church until January, 1888, when O. D. Langfitt was appointed by the Presbytery to fill the pulpit until a pastor was called. In April of this year R. C. Townsend became the pastor and it was during his pastorate that the church celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. At that time a brief historical address was given of the half century which had elapsed since the Red Oak organization. This pastor remained until 1892, and not until 1894 was a regular minister again in charge, when W. W. Johnson was chosen. He resigned in 1900. Rev. Conybeare was called to this charge in 1900 and served until succeeded by Rev. McCaslin in 1904.

At the anniversary celebration referred to above the former pastors were invited to be present and several responded. One of the first members of the church in Red Oak, Mrs. Carl, was an interested listener.

In 1896 the church building was rebuilt in its present form, the improvements costing about four thousand dollars. A pipe organ became the property of the congregation in 1904.

The first movement of the Presbyterians to form an organization is set forth here verbatim

"Public notice having been given three weeks previous, a number of members of the Presbyterian church met in Red Oak Grove for the purpose of taking into consideration the practicability of forming a Presbyterian church in the county. After much conversation and deliberation on the subject it was unanimously


"Resolved, that a church be now organized in this place according to directions in the form of government of the Presbyterian church in the United States of America, to be denominated the Presbyterian Church of Red Oak Grove.


"The following named persons then presented letters, and gave satisfactory evidence of their being members of this church in good and regular standing, viz.: Robert Dallas, Miss Sarah Dallas, John Ferguson, Mrs. Isabella Ferguson, John Safley, John Chappell, Robert Pirie, Mrs. Elizabeth Pirie, Samuel Yule, and Mrs. Elizabeth, wife of Charles Dallas. John Safley and John Ferguson were unanimously elected ruling elders in this church and were accordingly ordained and installed. Session then met and was constituted with prayer, and received on examination Mrs. Elizabeth, wife of John Safley. The session was then closed with prayer. The sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered on the Sabbath by Rev. M. Mummer, itinerant missionary.


"(Signed) M. HUMMER, Clerk of the Session. "Red Oak Grove, Cedar County, March 1st, 1841."

The articles of incorporation of the Presbyterian Church of Tipton were filed for record on the sixteenth day of October, 1860, at 12 m., and recorded in Book A (record blurred) of deeds, at page, 408, Samuel Wampler, Recorder.

These were acknowledged by C. Curtiss, Notary and Attorney at Law.

A church was organized at the New York school house in January, 1867, which continued until it disbanded in 1877 at the request of its membership. There are no minutes of this church after 1874. It had at one time a membership of thirty-two. 150  

More than fifty years ago there was a little aggregation of houses in the western extremity of the territory, now the seat of Mechanicsville, and the surrounding prairies were dotted with dwellings few and far between. Church privileges were rare. The Methodists had established the church of Pioneer Grove, which had been transferred to Mechanicsville.

Among these early settlers were a number of Presbyterians from Pennsylvania and Ohio. Through their persuasion the Rev. Geo. D. Porter began preaching about 1853 in the school house which occupied the present site of Wm. Johnson's residence, on the corner where one turns to the cemetery. Rev. Porter came from the Tipton charge, which had been first established at Red Oak. After holding services here for two years the Presbytery of Cedar organized in that school house the eighteenth of November, 1855, the Presbyterian church of Mechanicsville, with twenty-four members. Andrew Elliott and William Potter were the first elders. Of the original members two only remained at the fortieth anniversary—Mrs. Mary Bardue and Mrs. Mary Jordan.

Rev. Porter preached here until 1857, but remained for ten years in the county. Rev. A. S. Thorne followed Mr. Porter, and he served this appointment in connection with that of Lisbon. Later he went as a missionary to the Indians and when heard from at the fortieth anniversary of the church he was at Forest City, S. D. During the ministry of Mr. Thorne the church grew to forty members and a building was erected on Main street, just north of the present location of the school building. This was used about nine years. In 1858 the Rev. Robert Boag, a Scotch-Irishman fresh from Canada, succeeded Rev. Thorne. For ten years he served this church in connection with Red Oak and Lisbon. This was during the trying period of the war, when he stood bravely for his adopted county. Under his ministry the people built a new house of worship in 1866.

In 1868 J. W. Knott came from the seminary to the work of the church here, and he was followed in 1871 by E. R. Brown, who sent a letter full of enthusiasm to the congregation at the time of their observance of their fortieth anniversary. In the letters of these pastors to the charge they formerly served they make mention of the faithful friends of former years, among whom are mentioned the names of Mr. Sharp, Maj. Jones, and Dr. Keith. In the years following the pastors were Revs. Ward, Wells, Henry McMeekin, the latter of whom, it is said, "will long be remembered for his abstracted manner, his decided opinions, and the eloquence of the sermons in which he always gave good measure, heaped up, pressed down and running over."

Rev. N. H. Downing, who had served Clarence, and who was again there in the nineties, was pastor here from 1883-1886. For a short period following him Rev. Moffat, and then for a single year the Rev. J. H. Cooper, who helped to build the parsonage, occupied the pulpit. J. W. Hubbard came in 1889, and it was during his pastorate that the history of the church was brought down to date, and it is from that discourse and data furnished by the present pastor, Rev. A. P. Cooper, that these facts are gathered. The years from 1897 to the present time have been under the pastorates of Revs. Sears, Triem, and Cooper, as mentioned.

The new church was built in 1906, the corner stone being laid on July 4 of that year, and the dedication occurring in October. The cost then was about $11,000 and the total property value to date is $13,000. Rev. A. P. Cooper became pastor in 1905 and therefore has seen these improvements and had charge of their completion. An interesting fact in connection with the church building is that every dollar was subscribed, the last one three days before dedication. The members of committees not mentioned include the names of J. W. Thomas, Howard Elliott, S. T. Buell, and Alexander Moffit.

At the anniversary celebration held in 1895, a letter was read from the widow of the first pastor, 1853-7, Mrs. Porter, whose name is associated with the Presbyterian churches in this county, not only in one locality. 151  

During the period of building the congregation used the opera hall, which continued until October, 1906, when the exercises of dedication were fully described in the papers of the county. Two former pastors were present at this time, Revs. Hubbard of Mount Vernon and Triem of Woodbine, Iowa. 152  

The church building of the present is one of the most substantial in the county and is a fine structure both in appearance and accommodation, having all modern improvements. The present membership numbers one hundred and twenty-eight. The elders are William Thomas, August H. Pieper, William Henderson, Sr., Alexander Robertson, and Benjamin Hill.

The Presbyterian Church of West Branch, Iowa, was organized May 8, 1877, by a committee of Iowa City Presbytery, composed of Rev. C. P. Spinning, Rev. A. Porter, and Elder Z. King.

At 8 o'clock in the evening, in the Friends' Meeting-house, Rev. C. P. Spinning preached a sermon from the text found in Matt. 13: 33; after which the church was organized with the following charter members: Mr. Wm. Brown, Mrs. Harriet Brown, Miss Ella Brown, Mr. John Brown, Miss Mary Brown, Miss Emma Brown, Mrs. Eleanor Brown, Mr. Robert Brown, Miss Mary Ann Brown, Mr. Robert H. Smith, Mrs. Francis A. Smith, Mr. James McClister, Mrs. Elizabeth McClister, Miss Anna Jamison, Miss M. E. Bray, Mrs. A. Winterbottom, Mrs. Mary A. Crosland, Mr. Willis Atkins, Mr. Samuel Wood, Mr. D. E. McClelland, Mrs. Cornelia P. McClellan, Mrs. John H. Crosland, twenty-two in all.

William Brown, D. E. McClellan, and Willis Atkins were elected the first ruling elders, and were ordained and installed May 20, 1877, by Rev. J. P. Schell, pastor of Scott Church in Johnson County, who had previously signified his willingness to serve the young church until more satisfactory arrangements could be made.

Steps were immediately taken toward the erection of a house of worship, which was built during the summer, and dedicated November 11, 1877, Rev. F. A. Shearer, of West Liberty, preaching the sermon. The total cost of building and lot was a little over $2,000. The same building, having been repaired from time to time, is still in use by the congregation.

Early in 1878 Rev. J. P. Schell notified the congregation that he could not continue to serve them, and steps were taken to group West Branch with Fairview Church. Rev. A. M. Heizer took charge of this double field in October, 1878.

The following ministers have served the church:
          James P. Schell, May 8, 1877-1878.
          A. M. Heizer, October 1, 1878-September, 1880.
          George B. Smith, January, 1881-July 1, 1885.
          Joseph R. Cheeseman, November 15, 1885-September 11, 1889.
          G. H. Hemingway, November 1, 1889-1892.
          Geo. Furniss, November 1, 1892-1902.
          D. Wallace McMillan, 1902-1903.
          David Brown, 1903-1905.
          Alexander Gilmore, 1905-1907.
          William A. Montgomery, 1907.

The following persons have served as ruling elders:
          William Brown, 1877-1898.
          D. E. McClellan, 1877-1909.
          Willis Atkins, 1877-1886.
          J. M. Lindsley, 1888-1903.
          Benjamin Yetter, 1888-1889.
          J. E. Myers, 1890-1901.
          H. J. Forsyth, 1896-1901.
          D. M. Dixon, 1898.
          William Bremner, 1898-1904.
          O. C. Pennock, 1905.
          Jas. A. Cochran, 1910.
          F. H. Battey, 1910. 153 

Upon the solicitation of numerous residents who had previously been members of the Presbyterian body elsewhere, the Rev. George D. Porter of Tipton, Iowa, had held preaching services at intervals for some time prior to the spring of 1855 at the Sugar Creek school house and at other places in Sugar Creek township, Cedar County, Iowa. These meetings had been well attended and considerable interest had been manifested.

Accordingly a committee consisting of Rev. George D. Porter, Rev. John Hudson, and Elder Starr was appointed by Presbytery to take into consideration the organization of a church. This committee had an appointed meeting at Sugar Creek school house on June 10, 1855, and proceeded to organize a church to be known as the Sugar Creek Presbyterian church. The original membership consisted of the following persons to-wit: Gibson Agnew, Eleanor Agnew, Amanda Agnew, Alexander Morgan, Jane Morgan, Thomas Johnson, James Cooper, Amanda Cooper, and Sarah Mason. Gibson Agnew, James Cooper and Alexander Morgan were the first ruling elders. To these have since been elected as successors, R. A. McIntyre, William A. Leech, David Moore, Leander Lodge, William S. Agnew, David G. Agnew, Alexander Mayes, James Whitmer, C. F. Port, W. H. Kiser, John S. Agnew, William Kiser, Charles D. Kiser.

The Rev. John Hudson served the church for some time after its organization in the pulpit as a stated supply. In 1858, Rev. Wm. P. Mason of Davenport acted in the same capacity for a period of six consecutive months. In 1859 Rev. Jacob Pentzer began acting as stated supply in connection with the same class of work in the embryo church at Wilton. From this time on the two pastorates have been merged into one and the succession of pastors is the same as that to be hereafter given in our account of the Wilton church. In 1866 the neat and substantial frame church which is now in use was erected at a cost of $2,200, much of the cost being contributed by the members in labor and material.

In the spring of 1860 a committee consisting of Rev. John M. Jones and Rev. E. L. Belding was appointed by the Presbytery of Iowa City to consider the feasibility of forming from the members of the Sugar Creek church who lived at or near Wilton, and from others who desired it, another church body at the town of Wilton. This committee at an appointed meeting held in the school house at Wilton on May 14, 1860, effected the organization of a church to be known as the Presbyterian Church at Wilton, Iowa. 154 

The First Presbyterian Church of Clarence was first organized at Onion Grove as the First Presbyterian Church of Dayton from its taking the name of the township. This occurred in November, 1860, before the name Clarence was applied to the place. The committee in charge of these services came from the presbytery at Iowa City and consisted of the Revs. Daniel Clark, Geo. D. Young, and Samuel J. Mills. The church originally consisted of six members whose names are:' Wm. Cassie, Mrs. Esther Munro, Mr. Walter and Mrs. Euphemia Shearer, Mrs. Emily Basham and George Stone.

The Rev. Mills had preached in the vicinity for some weeks and was instrumental in forming the organization. Since that time several pastors have served the congregation, some of them for a long period, returning in two cases for the second period of service.

Rev. Mills served the charge from '60 to '63; C. W. Treadwell from '63 to '67 and from '69 to '75; A. K. Baird, '67-68; E. B. Cousins, '76-'77; T. H. Candor, '78-'79; N. H. Downing, '80-'83 and '89 to '93; Wm. Gage, '84-'8s; Thos. G. Pearce, '86-'89; Geo. M. Cummings, '93-'98; J. K. Hall, '99 to 1901; D. M. Ogilvie, 1901-'07; J. L. Cotton, 1907-'08; and the present pastor, Rev. Bach.

The present building was erected in 1882. The former one, built in 1861, was disposed of for useful purposes and part of it now stands on the west of the elevator near the railroad track in Clarence. 155 

"Pleasant Hill" congregation of Cumberland Presbyterian church was located at Pedee. Organized in December, 1849. Here in 1866-67 Rev. R. A. Ferguson held a meeting and their number was increased by one hundred or more members. The membership gradually became fewer until its discontinuance. They had a church building of some pretensions at one time. This church had an organization known as the "Union Valley Church," with Rev. Milo Hobart as pastor. It was established in 1871 with a membership of twenty-three.

METHODIST CHURCH

The history of the Methodist church begins very early. In the latter part of June, 1837, Rev. Barton H. Cartwright, a nephew of the famous Peter Cartwright, preached the first sermon delivered in the Cedar River country. The place was in the cabin of Col. Henry Hardman. About twenty persons were present. There was a common candle stand behind which he stood to preach. As there was no organ or choir he led the singing, lining out the hymns.

During 1838-9 Chauncey and Norris Hobart preached in Washington A. Rigby's house. In 1840 Rev. M. Brace preached at Benjamin Fraseur's, about two miles west of the present site of Tipton.

Rev. Uriah Ferree was the first regular preacher of Spring Rock Mission, as it was first named. This was in 1841. The same year he organized the first Methodist class, of which the following named were members: George Carl and wife, Solomon Aldrich and wife, Washington A. Rigby, Margaret Culbertson, Martha Friend and Flavia Huff. Soon after Callahan Dwigans and wife, Patterson Fleming and wife, and others were added.

October 17, 1841, the first Quarterly Conference was held at Rochester. Bartholomew Weed was Presiding Elder; Uriah Ferree, Preacher in Charge. For the sake of brevity the letters only will be used hereafter. The estimating committee reported $48 table expenses and twelve for house rent. No doubt a large part of the first named sum had its equivalent in produce and other articles which were more plentiful than money.

January 15, 1842, the second Quarterly Conference was held at Col. Hardman's. At the Quarterly meeting in 1857-61 Rev. Samuel Pancoast became P. E.

W. W. Bailey remained as pastor one year, and was followed by E. S. Stout. He had a discussion with Col. Sanford, the Universalist champion. The Methodists thought the former came off victorious, but the Universalists did not think so. This was in 1858. Wm. Lee and A. H. Ames entered the traveling connection.

J. T. Coleman was pastor one year and was followed by S. C. Freer. This brings us to 1861, when Tipton, Bethel and Red Oak were united; Henry Reed, P. E.; Rev. Fellows was, as pastor. In 1862 J. G. Dimmit became P. E. About this time the Bethel Sabbath School was organized. In 1863 Rev. Samuel Pancoast became pastor. Wm. Lee was appointed assistant. Wm. Moorhead's name appears as exhorter in 1864.

In 1865 George Clifford, P. E.; Elias Skinner, P. C. 156  The members of Rochester were attached to the Tipton charge. It is now Iowa City District. J. K. Fuller followed Rev. Clifford as P. E.

December 20, 1866, thirty-one persons were received into full membership, and six by letter. In 1867-69, J. M. Rankin became P. C.

August 28, 1868, the first movement toward building the second church home was made by the purchase of two lots, one from Wm. H. Tuthill for $50, and another from F. W. Hirschfelt for $125. Plans were secured like the Waverly church.

Rev. C. G. Truesdell became P. E. in the fall of 1868. About this time Tipton asked to be again a station by itself. In 1869 J. M. Rankin became P. E. At the same time Uriah Eberhart was made P. C. The Official Board was organized October 18, 1869.

At a meeting of the Board held March 16, 1870, a motion was made and carried that we forthwith proceed to build a church according to the plan spedfied with the addition of a basement. Rev. Eberhart was instructed to procure plans. Five days later he reported three plans from Henry Hatch, one from S. Bossert, and one from W. W. Sanborn of Clinton. One of the plans furnished by Mr. Hatch was chosen. It was after the style of a church in Maine, having a plain front and a center tower. Building committee, John Culbertson, J. W. Bull, and Henry Horn. In 1870 the name of the district was changed from the Iowa City to the Davenport District. J. S. Anderson, P. E.; W. H. Brocksome, P. C. A special meeting of the Official Board was held in the basement of the new church on December 29, 1871, to plan for dedication day. There were present at that meeting W. H. Brocksome, Wm. Lee, J. H. Reigart, S. Aldrich, B. Wildhelm, Henry Horn, J. Culbertson, H. D. Brown, J. W. Bull and J. H. Rothrock. C. L. Longley and C. W. Rollins were appointed secretaries for the day. L. D. Ingman was to act as usher for the south aisle; J. H. Rothrock, W. H. Alden and S. V. Landt for the center aisle; J. O. Westcott and J. W. Bull for the north aisle. For the gallery, B. Wilhelm. Mrs. Martha Culbertson and Mrs. J. H. Rothrock were solicitors at the center door, Mrs. J. W. Westcott at the north and Mrs. Whan at the south door. Rev. A. B. Kendig dedicated the building to sacred uses.

Expended n the building, including furnaces and windows	$8,455.77
Furnishings and chairs	$388.25
Accrued interest	$225.00
Insurance on building	$60.00
Expenses of dedication	$60.00
Two lots	$175.00
Total	$9,364.02

The first bill, five hundred dollars for lumber, was paid by the women of the church. September 9, 1872, the old church was ordered sold to the highest bidder. Mr. D. K. Deardorf became the owner. The name of the district was changed again and was called Mt. Vernon District.

1872-75, Richard Swearingen, P. C. The Woman's Foreign Missionary Society was organized in 1874. October 20, 1875, S. H. Henderson, P. E., and F. C. Wolfe, P. C. It became at that time Cedar Rapids District.

October, 1876, Rev. Emory Miller became P. E. Rev. S. A. Lee served the charge from 1876 to 1879. During that time a large number of men united with the church. R. N. Earhart became P. C. and remained two years. Women became members of the Board of Stewards under his administration. W. B. Frazelle was P. C. from 1881 to 1883. Eugene May served from 1883 to 1885. There was a revival in the Sabbath School during his pastorate. J. T. Crippen was P. E. from 1885 to 1891. W. F. Barclay succeeded Rev. May and remained three years. There was an increase in membership, improvement in the church building and parsonage during his pastorate. Daniel Sheffer was P. C. from 1888 to '91. C. L. Gould was P. C. from 1891 to 1895. The Woman's Home Missionary Society was organized while he was on the charge. He went to Charles City from this place. J. B. Albrook became P. E. at the expiration of J. T. Crippen's term of service. W. W. Carlton P. E. for years. L. U. McKee P. C. from 1895 to 1897. S. W. Heald P. C. from 1897 to 1899. He went from Tipton to Cresco, died at Osage, September 7, 1903. F. P. Shaffer, P. C. from 1899 to 1902. J. G. VanNess succeeded W. W. Carlton as P. E.; R. D. Parsons P. C in 1902.

On and after September, 1842, the name Cedar Circuit was used instead of Spring Rock Mission. April 22, 1843, the name Rock River Conference appears on the records. Henry D. Brown was appointed to confer with the Iowa City brethren about holding a union camp meeting. These were held quite often in the early period of the church's history.

In the fall of the year 1843 Rev- Uriah Ferree (his pastorate having come to a close) desired to attend Conference at Chicago. Money was very scarce, but Brother Preston J. Friend proved "a friend indeed" by giving his last five dollar bill to enable him to make the journey. By stopping with brethren on the way he made out to get there.

November 11, 1843, Quarterly Conference was held at Tipton; Henry W. Reed, P. E.; S. W. Ingham, P. C. In 1844 the list of classes was as follows: Tipton, Red Oak, Hardman's, Moscow, Mosquito Creek, Rochester, and Blaylock Settlement. November 23, 1845, George B. Bowman, P. E.; John Hayden, P. C. The following is on record and is of great value and interest:

"Territory of Iowa, Cedar County. We, the subscribers, and our associates, having united ourselves together as a religious society under the name and style of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Cedar Circuit, Iowa Conference, and located said society in Cedar County aforesaid, having chosen as officers of said society the following named persons, to wit: Solomon Aldrich, William Lee, Henry D. Brown, Ethan C. Crippen, Richard Ransford, Mahan, Circuit Stewards. Henry Hardman, John Boydston, William Lee, Henry D. Brown, Solomon Aldrich, Trustees. Henry D. Brown, Recording Steward.


"Dated this third day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand, eight hundred and forty-six.


"Attested by Henry D. Brown, Recording Steward."


The recorder of Cedar County, Wm. K. Whitelsey, certifies that the above instrument of writing was deposited in the office for record on the 19th day of August, A. D. 1846, at twelve o'clock m., and was recorded in book D, page 298, at Tipton, August 24, 1846."

For want of time and space no adequate history of the Sabbath school can be given. There was a union school organized in Tipton in 1846 by Rev. Ebenezer Alden. Wm. Lee was the first Superintendent. The various committees on missions having failed to report, or having nothing to report, Rev. Hayden was requested to preach a missionary sermon, and take up a collection. This was in 1847. The same year Rev. Joel B. Taylor succeeded Rev. Hayden and Asbury Collins was assistant.

October 14, 1848, Wm. Simpson, P. C. In December of same year a committee of five was appointed to consider the propriety of building a meeting house in Tipton. Brothers Fraseur, Lee, Aldrich, Carl and Betts composed the committee. They evidently thought it the proper thing to do, for the frame was put up in 1849, and enclosed the next year. Wm. Lee went to Muscatine for the lumber and sawed nearly all of it himself. It was a plain frame building and cost about one thousand dollars. It was seated at first with slabs, furnished by Henry D. Brown. These were in use for about two years. The building was never formally dedicated.

In 1854 an addition was built and a cupola put up to hold the first church bell ever brought to Tipton. The citizens gave part of the money to buy it and Mr. John Culbertson secured the balance in New York and Boston. It was bought in Troy, N. Y., and was received in the summer of 1856. The belfry not being in readiness, it was hung in the minister's barn. The sexton rang it for a few weeks by taking hold of the tongue with his hands and striking it against the side of the bell. He struck it too hard one day and broke the bell. It had to be sent back and exchanged for the present one at the expense of the freight.

October 26, 1850, Alcinus Young was P. E. and L. C. Woodford P. C. The Stewards of those days could get released, relieved or excused whenever they tried to as the records show. The Stewards of more modern times would give a pretty penny to be able to do the same.

November 15, 1851, David Worthington became P. E. in place of Alcinus Young, and Ancel Wright P. C. in place of L. C. Woodford. The first Methodist Sabbath School was organized by Rev. Wright in the spring of 1852. The first Superintendent was J. C. Betts. It is said he served continually for fifteen years. As a matter of contrast the first report of this school is here given: Number of officers, 1; teachers, 4; scholars, 40; volumes in library, 70.

The first revival of which the records speak was during the pastorate of Rev. Wright, when over a hundred were converted.

1852 Alcinus Young was the presiding elder. He died March 30, 1876. E. H. Twining. P. C. In 1853, Reuben McCaskey received license as a local preacher. Rev. A. Coleman succeeded Alcinus Young as P. E.; Rev. J. T. Coleman, P. C. Wm. Lee was licensed as a local preacher March 11, 1854. In 1855, Rufus Ricker, P. C. Local preachers, J. W. Kynett, J. B. Huff, and N. Young. July 17, 1857, J. W. Kynett was recommended to the Annual Conference for Local Deacon's Orders. There was a revival while Rev. Ricker was pastor.

At the dedicatory exercises of the present church, it is fitting to say that to Dr. R. D. Parson's pastorate much credit is due for the success of the great enterprise undertaken by the congregation. The cordial union of all interests and the helpful and united spirit of all under his ministry alone made possible the erection of this magnificent edifice. In a sense it will stand as a monument to his long and successful work in the ministry.

Dr. Parsons was born in Hadley, Mass., in 1838 and came to Iowa when a boy with his parents, who settled in Tipton. While a student at Cornell he heard his country's call and enlisted in the famous College Co. D, 44 I. V. I., which was made up of students from Cornell, Iowa Wesleyan, and the State University. After an honorable service as a soldier he resumed his college studies and graduated from Cornell with the class of 1867. His life since that time is a long record of faithful and devoted work in the ministry of the M. E. Church. His first charge was at Lyons, Iowa, and after that, in order, Waverly, Clinton, Cedar Falls, Mt. Vernon, Vinton, Iowa City, Osage, Fayette, Mason City, Manchester, Vinton, Waverly, Maquoketa, and Tipton.

In these thirty-seven years of labor in the Upper Iowa Conference Dr. Parsons has made himself known and loved by thousands of Methodists, and these, together with his fellow ministers and other friends, will share with him the satisfaction and pride he must feel in the great work just accomplished. 157   October 23, 1904, the new Methodist church was dedicated by Bishop John1 W. Hamilton. The sum of eight thousand dollars was raised to complete the payments of twenty-three thousand dollars, the cost of the building and furnishings. The pipe organ was installed at this time. Three separate programs filled the day and evening.

Territory of Iowa, Cedar County — ss:
We, the subscribers, and our associates, having united ourselves together as a religious society under the name and style of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Cedar Circuit, Iowa Conference, and located said society in Cedar County aforesaid, have chosen officers of said society in accordance with our rules the following named persons, to wit:


Henry Hardman	Solomon Aldrich
John Boyston	William Lee
William Lee	Henry D. Brown
Henry D. Brown	Ethan C. Crippen
Solomon Aldrich	Richard Ransford
Trustees	______ Mahan
	Circuit Stewards


Henry D. Brown, Recording Steward.
Dated this third day of July, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred forty-six.

Signatures of the officers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Cedar Circuit, Iowa Conference. Here appear the signatures of the following:

Henry D. Brown	John Boyston,
Solomo Aldrich	William Lee
Henry Hardman	Trustees

The recording steward certifies as follows:

Territory of Iowa, Cedar County — ss:
I, Henry D. Brown, Recording Steward of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of Cedar Circuit, Iowa Conference, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a correct and true abstract of the organization of the said religious society, together with the names and titles of the officers thereof, and attached to which is the true and veritable signatures of each of said officers.
Given under my hand and seal, this third day of July, A. D. 1846.
      Henry D. Brown, (seal)
      Recording Steward.


On the reverse side of the original agreement, now in the hands of Mr. M. H. Miller, the county recorder makes the entry:
Cedar County, I. T.
Recorder's Office — ss:
I certify that the within instrument of writing was deposited in this office for record the 19th day of August, A. D. 1846, at 12 o'clock m., and was recorded in Book D, page 298, at Tipton August 24th, 1846.
      (Signed) Wm. K. Whittlesey, (seal)
      Recorder Cedar County.

CONGREGATIONAL, METHODIST AND UNITED BRETHREN CHURCHES

Three miles west of Tipton there once stood a little red school house where the church people of the early day met together, Congregational, Methodist, and United Brethren, all in earnest and in harmony to establish a strong Sunday School. They came for miles around since this was the only place where such meetings were then held. Of these three groups the United Brethren had the greater number and first erected a church. This was called Zion and was built in 1856.

During the winter of the year in which this was built a most remarkable revival occurred in this neighborhood under the leadership of the pastor of the United Brethren church, Rev. Geo. Miller, assisted by two other men, Rufus Ricker and Wm. Lee, of the M. E. church. Under the influence of the three men and the large growth of all the denominations the Methodist people now built a church to accommodate the increased gathering and named it Bethel, erected in 1857.

It has since been called West Bethel, due to another south of the county seat called by the same name. At this time the Congregationalists united with the Brethren and the little red school house so often the meeting" place of all these people was abandoned as a church for the more pretentious house.

For many years these churches exerted a strong influence over the entire neighborhood, and there is one man who remains very faithful to his first trust and each Sunday returns to the old home place to keep alive the associations of former years and to see that the later generation does not forget. The red school house is no more, but W. B. Reeder does not forget and tells now of the early joys of the union services when entire families came together in the early morning and remained through the entire service. He has held his membership in Bethel church since its erection, helped to build both the churches in that community and is satisfied to be counted there today. 158  

In the fall of 1857 the entire district lying west of the central part of the county on the Cedar River was organized into a circuit and known as Cedar Circuit in Iowa City District, and the Rev. Samuel Pancoast as Presiding Elder.

B. C. Barnes was the first pastor and this was his first work, being assigned here by Bishop Ames of the Marion conference.

His charge consisted of Number Six, Coon Creek, Gower's Ferry, Linn Grove, and before the year was out an appointment in the west end of Red Oak at the brick school house. William Lee of Tipton, a local preacher, had worked in this territory without pay and now gave it into the hands of the regular pastor.

The next year, 1858, Bethel was added to this circuit and the pastor resided here. In 1862 Bethel was connected with Tipton and Rev. S. N. Fellows was in charge. He held meetings in the churches of other denominations in Red Oak. The Red Oak church was built in 1867 when Elias Skinner was pastor. In 1868 and '69 W. A. Allen was pastor at Clarence and organized a class at Stanwood, preaching in the depot, stores, and starting a Sunday school. In 1869 Bethel and Red Oak were set off as a circuit with J. W. Kynett as pastor. Stanwood was at this time in connection with the Clarence charge and the pastor C. A. Hawn.

In 1870 what was called Tipton circuit included Bethel, Red Oak, and Stanwood, with a membership of one hundred and twenty. In 1873 this circuit was called Stanwood.

In October, 1877, the retiring pastor of this circuit wrote the history of the different appointments so far as the record of those in charge and the local arrangements could be condensed into a record of a few lines. This is the only record of this period beyond the memory of man. The next pastor at Stanwood kept no record and the record was continued by the pastor following, a student from Cornell, who did his college work and the pastoral work also. This man needs to be mentioned in particular, for he worked for two years in this way until compelled by ill health to limit his work to his studies. When he gave up the pastorate of the three appointments the congregations met together at the Red Oak church and to assist him in his purposes gave him $130 in gold, this purse being presented by Capt. W. T. Rigby for the assembled people.

In 1886 a class was formed at Stotler's school house, and when the United Brethren church was built at Buchanan's Corners the meeting was moved there.

Last February the Methodist church of Mechanicsville rededicated the church after its reconstruction. Its history was given at that time in the condensed form which follows. The present pastor, Rev. James Ballz, had charge of these services, and was assisted by a number from abroad.

The building committee at this time was composed of F. W. Leech, D. C. Gilliland, Dr. Fairchild, and J. D. Blessing. The class leaders of the church are Wm. Albaugh and Samuel Gilliland, pioneers of this county, the latter being in his ninety-seventh year.

METHODISM IN CEDAR COUNTY

From the early records of Methodism in Cedar County, we learn that just fifty years ago the name of Mechanicsville appears in one of the appointments on what was then known as Pioneer Circuit. How long before this date a class had been organized at Mechanicsville the records do not tell. The circuit at this time was composed of Pioneer, Mechanicsville, Greenfield, Rome, Simmons' School House and Clarence. About the year 1864 Valley Chapel and White Oak became appointments on this charge. During the pastorate of J. M. Rankin in the year 1866, the church building at Pioneer was moved to Mechanicsville and fitted for service. This historic building is still in existence and serves as the dwelling of Dr. Scott Russell.

The present building was erected during the year 1884, S. S. Bradford, pastor, Dr. J. T. Crippen conducting the dedicatory services. The building committee consisted of Wm. Helmer, Joseph Lee and Norman Bennett. Joseph Lee died April 1, 1884, and I. B. Johnson was elected to fill the vacancy. He and Norman Bennett are living to see the rededication of this house of worship. The remodeling of the church was begun last year under the pastorate of Rev. Ewert, now of Garrison. The remodeling has been so complete that a new church is almost the result. The improvements consist of a commodious kitchen and dining hall in the basement and a newly arranged heating plant. The interior of the auditorium has been completely changed, the ceiling lowered and both ceiling and walls beautifully frescoed, harmonizing in color with the new art windows. New carpet covers aisles and rostrum. The furniture consists of new pulpit, settee and pews. The pews are a monument to the devotion and energy of Mr. Samuel Gilliland, who first conceived the notion of seating the new church with pews of modern style, and by personal solicitation secured money enough to nearly cover the cost of pews and pulpit.

Too much cannot be said in honor of the building committee who devoted so much of their time and personal effort to the interests of this work. Likewise the same recognition is due the Ladies' Aid Society which has been an important factor in carrying to completion this enterprise. The church as it now stands is a model of beauty and harmony and of which the citizens of Mechanicsville and vicinity may justly be proud. 159 

Rev. Cyrus Morey, a minister of the Methodist church, commenced preaching in Durant the summer of 1869, occupying at first the old Butterfield building. During the winter of 1870 he held a revival which was the means of establishing a permanent society and in the spring of '71 action was taken for the erection of a church and accordingly money enough was soon solicited to insure the completion of the same. The corner stone was laid after the Masonic order May, 1871; the church was dedicated early after harvest, 1871. The articles of incorporation were approved and adopted by the Board of Trustees on the 2nd day of May, 1874, and were filed in the Clerk's office at Tipton May 7th, 1874.

The ministers that have occupied this field since Rev. Morey are: Revs. Rankin, Gortner, Cler, Jennis and E. L. Briggs. The society has no regular pastor at present. 160  

The first Methodist preacher to speak in Clarence was the Rev. T. C. Woodford, a superannuate of the Iowa Annual Conference, who then resided in Tipton and was invited to speak in the place by the Lutherans. This was in 1862. This point was first made a regular appointment by Rev. J. W. Kynett, who was then supplying the Pioneer charge. He was afterward prominent in the local military affairs and at one time presiding elder of the district. He was a familiar figure on the streets of Tipton until the last two years. He conducted the services in Clarence for some time but did not perfect an organization. Clarence was a part of the charge of the pastor who had to care for Stanwood and Red Oak at one time, according to the records. The appointment was made an independent work in 1868 and the pastors who served in its beginning included some names now long out of service.

The church was built in 1868, the parsonage in 1877. The present pastor is Rev. Smith. The pastors before it became an independent work were, in addition to the one mentioned, Revs. Scoles, Paine, Manning, McClain, and Hawn. The church dedication occurred in 1869 under the direction of Dr. Hatfield, Revs. Allen and Miller. 161 

The first religious service held in the neighborhood of Louden was by the Methodist denomination, one and a half miles southeast, by Rev. Gilruth. The present church in Lowden was built in 1861, Rev. A. J. Kynett, presiding elder. The records of its fifty years of history are very meagre and illustrates the sad fact of neglect, on the part of those responsible, to make any systematic record of what took place. This is the only church in town where there is preaching in the English language and all church going people who do not understand German go there and many of the German children attend the Sunday school. 162 

The Methodist Episcopal Church of West Branch, Iowa, was organized previous to the year 1870. During the first years of the organization the religious services were conducted by the pastor from Oasis, Iowa. Before the church building was erected at West Branch, which was in 1870, members of the society attended for a while at Oasis and also at Brick Chapel. Later, West Branch became the head of the circuit and the pastor visited and held services at Oasis, Springdale and Brick Chapel. This was the arrangement for the work during the pastorate of S. C. Freer in 1876.

S. B. Maltbie became the pastor in the autumn of 1877, when North Liberty was added to the circuit, and Oasis became the head of another circuit. Rev. Maltbie served two years and was followed in 1880 by H. S. Bargelt, who served one and one-half years, L, D. Younkin filling out the second year. I. C. Lusk served two years from October, 1882, and was succeeded by R. Wolf, who served from 1884 to 1887. The longest pastorate in the history of this church was that of Wm. S. Craft covering a period of five years, from 1887 to 1892. The next three pastorates were of one year each, J. G. Eberhart beginning October, 1892, John H. Hayward, October, 1893, and Jno. M. Wilkerson, October, 1894. A. D. Stevens was pastor here from 1895 to '97, R. W. Coates from 1897 to October, 1901, H. H. Barton from 1901 to 1903, W. B. Davis from 1903 to 1906, F. H. Linn from 1906 to 1908, E. A. Lang from 1908, pastorate not closed.

The society at Springdale was incorporated Jan. 20, 1875, and since that time has been a part of the West Branch Circuit. The Trustees who composed the board in 1875 and signed the Articles of Incorporation were Jno. Worrall, F. A. Bates, E. B. Randall, Jno. Leonard, James Phelps, Elwood Macy and Joseph Shaw.

The original church buildings, the one at West Branch, erected in 1870, and the one at Springdale, erected in 1875, are still in use.

The membership on this circuit has varied during the past twenty years between 200 and 245. The Sunday schools have been well supported and have had a large part in contributing to the spiritual life of these communities. 162a  

The beginning of the history of St. John's congregation, Tipton, Iowa, dates back several years prior to the Civil War. In the spring of 1858, Rev. W. K. Zieber came to Iowa on an exploring tour, and visited those of the Reformed faith who happened to live in the vicinity of Tipton. As he was only to look over the field he could simply encourage the people, and then passed on.

It seems from his report, action was taken by the Mission Boards, and Rev. C. C. Russel was commissioned to come and look after these people, but on account of some interference, he did not come. Rev. Joshua Riale was at that time missionary at Boulder, Iowa, and, as there was no sign of anyone coming soon to look after the interests of the church in the vicinity of Tipton, he visited the members and seems to have held a service, January 29, 1859, promising to come back every four weeks. His two fields were now some forty miles apart, and to be as near as possible to both, he moved to Lisbon.

In September of that year, 1859, the three ministers then in Iowa, Bauman, Riale, and Buser, with their Elders, met in Tipton and organized the Classis of Iowa. The same day St. John's congregation was organized with the following members: Isaac Neiman and Eliza Neiman, his wife, Samuel W. Neiman and Susan Neiman, his wife, Mrs. Lidia Millhouse and Harriet Neiman, sisters of Isaac and Samuel W. Neiman, and Eliza Bingeman, a neice of Mrs. Isaac Neiman. Thus it will be seen that these first seven members were very closely related. They have all passed to the other world except Eliza Bingeman, who is now Mrs. Jacob Smith and lives at Greyson, Neb.

As there were but two men in the congregation the contest for office was perhaps not very spirited. Anyway, it was settled by electing Isaac Neiman to the office of Elder, and Samuel W. Neiman to that of Deacon. The Holy Communion was at this time celebrated and regular services held thereafter every four weeks, in the Lutheran church, in the afternoon.

The second Communion was held in September, 1860, at which time George L. Neiman, Sarah A. Neiman and Nancy Jane Emerick were received by confirmation, and Ephraim Neiman and J. Dairy, by letter. The congregation now numbered twelve members, five men and seven women.

At the third Communion season, September, 1861, Mr. Riale preached his farewell sermon as supply, and in October of the same year Tipton was placed with Wilton under the care of Rev. J. C. Klar. Mr. Klar lived at Wheatland and preached as supply in Tipton every two weeks. During the year 1862 he also preached in the Hebron school house and organized that congregation, preaching alternately in German and English.

During his ministry the following persons were received from the New Berlin charge, Pennsylvania: Josiah Sweinhart, Mrs. Mary A. Sweinhart, Jacob Sweinhart, Emma L. Sweinhart, now Mrs. Delaplane, Jerome Sweinhart, Mahlon Neiman, Ester Neiman, Elizabeth Emerick and Ephraim Weil.

In October, 1862, Rev. Frederick Wall moved into the charge and supplied Tipton and Hebron, while Rev. J. H. Buser supplied Wilton. Before the year closed however, Mr. Wall stopped preaching in Tipton, but continued at Hebron six months longer. No record is made of the cause of the stopping of the services at Tipton, but it is reported by some that troubles had arisen on account of the "war feeling," and the Lutheran church was closed to our people. Early in 1863 Mr. Wall received a call and returned to Pennsylvania.

The congregation now should have numbered twenty-one members, had there been no losses, but Isaac Neiman, Lidia Millhouse, Harriet Neiman and J. Dairy had passed away. Ephraim Neiman and Ephraim Weil had made a trip to the "far west" and had died on the way, so that the membership numbered only fifteen: nine Neimans, five Sweinharts, and Elizabeth Emerick.

The first regular pastor was Rev. Joshua Riale, who was called in 1864, and came to Tipton, November of the same year, living in the house on the southwest corner of Sixth and Meridian streets, now known as the "Ingman House." During the first winter of his residence he organized a class in the catechism which he confirmed May 28, 1865. They were J. Nevin Neiman, Peter Franklin Sweinhart, J. Howard Neiman, L. Arthur Neiman, and J. Anna Chew. The congregation at this time numbered twenty: twelve Neimans, six Sweinharts, Elizabeth Emerick or Mrs. Daniel Shultz, and Miss Chew. The officers were, elder, S. W. Neiman, deacons, Mahlon L. Neiman and Jacob Sweinhart.

Since the spring of 1863 services were held in the old brick Presbyterian church, which stood on the site of the present Presbyterian parsonage, but during the summer of 1865 the matter of building a church was agitated. A lot was bought from John A. Lichtenwalter the same summer for $130.00, upon the northern end of which the church now stands, the remainder having been sold to Josiah Sweinhart in two different sections. Subscriptions were received for the church building, after which Mr. Riale started East for help, where he seems to have collected considerable funds. A building committee consisting of Josiah Sweinhart, Lewis Kessler and Rev. Riale was elected Nov. 13, 1865, and at the same time these parties were elected the trustees of the congregation.

Up to this time no prayer meetings seem to have been held, but January 26, 1866, some of the members gathered at the home of Mr. Riale and engaged in the first prayer meeting. It was then decided to continue the meeting every two weeks at the homes of the members.

The church building, 30x40 feet, with a four foot extension in front for a tower, was erected in the summer of 1866, and September of that year Iowa Classis convened in the new building. The dedicatory services were held Sunday morning, Sept. 23, Rev. J. P. Bucher preaching the sermon.

At this service $595 63 were received in subscriptions, to complete the payment of the building, the total cost being $2,500.00. This offering was $100.00 more than was needed, but the church had then neither spire, bell nor organ, and a carpet had not been thought of.

The first session of the Sunday School was held October 28, 1866, at the close of the morning service. The officers were: Supt., S. W. Neiman, Asst. Supt., Rev. J. Riale, Treas. and librarian, Jacob Sweinhart. At the first session of the school there were sixteen scholars and five teachers.

In April, 1868, an effort was made to complete the building. At a congregational meeting held on Good Friday, April 10, a committee was appointed to oversee the work; $210.00 was subscribed, but this was not sufficient and $57.00 was loaned by individuals "until the spire is finished."

Up to this time aid had been received from the Board of Missions, but in 1868 it was taken from the roll of missions and became self-supporting. In the fall of that year the new bell, weighing 650 lbs., was placed in the tower at a cost of $135.70.

December 27, 1868, a Missionary festival was held, in which Revs. D. S. Fouse, F. C. Bauman, Geo. Rettig, Cyrus Cort and the pastor took part. The day preceding this meeting Rev. Joshua Riale was installed pastor of the charge by Rev. D. S. Fouse.

Mr. Riale had been missionary supply for almost three years, pastor, but not installed for four years, and regular pastor for three years, making a total of active service of ten years. After these years of faithful service, he preached his farewell sermon May 7, 1871, and left the field to take charge of an academy at Blairstown, Iowa, then conducted in the interests of the Reformed church.

The same year a call was extended to Rev. J. B. Shontz, who came and preached his first sermon July 2. This new pastoral relation extended over a period of a little more than two years, or until Nov. 30, 1873, when the charge was reconstructed. Tipton, Hebron, Lisbon and Olin were constituted one field, while Wilton and Clifton comprised another. The latter one extended a call to Rev. Shontz which was accepted.

Rev. D. S. Fouse was extended a call to become pastor of the charge, which he accepted in June, 1874, and continued in this field until April, 1887.

Since that time the following ministers have served the charge: Revs. G. D. Gurley 1887-1893, Samuel Shaw 1893-1895, J. A. Hunsicker '95-1900, and J. N. Naly from 1901 to the present time.

During the last eight years the church building has been remodeled and a parsonage erected at a cost of $5,000.00. 163  

LUTHERAN CHURCH

The following account of the pioneer preacher tells something of the experiences of all who undertook to follow the work of the pastor among a scattered people. Dr. Kuhl, who left this record, was a missionary minister of the Lutheran church and his widow, Mrs. Conrad Kuhl, is a resident of Tipton, with her daughter, Mrs. J. Kent Rizer.

"On Monday, Dec. 9, 1850, rode in a keen wind to Squash Bend (West Liberty) to a settlement of Pennsylvania Lutherans and made an appointment for night preaching. Had a crowded house and many asked me to return and do something permanent for them. The next day filled my Communion appointment at Iowa City, thirteen having communed in basement room of M. E. church. Wednesday started toward Cedar Rapids, dining with a brother Fuhrmeister, sixteen miles on my way.


"Tipton, Iowa; reached here Thursday, December 21, 1850, and took dinner with Rev. Keith, a congregationalist who introduced me to Bossert and Shanver, the former from Holidaysburg, Pa. Rode out to Mr. Mock's two miles and a half west of here, then to Mr. Maurer's and after supper to Laubscher's to make appointments for Sunday preaching in the neighborhood, German at 11 and English at 1 o'clock. Returned to Bro. Bossert's where I rested and corresponded. Held our services on Sunday as announced; in driving out missed the right school house a mile and a half; returned to Tipton in the afternoon and preached in Methodist church in the evening to a full house."

Then followed a trip to Davenport and Western Illinois. At Beardstown Dr. Kuhl preached the dedication sermon for the new Lutheran church, then returned to Iowa and after preaching at a number of points on Sunday and during the week came again to Tipton, Feb. 22, 1851. His record reads:

"Leaving Moscow, I rode to Bro. Dale's near Rochester, but found my appointment to preach there had not been received so came on to Tipton. Was kindly received by Bro. Bossert and Saturday rode to German settlement west of town stopping on my way at old Mr. Klock's. Found him lying a corpse. Arranged to conduct service for him later and after visiting in the neighborhood stopped over night at Father Laubscher's and son-in-law Pfaff's. Sunday, Feb. 23, weather was bad, roads muddy. Rode to Klock's. Found casket had not yet arrived. Preached in German and again in English. In afternoon went to Dale's and preached in school house and again in evening at Bro. Kline's.


"Monday 24th. Reached Cedar River at Rochester. It was near noon before the ferryman would venture. When we did start, a large ice cake struck our boat, the guide rope broke and we were flung down stream a quarter of a mile, fortunately toward the south side. By much hard work, with poles and by pulling on bushes we got his boat to the landing place. At the house of Bro. Thos. Thompson we arranged for a service at night and made announcement at school house, also called on Bro. Larew, a son-in-law of Peter Lang at Squash Bend, and on Widow Whistler whose husband I had buried at Quincy, Ill., during cholera season there. In this vicinity, one and a half miles from Rochester, there are about twenty Lutheran members, mostly from Bro. Sloan's charge in Ohio."

Dr. Kuhl in above pioneer work, traveled 1,755 miles, over 1,500 of which were on horse-back; received in collections $51.80 and his expenses were $51.15, leaving surplus of 65 cents for four months' work.

The preliminary work of the founding of the Lutheran church in the county is described in the previous account of the pioneer preacher. The real organization took place a few years later under the direction of Rev. Solomon Ritz, who brought together a small band in the year 1855, August 12.

The incomplete records give the names of the pastors as follows: In addition to the pastorate of the organizer, D. S. Altman served the Tipton congregation from 1866 to 1885, J. B. Bloom, H. H. Hall, A. J. Kissell, 1885-1890, W. H. Noffziger, S. J. Delo, C. A. Gelwicks, 1897-1903, and W. W. Hess 1903-1905. The present pastor, J. Kent Rizer, took charge of the work in 1905.

The church and parsonage buildings are new, the church having been dedicated in 1905 and the parsonage completed in 1908.

While by no means the largest congregation in the vicinity the effect upon the community and the service rendered to distant lands has been steady and sure. An event of more than ordinary local interest was the organization in the local church, Trinity, of the society which from that day to this has had the control of the missionary operations of the women of the General Synod of the Lutheran church not only in this country but in foreign lands. It was at Tipton, Aug. 23, 1875, that a band of five women, from five different congregations, met in the home of Mrs. A. J. Hart and formed themselves into a Synodical organization. A local society followed the next year by the same kind of a meeting at Cedar Rapids. At the first convention, which meets annually, there were seventy members present, and thirty-seven dollars sent to the India field. Today the membership is over thirty-six thousand and their biennial contributions amount to the gross sum of one hundred twenty-five thousand dollars.

It is but due to the pastor at that time, Rev. J. B. Bloom, to say that he had a large part in forming this organization through his faith and through his urgent efforts. 164  

The German Evangelical Lutheran church of Lowden was organized in 1871. The church building of this congregation was built the same year at an expense of four thousand dollars, the congregation being incorporated in 1871. Improvements were made in 1881 by the erection of a steeple and inside remodeling. It was enlarged and further improved in 1901. The church will seat six hundred persons. The value of the structure, including the pipe organ, is about seven thousand dollars.

The church was organized by the Rev. C. Seuel, of Lyons, Iowa, who served it one year. He was followed by Rev. H. Engelbrecht, of Iowa City, who accepted a call to another appointment in 1873. The present pastor, Rev. J. H. Brammer, was then called from Denver and he has served the charge ever since.

In 1896 the twenty-fifth anniversary was observed and the pastor who organized the congregation preached, as did the second pastor.

The congregation counts at present sixty voting members, four hundred communicants, and in all six hundred thirty. The congregation owns a parsonage, a residence for the teacher of the parochial school and a school building, since a school has been connected with the church from the beginning. School is held ten months in the year and a tuition of fifty cents per month is charged. During the first year the pastor taught the school. In 1882 a teacher was secured and after six years of service he was succeeded by the present teacher, Wm. Schmidt. These teachers perform the duties of organist in the church and in the absence of the pastor may assist in the service.

The present pastor has baptized 969 children, confirmed 462, married 204 couples, and buried 256 persons. 165  

St. John's German Evangelical church of Clarence dates its organization from 1882. Rev. J. Schwartz of Lowden had charge at that time, and the first membership included sixteen families. Heinrich Pruess, Heinrich Goldschmidt, and S. C. Kintzel were the first trustees.

The corner stone of the present building was laid in 1885. The congregation has grown to a membership of ninety families. The present pastor is Emil Hansen, who has endeavored to furnish its history with a limited record. 166  

About the year 1875 Rev. Brammer, the pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran church of Lowden for thirty-seven years at the present time, called the German settlers in the vicinity of Mechanicsville together for religious services. They met in private houses or places rented by the congregation for temporary quarters. For some seventeen years the meetings were held in this locality until death and removal reduced the membership to so small a number that it was decided to move the congregation, so far as services were concerned, to Stanwood.

This action was completed in 1892 and was to accommodate a number of German families who had lately settled near Stanwood. The public school building furnished a meeting place until the present church building was completed in 1893 and dedicated the same year. During these years Rev. Brammer was the pastor, there being no resident minister in this vicinity.

In 1908 the present pastor, Rev. W. G. Nagler, was ordained and installed as pastor of this church and placed in charge of the parochial school. This pastor has studied in his native land, Germany, and also in the German seminary of this country and hence is well prepared to conduct the congregation to right ways of thinking and living. They have abundant faith in his ability. The school building was erected in 1908 and the church refinished in the following year. A very excellent parsonage belongs to this congregation and the membership has doubled since the year 1908. 167  

The old Methodist Protestant church which stood south of Bennett was moved to that town by the founders of the place and afterwards was sold to the present German Evangelical church people. The lot on which it stands formerly was the property of Mrs. Bennett, wife of the man for whom the town was named. The membership of this church now is something over thirty. The pastor, Rev. Bennigkeit.

CATHOLIC CHURCH

In 1855 under the direction of Rev. Philip Laurent of St. Matthias church, Muscatine, the organization of St. Mary's Parish was begun. During the first year of St. Mary's history Father Laurent said mass in the house of John Madden, who lived in the west end of the town of Tipton.

After the first year the congregation decided to build a small church. This was to be of brick and the contract was given to a Mr. Hill. Owing to his failure to meet the conditions of his contract the work was not accepted and it was never completed nor used as a church, some two years later being torn down and removed by John Bireley. From this date Rev. Wm. Edmonds of St. Mary's at Iowa City served this congregation. He at once began to find a way for a church and let the contract for a frame building which was completed in due time. This was used for a number of years, when the congregation grew to demand better accommodations. On this occasion the decision was made to build farther to the east for a more central location, under the direction of the pastor then, Rev. Patrick McCabe. The site was purchased and the building committee consisting of Bernard Lang, Patrick Carlin, M. C. Kirby, Matthew Thiel, and John Miehan, appointed.

Not long after the church was completed by the builder, John Werling, Father McCabe was called elsewhere and was succeeded by Rev. John Daly, who was soon followed by Rev. Kissane. The building erected at this time served the congregation for a period of about twenty years.

In the year nineteen hundred Father Galligan became the pastor and began at once to find means to enlarge the church or build another. Consultation of pastor and people led to the purchase of the vacant building belonging to the Congregational church and adjoining lots. A committee of three, W. J. Gilmore, Mike Hiegel and T. J. Mahoney, were appointed to make this exchange, which resulted in the present church property of St. Mary's today.

In 1903 the residence property south of the church was purchased of Mr. Russell, remodeled and made to serve as the parochial residence. A committee to attend to this consisted of Wm. Burk, Fred Siepman, Peter Graham, and Mr. Wandeshout.

After ten years of service with the parish Father T. F. Galligan was called to a larger field in Burlington to care for St. Paul's church in that city. His successor, Rev. H. A. Knebel, took charge of the parish in October, 1909. During the time from 1855 to 1900 St. Mary's church was attended only as a mission, consequently many different pastors served the charge, although during most of the time it was attended by the Mechanicsville church.

The pastors who attended here and have not been mentioned in the previous pages are: Revs. J. Quigley, F. Walsh, Patrick Sullivan, B. Downey, J. F. Kemper.

The services in Tipton are regular, two masses on the first Sunday and one at other times, with afternoon services in Sunday school and instruction in Christian doctrine twice each month.

From the parish the pastor serves Cedar Valley, St. Joseph's church, which has always been a mission church. Formerly the pastor at Morse attended here, but for the past ten years it has been attached to the Tipton charge. The Cedar Valley congregation has been organized for more than fifty years and consists of forty families. 168  

The Catholic church at Mechanicsville, in 1872 and '73, was served by Father Downey, mentioned before, who celebrated mass in Helmer's Hall. He was succeeded by Father O'Sullivan, who ministered to the wants of the little handful of Catholics for four years. In 1876 Father McCabe took charge, remaining for two years. Since then there have been four resident pastors—Fathers Daly, now of Atlantic, Kissane of Williamsburg, Gillespie of Keokuk, and Father Glenn, the present popular pastor, who has been able to find the facts of the parish thus far, coming to the parish in November, 1909.

At one time the parish included Tipton, Clarence, and Lowden, but owing to the rapid growth of the Tipton charge they petitioned the bishop for a resident pastor. The present parish, therefore, embraces Lowden, Clarence, and Big Rock in Scott County, the latter two having churches.

One of the most interesting facts in the history of St. Mary's, Mechanicsville, is the parochial residence. It is said to be the real landmark of the place, being the oldest residence in the town. Although thoroughly rebuilt much of the original structure remains. The church building was erected in 1874. Previous to that time the mass was celebrated sometimes in the homes of the parish, sometimes in the vacant buildings that might be secured. The first priest to minister to the people was Father Lowry. Beginning in 1867 he held services for the first time in the home of P. Burke. Residing in Cedar Rapids he visited the parish but four times a year. At the present time the parish represents some seventy or eighty families. 169  

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

The Congregational church of Tipton was organized May 5, 1844, by Rev. E. Alden, afterwards pastor of the church at Marshfield, Mass. He was the minister of Daniel Webster and preached his funeral sermon. Mr. Alden remained pastor of the church for five years, and was succeeded by Rev. W. Keith; he was followed by the Rev. Mr. Cobb, under whose pastorate the church erected their first house of worship in 1852; this was 20x34 feet. This was soon after nearly doubled in size, and was used by the church for twelve years.

After the departure of Mr. Cobb the church enjoyed for ten years the ministrations of Rev. M. K. Cross. Mr. C. S. Harrison succeeded him June 10, 1866. In 1867 a new church 36x60 feet was erected and was neatly finished, having a gallery for the choir. From an old record of this church commencing in 1850 some interesting facts are gathered. The standing rules were adopted on Feb. 27, 1850, in ten sections and are transferred to this book, which contains the remainder of the record from '53 until the time of the disposal of the church, Feb. 14, 1895.

The last meeting was called to order by the Secretary of the Iowa Home Missionary Society of the Congregational church, Rev. T. O. Douglass, and a committee, consisting of J. H. Coutts, Henry Britcher, and H. L. Dean, was appointed and authorized to dispose of the property and return the money furnished the church from the Church Building Society of New York and to pay in addition one hundred for the use of said money. All the church fixtures, organ, books and property was to be given away or disposed of under the direction of Rev. Douglass.

This building as remodeled is the present Catholic church.

This book of records contains the names of the members, baptisms, marriages deaths, catalogue of the pastor's library and the records of the business sessions. It is now at the City National Bank.

The first death recorded was in 1856, Wm. W. Laylin, aged fourteen years; the last one in 1879, H. H. Linsley, aged fifty-seven.


The first marriage was performed by Rev. M. K. Cross June 1, 1856, the parties being G. W. Logan and Mary A. Clapp. The last one on this record was performed by Geo. S. Biscoe, Fred N. Sterling and Sophia G. Daniels being the contracting parties and the date Nov. I1, 1869.


Attached to an agreement made in 1866, when the loan was made by the Building Society, are two revenue stamps that would be very desirable to the boy collector of the day if he knew they were there. It is signed by P. L. Stryker, N. Fairchild, and S. P. Daniels, Trustees. 170  

An interesting item to those concerned is a clipping from the Independent in 1866. It is pasted in the old church record at page forty-two. The heading is "Western Correspondence."

CHICAGO, III., Dec. 17, 1866.
To the Editor of The Independent:

"When last June the Congregational church of Tipton, Iowa, was calling Rev. C. S. Harrison from this state, I thought it my duty to warn them that such a course would involve the struggle and expense of building a new house of worship. Entering upon this work, sure enough, his first proposition was to substitute an attractive church for the low, narrow, long, nine-pin alley sanctuary, which had become obsolete. Capt. Pound, who had smelt gunpowder, told me that when this suggestion was made its audacity nearly took away his breath. And yet the church has been built—a house 36x60, with a spire and all the ordinary appointments. It cost $4,103. The Congregational Union had held out the tempting bait of $400. The ladies had raised $300 for carpets, chandeliers, and other furnishings, besides securing the cabinet organ. On the second Sabbath of this month the house was dedicated with the usual joyfulness of such an occasion. A deficit of $880 was raised. A hymn composed by the pastor for the occasion was sung and the prayer of consecration was offered by the Rev. M. K. Cross, of Washington, Iowa, who had been the pastor of this church for ten years. At the second service the communion was administered by the former and the present pastor. I never saw a floor better laid than that which was laid by the minister, who also did the mason work for the furnace room. His own labor at regular wages would amount to almost $300. Tipton is a county seat, and this church was gathered by Mr. Alden, one of the "Andover band," now at Marshfield, Mass. Then came Mr. Keith, H. W. Cobb and M. K. Cross."


No name is signed to this and the writer is not known. It is explanatory of many things otherwise difficult to trace.

On the 26th day of March, 1856, Rev. John Whittlesey, a Congregational minister from New Britain, Conn., commenced preaching in Durant under appointment from the American Home Missionary Society. Service was held in the station house of the R. R. Company for several months. In May, 1856, a house of worship was erected and a church organized May 25th, 1856, which consisted of twenty charter members. The council for organization consisted of Revs. Julius A. Reed, Geo. F. Magoun, David Knowles and Edward Allen, delegates from the Congregational church of Davenport. The house of worship was dedicated July 22, 1857. Rev. A. B. Robbins, of Muscatine, preached the sermon from Haggai 2 :9. Revs. D. Knowles, of Wilton, S. N. Grout, of Inland, E. B. Turner, of Illinois, and Chapman, assisted in the services.

In 1878 the membership of the church was seventy-nine. As before stated Rev. John Whittlesey preached his first sermon here May 26, 1856. He was supported the first year by the A. H. Missionary Society. At the end of that year he was invited to remain another year, which he accepted, but during the year he found a brighter field for more extended labor and asked to be relieved from the charge; preached his farewell sermon Nov. 28, 1858; died May I1, 1862. Rev. Erastus Ripley was next engaged to fill the Durant pulpit for the year 1859.

Rev. Henry Bullen was the next minister and preached his first sermon May 30, 1860; preached his farewell sermon December 29, 1867. Rev. Bullen also taught in the public school here for a number of years, performing the duties of a pastor at the same time. Rev. E. E. Webber was next engaged to fill the pulpit; preached his first sermon January 23, 1868; preached his farewell discourse February 11, 1872. Rev. E. P. Whiting was the next minister; commenced his labors the first Sunday in May, 1872; ended his work here January 3, 1875. Rev- Gibbert was next called and preached his first sermon May 9, 1875; remained only one year. Rev. Douglas was next employed; delivered his first address June, 1876, and finished his work November 4, 1877. Rev. E. P. Smith followed him." 171  

CHURCH OF UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY, TIPTON UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY

The church of the Universalist Society in Tipton was dedicated in October, 1872. At that time it was considered a handsome building in the terms of the one who made record of the occurrence. Now one recognizes it as the headquarters of the "Tipton Produce Company," and for many years it has not been the scene of Sabbath worship. This building once sheltered a prosperous congregation, but now it has almost lost its resemblance to a church edifice. The change came about gradually, as will be noted.

DANISH LUTHERN CHURCH

The only Danish Lutheran Church in the county is located at West Branch. It was organized in 1895 with Simon Christensen as president and August Petersen as secretary, J. P. Jensen treasurer.

Rev. P. L. Hansen, of Cedar Falls, assisted in the preliminary work and served the congregation for two years from his charge there. The church was built the following year, being dedicated in October, 1896.

Former pastors who have been in charge of this church are the Revs. Proevensen, Rohe, Thisted, and Beck, the latter now of Brooklyn, N. Y.; the second is deceased; the first is at Coulter, Iowa, and the third in Wisner, Neb. Rev. Hofgarrd is the present pastor.

All the services in this church are conducted in the Danish language, and this includes the Sunday school. During the public school vacation a parochial school is held by the pastor for the purpose of teaching the Danish language and religion. 172  

BAPTIST CHURCHES

The Missionary Baptists organized a church in Iowa Township in 1847, which continued about two years. The Free-Will Baptists organized the Bethel church in 1867. This church was a mile below the Rochester Ferry and Rev. Decker was their pastor for many years. Friends commenced holding meetings In the house of J. H. Painter in 1849, which place continued to be their house of worship for probably one year. It was then held at the house of Lawrie Tatum a year or more, when it was changed from Iowa to Springdale Township.

In 1865 a Free-Will Baptist Church was organized by Rev. O. E. Baker in the western part of Farmington Township, of which John Quincy Tufts, Joel Clark and Frank Butterfield were the founders. Prior to this services and Sunday school had been held in the school house by Elder Reeves.

Still another church—Methodist Protestant—was established in the northwestern part of the township, but was later on removed to Bennett, Inland Township." 173  

The Downey Baptist church was organized in 1870, the corner stone having been laid in 1869. The builders of this church were the pastor, Rev. Sangster of Iowa City, and A. B. Cornwall, Joseph King, C. F. Hoyt and J. M. Watson.

CHRISTIAN CHURCH

The Christian Church of Durant began in the spring of 1872, Rev. John C. Hay, State Evangelist, commenced a series of meetings in the Congregational church, which resulted in the appointment of a preliminary meeting to be held at George Deming's April 20, 1872, and a number of the brethren and sisters of that denomination were in attendance to consider the propriety of erecting a house of worship in Durant, viz: John C. Hay, George Deming and wife, G. W. Deming and wife, Alfred Nye and wife, W. D. Vermillion and wife, Milton Heinly, Charles Trunkey, Moses Nye and J. D. Petersen.

After much discussion George Deming was appointed chairman and W. D. Vermillion secretary. Pledges were then taken to raise the amount to built a church. W. D. Vermillion offered to do the drafting, write the specifications and act as secretary for the society, which was accepted. Geo. Deming, Alfred Nye and Charles Trunkey were appointed a building committee. This committee met on the 24th day of May, 1872, at the Nesbitt House in the office of the Justice of the Peace and entered into a contract with Messrs. Keator and Linsley to erect the church. The chapel was finished November 18, 1872, and the following Lord's Day Rev. John C. Hay preached the first sermon in it, when $769.10 were contributed by the audience.

At this visit Rev. Hay agreed to preach the following year one-half of his time for $500.00. The following are the original members: George Deming, Cormelia R. Deming, Alfred Nye, Sarah Nye, Charles Trunkey, Milton Heinly, Teresa Sry, Iona Nye. Number of members now belonging, thirty-six.

The following are the ministers who filled the pulpit after the organization of the church: Rev. John C. Hay, Rev. L. Lane, Rev. A. J. Garrison and Rev. R. H. Ingram.

The church used to be alive to all missionary work. A ladies' sewing society was organized May 9, 1877, for the promotion of benevolent work. They held their meetings semi-monthly. The officers of the society then were: Mrs. George Deming, President; Miss Mattie Fisher, Secretary and Treasurer. Services were held in the chapel every alternate Lord's day. This church has no organization now in Durant. 174  

PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH

A Protestant Episcopal church, consisting of about ten members, was organized in Tipton in 1856, and during the summer of 1859 they built a very neat little house of worship, under the superintendence of their pastor, Rev. W. T. Campbell, at a cost of about $1,100. After Mr. Campbell's ministration there was only occasional public worship held by this church. 175  

The first religious service of the Episcopal church of Durant was held at the depot in February, 1856, by the Diocesan of the State. Right Rev. W. H. Lee preached the sermon, at which time a parish was organized under the above title after St. Paul's of New Haven, Conn., from which they afterwards received $75.00 to be applied in establishing and erecting a church at this place. On the 21st day of June, 1856, the corner stone of the church was laid with appropriate ceremonies, Bishop Lee conducting them, and in November of the same year the church was consecrated. The second sermon was preached in the church by Hon. George F. Magoun, afterward President of Iowa College. The first child baptized was a daughter of Joseph Weaver, by Rt. Rev. Bishop Lee. The Rectors of this society have been Revs. Geo. C. Street, Campbell, Johnson, Curry, James Allen Webb, Kaapka and C. H. Stroh. 176  

The only church remaining in Durant is the last one mentioned, at least the only one having services.

FAIRVIEW CHURCHES

The first religious services at Fairview were held in the house rented for school purposes by Mr. Geiger and these services were conducted by a Protestant Methodist minister. Rev. Mr. Bolton afterward held services in the house of Mr. Tivis and Sabbath school was conducted in the home of Mr. Lichtenwalter, when the Elder Martin Baker, mentioned early in Cedar County history, also preached occasionally. The first organization was effected about 1855 in the former residence of John Hecht, by Daniel Wertz, preacher.

The United Brethren church was organized at an early day by Rev. Baker, the first pastor. In 1868 the two denominations built a Union church on section twenty and services were held alternately and a union Sunday school was in successful operation.

The Lutheran church was organized by Rev. D. A. Altman in 1867 at the school house. In 1866 a church was erected under the pastorate of Rev. J. J. Huber. This was located a half mile west of the Union church. The first elders were Jacob Geiger and Jacob Stockslager. As the new settlement is composed mostly of Germans who belong to the two churches in Lowden, the Lutheran church was sold a few years ago and moved to Harmony Point, some distance west of its first location. 177  

BIBLE SOCIETY

One of the oldest organizations for philanthropic purposes in this county is the Bible Society which meets annually to this day. As early as 1842 it began to carry on its work. Daniel Hare, mentioned among the pioneers, was its first president; Henry Hardman, at whose house the first sermon was preached; Judge Tuthill, recognized as a citizen of much influence; Solomon Aldrich, a charter member of the first Methodist church; John P. Cook, who conducted the first mercantile business in Tipton, were chosen as vice presidents. Rev. Uriah Ferree was the first secretary, and E. E. Edwards, once sheriff of the county, the treasurer.

This organization sought then and now to keep the county supplied with the scripture where some were unable to furnish themselves, and to that end made an effort to keep a census of the county where such service was needed.

Dr. J. F. Kennedy, afterward for twenty-five years secretary of the State Board of Health for Iowa, was one of its presidents. S. S. Daniels, war editor of the Advertiser, was its treasurer and depositor. Hon. J. H. Rothrock, later a judge of the supreme court of Iowa, was a member of its most important committee. Rev. Wm. Lee, a pioneer minister, and Wm. Elliott were among the leaders in the organization. This society was organized in 1842, as mentioned, and is the sixth oldest in the state of Iowa.

SABBATH SCHOOLS

In May, 1867, the first movement was made to organize the Sunday school forces of the county. Rev. E. Skinner presided at this meeting and Rev. J. Riale was the secretary. A constitution was adopted which specified the qualifications for membership as, "That of any person residing in the county and directly engaged in Sunday school work and shall have attended at least one meeting of the association, and shall have enrolled in and contributing to the Sunday school cause." The following Sabbath schools were reported in part and were enrolled: Methodist Episcopal, Lutheran, St. John's Reformed, Congregational and Presbyterian of Tipton, Methodist of Lowden, York Prairie and Inland.178 Conventions of the Sunday schools of the county now include all the churches mentioned in these accounts of church history with the exception of one or two organizations.

EARLY HISTORY OF THE SETTLEMENT OF "ORTHODOX" FRIENDS AT SPRINGDALE,
IOWA, AND THEIR MEETINGS.
By Lawrie Tatum 1892. Revised by Wm. Mather 1910. page 229

Lawrie Tatum was the pioneer Friend in Cedar County, locating there in 1844. J. H. Painter's was the first family, who settled there in 1845. His house was of logs. It was customary to furnish liquor at house raisings, and he, believing it was not right to do that, informed the men when asking them to help raise, that he could not furnish liquor. They took it kindly and no one declined to go on that account, although he had been informed that he could not get his house "raised" without liquor.

In fifth month, 1848, M. V. Butler, Stephen Dean and Lawrie Tatum, with their wives, went to Salem, some seventy miles, in a road wagon with three spring seats, to attend the opening of Salem Quarterly Meeting, the first Quarterly Meeting of Friends held in the state of Iowa.

The few members commenced holding meeting in the forepart of 1849 in the house of J. H. Painter on the E. of sw. Sec. 31-80-3, now owned by Wm. A. Phelps. The heads of families who were there at that time were G. P. Wood, David Tatum, J. H. Painter, M. V. Butler, J. W. Cattell, Stephen Dean, Shaidlock Negus, James Schooley, and Lawrie Tatum. Besides the above named families, there was one other Friend, Rebecca Bowersock. There was no minister belonging to the meeting at that time and it was usually held in silence, but the meetings were enjoyed, and they were blessed to those who attended them.

In 1850 the meeting was removed to Lawrie Tatum's log house. While there Benjamin Seebohm and Robert Lindsley, ministers, from England, made the new settlement a visit. They were the first "Traveling Friends with Minutes," who attended the meeting. J. A. Grinnell, a minister, moved with his family of seven into the neighborhood in the autumn of 1850. They lived with Lawrie Tatum's in their log house, which was 16x22 feet, one and a half stories high, for a few weeks while he built a small "plank house." Such instances of "taking in a family" of emigrants for a few days or weeks were very common with the early settlers.

In 1851 the meeting was removed to J. H. Painter's gravel house on NE. corner of Sec. 1-79-4, now owned by Henry Negus, and a preparative meeting established. A number of others had by that time settled in the neighborhood Hannah B. Tatum had become a frequent speaker in the meetings, and gave satisfactory evidence that she was called of God to preach the gospel. Her gift as a preacher was acknowledged by Salem Monthly Meeting in Fifth Month, 1852.

In 1852 a concrete or gravel meeting house with flat roof was built on a lot donated by J. H. Painter near the center of Sec. 1-79-4. It was, I believe, the first church building erected in Cedar County. (Probably the second. — Ed.) On the 4th month, 9th, 1853, Red Cedar Monthly Meeting was established there, and the Friends of Linn and Jones Counties made a request for the establishment of a preparative meeting.

In the appointment of committees, etc., in the first two months we find the following names on the minutes of men's meetings: J. A. Grinnell, David Tatum, Samuel Abbott, Samuel Hampton, Brinton Darlington, Abram Parmer, Stephen Dean, Dilworth Schooley, Zachariah Hampton, Israel Negus, Stephen Southwick, James Schooley, Lawrie Tatum, Elisha Stratton, Moses V. Butler, Nathan Taber, Isaac Jackson, Septimus Sharpless, Benjamin Ball, Benjamin Grundy, G. P. Wood, Isaac Negus, Moses Varney, Emmor Rood, Enoch Peasley, Matthew Winslow, Wm. Hampton, Peter Collins, Andrew McBride, Isaac Parmer, Albert B. Negus, Elisha Todd, Samuel Fawcett and Shaidlock Negus.

Red Cedar Monthly Meeting was incorporated under the laws of Iowa in 1853. In 7th Month, 1853, Salem Meeting referred Springdale Indulged Meeting (now West Branch Meeting) to the care of Red Cedar Monthly Meeting. It was made a Preparative Meeting in nth Month, 1853.

Springdale post office was established about two and one-fourth miles west of where the village and P. O. by that name now is. The settlement near and west of the post office was called Springdale. When there was a store started at the present site of Springdale the post office was removed to it, much to the chagrin of the Springdale settlers. West Branch post office and town were subsequently started and Springdale Meeting was held in that town, and Red Cedar Meeting was held at Springdale, which was confusing and misleading. Therefore the names of both meetings were changed to the names of the post offices where each was situated.

In First Month, 1854, the Monthly Meeting appointed a committee "to carry out the advice of the Yearly Meeting in establishing and having the care of First-day Schools."

Red Cedar Monthly Meeting received by certificate, during the first year that it was held, 290 persons. There were also twelve received by request, making an addition of 302 the first year. There were some received every month. The greatest number was fifty-nine. A few of the heads of families received during this eventful year — 4th Month, 1853, to 3d Month, 1854 — were: Richard Pinkham, Wm. Townsend, Michael King, Caleb Gregg, Wm. D. Branson, John Thomas, Geo. Hughes, Nathan Satterthwait, Samuel Peasley, Griffith Lewis, James Walton, David W. Miles, Jas. Staples, Samuel Dean, Thos. Montgomery, G. P. Smith, Jas. Townsend, Thomas C. Battey, Samuel Pearson, Alpheus Hirst, and Wm. Miles.

The Friends received during that year came from Ohio, Michigan, Iowa, Indiana, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, Maine and Canada. The second year there were some received every month but one. Total received second year 192. There were 176 received the third year. In 1856 Honey Grove Meeting was held one mile east and three miles north of where West Branch now is, and meetings were continued to be held there for nearly thirty years.

Red Cedar Quarterly Meeting was established by Indiana Yearly Meeting and the first session held in 5th Month, 1858. In anticipation of the Quarterly Meeting, Red Cedar Preparative Meeting, with the help of Philadelphia, and other Friends, had enclosed a new frame Meeting house 67x42 feet and finished one end at a cost of $2,362.50. The estimated cost to complete the building was $500. It is the present Meeting house at Springdale.

In the second Monthly Meeting, held 5th Month, 4th, 1853, is recorded: "Albert B. Negus and Martha Ball propose marriage with each other; parents consenting thereto." Theirs was the first marriage according to Friends ceremony in Cedar County.

During this year five couples were married according to Discipline and two members disowned for marrying contrary to Discipline, and one disowned for providing, and partaking of marriage entertainment of daughter who was married contrary to Discipline. Many were subsequently disowned for thus marrying. In 1865 Iowa Yearly Meeting of Friends, and since that time many other Yearly Meetings changed their Disciplines to allow legal marriage in any form although not celebrated in the manner Friends recommended in their Discipline.

On the 28th of 8th Month, 1876, J. Y. Hoover, a Friend minister, officiated in the marriage of Charles E. Negus and Ellen Tatum, using substantially the marriage ceremony in the Discipline. This was the first marriage solemnized by a Friend minister in Springdale Monthly Meeting.

In the spring of 1865 Elizabeth Ann Harris, a Friend minister, sang a hymn in Springdale Monthly Meeting held at West Branch. A few months previously Julia Ann McCool, a minister of LeGrand Monthly Meeting, Iowa, had sung a hymn in their meeting. These were probably the first hymns sung by Friend ministers in any of their meetings in America for more than one hundred years. It was very trying indeed to some of the members to have the singing by E. A. Harris, but J. A. Grinnell and Joel Bean, J. Y. Hoover, and some others thought it was called for of the Lord, and therefore was right.

George Fox, and Friends of two hundred years before, placed preaching, prayer and singing on the same basis. But singing had so dropped out of use, that the report that a Friend minister had sung a hymn in Springdale Monthly Meeting, was received with great surprise in many parts of the United States.

But now how changed. The church has again become evangelistic, aggressive, and missionary, more as it was during the first thirty years after George Fox first began to preach. At the close of the first thirty years the church had increased to sixty thousand members. Now, singing, testimony and prayer are encouraged throughout the Friends' church in America, with few exceptions. That the blessing of God is upon it is shown by the large numbers converted and taken into church membership since the change.

In 1850 to 1855 when Friends were immigrating so rapidly to this part of the country, many of them "entered their land." That is, bought it of the Government at $1.25 per acre. It could be bought in 40, 80 or 160 acre lots. At that time the Government had no limit to the amount that a person might "enter." With very few exceptions the early settlers came with little more funds than enough to purchase their land.

As oxen were preferred for breaking the tough prairie sod, and they cost so much less than horses, many of the early settlers had no other team for some, years. The oxen were hitched to the farm wagons to take the families to meeting, and visiting, and their produce to market, etc The settlers were contented, happy and thankful for what they had, and thankful, too, that they had no mortgage notes to harass them. They lived within their means, which was very limited. Dressed pork delivered in Muscatine would bring from $1.25 to $2.40 per 100 pounds. Wheat, which was the staple crop of grain at that time, would bring from 25 to 50 cents per bushel.

We have now traced the early settlement of Friends in the vicinity of Springdale from the small Indulged meeting in 1849, held in a private house, with no minister, through the rapid growth of Preparative and Monthly Meetings, and the establishment of a large Quarterly Meeting in nine years. During those years one minister moved to Red Cedar, and three developed their gifts, and were recorded ministers. Many who were here during those nine years have moved to other parts. A number have passed to their eternal rewards. The few who remain, with those who are with them now, in 1892, have cause to bless God for his over-ruling care and providence of us in those early days, and for his goodness and mercy and blessing that has been to us, and over us to the present time. Then let us unite in saying, "Praise ye the Lord, O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth forever."

ADDITIONAL HISTORY OF THE REGULAR "ORTHODOX" OR "PROGRESSIVE" BRANCH
OF FRIENDS,SPRINGDALE, IOWA. (Written July, 1910.)

During the settlement of Friends in Cedar County they scattered over the prairies between the Cedar and Iowa rivers from northwest of Atalissa, around Springdale, West Liberty, Downey and West Branch and west to within a few miles of Iowa City, and west of Cedar Valley, keeping a little west of Cedar River on nearly to Solon. At one time part of this territory was called "Quaker Ridge."

These Friends were earnest advocates of education, peace, temperance, and freedom for all races. For many years after the Civil War they aided much in the education and training of the Freedmen, contributing freely of their means and sending teachers to aid the work in the South. Many of the Friends aided in the Government Indian Schools as superintendents, teachers and helpers.

Regular services and Bible schools are now maintained at Springdale and West Branch.

From time to time large numbers of Friends have removed from this vicinity to Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Oregon, and especially since 1880 very large numbers have removed to the vicinity of Pasadena, California. In many of their new places of residence large and active meetings have been established.

Iowa Yearly Meeting of Friends at its 47th annual meeting held in Oskaloosa, Iowa, in 1909, reported fourteen Quarterly Meetings, and 8,929 members; 95 congregations; 74 pastors.

The conservative branch of Friends have, since 1883, maintained semi-weekiy meetings at their meeting house in West Branch, Iowa, and held yearly meetings there and at Earlham, Iowa, alternately.

The "Wilbur" branch of Friends for over fifty-five years, have held meetings in their meeting house two and one-half miles east of West Branch; for many years maintained a primary school and for twenty years past have kept up a boarding school in their fine large three-story building called "Scattergood Seminary."