| LOUISA COUNTY, IOWA |  |
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| LOUISA COUNTY, IOWA | |
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Columbus City, Iowa
Transcribed by Beverly Gerdts, August 6, 2016
The first Welsh sermon ever given in the vast region west of the Mississippi River was preached by the Reverend David Knowles in September 1845, when a group of Welsh people met in the home of John Griffith. At that time steps were taken to organize a Congregational Church in Long Creek, which is what the community was then called. The Church was organized with eighteen charter members on January 15, 1846, by the Reverend Knowles and Reverend J. A. Reeder of the “Iowa Band”, a group of nine students from Andover Seminary who had organized a missionary labor and upon graduation in 1843 came to Iowa. The members of the Iowa Band were ordained at Denmark, which was the first church in Iowa, and they at once threw themselves into building Christian institutions on the Congregational model. Reverend Asa Turner, the pastor at Denmark, also helped this church get started, as did Reverend Alden B. Robbins of the Iowa Band who was organizer of the First Church in Muscatine. Iowa College, now known as Grinnell College, was also established by the Iowa Band this same year.
In 1848 the church bought the John Griffith home, where the church was organized and had been meeting for two years. The membership paid $175 for the residence. They remodeled the house for church use and worshiped there until 1864. John Griffith was the grandfather of J. G. Thomas, who later served as church treasurer. A silver communion service was a gift from Mrs. Henry Trowbridge, a philanthropist who lived in New Haven, Connecticut, and who was interested in seeing Congregationalism reach into the “far west”. This building was sold to John A Rees in 1864 and made into a horse barn. It was later used by Howell Rees, a grandson and owner of the farm.
The second church was built by D. N. Jones at a cost of $1,000. It was dedicated free of debt in October, 1864.
The third church was built in 1887 and renamed the Zion Congregational Church. It cost, complete with furnishings was $1828.56. The building was free of debt when dedicated in September of 1887. The ministers who officiated at the dedication were Reverend David Knowles, Reverend Daniel Jones of Dodgeville, Wisconsin, and Reverend Charles Granger of Crawfordville, Iowa.
Later, Welsh communities near Iowa City (called Old Man’s Creek), in Williamsburg, and near Oskaloosa (called Givin), joined with this church to hold annual meetings each summer, with famous Welsh Congregational ministers coming from the East and from Wales to preach. These big meetings, which began on Friday night and lasted through Sunday night, were known as …
Pg 48
… the Cymanfa, and were enjoyed by the entire Welsh community. The Cymanfa, which started about 1890 and continued until 1920 when it was dissolved, and this church joined the Davenport Association.
D. D. Davis was secretary of the Cymanfa for many years. He was followed by Elias Williams. Mr. Davis and Mr. Williams were both Deacons of the church. D. D. Davis was also church secretary for more then 40 years. He was the father of Mrs. John M. Williams.
Some famous ministers who preached at the Cymanfa, and who returned several times, were: James V. Stephens, Stephen Jones, Williams Evans, T. R. Powell, D. P. Jones, T. Z. Evans, Owen Thomas, J. M. Rees, D. Dufri Davis, B. Harris, R. Lloyd Roberts, J. B. Davies, W. B. Jones. J Twyson Jones, David Jones, W. Rees, Wm. Surdival, D. M. George, O. D. Morris, J. T. Thomas, J. V. Jones, H. R. Hughes, M. O. Evans and W. R. Edwards.
In 1899 Reverend Rees and Reverend O. Thomas came from London.
In 1855 an English church was organized with some 30 members. They used the same church (Zion) and same pastor until they were able to find a building in Columbus City in which they worshiped.
In 1859 quite a number withdrew from the church to form a nucleus of the organization of a Calvinistic Methodist Church, which later became the Salem Presbyterian Church.
In 1884 during the pastorate of Reverend J. E. Jones, the church had a membership of 115, which was probably its largest membership.
The parsonage was built in 1901 during the pastorate of Reverend James Jenkins.
The cemetery that adjoined the churchyard is known as Cambrain Cemetery. Fifteen of the original eighteen members are buried here, including the Reverend David Knowles and the Reverend Thomas W. Evans.
Beginning in 1914 one English sermon was preached on Sunday (usually the evening service), so it became necessary for pastors to be profient in two languages. A Welsh sermon was preached every Sunday morning until 1923,when it was voted to drop the Welsh sermons. This was a generous gesture on the part of the older members, who loved hearing their mother tongue, but due to many non-Welsh speaking families coming into the church, they considered the majority, and thought it better for the welfare of the church.
The Welsh people, always a music loving race, held many singing school in the church. Some of the church choristers were: Lewis Jones, father of Mrs. W. O. Jones, a long time member of the church; Thomas Anwyl, Wm. Williams; John M. Williams; D. R. Jones; and Thomas Hugh Jones.
The Christmas programs held on Christmas Eve each year were an institution and drew huge crowds.
The architecture of the church was patterned on that of the early New England Churches. The tall spire was a distinctive feature and a thing of beauty which was a landmark for many years. The church was an influence for good in the lives of hundreds of people.
The Reverend R. N. Chord came to the church in 1935. Due to his energy and ambition he kept the church in good standing in all departments. Reverend Chord resigned on April 9, 1950.
Zion Congregational Church stood in its serene, peaceful, and beautiful setting ; a monument to those pioneers and the Iowa Band of many years ago.
The last sermon was preached in the Zion Congregational Church of July 20, 1958 by Reverend Carswell of Olds, Iowa.
When Zion Congregational Church was torn down, David A Morris expressed the following thoughts about the old church in a letter that was printed in the Columbus Gazette. “ Memories are saddened by the tearing down of Zion Congregational Church. Funeral services were held at Zion even for people who were members of the other two chapels (Salem Presbyterian and Cotter Presbyterian). Zion was the only one that had an upstairs gallery at the back, and the boys liked to go there and look down on their elders.”
| Reverend David Knowles | William Jones |
| Mrs. Elizabeth Griffith | Mrs Elizabeth Griffith |
| Mrs. Margaret Griffith | Mrs. Jane Williams |
| Richard Williams | Mrs. Catherine Morgan |
| John Morgan | Mrs. Sarah Evans |
| Thomas Evans | Mrs. Catherine Arthur |
| William Arthur | Mrs. Ann Tudor |
| David Tudor | First Deacon- Arthur Griffith |
| Reverend David Knowles | 1846-1854 |
| Reverend Thomas W. Evans | 1856-1861 |
| Reverend David Knowles | 1861-1866 |
| Reverend Rhys Evans | 1866-1867 |
| Reverend Owen Owens | 1868-1871 |
| Reverend S. Jones | 1872-1875 |
| Reverend I.C. Jones B.D. | 1875-1877 |
| Reverend Owen Owens | 1877-1878 |
| Reverend M. E. Davis | 1878-1881 |
| Reverend J. E. Jones | 1882-1889 |
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| Reverend W. H Jones | 9 months |
| Reverend J. M. Richards | 4 months |
| Reverend Lloyd Williams | 1891-1900 |
| Reverend James Jenkins | 1901-1903 |
| Reverend R. P. Roberts | 1904-1908 |
| Reverend T. P Jenkins | 1908-1916 |
| Reverend Thos. Evans | 1917-1920 |
| Reverend M. G. Jones | 1922-1925 |
| Reverend W. G. Robertson | 1930-1931 |
| Reverend R. N. Chord | 1935-1950 |
In 1977 arrangements were made to dedicate the memorial marker at Cambrain Cemetery commemorating the Welsh Zion Congregational Church which stood for over 100 years one mile south and four miles west of Columbus City on the Great White Way. It was at this event on May 15 that Mrs. Luther (Blanche) Williams shared the following thoughts and memories.
“LeRoy Owen has given you an account of the early history of Zion Church and named several of our early pastors. Among our later pastors were Reverend T.P. Jenkins who served from 1908 until 1916. It has been said that his wife could preach as good a sermon as he could. Reverend Thomas Evans was an elderly man and was here from 1917 until 1920. Many of you will remember Reverend M. G. Jones. He came to our neighborhood in 1922 and resigned to accept a larger church in 1925. They had one little daughter- Elizabeth- when they came here and their son Maurice was born while they were here.
His wife died a few years later of cancer and Reverend M. G., as we always called him, also died a few years ago. Their son, Maurice, became a mortician. Many of you folks from Columbus Junction will remember W.G. Robertson who was superintendent of Columbus Junction schools for several years. He was also an ordained Untied Presbyterian minister and supplied this church during 1930-1931. Reverend R. N. Chord was quite elderly but he was with us until his health broke and he retired from the active ministry.
“ Now let us recall some of the activities that they sponsored. Among the big events of the entire community were the Big Meetings, or Cymanfa, which LeRoy spoke of. The two other Welsh churches dismissed their services so their people could attend. The church was crowded to the windows although I never heard that anyone fell out of a window as a young man did once when St. Paul was preaching. There were no big choirs but the whole congregation joined in and made the roof ring.
“We grumble if our minister speaks a little too long on Sunday morning but for these meetings people would gather early Sunday morning, listen all forenoon to sermons, then some would eat picnic lunches which they had brought while others would hasten home, eat a hasty dinner and be back to church to listen to an afternoon of soul inspiring sermons. Then hurry home to do the evening chores and back to the church for more singing, prayers, and sermons. To quote Goldsmith we hope” there were some who came to scoff; now turned aside to pray.”
“We must not forget the services for the benefit of the American Bible Society in which all three churches joined. One Sunday each year was set aside for that and the collections were sent to the Bible Society to promote the printing of Bibles. The services were Home Talent and consisted of singing, prayers and addresses given by selected persons from each church. And of later years came a big event that reached beyond this little neighborhood. It was the Eisteddfod which this church sponsored for several years. The last one being held in the fall of 195.
“In case some of you are asking yourselves “What on earth is a an Eisteddfod”, it is a series of contests with competition between full choruses, quartettes, solos and any kind of music that you have. There were extemporaneous speeches and declam contests. Essay and orations also competed and valuable prizes were given to the winners of each event. I remember the subject for our last declam contest was “Paul’s defense Before Agrippa.” It was quite impressive.
“Nellie Moore won the prize. That year there were competitors from Muscatine, Washington and most of the other towns round about. The Columbus Junction High School auditorium was rented for the event which lasted two full days.
“These are some of the highlights of the later days of the church but if it could speak it could tell of laughter and tears, of romance and marriage, of births and baptisms and death. I myself recall so well the day I followed the casket of my loved one to his resting place over yonder.
“But times were changing, the old language was fast being forgotten, the older people were being laid to rest one by one as their work here was finished. The younger ones were marrying and leaving the country for better jobs in the cities and hard times were coming for the little church until we were faced with the big question. Should we try to keep it going or could we serve God to better advantage by working with other churches? After many tears and prayers we decided to disband and now what few numbers are left are trying to be good Methodists or Presbyterians or Baptists or any other church they choose, and above all to be good Christians. Where ever we are, this little piece of granite will always mark a hallowed place for us.”
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The Welsh Congregational Church celebrated its Centennial in 1946 on Sunday, June 30. Rain fell steadily much of the day, marring the attendance somewhat, but it did not dampen the spirit of the Centennial Committee consisting of Rosina Williams Hawkins, Blanche Williams, John G. Thomas, Margaret Jones Hinderman, and Reverend and Mrs. R. N. Chord, who were credited for much of the planning.
The call to worship by Reverend Chord was followed by the singing of “Faith of our Fathers” as well as Welsh hymns sang by the Salem Singers. The sermon was given by Reverend M. G. Jones of Cincinnati, Ohio and the address by Reverend Royal J. Montgomery, State Superintendent of Congregational Churches.
Following a noon basket dinner on the church lawn, Reverend A. S. Kilbourne spoke on early Congregationalism in Iowa. Later in the day the Olds, Iowa Church Choir presented several musical numbers and Reverend J. E. Wheary, First Church, Iowa City, gave the Communion Service. The singing of “Blest Be the Tie” and the Benediction ended the program.
| Deacons: | Walter H. Jones |
| Luther Williams | |
| Margaret Hinderman | |
| Trustees: | Hugh Roberts |
| John G. Thomas | |
| Walter H. Jones | |
| James R. Edwards | |
| Treasurer: | J. G. Thomas |
| Clerk: | Blanche Williams |
| Sunday School Superintendent | Mrs. Luther Williams |
The second annual Eisteddfod of the Welsh Zion Congregational Church was held at the High School Auditorium in Columbus Junction of Friday, October 10, 1924.
The official program for the afternoon sessions indicates that 1st prize for piano solo (under age12) was a strand of beads, 2nd prize was 50 cents, and third prize was 25 cents.
Throughout the day and evening sessions the categories of competition included: vocal solos, violin solos, recitation, duets, Welsh solos, Children’s Choir, alto solo, tenor solo, penmanship of the 23rd Psalm, quartettes, Welsh Hymn, and more. The prizes offered were varied. A pocketbook, valued at $1.00, was given by Votroubek, Columbus Junction; $2.00 was given Ed C. Castle, Wapello; a gold pencil was given by Stephen’s Jeweler, Washington; silk stockings valued at $3.25 came from Frances Sigafoos, Columbus Junction and a $6.50 rug was given by J.C. Richie, Columbus City.
The printed program indicates support from many advertisers. Some of them were:
| J. K. Duncan- General Merchandise, Cotter |
| Bowser Implement Company, J.A. Stutsman- Manager, Columbus Junction. |
| McQueen Funeral Parlors, J. F. McQueen-Licensed Embalmer, Mrs. J. F. McQueen - Lady assistant, Columbus Junction |
| E. S. Rabe and Son, Fancy Staple Groceries, Letts |
| Omrie Peters, General Blacksmith, Cotter |
| Farmers and Merchants State Bank- Columbus Junction; Paying four percent on savings accounts and certificates of deposit |
| Anna’s Studio, Columbus Junction |
| East Side Market, Home Made Bologna |
| J. E. Bell, Proprietor- phone 163-B, Columbus Junction |
Mrs. Evelyn Tiemeyer, daughter of Luther and Blanche Williams, shares information and memories of the Cymanfa, or Big meetings days.
Each year during the early days of the Welsh settlings the churches celebrated their festival of the year – the Cymanfa. The word- of Welsh derivation- characterizes the spirit of the festival that was held during the prairie Indian Summer, gathering together for two or three days for religious inspiration and fellowship.
Memories indicate that the church had a division down the middle, with the organ in the middle and the men and women on opposite sides. Circuit ministers for these celebrations came from Pennsylvania or Ohio and sometimes from Wales. They would wear high silk hats and long coats and were looked upon as angels from …
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… heaven.
Preparation for these Big Meetings included having the young boys and girls going around and collecting money to pay the preacher. The sermons given by these ministers could last several hours, but the music was so good that one seemed to forget how long the sermons were.
The sermons were said to be so impressive and eloquent that many tears rolled down the cheeks of the people. Following the sermons there would be an abundance of food prepared for the visitors.
After the Big Meetings were over classes were held to discuss the topics of the sermon. The Welsh words flowed and the prayers were emphatic and deeply moving.
Picture: Rev. and Mrs. M. G. Jones (left) with Mrs. Luther Williams. Rev. and Mrs. Jones had returned to preach Luther’s funeral. 1948
Picture: This monument in Cambrian Cemetery serves as a reminder of the Welsh Zion Congregational Church that served the people from 1846-1968. The monument was dedicated May 15, 1977.
Picture: Zion Welsh Congregational Church picnic at Chautauqua Park, 1938.
Front row on ground L-R: Mary Jane Hinderman (rest unknown).
2nd row (short row)_,_,_, Arthur W. Hinderman, child on lap unknown, Donnie Orris, Margaret Ann Hinderman, Barbara Jones, _,_,
4th row L-R: Eben Williams, Wendell Morgan, Bill Hawkins,
_ , Rosena Hawkins, Anna Thomas, Blanche Williams, Mae Rees, Mrs. Chord,_ ,Helen Morgan, William O . Jones, Rev. Chord.
Back row L-R: Walter Jones and grandchild, Marian, David Williams, Dewey Jones, Evan Hughes, Jim Edwards, _, Paul Howell, John Howell, Holly Orris, Rill Rees, Luther Williams, Evan Rees.
Picture: Rev. and Mrs. R. N. Chord
Pg 52Picture: The Welsh Congregational Church sat on the east side of the Cambrian cemetery south west of Columbus City. Only a stone plaque remains now. The business meeting officially closing Zion Church was held at the home of Mrs. Margaret Hinderman in Wapello on Wednesday, September 23,1959.
Picture: Luther Williams
The 2nd annual Eisteddfod was held at the Columbus Junction High School Auditorium on Oct. 10, 1924. It was sponsored by the Zion Congregational Church. These people were involved with the 2nd annual Eisteddfod
Picture: Mr. Walter Jones, General Secretary
Picture: Mr. Wendell Morgan, Treasurer
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Picture: Mr. Rowland Rees, Chairman of General Committee
Picture: Mrs. M. J. Jones, Corresponding secretary
Picture: Miss Mar Wehr, Accompanist
Picture: Miss Hildegard Giffey, Accompanist