| 1879 History of Des Moines County Transcribed by Lou Bickford & Janet Brandt |
RELIGIOUS HISTORY OF BURLINGTON.
Roman Catholic, Other Roman Catholic Societies.—Catholicity had an early start with the youthful village, now the flourishing city of Burlington. The old St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church, on Fourth and Columbia streets, was commenced about the year 1840, by Rev. Father Mazrezella, first Pastor, by direction of the venerable Bishop Loras, of Dubuque, who dearly loved this infant city at that time. The second resident Pastor was the Rev. Father Reffee, an Alsatian by birth; the old, old settlers remember him with affection. Having early acquired a fair knowledge of the English language, he ministered to the spiritual wants of the numerous German, Irish and French Catholics of this city for several years. Dodgeville Mission was also attended by him. In January, 1854, Rev. Michael Kinsella was sent by Bishop Loras to take charge of the English-speaking portion of St. Paul's congregation, Father Reffee continuing Pastor of the German Catholics. Shortly after, a division of the church effects was made between the Irish and Germans, Bishop Loras presiding. In about one year, the German Catholics built the St. John Baptist Church on Division street, and moved into it for divine worship, with Father Reffee as their Pastor, leaving Father Kinsella sole Pastor of St. Paul's. After the first eighteen months of his missionary life, Kinsella was called, reluctantly, against the will of his Bishop and the people of St. Paul's, to Allamakee County to take charge of mine missions. He was succeeded in St. Paul's by Rev. Matthew Harmon. But after seventeen months' absence, Rev. M. Kinsella was recalled to St. Paul's. Now the active life of the young priest had full scope. Schools for his parish children was his motto; by collection and travel he kept two paid teachers with schools in the church basement, and when he had but one, he taught himself in person. In the mean time he wanted permanent schools, or Sisters devoted to schools for life, and to procure means for this object every sacrifice was overcome. Without residence or place of rest, renting a room from the venerable Madame Wetzler, he, by the raffle of his gold watch, Lives of Saints, many volumes of books and other means, saved up $840 to procure a Sisters' dwelling and schools. About this time, the Third Street Chapel (Presbyterian) was for sale. It was at that early day the pride of the city—a thing of beauty. The congregation of St. Paul's bought in this Third Street Chapel, Father Kinsella paying in his $840 on the first payment. Now his wishes were realized. The name was transferred to the new St. Paul's and the old church remodeled and partitioned, and five Sisters of Charity of B. V. M. placed there. The schools flourished, and before long nine Sisters were on active duty. Laying aside all religious prejudices, the schools of the Sisters were patronized by the wealthiest, the most influential and refined citizens in the place. In 1861, Rev. M. Kinsella was called by Rt. Rev. Bishop Smith, of Dubuque, to Muscatine and then to Garryowen. In both places he built and established Sisters' Schools. He was succeeded in St. Paul's, Burlington, by Rev. J. B. Donelan, who continued its Pastor until his death. Father James, as he was familiarly known, was beloved by all classes, irrespective of creed or country. He build the steeple on St. Paul's Catholic Church, and also a dwelling-house for the Sisters, and died December 28, 1869. About one year previous to his death, his church being too small, the parish was divided; the ground was purchased and the new St. Patrick's Church erected on West Washington street, at that time one of the lone and romantic places of the city, Father Lee being its Pastor. On the death of Father Donelan, in 1869, Father Moran became Pastor of St. Paul's Church. In 1872, Rev. T. F. Gunn succeeded Father Moran in St. Paul's Church, and continues its present Pastor. Father Gunn, is a most zealous and energetic priest, and has shown by his works what energy and perseverance can do. His zeal for the promotion of his schools caused him to purchase very expensive grounds, on which he erected the beautiful Academy of our Lady of Lourdes, and into which the Sisters and pupils moved, in 1877. In 1870 or 1871, Father Lee, of St. Patrick's New Church, became demented. The church was closed, with a heavy debt, but the creditors were gentlemen, who neither pressed nor asked until a successor was sent. On the 20th of December, 1871, Rev. Father Kinsella for the third time was returned, by Rt. Rev. Bishop Hennessy, D. D., of Dubuque, to take charge of St. Patrick's Church. Father Kinsella, than whom few love Burlington better, commenced on this new field of labor with a double will, with an unfinished church and wild grounds and in debt. His first work was to procure Sister teachers from St. Paul's, who came every morning and returned each evening, the schools being held in the church basement. Every sacrifice was made by him and his people to pay off debts; he even raffled his own mare and buggy, realizing therefore $500. Now the grounds and buildings testify to the above. A costly addition to the church, all neatly finished, was made, a large pastoral residence was built, and, one year ago, a large and substantial building, the Academy of the Immaculate Conception, was erected, where seven Sisters and one hundred and eighty pupils teach and study. Number of families, about one hundred and sixty. Academy.—The Academy of Our Lady of Lourdes belongs to St. Paul's Catholic Church, and is located on Fourth street. The ground upon which this new and imposing educational building stands was purchased in 1875. The work of construction began in 1876. The building was completed and the school opened in the summer of 1877. Only female scholars are admitted to this institution. It is calculated both for boarders and day scholars, and the higher branches are taught by eight Sisters of Charity of the Order of the Blessed Virgin. A parochial school for girls is also taught here. In all, there are 175 pupils. St. John's Catholic Church was organized by a separation of the Germans from the Irish, effected by Father J. G. Reffe, in 1855, and the construction of the church-building was commenced in 1856 and completed the same year. The congregation at this time consisted of about forty or fifty families. One year after the church was finished, a good, substantial brick building was constructed for the purpose of establishing an elementary school, which is now conducted by four Sisters of Charity of the Congregation of Notre Dame, and one male teacher, Father Mayrhofer, who is also organist of the Church. The school is divided into four classes, and has a present scholarship of about three hundred and thirty. In 1873, the St. John's Academy building was commenced by Father Fendrick and completed in 1875. The present attendance of the Academy consists of twenty scholars, who are instructed by one class teacher, one music and one female work teacher, all of whom are sisters of Notre Dame. In 1876, the entire church property, including a fine brick residence for the accommodation of the Pastor, and not spoken of before, was given by Bishop J. B. Hennessy, of Dubuque, to the Jesuit Fathers. The property described is valued at $50,000. Rev. Father Neubrand is the present Pastor of the congregation, which is now about two hundred families strong. First German Evangelical.—The First German Evangelical Church, of Burlington, was organized in 1841, by Jacob Wilhelm, Seibert Magel, Conrad Pfeiff, Balthasar Schmitt, John Philip Kriechbaum, George Blickhahn, Louis Teuscher, Henry Fehling and Fred Funck. The first Pastor was Rev. Mr. Rieger, who came in 1841, and stayed till the spring of 1844. The first meeting-place was in the garret of a house on the corner of Main and Columbia streets. In 1844, Rev. H. A. Eppens became their Pastor, and remained until April, 1849. In or about the year 1847, their place of worship was changed to a room over what is now Carpenter's jewelry store, corner of Third and Jefferson streets, where they continued to worship till 1850. In 1849, Rev. Theodore H. Dresel became Pastor, and so continued until July, 1855. On the 19th of July, 1855, the present devoted and beloved Pastor, Rev. Frederick Fausel, from the Theological Seminary of Marthasville, Mo., became Pastor, and has continued ever since to minister to his people with success and uniform satisfaction. In 1850, their present elegant and commodious house of worship, situated on the southwest corner of Columbia and Sixth streets, was begun. It is a brick structure, original size 40x60 feet, with stone basement, and with tastefully and beautifully finished interior, in imitation rosewood. A semi-circular gallery runs around the east end of the audience-room, in which is a fine organ, and all the appointments of the house are such as becomes a temple devoted to the worship of the Almighty. In 1869, some additions were made to the edifice, including an extension of twelve feet to the main building, and the erection of a steeple ninety-two feet high. The house occupies a commanding position, overlooking a large part of the city, the river, etc.; will conveniently seat about seven hundred people, and cost $12,000. It was dedicated April 6, 1851, Rev. Christopher Young, of Quincy, Ill., preaching the sermon from John, xxi, 1-5. Rev. M. Kroenlein, of Franklin Center, Iowa, Rev. Conrad Riess, of Muscatine, Rev. J. G. Shinn, of the Burlington Presbyterian Church, and Rev. William Salter, of the Burlington Congregational Church, assisted at the dedication, which was a joyful occasion to the faithful members and friends of the Church. In 1849, the Church was re-organized by changing some and adding new articles to the Constitution, and at present is in a most flourishing condition. Soon after the re-organization, the Church was incorporated by an act of the State Legislature. The present membership includes the heads of eighty families, representing not less than four hundred members in all, including children. The Sabbath school connected with the Church has an average attendance of about two hundred members, and is accomplishing happy results. The present Superintendent is Henry Berges; Librarian, Louis Blaul. In the basement of the church a day school is conducted eleven months of the year, supported by private tuition; present teacher, Charles Grueninger. About eighty pupils are now in attendance. There is also connected with the Church a Mutual Aid Society, organized in April, 1856. It now has ninety-four members, each of whom, when disabled by sickness, received $4 per week, and at the death of any member, his funeral expenses are paid, to the amount of $25, and the widow or orphans left by him, receive $300 from the Society. This church is one of the most active and harmonious in the city, and during the many years it has been blessed with the ministrations of the present able and worthy Pastor, Rev. Mr. Fausel, the society and congregation have greatly increased. German Evangelical Zion Church was organized the 13th of March, 1864, with the following constituent members: H. Hoelscher, G. H. Biklen, G. Bischoff, S. Magel, F. Funck, J. Wilhelm, C. Kassel, P. J. Paul, M. Gutekunst, E. Wehman, H. Schnicker, J. Hohl, F. Schwarz, C. Aspelmeier, C. Andre, William Lalk, W. Schlick, J. P. Kriechbaum, H. Keitzer, M. Goetz, H. J. Gugeler, G. Lemberger, J. Jaeger, H. W. Wehman, F. Flad, D. Schwarz, W. Schultheis, J. Keitzer, J.C. Woellhaf, G. Blaese, K. Wolkenhauer, J. Hammer, George Kriechbaum, L. Bauer, F. Schildt, J. Wollman, B. Jugenheimer, F. G. Klein. The first officers were: Elders, H. Hoelscher, C. Andre, W. Lalk, W. Schlick and G. Bischoff; Trustees, S. Magel, J. P. Kriechbaum, F. Funck. The congregation worshiped in Marion Hall until August, 1865, when the present edifice was dedicated on the second Sunday in August. The cornerstone was laid August 16, 1864. The present officers are: Elders, H. Hoelscher, C. Andre, G. H. Bikler, G. Bischoff, M.. Gutekunst; Trustees, George Kriechbaum, Chris. Wehmeier, Aug. Kriechbaum. The first minister was J. Zimmerman, who is still in charge of the congregation. A Sunday school was organized with the Church. The day school, supported by the Church, with two teachers, M. F. G. Klein and Miss Emma Klein, has an attendance of about one hundred scholars. The Church at present has a membership of sixty-five families, or about three hundred persons. The value of the Church property, including the parsonage, is $25,000. First German Baptist Church.—This society was organized in July, 1869, by Rev. John Kohrs, with eleven members, from families newly arrived from Germany. For some time they met in the churchy of the American Baptists, until their neat and new house of worship, at 1303 North Oak street, was completed, in 1870. Rev. Mr. Kohrs remained Pastor until April, 1877, and was succeeded by the present Pastor, Rev. Frederick Holzen. The first Deacon was H. Ricker, and he and D. Theilengerdes and F. Jordan are the present Deacons and Trustees of the Church. The number of members at present is 130. The Sabbath school has about 140 members, of which Chris. Jordan is the Superintendent. St. Lucas German Evangelical Church.— This society was organized in the year 1877, by a number of former members of the First German Evangelical Church, on North Hill, assisted by Rev. Frederick Fausel and Rev. R. Zimmerman. Their new and elegant church-building, size 60x40 feet, on the corner of South and Fourteenth streets, was begun in September, 1877, when the corner-stone was laid, with appropriate ceremonies, Rev. Fausel and Rev. Zimmerman officiating. It was dedicated May 5, 1878, by the same ministers, assisted by the then and present Pastor of the Church, Rev. D. Ankele. Forty families are attached to this congregation. Connected with the Church is a day school, taught at present by the Pastor, in the basement of the church. There is also a Sabbath school, with about 120 members. The building cost about $5,000; will seat 500 persons; has a fine cabinet organ; a bell weighing 1,200 pounds, made at Cincinnati, Ohio. The house is neatly constructed and handsomely furnished. Christian Church.—Sometime about the year 1853, a few adherents of the denomination, including D. P. Henderson, Mr. Matlock, Joshua and Arthur Miller, organized a society in this city. A lot was purchased, but no building was erected; and after a struggle of two years, the organization ceased. In May, 1870, Mr. C. C. Miller became a resident of the city, and finding a few others here of like religious adherence, and feeling the need of agreeable church associations, he undertook to effect an organization. And, as a result of united effort, the present Christian Church of Burlington was organized, October 11, 1870, at the residence of Ann Harris, on North Main street, with twenty-two members, aided in the organizing by Elder S. T. Shortess, then of Vinton, Iowa. Messrs. C. C. Miller, A. Abbott and Ransom Trobee were chosen Elders, at the meeting for organization, and the following-named persons, at the same time, became members of the infant Church: Ranson and Elizabeth Trobee, Alexander and Mary A. Abbott, George R. and Emeline M. Scott, Thomas Hinkson, Thomas Barr, George Knesram, A. Muzzy, Mary E. Muzzy, James A. Duvall, Japhet Hand, Rachel E. Hand, L. F. Smith, Sarah Allen, Ann Harris, Elizabeth Harris, C. C. Miller, Charity A. Muzzy, Mrs. A. C. Smith, Sallie Ann Hand. At the next regular meeting, Mary Cornwell, L. Kate Ewords, Mrs. Lizzie Phillips, Mrs. Hinkson, Mrs. Catherine Miller and Mrs. Duvall were added to the society. In the fall of 1870, the society went from the residence of Ann Harris to a small room in the old Court House (Marion Hall), where they worshiped during the winter of 1870-71. They then occupied the Reformed German Church building on Market, between Sixth and Seventh streets, until January, 1874, when they bought the Olivet Congregational Church property, on Boundary street, paying therefor about $4,200, which they now own and occupy. For some time, they were without a regular Pastor, and the public teaching from the organization till the spring of 1874 was done by Elder C. C. Miller. In the fall of 1872, Elder John Errett visited the Church and preached for them about a week. They were next successively visited by Elders J. C. Hay, F. M. Bruner and G. T. Carpenter. In December, 1873, State Evangelist J. B. Vawter came and remained until February, 1874, during his stay holding a very successful meeting and adding about twenty-five new members to the Church. Elder H. H. Black was then engaged, who began his labors in May, 1874, and remained about seven months. Elder C. S. Blackwell was next engaged, beginning his work May 29, 1875, remaining one year and about three months. The next effort to have regular preaching was in April, 1878, when the present Pastor, Elder L. S. Wallace, began his labors and is doing good service. The Bible school in the Church was commenced when they met in the Market street house, and continued until the summer of 1877, with C. C. Miller, Superintendent, until June, 1874, when R. A. Givens was selected and remained in that office until it was abandoned, but was revived the first of the present year. The present officers of the Church are as follows: Elders—R. A. Givens, William M. Cornwell, Thomas Hinkson. Deacons—Phillip Cronk, Samuel Murch. Board of Trustees—C. C. Miller, Chairman, George R. Scott, R. A. Givens and Thomas Hinkson; Church Treasurer—C. C. Miller. The Trustees were appointed in December, 1873, the Elders and Deacons in June, 1874, and all hold their respective offices at the pleasure of the congregation. The present number of members is about seventy, and the Church is increasing in strength and usefulness. Swedish M. E. Church of the Northwestern Swedish Conference: In 1857, a class was organized among the Swedish settlers, between four and five miles west of Burlington, by Rev. P. Newberg. Among its first members were John Pearson and wife, C. P. Peterson and wife, J. P. Ericson (died in 1877) and wife, Andrew Carlson and wife and Mrs. Margaret Staff. A small church was built in 1861, in which the following have officiated as Pastors: Peter Newberg (who organized the society at the close of his second year's service), two years; N. Peterson, four years; Joseph Osterlund, two years; P. Newberg, one year; J. E. Berggren, three years; A. Wahlgren, one year; P. Long, one year, and A. G. Engstrom, one year. During this period, it was connected with the society at New Sweden, Jefferson County, Adolph Newberg having been for several years a local minister of the society. In 1871, Rev. Alfred Anderson was appointed Pastor of this charge, and he also organized a society in the city of Burlington, and built a two-story church on West Hill, corner of Spray and Leebrick streets. The church cost, after the improvements made in 1878, $2,700. Among its first members were Mrs. Christina Streed, Mrs. Greeta C. Wall and Mrs. Carrie Falen, all of whom were members at the time the church was built. Since that time the society has had hard struggles under a heavy burden of church debts; but in 1878, it was increased in numbers by the addition of many new members, so that it was able to pay off the greater part of its debts, only $300 now remaining, which will be paid this year. The upper story of the church is not yet finished. Including the church a little distance out of the city, which was the first one to be organized, the society has now 104 members in full connection and seventeen on probation. The Trustees are A. Wall, J. Pearson, J. Lundgren, A. P. Falen, P. Olson, A. Landin, Fr. Swanson, O. Moberg and C. Hedell. The Stewards for the society are, G. V. Sheargren, A. Wall, S. A. Streed, A. Sandin and P. Olson. The following have officiated as Pastors since the city organization: Alfred Anderson, one year; A. G. Engstrom, two years; J. O. Nelson, three years; H. W. Eklund, the present Pastor, was appointed for this charge in 1877. The society has one Sunday school, with seventy scholars and ten teachers. Its officers are: C. A. Hagerstrom, Superintendent; Gust. V. Sheargren, Assistant Superintendent; Fr. Swanson, Secretary, and Andrew Wall, Treasurer. Second Baptist Church (colored).—On the 10th of February, 1866, a meeting was held in this city, by persons interested, to take general action in regard to being constituted a Regular Baptist Church. A council was present from the First Baptist Church, approving of the organization. It was voted to form a separate church, composed of those recently baptized, together with others received on experience. Rev. J. D. Wilson was Moderator of the meeting, and S. E. Taylor, Clerk. Delegates were present from other churches, as follows: Burlington, Rev. D. F. Carnahan; Deacons, H. H. Hawley, S. E. Taylor, George Merritt, E. A. Van Meter, J. C. Johnson; Mount Pleasant Colored Church, Rev. J. D. Wilson and Jefferson Lick; Danville, Rev. E. Russ; Fairfield, Rev. Isaac Leonard. After the preliminary action had been read and a full statement in regard to their condition made, it was unanimously resolved to recognize them as a church; the recognition services were conducted by Rev. Isaac Leonard. The church edifice is situated on the corner of Sixth and High streets, and was purchased on the 15th of June, 1868, but is not wholly paid for. The names of the first officers were as follows: Trustees, William Martin, D. Tyler, John William. Deacons, Asa Chapial and Thomas Roland. The names of present officers are: Trustees, Noah Cartwright, George Garven, Samuel Lee. Deacons, P. Corish, Sandford Mitchell, Jackson Wilson and Edward Davis; Church Clerk, Samuel Lee. The names of the Pastors up to the present time are the Revs. John Warren, Elder Faulkner, E. Burkett, J. C. Carey, W. M. Webster, G. W. Shelton, J. Bandy, George Chambers, G. G. Robinson and F. Gray. The first membership numbered sixteen, and the present membership numbers forty-three. The officers of the Sabbath school are: Samuel Lee, Superintendent; Mrs. Mary Roland, Assistant Superintendent; Miss Rebecca Tyler, Secretary; Mrs. Maggie Lee, Treasurer, and Mrs. George Garven, Librarian. The scholars number twenty-five. The Ministerial Relief Society was organized June 5, 1878, with Rev. F. Gray, President; Mrs. F. Gray, Vice President and Treasurer, and Miss E. Tyler, Secretary. The Burlington Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, was organized April 28, 1872, by Alexander H. Smith, President of the Spring Prairie and Nauvoo districts, O. P. Dunham, W. D. Morton and Levi Lightfoot. There were then seven members, namely; O. P. Dunham, High Priest; W. D. Morton, of the Seventy; L. Lightfoot, Elder; O. Owen, Mary A. Morton, Christian Halbick and Ellen Owen. On the same day W. D. Morton was appointed President and Owen Owen ordained Teacher of the branch, besides which the latter attended to the duty of Secretary. From April 28, 1872, to August 28, 1876, W. D. Morton was Pastor. From August 28, 1876, to August 20, 1877, John R. Nichols was Pastor, and has been succeeded by Fred Johnson, who now officiates as such. The present membership of this Church is seventy-four. The congregation has worshiped in various places, but at present holds its meetings over Whiting's music store, on Jefferson street. Connected with the Church is Bright Prospect Sabbath School, organized March 5, 1876, with an average attendance of twenty-five scholars. United Presbyterian Church.—August 11, 1875, Rev. R. C. Hamilton, of Morning Sun, Ohio, having been appointed to supply Keokuk Presbytery of the United Presbyterian Church for one quarter, was sent to Burlington by the Superintendent of Missions (Rev. Henry Wallace), to look up the prospects for the organization of a church of that denomination in this city. Mr. Hamilton's first sermon was preached August 15, in the First Presbyterian Church, corner of Fifth and Washington streets. He visited the families and preached a few Sabbaths, and September 14, 1875, went to Presbytery with the request for the organization of a church in this city—having found thirteen persons who would unite as members, and eleven as adherents. This request was favorably considered by the Presbytery and on its recommendation, Rev. E. D. Campbell, of Mansfield Presbytery, was sent as stated supply by the General Committee on Missions. He arrived January 14, 1876, and entered actively upon his labors. He preached his first sermon January 15, at 3 P. M., in the Presbyterian Church on the text, "For I have much people in this city." February 16, 1876, the "United Presbyterian Church, of Burlington, Iowa," was organized in the basement room of the Presbyterian Church, at 11 A.M. Rev. Henry Wallace, of Morning Sun, and Ruling Elders F. A. Duncan, of Columbus City, and Henry M. Ochiltree, of Morning Sun, were the Committee on Organization. Rev. Mr. Wallace preached the moderating sermon, and Mr. Duncan was appointed Clerk. The names of thirteen United Presbyterians, as members, were presented, and the names of eleven Reformed Presbyterians as adherents. Following is the list: Members—Robert W. Coulter, Mrs. Nancy D. Coulter, Wilson W. Blake, Mrs. Maria S. Blake, John Paisley, Mrs. Margaret McCosh, Mrs. Jane Dungan, Mrs. A. G. Swindler, Mrs. Nancy McLane, Mrs. Rosa Sponholtz, Robert G. Saunderson, William C. Stewart, Mrs. W. C. Stewart. Adherents—W. J. Donahue, Mrs. Lizzie G. Donahue, James W. Wright, Samuel A. Wright, William G. Wright, Miss Anna Wright, Calvin McConaughey, Mrs. Eliza McConaughey, Samuel McIntyre, W. J. Cunningham, Mrs. W. J. Cunningham. The election of Ruling Elders resulted in the choice of Robert W. Coulter and Wilson W. Blake. They were ordained by Rev. James Brown, D. D., of Keokuk, June 9, 1876. The first communion was held June 11. Services have been held regularly ever since, at Choral Hall, No. 419 ½ Jefferson street. Rev. E. D. Campbell was succeeded as stated supply, July 1, 1877, by Rev. J. C. Herron, of Lawrence, Kan., and he, July 1, 1878, by J. A. Pollock, of Logan County, Ohio, the present Pastor. The membership at present (February 1, 1879) numbers thirty-six. There have been three deaths in the congregation, and nine persons have removed from its bounds. Services are held every Sabbath, at 10:30 A.M. and 4 P.M. Prayer-meeting, Thursday evening, at 7:30 o'clock. The first Trustees were W. J. Donahue and Calvin McConaughey. The present Trustees are Archibald McArthur, M. E. Blake and James W. Wright. The Sabbath school has an average attendance of seventy, with nine classes. The officers are: James W. Wright, Superintendent; James Wilson, Secretary and Treasurer, and W. G. Wright, Librarian. The Building Committee, having charge of the erection of a new church, are Rev. J. A. Pollock, R. W. Coulter, W. W. Blake, John Cairns and John McMullin. They have closed the contract for the erection of a fine frame-building, of the beautiful Swiss style of architecture, on a lot on Jefferson street, a few doors west of Boundary. The church will be 34x62 feet in dimensions, with an alcove or recess in the rear, of 5x13 feet. It faces the north, and in the northeast corner, a tower, 12 feet square, rises in a neat and tasty spire to a height of 90 feet. There will be two entrances in front, with a class-room between the two halls. The stairs to the gallery will be in the tower. The ceiling will be arched and very high and airy. The windows will be of stained glass. The church will have a seating capacity of about four hundred people. The building will be completed about May 1, 1879, and the entire cost of lot, church and furniture will be about $5,000. The Hebrew Church.—In 1875, the Jews of the city effected an organization in accordance with their faith, and for some time held religious services in the Luke Palmer Building, on North Main street, between Washington and Columbia, in rooms formerly occupied by the Mercantile Club. About twenty families are included in the association, and Rev. S. Hecht ministered for the congregation one year. They are now organizing under the leadership of Rev. Isaac Moses, of Quincy, Ill., who will give part of his time regularly to this congregation. They now worship in the B'Nai B'Rith Lodge-room, corner Main and Washington streets. Free Methodist Church.—This society was organized April 1, 1878, by Rev. E. B. Hart and Rev. M. L. Vorheis, with about fifty members. E. Osborn, William Boger, E. P. Kyle and P. C. Burhans, were the first and present Stewards. They rented the church-building formerly occupied by the South Hill Baptist Society (now out of existence), where they continue to worship; Rev. Mr. Vorheis is the present Pastor. The sabbath School connected with the Church has about one hundred and twenty-five members—William Boger, Superintendent. The Congregation of B'nai Sholem was organized January 1, 1879, with the following officers: Joseph Lehman, President; Frank Weil, Vice President; Morris Lehman, Secretary; Harry Weiler, Treasurer. Isaac Moses, the Pastor, resides in Quincy, and comes to Burlington once each month. Connected with the Church is a Sabbath school, held twice a month. The African Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1867, by Rev. J. W. Malone, with a membership of four. The present membership is fifty, with Rev. J. W. H. Jackson as Pastor.
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