Churches.

THE METHODIST CHURCH.

Although as early as 1875, the north half of Audubon county was included in the Exira-Hamlin circuit, showing the Methodist to be the pioneer society, it was not until 1878 the year Audubon as a town came into existence, that a class was formed, by Rev. J. W. Lewis. In February 1879, A. H. Roberts was elected trustee, and an effort was made to erect a parsonage in Audubon, which however, failed. The first communion service was held February 9th, 1879, Rev. A. W. Armstrong came as pastor, articles of incorporation were executed, and steps taken to build a church. The foundation was ready by May 17th, 1879. In December 1880, under the pastorate of Rev. W. C.Smith, the church edifice 30x50 was dedicated, the total cost of the property being $2,300; Rev. L. M. Campbell, served as pastor in 1882, followed by Rev. J. W. Bott in 1883; followed by Rev. J. B. Harris in 1886; followed by the present pastor, Rev. E. E. Ilgenfrit in 1889.

The original 14 members, only one of which remains in Audubon, A. H. Roberts, at this time would be astonished to find a strong family of 192, splendidly accommodated in a handsome new and spacious edifice, dedicated, very recently. The present building is one of beauty and comfort. The auditorum [sic auditorium] being 46x56 feet, lecture room 24x30, separated with Wilson's Venetian rolling blinds, corner tower and vestibules, bowl shape floor which in the auditorum [sic auditorium] is completed entire. Seated with circular curved back and seat pews of red birch. Heated with two Weir hot air furnaces to the satisfaction of all, and lighted by electricity.

The total cost of building $8,042. It was dedicated Oct. 25, 1891, by presiding elder D. C. Franklin, at which time debt of $1,752 remained. The matter was laid before the people and a subscription of over $1,900 was taken, clearing the debt and the church was dedicated.

Of Audubon, was organized about April 1st, 1881, with thirteen members. Its first officers were: E. F. Fales and Frank M. Van Pelt, Deacon H. M. Talbott, clerk and treasurer; Rev. A. S. Sharpnack was chosen pastor to serve one half the time. There were some accessions to the membership and the church had an active existence for a number of months. But this first organization was (from several causes difficult to explain) lost sight of for several years. Oct. 9th, 1887 it was re-organized, and from that date has witnessed almost continual prosperity. Rev. A. C. Zellhoefer was the efficient pastor for one year, beginning his labors in November, 1887. During this time lots were purchased and the building began. The neat and commodious house now standing opposite the court house was dedicated July 14, 1889, at a cost of nearly $4,000. The building and property is entirely free of debt, and the society now numbers 110 members. Rev. Richmond A. Smith has been their pastor since May 1, 1889.

It is about nine years ago that this church was erected, but prior to that time Father Gaule, of Atlantic, held service here in the school house. The present church cost about $1200, built by the liberal citizens of Audubon, and surrounding country, and a very handsome parsonage was added in 1891, at about $1200 cost. Father Daley of Atlantic succeeded Father Gaule and was himself succeeded by Father Morne. The resident priest, Rev. Father Jacobsmier, has been with the church here about one year, and under his care the attendance is growing rapidly. The first congregation numbered only some 20 while at this writing 100 is more nearly the membership. Michael O'Donnel, Edwin Roche, John Mullen, Nicholas Roth, and others were among the strong members to come forward and furnish the means to start the enterprise of erecting both church and parsonage.

Although this society had held services at intervals in the court house, the first definate steps to erect a church edifice were only taken in 1891. In September 1891, the first services were held in their new and handsome church,26x48 erected last year at a cost of $2,200, including bell and fixtures. Services are held weekly and a large and growing congegation take much pride in the excellent house of worship. The pastor Rev. F. Strange, found strong assistance in such worthy citizens as William Krittenger, Chris Hahn, Chas. Kempf and Fred Tessman in his efforts to erect and furnish the pretty church.

The members of this society enjoy a comfortable home in lots 19 and 20, block 16, being central in location and occupying two of the best lots in the city. The building is a substantial frame structure 40x60 with vestibule belfry and tower. The society was organized April 14th, 1879, with a membership of seven members, with Rev. Ed. B. Cousins, the present P. M. of Audubon, as stated pastor, who was installed pastor May 9th, 1880, at which time the church building was dedicated. The pulpit has subsequently been filled by Rev. D. A. Blose, Rev. J. A. Bartlett, and Rev. E. Dickinson the present pastor.

This religious society is rapidly growing and owns a very handsome edifice in Audubon, which was erecte the latter part of 1891. It is a building highly creditable to the city.