Buchanan County, Missouri - Chapter 18: Religion in Buchanan County and St. Joseph. - the First Preachers and the First Churches. - a Review of the Progress of the, 1900

The First Preachers And The First Church Buildings

RELIGION IN BUCHANAN COUNTY AND ST. JOSEPH. - THE FIRST PREACHERS AND THE FIRST CHURCHES. - A REVIEW OF THE PROGRESS OF THE VARIOUS DENOMINATIONS IN ST. JOSEPH. - HISTORY OF THE CONGREGATIONS AND THEIR CHURCH BUILDINGS.

During the first ten years of the county's history but few churches were erected. Public religious services were generally held in private houses, until school houses were built, after which these build-, ings were used for religious purposes on Sundays. The log court house at Sparta was also used. One of the first sermons preached in the county was by the late Bishop Marvin of the Methodist Episcopal church, in a log structure called "Wood's school house," located in what is now Agency Township. This was early in 1838. "Mount Moriah" was the name of log church located near Frazer. The "Witt Meeting House" was on the farm of Judge Nelson Witt in Platte Township, and was used by the Calvinistic Baptists. The Missionary Baptists subsequently erected in the same township a frame edifice which was called "Hebron."

The Christians were also among the earliest denominations that organized in the Platte Purchase. Archibald Stewart formed a congregation three miles south of DeKalb, in 1839, and preached his first sermon under a buckeye tree. This denomination was known at that time as the "New Light." The Christians also established a church in Crawford Township, in 1842, which was called "Antioch." The Presbyterians organized a church called "Walnut Grove," and also built a church at Easton when that town was platted. The first camp rneeting in the county was held in 1842 near Valley Chapel school house in 1842.

THE CATHOLICS. - In 1838, a wandering Jesuit priest visited the obscure and lonely trading post at Biacksnake Hills. Here, in a rude log house of Joseph Robidoux, a primitive altar was extern- porized from a common table, and, in the presence of the wondering red man and the scarcely more cultivated pioneer, mass was celebrated. This was the small beginning of the march of Christianity in our midst.

In 1840, another transient priest made his appearance at the settlement, who elicited no small degree of comment, from the singular mark of a cross on the back of his coat. This was the Rev. Father Vogel. On the 17th of June, 1847, the foundation of the brick church on the corner of Felix and Fifth streets was laid. Services were held in this building before its completion, and in the same year, in September, the house was dedicated by Bishop Kenrick of St. Fouis. In 1848, the two-story parsonage was erected (brick) and in 1853 an addition of twenty-two feet was made to the church. The lot w^as donated by Joseph Robidoux.

At the organization of the church there were about twenty families, two of which were Irish and the others Canadian French. The first permanent pastor in the church wras Rev. Thomas Scanlan, who began his labors in 1847. His first service wras in a frame building, belonging to Joseph Robidoux, on Jule street, beyond the Blacksnake. He wras succeeded by the Rev. D. F. Healy. Rev. Francis Russie succeeded Father Healy, and, he, in turn, was succeeded by the Rev. S. A. Grugan.

In 1859, the Rev. James Powders assumed the duties of assistant pastor, which position he filled until the removal of Father Scanlan, in i860. In i860, Rev. John Hennessey took charge and continued the same until he was promoted to the See of Dubuque. He is now an archbishop. His successor in St. Joseph was the Rev. James Power. The church at Fifth and Felix streets was abandoned in 1871.

In 1868, the diocese of St. Joseph, comprising all of the territory north of the Missouri River and west of the Chariton River, was erected, and Rt. Rev. John Joseph Hogan consecrated as its bishop. In 1882 Bishop Hogan took charge of the diocese of Kansas City, but continued as administrator of the diocese of St. Joseph. In the fall of 1893 Bishop Maurice F. Burke, who had been stationed at Cheyenne, took charge of this diocese.

There are seven Catholic churches in St. Joseph. The Cathedral wyas erected in 1868 bv Bishop Hogan. Father Ignatius Conrad, O. S. B., wras in charge of the parish after Bishop Hogan's departure, until he was made abbot of Subiacco monastery in Arkansas, in 1890. He was succeeded by Father Andrew Newman, who is now Bishop Burke's assistant.

The Church of the Immaculate Conception, Tenth and Angelique streets, was built in 1868, the first priest being Father Hartman, who was succeeded by the present pastor, Father Linnenkamp. This parish is German.

St. Patrick's, Twelfth street and Doniphan avenue, was built in 1873 by Father Eugene Kenny, who remained as pasttor until the close of the year 1879, when he died. He was succeeded by Rev. Thomas Walsh, who served about two years and died also. Rev. Francis F. Graham, the present pastor, then took charge.

The Polish Catholics organized a congregation in 1883, and purchased the old home of General Willard P. Hall, at Twentieth and Messanie streets, which was converted into a church called SS. Peter and Paul. Father Wenzeslaus Krzywonos was the first pastor. He was succeeded in 1894 by Father Moron, who served two years and was succeeded by Father Rejnert, the present pastor.

Holy Rosary congregation, at Sixth and Scott streets, was formed in 1888 by Rev. James Sheehan. The Floyd school was purchased from the school board and converted into a church. Father Sheehan died in 1892, and was succeeded by Rev. Richard J. Cullen, the present pastor.

St. Francis Xavier church, on Seneca street, near Twentyseventh, in Wyatt Park, was built in the summer of 1891 by the confraternity of the Precious Blood. Rev. Seraphim Kunkler, who was placed in charge, has continued since that time as pastor.

St. Mary's church, at Main and Cherry streets, was built in the summer of 1891 by the Benedictine Monks of Conception, Mo. The property passed into the hands of the bishop, however, in 1895. Rev. Adolph Schaefer has been the pastor since that time.

There are several Catholic churches in the county - at Easton, at New Hurlingen, and at Saxton. Corby Chapel (St. John the Baptist church), north of the city, is seldom used for services and no congregation is attached to it. The remains of the late John Corby repose therein.

PRESBYTERIANS. - The first Protestant minister to preach the gospel in St. Joseph was Rev. T. S. Reeve, a New School Presbyterian. He held services at the tavern of Josiah Beattie, which stood on Main street, above Francis. In the spring of 1844 Rev. Reeves built the first church in St. Joseph. It was a log structure, 20x30 feet in dimensions, and stood near the corner of Third and Francis streets. Parson Reeve assisted in cutting the timber and erecting the building.

Idle log church was used by the Presbyterians until 1847, when a brick church was built at the northeast corner of Fourth and Francis streets. T his structure stood on a hill, which was cut down when the Saxton bank building was erected. The log church was purchased by the First Missionary Baptist Society. It gave way many years ago to business houses.

In February of 1854 twenty-two people met in the old market house and, under the sanction of the Presbytery of Upper Missouri, organized what they called the First Presbyterian church. They were of the old school. Here they worshipped for some time, and various halls were occupied until 1858, when they commenced the erection of the Sixth Street church. They built the first story, covered it and worshipped there until after the war. Then there was division in the church. One part of the membership built, in 1867, the present Seventh Street church, for their use, and the others remained in the Sixth Street church. The first minister was the Rev. A. V. C. Schenck, who remained with the church until 1858, when the Rev. J. G. Fackler became pastor. In 1864 Rev. Fackler resigned on account of ill health and the Rev. A. P. Foreman was called to the charge. He remained with the church six years, doing much good, and ministering well to the spiritual wants of his flock. In 1870 Rev. J. G. Fackler was again called to the charge and occupied the pulpit until 1874, when he was succeeded by the Rev. R. S. Campbell, who held the pastorate for fifteen years. The Rev. A. A. Pfanstiehl occupied the pulpit as temporary supply minister after Rev. Campbell vacated it until the present pastor, Rev. George A. Trenholm, took charge, in November, 1891.

The Westminster Presbyterian church was organized on May 9, 1863, with twenty members. In May, 1864, Rev. B. B. Parsons of Illinois was installed as pastor. In October, 1866, the stone chapel, directly west of the Hughes building, on Felix street, was completed. This was intended as the wing of a greater church in contemplation. The chapel is a small but massive stone structure of the Gothic type, and had the edifice been completed as originally planned it would have been one of the most attractive architectural features of the city. In February, 1868, Rev. Henry Bullard, then pastor in Wayland, Mass., supplied the pulpit for two Sundays, and upon the 1st of May following-, assumed full charge as pastor. In 1872, the plan of completing the stone church was abandoned and the property of the Old School Presbyterians, at Sixth and Faraon streets, was purchased and completed. In 1892, a new church was erected at Twentieth and Faraon streets. The Sixth street property was sold and the site 01 the church is now occupied by modern dwellings.

The Third Street Presbyterian church grew out of a Sabbath school organized in 1869. The church, located on Third street at the junction of Savannah avenue, was built in 1889.

The Cumberland Presbyterian church had a congregation in the early fifties. They had a church at Sixth and Edmond streets, where the Hotel Donovan now stands. This was afterwards used as a Jewish synagogue and was destroyed by fire. The church edifice on the corner of Sixteenth and Edmond streets was erected in 1882 by the members and friends of the Platte Presbytery. Rev. W. B. Farr, D. D., was the first pastor, and the first congregation was organized November 16, 1883, with nineteen charter members, nine being of one family and three of the pastor's family.

THE METHODISTS - In the year 1843-44, Rev. Edwin Robinson, preacher in charge of the St. Joseph (Savannah) circuit, Weston district, Missouri Annual Conference of the M. E. church, organized the first class in the town of St. Joseph. The leader of this class was John F. Carter; the other members were Rufus Patchen, Clara Patchen, Mrs. Jane Kemper and Mrs. Sarah Jeffries. At the time of the organization W. W. Redman was presiding elder of the district, which included St. Joseph. The first permanent organization of the church was effected during the early part of the year 1844, Edwin Robinson being preacher in charge. The building in which the congregation worshipped at that time was a small frame on Main street, used once by David J. Heaton as a furniture store and cabinet shop ; and for nearly two years they worshipped in this humble and primitive structure. The old log church was afterwards occupied one Sunday each month by courtesy of the Presbyterians.

This may be the proper place to state that the General Conference of the M. E. Church, held in the city of New York in May, 1844, failing to harmonize the Northern and Southern sections of the country in regard to the disciplinary legislation concerning "slavery," provided a plan of peaceable separation, the important details of which need not be mentioned here ; but under the provisions of which the charges and conferences within the territory of the slave holding states proceeded with great unanimity to adjust themselves and were bv the delegated convention, held at Louisville, Kv., in May, 1845, organized into the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. So that after this transition period we are speaking of the M. E. Church, South, in St. Joseph.

In 1846, when the Rev. John A. Tutt was in charge, a brick church, 40x60 feet in dimensions, was erected at Third and Felix streets, where the National Bank of St. Joseph's building now stands. In 1857 this property was sold, and a new church built at Seventh and Francis streets. It is interesting to note that there was great objection to the new location because it was considered too far out. Rev. Edwin Robinson was in charge in 1847-48, and was succeeded by Rev. Wm. M. Rush, who served until i8s2 and was succeeded bv Rev. Wm. Holmes. Mr. Holmes did not remain long, giving place to Rev. C. J. Vandcventer, who served two years. In 1854-55 the pulpit was filled by Rev. B. A. Spencer, who was succeeded by Rev. Samuel W. Cape. From 1856 to 1858 Rev. E. R. Miller was pastor, and was succeeded by Rev. John Bull, and he in turn by Rev. E. G. Nicholson. Rev. George T. Hoagland supplied the pulpit also until the return of Rev Rush. In 1862, Rev. Rush was prohibited from preaching to his congregation by the military order of General Loan. From 1864 to 1865 Rev. Wm. H. Leftwich was pastor. I11 1868 Rev. Yandeventer was again placed in charge, remaining until 1872, when he was succeeded by Rev. Eugene R. Hendrix, now bishop. Rev. Hendrix remained until 1876. Since then the following ministers have been in charge : 1876-78, Rev. G. T. Gooch ; 1878-82, Rev. E. K. Miller; 1882-86, Rev. W. G. Miller; 1886-88, Rev. J. C. Brown; 1888-90, Rev. A. G. Dinwiddie; 1892-94. Rev. J. A. Beagle; 1894-97, Rev. Frank Siler; September, 1897, to date, Rev. W. T. Packard.

The Tenth Street M. E. Church, South, was completed in 1870. d he building is at the northwest corner of Tenth and Patee streets. It has for some years been used by the Swedish Lutherans. The congregation now owns a commodious edifice at Fifteenth and Olive streets, built in 1894.

Hundley Church, South, at Twenty-second and Colhoun streets, grew out of a mission commenced by Rev. C. I. Yandeventer in 1872. A frame chapel stood on Union street until 1892, when the present building was erected.

The following relates to the Methodist Episcopal, or, as it is commonly called, the North Methodist Church : In 1849 Rufus Patchen, John Brady, N. B. McCart and the Rev. A. J. Armstrong, local preacher, withdrew from the parent congregation and organized the "Methodist Episcopal Church," without any geographical distinction. They held meetings, sometimes at the house of Mr. McCart and sometimes at the log church. In 1852 a brick church was erected on Fifth street, below Svlvanie. In 1863 this property was sold for debt. Up to that time the following pastors were consecutively in charge : Revs. J. W. Taylor, J. M. Chivington, Walter Perry, M. T. Kleffer, D. H .May, A. C. Clemens, J. H. Hopkins, J. V. Caughlin, Wm. Hanley, Richard Haney and Alpha Wright. A reorganization took place after the loss of the property. Quarters were fitted up in the Odd Fellows' building, then at Fifth and Felix streets, and Rev. T. H. Hagertv became pastor, remaining until 1865, when Rev. J. T. Boyle took charge. In 1866 their present house of worship, on Fifth street, between Jule and Francis streets, was built. Rev. W. G. Mattisou succeeded Rev. Boyle, and was in turn succeeded by Rev. J. W. Flowers, who served until March of 1869, when he was succeeded by Rev. J. S. Barwick. In 1870 Rev. C. H. Stocking took the pastorate, served three years and was succeeded by Rev. D. J. Holmes. In 1875 Rev. S. W. Thornton took charge, served two years and was succeeded by Rev. John Wayman, who also served two years and was succeeded in 1880 by Rev. J. M. Greene, who was succeeded by Rev. J. J. Bentley. Following Rev. Bentley came Rev. Eli S. Brumbaugh, who remained until 1894, and was succeeded by Rev. C. H. Stocking, who remained until May of 1898, when he was succeeded by Rev. S. B. Campbell, the present pastor.

The other Methodist Episcopal churches in the city are, Huffman Memorial, at Twenty-eighth and Seneca streets ; Oakland Park church, corner of Twentieth and Highly streets ; St. Paul's, 419 Dolman street, and the South Park church.

The congregation of the German Methodist Episcopal church was organized in March of 1849. The communicants numbered ten and the first pastor was Rev. William Eliers. At a quarterly conference held January 13, 1851, a committee was selected to secure a lot on which to build. The site selected was on Edmond street, west of Sixth, on which a church was soon thereafter erected, which was wrecked in 1857 in an attempt to raise it. The old site was sold and a location purchased at Third and Robidoux, on which a brick structure was built, under the supervision of Jacob Hauck, Peter Hammer and John Fink, which served the wants of the congregation for about twenty years. In 1867 a parsonage was built at the rear of the church at an expense of about $2,500, which is still the home of the pastor. For many years the congregation sought to build a new edifice more suited to the times, but it was not until 1887 that the old church was taken down, and the present handsome structure completed, the lot adjoining the old church on the south having been purchased in 1885. The new church was dedicated in the spring of 1888 by Dr. Liebhart of Cincinnati.

Of the African Methodist Episcopal Church there are two parishes. Ebenezer chapel, corner of Third and Antoine streets, is the principal edifice. Holsev chapel, Eighteenth and Beattie streets, is a modest frame structure.

THE BAPTISTS - The first records that can be found bearing upon the Baptist church in St. Joseph are dated September 28. 1844, and refer to an "arm of the Dillon Creek Baptist Church." On March 22, 1845, a sermon was preached by Elder William Woreley. Thereupon the first Baptist congregation was organized. Elder Woreley was succeeded in July, 1847, by Elder James I. Robinson, who at first received $50 per annum and his board, and subsequently received $100 per annum and paid his own expenses. During all of this period there was no permanent place of worship. Meetings were held in private houses and rented halls. In 1848 the "old log church" was purchased from the Presbyterians for $100. This purchase did not include the ground. In January of 1852 the log church was sold at auction for $16.25. From this time until 1856 the Baptists worshipped in various places. A movement for a church building was begun in 1850, when the church was incorporated under the laws of the state. Real estate was acquired at the southeast corner of Sixth and Francis streets and, in 1856, a commodious brick structure was erected. In 1895 work was begun upon the present massive structure at Thirteenth and Francis streets, and in the spring of 1897 the basement of this building was occupied, the church at Sixth and Francis streets being abandoned.

Rev. Isaiah T. Williams was chosen pastor in 1848. In 1851 Rev. J. Hickman of Kentucky was called, and in March of 1853 Rev. W. F. Boyakin of Illinois assumed the pastorate. When the church at Sixth and Francis streets was completed Rev. Wm. Price was pastor. In November, 1859, Rev. Wm. I. Gill accepted a call and served until June, i860, when he was succeeded by Rev. E. S. Dulin, who served until March, 1864. Rev. T. W. Barrett of Leavenworth served one year after Dr. Dulin, and in July, 1865, was succeeded by Rev. Joseph R. Manton of Providence, R. I., who remained until April, 1868. Rev. James Dixon of Milwaukee followed and served until November, 1868. Rev. J. M. C. Breaker then took charge and remained until May, 1877, being succeeded by Rev. William Harris of Louisville, Ky. Rev. J. L. Lawless succeeded Mr. Harris in March, 1884, and served until January 1, 1891, when he was succeeded by Rev. W. J. Coulston, who remained until March 15, 1893. The pastorate remained vacant until September, 1893, when Rev. R. P. Johnston of Chilesburg, Ky., accepted a call. Rev. Johnston remained until 1898, when he went to St. Louis. He was succeeded by Rev. J. E. Cook, the present pastor.

In 1890 the First Baptist church built a fine edifice in Wyatt Park at Twenty-eighth and Seneca streets, and presented it, paid for in full, to the congregation.

The Savannah Avenue Baptist church, situated at the corner of Savannah avenue and Woodson street, was the direct outgrowth of the Young People's Mission Society of the First Baptist church, which caused the erection of a neat brick chapel in the fall of 1885. Two years later this building was enlarged to twice its seating capacity, it having been found entirely inadequate to the accommodation of the congregation.

The Patee Park Baptist church was built in 1889-90. As early as 1871 a congregation worshipped in a building at Twelfth and Penn streets. LTnder the pastorate of Rev. N. R. Pittman the present substantial and modern edifice was erected on Tenth street, opposite Patee park. Rev. Pittman resigned in 1894 and was succeeded by Rev. J. L. Lawless, the present pastor.

The negro Baptists have two churches. The Francis Street Baptist church was organized in 1865, by Rev. B. F. Marshall, with seventeen members. For seven years they worshipped in a frame building on their present location, Francis street, between Tenth and Eleventh streets. In 1873 Rev. W. W. Stewart was called to the pastorate, in which he remained until 1889, during which time the present building- was erected and the church increased in membership to 350. In the fall of 1889 Rev. J. J. Lyons was settled as pastor. He remained nine months. Rev. A. M. Lewis was then settled as pastor supply. In August, 1891, Rev. E. M. Cohron was called to the pastorate, since which time the present building has been completed. Mr. Cohron is still the pastor.

THE CHRISTIANS - In 1844 Elder Duke Young of the Christian church preached a discourse in the residence of Mrs. Northcutt. The growth of this church was slow and meetings were held at various places until 1847, when Elder Young instituted a revival at the court house, where the congregation continued to hold its meetings until 1858. A church was built at Third and Robidoux streets. This structure is still in existence, though not used as a church. The present Christian church, at Tenth and Edmond streets, was built in 1870. Dr. S. I). Overstreet and Allen G. Mansfield were the elders when the Third Street church was erected. Upon the death of Dr. Overstreet, Judge Joseph J. Wyatt was elected elder and filled the pulpit until Elder Moses E. Lard became pastor of the church. Rev. Lard resigned at the breaking out of the war and Elder Wyatt again took charge. Mr. Lard subsequently became prominent in the ministry in Kentucky and was one of the great lights of the Christian church. In 1866 Elder W. C. Rogers was called, remaining two years. Elder Wyatt again served until the arrival of Elder John Lindsay in 1869. Elder Lindsay resigned in 1870 and Elder W yatt for the fourth time filled the vacancy, serving two years, and resigning to give way to Elder Thomas P. Haley. In December of 1876 Elder John H. Duncan succeeded Elder Haley. Elder John B. Corwine succeeded Elder Duncan, and was in turn succeeded in March, 1 881, by Elder M. M. Goode, who served up to a year ago, when he was succeeded by Elder C. M. Chilton, the present pastor.

PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL - The first missionary service of the Episcopal church in St. Joseph was held in September of 1851. In the following year a parish was organized by Rev. M. M. McNamara. A small building, at the northwest corner of Third and Jule streets, was purchased and equipped. In 1856 the site of Christ church, at Seventh and Francis streets, was purchased and in August of 1857 the erection of a frame building, which fronted on Francis street, was begun. This structure was destroyed by fire on Christmas eve, 1876. The present church was erected as soon as possible.

Rev. McNamara remained in charge until March of 1854, when he was succeeded by Rev. W. N. Irish, who served until 1858, when Rev. W. R. Pickman took charge. In October of i860, Rev. R. H. Weller succeeded Rev. Pickman and served until October 13, 1866, being succeeded by Rev. W. C. Hopkins, who served one year. In November, 1867, Rev. Pickman again took charge and served until April, 1869, being succeeded by Rev. Wm. Phillips, who served until January, 1871. The parish was vacant until June of 1871, when Rev. Dr. James Runcie was installed as pastor. Dr. Runcie served until his death, May 12, 1889. In the fall of 1889 Rev. H. L. Foote took charge and served six years. He was succeeded by Rev. John Henry Hopkins, the present rector.

There are three missions connected with Christ church. Holy Trinity, the largest, is located at Eleventh and Monterey streets ; St. Mark's is located at Second and Market streets, and St. Matthias (colored) is located at No. 419 South Seventeenth street.

EVANGELICAL AND LUTHERAN - The German Evangel- ical Zion's church was organized in 1865, with Rev. A. H. Kirchoff as pastor. The old brick church at the northeast corner of Fourth and Francis streets was purchased and services were held there until October, 1881, when the present church, at Ninth and Jule streets, was completed. Rev. Kirchoff was succeeded by Rev. Carl Nestel in 1874. Rev. Nestel recently gave way to Rev. Max Habeker of St. Louis.

The Second German Evangelical church was organized in 1874 and a building erected at Thirteenth and Montery streets. Rev. Julius Kramer was pastor until 1876, when he was succeeded by Rev. F. Grabeau. Rev. F. Wellge succeeded Rev. Grabeau in 1880. Rev. R. Neumarker is the present pastor.

The German Evangelical Lutherans organized a church in August, 1881, and erected St. Paul's church at No. 1019 South Tenth street. Rev. M. Grosse, the first pastor, is still in charge. A parochal school is also maintained.

Emmanuel church, German, of the Evangelical Association, is located at Twelfth and Lafayette streets, and Rev. C. F. Erffmeyer is the present pastor.

The First English Lutheran church was organized in August of 1894 by Rev. Edward F. Treffz. Until the erection of a building, east of the Custom house in 1895, services were held in the Y. M. C. A. auditorium.

CONGREGATIONAL - On May 12, 1867, the Congregational Church of St. Joseph came into existence with only ten members. In October of that year Rev. W. L. Bray was called to the pastorate. He remained three years and was succeeded by Rev. Jonathan Crane, who served only a short time, however, being succeeded in the same year by Rev. I7. L. Kenyon, who remained eight years. From 1878 until 1882 no permanent pastor was maintained. Rev. Frederick S. Hayden served from 1882 until 1888, being succeeded by Rev. Albert Bushnell, the present pastor, who began his work February 1, 1889.

In 1870 a frame chapel was erected on the south side of Edmond street, between Ninth and Tenth streets. This was abandoned in 1891, the present substantial edifice at Thirteenth and Jule streets having meanwhile been erected.

UNITARIAN. - In November of 1867 those who were inclined to the Unitarian belief held their first meeting. The service was read by John S. Crosby. For several years various clergymen came and preached to the society. Rev. Mr. Finney served one year as pastor and Rev. E. H. Danforth served two years. Rev. Joseph A. Chase, Rev. A. I7. Abbott, Rev. Charles B. Roberts, Rev. J. F. C. Grumbine served successively until 1891. The pulpit has been supplied since that time by Rev. J. E. Roberts of Kansas City and others. Services were held in various halls and churches until 1888, when a modern building was erected on Ninth street, between Felix and Edmond streets.

THE Y. M. C. A - On May 2, 1882, at a meeting in the Baptist church, the St. Joseph branch of the Young Men's Christian Association was formed with forty members. Quarters were rented in the building at the northwest corner of Fifth and Edmond streets, and John W. Hansel of Peoria, Illinois, was installed as general secretary. In October of 1885 Rev. Sam Jones and Rev. Sam Small held a revival in the city. Sunday, October 11, was set apart as Y. M. C. A. day. A movement for a building had been in progress for a year or more. Upon this occasion Rev. Jones made an especial plea for a permanent home for the association, and before the meeting adjourned $39,000 had been subscribed. Later this sum was increased to about $60,000. As a result the Y. M. C. A. building at Seventh and Felix streets was occupied in 1887.

THE Y. W. C. A. - In the summer of 1887 the Young Women's Christian Association was formed. The object of this association is to unite all young women interested in physical, social, business, intellectual and spiritual development. -The physical department includes a gymnasium, where proper instructions are imparted by a thorough teacher. A reading room, with a rapidly increasing library, is a feature. The business department seeks the advancement of young women in the business world, and an employment bureau, for the benefit of the employer and employe, is established and successfully conducted. The special features are the gospel meetings, participated in by members of the association. Since 1891 the organization has occupied quarters in the Corby block at Seventh and Edmond streets.

JEWISH - In 1859 the congregation Adath Joseph erected the synagogue at Sixth and Jule streets. In the beginning services were held in a hall on Felix street. In 1857 a church building, which stood upon the site of the Hotel Donovan at Sixth and Edmond streets, was purchased and fitted up. This building was destroyed by fire. Rev. S. Kauffman was rabbi in charge of the synagogue until 1875, when he was succeeded by Rev. S. Gerstman, who served until 1879, when he gave way to Rev. Isaac Schwab, the present rabbi.

There is also an orthodox congregation, known as Sharrah Shalem. There being no synagogue, the faithful worship in a rented hall at Sixth and Angelique streets.

OTHERS - The St. Joseph branch of the Reorganized Church of Latter Day Saints was organized in 1870. Services were held in public halls and at the court house until the erection of the church building on Seventeenth street, north of Faraon street, in 1890. Rev. Mark H. Forscutt was the pastor for some years and was succeeded by Rev. J. M. Terry, the present pastor.

In 1892 Rev. H. S. Gekeler formed a congregation of the Reformed church. Meetings were held in the Y. M. C. A. auditorium for some time, until the church formerly used by the Congregationalists, on Edmond street, was secured.

d'lie First Church of Christ Scientists was formed in 1892. Rev. Charles M. Howe now conducts meetings at the Tootle theater. A substantial church building is now in process of construction at Twelfth and Felix streets.

The Salvation Army has maintained barracks in St. Joseph since the summer of 1885. During 1898 a detachment of "Volunteers of America" was also quartered in the city.

For many years Rev. M. G. McMahan has served as city missionary. He works in the slums and among the poor and destitute, and is maintained by private subscription.