Buchanan County, Missouri - Chapter 14: Religious History, 1904

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 lo years of the county's history but few cliurches were erected. Pubhe rehgious services were generaUy held in private houses, until school houses were built, after which these buildings 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 a log church located near Frazer. The "Witt Meeting House" was on the farm of Judge Xelson Witt in Platte township, and was used by tlie Cahinistic Baptists. The Missionary Baptists subsecjuently erected in the same township a frame edifice whicli 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 o\ DeKalb in 1839. and preached his first sermon under a l)uckeye 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 and also built a church at Easton when that town was platted. The first camp meeting in the county was held in 1842 near \"alley Chapel school house.

Roman Catholic. - In 1838, a wandering- Jesuit priest visited the obscure and lonely trading post at Blacksnake Hills. Here, in a rude log house of Joseph Robidoux, a primitive altar was extemporized 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 (^f 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 Rev. Father \"ogel. 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 Septem- ber, the house was dechcateJ by Bishop Kenrick of St. Louis. In i(S48. the two-story parsonage, built of brick, was erected and in 1853 an addition of 22 feet was made to the church. The lot was donated by Joseph Robidoux.

At the organization of the church, there were about 20 families, two of whom were Irish and the others Canadian I'rench. The first permanent pastor in the church was Rev. Thomas Scanlan, who began his labors in 1847. His first service was in a frame building, belonging to Joseph Robidoux. on Jules street, beyond Blacksnake Creek. He was succeeded by Rev. D. F. Healy. Rev. I'rancis Russie succeeded Father Healy, and, he, in turn, was succeeded by Rev. S. A. Grugan.

In 1859, Rev. James Powers 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 Rev. James P^ower. The church at Fifth and Felix streets was abandoned in 187 1.

In 1868, the Diocese of St. Joseph, comprising all of the territory north of the Missouri River and w-est of the Chariton River, was erected, and Rt. Re\-. John Joseph Plogan 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 was erected in 1868 by Bishop Hogan. Father Ignatius Conrad, O. S. B., was in charge of the parish after Bishop Hogan's dei)arture, until lie was made abJTot of Subiacco Monastery in Arkansas, in 1890.

The Church of the Immaculate Conception, loth and Angelique streets, was built in 1868, the first priest being Father Hartman, who was succeeded ])y the present pastor, Father Linnencamp. This parish is German.

St. Patrick's Church, 12th street and Doniphan avenue, was built in 1873 by Father Eugene Kenny, who remained as pastor until the close of the year 1879, when he died. Pie was succeeded by Rev. Thomas \\^alsh. 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 Gen. Willard P. Hall, at Messanie street, which was converted into a church called SS. Peter and Paul. Father Wenzeslaus Krzywonos was the first pastor. He was succeeded in 1894 l)y Father Moron, who served two years and was succeeded by Father Rejnert. A modern church to cost $25,000 is now in course of construction under the direction of Rev. W. Rakowski.

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, heather Sheehan died in 1892. and was succeeded by Rev. Richard J. Cullei . Rev. Andrew^ Newman is now in charge.

St. Francis Xavier"s Church, on Seneca street, near 27th. in Wyatt Park, was built in the summer of 1891 by the confraternity of tlie Precious Blood. Rev. Seraphim Kunkler was placed in charge. He was succeeded by Re\'. Louis Hefele, the present pastor.

St. Mary's Church, at Main and Cherry streets, was built in the summer of 1891 by the Benedictine monks of Conception. IMissouri. The property passed into the hands of the bishop, however, in 1895. ^^^'- Adolph .Scliae-

There are several Catholic churches in the county - at Easton. at Xev,- Hirlingen. 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 and his wife repose therein.

Presbyterian. - The first Protestant minister to preach the Gospel in St. Joseph was Rev. T. S. Reeve, a Xew School Presbyterian. He held services at the tavern of Josiah Beattie, which stood on Main street, above Francis. In the spring- of 1844 R^''- Reeve buik the first church in St. Joseph. It was a log structure, 20 by 30 feet in dimensions, and stood near the corner oi Third cUid Francis streets. Parson Reeve assisted in cutting the timber and erecting the building.

The log church was used by the Presl^yterians until 1847, when a brick church was built at the northeast corner of Fourth and Francis streets. This structure stood on a hill, which was cut down wheii the Saxton Bank building was erected. The log cliiuxh \\as purchased by the First ^Missionary Baptist Society. It gave way many years ago to business houses.

In February of 1854, 22 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 worshiped 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 worshiped there until after the war. Then there was division in the church. One part of the meml>ership built, in 1867, the present Seventh sireet church for their use. and the others remained in the Sixth street chtirch. The first minister was Rev. A. \^. C. Schenck. who remained with the church until 1858, when the Rev. JG. Fackler became pastor. In 1864 Rev. 'Mr. Fackler resigned on account of ill health and 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 Rev. R. S. Campbell, who held the pastorate for 15 years. Rev. A. A. Pfanstiehl occupied the pulpit as temporary supply minister after Rev. Mr. Campbell, vacated it until Rev. George A. Trenholm, took charge, in Xovember, 1891. Rev. Mr. Trenholm died in 1899, and on December ist, of that year Rev. \\'illiam R. Dobyns. the present pastor, took charge.

The Westminster Presb}i;erian Clnuxh was organized on May 9, 1863, with 20 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 intendcvl as the wing of a greater church in contemplation. The chapel is a small but massive stone structiu'e 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, Massachusetts, supplied the pulpit for two Sundays, and upon the ist 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 SchcK^l Presbyterians, at Sixth and Faraon streets, was purchased and completed. In 1892, a new church was erected at 20th and Faraon streets. The Sixth street property was sold and the site of 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 afterward used as a Jewish synagogue and was destroyed by fire. The church edifice on the corner of i6th 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, w-ith 19 charter members, nine being of one family and three of the pastor's family. The church was recently rebuilt.

The United Presbyterians built a substantial church and a parsonage in 1902 at the southeast corner of 12th and Felix streets under the direction of Rev. W. R. Leeper, the present pastor.

On June 2$, 29, 30 and July i and 2, 1904, the national convention of the Christian Union of the United Presbyterian Church was held in St. Joseph, bringing some 3,500 visitors and delegates from all parts of the United States.

Joseph (Savannah) circuit, Western district, Missouri Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal 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 w-as presiding elder of the district, which included St. Joseph. The first permanent organization of the church was efifected during the early ])art 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 antl cabinet sht^p; and for nearly two years they worshiped in this humble and primitive structure. The old log church was afterw'ard occupied one Sunday each month by courtesy of the Presbyterians.

This may be the proper place to state that the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal 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 its provisions the charges and conferences within the territory of the slave-holding States proceeded with great unanimity to adjust themselves and were by the delegated convention, held at Louisville, Kentucky, in May, 1845, organized into the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. So that after this transition period we are speaking of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in St. Joseph.

where the National Bank of St. Joseph building now stands. In 1857 this property was sold, and a new church built at Sex'enth and Francis streets, known as the Francis Street Methodist Episcopal Church, South. 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. William M. Rush. wIk^ served until 1852 and was succeeded by Rev. \\'illiam Holmes. Rev. Mr. Holmes did not remain long, giving place to Rev. C. J. Vandeventer. who served two years. In 1854-55 the pulpit was rilled by Rev. B. A. Spencer, who was succeeded by Rev, Samuel W. Cape. From 1856 to 1S58 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. Mr. Rush. In 1862, Rev. Mr. Rush was prohibited from preaching to his congregation by the military order of General Loan. From 1864 to 1865 Rev. William H. Leftwich was pastor. In 1868, Re\-. C. J. Vandeventer was again placed in charge, remaining until 1872, w^hen he was succeeded bv Rev. Eusrene R. Hendrix, now bishop. Rev. Mr. 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. Rev. W. T. Packard, who was succeeded by Rev. Charles M. Bishop, the present pastor. -The church property was recently sold and ground purchased at the southwest corner of 12th and Francis streets, w^here a fine new edifice will soon be erected.

Church, South, was completed in 1870. The building is at the northwest corner of loth and Patee streets. It has for S(^me years been used by the Swedish Lutherans. The congregation now owns a commodius edifice at 15th and Olive streets, built in 1894. known as the Olive street Methodist Episco])al Church, South.

Hundley Methodist Church. South, at 22nd and Colhoun streets, grew out of a mission commenced by Re\'. C. I. Vandeventer in 1872. A frame chapel stood on Union street until 1892, when the present building was erected. Centenary Methodist Episcopal Church, South, dates back to 1883. The building is located on loth street, Ijetween Pacific and Sycamore streets.

Gooding Chapel, South, St. Joseph, named in honor of John Gooding, its principal benefactor, is also a branch of the ]\Iethodist Episcopal Church, South.

The following relates to the Methodist Episcopal, or, as it is commonly called, the North Methodist Church: In 1849 R^fus 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. Mc- Cart and sometimes at the log church. In 1852 a brick church was erected on Fifth street, below Sylvanie. In 1863 this property was sold for debt. Up to that time the following

I H. Hopkins^ J. V. Caughlin, William Hanley. Richard Haney and Alpha Wright. A reorganization took i)lace 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. Hagerty became pas- tor, remaining until 1865, when Rev. J. T. Boyle took charge. In 1866 their present house of worship, on Fifth street, between Jules and Francis streets, was built. Rev. W. G. Mattison succeeded Rev. Mr. Boyle, and was in turn succeeded by Rev. J. A\'. 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 charg-e, served two vears and was succeeded bv Rev. John \\'ayman. who also served two years and was succeeded in 1880 by Rev. J. M. Greene, who was succeeded by Re\'. J. J. Bentlev. Following Rev. Mr. Bentlev came Rev. Eli S. Brumbaugh, who remained until 1894., and was succeeded l)y Rev. C. H. Stocking, who remained until May of 1898, when he was succeeded by Re\-. S. B. Campbell.- Rev, B. F. Crissman is the present pastor.

The other Methodist Episcopal churches in the city are: Huffman Memorial Church, at 28th and Seneca streets : Oakland Park Church, corner of 20th and High streets: St. Paul's Church, No. 419 Dolman street, and the South Park Church.

The congregation of the First German Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in March of 1849. I'^''^ communicants numl)ered 10 and the first ])astor was Rev. \\'illiam Fliers. At a quarterly conference held January 13, 1 85 1, a committee was selected to secure a lot on which to Ijuild. The site selected was on Edmond street, west of Sixth, on wliicli a church was soon thereafter erected, w liich wa^ wrecked in 1857 in an attempt to raise it. The old site was sold and a location purchased at Third and Robidou.x, 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

20 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 edihce 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. The pastor is Rev. Gustave Becker.

Of the African Methodist Episcopal Church there are two parishes. Ebenezer Chapel, corner of Third and Antoine streets, is the principal edifice. Holsy's Chapel, i8th and Beattie streets, is a modest frame structure.

Baptist. - 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, '^ sermon was preached by I^^lder William W'oreley. Thereupon the first luiptist congregation was organized. Elder W'oreley was succeeded in July, 1847, ^5y Elder James I. Robinson, who at first received $50 per annum and his board, and subse(|uently received $100 per annum and paid his own expenses. Diu'ing 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. Fi^om this time until 1856 the Baptists worshiped in various places. A movement for a church building was begun in 1850, when the church was incor])orated 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 beg'un upon the present massive structure at 13th 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. Wilhams w^as chosen pastor in 1848. In 185 1 Rev. J. Hickman, of Kentucky, was cahed, and in March of 1853 Rev. \y. F. Boyakin of IlHnois assumed the pastorate. When the church at Sixth and Francis streets was completed, Rev. William Price was pastor. In November, 1859, Rev. William 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. Rhode Island, 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, Kentucky. Rev. J. L. Lawless succeeded Rev. Mr. Harris in March, 1884. and served until January i, 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, Kentucky, accepted a call. Rev. Mr. Johnston remained until 1898, when he went to St. Louis. He was succeeded by Rev. J. E. Cook.

In 1890 the First Baptist Church built a fine edifice in Wyatt Park at 28th and Seneca streets, and presented it, paid for in full, tO' the Wyatt Park 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 vears 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 worshiped in a building at 12th and Penn streets. Under the pastorate of Rev. N. R. Pittman the present substantial and modern edifice was erected on loth street, opposite Patee Park.

The negro Baptists have two churches. The Francis Street Baptist Church, w^as organized in 1865 by Rev. B. F. Marshall, with seventeen members. For se\'en years they worshiped in a frame building on their present location^ Francis street, between loth and iith streets. In 1873 Rev. AW 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 supi)ly. In August, 189 1, Rev. E. M. Cohron was called to the pastorate, since which time the present building has been completed. Rev. '^\r. Cohron is still the pastor.

July. 1850, has been a flourishing society from the first and now is among the strong religious forces of the city with a membership of nearly j2,ooo and church property valued at more than $50,000.

The organization was efifected under the leadership of Elder Duke Young of Savannah. Andrew County, a pioneer preacher long since gone to his final reward. In the early months of 1850 meetings were held in the village school house and in private residences, and when a church organization was efifected there was a membership of 18. Elder Young, under whose direction the society began its history as an organized body, continued at times to preach to the congregation here. Other ministers came at intervals, but for many years the congregation was in charge of Elder J. J. Wyatt, a pastor who devoted his time and talent to the church without compensation.

Few religious societies in any community, perhaps, which have lived for more than a half century, can designate, as can the Christian church here, a living chronicler who was a charter member and who before organization, attended the very first Christian service in the community, observing the sacrament when there were but three communicants. Rev. John Shackelford, Mrs. Susan H. Moss and Mrs. Katherine T. Edwards, the aged member who has missed attending but few of the regular Sunday services of the church during a period of 54 years.

Mrs. Edwards organized the first Christian Sunday-school in August, 1850, personally soliciting funds, $16, with which testaments and other necessary equipment were ])urchased. She was a teacher in this pioneer school and now, at the age of 93 years, retains the zeal and interest in church afifairs which inspired her in those early days.

in St. Joseph were Moses E. Lard. T. P. Haley, John Duncan and J. B. Corwine. Rev. M. ^I. Goode, now pastor of the Wyatt Park Christian Church, came to St. Joseph 23 years ago as pastor of the First Christian Church. . He has ever since been engaged continuously in tlie church work here, as pastor of the First Churcli for a period of 17 years and has taken a part in the organization of all the churches of the denomination which have been founded since the original organization. The first of these was the Wyatt Park Christian Church, organized in 1888 and followed in order by the Mitchell Park Christian Church, Hyde Park Cln-istian Church. Woodson Chapel and the Frederick Avenue Christian Church.

Rev. C. M. Chilton is th,e present pastor of the First Christian Church, which has a membership of 1,000 and property valued at $30,- 000, situated in the downtown district. A proposed new and more modern and commodious house of worship is an object of interest to the membership at this time.

Other Christian churches in the citv with membership and value of property are as follows : The Wyatt Park Christian Church, ^I. M. Goode. pastor; membership, 300; property, $10,000. The Mitchell Park Christian Church, E. E. Denny, pastor ; membership 275 ; property, $8,000. The Hyde Park Christian Church, N. R. Davis, pastor; membership, 80; property, $1,500. The Woodson Chapel Christian Church, W. E. ^^'oodson, pastor; membership, 90; property. $1,500. The Frederick Avenue Christian Church, membership, 60.

St. Joseph was lield in September of 1851. In the foHowing year a i)arisn was organized by Rev. M. j\I. McXamara. A small building, at the northwest corner of Third and Jules 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 w'as erected as soon as possible.

Rew Mr. AIcNanlara remained in charge until March of 1854, when he was succeeded by Rew W. .\'. Irish, who served until 1858. when Re\ . W. R. Pickman took charge, in October of i860. Re\-. R. II. W'eller succeeded Rev. Mr. Pickman and served until October 13, 1866, being succeeded by Rev. \\'. C. Hopkins, who served one year. In No\'ember. 1867, Rev. Mr. Pickman again took charge and served until April, 1869, being succeeded by Rev. William Phillips, who ser\-ed until January, 1871. The parish was vacant until June of 1 87 1, 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 ser\ed six years. He was succeeded by Re\'. John Henry Hopkins, who served until the spring of 1899, and was succeeded by Rev. G. H. Hills. Rev. Mr. Hills was succeeded in January, 1904. by Rev. John D. La Mothe.

There are two missions connected Avith Christ Church. Holy Trinity, the larger, is located at iith and Monterey streets, and St. Mathias (colored) is located at No. 419 South 17th street.

1865, with Rev. A. H. KirchofT as pastor. The old brick church at the northeast corner of Fourth and Francis streets, was ])urchased and services were held there until October, 1881, when the present church, at Ninth and Jules streets, was completed. Rev. Mr. Kirchoff was succeeded by Rev. Carl Nestel in 1874. In 1898 Rev. Mr. Nestel gave way to Rev. Max Habeker of St. Louis. Rev. Mr. Habeker died in 1899 and was succeeded by Rev. William Hackman, the present pastor.

The German Evangelical Lutherans organized a church in August, 1881, and erected St. Paul's Church at Xo. 10 19 South 10th street. Rev. M. Groese, the first pastor, is still in charge. In 1902 a substantial brick structure was erected at the southeast corner of 1 4tli and Lafayette streets.

St. Peter's German Lutheran Church is located at Xo. 2104 X\)rth J-'ourth street and Emmanuel Church, German, of the Evangelical Association, is located at i 2th and Lafayette streets. The congregation of the Second ( ierman bAangelical Church was organized in 1874 by Rev. Mr. Kremer, at 13th and Monterey streets. During 1893 the church built a substantial brick structure at 15th and Lafa)- ette streets, under the direction of Re\". William Bauer.

The First English L.utheran Church was org-anized in August of 1894 by Rev. Edward F. Treffz. Lentil the erection of a building. east of the Custom House in 1895, services were held in the Y. M. C. A. auditorium. Rev. Mr. Treffz was succeeded in 1900 by Rev. Millard F. Troxell.

of that year Re\-. W. L. Bray was called to the pastorate. He remained three years and was succeeded liy Re\-. Jonathan Crane, who served only a short time, hi()we\er. Iieing succeeded in the same year by Rex. F. L. Kenyon, who remained eight years, l-'rom 1S78 until 1882 no permanent pastor was maintained. Rev. Frederick S. Hayden served from 1882 until 1888, being succeeded by Rev. Albert Bushnell, who began his work February i, 1889. Re\'. Mr. Bushnell was succeeded by Rev. W. \\'. Bolt.

In 1870 a frame chapel was erected on the .south side of Edmond street, between Ninth and loth streets. This was abandoned in 1891, the present substantial edifice at 13th and Jules streets ( known as Tabernacle Congregational Church) 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. Dan forth served two years. Rev. Joseph A. Chase. Rev. A. F. Abbott, Re\-. Charles B. Roberts, Rev. J. F. C. Grtimbine served successi\ely until 1891. The pulpit has been supplied since that time by Rev. J. E. Roberts of Kansas City, Rev. Charles Ferguson and others. Serxices were held in various halls and churches until r888. when a modern building was erected on Ninth street, between Felix and Edmond streets, which is known as Unity Chapel.

Alay 2, 1882, at a meeting in the Baptist church, the St. Joseph branch of the Young Men's Christian Association was formed with 40 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 re\i\a] in the cit}'. Sunday, October nth, was set apart as Y. M. C. A. (lay. A movement for a building had been in progress for a year or more. Upon this occasion Re\'. Mr. Jones made an especial plea f(M- a permanent home for the association, and Ijefore the meeting adjourned $39,000 had been subscribed. Later the sum was increased to about $60,000. As a result the V. M. C. .\. Building at Sexenth and Felix streets was (occupied in 1887.

Young JJ\>nicn's Christian Association. - - In the summer of 1887 the Young \\'omen'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 phvsical department includes a gymnasium, where proper instructions are imparted by a thorough teacher. A reading room, with a rapidly increasing librar}-, is a feature. The business department seeks the advancement of youngwomen in the business world, and an employment bureau, for the benefit of the emplover and employee, is established and successfully conducted. The special features are the Gospel meetings, participated in l)y members of the association. Since 1891 the organization has occupied quarters in the Carbry Block at Seventh and Edmond streets.

Joseph erected the synagogue at Sixth and Jules streets. In the beginning, services were lield in a hall on Felix street. In 1857 ^ church building, which stood upon the site of the Hotel Donovan at Sixth and Edmond streets, ^vas 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 Shaare Sholem, with a synagogue "at Seventh and Patee streets, built in 1900 at a, cost of $17,000.

Other Religious Societies. - The St. Joseph Taranch 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 jyth street, north of Faraon street, in 1890.

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. A modern brick structure was erected at the southeast corner of loth and Lincoln streets in 1903 by Rev. A. O. Reiter, who succeeded Rev. Mr. Gekeler.

The First Church of Christ (Scientist) was formed in 1892. Rev. Charles M. Flowe now conducts meetings at the Unity Chapel. A substantial church building is now in process of construction at 12th and Felix streets. The second church of the Christian Scientists was organized in 1902 and worships in the old Congregational Church situated on Edmond street.

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.