of
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| History of Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume I, 1911, pages 336-337
THE MULFORD MISSION. Over a half century ago an institution was founded in Muscatine, that has not only grown in proportions from a diminutive affair to one of enlarged activity and importance, but its fame abroad in the state has reached an altitude most gratifying to those immediately concerned and the people of Muscatine, irrespective of creed or church affiliations.
The mission's first work commenced in a shed, which was used as a meeting place, that stood where the kilns of the Hershey Lumber Company were afterward placed, and was then and for many years subsequently known as the Green Street mission. The society itself was organized, May 24, 1857, by Joseph Bennett, who commenced his labors of love for humanity and the cause of Christianity, with a corps of teachers, consisting of Pliny Fay, Miss Lizzie Fay, George H. Mahin, S. B. Hill, John Mahin, John Hayes, W. H. Hubbard and John 0. Wilson.
The place of meeting was neither commodious nor inviting for anyone of fastidious taste, and it was far from being comfortable especially in inclement weather. Hence, in November, 1857, the little band of worshipers was driven by the cold into Butler's packing (pork) house, which was on ground now occupied by the Hershey planing mill.
Joseph Bennett, the founder of this mission, was its superintendent over twenty years and associated with him the greater part of the time was Henry Hoover. Others who filled this position with credit and benefit to the institution may be mentioned: George M. Whicher, W. H. Woodward, Lyman Banks and J. T. Kuechmann. A great friend and co-worker up to the time of his death was W. F. Johnson.
From the time of the first meeting, in 1857, to the present, the mission or Sunday school has had regular sessions with the exception of a period from 1886 to 1887, when it was closed on account of an epidemic of diphtheria. The school was reopened in July, 1887, by Misses Alice Mulford and Bertha Hoover, and has continued its services uninterruptedly to the present time. One of the chief benefactors and most diligent workers in behalf of the mission was Miss Alice Mulford, and it was through her efforts that the present beautiful building was made a possibility and brought into being, she having devoted a great part of her time and means in its welfare. Through her efforts, and others in 1906 a new building for the mission was erected and the money obtained to pay for the same. The attendance at the school had become so large that a more commodious structure was absolutely necessary. Miss Mulford therefore took up the burden of raising funds and a soliciting committee was formed for the purpose. Almost $5,000 was pledged before the building was erected, the contract for which was let during the year. The new structure was finished and dedicated January 20-23, 1907, and today the Green Street mission, now the Mulford mission, is installed in one of the most attractive and useful semi-public buildings in Muscatine. It is located in South Muscatine and its doors are open to all, as the mission's great feature is its non-denominational foundation. At the time of the dedication Miss Mulford was the superintendent; W. F. Faulkner, assistant superintendent; Miss Kate Funk, treasurer; Miss Leota Randleman, secretary; Miss Lenore Eitman, chorister; Mrs. George Nietzel, organist. The teachers were: Superintendent, Miss Alice Mulford, assisted by Misses Cina McCoy, Bertha Hoover, Fannie McDaniel, Pearl. Barnhart, Rosetta Wagner, Cora Funk, Lenore Eitman, Emma Freyermuth, Laura Mander, Ella Gertenbach, Grace Appel, Aura Appel, Frances Nietzel, Helen Stahl, W. F. Faulkner.
The home of the Mulford mission is a credit to Muscatine. The interior arrangements were especially planned to meet the requirements of its promoters and members. There are pleasant class rooms on two sides of the building, between which is the auditorium and gallery, which seat at least 400 people when thrown together. There is a gymnasium, library, kitchen and other accessories that complete the institution in a manner satisfactorily to all. The cost of the building was $6,000.
Back to Historical Index Page