The United Brethren Church.

    The first organization of this church was made in the Clodfelter neighborhood, about four miles southeast of Albia, in 1854. In 1845, however, Rev. Wm. Bird, an evangelist, preached occasionally near Hayden Smith's, south of Albia a couple of miles, where John Collins now resides. Rev. Kohzad preached in 1855, and the nest year Rev. McLaughlin. In 1858 Rev. Byerley took charge of the congregation. He was succeeded by Rev. Jacob Bonebrake.

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The charter members of this organization were: Wm. Clodfelter and family, Hudson Martin and wife, Richard Martin and wife, Jas. Martin, and Samuel Miller and wife. Since about the year 1860 the church went down, and no re-organization was made until 1880, when, through the efforts of W. H. Trussel, who lives in Monroe Township, Rev. Wm. Kelsey was induced to preach at the Hayes school-house and elsewhere throughout the county. An organization was formed, and then Rev. Myer succeeded Kelsey as pastor. Myer conducted a successful series of meetings at Selection, during which the church received many accessions. He was enthusiastic in his work, and was the most successful minister that has ever led the United Brethren flock in the county. After preaching several years, both in Monroe and Appanoose counties, in which latter an organization has existed for many years at Salem Chapel, he located in Kansas and became a presiding elder in the church. He was succeeded by Rev. Schaffer, who also preached several years in both appointments.

    Rev. Smith came next, and then Rev. Heitegman assumed charge. He did not preach out his full term, and was succeeded by Rev. Rebok. Rev. Benson came next, and filled the pulpit for one or more years, and was succeeded by Rev. Woodson. Woodson died before his term ended, and Rev. Wm. Whitlock filled out the term. Rev. Brooke next took charge and is at present the pastor.

    Of late years, a part of the United Brethren Church have taken up the doctrine of "holiness," or entire sanctification. Rev. Whitlock was one of the most zealous promoters of this society, and did considerable evangelical work throughout the State, taking a tent with him. For some time the "holiness" folks remained in the United Brethren Church, but later have organized some sort of society of their own, a sketch of which will follow in this chapter.

    The United Brethren Church in Monroe County contains about 50 members. The church is thrifty and progressive. It formerly opposed secret societies, but of late their constitution has been so amended as to take in members of the secret and benevolent organizations. This change will doubtless add to the growth and popularity of the church, as hitherto the anti-secret sentiment excluded many influential and worthy members.

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    In 1884 a handsome church edifice was erected, near Selection, in Monroe Township, where services are held semi-monthly. The old pioneer organization held its services in the Clodfelter school-house in Urbana Township, not far from where Samuel Miller lived for many years.

The Dunkers.

    The Dunkers, or German Baptists, have an organization near Cuba, a few miles east of Avery. At present there are about 80 members. The church is of German origin, but many of the membership of Monroe County are native born, and of English nationality.

    In 1888 a faction of the church withdrew from the main body and styled themselves "The Old Order." Some of the younger members began to manifest a liking for buttons, instead of hooks and eyes, and the church in general, they thought, had begun to relax its rigidity in its long-adopted custom of plainness of dress. They therefore withdrew, and Elder John Stama had charge of the faction for four years. This faction is now about extinct in Monroe County, there being but one or two members left, since the recent death of David Kingery and wife, who were prominent members.

    There is still another offshoot from the church, known as the Progressive Dunkers. The question of dress does not enter into their religion at all, and every member is free to dress as he or she wishes. There is no organization of this faction in Monroe County.

    The church proper contains at present the following officers: Hiram Berkman, John Follis, elders; Willis Rhodebaugh, minister in first degree; Abram Morgan, Aaron Moss, "Ren" Morgan, John Miller, Wm. Adkinson, deacons.

    In the summer of 1885 a church edifice was erected about two miles east of the town of Avery. It is a substantial structure, 36x70 in dimensions, and is of the plainest architecture.

    Among the list of present membership are: Hiram Berkman, wife, and two daughters, John Follis and family, Lewis Miller and wife, "Aunt" Ruth Miller, Mrs. Isabel Miller, Geo. Thornton, Mrs. Dora Snow, Miss Ann Ronk, Mrs. Mary Henderson, Mrs. Ellen Moss, Mrs. Abigail Dreskill, Miss Flora Beebe, Miss Martha Beebe, Jasper Beebe, Mrs. Emma Henny, Peter Miller and wife, Lewis Miller and

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wife, Warder Miller and wife, Elisha Leech and wife, Miss Rhoda Hunt, Mrs. Matilda Bailey, Mrs. Olive Morgan, Mrs. Eliza Morgan, Wm. Warner and wife, Mrs. Martha Warner, Mrs. Mary Roberts, Joseph Miller, Mrs. Jane Roberts, Mrs. Ann Whetson, Mrs. De Moss, Mrs. Martha Coffman, Mrs. Lucinda Miller, Mrs. Nancy Millard, Mrs. Drucilla Woodruff, Mrs. Margaret Rogers, Mrs. Rosanna Hansel, Mrs. Ida Pearon, Mrs. Malinda Hardsock, Mrs. Ella Beebe, Mrs. Amanda Miller, Marshall Bonnett and wife, Mrs. Sarah Ferrall, Mrs. Hannah Ferrall, Mrs. Dell Ferrall, Mrs. Emma Bonnett, Mrs. Sophia McMullen, Mrs. Mary Adkison, Frank Roberts and wife, Sam'l Roberts and wife, Miss Emma Funk, Miss Maimie Follis, Miss Annie Follis, Miss Amy Beebe, Victor Pearson, Henry Butler, John Miller and wife, Martin Snow, John Brewer and wife, John Dreskill, and Miss Nettie Dreskill.

    Among the old charter members were John Hansel and wife, Daniel Miller and wife, Peter Miller and wife, David Kingery and wife, Wm. Warner and wife, Mrs. Abigail Miller, Mrs. Sarah Moss, and Frank Myers.

    Elder Frank Myers was the first minister. He was succeeded by Elder Daniel Miller, who died in 1883. Since then, Elder Hiram Berkman and Elder John Follis have had charge of the congregation. Elder Berkman was ordained in 1881, and was associated with Elder Miller in the pastorate up to the death of the latter.

The Baptist Church.

    The Baptists organized in 1855, with a small membership. They ceased to hold meetings in Albia in 1863, but two years later they held meetings in the Christian Church, and in 1867 they built a church edifice, which in later years passed into the hands of the Christian denomination, and forms a part of the latter's present structure.

    Rev. J. C. Miller had charge of the Albia congregation, and in later years Rev. Mace acted as pastor for a time, but at the present there is no organization in Albia.

    There is also an organization in the western portion of Monroe Township, in the Woodcock-Thomas neighborhood, but they do not hold regular services there. In this congregation were the Woodcocks, Thomases, Youngs, and the Varnum family. The church building was erected in about the year 1860.

    There is also another organization at Lovilia, and another at Hiteman. At the latter place they have a commodious church building and a large membership.

    An organization was made at Lovilia early in the '60s, but it died out, and no reorganization was made until 1893. They used the other church edifices as places of worship, and have at present a membership of 49. The present deacons are Jas. Stewart, A. F. Cobb, and H. H. Cormany. Their present pastor is Rev. Lanningham, who divides his time with the Hiteman class. Elder Dewees organized the first class, and the next preacher was Rev. Todd. Rev. Hicks took charge in the later '6os, but, becoming entangled in a scandal in which one of the sisters of the flock was co-related, the preacher withdrew, and the church went to pieces.

    For many years the Missionary Baptists have had a kind of loose organization in the southern portion of the county. The term "Hardshell" has been applied to the less progressive element of the church, probably owing to their incorrigible opposition to modern church usages and doctrines. This crustaceous appellation may also be in part owing to the rude or unsophisticated appearance of many of the members, together with their close-communion ideas. They seldom had church edifices, but congregated in school-houses, in which they became noted for the fervency and vigor of their revival meetings. The ministers were uneducated, but usually possessed a combination of backwoods eloquence and shrewdness which crowned their efforts with success.

    In about the year 1890 Rev. Geo. Raney, of Appanoose County, built up a large and prosperous membership of Baptists in the vicinity of Foster, and, chiefly through his efforts, a handsome church edifice was erected at Foster. A couple of years later it burned down and was rebuilt in 1894 and 1895. The church at Foster is in a prosperous condition, and the pulpit is now filled by Rev. Smith. The congregation have also erected a parsonage for their pastor.

The African Methodist Episcopal Church.

    The colored Methodists were organized in February, 1873, in the old Baptist church in Albia, by Rev. Benson. The following is a list of some of the prominent members: Mr. Jones, Mrs. Henry Gones, Mr. Alf. Grayson, Mrs. Sarah Grayson, Rev. Cornelius Thomas, Mrs. Mary Furgason, Mrs. Rilda

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Hedge, Monroe Davis, Mrs. Indiana Thomas, and Elijah Morris.

    Rev. Benson served in the pulpit two years, Rev. Hutchison, two years; Elder Holmes, one year; Rev. Johnson, two years; Rev. Rhinehart, two years; Rev. Malone, one year; Rev. Hammond, one year; Rev. Rhinehart, again one year; Rev. Williams, two years; Elder Peterson, one year; Rev Addison, one year; Rev. Taylor, two years; Rev. Johnson, one year; Rev. F. W. Lewis, one year; Rev. Ford, one year; Rev. James, one year; Rev. Rhinehart, one year.

    The present church structure was built in 1884, and the parsonage in 1895.

Grace Episcopal Church.

    In 1867 Bishop Lee organized an Episcopal church in Albia with H. K. Steele, Geo. Hickenlooper, and a Mr. White as vestrymen. Mr. Hickenlooper did not belong to any church, but his wife was a member, and it was probably through her membership that he enjoyed the emoluments of the office. Rev. J. E. Ryan, of Ottumwa, assisted the bishop in the organization.

    Rev. Labaugh was their first regular preacher or rector. He continued his services until 1872 or 1873, when the organization succumbed to financial embarrassment. At about this period they erected a church building, largely by means of funds advanced by Mr. Labaugh.

    The church building was that now owned by the Catholic society on Benton street. It passed out of the hands of the Episcopal society through the foreclosure of the mortgage.

    The society still continues to hold services in Albia. They congregate in a hall over the Albia State Bank, and Rev. Whittam is the rector.

The Roman Catholics.

    The Catholics numbered among the pioneer settlers of Monroe County, and were in the county before Iowa became a State. They early displayed that spirit of enterprise and devotion to their religion which has marked their course in every land and in every epoch of Christian history. Since then, four churches have been built in Monroe County and the society is flourishing.

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    The membership in Monroe County is largely made up of our Irish population. They are quiet and industrious, and very greatly reverence their priest. The priests who have had charge of the organizations in the county have all been highly educated men, and an embellishment to any community. They are not only capable of rendering wise spiritual counsel to their parishioners, but also give temporal advice in matters of worldly nature.

    In order to illustrate the obedience with which the parishioners conform to the wishes of the priest, an incident is related as an actual occurrence, but the writer cannot vouch for its truth, though the episode probably occurred.

    Some years ago, when they were raising funds with which to erect a church, the times were rather hard for an enterprise of this kind, and the story goes that the priest, from his position in the pulpit, would assign certain donations to certain members of the paris; for instance, the Carrs would be directed to donate so many dollars, the Malones so many, etc. The priest, pointing to one old gentleman, said: "And you must give ten dollars." Whereupon the faithful parishioner arose, and in a meek though mildly remonstrative tone began: "May it plaze yer riverince, toims are verra hard an' the price of hogs is"—but at this stage of the remonstrance the priest, pointing his finger at him, shouted: "You sit down, sir!" The old gentleman sat down, and a few day later somebody in Albia remarked to him that the priest was a little hard on him. "Yis, he wor," was hi s reply; "but the money will have to coom." "What will be the result if you fail?" was next asked, "His reverince would sind me to the divil if I refused."

    In 1854 or 1855 the Catholics built a log church in the northeast corner of Hugh Fitz-Patrick's field. It stood by the side of the little grave-yard, which faced the Albia and Chariton highway. The spot where this little church stood is now growing in grass, but the place will long be remembered by the friends and descendants of those pioneer settlers who attended mass in this humble cabin of long ago.

    The society was organized by Rev. Father Krakel, a German, who conducted mass in the early '50s, and who is now the venerable pastor of the principal parish in Ottumwa, Iowa.

    Among this band of zealous pioneer Christians were the Carrs, Coadys, Conners, Cullenanes, Stacks, McDonalds,

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Moloys, McDonoughs, Sinnots, and Sculleys. Through their efforts the handsome St. Patrick's Church at Stacyville was begun in 1860. This edifice was designed by Father Clifford, a young clergyman of rare talent and amiable social traits. The structure is built of stone. It is 100 feet in length, 60 feet wide, and 50 feet in height. It was an arduous undertaking to build it, at the time, and it was several years before it was completed. The parishioners were mostly poor a that time, and it was a great sacrifice on the part of many to contribute of their means. At one time this church interior, with the altar, statuary, and paintings, was classed as one of the handsomest in southern Iowa.

    Among later settlers who were most active and liberal in their endeavors to complete the church were Edward O'Bryan, the Kelliher families, John Welsh, the Malones, the Colemans, and several others equally generous.

    St. Patrick's Parish has had the following pastors since its organization: Fathers Krakel, McMenomy, Gleason, Malone, Cannon, Harrison, Ryan, Monyhan, Hayes, and Gaule. The latter is the present pastor.

    The church edifice at Stacyville was built in 1864, and the ceremony of laying the corner-stone was observed May 19, 1864. Bishop Smyth, of Dubuque, was present, and conducted the services. He placed the corner-stone, and beneath it was deposited a bottle, hermetically sealed, containing the following: "Idibus Maii jumpe in feste pentecoste, anno domini 1864. Pio Nono, Papa Feliciter Ecclesiam Regente. Abraham Lincoln, Praside Statuum Faderotorum America Septenrionalis. Wm. M. Stone, Gubernaculum Status Iowa tenente. Illius Reomo Clemens Smyth, Biscopus Dubuquensis, hunce Primarium Lapidum. Inagno Coneorsu populi circumstante et equituum exoronte rite et solemniter posnit." There were also deposited with this record a silver five-cent piece, a fine-cent bill of fractional currency, and a twenty-cent bill of currency; also a copy of the Albia Union of July 8, 1863—all of which are doubtless quietly resting to this day in their sealed receptacle.

    In 1870 the Catholic community of Melrose organized. They erected a humble church edifice, but the society in creased so rapidly that more room was soon required. The old building was sold, and is now John Foutch's barn; and the present handsome and commodious building succeeded

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it. Father O'Reilly is the priest who presides over these people.

    Out at Weller stands a neat little church, built by the Catholics. As it is too small, it will soon be replaced by a larger structure.

    The organists at these churches are: at Stacyville, Mrs. W. W. O'Bryan; at Melrose, Miss T. McGrath; and at Weller, Miss Wallace. Their respective choirs, especially at Stacyville, attract the attention of all musical ears. The music is said to be quite exquisite.

    In 1874 Father Harrison organized a congregation in Albia. They bought the Episcopal church when it was sold by foreclosure, and at present they hold service twice a week.

    Father Ryan preached two years after Harrison's two years' service; then Father King took charge, and led the society for eight months during 1877-8. Father Daily then preached eight years, and was succeeded by Father Quinn, who preached three years. Father Fitz-Simmons next assumed charge, and preached a year, and was succeeded by Father McCarville, who took charge in May, 1895, and who is now at the head of the society.

    The Albia church has about 125 members living within the city.

    The Catholic population of Monroe County reaches beyond 2,000. There are at present, 224 in Wayne Township, 542 in Jackson Township, 312 in Guilford Township, 398 in Cedar Township, about 200 in Union Township, and about 200 distributed throughout the other townships, with 125 in Albia.

The Society of Friends.

     The Friends Church came into existence in Albia in the year 1895, through the policy of the Methodist Episcopal Church in expelling certain of its members for alleged insubordination to the doctrine of the Methodist Episcopal Church. A part of the latter church imbibed the doctrine of "holiness," or entire sanctification, insisting that this was the basic principle of original Methodism as enunciated by John Wesley. On being expelled, they affiliated with the Monroe County Holiness Association, and participated with the latter in their camp-meetings and cottage prayer-meetings.

    As the Holiness Association is inter-denominational in character, embracing a membership from all churches, yet

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not being denominational itself, the Monroe County exiles from the Methodist Church decided not to join the Holiness Society as a body, but to investigate the tenets of the Friends organization at Oskaloosa. Accordingly they sent a delegate to Oskaloosa to request membership with the Friends of Oskaloosa.

    Rev. G. M. Lemon, of Oskaloosa, superintendent of the Oskaloosa Quarterly Meeting, came to Albia, and, after fully investigating the matter, returned and sent a committee to Albia to examine applicants for membership. A favorable report was submitted by the committee, and an organization was made at Albia, which is known as the Albia Monthly Meeting of Friends. They congregated in Perry's opera house for a time, but later changed their place of meeting to Love's hall, where they meet at present.

    The society, beginning with 40 members, has increased to nearly 250. They hold meetings at Cedar Mines, where they gained about 100 proselytes. They also held services at the Morris school-house, about five miles west of Albia, where they gained about 50 accessions. Their pastor is Miss Lorena Tyrrell, a lady of remarkable energy and ability. She is universally beloved by her flock, and has been eminently successful in her pastoral duties.

    The Albia Friends Church is officered by four deacons—namely, A. H. Humeston, Eli McAllister, Mrs. D. W. Nevins, and Mrs. Sarah Ireland. Mr. Harry Van Schoiak is clerk, and Dr. E. G. Powers corresponding secretary.

    Early this fall (1896) they intend to erect a church edifice in Albia, which will have as large seating capacity as any in Albia. It will be erected two blocks north of the northwest corner of the Square and one block north of the Cramer Hotel. It will be a frame building, and it is expected that it will be completed during the present year.

    The church creed of these Friends is the same as that of the original Friends, or Quakers, except that in the former faction the regulations of dress are eliminated. There is another striking contrast in their manner of worship. The original Friends, or Quakers, are silent and undemonstrative, while the latter are quite the opposite, often being carried beyond the point of dignity in their religious fervor.

The Monroe County Holiness Association.

    In 1892 the doctrine of "holiness," or sanctification, became a conspicuous theme with a certain element of

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the Methodist, United Brethren, and a few of the Baptist societies in Monroe County. They are very zealous in their convictions, and while participating in public worship some of them become so wrought up by their emotions that their feelings approach something like a spiritual frenzy. When seized by this feeling, it is not uncommon for the subject to sink into a sort of trance, and remain in this condition sometimes for hours. This phenomenon usually transpires while the subject is experiencing the expulsion of inbred sin by the influence of the Holy Spirit. The change, they assert, which their spiritual state undergoes in its transition from a sinful state to one of absolute sinlessness is instantaneous, irresistible, and overwhelming. Their souls are then isolated from all worldly temptations, and all inbred sin is rooted out.

    Some of the more emotional of the members adhere to the doctrine of Christian science, and profess to heal diseases through divine interposition.

    Among the charter members of this society were Chas. Bay, Jas. Neil, D. C. Crowell, G. H. Clemmons, T. H. Parker, L. H. Parker, Joseph Parker, and Mrs. Parker, his mother and the latter's daughter, Mrs. Maring, D. W. Nevins, Dr. Powers and wife, W. R. Kelsey, the Patersons, Mrs. L. A. McCreary, Mrs. Sarah Ireland, Rev. Wm. Whitlock and wife, J. A. Bigelow and wife, Dallas Winecup and wife, Isaac Trimble, D. C. Currier and wife, Mrs. Hurford, A. H. Humeston and family, and Sol Hickman.

    S. H. Humeston, of Albia, is president of this society, and Mrs. Sarah Ireland, is vice-president, Miss Bertha Humeston secretary, and Isaac Trimble treasurer. The society is inter-denominational in character, and is governed by a Committee of Council. The membership within the county is about 200.

    Their doctrine is very simple, and is about the same as that of the Salvation Army. It teaches simplicity of dress and the Golden Rule, without any accompanying "isms." Each member is expected to follow his own conscience in discerning the right. They disregard the usual outward ceremonials observed the the orthodox churches, and devote their attention to simple piety.

    They have no church edifices, and employ no pastors for their local organization. They worship usually in a tent at certain intervals, and employ some noted evangelist of their persuasion to conduct a camp-meeting.

Chapter XVI