285.809773; Sa69c 100 Years, Ottawa First Congregational Church Hf.Umw HRTQRICAL SURVEY Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2012 with funding from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign http://www.archive.org/details/commemoratingoneOOsapp 285.80977327 Sa69c ..I, fl ■■ JV ED YEARS FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 18S9 1939 OTTAWA, ILLINOIS Commemorating the One Hundredth Anniversary of the First Congregational Church of Ottawa, Illinois October, 1939 .-•-' s THE PRESENT CHURCH EDIFICE o toJ^ PASTORS OF THE CENTURY OLD FIRST CHURCH Rev. Rollin Mears 1843-1845 Rev. G. W. Bassett 1845-June, 1848 Rev. Martin K. Whittlesey, D.D .May, 1849-February, 1870 PLYMOUTH CHURCH Rev. G. W. Bassett 1848-1849 Rev. Calvin M. Steele 1849-1850 Rev. George Schlosser 1851-1858 Rev. Jonathan Blanchard October, 1858- April, 1859 Rev. William C. Schofield June, 1859- June, 1864 Rev. Edwin N. Lewis October, 1864-March, 1870 FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH Rev. J. M. Sturtevant May 23, 1870-November 24, 1873 Rev. T. J. Volentine November 1, 1874-December 31, 1877 Rev. George B. Barnes October 13, 1878-September 1, 1883 Rev. Warren F. Day September 1, 1883-December 1, 1894 Rev. Lucius 0. Baird May 12, 1895-November 19, 1905 Rev. J. Webster Bailey March 4, 1906-March 1, 1913 Rev. Claude A. McKay July 13, 1913-January 6, 1916 Rev. Carl Stackman November 1, 1916-November 1, 1920 Rev. W. S. Whitsitt April 1, 1921-June 1, 1926 Rev. J. J. Dunlop January 1, 1929-April 30, 1936 Rev. Lawrence A. Gedcke August 26, 1936- AS IT APPEARED WHEN ERECTED IN 1870. THE PRESENT PARSONAGE IS ON SITE OF FRAME BUILDING SHOWN AT RIGHT OF CHURCH. EXTREME RIGHT— THE FORMER PARSONAGE. They Served Faithfully and Well . . OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH DEACONS J. G. Nattinger George Bennett R. O. Black H. W. Gridley Abiel Grow Eric Ericson H. L. Hardy M. A. Dewey G. W. Jackson W. B. Titus H. W. Jones T. D. Catlin H. A. Butler G. W. Roberts J. G. Gay W. A. Furr D. B. Snow F. M. Sapp O. E. Chapman John Anschicks C. A. Caton J. W. Gay David Refior R. C. Lucas W. E. Howard F. A. Peterson J. G. Schumacher George Gleim W. H. Fisher W. S. Richmond C. G. Deems E. Z. Mercer J. H. Standart H. C. Telford J. E. Pixley E. C. McClary W. H. Lawrence George Martin Joseph Peck Charles Hawthorne Mrs. W. E. Howard Mrs. T. E. Thompson Mrs. Gustave Kneussl Miss Mav McDougall Mrs. C. H. Newell Mrs. Jos. Peck Mrs. Chas. Roberts DEACONESSES Miss Elizabeth Anschicks Mrs. Gustave Bauchle Mrs. I. N. Baxter Miss Isabelle Dewey Mrs. W. H. Lawrence (Deaconess for life) Mrs. W. H. Barnard Mrs. Geo. Gleim Miss Delia Belknan Mrs. P. M. Tress Mrs. E. F. Bradford Mrs. V. J. Donar (Deaconess for life) Mrs. Nellie Bradish R. O. Black D. B. Snow CLERKS OF CHURCH Gus Fuchs H. L. Hossack J. G. Schumacher Miss Bertha R. Glover TREASURERS OF CHURCH J. G. Nattinger 1870-1880 H. W. Jonss 1880-1894 G. W. Roberts 1894-1898 H. W. Jones 1898-1912 H. L. Hossack 1912-1913 David Refior 1913-1920 Miss Elsie Hodgson 1920-1921 Miss Clementine Walters. . 1921-1922 Miss Estella Failing 1924-1938 C. F. Brenn 1938- CHURCH TRUSTEES E. C. Allen C. Blanchard C. H. Brush S. S. Booth T. D. Catlin H. F. Clark C. A. Caton F. L. Fiske S. B. Gridlev H. L. Hossack W. H. Hull Dr. C. Hard G. W. Jackson Lorenzo Leland J. M. Megaffin Duncan McDougall F. A. Sherwood W. B. Titus William Thomas C. D. Trimble R. H. Trask S. E. King L. H. Strawn S. G. Gay C. B. Hess C. B. Ch^oman A. F. Schoch A. C. Bradish C. G. Deenis C. P. Tavlor E. G. Zilm J. P. Catlin I. D. Vincent F. A. Peterson I. L. Woodward W. H. Lawrence David Refior W. R. Mers A. M. Corbus Mrs. Duncan McDougall Mrs. Gustave Bauchle H. V. Trouu Mrs. C. F. Brenn L. W. Leipold E. E. Gladfelter Mrs. Fred Sapp H a. Thornton J. W. Gav E. O. Haeberle Mrs. R. F. Pettit L. A. Wilson L. F. Follett A. W. Skerrv C. C. Marsh Mrs. J. M. Brundage H. C. Geiger F. J. King W. M. Thomas Kenneth F. Sapp Mrs. J. M. French Mrs. J. C. Butterfield P. M. Tress F. J. Giehler Felix Mader 1891-1923 Ole Kvle 1923-1927 Roy Stone 1927-1928 CUSTODIANS Lafavette Burgess 1928- 1935 C. W'. Stone 1935-1938 Frank Baxter 1938- OFFICERS OF SOCIETY (Note — The Church Society was discontinued in 1928.) Edward Eames E. Y. Griggs N. S. Campbell PRESIDENTS H. W. Jones E. F. Bull D. B. Snow T. D. Catlin W. F. Jacobs L. H. Strawn CLERKS OF SOCIETY A. F. Schoch Chas. Beck T. E. Thompson W. E. Howard E. C. Lewis A. T. Cameron C. A. Caton J. E. Morgan C. A. Caton J. M. Megaffin C. E. Hook C. F. Wilson I. L. Woodward W. H. Barnard T. E. Thompson Miss Bertha Glover Mrs. E. Z. Mercer Miss Louise Grove TREASURERS OF SOCIETY H. A. Butler 1870-1873 J. F. MacKinlay 1873-1876 H. A. Butler 1876-1880 E. C. Allen 1880-1884 C. B. Chapman 1884-1886 W. H. Barnard 1886-1887 C. B. Chapman 1887-1891 Mrs. W. H. Barnard 1891-1901 J. G. Schumacher 1902-1903 W. G. Button 11)04-1905 Mrs. J. M. Megaffin 1905-1912 Miss Clementine Walters. . 1913-1924 Miss Estella Failing 1924-1928 Foreword A very earnest endeavor has been made to make this an accurate history. Information has been gained for this history from the early church rec- ords; from a paper written by Mr. F. M. Sapp on the the occasion of the 80th Anniversary ; from manu- als ; from interviews with early church members, among them being Mrs. Helen J. Bollmeyer, Mrs. Clara K. Barnard, Miss Isabelle Dewey, Mrs. Emma K. McDougall, Mr. C. B. Chapman; from Rev. L. A. Gedcke, who has aided in searching through old books in the church, and from Mr. Charles F. Brenn, treasurer of the church. I would gratefully thank all of the friends who have so courteously assisted, and I am under very deep obligation to Miss Bertha Glover, clerk of the church, for her very able assistance in searching and copying from the church record books. I tender my sincere thanks to her. Ruth B. Sapp. Ottawa. Illinois, September 29, 1939. Centennial History of First Congregational Church of Ottawa (By MRS. (FRED A.I RUTH B. SAPP.) PROGRESS is not automatic. The world grows better because there are high minded souls who wish that it should, and because they will and dare to take the right steps to make it better; so we commemorate the efforts of those pioneers of Christianity in Ottawa who felt that the scheme of human relationship was out of balance, and, capitalizing the desire to serve inherent in most men, gave us one hundred years ago this Congregational organization. To them we acknowledge a debt of gratitude. In writing of one hundred years of church history — two whole generations — it is hard to keep from becoming swamped in details, and hard to chronicle a complete list of the most important events. "The inheritance of any people," a wise old statesman once said, "is just the sum of what they have to remember." And so, as a good spiritual restorative, will you give yourselves over to memory, so that all may rediscover the rich inheritance that has come to us from all the able Christian men and women, ministers and laymen, who have given so generously of their time and money and love to build through one hundred years this strong, healthy church or- ganization of ours. "From out the mist of years we see today The faces of the loved who could not stay! Yes, we are blind with tears. God understands, And surely from the House not made with hands He lets them smile upon us, those whom we Have loved so well and now no longer see!" OLD FIRST CHURCH ORGANIZED The First Congregational Church of Ottawa was organized August 23, 1839, by a committee from Ottawa Presbytery — Rev. Flavel Bascom, Moderator, and Rev. Meliam Whittlesey, Scribe, with thirteen organizing members, who by a vote of 8 to 3 chose the Congregational order. They were as follows: Lester H. Fuller; Madison E. Hollister and wife, Delia Ann Hollister; Pyam Jacobs; Phillip R. Bennett ; Henry W. Gridley and wife, Lucy D. Gridley ; Watson V. Coe; Solon Knapp and wife, Almeda Knapp; Samuel B. Gridley; Mrs. Susan Hurlbut, and Mrs. Carolyn Brush. For about four years after organization the church had no regu- lar ministrations, but was supplied from time to time by the volun- tary services of Rev. R. W. Gridley, Rev. Chauncey Cook and Rev. J. M. Clark. Christians of all denominations met together in the court house and Mechanics Hall when there was any clergyman to conduct services. Some devout women held prayer meetings. In 1843 the church united with the Fox River Association, which cov- ered all northwestern Illinois and had about eight ministers and 16,000 members. In 1843 Rev. Rollin Mears began pastoral work, giving all of his time, and in August of 1844 a committee hired Mechanics Hall for one year for $30, to use as a house of worship. This hall was a room 20 by 60 feet, with hand-hewn walnut timbers, and was over the front part of the Simon Zimmerman furniture and undertaking establishment on Madison street, which was later taken over by Mr. E. E. Gladfelter. The early schools of Ottawa were held in this hall, as were all public meetings. At this time the membership had grown to 98, and Mr. Gershom Burr was appointed a committee to circulate a petition for the pur- pose of procuring funds to aid in the erection of a house of worship for this church. In 1845 Rev. George W. Bassett succeeded Rev. Mears, and in January of that year the church met and adopted a constitution for a Society, prepared by Mr. Selby Doolittle. December 31, 1846, the First Congregational Church on Colum- bus street, ''built by voluntary subscriptions of the citizens of Ottawa, was solemnly dedicated to the worship of God." The dedi- cation service was preached by the pastor, Rev. G. W. Bassett. The brick work of the church was done by L. B. Delano, and the wood- work by Josiah Pope, and the cost was $5,000. The lot on which the church was built was bought in 1846, and is the lot covered by the north half of the present church. In 1867 the corner lot was bought, and in 1870 the lot adjoining the alley. The total cost of this property was $5,300. Rev. Bassett served until June of 1848, giving place to Rev. Martin K. Whittlesey, who was formally installed pastor at Ottawa, May 20, 1849. From August 9 to October 9, 1852, the church was closed for repairs — papered and painted — and the lot was graded and enclosed. START OF THE PLYMOUTH CHURCH In August of 1848 Rev. Bassett left the Congregational Church to organize, with a company of seventeen, the first Presbyterian Church. On December 16, 1849, ten left the church to organize the Presbyterian church in South Ottawa. March 8, 1851, this South Ottawa church was reorganized as a Congregational church, and adopted the name of the Free Church of Ottawa. On the twentieth of January, 1857, the name was changed to the Second Congregational Church of Ottawa. Up to this time the church had been served by the following ministers: Rev. G. W. Bassett, 1848 and part of 1849; Rev. Calvin M. Steele, 1849 and 1850. Rev. George Schlosser, October 1851-October 1858, assisted gratuitously in the early years by the venerable Rev. Chauncey Cook. 10 October 27, 1858, the church was reorganized under the name of the Plymouth Church of Ottawa, and was served by the follow- ing ministers: Rev. Jonathan Blanchard, October 1858-April 1859; Rev. William C. Scofield, June 1859-June 1864; Rev. Edwin N. Lewis, October 1864-March 1870. In December 1854 the first church treasurer, Mr. J. G. Nattinger, was appointed. THE TWO CHURCHES UNITE IN MARCH, 1870 Rev. Lewis, pastor of Plymouth Church, tendered his resigna- tion December 24, 1869, and closed his labors the last Sunday of February, 1870. Dr. Whittlesey's connection with the First Church was severed about the same time, and on the sixth day of March, 1870, Rev. J. E. Joy officiating, the First Church and the Plymouth Church were united under the name of the First Congregational Church of Ottawa, Illinois, the First Church furnishing 121 and the Plymouth Church 131 members, making a total of 252 on the new roll of membership, which, on May 23, 1870, called Rev. J. M. Sturte- vant, Jr., to the pastorate, and he began his work on June 5. Serv- ices were held in Plymouth Church. As far back as 1853, old city maps of Ottawa list the "Free Church", later Plymouth, as situated on the site of the present Farrell garage, West Madison street, west of the post office. It was destroyed in Ottawa's "Great Fire," Sep- tember 24, 1881. During the 22 years of its existence under various names and through great trials, it gave earnest and consistent testi- mony against the sins of slavery and intemperance. The old brick First Church was torn down in April, 1870, and in June of that year the contract for the present church edifice was let to Colwell, Clark & Company, who began the work soon afterward, on the same lot. The furnishing was left to the ladies, and the total cost of the building and furnishings was 837,564.70. The board of trustees was the building committee and consisted of Messrs. T. D. Catlin, F. L. Fiske, W. H. Hull, S. E. King, and William Thomas. REV. STURTEVANT, FIRST PASTOR, CALLED The Ottawa Republican of March 26, 1870, contained this item: "The First Congregational Church and Society of Ottawa, at a meet- ing on Monday evening, March 23, voted unanimously to extend a call to Rev. J. M. Sturtevant, Jr., a son of the president of Illinois College at Jacksonville and for a number of years pastor of the church in Hannibal, Mo. The society offers a salary of $2,000, to- gether with a parsonage. Mr. Sturtevant is a clergyman of marked abilities and an active worker in his denomination." No record has been found of where this parsonage stood. In 1855 the parsonage on the corner of Paul and Jackson streets, with a house and lot ad- joining the alley, was purchased at a cost of $5,000. The board of trustees elected Edward Eames president, E. C. Lewis secretary and William Thomas, S. E. King, F. L. Fiske, George Bennett, W. H. Hull and T. D. Catlin trustees. 11 The church elected H. W. Gridley, Abiel Grow, R. 0. Black, George Bennett and J. G. Nattinger deacons, R. O. Black clerk, and J. G. Nattinger treasurer. On January 1, 1871, Mrs. John D. Caton presented the church with a handsome communion service, used until October, 1913, when the present individual communion service was bought. The present church edifice was dedicated March 26, 1871, and Rev. J. M. Sturtevant, D.D., father of the pastor, preached the sermon. Mr. Sturtevant was installed soon after, and we note that Rev. E. N. Lewis, at that time pastor of the Lisbon Congrega- tional Church, gave the charge to the church. During the pastorate of Rev. Sturtevant, extending from May 23, 1870, to November 24, 1873, church teas were instituted at his suggestion. He stated in a letter written a number of years later that the plan grew out of the church "so greatly made one out of two." The first tea was served in the fall of 1871 in the infant class room, and these teas became very popular. At one time the price was ten cents. The first music committee, appointed in 1871, consisted of Samuel B. Gridley, Thomas D. Catlin and Albanus E. Grow. The first choir was composed of Carl L. Simon, organist ; Henry A. Butler, tenor; Miss Laura McNair, soprano; Mrs. William H. Hull, alto, and Walter B. Titus, bass, which gave good satisfaction as a volunteer choir. At different times a chorus choir has been secured, being succeeded each time by a quartette. The pipe organ was built by William Evans, of Lockport, Illinois, at a cost of S2,300. The Ladies' Association was formed almost simultaneously with the union oi* the two churches. Mrs. J. R. Cameron was the first president. A bazaar, held the winter after getting into the new church building, netted a fund which procured the carpets for the audience room. The Woman's Foreign Missionary Society, next in age to the Ladies' Association, was organized April 13, 1874. Mrs. John D. Caton was the first president. The Young Ladies' Foreign Mission- ary Society followed in 1883. The name was later changed to the Woman's Junior Missionary Society, Miss Fanny Hull (later Mrs. Chas. A. Caton), president. The Woman's Home Missionary Society was organized in 1887, Mrs. H. M. Hamilton, president. Rev. Sturtevant's resignation was accepted with great regret by the church in 1873. His successor was Rev. T. J. Volentine, who came to the church almost direct from the theological seminary. He served from November 1, 1874, to December 31, 1877, and was followed by Rev. Geo. B. Barnes, who during part of the Civil War was connected with the Christian Commission. He became pastor October 13, 1878, and surpassed all his predecessors in pulpit ora- tory and witty illustrations. His pastorate ended September 1, 1883, when that of Rev. Warren F. Day began. 12 OLD FIRST CHURCH f LOCATED ON THE SITE OF THE PRESENT STRUCTURE OLD PLYMOUTH CHURCH THIS WAS LOCATED AT 315-319 W. MADISON STREET. WEST OF THE POST OFFICE, NOW OCCUPIED AS A GARAGE REV. WARREN DAY STARTS LONG PASTORATE Rev. and Mrs. Day were very popular with the membership. Mrs. Day was remarkably efficient as a teacher and leader of teach- ers' meetings, and her husband equally efficient as a preacher and leader of the large prayer meetings held each week. He instituted a number of changes during his pastorate. One was the payment of his salary quarterly by a check on the bank. He said he did not propose to have his work hindered by any shortage in salary through the negligence of the trustees in keeping the treasury supplied with funds. He insisted the church edifice and parsonage must be kept in repair and provision made for promptly meeting indebtedness in- curred during the church year. He suggested and secured a change in the communion hour from the morning service to an hour late in the afternoon. The Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor was organ- ized in 1884, under the leadership of Dr. Warren F. Day, with about 25 members. The membership steadily increased until it reached 80, with a regular attendance at the meetings ranging from 50 to 100. For a number of years the society was in a flourishing condi- tion. On account of removal from the city and withdrawal from the society, the membership, attendance and interest in the work de- creased, until the society was disbanded in 1908. Late in 1893, Dr. Day organized a Junior Christian Endeavor Society. On September 6, 1886, the Woman's Missionary Society brought before its meeting the advisability of opening an industrial school in connection with that society. A committee was appointed to se- cure means for so doing. At the November meeting they reported the necessary amount raised, and the following officers were elected : Mrs. H. M. Anthony, president; Mrs. M. W. Baldwin, vice president; Miss Fiske, secretary; Mrs. Lorenzo Leland, treasurer. The teach- ers at the first were Mrs. W. H. Barnard, Mrs. Chas. E. Pettit, Mrs. Lorenzo Leland, Miss Lottie Eldredge and Miss Fiske. On the first aay 14 pupils enrolled, and before the season was over they num- bered 100. The need for such work was great. The school so in- creased in size, and the results were so gratifying, that the follow- ing year it was decided that it should become one of the church or- ganizations, and it continued so for many years, providing for the training of children in sewing, dressmaking, housekeeping, and kindergarten occupations. During the summer and fall of 1888 extensive alterations were made in the audience room of the church, consisting of re-arranging the choir gallery, putting in the half-dome back of the organ, raising the floor, frescoing and painting, new upholstering throughout, new carpet, and furnaces, at an expense of about S6,000. The first serv- ice after completion was held October 21st. September 29th and 30th, 1889, the 50th anniversary of the church was celebrated. An historical address by Rev. M. K. Whittle- sey was given Sunday morning, and a sermon in the evening by Prof. Wilcox, of Chicago Theological Seminary. The quartette was 14 composed of H. A. Butler, Mrs. Carl Simon, Mrs. W. H. Hull and W. B. Titus. The Monday sermon was given by Rev. Moses Smith, of Chicago. A supper at six was followed by reminiscences and read- ing of letters from former pastors and members. In 1890 Mrs. Douglas Hapeman presented to the church two brass vases and pedestals in memory of her mother, Mrs. William Thomas. The new church bell, weighing 3,500 pounds, was the generous gift of Mr. Solomon E. King and his daughter, Mrs. Gertrude King Nash (Mrs. W. W.). It was put in position in the steeple in May, 1891, as a lasting memorial to Mrs. King, the wife and mother. The old bell was sold to Thomas Scott, of Newark, who presented it to Luther College. It was later given by Luther College to Trinity Lutheran Church, in South Ottawa, where it is still used. Rev. Day's resignation, due to the failing health of Mrs. Day and himself, and also his belief that a change of pastors would promote a greater prosperity and usefulness of the church, was accepted with great reluctance by the members. He closed his labors De- cember 1st, 1894, removed to southern California and became pas- tor of the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles. After a few r years of hard work in charge of a rapidly growing church he was joined bv his son, William Horace Day, and the novel precedent of a joint pastorate of father and son was established. Some time before his death, Dr. Day turned the entire work of the pastorate over to his son and he became pastor emeritus. INVITATION TO REV. BAIRD ACCEPTED Soon afterward the committee on pulpit supply was asked to se- cure for one Sunday a young minister who had been engaged in missionary work in the Northwest, Rev. Lucius 0. Ba'rd, who was then at the home of his parents in Chicago. Mr. Baird came, preached and captured the hearts of the young people of the church. The committee on pastor recommended that a call be extended to Rev. Baird; the call was accepted, and Rev. Baird began his labors as pastor May 12. 1895, and continued them with marked success until November 19, 1905, when he resigned and accepted a call from a Congregational church in Omaha. Neb. It is fitting to mention here that the pastorates of Drs. Whittlesey, Dav and Baird covered almost 44 of the 100 years since the organization of the old First church. Several improvements were made by the trustees and superin- tended by Rev. Baird during the ten ye?rs of his stay with us. They included a new pulpit and changes in pulpit platform, choir loft and north entrance to the study. The pukrit furniture and communion table were given by Mrs. Carolyn W. Reid (later Mrs. H. J. Reynolds) in memory of her father, Rev. M. K. Whittlesey. Mr. Baird was indefatigable in his efforts to keep the church edi- fice, parsonage and janitor's home, between the church and parson- 15 age, in first class condition, and no less indefatigable in devising plans for arousing greater interest among the young people and children. A company of cadets was recruited, equipped, armed, drilled and marched to suitable places for camping during the hot summer months. The insuperable difficulty of retaining competent officers compelled the abandonment of the enterprise in 1902. This company was called 'The Boys' Brigade," and it was organized and chartered in 1895 as No. 311 of the United Boys' Brigade of Ameri- ca, Mr. Duncan McDougall, president. "Its object was the advance- ment of Christ's Kingdom among boys, and the promotion of habits of obedience, reverence, discipline, self-respect, and all that tends toward a true Christian manliness." It had an equipment includ- ing 40 Springfield rifles, 3 officers' swords, and uniforms for 35 boys. In 1900 the officers were Captain 0. J. Ackerman ; 1st. Lieut., Ralph McMullen; 2nd Lieut., Will Caton. MEN'S LEAGUE IS ORGANIZED IN 1896 One of the most far-reaching of Mr. Baird's undertakings was the organization of the Men's League in 1896, whose principal ob- ject was to enlist the men of the congregation in church attendance and work. The league assisted the pastor in providing attractions for the Sunday evening service, and held frequent week evening meetings from October to June, by way of entertainment and for the discussion of topics of dominant public interest at the time. The league was maintained until the close of Mr. Baird's pastorate. Another of the societies organized by Mr. Baird was The Broth- erhood of Andrew and Philip, organized in 1898. Its two rules were the rule of service and the rule of prayer. The first required an invitation to be given each week to some young man to hear the gospel ; the second required daily prayer for the spread of Christ's Kingdom among men. It met on the first Sunday afternoon of each month. In 1898 a "Cycle Club" was organized, headed by James Green. Mr. Baird also organized young people's societies called the Sermon Text Children and the Vesper Readers. A grand piano for use in the Sunday school and prayer meetings was purchased in June, 1899, at a cost of S600, the funds for which were furnished in part bv the Sunday school, greatly assisted by generous individual donations. In 1899 new opalescent art glass windows, bought from the Peltier Glass Co., of Ottawa, were installed throughout the church at a cost of S634, and the Sunday school room was painted and papered. The Young Woman's Mi^sionarv Guild was organized June, 1899, by Mrs. L. O. Baird. Mrs. Cora Wilson was president from 1899 to 1905. Meetings were held twice a month after school, the only social feature at that time being the annual picnic. In 1900 and 1901 bazaars w r ere held, the money realized being used to purchase an organ for the primary department, to help pay for the Sunday >chool piano, and to assist in repairs on the church. 16 In 1900 the guild pledged S30 a year to support an orphan boy in Turkey for six years, and after that supported a girl for one year ; they also pledged S30 per year to pay the salary of a native teacher in Miss Wykoff's school in China. On May 15, 1904, the Lyman memorial organ was dedicated to the memory of Mr. Roswell D. Lyman, a former member of the First Church choir. It was due to his bequest of 84,000 that it was made possible to buy this pipe organ. Mr. de la Mater, famous Chicago organist, gave a very fine organ recital at the dedicatory exercises. The old organ was sold to Luther College. On October 7th and 9th, 1904, the 65th anniversary of the church was celebrated, with Rev. L. O. Baird as pastor. Friday evening, October 7th, there was a reception and a program consisting of organ selections by Mrs. W. C. Paisley; invocation, H. C. Boltwood; welcome, Rev. L. O. Baird ; responses by William Osman, F. M. Sapp, Rev. Steelman and Father Quirk; address, Rev. J. M. Sturtevant. Sunday, October 9th, the morning sermon was given by Rev. W. F. Day, and he also gave the address at the vesper service in the afternoon. It was with deep regret that the church accepted the resignation of Dr. Baird, as he and Mrs. Baird were much loved, not only by the church membership but by the citizens of Ottawa. DR. J. WEBSTER BAILEY BECOMES THE PASTOR Four months after Dr. Baird's resignation, Dr. J. Webster Bailey became pastor — March 4, 1906. He remained for seven years. Dur- ing much of that time he held services on Sunday afternoons in the Gayety theater, drawing very large crowds, as he was an excep- tional orator. He called his service "The Peoples' Church," and felt that many people might go to hear a sermon in a theater building who would not go to the churches. The evening church services were discontinued during the period he had the afternoon services. In November, 1908, the Woman's Junior Missionary Society voted to accept the invitation of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society to unite with them, and the first meeting of the united so- cieties was held in January, 1909. A children's missionary society, called the "Busy Bee", was or- ganized in March, 1909, by Mrs. J. W. McMullen, assisted by Miss Kittie Caton ; president, Elizabeth Vincent. Money was raised by monthly dues of five cents a member, entertainments, a booth at the annual bazaar, candy sales, and sales of old newspapers and maga- zines. This society was still very active for some time after 1915. December 1, 1911, The Woman's Foreign Missionary Society and The Woman's Home Missionary Society became The Woman's Mis- sionary Society. Dr. Bailey resigned March 1, 1913. Rev. Claude A. McKay began his ministry in Ottawa July 13, 1913. His sermons were full of originality and logic, and his con- gregation was very large. The church membership at this time was 17 about 500. He reorganized the Junior Christian Endeavor in March, 1914, with 20 members. Regular meetings were held each Sunday evening at 6:30. While Rev. McKay was pastor, Mrs. W. F. Jacobs, Mrs. A. C. Bradish, and Mrs. C. P. Taylor organized the Young Married Women's Auxiliary in 1913. This was started with 12 young mar- ried women as members, Mrs. H. G. Cook being the first president, the membership growing until the organization was very strong. In the early years luncheon meetings were held in the homes of members, later in the church. Bazaars were held each December, and large amounts netted. The money was used for church improvements. December 12, 1924, the Young Married Women's Auxiliary and the Ladies' Association merged, and the name was changed to the Women's Auxiliary. This society is still functioning. On January 31, 1930, the Woman's Missionary Society merged with the Auxil- iary, and now functions under the name of "World Welfare Com- mittee" of the Auxiliary. A four day celebration for our 75th Anniversary took place in October, 1914, featured by the following: Wednesday evening, October 14 — "Looking Backward." Greet- ings from former and absent members. Reminiscences of 25th and 50th anniversaries. Thursday evening, October 15 — "Looking Outward." Address by Ozora S. Davis. (Dr. Gunsaulus was to have been here but was stricken with illness on way to the train.) Friday, October 16 — Banquet. Toastmaster, Lorenzo Leland. Toasts by W. B. Titus, Duncan McDougall, D. B. Snow, W. E. Howard and Reverends G.W. Farrar, D. K. Campbell, G. T. Nesmith, G. W. Chessman and L. O. Baird. Sunday, October 14 — "Looking Upward." Morning sermon by Rev. C. A. McKay. Evening sermon by Rev. C. R. Blood, of Marseilles. January 6, 1916, Rev. McKay resigned to take a church in the east, and Rev. Carl Stackman served from November 1, 1916, to November 1, 1920. 80TH ANNIVERSARY IS OBSERVED IN 1919 The 80th Anniversary occurred in 1919, and on Sunday, Novem- ber 2, Rev. L. O. Baird preached the anniversary sermon. Monday evening, November 3, a banquet was given with 200 present. Mr. F. M. Sapp read an exceptionally interesting paper on the history of the church. Talks were given by Misses Nellie Rochelle and Amy Robinson, and by Rev. Carl Stackman. Rev. Stackman was followed by Rev. W. S. Whitsitt, April, 1921, to June 1, 1926. At the annual meeting of January, 1921, it was voted to remove names from the pews. 18 UPPER LEFT— REV. MARTIN K. WHITTLESEY, ONE OF THE ORGANIZERS OF THE OLD FIRST CHURCH AND ITS FIRST SCRIBE. AS WELL AS ITS LAST PASTOR. UPPER RIGHT -REV. EDWIN N. LEWIS, LAST PASTOR OF THE OLD PYMOUTH CHURCH. LOWER LEFT— REV. J. M. STURTEVANT, FIRST PASTOR OF THE FIRST CONGRE- GATIONAL CHURCH. LOWER RIGHT REV. LAWRENCE A. GEDCKE, PRESENT PASTOR. The death of Miss Nellie Roehelle occurred on August 15, 1922. For forty years she had been superintendent of the primary depart- ment, teaching countless numbers of small Ottawa children. Hu- maneness of soul and unswerving loyalty were gifts of greatness and of a noble character, which spent itself in the enrichment of life about her. Her memory should be a challenge to "carry on." For many years Miss Isabelle F. Dewey was her able assistant. During the summer of 1925 extensive improvements were made on the church property. At first, a repair fund of $15,000 was deemed sufficient, but, as the work progressed, unforeseen difficul- ties arose, which necessitated a much larger expenditure. When the work was finally completed, the repairs and improvements had cost $30,000. Of this amount the pastor (Rev. Whitsitt) by per- sonal solicitation among the members, raised $22,500. The Wo- men's Auxiliary undertook to raise $4,000, leaving about $4,000 paid from other sources. The repairs and improvements included a new asbestos roof, at a cost of $9,132.14, and both steeples were repaired. A new heat- ing plant was installed, including new furnace room and stack, cost $4,494.80; eaves, $335.46; lumber, $400; pew cushions, $1,110; new ceiling in auditorium, and walls and ceiling redecorated; new floor covering in auditorium (new carpet had been placed in large Sun- day school room in 1922 by Ladies' Auxiliary, at a cost of $500) ; rearrangement of balcony and auditorium entrance; new lighting fixtures in auditorium ; kitchen rearranged, new cupboards built, steam tables installed, down stairs lavatories added. The janitor's house was removed from lot adjoining alley; new furnace in parsonage, removal of old porch on same, and a new mod- ern porch made at Jackson street entrance. Cost of parsonage re- pairs, $3,000. On November 15 the church was rededicated. At the morning service Rev. Whitsitt spoke on the "Mission of the Church", fol- lowed by the rededication services conducted by J. G. Schumacher and W. S. Richmond. At the evening "Fellowship Service" Rever- ends Murray, McClelland, Fetter and Petrie assisted. Rev. Stephen A. Lloyd, of Winnetka, gave the address of the evening, on "King- dom Builders". Rev. and Mrs. Whitsitt were very popular with the young people of the church, doing much to keep them interested in church work. Regular evening services were discontinued during Rev. Whitsitt's pastorate, by a vote of the congregation. On June 1, 1926, he re- signed to accent a pastorate at Winona, Minn., giving place to Rev. Hugh S. MacKenzie, who besran his labors September 5, 1926, and remained until August 31, 1928, when he resigned. On May 2, 1928, a new constitution was adopted. The trustees were increased to nine, a Board of Deaconesses was established, and it was voted to have but one treasurer of church funds. 20 CHURCH SOCIETY DISSOLVED IN 1928 On July 22, 1928, the church reincorporated under name of the First Congregational Church of Ottawa, Illinois, and the Congrega- tional Society was dissolved. Rev. J. J. Dunlop, D.D., came to the Ottawa Congregational Church from Hartford, Connecticut, on January 1, 1929, and re- mained until April 30, 1936, when he resigned and retired from the ministry. Beginning on November 1, 1929, Dr. Dunlop inaugurated one of the finest series of religious services we have ever been privileged to have in Ottawa. This was a forum of very prominent Chicago speakers from different denominations, on topics of present day re- ligious concern, and was sponsored by the Men's Club of the church, and the expenses were underwritten by many Ottawa business men. These Sunday evening services drew crowded houses, every seat in the church being taken and many turned away each time. The second forum was held in November of 1931, also with marked success. In this same year the trustees' meeting room, or reception room, in the southeast corner of the church, was painted and furnished with a beautiful rosewood table, with glass to cover top, chairs, mirror, and davenport. This was made possible by the S250 Morris Lewis memorial bequest, given in memory of his wife, and by the Men's Club of the church. The picture, a copy of the "Age of Inno- cence", by Reynolds, given to the church by the late Mrs. M. W. Baldwin, was hung in this room. Rev. J. J. Dunlop and Mrs. Fred A. Sapp formed a committee on furnishings and decorating. In 1931 the church properties were all appraised for the first time by the Rau Appraisal Co., of Chicago. Rev. and Mrs. L. 0. Baird attended the annual church meeting in January, 1933, when it was voted to merge the 16 churches of the Fox River Association with the Aurora Association. In 1935 earphones were installed in front pews of the church at a cost of $175, with funds from the Mary Widmer bequest ; and in that year occurred the death of Mrs. Carolyn Whittlesey Reynolds, who left a S5,000 bequest to the church in memory of her father and mother. The Uandi Club was organized in 1935 with 25 members, the president being Mrs. Louise Spafford (now Mrs. Wade). This has been an able and efficient help in the church life. Dr. and Mrs. Dunlop made many warm friends during their stay in Ottawa. They both had a certain deep inner harmony that came from highly disciplined intellects, and were possessed with honor and dignity. 21 REV. A. GEDCKE, PRESENT PASTOR, IS CALLED Rev. Lawrence A. Gedcke became pastor on August 26, 1936, and is still serving as such. Two amendments were made to the Constitution in 1937 : 1 — The annual meeting shall be the second Wednesday in January; and 2 — Trustees shall have control of all property and funds transferred to, or paid into the church treasury, from estates of deceased per- sons, and shall devote only the income and interest of these prop- erties or funds for use of the church, unless otherwise specified by the donor. In this year the church council was instructed to develop a three to five year plan of advancement. In October, 1938, the unified family service plan of worship was begun, the church school having services at the same time as the church service. All but the primary department attend the first part of the service and return to the church school rooms for the remainder of service. It was hoped this would stimulate the revival of the family pew. This was discontinued in September of 1939, and church school is now held before the church service. In January of 1938 and 1939 preaching missions lasting one week were held in the evening, by an out of town speaker. At a church meeting March 9, 1938, it was voted to sell the old parsonage and grounds on the corner of Paul and Jackson streets to Dr. Roswell Pettit, for the sum of S8,000, and to build a modern 7- room parsonage west of the old one, facing the park, for S11,000. This was done, and the new one was ready for occupancy in the early fall of that year. Mr. George Thornton donated the stoker for the parsonage, and the trustees and the parsonage committee raised money for the new electric stove, by giving a pancake breakfast. The Pilgrim Service Guild was organized in 1938 by young wo- men members of the church and congregation, and has done splen- did work. Mrs. Roy C. Gedney was elected first president. It has furnished flowers for the church for the past year. During the early days of the church a lecture preparatory to Communion was always given by the pastor a day or two previous to the communion service, and all members were supposed to attend. "Persons examined for membership were publicly propounded for admission at communion." So many things were counted misdemeanors, and members breaking any of the church rules were summoned before a commit- tee of examination and discipline, for investigation as to their Chris- tian character and integrity. This committee was composed of the minister, officers of the church, and two male members (later changed to four). They decided whether or not the member should be dismissed from the church, and dismissal took place very often for Sabbath violation, not attending church services, for actions unbecoming a Christian, for using profane language, saying any- thing derogatory to a person's character, for using intoxicating liquor, for dancing, for not paying a hotel bill, and for many similar things counted unseemly for a professed follower of Christ. LIVING MEMBERS OF FIRST CHURCHES We have two members living who were connected with the old First Church — Mrs. Helen Jones Bollmeyer (Mrs. 0. W.), who united with the church March 27, 1864, and Miss Mary E. Nattinger, who was baptized in old First Church June 29, 1855, and united with the present church March 1, 1874. Mrs. Clara King Barnard (Mrs.W.H.), joined the present church May 7, 1871 ; Miss Lea De Lagneau, January 1, 1875, and Miss Emma De Lagneau January 7, 1877. Mr. J. W. McMullen, February 1, 1879, and Mr. C. B. Chapman, December 5, 1880. The above are all living. Miss Harriet F. Black, now in California, was a member of the old First Church, but is no longer a member of this one. Our total church membership today is 400. The following were a number of the early, hard working, women members of the present church who did so much toward making it a strong organization in this community. To them we owe a deep debt of gratitude for their years of service : Mrs. Laura A. Caton Mrs. Margaret Forbes Joshua G. Gay Mrs. Salome King FROM OLD FIRST CHURCH Miss Hattie F. Black Mrs. Helen C. Catlin Mrs. Julia A. Jones Mrs. Helen Bollmeyer Mrs. Mary P. Griggs Mrs. Martin E. Roberts Mrs. Emma Perkins Mrs. Bertha C. Glover Mrs. Kate A. Cameron Miss Louise E. Rochelle FROM PLYMOUTH CHURCH Miss Elmira Nattinger Mrs. Ella P. Hapeman Mrs. Mary L. McDougal Mrs. Frances C. King Miss Laura F. McNair Mrs. Helen M. Meigs Mrs. Belle C. Hinsdale Mrs. Mary A. Titus Mrs. Jane D. King Mrs. Nellie Brothers Mrs. Louis M. Campbell Mrs. Olive R. Simon Mrs. Amanda S. Hard Mrs. Mary E. Jennings FROM FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH Mrs. Mary C. MacKinley 1870 Mrs. Isabella Cameron 1871 Mrs. Sarah M. Megaffin " Mrs. Ella J. Knapp " Mrs. Elizabeth H. Baldwin " Mrs. Christian Butler " Mrs. Clara F. Barnard " Mrs. Helen P. Bull " Mrs. Mary A. Sapp " Miss Nellie Rochelle " Miss Mary M. Newbecker 1873 Miss Mary E. Nattinger 1874 Miss Lea R. DeLagneau 1875 Mrs. Olive W. Gay 1877 Miss Nellie Brush " Miss Emma A. DeLagneau " Mrs. Emily J. Grove " Mrs. Kate S. Cole 1877 Mrs. Helen M. Anthony 1879 Mrs. Roella McMullen 1880 Mrs. Sarah Couch " Mrs. Lucy P. Bascom " Miss Alice M. Fiske 1881 Mrs. Fanny Caton 1883 Miss Mary E. McDougall " Miss Lillian L. Mattocks " Mrs. Gertrude L. Tufts " Mrs. Libbie Machesney " Miss Carrie J. Glover.' " Mrs. Susan A. Whittlesey " Mrs. Sophronia Widmer " Mrs. Medora T. Hossack " Miss Harriet M. Harrison " Mrs. Katie H. Chapman 1887 23 The following bequests have been given to the church through a period of years by the following members : Roswell D. Lyman 84,000 Miss Sarah Fiske 3,000 Thomas D. Catlin 500 Mrs. Carolyn Whittlesey Mrs. Elizabeth H.Baldwin. 1,000 Reynolds (Mrs. H. J.) . . 5,000 M. W. Baldwin 500 Miss Mary Widmer 250 Mrs. C. B. Chapman 100 Lothrop Follett 100 THE CHURCH SCHOOL The first record of a Sunday school in connection with our church is in the records of the Old Plymouth Church, dated May 5, 1849, reading thus: 'The question as to the necessity of organizing a Sunday school and Bible class was considered, and it was decided to commence one on the following Sabbath. Brother G. F. Patterson was chosen superintendent and Watson V. Coe assistant superintendent. Broth- er Solon Knapp was chosen leader of the Men's Bible class and Mrs. Mortimer of the Women's Bible class. The school to be held at 5 o'clock every Sabbath." This organization continued unaltered by the change from Pres- byterian to Free Congregational in 1851. The officers from 1858 were A. E. Grow, David S. Marin, C. Hard, W. B. Fyfe, Geo. Bristol and B. F. Hotchkiss. After the reorganization in 1858 the record reads: 'This afternoon (Nov. 15, 1858) the church met and or- ganized a Sunday school, appointing the following officers: B. C. Cock, superintendent; Giles W. Jackson, assistant superintendent, and James Cameron, librarian and treasurer. After the election of the above officers the school was fully organized by appointing teachers, forming classes and giving out the lesson for the next Sabbath, which was the Ten Commandments." The school was very prosperous under the management of Mr. Cook; adult classes were formed and the attendance was so large that the school was placed foremost among those of La Salle County. He kept the superintendency until the union of the two churches, but Mr. Jackson served only one year as assistant, and, as he de- clined to serve longer, C. Hard was chosen to take his place. The war called many of our workers to the front, and the only record given during that time is February 3, 1865, and has to do with the church collection being used for the Sunday school. An- other silence in the records leaves us uninformed as to the progress for five years, but in 1870 it records that the last Sundav school con- cert at the Plymouth Church was given on February 27th, when it was announced that the Sunday school would keep its separate or- ganization for a week or two until suitable arrangements could be made for uniting the two. At this time the enrollment of the school was over 200. with an average attendance of 165. There was also a very good library for the use of the scholars. 24 - z 2 - -; - Eh Z z c v S ^ - 02 Z M o ft J i- < z - gg 02 , O as 5 u Eh „ ^ — < 02 - SUPERINTENDENTS SINCE CHURCH UNION The first superintendent after the union in 1870 was Samuel B. Gridley, with Mr. Hard again acting as assistant. Mr. Gridley served until 1872, w T hen E. N. Lewis succeeded him, serving for two years. Then Mr. Hard took charge during 1875 and 1876, and T. D. Catlin in 1877 and 1878. Mr. Brush was superintendent for the year 1879 and Prof. Boltwood in 1880. Mr. F. M. Sapp succeeded him and continued in that position until 1884, when Prof. C. W. Tufts became superintendent. On his resignation, in 1886, Mr. Sapp was again chosen and filled the unexpired term, and for three years more. In 1889 he resigned, much to the regret of the school, and Albert S. Post was chosen to fill the vacancy. At this time the school had 32 teachers, 13 officers and 395 scholars enrolled, with an average attendance of 235. This is the largest enrollment the school has ever had, the primary class alone numbering 80. The graded system was in use and found very satis- factory. In July, 1890, Mr. Post, who was superintendent, was killed in an accident, and Mr. Machesney served the remaining five months of the year. In December Mr. C. B. Chapman was elected and served until 1895. Mr. C. B. Hess was elected to succeed Mr. Chapman, serving two years, until December, 1897. Mr. Duncan McDougall was elected superintendent in December, 1897, and served until 1900, when W. E. Howard succeeded him and served for two years. In 1902 Mr. Toler H. Swift took charge. In 1904 Mr. W. A. Furr succeeded him, serving for one yaar. Mr. C. E. Dana was our next superintendent, occupying that office until 1907, when Mr. Chapman was again chosen and served through 1911. Mr. J. G. Schumacher was elected to succeed Mr. Chapman in 1911. In 1915 there were 203 enrolled as members. Mr. Schu- macher served very capably until 1918, when Lester Leipold was appointed. He was followed bv Chester Olson, in 1919 ; bv Rev. Carl Stackman, 1920 and 1921; Mrs. T. E. Thompson, 1923-1926; W. S. Richmond, 1926-1931; W. Morlev Thcmas, 1933-1935; R. E. Weber, 1935-1936; Chester Olson, 1936-1938; L. W. Leipold, 1938 to date. Mr. S. E. King, for many years a member of the church, left a bequest of S3, 000 to the Sunday school. We stand today on an eminence in the history of this church as we celebrate this 100th anniversary. We are proud of the past, but we grow with the years. We celebrate the achievements of a glori- ous past, but we consecrate ourselves to a large future of outstand- ing service to humanity. We look into the future today and we know not what it holds; but we say: "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" So on this 100th anniversary, October 13-15. 1939, all associated with this Congregational Church may look backward with pride, and forward with confidence. Those who take an honest pride in the past have every right to have faith and courage for the future. (Mrs. Fred A.) Ruth B. Sapp. 26 Centennial Program Friday, October 13, 1939 6:30 P.M. J. MELVIN FRENCH, Toastmaster Chamber Music John Butterfield, violin Mrs. Charles Jehly, cello Arnold Wilson, flute Mrs. Arnold Wilson, piano Greetings and Invocation ........ Rev. L. A. Gedcke The Banquet — served by Mrs. Hudson Community Singing Presentation of Centennial Booklet Mrs. Fred Sapp Bass Solo — "Chumleigh Fair" Holiday Mr. Herbert Saager Greetings from Former Ministers : Dr. Lucius 0. Baird .... 1895-1905 1913-1916 1916-1920 1921-1925 1926-1928 Dr. Claude Allen McKay Rev. Carl Stackman . . Rev. Wm. S. Whitsitt . Rev. Hugh S. MacKenzie ''Pioneering in Ottawa" Mrs. Mary Lawrence "Half-Century Pilgrims" AULD LANG SYNE Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brocht to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And days of auld lang syne? For auld lang syne, my dear, For auld lang syne; We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet For auld lang syne. Sunday, October 15, 1939 10:45 A.M. ORGAN PRELUDE— "Toceato" Rogers CALL TO WORSHIP— "Venite, Exultemus Domino" (Adapted) The Choir HYMN OF PRAISE No. 95— "All Hail the Pow'r of Jesus Name", Vs. 1, 2, 4, 5 Perronet INVOCATION CHORAL RESPONSE— "The Lord's Prayer" .... Malotte THE EIGHTH PSALM ANTHEM— "Blessed Be the Lord" Haydn 27 OUR CONFESSION: Minister: In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord upon his throne, high and lifted up. People: And above him stood the seraphim, and one crisd unto another saying, Holy, Holy, Holy is Jehovah of Hosts. Minister: Oh, that I could find comfort! My heart is faint within me! I mourn. Dismay hath taken hold on me. People: My sins are ever before me! For my eyes have seen the king, Jehovah of Hosts. PRAYER OF HUMILITY (In unison) O Lord, grant that we as a people may humble our pride, and confess before Thee and one another our mistakes and shortcomings. Thou hast blessed us beyond what we deserve. We have been lawless and have allowed license to defile the temple of liberty. Luxury and ma- terialism have been permitted to dim the vision of the soul. Pleasure has often stilled the voice of duty. Class feeling and greed have put discord amid the harmonies of the spirit of brotherhood. Pardon, we pray Thee, the sins of the past and help us to attain a sense of love and righteousness that will be acceptable in Thy sight. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. HYMN NO. 195— "0 Jesus, I have Promised" Bode THE CONGREGATION IN PRAYER: Call to Prayer The Choir The Lord's Prayer (In unison) The Pastoral Prayer Choral Response SACRIFICE OF GIFTS: Organ Offertory — "Priere" Boellman The Doxology (Congregation standing) Consecration of Gifts The Choir SOLO — ''Omnipotence" Schubert Mrs. George Fisher, soprano SERMON— "Voices from the Past, the Present and the Future" Dr. Frederick F. Shannon PRAYER CHORAL BENEDICTION BENEDICTION SEVEN-FOLD AMEN ORGAN POSTLUDE— "Finale" Douglass Sunday, October 15, 1939 Four to Six "Chi Mi Frena" Cheshire "Gigue" Corelli "Hungarian Rhapsody" Schebochina MISS JEAN HAAG, Harpist Pupil of Sr. M. Charles, O.S.F., College of St. Francis, Joliet, 111. At the Tea Table : Miss Isabelle Dewey Mrs. F. A. Sherwood Mrs. J. M. Megaffin Mrs. J. H. Standart Mrs. Mary Lawrence 28 Directory, 1939 MINISTER Rev. L. A. Gedcke George Gleim W. H. Lawrence DEACONS Chas. Hawthorne Joseph Peck J. E. Pixley J. W. Gay DEACONESSES Mrs. P. M. Tress Mrs. T. E. Thompson Mrs. Vernon Donar Mrs. Jos. Peck Mrs. Gustave Bauchle Mrs. Nellie Bradish Miss Isabelle F. Dewey, deaconess for life. Mrs. E. F. Bradford, deaconess for life. Kenneth F. Sapp Mrs. J. M. French Mrs. J. C. Butterfield TRUSTEES P. M. Tress A. M. Corbus F. J. King H. C. Geiger G. A. Thornton F. J. Giehler Church School Superintendent . . L. W. Leipold Clerk Miss Bertha Glover Treasurer C. F. Brenn Custodian Frank Baxter President Men's Club Walter Nyeland President Ladies' Auxiliary Mrs. Frank Godfrey President Uandi Club Mrs. Berkley Hawley President Pilgrim Service Guild. . . .Miss Mary Towne President Young People's Society. .Miss Jean Skerry 29 Centennial Committees GENERAL COMMITTEE— Rev. L. A. Gedcke, chairman; Miss Bertha Glover, Secretary ; Fred Beem, Mrs. Charles Brenn, J. P. Catlin, C. B. Chapman, Mrs. S. E. Parr, Mrs. Roswell Pettit, Fred Sapp, Mrs. Fred Sapp. HISTORICAL COMMITTEE— Mrs. Fred Sapp, general chairman. Historian — Mrs. Fred Sapp. Historical Display — Mrs. H. G. Cook, chairman; Miss Lucy Armstrong, Mrs. E. E. Gladfelter, Miss Louise Grove, Mrs. J. M. Megafhn, Mrs. David Refior, Miss Leslie Tomlinson. Historical Booklet — Fred A. Sapp, chairman; Charles Beck, Vernon Donar, Howard Geiger, Morley Thomas. PUBLICITY COMMITTEE— C.B. Chapman and Miss Bertha Glover, co-chairmen; L. M. Bayne, Miss Elsie Hodgson, C. P. Taylor. CENTENNIAL BANQUET— Friday evening, October 13. Dining Hall — Mrs. Brenn, chairman; Mrs. John Butterfield, Mrs. Roy Gedney, Mrs. Frank Godfrey, Mrs. W. E. Howard, Mrs. J. E. Pixley, Mrs. Charles Sanders, Miss Louise Gilman, Mrs. J. G. Schumacher. Program Committee — J. M. French, chairman; Mrs. F. J. Giehler, Mrs. J. P. Catlin, Miss Estella Failing, Mrs. Helen Murdock, G. A. Thornton. Ticket Committee — Charles Marsh, chairman; Miss Delia Belknap, Mrs. J. M. French, Mrs. Harold Leipold, Mrs. Charles Newell, Percy M. Tress. CENTENNIAL SERVICE, Sunday October 15— Fred Beem and J. P. Catlin, co-chairmen ; Mrs. George Gleim, Mrs. Harry Kerz, Mrs. P. S. McDougall, Lester Leipold, J. H. Standart. VESPER TEA— Mrs. S. E. Parr and Mrs. Roswell Pettit, co-chair- men ; Mrs. Gus Bauchle, Mrs. Ben Boyce, Mrs. Albert Gilman, Mrs. Phil Godfrey, Mrs. Roy Grove, Mrs. Frank Imes, Mrs. W. A. Johnson, Mrs. Guy Karr, Mrs. Walter Nyeland. 30 The Next Century As we turn now from the celebration of One Hundred Years of history to the future, I trust it is with conviction that, in the midst of change and striving, there are enduring worths and certitudes which have come to us from the past and which challenge us toward the future. The Reman legions used to march to battle along highways lined with monuments to the heroes of their Empire. So we have been reviewing our Church's history, acquainting ourselves with the achievements of our fathers in the Pilgrim Faith, that we may be inspired by their example and reassured by their convictions. So shall we be better able to carry forward the dream and ideal which is this church's. There was an old custom carried out in Palestine on Easter Morn. A lighted torch was brought out of the sacred sepulchre. It lighted waiting torches outside. Runners carried these to others waiting on distant hills. And as the morning broke in its full glory, all the hills of Palestine welcomed the dawn with torches that had been lighted from the central light. The lighted torch of Christian faith has been carried down through nineteen centuries. This church carried it well through the past hundred years. Let that past spur us to rise up and carry it still further into the dark places of the world in the next one hundred years. Lawrence A. Gedcke, Pastor. ;;i INOIS OFFICE SUPPLY CO.. OTTAWA.