Jasper Co. IAGenWeb
Past and Present of Jasper Co.

CHAPTER XII
RELIGIOUS HISTORY OF THE COUNTY

Past and Present of Jasper County Iowa
B.F. Bowden & Company, Indianapolis, IN, 1912


The pioneer band who first settled Iowa, including Jasper County, were not all devoted Christians, by any means, but it should be recorded that many of the men and women who made up the vanguard of true civilization here were God-fearing persons, who in some one of the older Middle or Eastern states had been identified with some church organization and did not leave their devotion and religious practices when they departed for the wilds of "beyond the Mississippi River." On the contrary, they soon gathered in private houses, and later in rude log buildings, and there worshipped the only true and living God, as they had done in the land of their nativity. Building for themselves a home in a new country meant more than to acquire a large tract of cheap government land and to erect a log cabin in which to live and rear their young. It meant gaining a livelihood, by hard work, but coupled with this, the aim was to properly educate the mind and heart of the oncoming generation by the formation of school districts and the organization of church societies, which carried their own religious conviction into practice. From the best obtainable evidence, the first religious service in Jasper County was in the fore part of 1844 at the house of Adam Tool. It was a meeting presided over by a young Methodist Episcopal minister whose voice sounded like "one crying in the wilderness," and he was gladly listened to by the few who lived within four or five miles of Tool's Point. The history of the Methodist Church at Monroe, found within this chapter, will give the history of this starting of religious services in Jasper County, and which have increased in strength and good works until, according to the 1905 state census report, Jasper County had the following denominational representation, their list showing the number of church organizations and the membership of the denomination in this county.

Baptist (Regular), three congregations and a total membership of 405
Catholic, three congregations, 350 members
Christian, four congregations, 1,600 members
Congregational, seven churches, 886 members.
Free Methodist, one society, 30 members.
Friends (Orthodox), two meetings, 370 members.
German Baptist Brethren, one society, fifty members.
Lutheran, two churches, members, 188.
Methodist Episcopal, nineteen churches, 1,676 members.
Methodist (African), one church with a membership of 16.
Presbyterians, three churches, 219 members.
United Presbyterians, three churches, 247 members.
United Brethren, two churches, membership, 100.

Total number churches, fifty; total number of members, in all churches in the county, 5,664; total value of churches and parsonages in county, $237,500

In the early part of the summer of 1844, while on his way to get some supplies for his household, Adam Tool met a stranger who proved to be a young Methodist preacher, sent out to establish a circuit. He met Mr. Tool on the open prairie and on horseback. He was invited to make Tool's place a stopping place and a preaching point in the new settlement. In 1845 two ministers were sent in. Their circuit took in the old Agency City, and Tool's Point circuit was seventy-five miles long. In 1846 the work changed so that it extended northwest to connect Tool's Point with Coon Mission, extending to where Boonsboro was later located, then across the Des Moines river and the Coon River at Fort Des Moines, then down the Three River country. With so many unbridged streams, fording was a frequent occurrence, and the early circuit rider's life was anything but a "flowery bed of ease."

The first Sunday school was established in 1844 just over the Marion County line, but attended by the settlers of Jasper County.

The first church organization of Jasper County was perfected in the winter of 1846-7, by J. A. Hammond. E. R. Wright was soon made class leader, the society being of the Methodist Episcopal fait.

The third society was formed in 1848, made up of different denominations, but mostly of the Baptist faith. Preaching was had at Hartwell Hayes place.

BAPTIST CHURCHES

Among the first Baptist Churches organized in Jasper County, so far as is known to the compiler of this chapter, was the one at Newton, in November 1852, and during that year one was formed at Vandalia, whether before or after the Newton Church is not now known from a lack of records at the former.

At Newton the society was formed at the courthouse November 20th, by Rev. E. Evans, moderator, and Rev. J. A. Nash, secretary of the council. The charter members numbered eight. They adopted the "New Hampshire Declaration of Faith and Church Covenant." Meetings were held, at least once a month, at the courthouse. In 1856, through the aid of the Home Missionary Society, this church secured the services of Rev. J. E. Guild, who preached every Sabbath in the Presbyterian Church. In 1857 they worshiped in the old academy building, with increased interest. In 1862 the lots on which the church edifice was later erected were purchased for two hundred and thirty-four dollars. In 1863 the church, having adopted rules of incorporation, began building operations. The society then had only thirty-three members.

The Sabbath school was not organized until May 14, 1865. On May 12, 1866, the chairman of the building committee, William Blackman, reported the church as finished, and that the total cost of church and lots was three thousand three hundred and fifty dollars. It was built of brick and was thirty by forty feet in size. In June, that year, the parsonage was commenced and was finished that year, at a cost of one thousand two hundred dollars, a portion of which debt the society authorized the building committee to pay ten per cent interest for the money borrowed. This debt hung over the church like a pall until 1874. In 1878 the membership was eighty-two and being its present membership is one hundred and thirty.

The following have served as pastors of this church: Revs. E. Evans, from 1852 to 1855; Rev. Orin Whitcomb, 1855-56; Rev. J. E. Guild, 1856-57; J. Currier, from March 1860, to June 1863; J. Y. Atchison, from November 1865, to June 1868; T. M. Bailey, from January 1869, to October 1869; S. M. Chamblet, May 1870, to 1871; D. M. Mead, from September 1870, to October, 1871; Amos Robinson, from November 1871, to 1879; E Gilman Parker, one year; N. H. Daily, two years; in 1883, Rev. G. G. Daugherty became pastor, serving only nine months, and was not satisfactory to many in the church. The next pastor was Rev. L. F. Compton, in 1885, remaining two and a half years, and was followed by J. R. Murphy, D. D., serving two years. In 1891 H. D. Weaver became pastor, serving three years; in 1894, J. S. Nasmith came from Kansas and took charge of the church, remaining two years; he was succeeded, by J. E. Lemar, who remained nine months and returned to college; then came C. F. Lusk, followed by M. J. Sigler, C. A. Tenny, G. H. Rookns, N. G. Thomas, who is the present pastor.

As to the present brick edifice, let it be said that it was dedicated in March 1901, and cost eight thousand dollars. It stands one block south of the southwest corner of the Courthouse Square. It is modern in every way.

The building committee was as fallows: Pastor Irwin Forbes, William Amos, J. H. Fugard, F. D. Brown, William E. Holtz.

COLFAX BAPTIST CHURCH

The First Baptist church of Colfax was organized by a band of ten families holding this faith. This was in the spring of 1889, and they struggled along as best they could until the next year by holding their meetings in the homes of their members. That year, however, they called Rev. Allen, who labored with the society about one year. Rev. T. R. Stitt became the next pastor and under his administration a house of worship was planned. A member of the church, W. A. Winder, donated the lot on which the church now stands. The edifice, which was not erected until 1891, is a frame structure costing four thousand five hundred dollars.

The church has grown from its original twenty members to have two hundred and sixty-one. The pastors have been in the following order: Revs. Allen, T. R. Stitt, Ferguson, Lilley, Reed, Miller, A. J. McColl, J. B. Banker, R. S. Wallace, T. W. Evans, J. L. Barton, and the present pastor, Rev. Albert van der Ploeg. Only two of the original members still remain in Colfax, Thomas Ryan and Mrs. Frankie Marion.

SUGAR GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

Sugar Grove Baptist church was organized about 1870 in Sherman Township and struggled along many years, finally providing themselves with a house of worship, built by popular subscriptions. The society finally run down and the building was sold to the Free Methodists under a contract that it should always be used for religious purposes. But not long since the last named society sold the property to William Baker, who sought to convert the same into a hog house on his farm. But before its removal from its original site, the matter became a matter for the district court to attend to, as it was involved in an injunction suit brought by E. B. Moffitt, of the Baptist denomination. The case was tried in the district court at Newton, before Judge Preston, at the May term, 1911, at which time it was decided by the court that, the property should not be removed, as it was built by subscriptions of people in the community who understood that it should always be used for church purposes at that point. The case has been appealed to the supreme court of the state.

BAPTISTS AT VANDALIA

From an old record the following is found concerning the early Baptist Church at Vandalia: "A Baptist Society was organized in 1852, by Elder J. A. Nash, later of Des Moines. The first members were Henry Shearer and wife, J. Q. Deakin and wife, George Anderson and wife, Ira Sellers and wife. The first pastor was Elijah Evans, who moved to Vandalia about 1854, remaining ten years. A building was erected by the society during the first years of its history, and was the only church building at Vandalia up to 1878."

METZ BAPTIST CHURCH

There is a new Baptist organization at the Village of Metz, west of Newton, and during the spring and summer of 1911 a neat frame church edifice was erected and dedicated in May or June.

BAPTIST CHURCH OF MONROE

The First Baptist church at Monroe was formed May 5, 1855, at which date the following assembled: Rev. E. Scarff, E. O. Town, E. Bockenoogan, I. Talbott, A. Udell, J. J. Haven, W. Q. Ellis, from Pella, and Rev. A. B. Leavitt, of Indiana. W. J. Ellis was chosen clerk. The church was then organized and in March 1856, preparations were made to build of brick.

Among the pastors who have served in this place may be recalled: Revs. A. W. Russell, J. Carrier, up to 1868; G. W. Hertzog, from 1869 to 1875; J. A. Abbott, to 1877.

In 1878 the membership was about eighty. At this date it is one hundred and eighty. Following Rev. Abbott came Revs. W. C. Pratt, Hertzog, Wilson, Mills, H. J. Shutts, J. D. Collins, Richmond A. Smith, G. F. Reiking, F. H. Webster, C. O. Johnson, O. H. Sisson, the present pastor, who came in September 1910.

In 1885, for the sum of six hundred dollars, the society purchased the old Congregational Church building and used it as it was until 1894, when they rebuilt it, leaving only one of the sidewalls. It is now a fine veneered structure, costing six thousand four hundred dollars. It seats comfortably five hundred. It stands on the east side of the public square and has a fine belfry, bell, baptistery and circular pews, all in modern style.

It should be here recorded, however, that this was not the first Baptist Society in this neighborhood, for one was formed March 3, 1850. At a meeting held on the day just mentioned, met Elder George Bond, and Warren D. Everett, as secretary. Those who united with a new church were: Hartwell and Rebecca Hayes, John and Polly Woody, James D. and Diadema Putnam, Tarlton P. Duncan, Lucy Horton and Polly Mangrum. This society was named, "Harmony Church." Elder Evans preached in 1854 and in 1855 the church increased in its membership, but the Republican Political Party having arisen, dissensions of a political nature arose, coupled with other minor differences, caused the church to go down. The newer members asked to withdraw, but this was not granted. A meeting was called and the latter membership voted to take their letters and they formed a new church at Monroe. The old original membership revived the old church and removed the place of meeting to the Woody neighborhood, where it ever afterward conducted its church services.

CATHOLIC CHURCHES

In the early history of the county, services for this denomination were held every six months by Father Brazil, of St. Ambrose Church of Des Moines, at the house of Michael Morring, also at the residence of James Hickey. Finally, in 1868, a church building was erected a short distance southwest from the Rock Island Depot in Newton, which continued as a place of worship until the erection of the present Sacred Heart Church, which was dedicated in 1896.

A rectory was erected about thirty years ago by Father Fogarty. The present membership of the Newton church is about twenty-eight families. Attached to Newton parish are the missions at Monroe and other points in the county, while at Colfax and Valeria a priest has charge of the work at that point and at Colfax. There is a neat chapel at both the last named towns. During the history of the church at Newton there have been fifteen pastors, including Father Braswin and the present pastor, Rev. Father Thomas McCann. The latter is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who was educated in the parochial schools of his native city and later he studied in the College of Mount St. Mary at Emmetsburg, Maryland; also at St. Mary's University and Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland. He came to Newton in 1909.

At Kellogg the first Catholic services were held in the early seventies soon after the construction of the Rock Island Railroad. The work was then under the guidance of Father Fogarty, of Newton. There are a few families of this denomination at Kellogg at present and are cared for by the Newton priest.

At Monroe the Catholic people organized a church in 1865. Father McCabe was the first priest to hold Catholic services at this point. He found here the families of Edward Mead, Patrick Mulkahey, Michael Cragin and Daniel Holland, whom he at once organized into a church society.

In 1875 a building was erected under the pastorate of Father Malone. It was thirty by fifty feet in size, costing about two thousand dollars. In 1878 the society, or congregation, numbered about twenty families and at this writing it has a membership of many more families.

The various pastors who have had charge here have included Revs. McCabe, Cogan, Lewisman, J. P. Clabby, Minahan, Malone, Fogarty.

CHURCH OF CHIRST (DISCIPLES)

This denomination is quite strong in Jasper County, having in 1905 four congregations with a total membership of sixteen hundred. The first church of this denomination to organize within the county was at Lynnville, in 1857. It was then styled in this section of the country as the "New Light" Church/ This organization was perfected by Elders James Quillan and John A. Killim. As near as can now be learned, the original members included Boston Finders and wife, Matthew Sparks and wife, and possibly three others. Soon afterwards, Mrs. Mayfield, John R. Sparks, Jr., and Stephen J. Sparks united.

During the Civil war, many having enlisted in the defense of their country's flag, the church became almost extinct, but at the close of the great civil strife it was at once revived, nearly all the male membership having been fortunate enough to return to their homes. In 1878 the record shows the church to have enjoyed a membership of about one hundred.

CHURCH OF CHRIST AT NEWTON

At Newton the first church of this sect to organize was formed in 1864 by Elders N. A. McConnell and Allen Hickey, with twenty-six members/ T. F. Brown and C. M. Davis were chosen elders and William Brothers, Alvah Viles and William N. Harrah, deacons.

At a meeting held in November 1867, it was decided to build. At least twenty-three members wanted to and signed a petition to do so, but others of the church refused to co-operate and withdrew from membership. This weakened the church, and in fact it did not fully recover from the secession until 1869, when, by the earnest efforts of Elder Richards, nearly all of the seceders were induced to return to the flock. During the winter of 1869-70 occurred a genuine revival, by which many were added to the church. After this protracted meeting the matter of building was taken up and the plans carried forward and the house of worship was completed two years later. This house cost three thousand one hundred dollars and was thirty-six by fifty-six feet in size. The dedication sermon was preached by Elder Hill, of Des Moines, February 25, 1872. The structure was of frame and served the congregation until the present fine edifice was built in 1893, at the cost of twelve thousand dollars. It is a frame structure, built in modem style and well furnished. The present membership of this church is three hundred and seventy-five, having grown from a charter membership of twenty-three. The 1911, officers of the church are: Elders, E. C. Ogg, James Lee, A. Dennis; deacons, C. H. Holden, Lee Hayes, John Hews, 1905 Frank Morrow, A. Green, Frank Starrett, P. C. Daly; clerk, E. C. Smith; treasurer, Mrs. Jennie Ogg; chorister, Mrs. Laura Reeves; trustees, George Hows, James Lee, E. C. Ogg.

The various pastors include the following in about the order given: Revs. Blackwell, Gay, Roach, Dennis, Johnson, three years; S. B. Letson, one year; J. K. Cornell, four years; B. F. Alesworth, three years; S. J. Martin, one year and a half; L. .C. Pace, one year; J. C. Hanna, three years; J. H. Freeman, one year; W. H. Betts, one year; E. F. Leake, present pastor, having served in all eight years.

In the country this denomination has churches at Baxter, Galesburg, Prairie City, Colfax, besides the Newton church.

CHRISTIAN CHURCH AT COLFAX

The Christian Church at Colfax was formed in February 1890, by Rev. Wilson and about a dozen members, but has grown to a society numbering two hundred and forty-three now. The original members were Wesley Jordan, Lavina Jordan, Cora Jordan, C. A. Dotson, Mariam Dotson, and daughter, Sadie D. Hurst; W. B. Wells, Amanda Wells, Emily Myhill, Flora Robinson, F. A. Smith, Jennie Smith, Elihu Wiley, Nancy Wiley, Walter Hall, Ann Penn, C. D. Snow.

Howard Street Chapel was erected in 1891, and dedicated January 1892. Its cost was seven thousand dollars. The first pastor was A. M. Haggard, now dean of Drake University. Other ministers have been B. O. Aylsworth, E. A. Ott, H. L. Laye, O. H. King, J. H. Ragan, W. S. Stairs, P. H. Popplewell, Lyle De Jarnett, Vernon Harrington, Gertrude Harmon, Jesse Bader.

The present officers are S. A. Potts, A. Whitehead, elders; W. T. Davis, Charles A. Butler, B. E. Copeland, John Price, Dr. Edward Bowker, George T. Robinson, Elton Briggs, deacons; Mrs. Chloe C. Dawson, Mrs. Mattie Penquite, Mrs. Rose M. Scott, Mrs. Bell Weirick, Miss Minnie Tripp, Mrs. Maggie Price, deaconesses. The church clerk is W. E. Brown.

CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF KELLOGG

At Kellogg the Christian denomination first organized themselves into a church society, located at the Saum's schoolhouse, in Buena Vista Township, June 26, 1870, with sixteen members. The first officers were: Jesse Reed, Luther Foot, G. W. Close, elders; S. A. Saum, Robert Ludwick, deacons.

In 1875 the society moved to Kellogg, and in the spring of 1877 a church building thirty-eight by forty-five feet in size was erected at a cost of one thousand five hundred dollars. It was dedicated June 23, 1877. In 1878 the church had a membership of seventy-five. Its present membership is one hundred and fifty.

An addition to the old church was made later, at a cost of one thousand dollars. The following have been the pastors of this society: Elders, T. F. Brown, Ellis and J. E. Gaston, Elder Dyer, D. R. Lucas, J. B. Vantor, Rev. Roach, Rev. McConnell, M, S. Johnson, T. F. Odimreller, A. M. Haggard, Rev. McIntyre, Rev. Roby, and C. F, Ladd.

PRAIRIE CITY CHRISTIAN CHURCH

It is not certain when this church was organized, but it was not later than 1857 or 1858. This was through the efforts of Elder J. P. Roach. In an historic account of this branch of the Church of Christ, compiled in 1877-8, we find the following record made: "Elder White, the present pastor, states that when he began his labors here the society had erected a frame building-this was in 1868, He also found members as follows: J. H. Elliott and wife, Reason Moore, Lemuel Doud and wife, Jesse Frazier and wife, Morris McKeever, Dr. Adams, Charles Norris and wife, and probably J. W. Deweese. Mr. White undertook to carry on a revival and succeeded in bringing some twenty persons into the church. The building was completed in 1869, and the dedication held, at which Prof. G. T. Carpener, of Oskaloosa, preached. The building cost three thousand, five hundred dollars; is thirty-four by fifty-one feet in size, and is provided with a bell." This same church bell is still in use, calling the church goers together.

Notwithstanding the population was fluctuating, the organization continued to grow in strength and influence and the regular services were always maintained.

During the pastorate of L. B. Ames the present parsonage was erected at a cost of one thousand dollars.

The year 1893 marked an important epoch in the history of the church, as on November 6th the handsome new brick edifice was dedicated. The cost of the new church was seven thousand one hundred Sixty dollars and fifty cents. B. A. Wilkinson served as pastor at this time. The dedicatory sermon was delivered by F. M. Rains of Cincinnati.

During its organization the following have served as pastors of the church: D. R. Ellis, James E. Gaston, George T. Carpenter, John C. White, James P. Roach, P. Donan, J. C. White, a second term; John M. Crocker, Henry D. Dennis, D. C. Morris, D. R. Dungan, Joel Brown, Allen Hickey, Lucius B. Ames, B. A. Wilkinson, Luther Moore, T. A. Bennett, C. A. Gray, Charles E. Wells, M. L. Anthony, A. L. Zink, H. C. Strawn, G. H. Kemp, A. B. Cornell, twenty-four in all. The following evangelists have conducted services here: E. R. Cotton, Thomas Brown, Marion Boyles, H. P. Dyer, Alec McKeever, Clark Braden, Allen Hickey, George F. Devol, A. B. Moore, Lee B. Myers, Bruce Brown, J. A. Bennett, Matthew Small, C. C. Davis, A. B. Leverett, Rev. Pickett.

Besides the pastors and the evangelists the burden of the church has been upheld by many faithful men and women, who have prayed, paid and sacrificed to bring the congregation to its present efficiency.

Since the organization, seven hundred and eighty-three members have been enrolled and at present there are two hundred and twenty-five members.

THE CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH

CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH OF SULLY

This denomination is a branch of the great Reformed Church of the world. It differs from the Dutch Reformed church only in minor affairs, and in the old country is all one body. At Sully, this county, this church was formed in 1896. The denominations are represented in many states and territories in this Union. Among the original charter members at Sully were these: D. Van Zante, of Sully, and A. G. Vos, of Galesburg. At present there are eight consistory members. The present total membership is three hundred and forty-five souls, or sixty-five families.

The church building is located on the road from Killduff to Lynnville in the edge of the village of Sully. It is forty-four by sixty-six feet. The basement is of cement blocks, nine feet high, the balance being of frame. It stands on a tract of eleven acres of land with the parsonage in the center. The first church was sold to the Congregational people and in January, I911, a new edifice was dedicated, which, together with the parsonage, etc., is valued at ten thousand dollars.

The growth of the church is slow from the fact that teaching takes much pains and time. Most of the congregation are farmers and the high price of the land in this county keeps many from settling here, hence a slow growth in congregation matters, but good, thorough work is effected.

The following have served as pastors at this point: Revs. J. Van der Mey, 1897-1903: W. Stuart, 1904-07; M. Van der Heide, 1908-10; the present pastor in charge is Rev. H. Danhof, who came and was installed September 18, 1910.

CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH OF GALESBURG

This society was organized in 1898 with eight families and seventeen communicants and about twenty members by baptism. Garret Uppel and family are among the first and strongest members of the church here, always being counted on and present when possible to attend services. He is eighty-three years old, but neither summer's heat nor winter's blast prevents him coming to church. He lives all of five miles from his church.

At first the society rented a place to worship, but in a few years purchased the old Christian Church building and have since used that as a church home. About 1907 the society bought a parsonage at a cost of one thousand, three hundred dollars. Among the pastors here may be recalled: Rev. J. Van der Mey, 1903-4; Rev. Van der Hock, 1905-08, and the present pastor, Rev. S. Bouma, who came in 1909.

The church now has a membership of twenty-two families, forty-two communicants and sixty members by baptism, all told, one hundred and two. All services are held in the Holland language.

REFORMED CHURCH OF SULLY

This society was organized as the First Reformed Church December 7, 1904, and now has forty-six members, including these: John Verenkamp and wife, Cornelius De Jong, G. Van Workman and wife, Mr. and Mrs. James Dykstra, W. Kooistra and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Wisgerhof and names not now at hand.

The list of pastors includes the following: Revs. B. Bruim, from November 1905, to November 1907; John Hoffman, from July I, 1908 and still serving the church as its pastor.

The church and parsonage, both frame buildings, at Sully, are valued at fifteen hundred dollars.

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES

NEWTON CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

The Congregational Church at Newton was formed in September 1856. Rev. J. R. Mershon was the moderator at the organizing meeting. The first membership as follows: C. B. and Mary W. Eels, Robert and Marinda Scott, Edwin and Ruth Ann Scott, Chester and Henrietta Seymour, Elhannan Winslow and wife, P. E. and Matilda J. Charrand, Lemuel Scoville, J. R. Mershon, Elisha Woodruff and Mrs. A. A. Stevens.

In 1859 a church was built at the cost of two thousand five hundred dollars; it was thirty by fifty feet in size, with an anteroom and was surmounted by a bell. In 1878 this church had a membership of one hundred and fifty. Its membership in the spring of 1911 was four hundred and thirteen. The present beautiful church building was built in 1892, at a cost of fifteen thousand dollars.

The pastors who have served this church include the following: Revs. E. P. Kimball, E. N. Bartlett, from July 1858, to December 1860; E. D. Jones, from February 1861, to February, 1863; George H. Beecher, from August 1863, to May 1864; H. E. Barnes, from June 1864, to July 1868; E. N. Bartlett, from September 1868, to September 1869; W. L. Bray, from January 1870, to September 1870; D. H. Rogan, from September 1871, to August 1874; R. P. Foster, from May 1875, to March 1876; E. D. Eaton, from November 1876, to December 1879; J. E. Bissell, from July 1884, to 1890; C. H. Harrah, from September 1890, to May 1897; B. C. Baumgardner, from May 1897, to May 1900; J. W. Cowan, from August, 1900, to October 1901; G. L. Smith, from March 1902, to May 1906; A. B. Appleby, from September 1906, to 1910; George H. Kemp, from November 1910, the present pastor.

KELLOGG CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

The Congregational Church of Kellogg is among the oldest societies of that place. It dates its organization from February 1868, when a council convened for that purpose, made up of the following gentlemen: Rev. H. E. Barnes, of Newton; Rev. T. G. Brainard, of Grinnell, and Rev. S. J. Whitton, of the old Wittemberg Church. The pulpit was supplied from Grinnell and other towns until the call of the first pastor, Rev. A. Lyman, of Sheffield, Illinois, who remained a number of years, doing excellent work. In June 1869, several members purchased the old Union Meeting House and fitted it up for themselves as a church home. In 1878 the society had a membership of about sixty. Up to that time the pastors had been Revs. A. Lyman, R. Hassell and H. S. Thompson. Year after year the church grew and prospered until by removal from the community and by deaths the society finally, in 1909, had to give up its support of a pastor and soon the Sunday school also went down. The society now only has a few members, who deeply regret the fact that services in their own church cannot be maintained; however, with true Christian spirit they willingly worship with some one of the other orthodox churches in the town.

In May 1889, the church dedicated a new frame church. Dr. Magoun, of Grinnell College, preached the dedicatory sermon. Rev. Edward Allen was serving as pastor of the church at that time. Deacon William F. Pringle was a deacon and treasurer, as well as church clerk for many years, even up to within a short time before he was called hence by death.

The last pastor here was Rev. J. Franklin Smith, who ceased his labors in March 1909, a few months ahead of the time for which he had really contracted for.

THE PRAIRIE CITY CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

The Congregational church at Prairie City was formed in March 1868. It was accomplished through the untiring labors of Rev. C. H. Eaton. The constituent members were E. Adkins and wife, Sarah Fugard, Elijah Elliott and wife, John Hume and wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Sladen, Mrs. Bidwell and possibly a few more.

The building committee, in September 1868, consisted of E. Adkins and C. H. Eaton. The first building was finished in the spring of 1869, and dedicated June 20th that year. Its cost was about two thousand dollars. In 1877 the recorded membership of this society was forty-five. Its present membership is not large, but they are all devout church workers.

The present building was erected in 1869-70, as above referred to, and is of the New England type of "meeting houses" so called there. A basement is being provided for the church now.

The following have served as the pastors of this church: Revs. C. H. Eaton, C. C. Harrah, J. Allender, William J. Smith, Charles Slater, B. F. Sherman, J. W. Ferner, two or more years; Rev. Sharpley, about the same length of pastorate; then for four years there was no pastor; the next was Rev. H. M. Skeels, who held meetings for a month and sent Rev. Houston for pastor and he remained one year and was followed by Rev. W. W. Hazen, for three years; then came Rev. J. J. Mitchell, who served seven years, and was followed by Rev. W. C. Barber; next was Rev. R. B. Hall, followed by Rev. George Deakin and Rev. A. A. Thorn. The present pastor, Rev. Wi1liam C. North, was called in 1909.

MONROE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

At Monroe the Congregational Church was formed in 1866, with about twenty-five members, under the ministration of Rev. Thomas Merrill, of Newton, who remained as pastor during the first year's history. Among the first to unite with this society may be recalled the names of Theodore Bethel and wife, Mr. Holdridge and wife and W. H. Langan and wife.

The same year the church was built, twenty-eight by forty feet in size, with a tower and bell swung within the same. This building was erected on the east side of the square, on Monroe Street.

The pastors have included these: Revs. S. N. Crout, two years; C. C. Harrah, one year; C. N. Bingham, four years; Rev. C. C. Harrah returned in 1876 and served several years.

The church finally went down for lack of support and the building was bought by the Baptist Society, who have remodeled and re-built it and now occupy the same.

SULLY CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

This is one of the latest churches formed in Jasper County, the date of its organization being February 1, 1911. It has a membership of about fifty persons. The constituent members were F. G. Ayhnore and wife, Mr. and Mrs. F. G. Sherman, Mr. and Mrs. Goat, Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Forsythe. Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Forsythe, F. M. Sherman, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Wells, Mr. and Mrs. E. Awtry, Mr. and Mrs. Q; J Roten, Mr. and Mrs. John Brunner, Mr. and Mrs. E. S. Haines, Mr. and Mrs. P. A. Kling, Mrs. G. Youngkin, Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Mitchell, Mrs. D. Mitchell, Mrs. John Holdsworth, Mrs. E. J. Haines, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Haines, Mrs. Hammer.

The only pastor the society has ever had is the present one, Rev. Fred G. Ayhnore. The trustees are William Talbot, F. M. Sherman, A. C. Boat (treasurer), F. G. Sherman (clerk).

A neat church edifice was erected at a cost of about one thousand five hundred dollars, size thirty by forty-five feet, on the north half of lots Nos. 1, 2 and 3, block 16, Sully.

NEWBURG CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

This society was formed March 28, 1880. During the winter of 1879-80, Rev. F. H. Magoun, of Gilman, preached at Newburg schoolhouse. Several persons were converted to this faith and hence a church was formed at once. H. H. Morris, A. H. Palmer and J. R. Dewhurst were appointed a committee to send letters missive to the churches at Toledo, Chester, Grinnell, Kellogg, Gilman and Marshalltown, also to Rev. C. H. Eaton, President, G. F. Magoun, Rev. J. M. Chamberlain and Prof. S. G. Barnes. Other meetings were held and articles of faith and covenant were adopted and several persons presented themselves for admission as members by letter and by profession of faith.

On April 8, 1880, the council, composed of pastors and delegates from the invited churches, and Rev. G. F. Magoun and C. H. Eaton of Grinnell, assembled and proceeded to organize the church with the following members: George H. Morris, from First Congregational Church, Grinnell; Howard H. Morris, from First Congregational Church, Grinnell; Mrs. Mary O. Morris, from First Baptist Church, Tiskilwa (Tukwila?), Illinois; A. H. Palmer, from First Congregational Church, Gilman, Iowa; Mrs. Abi Palmer, from First Congregational Church, Gilman; William Parker, from First Congregational Church, Gilman; Mrs. Hannah J. Parker, from First Congregational Church, Gilman; James R. Dewhurst, from First Congregational Church, Gilman; James R. Wood, from Methodist Episcopal Church, Gilman; Mrs. Elizabeth Royer, from First Congregational Church, Chester; Mrs. Olive N. Newton, from United Brethren Church, Hickory Grove; Harrison Newton, on profession; John Newcomer, on profession; Mrs. Laura Newcomer, on profession; Mrs. Lucy T. Morgan, on profession; Miss Lottie E. Sisco, on profession: Miss Emma Kate Williar, on profession; Mrs. Laurette Green, on profession; Mrs. Elizabeth Wheelan, on profession.

A church was erected on lots 9 and 10, block 2, of Newburg, costing three thousand dollars. It is thirty-two by forty-eight feet and built of lumber. There are now about forty members in the church.

The following have served as pastors: Revs. C. H. Eaton, 1880-81; F. H. Magoun, 1881-2; W. L. Coleman, August 1882, to July 1884; G. M. D. Slocum, 1884 to 1887; A. J. Houston, June 1887, to latter part of 1891; C. L. Hammond, March 1898, to December 1903; G. R. Chambers, April 1894, to 1907; H. L. Wissler, January 1898, and still pastor.

WITTEMBURG CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

Wittemburg Congregational Church of Newton Township was organized in 1865 by members of the Free Presbyterian Church and now enjoys a membership of ninety-seven members. The size of the edifice is thirty-six by sixty feet, its cost being about two thousand dollars. The parsonage and three acres of land are now valued at two thousand, five hundred dollars.

The following have served as pastors: Revs. David Crage, S. Whiton, White, DeBois, S. Mills, J. J. Mitchell, W. M. Dunham, E. Durant, S. A. Arnold, A. J. Benton, R. F. Lavender.

To go into the origin of this church and society it will be well to introduce the reader to Rev. Thomas Merrill and Richard Sherer and others from southern Ohio, all members of the Free Presbyterian denomination and anti-slavery men who settled in 1853 in Newton Township, this county.

They believed God had created all men free and equal and many a poor black man and woman (runaway slaves) found refuge and help from them in the days of Jasper County's "underground railroad." They also founded Wittemberg Manual Labor College in this Township, an account of which W. O. McElroy has kindly written elsewhere in this volume. Rev. Merrill taught and preached for this society until 1862, when he enlisted in Company B, Fifth Iowa Infantry Regiment, as its chaplain. Rev. Poage filled his pulpit while he was at the front fighting and praying for the cause of the Union. After his return he became a home missionary, preaching to the people of Wild Cat Grove, Newton, Rushville, etc., and the strong moral influence he threw into the community is felt even to this day.

The Civil War having forever settled the slavery question, which had divided the main Presbyterian body before the war, and the fact that there were but few Presbyterian Churches in Iowa, one night at a church meeting, at the suggestion of pioneer John P. Beatty, of the Free Presbyterian body here, and who still lives at Newton, honored and revered by all who appreciate good old gentlemen, a Congregational Church was organized in 1865, as shown above. At first the membership was forty-seven.

Owing to the fact of this being an early church of this denomination and the circumstances under which it was formed, it may be of interest to note who the charter members were, their names following: Samuel Failor, Mrs. Lucy Skiff, Mrs. Berrie Dodge, L. A. Dungan, John P. Beatty, Mrs. E. K. J. Beatty, John M. King, Julia M. King, M. V. Calhoun. W. S. Calhoun, Albert Harrah, Mrs. E. M. King, Mrs. Sarah Bosworth, William Bosworth, Mrs. Margaret Woods, William Woods, W. N. Dungan, Mrs. B. Dungan, Dorcas Hanger, George Hanger, Mrs. Abigail Hanger, Phoebe Condit, Mrs. J. V. Crawford, Sarah Crawford, James R. Crawford, Mrs. Mary Jackson, Thomas Vanatta, Rebeca Sherer, Martha Wade, D. C. Work, Maggie E. Work, George F. Work, William Work, Margaret Work, Maria Banks, N. E. Baxter, James R. Poage, Harriet E. Poage, Bell W. Poage, Jane R. Poage, George L. Poage, L. E. Merrill. S. E. Merrill. E. J. Merrill.

Too much cannot well be recorded of the good accomplished by Rev. Merrill and his excellent, devoted family. The daughters, Lucy and Sarah, were fine singers, the former having a sweet, strong soprano voice, while her sister had a fine contralto. Those days there were no hymnbooks and the minister read the lines, after which, all the congregation joined in singing the same. The people came from many miles around on horseback on foot and with big lumber wagons. They had no roads, but traveled along trails along the higher divides. No matter what might be the weather, the meetinghouse was always full.

Sarah Merrill, the eldest daughter above named, edited a college-church paper, giving the lecture and weekly news of the community.

Continued

Transcribed by Ernie Braida in July 2003