Chicago City (part 31 of 57)

"After holding our meetings in the 'Saloon Building' for a few Sundays, we accepted an invitation kindly offered by the Unitarians to hold services in their church Sunday after- noons. This we did, but in the meantime we were building a meeting-place of our own on a piece of property eighty feet square, located on Randolph street, near Clark. The lot only cost us #600 or $800, and had we retained it until now it could easily be sold for $800,000. There we built a plain frame structure at a cost of $1,600, and there we worshiped until 1851. At that time Chicago was a little town of 4,000 or 5,000 people, planted in a mudhole. There were a few wooden dwellings on Clark and Madison streets and four or five buildings stood on Fifth avenue. In 1842, I kept house at La Salle and Madison streets, and the evening views from all around was that of dense woods lit up by the setting sun. We drew our drinking water from the Chicago river, which was at that time as clear as Lake Michigan. We had no railroads running into our little town, and the one man who ventured to express the opinion that by 1900 Chicago would have 100,000 inhabitants was looked upon as insane."

The history of the Second Presbyterian church from the time of its first meeting in its new wooden meeting-house until now would be but the history of a part of Chicago over again. Under the wise pastorate of the Rev. Dr. Patterson it grew steadily, and in every way kept pace with the city's development. Before the first ten years had passed it had entirely outgrown its narrow quarters, and removal to a new and more commodious edifice became necessary. The demand resulted in the building of the old "spotted church," which until the great fire stood at Washington street and Wabash avenue, with its main entrance facing west on Wabash avenue. The corner-stone was laid in 1849, and the edifice was dedicated January 24,1851. The entire cost of the lot, edifice, organ, bell and clock was $50,000, and room was afforded for about 1,800 people. The material of the church was bituminous limestone, which, after a few years, took on a mottled appearance, caused by the dark-colored crude petroleum in the stone oozing to the surface. From

The original frame church still remains standing in Chicago. It was bought from the society by the Methodists, who moved it to Harrison and State streets, and conducted a mission in it. Then J. Young Scammon bought the building, and moved it to Prairie avenue for the use of the Swedenborgian society. There it stands to this day, shorn of its sanctity and begrimed with smoke, but still doing good service as the Sixteenth street station of the Illinois Central railroad.

The prosperity of the society became greater than ever after the completion of the new church. At the twenty-fifth anniversary, Dr. Patterson, in the course of an address, said that no people in Chicago had contributed more liberally to the cause of caring for the poor and neglected classes than had the members of the Second Presbyterian church. For the immediate benefit of the church $200,000 had been spent, and for other purposes from $125,000 to $150,000. The Mosley Mission had been established, and works of charity had been undertaken on every hand. But the residence portion of Chicago was fast crowding its way southward, while business blocks had begun to hem in the Presbyterian edifice. In 1869 the feasibility of a removal farther south was discussed, and October 1, 1871, the congregation met for worship in the "old spotted church" for the last time. One week later the great fire came, the church was almost totally destroyed, and with a loss of $55,000 on its hands the society found itself without a worshiping place. In the anticipation of a removal a lot at Wabash avenue and Twentieth street had been purchased some time before, but this was exchanged for a piece of property of the same size at the northwest corner of Michigan avenue and Twentieth street, the location of the present church, which is one of the finest Gothic church buildings in the city. The walls are of light, rather porous stone, varying in shade from gray to black, and ornamented with sculpturing in sand- stone. The main entrance is on Michigan avenue, and above it is a beautiful rosette, surrounded by the emblems of the four evangelists. From the southeast corner rises a massive tower, well buttressed, surmounted by a graceful spire. The interior of the church is rich in its effects. Handsome stained glass windows (among them a deeply colored rosette and a memorial window) attract the attention of the visitor, while a fine organ, incased in a richly carved frame of dark wood, adorns the west wall. The walls and ceiling are especially ornate.

From June, 1842, to November, 1873, Eev. Robert W. Patterson, D.D., was the beloved clergyman in charge. From that time until May 6, 1874, the congregation was without a settled pastor, but on the date named Rev. J. Monro Gibson entered upon the duties of the pastorate. He was succeeded, on November 19, 1882, by the Rev. Simon J. McPherson, D.D., whose devotion and piety, even more than his learning and eloquence, have proved potent factors in building up the church to which he has faithfully ministered for more than eleven years. Dr. McPherson always attracts a large audience, whether speaking on theological or secular topics. The average attendance upon the morning service of the Second church is about 900, and rarely falls below 500 in the evening. There are 809 active members on the roll (1893), and the average attendance upon the Sunday school is 300. Several societies aid the pastor in church work: the Ladies' Foreign Mission, the Women's Home Missionary, and the Dorcas societies, the Young People's and the Junior societies of the Christian Endeavor, the Auxiliary of the Presbyterian Hospital, and the Free Kindergarten Committee. The church also supports a prosperous mission (the successor of the old Taylor Street mission) at 2539 Calumet avenue. Its name was changed to the "Moseley" in 1866.

Presbyterian Church, built in 1804, on Fllllerton avenue, between Larrabee street and Cleveland avenue, in what was then known as the town of Lake View. Among its pastors - who are enumerated below - have been some of the ablest pulpit orators whom the denomination has boasted in this city. They have been: - Revs. Willis Lord, D. D.; William Blackburn, D.D.; W. E. Young, D.D.; H. M. Collison, R, F. Coyle, D. D.; and John Rusk, Ph.D. In 1888 a new house of worship was erected, at the corner of Fullerton avenue and Larrabee street. It is Romanesque in style, of a grayish-green stone, and built in the form of a cross, with two ornamented facades and a quadrangular steeple, terminating in a pinnacle. The interior is simply, but tastefully, decorated and furnished, the seats rising in a semicircle.

The present congregation (1894) numbers some seven hundred, and there are about five hundred communicants, the numerical attendance upon the Sunday school approximating three hundred and fifty. Connected with the church are various organizations for charitable and general work, among them being the Ladies' Aid and Foreign Mission societies; the King's Daughters, the Christian Endeavor Society, the Cadet Corps and the Men's Club.

Presbyterian church, tions in the west division. It was organized January 30, 1867, and its membership and attendance have steadily grown, as has that section of the city. Its first house of worship was erected in 1868, at the corner of West Adams and Throop streets, and the present church edifice was built upon the same site, ten years later. Its pastors, in order of succession, have been Rev. Robert Patterson, D. D.; Rev. Francis L. Fatten, D. D., LL.D.; Rev. Mr. Wright,

Rev. Thomas Parry, and Rev. Frederic Campbell. The approximate size of the congregation is five hundred, the church membership three hundred and twenty, and the average attendance upon the Sunday school two hundred and ten. Practical church work is carried on by the Ladies' Benevolent Society, the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor, and the Young Men's Social League.

The Belden Avenue Presbyterian church had its origin in a Sabbath school established in 1869 in the Nickersonville schoolhouse, which was rented for that purpose- From this locality the school removed, in 1871, to a dwelling house at the corner of Fnllerton and Perry avenues, and later in the same year to a building on High street, near Belden avenue. By this time the attendance upon the mission services had so largely increased that it was determined to purchase a site and erect a building at the corner of Belden and Southport avenues. The congregation had no regular pastor until 1884. Prior to that date Revs. Hutchinson (of the McCormick Theological Seminary) and Ringland served as supplies. In 1882 Rev. Geritt Snyder was installed as pastor, and two years later (in 1884) the congregation removed to the corner of Belden and Seminary avenues, where a new house of worship was erected, which in 1891-2 was enlarged and remodeled. Rev. R. D. Scott has devotedly served the church as pastor since 1888. The present membership (1893) is nearly three hundred, and the average attendance between three and four hundred, while four hundred and sixty receive instruction in, the Sunday school. The church societies have been organized upon a plan calculated to arouse the interest and secure the operation of both sexes and all ages in church work, through not less than ten distinct organizations, as follows : The Ladies' Aid Society, the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society, the Woman's Home Mission Society, the Young Ladies' Missionary Band, the Young

People's Society of Christian Endeavor, the Junior Christian Endeavor Society, the Boys' Brigade, the Children's Missionary Society, a singing class, and a " Hand-Shaking Circle."

In 1890 the Belden Avenue church established a mission on Chicago avenue, near Milwaukee avenue. The average attendance is about one hundred and fifty, and the mission has proved a potent agency for good in that locality.

Pursuant to a call by circular issued by Rev. Thomas H. Skinner, D. D., Messrs. John Woodbridge, William Haward and S. Church of the R McDivitt, a meeting was held Covenant. jn the Chapel of the Presbyterian Theological Seminary of the Northwest, October 28, 1884, to consider the practicability of organizing a Presbyterian church in the northwestern section of the city. Mr. Walter H. Charnley was chosen chairman, and Mr. Robert Haward, secretary. Prayer was offered by Rev. W. G. Craig, D. D. After some discussion an association was formed of the persons present, twenty-eight in number, with the object of establishing religious services, looking towards the organization of a Presbyterian church. November 25, 1884, this association adopted as its name "The Presbyterian Association of Northwestern Chicago," and extended an invitation to the Rev. David R. Breed, D.D., of St. Paul, to take charge of the enterprise.

December 17, 1884, at a meeting of the association, Dr. Breed's acceptance was announced. The first preaching service was held under his direction in the chapel of the Seminary, Jan. 11, 1885. Two weeks later a Sunday school was organized, with Mr. S. P. McDivitt as superintendent.

The congregation growing very rapidly, efforts were made to secure a building. Property located on the corner of Belden avenue and North Halsted street was offered to the association by gift of Dr. .Skinner, and March 15, 1885, at the close of the Sunday morning service, subscriptions to the amount of $15,225 were taken to erect a chapel. An additional amount of $4,200 was subsequently subscribed to furnish the building upon its completion. April 13, 1885, a petition bearing 117 signatures was presented to the Presbytery of Chicago, praying for the organization of a church, to be known as -''The Church of the Covenant." This petition was granted. May 7, 1885, the committee of Presbytery, Rev. George C. Noyes, D. D., and Rev. E. R. Davis organized the church, receiving eighty-four members (representing twenty-six different churches) by certificate and four by examination. At the same meeting Mr. S. P. McDivitt was chosen ruling elder, and ordained and installed; and Messrs. Charles A. Flanders and Chester P. Walcott were elected deacons- They were ordained May 31, 1885. At the same meeting, May 7, Rev. W. G. Craig, D. D., Messrs. W. H. Charnley and George

C. Watson were appointed to act as a building committee, and the Board of Trustees for the year was constituted, consisting of the elder, deacons and building committee.

The chapel was opened and dedicated on September 13, 1885, the services continuing in the evening. The pastor preached the morning sermon, Rev. L. J. Halsey, D. D., LL. D., offered the prayer, and Rev. R. P. Coyle assisted in the service. In the evening addresses were made by Rev. J. H. Barrows,

At the meeting of the church and congregation held in the Seminary chapel, July 1, 1885, a unaminous call was extended to the Rev. Dr. Breed. At the next meeting of Presbytery the call was placed in his hands and was accepted. He was installed by a Committee of Presbytery, October 27, 1885. The services were held in the chapel of the church; the Moderator, Rev. J. H. Worcester, Jr., D. D., presided. Rev. Herrick Johnson, D. D., LL. D., preached the sermon; Rev. T. H. Skinner, D. D., gave the charge to the pastor, and Rev. A. E. Kittredge, D. D., the charge to the people.

January 13, 1886, the church elected as ruling elders Messrs. George A. Beach, William Ha ward and Charles A. Flanders. They were ordained and installed January 24, 1886.

Early in 1887 a movement originated, having for its object the erection of a permanent church edifice on the lots previously given to the trustees by the Rev. Thomas H. Skinner, D. D. A building committee, composed of the following gentlemen, was appointed: Samuel P. McDivitt, Chester P. Walcott, Seymour Walton, William II. Warren and George B. Boardman.

The designs of the pastor and this committee were matured by Messrs. Burnham & Root, whose plans, being submitted to the congregation, were approved. Ground was broken July 15, 1887, followed by the laying of the corner stone with appropriate exercises on August 17, 1887.

September 25, 1887, a committee was appointed, consisting of Dr. W. G. Craig, Messrs. J. H. Buckingham and William Ha ward, to take charge of the purchase and erection of an organ. The committee, after due deliberation, contracted with Johnson & Son, of Westfield, Mass., in the sum of $4,600. The organ thus supplied fills the alcove provided for it at the rear of the pulpit. It is furnished with a water motor and has proved a very satisfactory instrument. It has three manuals, twenty nine speaking stops, nine accessory stops and six pedal movements.

The first exercises held in the new building were those of the McCormick Seminary Commencement, on Thursday evening, April 5, 1888. The next evening an organ concert was given, the organ being opened by Prof. S. A. Baldwin. The following Sunday, April 8, the building was solemnly dedicated to the worship of the Almighty God. The Rev. Rrancis L. Patton, D. D. LL. D., preached at both the morning and evening services. The texts were respectively Eph.

The main building is 110x83 feet, inside measurement. It is an amphitheatre with broad galleries. The style is Italian Rennaissance, with a central, semi-circular clerestory, whose ceiling is fifty-two feet from the floor, and a square campanile, not yet completed. A beautiful "nun's gallery" or arcade, runs across the rear above the organ alcove on the line of the clere-story, with a row of windows opposite its arches. The light is thus largely drawn from above, and equally diffused throughout the building.

The finish is antique oak. The prevailing fresco tints are amber, buff and brown, relieved with reds and blues. The building seats comfortably 1,GOO persons. It cost, completely furnished, but without the organ, $47,000.

Special attention is paid to the religious education and spiritual training of children. The aim is not only to have an efficient Sunday school, but also to interest the young in all the regular services. The pastor also preaches especially to children on the last Sabbath evening of each month.

Benevolent and general church work is promoted and aided by various committees and societies, as follows: The Ladies' Society, the Women's Foreign Missionary Society, the Young Ladies' Society, the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor, the Young People's Foreign Missionary Society, the Men's Society, and the standing committees on missionary work, the sick and poor, on reception, and on church furniture and decorations.

Sunday school had been maintained through the faithful and patient efforts of Mr. James Wadsworth, one of the oldest residents of Chicago. In J884 Mr. 0. R. Keith presented to the church two lots on the corner of Sheridan avenue and Sixtyfourth street, a building was erected at a cost of $3,000, and a little later the church was duly organized. At that time thirtynine charter members were received, twentythree of whom still remain in membership with this church. Early in 1886 the Rev. E. P. Johnson was called to be the first pastor of this church, which call he accepted. At this time the membership was fifty-four. Mr. Johnson remained as pastor until December, 1890, when he accepted a call to the First Dutch Reformed church, of Albany, New York. During the term of his pastorate here the church membership increased from fifty-four to one hundred and sixtyone.

In 1886 extensive repairs and enlargement of the church building were found necessary. which were accomplished at an expense of about $3,200.

In May, 1891, a call was extended to Rev. Jas. Gale Inglis, of Petoskey, Mich., which was accepted, and in October of the same year he was installed by a committee of Presbytery. He has remained pastor since that date.

The membership (1893) is two hundred and twenty-five, and the average congregation about four hundred, while the enrollment in the Sunday school is some two hundred. A most successful mission has been carried on under the auspices of the congregation. It was founded in February, 1891, and at present has an average attendance of two hundred. The following societies for charitable and general church work draw their membership and derive their support from the members of the church: the Ladies'

Missionary Society, the Ladies' Aid Society, the Fortnightly Club, the Hyde Park Christian Union, and the Children's Missionary Society. Eacli and all of these organizations render effective aid in parish and general benevolent work, besides promoting a spirit of friendliness among the parishioners.

Reformed Episcopalians

REFORMED EPISCOPALIANS. Christ Reformed Episcopal Church, whose congregation owns Rt. Rev. Bishop Cheney, Christ Reformed D- D., as its rector, was time it recognized the ecclesiastical supremacy in this diocese of the Protestant Episcopal bishop. One year later a church edifice was erected on the rear of the lot owned by the congregation, at the southeast corner of Michigan avenue and Twenty-fourth street. During 1865-6 the present imposing structure was built. The material used was Illinois limestone, roughly finished. On the Michigan avenue front there are two towers, between which is a handsome window of stained glass. Several of the windows in the church were donated by members of the congregation. The decorations of the interior are quiet but rich. The baptismal font (of marble) is strikingly handsome, as is also the brass lectern.

The Rev. Charles Edward Cheney became rector on March 11, 1860, and the church has had no other settled pastor. The congregation has steadily grown, until to day it embraces about five hundred families, and the attendance upon 'Divine service frequently exceeds one thousand, while" the church membership is about 700.

Christ church established a mission in 1867, locating the same on Archer avenue, near Twenty-first street. The locality selected was one in which earnest, Christian work was sadly needed. The results have proved most gratifying, from a spiritual standpoint, the average attendance being about 300.

Practical Christian work is aided and fostered by the following church societies: A Ladies' Society, for sewing for the poor; a Missionary Society, which is supported in part by contributions from its members and in part by the revenue received from the sale of its own work; a Christian Endeavor So- ciety, which 7iot only conducts weekly prayermeetings, but also interests itself in benevolent work; an industrial school, which comprehends a department for instructing the children of the poor in the use of the needle: a cooking school, a kitchen-garden where girls are trained to be competent housemaids; and a dress-making school, where practical instruction in this trade is imparted, a special feature being the teaching of young girls to cut and fit their own dresses.

The story of Bishop Cheney's two trials before ecclesiastical courts convened by Bishop Whitehouse, and of his subsequent withdrawal from the Protestant Episcopal communion has been already told. Throughout this ordeal Christ church yielded him loyal and hearty support, following him into the Reformed fold. ,

Dr. Samuel Fallows was called to the pastorate in 1875. In 1877 he was made a missionary bishop, and Rev. J. W. Hunter, D. D., succeeded him as rector. Bishop Fallows resumed the pastorate in 1879, and is still in charge of the parish. The congregation has steadily grown, until to-day there are some four hundred communicants, the average attendance upon the Sunday morning service being nearly the same number. About two hundred and fifty children are enrolled in the Sunday-school. Bishop Fallows takes an active interest in all movements looking towards the education and elevation of the masses, particularly on the west side of the city. He has been conspicuous as a founder and promoter of the " People's Institute," a voluntary association which, through the hearty co-operation of noted philanthropists and men of means, and the cordial support of members of the faculty of the Chicago University, has furnished to the residents of that division, for several winters, a series of excellent entertainments at merely nominal prices of admission. The Ladies' Aid Association is a potent auxiliary in parish and general benevolent work. The congregation first worshiped in the old St. John's Protestant Episcopal church, on the corner of St. John's Place and Lake street, afterwards in the American Reform church, Washington boulevard and Ann street, and then in the Third Presbyterian church, at the corner of Washington boulevard and Carpenter street, which was purchased from the Third Presbyterian church. The building was sold and a new church edifice erected on the corner of Adams street and Winchester avenue in 1886.

This church was organized in January, 1877, and in 1878 occupied its own house of st. John's Reformed worship, at the corner of Episcopal church. Thirty-seventh street and Ellis avenue. Five years later (in 1883) the structure was destroyed by fire. The circumstance in no way checked the zeal of the congregation. Steps toward rebuilding were promptly taken, and the work was so vigorously pressed that within a comparatively short time a new home for the church had been built at the corner of Langley avenue and Thirty-seventh street. The first pastor was Rev. M. D. Church. He was followed by Rev. Joseph D. Wilson, D.D. In 1888, Rev. M. Williston assumed the rectorate, and Rev. H. Forsythe Milligan, M. A., became pastor in 1890. Some two hundred communicants are on the church roll, and the average attendance is about four hundred. The Sunday school has an average membership of about two hundred. The Christian Endeavor Society has a branch in this parish, and the Ladies' Aid Society is an auxiliary to practical benevolent work.

Other churches of this denomination in Chicago (1893) with their pastors, were as other Reformed follows: Emanuel, Rev. H. Episcopal Churches. Digby Jolmston.supply; St. Mark's, C. J. Millar, rector; St. Mark's Mission, Rev.Chas. J. Millar,Minister in Charge; St. Matthew's, Rev. Frederick Shelly, Minister in Charge; Trinity. Rev. Fred. J. Walton, rector; Tyng Mission. Rev. T. Mount-

History Unitarianism

The first Unitarian services ever held in Chicago, were conducted in the month of First Unitar- June, 1836. The meeting was held ian service ^ the Lake House, a hostelry at that time in the course of erection at the corner of Rush and Michigan streets. Rev. Dr. Follen was the preacher. Harriet Martineau happened to be in Chicago on that day and speaks thus of the character of the service: "We were unexpectedly detained over Sunday in Chicago, and Dr. F. was requested to preach. Though only two hours' notice was given, a respectable congregation was assembled in the large room of the Lake House, Our seats were a few chairs, and benches and planks laid on trestles. The preacher stood behind a rough pine table, on which a large Bible was placed. I was never present at a more interesting service, and I know that there were others who felt with me." During the same month an incorporation was formed under the laws of Illinois with the title of the "First Unitarian Society of Chicago." It was the first wish of the. congregation to obtain a permanent location, and with this end in view a subscription list was immediately opened, with the result that $800 was soon obtained for the purchase of a site. After this, however, comparatively few steps were taken towards the development of the society. The congregation remained without a pastor until

Joseph Harrington entered upon the duties of that position to which he was regularly called. During the interim, the society was fortunate enough to secure the services of various clergymen temporarily. The names of those who supplied the pulpit of the church before the arrival of Mr. Harrington were as follows: Rev. Messrs. Huntoon, James Thompson, Crawford Nightingale, George W. Hosmer and Barrett.

During this period services were held either at the building known as the "City Saloon" at the southeast corner of Clark and Lake streets, or in the Mechanics' Institution. Mr. Harrington's first sermon was preached in the former place, and his audience did not exceed ten or a dozen individuals. Gradually, however, the congregation grew until, in 1840, Mr. Harrington felt justified in appealing to his religious brethern in the East for assistance in the erection of a church edifice. He visited New York and New England, and was so far successful in his appeal that he returned to his people with $2,888.40. To this sum was added $1,309.99, obtained in this city. A lot, 80 x!90 feet in size, was purchased on Washington street, between Clark and Dearborn streets, for $500, and a contract was made with Alexander Lloyd for the building of the church. It was completed in the fall of 1840 and dedicated by the pastor on May 3, 1841. Its dimensions were 42x60 feet and the style of architecture was Doric. In 1845 a steeple was added at a cost of $461. Shortly afterwards a bell was hung therein and an organ placed in the church.

In those days church bells were few in Chicago, and that which pealed from the spire of the Unitarian church building was among the earliest. It was the largest in its day, and was utilized as a fire bell until 1855, when a larger one was hung in the steeple of the First Baptist church, at the corner of Clark and Washington streets, which, because of its superior size, sounded the alarm.

Rev. Mr. Harrington resigned his pastorate in 1844, and was succeeded by Rev. William Lord, who remained but a short time, after which, until November 22, 1846, the pulpit was temporarily filled by Rev. Messrs. Giles, William P. Huntington, Ripley, and Conant. On the date last mentioned Rev. William Adam, who had been a missionary in India, preached his first sermon as pastor. Two years later he was succeeded by Rev R. R. Shippen, and he, in July, 1857, tendered his resignation, and

Mr. Noyes was chiefly instrumental in the organization of one of Chicago's noblest charities, known as the "Ministry at Large." The first superintendent of this work was Rev. William H. Hadley, who discharged the duties of the position until he was succeeded by Rev. Robert Colyer. Mr. Colyer having accepted a call to become pastor of Unity church, Miss E. P. Newcotnb was chosen to fill the position by vote of the trustees.

This society was organized November 4, 1832, and for nearly four years held services AH soul.- umtanan in Vincennes Hall, at 3514 Church Vincennes avenue. The present church building was completed September 12, 188G. The church membership is two hundred and fifty and the average congregation about four hundred and fifty. Some eighty children attend the Sunday school, Rev. Jenkin Lloyd Jones has been pastor since the founding of the church. Practical charity is aided by the Women's Industrial Society, which meets weekly and prepares garments for distribution among various institutions and organizations, among them being the Margaret Etter Cre"che, the Industrial School for Boys, at Glenwood, the Truant Aid Society and the Hahnemann Hospital.

Other Unitarian churches in Chicago (1893) with their pastors were as follows: other Dnitariai Church of the Messiah, Rev. W. W. Fenn, pastor; Third Unitarian, Rev. James Vila Blake, pastor; Unity, Rev. T. G. Milsted, pastor.

ceived the idea of forming a Universalist society, and ultimately a church organization under that name. St. Paul's church had been established for some years on the south side. Some of the members of that parish, however, removed to the west side. The first meeting called for the purpose of organization enlisted their sympathy and cooperation. Until a church edifice could be provided, the religious services of this new society were held in the tipper hall of the old West Market, which formerly stood on Randolph street near Halsted. Rev. A. C. Barry, D. D., now an aged and honored minister in the denomination, was the first regular pastor. His term of office was a brief one; but during his ministry a church building on Union street, formerly occupied by the Presbyterians, was found vacant and secured as a house of worship. This was in the latter part of 1858. The next year, the pastor having resigned, Messrs. A. G. Throop and II. B. Lewis attended the Universalist General Convention at Rochester, N. Y., for the purpose of securing a new minister. They were greatly pleased with Rev. J. II. Tuttle, and secured his services. He was settled in December, 1859, and continued in this office until April, 1SG6. His ministry was very fruitful. A new church, called "The Church of the Redeemer," was built at the corner of Sangamon street and Washington boulevard. It was a joyful day for the parish when this substantial and unpretentious edifice was dedicated. It was scarcely completed before the war cloud which had been hangingoverourcountry burst in fury. Sumter was fired upon. Lincoln issued his call for volunteers. The great wave of loyal patriotism, swept into this church. Forty men of the congregation enrolled themselves under the lieutenancy of J. H. Swan, superintendent of the Sunday school. The lecture room was used for drillings. The pastor presented the brave lieutenant with his sword. Before the boys marched off to war a solemn communion service was held; they were received into the church; the whole service being of the most impressive and thrilling character. Afterwards many of those volunteers were brought home dead from the battle-field. At a later period the church was in danger of losing its property, but, through the generosity of Mancel Talcott, Messrs. Mortimer and Tapper and others, it was saved. In 1866, Dr. Tuttle resigned the pastorate, and in June of that year Rev. T. E. St. John was settled. Rev. G. T. Flanders, D.D., was settled in January, 1868 ; Rev. J. E. Forrester in January, 1873; Rev. Sumner Ellis, D.D., in October, 1874; Rev. W. S. Crowe, in January, 1881; Rev. Charles Conklin, in January, 1885, and Rev. M. II. Harris, D.D., in May, 1890. Shortly after Mr. Conklin's settlement in Chicago, the congregation began to feel the need of a new house of worship. While the subject was being agitated, Mrs. Mary H. Talcott generously offered to give the lot at the corner of Warren avenue and Robey street. The lot was valued at 410,000. It was gladly accepted, and a subscriptionpaper started. It was soon found that the congregation could erect and pay for an edifice costing about $40000. At this period Mr. J. S. Dennis offered to donate an organ. The ladies of the parish agreed to provide the interior furnishings of the church. The Talcott society volunteered to supply the carpets. It was decided to erect a church on the proffered lot. The following building comrnitte was elected with full power: George Tapper, chairman, Charles B. Kimbeli, A. E. Clark, Austin Clement, Andrew J. Hoagland. Mr. W. L. B. Jenney, of Chicago, was chosen architect. Ground was broken about the 1st of June, 1885, and the church was ready for use on Easter Sunday, April 25, 1886.

The building, as regards its exterior, is a severe type of the Romanesque style, in pressed brick and terra cotta. The main entrance is on Warren avenue, midway in the building and on the sidewalk level, there being a very handsome gabled porch, which is duplicated in impressiveness by the roof gable overhead. There are also two entrances on Robey street, one at either corner, communicating both with the first level and with the church proper.

On the lower floor are the rooms used for Sunday school, devotional and social purposes, including a lecture room sixty feet square, a Bible class-room 25x30 feet, a library 13x17 feet, and a kitchen 16x25 feet. The auditorium is above. Its decorations and finishings are simple, but rich and in admirable taste. The windows are of stained glass, and two - those in memorial of the late Mancel Talcott and of the infant son of Mr. and Mrs. George W. Higgins - are especially beautiful.

At present (1894) the church membership is 525, the attendance upon Divine services ranging from 300 to 750. The average attendance upon the Sunday school is 375. Connected with the parish are the following societies, who render valuable service in charitable and other church work: The Ladies' Aid, the Talcott Flower Mission, the King's Daughters, and the Young People's Christian Union. In addition the church supports the Talcott Day Nursery and Industrial School, at the corner of Austin avenue and Wood street.

1886, and the following year Rev. C. S. McKerson became pastor. He was succeeded in 1889 by Rev. G. F. Barnes, who was followed by Mr. Dinsmore. For several years Divine worship was conducted at No. 80 Hall street, but in 1892 the present structure was erected. The congregation, while not large (scarcely exceeding 150, with an active membership of ninety-eight), is zealous and earnest. A well conducted Sunday school, with an average attendance of eighty-five scholars, is connected with the church, as is also a circle of the King's Daughters.

Churches. field, D.D., pastor: Universalist Mission, Rev. R. A. White, pastor; Chicago Lawn, Englewood,Rev. R. A. White, pastor; Ryder Chapel, Rev. Geo. A. Sablin, pastor.

Chapter Viii Organized Charitable And Benevolent Work

The charities of Chicago, public and private, and the provisions made for the care of its dependent and unfortunate classes, have been fully commensurate with the extensive and marvelous growth of the city. The Cook County Infirmary (poor house), practically a city institution, is located on the county poor farm (246 acres) in Norwood Park township, twelve miles from the city hall. It is composed of ten separate brick buildings, arranged in a semi- circular group, connected by corridors, which cost, and are estimated to be worth, $240,000. There are accommodations for over 1,200 inmates, more than half of whom are generally foreigners. The expenses for 1890, for supplies and repairs, were $ 104, 773, and for salaries 122,792; for. 1891-2 they were somewhat less.

Besides this permanent home for the poor, quite liberal provision is also made for what is called out-door relief of the destitute through the office of the "county agent," which annually affords relief to from 15,OC'0 to 20,000 families by issuing allowances for food and coal. In this way the amount expended in 1891 was $95,110, and much more than that in 1892-3.

insane Asylum, supported by the taxes collected chiefly from the city. Until 1870, there was but one domicile for both the poor and the insane, but in that year the first of the insane asylum buildings was erected, to which large additions were made in 1873, by which accommodations were afforded for 350 patients, the buildings and improvements costing over $500,000. Two other buildings were added in 1885, and with the additions since constructed the total cost is estimated at $715,801, and there are accommodations for over 1,000 patients, there being in 1891 615 males and 400 females. The amount yearly expended for supplies, repairs and salaries is from $110,000 to $175,000.

Hospital. cal and surgical attendance to the poor of Cook county." The number of patients admitted in 1891 was over 9,000, and the amount expended for their care and maintenance was $275,730. The buildings are valued at $865,000. It is to be regretted that the animosities of partisan contests have detracted from the excellent results which might be hoped to have followed so noble a purpose, supported by so large an expenditure.

The foregoing figures give the reader an idea of the amount contributed through taxation by the public at large for the support of the city's poor and destitute, but when we come to give an account of the almost numberless private charities in the city, and of the often munificent provisions made for the relief, support, comfort, education and welfare of the thousands of unfortunate and destitute which public charity does not reach, it will be seen how inadequate they are to meet the ever-increasing wants of the poor, the needy and distressed, which accumulate in our present social conditions with our increase in numbers and wealth. " The poor ye have with you always,'' and it is not enough merely to provide for their necessitous wants, which obligation the public is making large provision to discharge, but to so temper the gift as that their future welfare and happiness may be effected. This has been accomplished to a great degree in the establishment of our many " homes" and asylums, which the good and benevolent of our city have so nobly promoted and fostered.

As to general relief from private sources the first place must be given to the "Belief and Aid Society, "as appears in the following paragraphs, kindly furnished by Mr. Bryan Lathrop, chairman of the board of publication: to the circumstances and emergencies of the occasion. Up to 1850 there was comparatively little demand for anything of the sort. The occasional cases of destitution were amply met by the county authorities or private charity. With the population of that time it was not difficult to ascertain the merits or to relieve the wants of all the unfortunate and distressed. Though the unparalleled growth of the city and the country attracted multitudes of all classes hither, there were but comparatively few who were not anxious and able to be self-supporting. We have never had a large proportion of the dependent classes and scarcely any of the regular pauper element, certainly none worth mentioning of the very lowest grade of pauperism so prominent in eastern and European cities. Still, as the population increases, the unfortunate and dependent classes become more numerous, and the administration of relief grows more difficult, requiring the exercise of greater care and judgment, because little can be learned of the antecedents or circumstances of many

The county authorities have always made liberal provisions for the care of the poor in public institutions, such as the poor house or county farm, the county hospital, the hospital for insane, and what is commonly denominated "out-door relief," - that is, furnishing more or less food, fuel, shoes, etc., to families at their homes.

In the great financial crisis of 1857 there was much suffering everywhere among a large class of persons who had never sought or accepted aid, and who were not embraced in any theories or plans of work for the permanently indigent. These were mechanics, clerks, seamstresses and laborers, many of them with large families or aged people depending upon them for support, whose wants could only be met by the county, and some of whom would have suffered in silence rather than apply to or consent to accept help from the county or city authorities. Appreciating these facts, a number of gentlemen organized in that year the Chicago Relief and Aid Society for the express purpose of relieving this class of cases with such delicate and timely assistance as would not humiliate or lessen the self-respect of the recipient, and by such aid and advice in procuring suitable employment as would enable them to again become self-supporting.

It was incorporated under an act of the legislature of the State of Illinois on February 16, 1857. The incorporators were Edwin C. Lamed, Mark Skinner, Edward I. Tinkham, Joseph D. Webster, Joseph T. Ryerson, Isaac N. Arnold, Norman B. Judd,-John H. Dunham, A. II. Mueller, Samuel S Greeley, B. F. Cook, N. S. Davis, George W. Dole, George M. Higginson, John H. Kinzie, John Woodbridge, Jr., Erastus S. Williams, Philo Carpenter, George W. Gage, S. S. Hayes, Henry Farnham, William H. Brown and Philip J. Wardner.

Organized Charitable And Benevolent Work

ings, of their receipts and expenditures, with the names of all persons who have contributed to the society, and the amounts of their respective contributions.

At the time of the fire of 1871 the Chicago Relief and Aid Society had been in existence fourteen years, and was recognized as the chief organization in the city for the systematic distribution of charity, irrespective of sect, party or nationality. The great fire in Chicago occurred on Sunday and Monday, October 8th and 9th. On the 13th, Mayor Mason, by the following proclamation, committed to the Chicago Relief and Aid Society the work of dispensing the fund subscribed and provisions contributed for the sufferers from all parts of the civilized world:

"I have deemed it best for the interests of the city to turn over to the Chicago Relief and Aid Society all contributions for the suffering people of this city. This society is an incorporated and old established organization, having possessed for many years the entire confidence of our community, and is familiar with the work to be done. The regular force of this society is inadequate to this immense work, but they will rapidly enlarge and extend the same by adding prominent citizens to the respective committees, and I call upon all citizens to aid this organization in every possible way.

"I also confer upon them a continuance of the same power heretofore exercised by the Citizens' Committee, namely, the power to impress teams a'.id labor, and procure quarters, so far as may be necessary for the transportation and distribution of contributions, and care of the sick and disabled. General Sheridan desires this arrangement, and has promised to co-operate with the association. It will be seen from the plan of the work, as it is detailed below, that every precaution has been taken in regard to the distribution of contributions."

Tip to the date of the proclamation, the work had been conducted by a committee of citizens, who, in conformity with the mayor's proclamation, turned over to this society the funds and material at their disposal. The conditions were new and strange. One hundred thousand people were suddenly deprived of all the necessaries of life; their homes and their places of business alike destroyed, they were without shelter, without food or clothing, and for the most part without tools or any visible means to earn a livelihood.

To receive these, and store them and to distribute them systematically and according to the real needs of the people, to relieve want and suffering, and yet to avoid waste and imposture, to keep an exact account of every article received and given out, of every dollar received and disbursed, with a voucher for every item, this was the task which was assigned to the Chicago Relief and Aid Soicety.

Henry W. King was the president of the society and the burden of organizing this great relief work fell upon him. Wirt Dexter, one of the leaders of the bar, a man of powerful intellect, of extraordinary force of character and greatness of soul, was chairman of the executive committee, to which was given absolute authority in the management of the organization, and for more than six months he devoted himself to it exclusively, at a great sacrifice of his personal interests. The work was subdivided and given to committees, the chairman of each committee being a member of the board of directors of the society.

It is only by studying the statistics given in the reports of the society that any idea can be formed of what was accomjjlished by this band of devoted men. A few items are given here.

From October, 1871, to May, 1873, the total number of persons aided tfas 156,968. Among the articles distributed during this period were 28.901 mattresses, 77,244 pairs of shoes, 450,169 articles of clothing, 1,184,-

Sistohy Of Chicago

The amount of contributions received by the Relief and Aid society from October 15, 1871, to April 30, 1874, was 14,996,782.74; and the amount disbursed during this time was $4,415,454.08.

By 1884 these funds were exhausted, and since that time the society has relied entirely upon voluntary contributions for the means to carry on its charity work. Several bequests have been made to the society, only the income of which can be used. This is sufficient to meet the ordinary expenses of the organization, so that every dollar of the annual contributions go to charity.

The winter of 1893-4 has been a season of destitution and suffering without parallel in the history of Chicago. The result has naturally been a great increase in the demands upon the Belief and Aid Society.

The manner in which the society has responded to these demands is another evidence of the excellence of its organization and of its ability to cope with emergencies, however great.

Its methods are based on business principles. It has a corps of trained and trustworthy visitors, men and women. No case is relieved until visited; but a visitor always gets to the applicant's address on the same day on which the application for aid is made.

A record is kept of all visitations, and there are now more than eighty thousand names on the record, open for inspection to all who are interested in charity work, constituting a bureau of information which affords an admirable means of preventing fraud and the duplication of charity.

Schools" of the city, under the management of the Rev. E. F. Dickinson, city missionary, aided very largely through the benevolent impulses of Mrs. Norman B. Judd, who really "set the ball in motion," and Mesdames Wm. II. Brown, E. L. Warner and E. S. Wadsworth. Jonathan Burr, whose name is associated with so many noble charities in Chicago, gave the two lots on the corner of Wabash avenue and Twentieth street, now occupied as a "Home," and George Smith an adjoining lot on the north, and the money for the building was raised in one month. Its object is to afford protection and assistance to worthy, destitute women and children until other homes and means of support can be secured for them. In this noble work no discrimination is made in favor of any creed, color or nationality. The admissions have increased since 1871 from 1,400 per year to 2,650, those for 1893 being 1,291 adults and 1,361 children; 1,741 were Protestants, 811

The invested funds brought in (1891-2) $18,781 and the rent from stores on Randolph street $5,310, other receipts $1,836. The expenses and salaries for 1891 were $26,025.

The principal benefactors of this institution were Jonathan Burr, George Smith, Henry S. Taylor and John Crerar, the last of whom bequeathed to it $50,000.

The Burr Mission Free Chapel, founded by Jonathan Burr (Twenty-third street and Wentworth avenue), is under the same management as the Home. It employs a chaplain and maintains a Sunday school and day school free to the poor, in which 112 pupils were enrolled in 1891.

The different Protestant churches of the city are represented in the board of lady managers, which is composed of eis;hty-one members. Mr. A. C. Bartlett has for many years acted as president of the corporation, and the other officers for 1891-2 were H. DGray, vice-president; Mrs. Charles G. Wheeler, recording secretary; Thomas H. Hill, corresponding secretary; W. C.Nichols, treasurer; Mrs. F. D. Gray, assistant treas" urer; and Dr. Emma Butman, physician. Miss Alma Z. Rexford has filled the responsible position of matron and superintendent for the past four years. The children generally remain at the home but a few weeks, there being more calls for their care and adoption than the supply can meet.

advance by the Relief and Aid Society of $50,000, which was used as the nucleus of a building fund, it was changed to an "Old People's Home." with a view to admit males also. The inmates, of whom there are sixty-seven (in 1894), are still confined, however, to the female sex. A site was purchased on the northwest corner of Indiana avenue and 39th street, and a suitable building erected in 1874, which was first occupied November 25th of that year. The lot - a large portion of which is still left for additions - cost $17,000, and the house, containing eighty single rooms, besides public rooms and offices, cost $51,000.

The Relief and Aid Society has control of twenty-five rooms, which it can fill by its own direction. Other applicants for admission are required to pay $300 for their care and support through life. The last report makes the following financial showing:

J. H. Swan is president of the board of managers; Mrs. Daniel A. Jones, vice-president; Mrs. F. I. Moulton, recording secretary; Mrs. H. R. Elkins, corresponding secretary; and Mrs. S. A. Tolman, treasurer. Miss S. M. Fuller has filled the position of matron for several years.

benefit of their own nation- German Old People's Home. ality. It is located at Harlem, nine miles west of the city hall. It was incorporated in 1885, and is one of the largest and best conducted institutions of the kind in the country. The buildings are spacious and convenient and the grounds ample and inviting, making this indeed a permanent " Home." An admission fee of from $150 to $300, according to age, is required, besides a three-years' residence in Cook county, and a good character. It is supported from endowments and donations. The receipts for 1891 were $18,256, and the disbursements $11,573.

A. C. Hesing is president of the board of directors; John Buehler, treasurer; Arthur Erbe, secretary; Mrs. Junker, superintendent. Of the lady managers Mrs. H. Voss is president, Mrs. Caroline Hebel, treasurer, and Mrs. Gustava Rockener, secretary.

blacks' Home. bootblacks, and other unprotected, homeless boys; and also to aid them in finding homes or employment in either city or country." It was established over thirty years ago, and a lot on Quincy street donated for its support. The building erected thereon for their use was destroyed by the great fire, and, aided by the Relief and Aid Society, a new building was erected on the lot, which was subsequently sold for $50,000, from the proceeds of which their present location at 1418 Wabash avenue was purchased. A night-school is conducted with success, and a temporary home provided for those seeking employment. Free baths and laundry occupy the basement of their modest building, and a dining room (accommodating sixty at a meal), kitchen, wash-room and play-room. The offices and main rooms are on the first floor, and the school-room (for sixty) and dormitories above.

All boys not otherwise provided for are received at the Home, without regard to age, nationality, color, creed or occupation. The number of boys received in 1891, with "full privileges," was 451, while those receiving only "partial privileges," that is temporary, numbered 500 more.

The Home is supported from interests on investments, and the small charges - fifteen cents for breakfast, supper and lodging, when able to pay, paid by the inmates. The receipts in 1891 were $4,998, and the disbursements $4,981. One of the "privileges" enjoyed by the officers is, that when the receipts are not sufficient to cover the expenses they put their hands in their pockets and meet the deficit. The name of Jonathan Burr is connected with this charity as one of the founders, and among those who have been its promoters and helpers are N. SBouton, E. S. Skinner, E. K. Hubbard, J. C. Dore, J. McGregor Adams and Charles H. Case. Its present officers, who have filled their positions for years, are W. H. Rand, president; A. P. Millar, vice-president; H. N. Higinbotham, treasurer; James Frake, secretary; E. J. Bailey, auditor. The board of lady managers is composed as follows: Mesdames J. W. Baxter, M. E. Stone, James Frake, E. P. Bailey, J. L. Lombard, A. P. Millar, R. A. Williams and Miss Abbey Pierce.

The Foundlings' Home was begun as a private charity by Dr. George E. Shipman Foundlings' in January, 1871. Such were the evident results of its humane helpfulness that, aided by the Relief and Aid Society, and from other benevolent sources, under the indefatigable efforts of its founder, it has come to be a permanent institution, with commodious buildings of its own, at 114 Wood street, near Madison. It depends for its support upon voluntary contributions, which up to this time have been liberal and sufficient for the purpose contemplated. The foundlings average about 100, and are usually redeemed by their parents or adopted by others before reaching one year of age.

On January ], 1S92, there were on hand twenty foundlings, thirty-five babes with their mothers, the matrons and occupants, nine in number, thirteen expectant mothers in all 112. The average receipts and expenditures are about $6,000. Dr. Shipman died in 1893, and was succeeded by Mrs. Shipman in the superintendency, Miss E. A. Pick being the matron.

own home, and is the owner of a block of stores on the southeast corner of Indiana avenue and Thirty-first street. The objectof the association is "the relief, protection, care and reformation of such erring females as may voluntarily place themselves under its care, or may be so placed by their parents, guardians or any municipal corporation according to law." The 27th annual report shows that 171 girls were cared for during the year, the daily average of inmates being 85. Of these 96 left, 67 returned to friends, 17 were self-supporting, 6 went to other institutions and only 4 returned to their former life. Of the number admitted, 64 were 16 years old or under, 37 between 16 and 20, and 13 over 20. Daring the year 21 infants were cared for, 16 being born in the refuge.

The receipts for the year 1891-2 were $14,576, and the expenditures about the same. The support was from rents, $5,320; city funds, $3,085; work of inmates, $688; donations, $2,681, and board $1,953. Mrs. L. B. Doud is president of the board, Mrs. E. 0. F. Roler treasurer, and Helen M. Woods, superintendent of the refuge.

for its object "the protecting, relieving, educating of, and providing means of support and maintenance for orphan and destitute children." The average number of inmates in 1891-2 was 203, of whom 170 were removed by their parents or friends, ten adopted, and thirteen died. The asylum maintains three schools, with an average attendance of about 150. It is supported from invested funds, board and donations. The receipts for 1891 were $24,865, and the expenditure $21,300.

of the children of poor women for the purpose of enabling them to find employment; also the care and maintenance of such children as are deprived by death, or other cause, of either parent." Girls are admitted under twelve, boys under eleven years. The thirty-first annual report shows the average number of inmates 171, and the average number in school 116. The receipts for 1891 were, from cash donations, $5,827; board of

This institution, which performed its active and useful work soon after the late civil war, was discontinued as a Home in 1879, but has not ceased to minister to the wants of honorably discharged, indigent soldiers, their widows and orphans, which it is amply able to do from its large and increasing invested funds, amounting to $105,000. Kelief is afforded in money, meals, lodging and transportation. The applications for relief in 1890 from the aged, sick and infirm with families numbered 287, and from women with families, 242; others, 170; and the amount expended was $3,251.

bnates. The 27th annual report (1891) shows that the inmates during that year numbered 1,496; Americans 868, foreigners 6','S. When able to pay, the inmates are charged $10 per week, from which source $15,000 was received; $15,000 was received from the city and $4,643 from rents. Expenditures, $24,558.

For that beneficent institution known as the "Home for Incurables" the public is Home for indebted to the benevolent incurables, promptings of Mrs. Clarissa C. Peck, a Chicago lady, who bequeathed for its establishment and support the sum of half a million of dollars. Of this amount $150,000 has been expended for the grounds and well arranged building thereon on Ellis avenue and Fifty-sixth street. Its ample means are not only sufficient for its annual expenditures, about $35,000 per year, but also to make other improvements and additions as required. The institution can accommodate 125 inmates, and is entirely non-sectarian. Every demand for their comfort and enjoyment is met by ample provision in the way of pleasant rooms, easy chairs, flowers, good books, magazines, and careful attendance.

A charter from the State of Illinois was received July 31, 1890, and the society was fully organized on the 4th of August, followed by the election of a board of directors, of whom the following are the successors for 1893-4: H. A. Rust, Hon. T. C. MacMillan, John W. Tindall, Mrs. Fannie Newman, C. G. Trusdell, D. D., Mrs. Julia Watson, John A. Cole, Lyman J. Gage, Wm. Deering, G. P. Swift, H. H. C. Miller, J. B. Goodman, P. E. Chase, Mrs. Catherine W. McCulloch, Hon. H. B. Hurd, C. E. Simmons, I. P. Rumsey, H. B. Bogue, D. J. Harris, Miss Emma Dryer, Prof. S. R. Smith.

Young mothers are placed with their nursing babes, and indigent widows and deserted wives, with their children, in families to do housework at reasonable wages.

This society never separates a mother from her child when that can be avoided, but places her in a family with her child, where she can earn a living and support for both.

The preservation of the mother and child, and the restoration of the one and the education of the other to fellowship in the ranks of Christian civilization are what this society aims to secure.

Thousands of homes all over the great Northwest are ready to co-operate with it and to receive these children to their embrace. The society has on record many applications for children of all ages, from infancy to fifteen years of age, to which additions are constantly made.

It is well known that there are persons in this city who carry on "baby farming" for the profit they can make out of it. Many of the children committed to their care meet with an early death; others, especially the older ones, are hired out to beggars, or are employed in begging and the commission of small offences, thus growing up to be a curse to themselves and to society.

In addition educational work has been extended in several sections of the city. In this line free kindergartens and day nurseries have been established and are doing a grand work.

Boys and girls of from ten to fifteen years of age are also formed into clubs of twelve to fifteen. These clubs have each a library containing twenty volumes of carefully selected books. They gather every week under a leader of culture - either gentleman or lady - read, play healthful games, review books read, and the boys have a military drill with real guns. These clubs are formed from the poorer class of boys and girls who do not have the means of obtaining a high grade of literature - many of whom spend much of their time on the streets.

The society is supported by voluntary contributions, lion. Harvey B. Hurd is president; Mrs. Glen Wood, secretary; E. G. Wood, assistant secretary; D. J. Harris, treasurer. The office is at room 712, 167 Dearborn street.

Organized Charitable And Bene Volent Work

The object of the Waifs' mission and training school, located at 44 State street - one of the most interesting of the minor ' charities - is to care for the poor, dependent, runaway and vagrant children, looking after their spiritual welfare while administering to their physical and mental requirements. It has the patronage and support of many of Chicago's best citizens.

Three sessions of the " day and night ragged school " are held daily, with an average attendance of 35. The dormitory accommodates 50 boys. The third floor of the building is occupied by a printing office and is used as a training school. Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's and Easter are specially celebrated by appropriate entertainments and dinners for from 1,000 to 2,000 children. The mission is supported principally by voluntary contributions, and has no endowment or building of its own.

In 1891, 80,000 free meals were given, 8,000 free baths, 7,000 free garments, and 628 boys were admitted to the Home. The cash donations amounted to $5,518; profits from the American Youth, the paper printed in their building, $2,507; donations of food and clothing, 112,162. The cash expenses were 87,350. T. B. Daniels is the efficient superintendent.

work so as to include cruelty to children its scope was enlarged, and the name changed in 1882 to " The Illinois Humane Society." The extent, growth and value of the work done may be seen from the following comparative table:

Total

The society is supported by membership fees, the fines imposed through its agency, and voluntary contributions. The disbursements for 1891-2 were $7,500. It has an endowment fund of $26,000 - $16,000 from Nancy H. Foster, and $10,000 from Mary A. Talcott.

The presidents of the society have been Edwin Lee Brown, 1870-2, John C. Dore, 1872-4, R. P. Derickson, 1874-6, and John G. Shortall since that time. The other officers are: B. F. Culver, secretary; George Schneider, treasurer; 0. E. Little, chief agent.

The number in school January 1, 1894, was 166, 45 of whom were received on charity. The whole number received during 1893 was 309, 142 of whom were either returned to friends or placed in homes.

The amount contributed for its support in 1893, in money, was $3,718. The county appropriates $833 per month. There were also large donations of provisions.

Still other praise worthy charities, of which the statistics are not at hand, may be other mentioned as follows: The Danish chanties. Home,the Swedish Home of Mercy, the Mechanics' Institute.

The returns for the various hospitals in the city for 1891, as given in the Hand-Book of Chicago Charities, compiled by John Visher, from which other information has been received, are as follows:

The demands "to give" in Chicago, as in all other large cities, greatly exceed the supply. They come from every conceivable quarter, including religious, scientific, educational, literary and correctional objects - besides from the lame, the halt, the blind, the distressed in body and mind, and the unfortunate in other respects - those who have been thrown to one side in the race of life, totally unable "to keep up with the procession."

Those known to be wealthy naturally constitute the objective point of all alms-seekers, .whether for charities of a private and personal or public character. The number of those who solicit aid in behalf of this worthy institution or that commendable charity is legion: and there can be no surprise at the fact that those who are able and willing to contribute hedge themselves about with such restrictions of admission that it is often difficult to reach their presence to present the claims of a worthy object.

There is not a charitable institution in Chicago of any kind which does not receive the support and encouragement of leading, wealthy citizens, who not only bear their burdens pecuniarily but officially ; giving not only their money, but their time, to foster its growth. Indeed, it has been sometimes objected that in the reports of some of these institutions there is something like an ostentatious parade of the names of rich society people of both sexes as officers, directors, managers and patrons, and that it would be more in consonance with the scriptural principal of "not letting the right hand know what the left hand doeth" in this regard, if only the names of the merely administrative employes thus appeared. And yet in some of these charities the officers alone foot the bills when there is a deficit in the yearly receipts. And unjustly to criticise a professional or business man who lends his influence and gives his time or money for the benefit of what is deemed a worthy object is as graceless as it is mean and contemptible. Who can measure the value and usefulness of another man's charity, and what would our charitable institutions be but for the support of the rich? The most that can be required by the public is that every man should respond to the demands of charity in accordance with his prosperit}7, selecting his own objects and making his own endowments in his own way.

Secret And Benevolent Societies The Masonic Fraternity. By George W. Warvelle

The Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons, the oldest and most widely diffused of all secret societies, while found in every part of the globe, nevertheless attains its most vigorous growth and highest development in the midst of free institutions, and among an intelligent and refined people. It has achieved its best results in the United States, and in this metropolis of the western world has acquired a larger membership, in proportion to population, than in any other locality.

While the Masonic fraternity was well represented among the adventurous pioneers who, during the last century, braved the perils of the western wilderness, yet it was not until the year 1805 that the first lodge was organized within the present limits of the State of Illinois. This was located at Kaskaskia, in the then territory of Indiana, and bore the distinctive name of "Western Star." It was chartered by the Grand

Lodge of Pennsylvania, and was known as No. 107 of its registry. This lodge held its first meeting on December 14, 1805, but it was not until February 3, 1806, that it performed its first " work," when one Charles Querey was received - the first initiate to obtain Masonic light within the limits of the State. From this time on lodges were started in different parts of the southern portion of the State, and in 1822 they in turn met and organized a grand lodge for Illinois. In 18'28 came the anti-Masonic craze, and before the combined forces of ignorance, intolerance and superstition the infant grand lodge went down, and with it its constituents, the last to surrender being the historic Western Star. From this period until 1835 occurs a hiatus in the Masonic history of the State. The principles of the fraternity were still cherished and its precepts practiced, but covertly and in silence. By this latter date, however, the storm had spent its fury; reaction followed; the proscribed Mason again ventured to assert himself, and from the wreck the work of reorganization was commenced. In 1840 the representatives of six lodges met at Jacksonville and the grand lodge was reopened and established in accordance with the ancient constitutions. From thence hitherto its career has been one of unexampled prosperity, and it now ranks as the second in the United States, if not in the world, with 713 constituent lodges upon its registry and a grand total of 48,500 master Masons in its obedience.

The early history of Freemasonry in Chicago must ever rest, in a great measure, upon tradition. The fire of 1871 destroyed a very large portion of the records, while the living witnesses have all passed away. Who was the first Freemason to become a resident, or what was done in the early days we do not know, and our main sources of information are the meager data contained in the archives of the grand lodge. From these it would seem that on October 2, 1843, a charter was granted for the establishment of a lodge at

Chicago, to be known as La Fayette, No. 18, and L. C. Kercheval, who represented the lodge under dispensation, was admitted to a seat in the grand lodge and was subsequently appointed a steward thereof, thus being the first Chicago Mason to hold official position in that body. Two years later, at the session of 1845, charters were granted by the grand lodge for two new lodges to be located in Chicago, and to be known respectively as Apollo, No. 32, and Oriental, No. 33. Of these three pioneer lodges only one - Oriental - has continued to this day.

The career of Apollo lodge was brief, extending over a period of only five years. Its first " work " was the reception of the late Hon. John Wentworth. Notwithstanding that its ranks were recruited from the representative men of the then embryo city, yet owing to a variety of disturbing causes, the chief of which seems to have been the most dcoated question of race and color, it was deemed advisable in 1847 to surrender the charter and disband. This was accordingly done at the following session of the grand lodge held in 1848, the majority of the membership being absorbed by Oriental lodge. A lodge of the same name, and which is still in existence, was chartered in 1870.

LaFayette lodge remained an active and influential body until 1864, when, by reason of internal dissensions, the charter was surrendered and two new lodges, known respectively as II. W. Bigelow, No. 438, and Chicago, No. 437, were formed from it. The latter is still in existence, the former was disbanded in 1875.

Oriental lodge No. 33, the oldest of all the present city lodges, was chartered October 9, 1845, and its first communication was held on that day. Its first Master was Rev. Wm. II. Walker, who on the same day was elected Grand Master of the grand lodge, being the first Chicago Mason to attain that high dignity.

growing city, and on October 2d of tliat year a charter was granted to Garden City lodge No. 141, and in 1855 the list was further extended by the addition of Waubansia lodge No. 160. The former has maintained an uninterrupted existence to this day, and ranks among the most popular Masonic organizations in the city. The latter, for some irregularity, suffered the forfeiture of its charter in 1858. The charter was never restored, but in 1860 a new lodge was organize by a number of the members of the old organization and the old name, Waubansia, (The Dawn) was resumed, while the old number, 160, was by the consent of the grand lodge inserted in the new charter. This lodge still continues to exist.

From 1856 until the present, Masonry has kept pace with the growth and expansion of the city, and new lodges have conti:iued to come into being to meet the exigencies of the times. A particular enumeration is precluded in this article, but special mention should be made of a few in view of the circumstances attending their creation. Prior to 1856 all of the Masonic bodies were located in the south division. As no street railways or omnibus lines were then in existence, much inconvenience was experienced by persons living on the west side in their effort to attend lodge meetings. This led to the erection of a lodge on the west side of the river, for which a charter was granted on October 3, 1856, as Cleveland lodge, No. 211. Subsequently the needs of the Masons in the north divison resulted in the establishment of Kilwinning lodge, No. 311, which was chartered October 5, 1859. Both of these pioneer lodges are still extant. From Kilwinning lodge was subsequently derived Covenant lodge No. 526, which, although only chartered October 1, 1867, is now said to possess the greatest numerical strength, with possibly one or two exceptions, of any lodge in the world. At the present time (1893) there are in Chicago and Cook county, sixty-seven lodges with a total membership of over 13,000.

The first Masonic hall or lodge room in Chicago seems to have been located in the third story of what was known as the Harmon and Loomis block, at the southwest corner of Clark and South Water streets. This was abandoned for rooms in Cobb's building, No. 171 Lake street, until 1854, when a Masonic Temple was erected at 83 and 85 Dearborn street, and which continued to be used as such until the fire of 1871. In 1867 Oriental Hall, on La Salle street, was erected. This was destroyed in the fire of 1871, but was re-built immediately afterwards, and remained in use until 1893. The first lodge meetings on the west side were held in what was called " Temperance Hall," at the corner of Clinton and Randolph streets, but subsequently quarters were procured at Nos. 80 and 82 West Randolph street, which were used for the purpose many years. In 1866 an association was formed to erect a " Temple " for the use of the Masonic bodies located in the west division, but it was not until 1870 that the present fine building at the corner of Halsted and Randolph streets was completed. Since then the multiplication of lodges and other Masonic bodies has necessitated the erection of a number of buildings for their accommodation in different parts of the city,but which, at this time, possess no special historic features. The magnificent pile at the corner of State and Randolph is the most conspicuous of these latter day erections, and is fast becoming one of the landmarks of the city.

Space permits only a mention of the higher Masonic degrees. Royal Arch Masonry received its first organized expression in Chicago in 1844, when a charter was granted by the General Grand Chapter of the United States for the constitution of La Fayette chapter. This body subsequently united with others, deriving their authority from the same source, and in 1850 the Grand Chapter of Illinois was organized, whereupon La Fayette became No. 2 of its registry. It was not until 1858 that a second chapter was organized, when the west siders again asserted their geographical position, and as a result Washington chapter, No. 43, w<is chartered by the Grand Chapter of Illinois on October 22d of that year. A third chapter was instituted for the benefit of the residents iu the north division on October 7, 1864, as Corinthian No. 69, and thirteen others have at various times since then been added to the list.

The Cryptic degrees were first formally introduced by the institution of Chicago council No. 4, on September 26, 1855. This body is still in existence, as well as four others chartered at subsequent dates.

Closely associated with the craft degrees and the bodies which control them, as above stated, are the Cliivalric and Knightly orders. These have always been represented in Chicago and their establishment followed soon after that of the first lodges. Of these orders the Knights Templar were the first to acquire a foothold. On May 15, 1845, a dispensation was issued by the Grand Encampment of the United States for the organization of an encampment (commandery) at Chicago under the name of Apollo encampment. This was the first encampment of Knights Templar organized in this or any adjoining State or territory. [t continued to exist under dispensation until Sept. 17, 1847, when it was duly chartered by the parent body. Its first commander was Ilev. Wm. H. Walker, who, at that time, was rector of St. James' Episcopal church. On the formation of the Grand Commandery of Illinois, in 1857, Apollo became No. 1 of its registry. For more than twenty years Apollo continued to be the only organized exponent of Knights Templarism in the city, hut in 1866 the rapid growth of the west division suggested to the residents of that locality the expediency of a commandery to be located in that quarter. This was accomplished by tne creation of Chicago Commandery, No. 19, which was chartered' Oct 23, 1866. The north division, a few years later, was made the seat of a third commandery, which was

The Constantino Orders, although the most ancient of the chivalric institutions connected with Freemasonry, were the last to be established in this city. On February 3, 1872, a charter was granted by the Grand Imperial Council of England for the formation of a conclave in Chicago, under the distinctive name St. John's, which, on the formation of the Imperial Council of Illinois in August of that year, became No. 1 of its registry.

Notwithstanding an effort to establish bodies of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in this city seems to have been made as early as 1846, yet it was not until ten years later that the project was actually accomplished. On May 14, 1857, charters were granted by the Supreme Council 33 for the northern jurisdiction of the United States, for the establishment of Van Rensselrer Lodge of Perfection, Illinois Council, Princes of Jerusalem, Gourgas Chapter of Rose Croix, and Occidental Consistory S. P. R. S. 32.

These bodies continued to exist in the quiet and unostentatious manner characteristic of the high-grade Masonic bodies of that time until 1866, when the field was invaded by a rival Supreme Council, which established four bodies of like grade under the name of Chicago Lodge of Perfection, . Chicago Council Princes of Jerusalem, Cajur de Leion, Chapter of Rose Croix and Chicago Consistory 32. In the year following a fusion was effected between the contending supreme councils, but the subordinate bodies in this city continued to preserve their separate existence until 1870, when a consolidation was effected. The result of the consolidation was a practical extinction of all the old bodies and a re-organization under the following names: Van Rensselaer Lodge of Perfection, Chicago Council Princes of Jerusalem, Gourgas Chapter of Rose Croix and Oriental Consistory S. P. R. S. 32, all of which are still in existence.

Masonic charity has always been dispensed in a quiet and unostentatious manner. Indeed, this a cardinal rule of the craft. Hence but little can here be said upon this subject. This article would be incomplete, however, without some reference to the Illinois Masonic Orphans' Home, the only organized Masonic charity located in this city. The project of a suitable shelter for the indigent orphan children of deceased master Masons had been discussed many years, without taking any definite form. In the spring of 1885 the surplus proceeds of a social entertainment suggested the formation of some permanent organization as its custodian, and the long talked-of " Orphans' Home " became so far a reality that on March llth of that year a charter of incorporation was obtained from the State. The movement met the approval of a very large number of the fraternity, and in the summer of 188G sufficient money had been collected to effect the purchase of the old S. S. Hayes mansion, at the corner of Carroll avenue and Sheldon street. The building was re-modeled and adapted to the purpose of an orphanage, and October 7, 1886, was duly dedicated to its use by the grand lodge. The Home is supported wholly bv the voluntary contributions of the craft, and shelters at the present time about fifty orphan children.

The Independent Order Of Oddfelt.Ows Uy Gen. John C. Smith

This order, which is one of the leading benevolent societies of the present day, had its commencement in a self-instituted lodge of five members, April 26, 1810, in the city of Baltimore, Maryland.

The name of the first lodge was Washington, and it took the number one. The members' names were Thomas Wildey, John Welch, John Duncan, John Cheatham and Richard Rushworth. Four out of the five members had been initiated into the Manchester Unity Order of Odd Fellows in London, England, and the other member,

In accordance with the custom of that day, which is largely prevalent in England at this time, these brethren met in a public or ale house, and there organized their lodge. The tavern in which these brethren met was called " The Seven Stars." It was kept by a William Lupton, and was situated on Second street, near Frederick street as before said in the city of Baltimore. This small beginning formed the nucleus of an Order destined to become, if it has not already become, the largest in numbers of any benevolent society in the United States.

To its early struggles for membership, and explanations as to singularity of name, it is unnecessary specially to refer; suffice it to say that from that humble and obscure birth in the public-house of "The Seven Stars," in the monumental city of Baltimore but seventy-five years ago, Washington lodge No. 1, which still exists, has grown into this magnificent and powerful benevolent organization known as the Odd Fellows. In every State and territory of the Union, and the provinces of Canada, it has its grand lodges, while its subordinate bodies are to be found in nearly every city, town and hamlet throughout the land. As a moral force its value cannot be over-estimated, as has been often proven in times of disaster and epidemic. Its grand and subordinate bodies are established in South America, Peru, Chili, and many countries of Europe.

The statistics of the order for the United States and Canada, which are under the one grand body known as the Sovereign Grand Lodge, which is at present presided over by Dr. C. T. Campbell, of London, Ontario, as Grand Sire, furnish us the following significant facts showing its greatness:

In addition to State and provincial grand and subordinate lodges there are in this Order, grand and subordinate encampments of Patriarchs, State conventions and their subordinate lodges of the members of the Rebekah degree, of which bodies Odd Fellows' wives, mothers, sisters, daughters and other female relatives may become members, and the military order known as the Patriarchs Militant, with its cantons, a late addition, and growing very rapidly. These several bodies all have a membership of their own,

I with large revenues which are not included in the financial statement above. The Grand Lodge of Illinois was instituted by the founder of the Order, Thomas Wildey, of Illinois. Alton, August 22d, 1838, at which time there were but five lodges in the State and they but recently instituted by brother Wildey himself.

For many years Odd Fellowship did not increase very rapidly in Illinois, but since the early sixties it lias had a wonderful growth until at the date of last reports, March 31st, 1893, its record was:

Union lodge, No. 9, I. 0. 0. F., was instituted in the city of Chicago, February 28, 1844, by Thomas J. Burns, Grand Master. The institution of a lodge of Odd Fellows in this then growing city was such an event that only the Grand Master was deemed com-

Ipetent to do it, and he had to come by stage in the dreary and cold winter across the prairies all the way from Beardstown, where he resided. The second lodge, Duane, No. 11, was instituted one year later, the charter having been granted in grand lodge, February 24, 1845, and its members, brother A. S. Sherman and twenty others, being largely taken from the first lodge, Union No. 9. ' These two lodges still exist, are strong in membership, and among the foremost in the good work of the order.

Excelsior lodge, No. 22, followed two years later, January 6, 1847. After which, for at least a decade, the growth of Odd Fellowship in Chicago was very slow, indeed it seemed as though everybody during that period was absorbed inlaying broad and deep the foundations which have resulted in the marvelous greatness of the present Imperial City of the Lakes.

It was so with the members of this order, for their slow but sure methods have brought the splendid results which have placed Odd Fellowship in Chicago in the forefront of the social and charitable organizations of the closing years of the nineteenth century.

Chicago lodge, No. 55, was the next in order, instituted June 29, 1849, followed successively by Robert Blum, the first to work in the German language, October 11, 1849, Fort Dearborn No. 214, October 4, 1856; Harmonia No. 221, February 4, 1857; Goethe No. 329, March 29, 1866; and North Chicago No. 330, April 19, 1866; the last three in the German language.

At the close of the fiscal year, June 30, 1871, there were eight English and twelve German lodges in the city, a total of twenty, with a membership of 2,027, and revenuefor the year $56,055.41.

September 18, 1871, the Right Worthy Grand Lodge, I. 0. 0. F., now the "Sovereign Grand Lodge," met in annual session in the city of Chicago. A grand parade and other festivities were participated in, and the Grand Lodge of Illinois was convened in special session to receive and welcome the distinguished guests. The city put on its holiday attire, and gave a royal welcome to the 5,000 Odd Fellows, who assembled at that t^me to honor the parent body. It was fortunate for the membership in this city that the session of the Grand Lodge .of the United States was held here in 1871, as it made its members who came from every State and territory in the Union, and from Canada, acquainted with the city, its people and its progress. They were therefore the better prepared to realize its great disaster, and the

The evening of Saturday, October?, 1871, a fire broke out in the planing mill of Messrs. Lull & Holmes, two members of the order. The mill was situated on the west side of Canal street, north of Van Buren, That fire burned over four blocks north and two west from the river, being stopped at the southeast corner in the lumber yard of Messrs. Chapin and Foss, also members of the order. Large piles of lumber along the Van Buren street viaduct were saved, and unfortunately so, as it proved, for on the succeeding evening, Sunday, October 8, 1871, Mrs. O'Leary's cow became unruly, kicked over a lamp in that little stable on Be Koven street, and burned the city.

The fire of Sunday night commenced a few blocks southwest of Van Buren street bridge, and the wind blowing strong from the southwest caused the destruction of all the property between Mrs. O'Leary's, the river and Van Buren street bridge, where it reached the lumber of brothers Chapin and Foss, which had been saved the night previous. That lumber again taking fire burned the bridge, carrying the flames to the south side and into the gas works, which were then opposite and at the east end of Van Buren street bridge. The result was the destruction of Chicago.

Nine of the twenty lodges, two encampments and one llebekah degree lodge were burnt out, losing their beautiful halls, regalia, wardrobes, books, etc., in fact everything except a part of the records and working books of Excelsior lodge No. 22, then as now in the M. E. Church block, corner of Washington and Clark streets. Nearly one half of the membership of the city lodges, 994 members of the nine lodges, were thus deprived of their lodge rooms, and over one thousand of the city members lost house and home. With the sturdy characteristics of Chicago men, and with the substantial aid which came from all over the country, wherever Odd Fellowship had erected its altars, the members set about caring for their homeless and destitute brethren.

A committee was immediately organized by the grand lodge, which was then in session, October llth, in the city of Ottawa, consisting of brothers the Hon. John G. Rogers, Dr. J. Ward Ellis, and Hon. E. B. Sherman, who, under the supervision of the grand master, General John C. Smith, of Galena, commenced caring for the unfortunate members. This committee devoted its entire time during the winter of 1871-2 to the care of the needy and distressed brethren and their families.

The total of the receipts and disbursements of this committee was $131,120.62, a magnificent contribution by a generous order for a noble purpose.

The highest number of applicants in any one month was 7,904 for October, 1871, and the lowest 2,052 in the month of March, 1872. On the close of the labors of this committee the grand master, General Smith, wrote the grand lodge :

"To faithfully delineate the herculean labor of this committee would require more ability than is at my command. Assuming the exclusive care of five thousand persons - homeless, destitute, and disheartened - organizing a system at once simple and business-like, distributing with open but careful hand the contributions poured in upon them, they toiled day and night, in season and out of season, for eight long, weary mouths, in discharging the responsible duties placed upon them by this grand lodge. No words of mine can convey an adequate idea of the extent of their labors or their untiring zeal and self-sacrifice. Almoners of the greatest beneficence of our fraternity, their admirable methods, clear perceptions, judicious management and inexhaustible kindness and sympathy were commensurate with the emergency which led to their appointment. More eloquent than tongue of gifted orator, more enduring than granite monument, will be the gratitude of those destitute and sorrowing ones to whom these, your messengers, came, laden with the blessings committed to their hands. Faithfully have the brothers discharged the duties assigned them, and the names of J. Ward Ellis, John G. Rogers and E. B. Sherman will be indelibly written upon the hearts of all who recognize and applaud noble deeds."

As the imperial city of Chicago is to-day to a hamlet on the confines of civilization, so is the Order of Odd Fellows in Chicago as compared to what it was in 1871. With a magnificent energy the people commenced to rebuild their storehouses, palatial places of business and charming homes, and in this they so far surpassed their former ones as to surprise themselves; so it was with the members of this great order, for they immediately set themselves to the rebuilding, beautifying and fitting up of new lodge rooms, strengthening and increasing membership, until to-day they have within the city limits t eighty-two lodges, with a membership of 9,484, and in the suburbs eighteen lodges, with membership of 907, thus making in the county 100 lodges, with membership 10,391.

Of the other branches of Odd Fellowship there are the lodges of the Degree of Rebekah, of which the wives and female relatives of the brethren may become members. There are thirty-three of these lodges in Chicago, with a membership of 2,227, and three lodges in the suburbs with 124 members; a total in the county of thirty-five lodges, with 2,351 members.

was instituted in this city February 7, 1845, as Illinois Encampment, No. 3, by District Deputy Grand Sire William Duane "Wilson. From local causes this encampment closed its doors after a brief existence of three years, but was soon after followed by the present Chicago Encampment, No. 10, a live, active body to-day. This encampment was instituted September 22, 1848. Germania Encampment No. 40, the first to work in the German language, was instituted January 28, 1857, since which time the growth of the Patriarchal branch of Odd Fellowship has been steadily onward and upwards, its membership increasing with the number of encampments.

The reports from encampments for December 31, 1892, gives a membership in the sixteen city encampments of 1,433, and eighty members in the two suburban bodies, or a total in the county of eighteen encampments and 1,513 members.

The last grade in Odd Fellowship is the Patriarchs Militant, a semi-military order organized for parade and display, the bodies of which are known as cantons. The first of these cantons were mustered in Chicago Nov. 11, 1885, and named, respectively, Occidental, No. 1, with thirty-five members, and Excelsior, -No. 7, with sixty members. Each of these cantons are much stronger in membership now, and have made a splendid record for their marching and competitive drills, winning many valuable prizes.

The Grand Lodge and Grand Encampment of Illinois hold their annual sessions in the city of Springfield, in the month of November, and the recording officers of each, together with their offices, are as follows: Hon. James R. Miller, Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge, Springfield. Gen. John C. Smith, Grand Scribe, Grand Encampment, Chicago.

Independent Order Of Foresters

This order has for its object, to use the language of its reports, " the union in true brotherhood of all good men without regard to sectarian creeds, political dogmas, or conditions of life; to provide for relief in sickness or disability, to assist the unfortunate, to relieve the distressed, and to protect the widows and orphans of deceased brethren."

The "High Court" of the State of Illinois was organized August 12, 1878, with a membership of 1,764, which has gradually increased until, in 1892, the number of courts in the State was 283, with a membership 20,663, of which 181 camps, comprising a large majority of the members, were in Chicago.

I N the extent and variety of itsmanufactur- *- ing interests, Chicago is the second city in the Union, and in no other direction has the wonderful growth of the city, and the development of its immense resources, become so apparent.

The industrial interests of early Chicago, it can easily be seen, were circumscribed within very narrow limits. Manufacturers were few in number, limited in their resources, and confined to sparse settlements for a market, yet they formed the nucleus out of which has grown the stupendous industries of the present day, which are not exceeded by those of any other city on the continent.

The wants of the hardy pioneers were few, and easily satisfied from the rude shops of the blacksmith, the wagon maker, the carpenter and tin smith, and it was not for many years that foundries and separate factories appeared, and the city entered upon that splendid career which has resulted in making it the great manufacturing centre of the Northwest.

Baptist Mirandeau, who is said to have been the first white man to settle permanently in Milwaukee, and while the first Fort Dear, born was occupied by United States troops was employed by the government to visit the post, at intervals, for the purpose of repairing arms and shoeing horses.