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The Congregational Church at
Cherokee was organized in 1870. Rev. J. R. Upton, one of the original seven
ministers of this church faith, who came to Iowa at a very early date commenced
missionary work and was better known as “Father Upton” of Spirit Lake, and was
the first one to visit Cherokee county. He began work as a missionary in 1869
and June 5, 1870, he appointed a meeting of a preliminary nature at Hazard (now
called Meriden). This meeting was held at Hazard because no room could be
procured in Cherokee, the Presbyterian brethren having preempted the only
available room for that day and for the same purpose of organizing a church at
Cherokee. The meeting held at Hazard resulted in a determination to organize a
church and the meeting was adjourned to meet June 12th at Cherokee
in the old courthouse where the church was organized with the following as
charter members of the “First Congregational Church of Cherokee, Iowa”:
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Calvin Bushnell, Mrs. Mary Bushnell, Henry Bushnell, Mrs. Sophia Bushnell, James A.
Henderson, Mrs. Angelina Henderson, Mrs. E. E. Kellogg, and Dr. Royal L.
Cleaves.
The
following Sabbath, four more united with the newly formed church –
Lyman Pierce, Mrs. Pheobe Pierce, James W. Coombs, and Mrs. Lucretia
Coombs. Of the charter members, but one remains alive – Dr. R. L.
Cleaves, who is still a resident of this city.
Calvin
Bushnell was the first deacon; Dr. Cleaves was the first church clerk
and William F. Rose, sent out by the Home Missionary Society, took
charge as pastor of the new church, and continued as pastor of the new
church, and continued as pastor for more than five years.
In
the autumn of 1873, the congregation became weary of having no church
building and it was determined to erect a house of worship of their
own, so a frame building 34x50 feet was built at an expense of $ 4,000
which was dedicated March 22, 1874, by Rev. John Morley of Sioux City
assisted by Rev. D. D. Frost of Le Mars and Rev. W. L. Coleman of
Spencer. This edifice served the congregation until the erection of the
present magnificent brick structure complete in 1900; the dedicatory
services being h eld on Sunday, Feb. 25, 1900. The corner-stone was
laid Sept. 26, 1899, showing a rapid work in the completion of a
structure of this size. A great crown witnessed this ceremony. An
audience estimated at 1,200 assembled, filling, not only the main
audience room and a large lecture room, but also the ladies parlors,
and in fact, every nook where a person could gain standing room.
The pastors of this church have been as follows:
J. R. Tipton, 1869 – 1870
Wm. F. Rose, August 1870 – September 1875
Fayette Hurd, April 1876 – October 1878
T. M. Corley, October 1878 – October 1879
John Scott, December 1879 – April 1880
J. B. Chase, July 1880 – April 1884
Chas. Bissell, 1884 – 1883
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W. A. Evans, 1885 – 1888
W. L. Ferris, July 1889 – April 1902
H. D. Hunter, October 1902 – March 1905
R. W. Purdue, September 1905 – September 1906
E. S. Carr, January 1907 – October 1909
W. L. Holly, June 1910 – March 1912
C. D. Moore, December 1912 –
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At the time of the writing in 1913, the church had a membership of between two and three hundred.
(Source: for above information: History of Cherokee County, Iowa, by Thomas McCulla, 1915)
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Excerpts from an 1892 Church Historical Sketch
In
the fall of 1873, having tired of holding services in all sorts of
places, it was deemed best to build a house of worship of their own.
So, a frame edifice, 34-50 feet, was built, at an expense of almost
$4,000. This was dedicated March 22, 1874 by Rev. John Morley, of Sioux
City, assisted by Rev. D. D. Frost, of LeMars, and Rev. W. L. Colman,
of Spencer.
Later
on, a lecture room was added and other improvements made, making the
total cost of the present church and its furnishings about $6,000. The
building still stands and is well preserved. It is indeed a monument to
the faith and good works of a devoted Christian people, who are
steadily aiding in the work of bettering man’s condition. The design of this church edifice is unique and somewhat attractive, having |
beautifully
stained windows, some of which are emblematic and memorial of those
gone to the “church triumphant.” It is heated by furnace and nicely
seated and carpeted. A bell weighing 1,300 pounds was placed in the
belfry in Nov 1881. The church has a capacity for seating about 500
people.
In 1892, the membership was 231. the officers
were as follows: Pastor, Rev. W. L. Ferris; Clerk, F. E. Whitmore.
Treasurer D. A. Wakefield. Finance committee, Mrs. A. B. Wakefield and
F. E. Whitmore. Trustees, J. A. Risley, R. H. Scribner and J. H.
Burlingame; Deacons, J P Dickey, J. A. Risley and L. S. Ferris. Ushers,
O. C. Bechmann and John Chapman; Choir Leader, Mrs. R. A. Lewis;
Organist, Mrs. O. C. Bechmann.
The society purchased a parsonage in July 1889.
A
successful Sunday school was always fostered by the church. The
auxiliary societies to this church were: Young People’s Society of
Christian Endeavor, Junior Society of Christian Endeavor. Woman’s
Foreign Missionary Society. Ladies Aid Society. Ladies Home Missionary
Society. (Source: Excerpts from The Cherokee Weekly Times, Frid, Aug 19, 1892, pg. 1.)
DEDICATED TO THE SERVICE OF GOD
No Finer House of Worship in the Northwest Part of the State
OPENING OF CHEROKEE’S MAGNIFICENT CHURCH
It was Dedicated Free of Debt On Sunday – Some Interesting Church History
DEDICATORY SERVICES
Probably the First Church of its Kind in Iowa Free of Debt
Last
Sunday was a great day for the Congregationalist of Cherokee. It was in
fact, a day to be remembered by all the people of Cherokee because the
sinners and the saints of the town – the people who go to church and
the people who do not go are one when it comes to anything in the shape
of public improvements. We are all proud of our public buildings and
our town full of splendid homes. And the addition of the magnificent
new Congregational church is a thing to be proud of. It is indeed a
beauty, within and without, and a credit to the community. And, best of
all, it was dedicated on last Sunday, free of debt. As we understand
it, there was money to pay every dollar before the church doors were
opened.
Long before the hour for the beginning the services of
the morning the edifice was crowded with an expectant throng. Aisles
and side rooms were packed. The other churches gave up their services
and united with the Congregationalists, the ministers occupying the
pulpit platform, together with President Chas. A. Blanchard, Rev.
Parsons of Primghar and Rev. Johnston of Oto. The singing of the
Congregational choir was very fine. Their music had been carefully
prepared and the work of the singers added much to the interest and
pleasure of the occasion. Professor Storm’s solo was appreciated by the
large audience as were the anthems, in which the voices so beautifully
blended.
The scriptures were read by Rev. Southwell of this
city, and Rev. Thompson led in prayer. Rev. Jas. Parsons asked for a
thank offering. The pastor of the church then read a historical sketch
of the church since its organization. The sermon was preached by
President Charles A. Blanchard of Wheaton college. It was in every way,
a masterpiece. President Blanchard is, without doubt, one of the
strongest men in the pulpit of the west. His theme was, “The True Glory
of the Church.” It was masterly setting forth of the things which go to
make up an influential church in a community. It had an influence for
good on all who had the privilege of hearing the message. The
dedicatory prayer was then made by Rev. James Parsons of Primghar, and
the morning service was brought to a close. Rev. Johnston pronouncing
the benediction.
In the evening, the house was again comfortably
filled, though there was a heavy snow falling at the time. The services
were of unusual interest, the music being of a high order. Solos by
Mrs. Roy Dickey and Mrs. John Chapman, and the duet by Mr. Maynard and
Mrs. Chapman were features deserving of special mention. The addresses
were able and thoughtful. Rev. Helms of Washta spoke on “the New Church
and New Responsibilities.” Rev. Parsons spoke on “The Church in the
Community.” His address was earnest and very practical, and was well
received by the audience. President Blanchard, who preached in the
morning, then addressed the congregation, his remarks being of a
congratulatory nature. His remarks were humorous at times and at time
pathetic aand eloquent. The choir sang an anthem and Rev. Helms led the
people in an earnest prayer, and the audience disperse feeling that it
had been an auspicious day indeed for the Congregationalist of this
city.
HISTORICAL SKETCH
- Given at the Dedicatory Services by Rev. Dr. Ferris -
I
am asked to say a few words regarding the history of the Congregational
church of this city. I shall endeavor to condense what I have to say,
and occupy as little time as possible in so doing.
Rev. J. R.
Upton is the first Congregational minister who is known to have visited
this county. He began work here in the year 1860. On June 12,
1870, the church was organized in the old court house and the following
eight persons constituted the charter membership: Calvin Bushnell, Mrs.
Mary Mushnell, Mrs. E. E. Kellogg, R. L. Cleaves, Henry Bushnell, Mrs.
Sophia Bushnell, Jas. A. Henderson, Mrs. Angelina Henderson. The
following Sunday, four more united. Calvin Bushnell was the first
deacon elected. Rev. Wm. Rose was commissioned by the home missionary
society to take charge of the new work. He remained with the people for
five and a half years, during which time the old church was erected. On
the 22nd day of March, 1874, the church was dedicated to the service of
God. In 1876, Rev. Fayette Hurd was called to pastorate and remained
two and a half years. He was followed by Rev. Cooley, who served the
church with acceptance for the next three years. Rev. Scott was the
next pastor, being followed in 1880 by Rev. Chase, now at the head of
Hull academy. He remained with the church as a most efficient worker in
the Lor’s vineyard for between five and six years. Rev. Charles Bissell
was the next pastor. He was with the church a little more than a year
and was succeeded by Rev. W. A. Evans, who was pastor until the latter
part of 1888. In July, 1889, the present pastorate began. On June 12 of
the year 1895, the church observed its quarter-centennial, it being
exactly twenty-five years from the organization of the church in 1870.
It was a very interesting and impressive occasion.
About a year
ago, some of the friends began to “agitate” the question of the
erection of a new church edifice, and in May we began the work of
canvassing for the means whereby this desired end might be
accomplished. The church secured the services of James R. Taggart
of Minneapolis, as architect, who drew the plans and specifications,
which proved exceedingly satisfactory. He also placed a bid for the
erection of the church and secured the contract. The building, in which
we are this day gathered, speaks as to the wisdom of our choice. From
the lowest foundation stone to the highest pinnacle, the work has been
done on honor. The building committee and the workmen, and all who have
had anything to do with the building, have learned to love him for his
quiet, gentlemanly and Christian bearing while in our midst. We take
pleasure in bearing this unsolicited testimony regarding the architect
and contractor of this building.
The work done by our local
workmen speaks for itself, for most of the work has been done by those
who are connected with this church. We take pleasure in speaking of the
work that has been done by the ladies of the church. They have been
faithful in labors abundant. They assumed from the first,
responsibilities, and took a deep interest in the project of building
the new edifice. The building committee were faithful in their work. It
would be unwise for me at this time to discriminate, but the loyalty,
persistent, sacrificing efforts put forth by some of the men and women
in connection with this work are known by all, and these same earnest
efforts have made success possible. May God reward them. The response
to the application for funds to carry on the work has been willing and
hearty. We desire at this time to thank, not only the members of our
own congregation, who have given so generously, but all outside our
regular church and congregation, who have given of their means to
assist in this good work God has seen fit to bless us in this
enterprise and it is for us to be humble and true, it is for us to give
God the glory. The Lord hath done great things for us whereof we are
glad. And may he grant us strength and grace to come up to the measure
of our responsibilities and opportunity.
(One item the pastor
forgot in his historical sketch is the fact that Mrs. R. A. Lewis has
been a member of the choir for more than twenty-five years. We think it
is twenty-seven years since her first service was given. As “the other
fellow” said, we don’t want to spoil a story for relations sake. In all
these years there have been few Sundays when the rich and powerful
voice of Mrs. R. A. Lewis has not been heard in the old church. We know
it has been enjoyed by thousands and perhaps – well, we know, it has
helped some people to be better. In this respect, N. T. Burroughs
should also be mentioned, being one of the first and an almost
continuous member – EDITOR.)
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THE NEW FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
This
new pride of the Congregationalists of Cherokee, dedicated on Sunday
last, is complete in every detail. Whatever is new and modern in a
church home will be found in this edifice. Chas. M. Maynard, the active
member of the building committee, tells us that the entire cost,
including carpets and five years insurance is $16,000. The audience
room is 52 feet square and the seating capacity is about 400. A
careful estimate of the number of people in the church on Sunday places
it at 1200, and the rooms are so arranged and the acoustic properties
so perfect that everyone could hear distinctly every word that was
spoken on the pulpit platform. The lecture room is 30x32 feet, from
nearly every part of which the pulpit can be seen. Dropping doors
divide the twelve apartments. There is a ladies parlor 13x22 feet a
cozy pastor’s study, a nursery or mother’s room and closets galore. In
the basement is the Sunday school room, large, airy and well lighted. A
portion of this is divided off by poles and curtains and there are
various rooms for classes. There is also a large dining room, about
25x32 feet, a good sized kitchen, two furnace rooms, fuel room, closets
and everything to make it convenient for both devotional and social
events. Whether you are a church goer or not it will do you good to
inspect this magnificent church home and see how much the
Congregationalist got for their money. |
(Source: The Cherokee Democrat Semi-Weekly, Tues, Feb 27, 1900, pg. 1) |
(Coordinators note: It could be that this church was disbanded about
1940 due to lack of membership.If you have information about its status, please let me know. Thank you!)
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