CHURCHES

If the number and respectability of church organizations, is to be taken as an index of the character of a community, we may justly be denominated a religious people. Beyond a care for educational interests, another characteristic of our Yankee nation, is their earnest and commendable desire to evangelize the world. The citizens of Ames in large proportion come of that puritan stock who made all other interests subservient to the paramount one of religious development.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Our Methodist friends were characteristically foremost here in evangelical effort. During the early part of the year 1862, a church was organized in this township, consisting of only six members. We receive this latter fact, as evidence of the sparsely settled condition of the country, and also of the abundant faith which upon all occasions, and under all circumstances, stimulates and upholds the devoted followers of Wesley. While they receive undoubtingly the Scriptural assurance that “Paul may plant, and Apollos water, God alone can give the increase,” they also fully recognize, not only the duty to plant and water, but the further obligation to stir the ground, and train the young shoots that an abundant harvest may be gathered. In the day when “His jewels” shall be made up, the self-sacrificiing western itinerant will surely be remembered—for only thus can just recompense be given .

The little band of only six members, enjoyed, during their first year, the ministrations, of Rev. James Hankins. He was succeeded by Rev. J. M. Dudley, who had charge of the small but rapidly increasing flock for two years. Mr. Dudley gave place to Rev. W. S. Darwin, who continued with the church two years. During his second year, a church edifice was commenced, on the corner of Onondaga and Kellogg streets, on grounds donated to the society for that purpose, by Hon. John I. Blair. Rev. J. R. Williams, of Indiana, donated the sum of one hundred dollars to aid in the construction of the building. Many citizens of Ames and vicinity, also made very generous contributions for this object. The result of this effort was a very tasty and convenient church building surmounted by a modest looking belfry, containing a fine toned bell of appropriate size.

In the year 1867, Rev. T. P. Newlin succeeded Mr. Darwin, and in 1868 was himself succeeded by Rev. E. Kendall. Mr. Kendall remained with his charge two years, being very popular both with his church and the community. During his pastorate he succeeded in nearly relieving the church of financial obligations incurred in completing the house of worship. In obedience to the rules of the church, Mr. Kendall, after two years of acceptable and profitable labor, gave place to Rev. J. G. Eckles, the present pastor. The M. E. Church of Ames is now one of the most flourishing and promising organizations of this connection in Central Iowa, and the little band of six—seemingly the “seed scattered by the wayside”—has, under the fructifying influence of earnest and faithful teachers, and by God's blessing, increased, until it now numbers one hundred and thirty-one members. The ministrations of Mr. Eckles, the present pastor, are very acceptable to chuch and people, and his congregations, at each service, large and interested.

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

The First Congregational Church of Ames was organized November 5th, 1865, with a membership of nine persons, and under the temporary pastoral charge of Rev. John White, formerly of Woodstock, Conn. From this small beginning the membership of the church, had, on the first of January 1871, reached the number of one hundred and twenty-three. The church edifice is a tasty looking and convenient building, of not very large dimensions, yet of sufficient size to accommodate the present attendance of worshippers. The lots, on which the church building stands, were donated to the society by Hon. John I. Blair, and W. W. Walker, Esq., accompanied by a gift in cash, of three hundred dollars, to aid in the construction of the building—a kindness strikingly characteristic of the above named gentlemen, and one which elicited the earnest and grateful acknowledgments of the church.

The fine toned Bell, at whose call worshippers here congregate, was the gift of Hon. Oakes Ames, of Mass. Other gifts from his hand, have challenged the admiration, and awakened the grateful feelings which the Congregational society, and the citizens of Ames, will ever cherish for the munificent donor.

Mr. White continued in charge of the church until the spring of 1868. By his judicious management, and strict attention to its many interests, its membership was very largely increased, and its influence and usefulness greatly advanced. Ill health compelled Mr. White to sever these pleasant and useful relations, and he was succeeded by Rev. S. Gilbert, a gentleman of great literary attainments, and of highly social tastes and habits. Owing to some difference of opinion among the members of the church, it seemed to the majority that its interests would be subserved by the withdrawal of Mr. Gilbert from its service. From April, 1869, until the following November, the church was without a Pastor or stated preaching. At the latter date, Rev. A. A. Baker assumed pastoral relations therewith. Mr. Baker is a man of more than ordinary scholarly attainments, and a very eloquent speaker. His connection with the church still continues and under his ministrations, its influence and proserity is, and has been, of a satisfactory character, and it stands high in the estimation of our people, as an element of moral and religious strength in this community.

BAPTIST CHURCH.

The initiatory steps towards the organization of the Baptist Church at Ames, were taken July 11th, 1868. Fourteen persons were associated in this effort, and four others became united with them during the same month, and on September 5th, of that year, we find the membership increased to twenty-three. From October 1868, to April 1869, Rev. S. P. Day officiated as pastor, being succeeded in the latter month by Rev. H. A. Barden, a young man of good ability, under whose charge the church continued until the following October, making good progress in material strength, and with several additions to its membership.

At the New Year, 1870, Rev. S. H. Mitchell took charge, since when, there has been it very marked improvement in its condition and prospects. From fourteen, the membership is increased to fifty, and instead of occasional service at uncertain periods, they have regular preaching, at stated times, by a devoted pastor of marked ability. Their present place of worship is Tomblin's Hall, but initiatory steps towards the erection of a church edifice have already been taken, which enterprise they hope to accomplish at no very distant time. This organization is in a decidedly promising condition.

THE DISCIPLES

Have had occasional preaching during the last year, though we believe they have no church organization here. During the last month a protracted effort has been made here by them, in a series of evening meetings at which Rev. McConnell, of Marshalltown, has been the principal speaker, but with what results is yet uncertain.

EPISCOPALIANS.

An effort has lately been made to establish here a Mission station of the Episcopal Church, with very encouraging prospect of success. Quite a number of persons, who were formerly members of this old established organization, have temporarily united themselves with other churches here, with the understanding that the eiltablishment of service by the “Mother Church,” should leave them free to withdraw from the connection thus made.

These churches can now well spare the support of these persons, if indeed the effort being made should prove successful, Episcopal lay service will soon be established, with promise of Mission service monthly, or oftener. Friends of the church indulge earnest hope that the desire of years is about to be accomplished, and they again blessed by the ministrations of the church in whose bosom their childhood and youth were spent, and to whose beautiful service and form of worship they are devotedly attached.