[Section 8, Page 5]

 NOTE: St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Mason City's third religious organization, was established in 1864. A small frame building with a foundation of rocks was completed in 1873 at a cost of $2,000, located on the site of the present structure. By 1899, the congregation had outgrown the church, and, with the arrival of Father Michael Carolan, plans were begun for building a new church, completed in 1901. In the meantime, St. Francis Academy was completed in 1890, destroyed by fire in 1908, and rebuilt with essentially the same architecture, opening in September of 1910 as St. Joseph's Academy.

St. Joseph's Cemetery, established in 1875 and enlarged in 1932, was deeded to Mason City in 1949. St. Joseph's Catholic Church was completely refurbished and remodeled in 1950 and 1951.

St. Joseph's and the Holy Family Catholic Churches merged in 2012. As of June 2013 St. Joseph Catholic Church and Holy Family Catholic Church were organized as Epiphany Parish.

[Section 8, Page 6] The dedication of the $365,000 Trinity Lutheran Church in Mason City June 18, 1950, marked the fulfillment of a longtime dream and the opening of new possibilities to thousands of Lutherans in this area.

The dedication marked the completion of the first new church the congregation had had since the erection of a small structure on Pennsylvania S.E. in 1893. It marked the amazing fruition of seven years of leadership of the Rev. Alvin N. Rogness as pastor.

But, as pointed out by Dr. J. A. Aasgaard, president of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, the completion of the church meant the establishment in Mason City of the headquarters for the south central district of the church with the Rev. V. T. Jordahl, district president, having his office in the new church. The district comprises all of Iowa and several states southward as far as Texas, with a heavy concentration of the membership in this area.

Installation service for the new president took place in the church in the afternoon in charge of President Aasgaard with many distinguished clergymen from this area and from other parts of the country taking part. Pastor Jordahl's district comprises 70,000 church members.

Construction of the new church began with a ground breaking ceremony May 23, 1948. Handling the shovel for this ceremony was Ralph Nelson, son of Gust Nelson, one of the charter members when the Trinity congregation was organized in 1871.

Also participating in the ceremony was Dr. Lloyd Gustafson of the First Methodist Church, president of the Ministerial Association. The launching of the construction was the culmination of a five year campaign to raise funds.

NOTE: Rev. Verner Trygve Jordahl was born in Minnesota on October 26, 1898, and died September 24, 1984. His wife, Norma (Johnson) Jordahl, was born in Ridgeway, Iowa, August 28, 1899, and died December 18, 1992. They were interred at Madison Cemetery, Winneshiek County, Iowa.

Dr. Alvin Nathaniel Rogness was born in 1906, and died July 12, 1992, interment made at Bethany Cemetery, Astoria, South Dakota.

Gustaf Nelson was born in 1849, and died in 1928, interment made at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery.

[Section 8, Page 6] It is largely through the teachings of the church that such institutions as the St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital in Mason City have developed.

The initial building of the Mercy Hospital provided 120 beds. It was opened Dec. 9, 1915, by Sisters from the Motherhouse in Dubuque, Mother Agnes coming with Sister Mary Vitalis, Sister Mary Catherine and Sister Mary Stanislaus.

The school of nursing was opened Sept. 27, 1916, in charge of Sister Mary Thaddeus. The first graduation was held Dec. 12, 1918.

The hospital has added to its equipment through the years. The nurses residence and educational building was erected in 1925. A new wing was added to the hospital in 1941, increasing the capacity to 211 patient beds and 54 new borns.

[Section 8, Page 6] The Immanuel Lutheran Church was erected in the fall of 1923 with the dedication taking place Feb. 14 and 15, 1924. The Rev. O. A. Elmquist is credited with the carrying out of the building program during a 15 months pastorate here. In 1920 the parsonage was acquired. On Oct. 21, 1946, the congregation had made such progress that a mortgage burning ceremony was held.

The Immanuel congregation was organized Aug. 20, 1914, under the leadership of the Rev. S. H. Newman of Burnside. Until the present church was built the congregation worshipped (sic) in a small chapel.

Pastors who have served the congregation have included the Rev. T. A. Conrad, the Rev. B. T. Erholm and the Rev. Ernest A. Bergeson. At present [1953] the Rev. S. E. Peterson is pastor.

NOTE: Rev. O. A. Elmquist was the pastor at Odgen, arriving there with his new bride in October of1903. On June 5, 1907, he became the pastor of the Swedish Lutheran Church of Chariton, Iowa, for two years there.

Rev. Swan Hakan Newman was born in Sweden on September 27, 1862, and died May 31, 1955, Dayton, Iowa. His wife, Anna Augusta (Anderson) Newman, was born in Sweden on April 12, 1864, and died July 9, 1960, Dayton, Iowa. They were interred at Dayton Cemetery.

Rev. Ben T. Erholm was born in 1889, and died in 1966. Ebba E. Erholm his wife, was born in 1903, and died in 1994. They were interred at Scandinavian Cemetery, Lee County, Iowa.

[Section 8, Pages 6 & 10] The construction of the Adas Israel Synagogue at 7th and Adams N. W. in early 1942 brought the fulfillment of the dream of members of this congregation since the first Jewish families came to Mason City a half century ago. The church seats 300, with a spacious social room in the basement.

[Section 8, Page 7]

[Section 8, Page 8] Largest of the church construction projects in the $3 million program of new places of worship here the past five years i the First Methodist, which held its opening services Sunday, April 25, 1953.

Of colonial design, the structure includes, besides the main church, an educational wing with administrative offices and a large social hall and kitchen in the basement.

Built of brick, the main body of the church is finished in white enamel, after pure colonial style. Paneled walls, beam work and pilasters mark the entrance and stairway to the balcony. A block terrazzo floor in the entrance adds richness to the simplicity of the design.

Walls of the nave are enameled white with plaster run cornices. Each window is equipped with heating and ventilating openings. Pews, with white enameled ends, are of stained walnut.

Overall dimensions of the building are 211 feet by 161 feet. The spire is 115 feet to the top of the cross.

The completion of this magnificent structure is the climax of nearly a century of service to this community on the part of the First Methodist Church.

The first gatherings that blossomed into the organization of a congregation were held in March, 1857. The first pastor as the Rev. Mr. Freemen. The first services were held in the John McMillin home.

The first church built by the congregation in 1870 stood on the present [1953] site of the Piggly Wiggly store and was completed at a cost of $8,000.

Following a revival in 1893-94 the old stone church on Washington and 2nd N. W. was built.

Original plans were for a $29,000 building. Congregation raised $30,000 and on March 10, 1895, the new church was dedicated by Rev. B. I. Ives of Auburn, N.Y. At the close of the service a financial statement was presented showing the church had cost in excess of $40,000 and Pastor Ives succeeded in getting $15,000 in additional contributions.

The site of the new church was acquired in 1949 and the ground breaking ceremony held May 13, 1951. The cornerstone was laid the following Oct. 14.

Still to be erected [1953] is a chapel on the north end of the church, for which $25,000 was bequested by the B. C. Way estate and $500 from an anonymous giver.

[Section 8, Page 8] Elisha Randall, the man who built Mason City's first industrial enterprise - a saw and grist mill near the present [1953] site of the Jacob E. Decker and Sons plant - was a prominent figure in the organization of the First Methodist Church.

Records show organization took place March 3, 1857, three years after the arrival of the first families. The charter members were Mr. and Mrs. Randall and daughter, Mrs. J. B. Long, Mrs. George Brentner, Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Parker, Mr. and Mrs. N. M. Adams and Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Taylor.

The first quarterly meeting was held March 15, 1857. The congregation held services for some time in the upper story of John McMillin's store and later at the school hours. In 1872 a church was built on the site of the present [1953] Piggly Wiggly store north of Central Park.

In the midst of the building program, the Great Depression of the early 70's came, crippling the booming business life of the community and nipping a boom that blossomed with the coming of the first railroad in the fall of 1869.

Members of the congregation decided to suspend completion of the church and put a roof over the basement. Services were held in this basement until a campaign for funds made it possible to complete the church two years later.

The basement was divided into three classrooms. The church had a seating capacity of 400. This church had the first pipe organ in Mason City.

This pipe organ was for a number of years the center of interest for musical minded Mason Cityans. It was installed by L. L. Huntley, graduate of the Boston Conservatory of Music.

[Section 8, Page 8] in 1936 the St. John' Baptist Church was built at 715 6th S. W. Eight years later in an impressive ceremony the congregation burned the mortgage, wiping out the last of a $10,000 debt.

[Section 8, Page 8] Organized by Rev. Herbert Sprole following tent meetings held in 1923.
[Photograph did not scan well at all, was black box.]

[Section 8, Page 9] It is significant that the educational unit of the new First Methodist Church stands on the site of Mason City's first school building, a two-story, two room structure that was torn down when the Central School was built in 1872.

The north corner of the church property was then acquired by the First Wesleyan Methodist Church for $800 with a $100 down payment. This group lost the property on foreclosure and the corner was acquired by C. H. Hughes, who built a house on the lot. In 1891 the house was purchased by C. Currie, father of Frank R. Currie of the Currie Hardware Store.

In 1906 the house was purchased by W. A. Brandenburg, high school superintendent and later president of Kansas Teachers College at Pittsburg, Kan. The west part of the lot was deeded to Dr. G. C. Stockman, who built the Frank Lloyd Wright planned house, which still stands adjacent to the church. This house was later sold to Joe Laird and finally to the present [1953] occupant, Tom Skarlis.

Brandenburg sold the corner house to W. H. Boyd, father of W. W. Boyd in 1910. The church acquired the corner from W. W. Boyd in 1949, thus possessing again the property it lost three-quarters of a century before.

The south corner occupied by the new church also has an interesting history, as do most of the properties that go back to pioneer days.

Charles Gracey of New York, here briefly as right of way agent for construction of the Austin branch of the Milwaukee, held the property for several years after he purchased it in 1868. Gracey had a part in platting the town of Plymouth.

In 1882, Edmund Pennington, Milwaukee division superintendent, bought the lot and built the large house that stood on the corner when the church purchased the property. In 1885 the house was deeded to Mrs. Mary Emsley, widow of Tom Emsley, founder of the First National Bank, and it was from her heirs, Doris Markley and the late Mrs. H. D. Page, that the property was purchased.

NOTE: William Aaron "Prexy" Brandenburg was born in Clayton County, Iowa, October 10, 1869, the son of Francis Marion and Enfield (Maxwell) Brandenburg. A 1900 graduate of Drake University, he taught at Drake during summer terms of 1903, 1904, and 1905 until he came to Mason City in 1905 to accept the position as superintendent of the public school system. He held this position until 1910. From Mason City, he went to Oklahoma City as superintendent of public schools, and in August of 1913, without formal application, assumed the presidency of the State Manual Traning Normal School, Pittsburg, Kansas. He married Miss Altana Adelaide "Alta" Penfield on June 22, 1893, Volga, Iowa. Miss Penfield was the daughter of William A. and Lucy A. (Chapman) Penfield. William died October 29, 1940, Richmond Heights, Missouri. Alta was born in Volga, Iowa, on July 26, 1869, and died January 24, 1956, Pittsburg, Kansas. They were interred at Highland Park Cemetery, Pittsburg, Kansas.
SOURCES: Connelley, William E. A Standard History of Kansas and Kansans. Vol. IV. Pp. 1989-90. Lewis Publ. Co. Chicago. 1918.
The Globe-Gazette. Mason City, Iowa. Saturday, May 11, 1940. Page 18.

Cory Currie was born in 1847 near Toronto, Canada. He married Louisa Bond in 1871, and the family came to Mason City in 1880. Mr. Currie was employed by the Milwaukee Railroad as a fireman and engineer for three years, then operated a restaurant in downtown Mason City from 1884 to 1895. He founded the hardware business in 1892 with a purchase of a one-third interest in the Dagget & Schwie Hardware Company of Mason City. In 1895, he sold his restaurant and bought out the two remaining Dagget & Schwie partners, thus establishing C. Currie & Son Company with his son, Frank R. Currie. Cory died in 1942. Louisa Harriet (Bond) Currie was born September 29, 1848, Green Lake County, Wisconsin, and died in 1934, Mason City. They were interred at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery.
SOURCES: curries.com/en/site/curries/About-CURRIES/History/

Frank R. Currie, son of Cory and Louisa Harriet (Bond) Currie, was born in Kossuth County, Iowa, on February 17, 1874. He became the president of C. Currie and Son Company.
SOURCE: The Globe-Gazette. Mason City, Iowa. Saturday, August 31, 1957.

Dr. George C. Stockman was born October 25, 1852, and died September 16, 1927. Eleanor M. (Chafin) Stockman was born April 16, 1856, and died June 18, 1924. Dr. G. C. and Eleanor Stockman were interred at Oak Ridge Cemetery, East Troy, Wisconson. They were originally from Wisconsin. The Stockman House, owned by the Stockmans until 1924 and originally located at 311 1st Street S.E., was moved to 530 1st Street N.E. to avoid demolition. The house, fully restored as a public museum, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places January 29, 1980.

Thomas Skarlis was born in 1908, and died in 1959. Evangeline Skarlis, his wife, was born in 1916, and died in 2000. They were interred at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery.

William H. Boyd was born in 1866, and died in 1934. Lorretta M. Boyd, his wife, was born in 1873, and died in 1954. William W. Boyd was born in 1894, and died in 1958; his wife, Mary M. (Melzer) Boyd, was born in 1915, and died in 1939; their son, William Boyd, Jr., was born and died May 2, 1939. The Boyds were interred at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery.

Thomas Goodwillie "Tom" Emsley was born in Carroll County, Ohio, December 23, 1843, and died in Nebraska on June 7, 1885. Mary Ann (Church) Emsley Adams was born in Springboro, Pennsylvania, on October 8, 1839, and died in Mason City on March 21, 1931. Doris E. Markley was born in 1892, and died in 1968.

Edmund Pennington was born September 16, 1848, Peru, Illinois. The family moved to St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1853. He was general superintendent of the Minnesota division of the Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste. Marie Railroad April of 1886 to February, 1899, when he was named general manager. In March of 1909 he was named president of the railroad. Edmund died May 1, 1926. Ella Marie (Sturgis) Lawler Pennington, his wife, was born June 8, 1859, in Missouri, and died in Minneapolis on January 29, 1925. They were interred at Lakewood Cemetery, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
SOURCE: Shutter, Rev. Marion Daniel. History of Minneapolis: Gateway to the Northwest. Vol. III. Pp. 598-601. S.J. Clarke Publ. Co. Chicago. 1923.

[Section 8, Page 9] The original St. Joseph's Catholic Church, which stood on approximately the same site as the present building, was 30 by 50 feet in size, with a gallery. It had a seating capacity of 400.

[Section 8, Page 9] The new St. James Lutheran Church is built on a triangular site of more than 4 1/2 acres on Maple Drive and 4th S. E. [present day 1148 4th Street S.E.], giving the setting a unique spaciousness.

The church is a combination of the forceful, smooth lines of modernity and the traditions of Christianity, developed over the centuries.

Dominating the exterior and lending unity to the structure is the 107 foot high tower which is crowned by the symbol of Christianity - a cross.

The completed plans call for four units plus a parsonage. Completed thus far is the church proper, the administrative offices and part of the educational unit. An addition to the plant, for which the foundation has already been laid, will complete the educational unit and provide the fellowship hall.

Entrance to the church building is through a spacious tower entrance and parthex. The nave has side walls 28 1/2 feet tall, pierced with six pairs of lancet windows filled with leaded stain glass in modernistic pattern. Walls of the nave are painted a Caribbean blue and the walls of the chancel are done in a lighter shade of the same color. Pews and chancel furniture have a light finish that blends harmoniously with the surroundings.

Above the altar is an exquisite rose window through which filter light and color in surpassing beauty. The baptismal font is placed at the foot of the chancel steps.

Simple wood beams and trusses support the semi-flat roof. A structural acoustical material is used between wood trusses and beams serving a dual purpose of support and sound treatment. To the left of the chancel are the organ and organ console, to the right the organ pipes, sacristy and working sacristy.

At the rear of the nave and above the low roof of the narthex is a stained glass window area consisting of 15 symbolic plaques depicting the life of Christ.

A spacious parlor with fireplace and kitchen are located off the narthex directly behind the nave.

[Section 8, Page 9]

NOTE: The initial worship service of the First Covenant Church of Mason City was scheduled for Sunday afternoon on March 16, 1947. The guest preacher unfortunately died hours earlier while delivering the sermon in his home church. A lay person was secured and the service was held. Three months later, Norris M. Peterson, an intern pastor, was called to Mason City and the church was dedicated in the fall. Roy E. Olson was the church's initial full-time pastor, serving from 1948 to 1950. Other pastors serving full-time have been Theodore Clemens, 1951-53; Wallace Carlson, 1954-61; Robert Christiansen, 1961-63; David Carlson, 1963-67; E. Neil Peterson, 1968-74; Alfred Ulner, 1974-83; Frank Ashley, 1984-88; Dan Pietrzyk, 1989-95; Rich Murray, 1995-2003.

In1963 the church began an extensive building campaign, purchasing property in 1967, and the new facility, located at 411 S. Ohio Avenue, was completed in February of 1967.
SOURCE: firstcovenantchurch.com/ourhistory.php

[Section 8, Page 9]

NOTE: The church is the site of present-day [2014] New Life Tabernacle United Pentecostal Church of Mason City. Mason City Seventh Day Adventist Church is now located at 815 N. Kentucky Avenue.

[Section 8, Page 9]

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

YW PIONEERED IN COMMUNITY ENTERPRISES

[Section 8, Page 10]

Ground Breaking for YMCA
C. H. McNider, chairman of the construction committee, is shown above taking the first shovelful of sod to start the excavation for the construction of the Mason City YMCA in 1925. Shown with him from left are other members of the committee and board: George S. Marty, Dr. George M. Crabb, W. S. Wilcox, Henry J. Steinberg, C. G. Maudsley, William H. Hathorn, J. A. Van Ness, Frank J. Hanlon and Secretary C. E. Gilman. The building was dedicated free of debt Dec. 11, 1927. Because of the insufficiency of funds the third floor was never finished. With a bequest of $50,000 from the estate of B. C. Way, it will now be possible to complete the building, work on which is expected to start in a short time, adding to the dormitory rooms in the building.

Two Mason City women, Miss Gertrude Decker and Mrs. Gertrude Albert, with the experience of College Y, were instrumental in organizing the local Association and setting it up to conform to the policies and purpose of the great National and International Young Women's Christian Association.

In 1912, there were 900 girls employed in Mason City and living elsewhere who needed a place for recreation and fellowship. Since the needs of a community determine the program of an Association, the local YWCA has provided a constantly changing program from that time to the present, to meet the needs of this community.

Miss Margaret O'Connor, secretary of the North Central Field, was brought to Mason City in October, 1912, to consider the organization of a YWCA.

Organized in 1913

An organization meeting was held on May 13, 1913, in the Baptist Church. A full Board of Directors was named; a constitution and by-laws written and a motion passed to affiliate with the National association. The location committee reported two available locations; the finance committee reported $3,071.00 on hand; the membership committee reported 454 members.

On May 14, the Board of Directors, with Miss O'Connor presiding, elected the following officers: President, Mrs. Gertrude Albert; vice president, Mrs. Dora Holman; corresponding secretary, Mrs. J. G. Melson; recording secretary, Miss Georgia Hanford; and, treasurer, Mrs. Etta Storer.

An executive committee, composed of Miss Anna Stanbery, Miss Gertrude Decker and Mrs. J. W. Adams, was named. A Board of Trustees was composed of Jay E. Decker, C. H. McNider, Charles Damon, Mrs. James E. Blythe and Mrs. Elsham.

A motion was made to ask the YWCA field committee to send a trained General Secretary to Mason City. The boards of directors and trustees on May 20 decided to purchase the H. I. Smith residence at the southwest corner of State and Adams for $12,000.

YWCA Home Opens

That YWCA home was formally opened Sept. 24, with about 400 women and girls attending. Board members were hostesses, an orchestra provided music and refreshments were served. Mrs. Albert introduced Miss Howard, general secretary, and Miss Rohr, cafeteria director. The next noon the cafeteria opened. For some time, volunteers helped prepare and serve food, attend the cash register and act as hostesses during meal time.

Soon the expression "we need more room" was heard on all sides. By 1916 the membership was 1,035 and plans for enlarging the building was considered. "Move the present building to the back of the lot, erect a new building that will be adequate for years to come and do not sell an inch of the ground for Mason City is growing and has a promising future," was the advice of the trustees. It was voted to put on a campaign to raise $75,000.

Organizations Help

The Ministerial Association, Chamber of Commerce, and many local businessmen and women gave endorsement to "The greatest civic project that has ever come before the people of Mason City." The building committee consisted of Mrs. Anna Patton, Mrs. J. W. Adams, Miss Gertrude Decker, Mrs. C. H. McNider, E. L. Balz and Jay E. Decker, with Mrs. Ralph S. Stanbery as treasurer.

Plans were drawn and the contract let for a building with a regulation sized swimming pool, the first in Mason City, a gymnasium, cafeteria, reception rooms, offices, club and class rooms. The estimate of $75,00 was not sufficient and $40,000 in bonds were issued. On Nov. 21, 1918, the new building was opened.

In 1928, a drive to raise funds to wipe out all debts and provide two years running expenses was over-subscribed by $1,000.

Projects in which the local YWCA pioneered until such time as other organizations were ready to take over are: A camping program for girls; Community concerts or lyceums for adults; Stay at home camp, the forerunner of summer playground programs; Adult education classes and garden clubs in 1935; The sunrise Easter service, a combined program of the YMCA and YWCA; A Thanksgiving Hymn service in 1939.

NOTE: George S. Marty Sr. was born September 4, 1891, and died December 12, 1975, interment made at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Henry J. Steinberg was born February 2, 1878, and died July 29, 1974, interment made at Memorial Park Cemetery.

John Aylmer Van Ness was born June 8, 1880, Wyoming, Iowa, and died November 4, 1964, Mason City. Alice Iowa (Dickinson) Van Ness, his wife, was born October 10, 1882, Danbury, Iowa, and died May 20, 1966, Mason City. They were interred at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery.

Frank J. Hanlon was born August 12, 1876, and died January 25, 1937, interment made at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery.

Julia T. Melson was born in 1887, and died in 1956, interment made at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery.

Georgia L. Hanford was born in New York in 1868, and died April 15, 1929, interment made at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery.

Grace (Smith) Blythe was born in 1858, Indiana, and died in 1954, interment made at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery.

Ada Virginia Elsham was born in 1867, and died in 1936, interment made at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

CENTRAL LUTHERAN

[Section 8, Page 10] First place of worship to be complete in the city's recent large church building program was the Central Lutheran, the interior of which is shown above with the Rev. Marvin O. Lee at the altar.

NOTE: Central Lutheran Church was organized in 1927, the first services held at the Chamber of Commerce rooms. Ground breaking for the church was celebrated on October 14, 1927 and the basement portion was dedicated on March 25, 1928. The basement portion served the congregation and as the foundation of the superstructure as it was being constructed and later dedicated on April 16, 1950. Central Lutheran Church and Immanuel Lutheran Church merged on June 3, 1962, becoming Saint Paul Lutheran Church. All movable contents that could be used, including the Wicks Memorial Pipe Organ, was moved into the Central Lutheran building, located at 329 East State Street. The Immanuel Church and parsonage were rented out but eventually sold. Ground breaking ceremonies for a new Educational Unit was observed on September 6, 1964, and dedication services for the structure was held on Sunday, May 16, 1965. During this time the chancel area was enlarged to accommodate a free-standing altar with more kneeling area. SOURCE: stpaulmc.com

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

 

 

 [Section 8, Pages 10 & 13] NEW CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH CHANCEL - One of the outstanding remodeling projects among churches in the last five years is that of the First Congregational Church, which dedicated a new chancel and other improvements on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the congregation May 30, 1948. The picture at right shows the divided chancel and beautiful rose window. Other improvements included a private prayer chapel.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

WESLEY DOUBLES SIZE OF SANCTUARY

[Section 8, Page 11] The Wesley Methodist Congregation has doubled the size of the sanctuary of the church, which it erected a little more than a decade ago.

The addition, which is 41 by 46 feet, increases the seating capacity to 600, while the fellowship hall is enlarged to seat 280 persons.

The new construction, which was completed for dedication April 26, includes the enlarging of the kitchen, additional class rooms and social room. The A. J. Thomas Memorial Chapel was also added, with a seating capacity of 53.

The Wesley Church, a merger of the Olivet and Zion Methodist churches in 1936, broke the ground for its first building May 19, 1940. It was dedicated free of debt Nov. 24, 1940. On May 18, 1952, ground was broken for the new addition.

This entire church building program has been carried out under the pastorate of Dr. Paul Peterson, who has been here since 1940.

OLIVET STARTED IN 1913

[Section 8, Page 11] The Olivet Methodist Church, built in 1913 at 20th and S. Federal, was part of the efforts of the First Methodist Church to provide places of worship in the outlying areas. in 1915 Olivet was organized with its own minister. Later it was merged with the Zion Methodist to form the present Wesley Methodist Church.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

WAS CHAPLAIN AND SURGEON IN CIVIL WAR

[Section 8, Page 11] The Rev. William L. Estabrook, who came to Mason City as rector of St. John's Episcopal Church in 1882, was not only a theologian, but also a physician.

In the Civil War he served as both chaplain and surgeon for the 15th Iowa Regiment and later chaplain and surgeon of other regiments.

Got Medical Degree

Estabrook was born [January 24, 1827] in New Brunswick and received his medical degree at Philadelphia College in 1847. In 1849 he went to California and southward around Cape Horn as surgeon and part owner of the vessel. In 1852 he settled at Loch Haven, Pa., and engaged in the practice of medicine.

In 1855 he went to Albany, N. Y., and two years later came west to Clinton, Iowa. In 1961 he was received as deacon in the Episcopal church and began his service with the 15th Iowa Regiment.

Appointed Chaplain

In 1863 he was appointed by Gen. Grant as chaplain of all the regiments at Memphis, Tenn., and was afterwards appointed chaplain at Keokuk. In 1864 he was commissioned surgeon of the 45th Regiment, Iowa Volunteer Infantry, with the rank of major, serving until the close of the war.

In 1867, Estabrook was ordained a priest by Bishop Lee of Davenport and continued to serve churches in Iowa, coming to Mason City in 1882.
ADDITIONAL SOURCE: "Rev. William L. Estabrook." 1883 History of Franklin & Cerro Gordo Counties, Iowa. Continental History Co. Springfield IL. 1883

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

ST. JOHN'S EPISCOPAL PARISH

[Section 8, Page 11] BUILT IN 1930 - St. John's Episcopal parish in 1930 erected this beautiful church. The building is of Gothic architecture constructed after the pattern of the early English village church. This parish has been a part of the religious life of Mason City since 1871.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

UNION MEMORIAL METHODIST CHURCH

[Section 8, Page 11] Shown above is an interior front view of the Union Memorial Methodist Church, 610 4th N.E.

Union Memorial Church, now a private residence, 2008

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

THE ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH

[Section 8, Pages 11 & 14]

Dedication of the Assembly of God Church (shown above left), 1615 Delaware N. E., took place Labor Day, Sept. 2, 1946. The building, built by the Methodists to serve the factory workers in the north end of the city was later owned by the Lutherans, who sold it in January, 1946, to the Assembly of God.