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8
Brief Contents
1. Preface
2. Acknowledgments
3. About the Author
4. Part I Thinking About Teaching: Making the Decision
1. Chapter 1 Becoming a Teacher: Looking Forward and Backward
at the Same Time
2. Chapter 2 Teaching Stories
5. Part II Educational Foundations: History and Instructional Practices
1. Chapter 3 A History of Schooling in America
2. Chapter 4 What Does It Mean to Teach and to Learn?
6. Part III Looking at Today’s Schools
1. Chapter 5 Who Are Today’s Students?
2. Chapter 6 Contemporary Trends in Education
3. Chapter 7 Classroom Teaching in a Digital World
4. Chapter 8 The Global Classroom
7. Part IV Classrooms, Communities, and You
1. Chapter 9 The Classroom as Community
2. Chapter 10 Making the Decision to Become a Teacher
8. Appendix 1 Building Your Teaching Portfolio
9. Appendix 2 How to Contact Your State’s Teacher Licensure Offices
10. Glossary
11. References
12. Index
9
Detailed Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Part I Thinking About Teaching: Making the Decision
Chapter 1 Becoming a Teacher: Looking Forward and Backward
at the Same Time
Looking Backward: Talking About Teaching
Your Educational Autobiography
Being a Teacher Is Like …
A Favorite Teacher
What Qualities Make a Good Teacher?
Looking Forward: The Profession
An Essential Profession
The National Education Association
An Organized Profession
Starting Early
A National Board
More Than a Profession
The Workplace: School Climate and School Culture
An Era of Testing and Standardization
Concluding Thoughts
Chapter Review
Key Terms
Review the Learning Outcomes
InTASC Standards
Journal Prompt
Chapter 2 Teaching Stories
Taking the Roll Call for Students and Teachers
Early-Childhood Education
Deciding to Become a Teacher
Excitement and Challenges in Teaching
What Are the Most Exciting Aspects of Teaching?
Rewards of a Teaching Life
What Are the Most Difficult Challenges for Teachers?
Teaching, Learning, and Burnout
Challenges and Opportunities
10
Teaching and Vision
Hidden Curriculum
Support for Teachers
Who Provides the Most Support to Teachers?
Mentoring New Teachers
Learning From New Teachers
Teachers as Lifelong Learners
How Do Teachers Continue Professional
Development?
Benefits of Lifelong Learning
edTPA
Concluding Thoughts
Chapter Review
Key Terms
Review the Learning Outcomes
InTASC Standards
Journal Prompts
Part II Educational Foundations: History and Instructional Practices
Chapter 3 A History of Schooling in America
An Introduction to the History of U.S. Public Education
The Colonies
A New Nation and Its Early Pioneers of Education
Teacher Education and the Development of Normal
Schools
The Swinging Pendulum: Dominant Philosophies
Influencing Education
The High School Curriculum
The Emergence of Essentialism
Progressivism and John Dewey
Enduring Ideas: The Influence of Perennialism
Radical Reform Philosophies: Social
Reconstructionism, Critical Theory, and Existentialism
Aesthetics and Maxine Greene
Educational Reform: Funding, Priorities, and Standards
Separate but Equal?
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act
Title IX
A Nation at Risk
The Individuals With Disabilities Education Act
Standards-Based Reform
11
NCLB and ESSA
Common Core State Standards
Concluding Thoughts
Chapter Review
Key Terms
Review the Learning Outcomes
Journal Prompts
Chapter 4 What Does It Mean to Teach and to Learn?
Can Anyone Teach?
Pedagogy and Instruction
How People Learn
Bloom’s Taxonomy of Educational Objectives
Behaviorism: A Teacher-Centered Approach
Cognitive Learning Theories: The Role of the Learner
Social Cognitive Theories: The Role of Social
Interactions
Constructivism: Student-Centered Learning
Learning and Teaching
Understanding by Design
What Is a Curriculum?
Formal, Informal, and Hidden Curricula
The Role of National Standards and Common Core
State Standards
Curriculum as Window and Mirror
Adapting the Curriculum to Your Students
Assessment: How Do We Know What They Know?
Becoming a Teacher
Concluding Thoughts
Chapter Review
Key Terms
Review the Learning Outcomes
InTASC Standards
Journal Prompts
Part III Looking at Today’s Schools
Chapter 5 Who Are Today’s Students?
The Students: A Changing Landscape
Ethnic Diversity
Language-Minority Students
Religious Diversity
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
12
Socioeconomic Disparities
Overlapping Attributes: The Social Context
Students Who Are at Risk
Student Diversity: Challenges and Opportunities
Multicultural Education
Educating Girls and Boys: Separate or Together?
Religion and Schools
Multiple Intelligences: What Does It Mean to Be “Smart”?
Multiple Intelligences Are Not Learning Styles
Teaching the Broad Range of Diverse Students
Concluding Thoughts
Chapter Review
Key Terms
Review the Learning Outcomes
InTASC Standards
Journal Prompts
Chapter 6 Contemporary Trends in Education
The Inclusion Classroom
Good Schools Are Good Schools for All Students
Individualized Education Programs
Response to Intervention
Universal Design for Learning
The Education of Gifted and Talented Students
Differentiated Instruction
Social and Emotional Learning
The Power of Projects and Problems for Student Learning
Project-Based Learning
Problem-Based Learning
The STEM and STEAM Education Movements
Variation Among States: The Emergence of the
Common Core State Standards
The Achievement Gap
Alternatives to Traditional Schools: School Choice in
the 21st Century
The Rise of Charter Schools
Small Urban High Schools
Homeschooling: Another Nontraditional Option
Middle School: A Movement in Transition
Creating a Safe School Climate: The Concern About
Violence in Schools
13
Protecting the Rights of Students
The Right to Privacy
First Amendment Rights of Students
The Rights and Responsibilities of Teachers
Teachers’ Rights
Teachers’ Legal Responsibilities
Concluding Thoughts
Chapter Review
Key Terms
Review the Learning Outcomes
InTASC Standards
Journal Prompt
Chapter 7 Classroom Teaching in a Digital World
Students and Social Media
Classrooms and Smartphones
The Problem of Information Overload
Internet Technology and Learning
Supporting Student Learning
Creating Digital Content
Parents, Teachers, and Students Online
Internet Safety
The Digital Divide
Assistive Technology
Concluding Thoughts
Chapter Review
Key Terms
Review the Learning Outcomes
InTASC Standards
Journal Prompt
Chapter 8 The Global Classroom
Online Education in the Knowledge Economy
Globalization and Learning
The Flat World
The Global Student: Having Information Versus
Constructing Meaning
Teaching in the Global Classroom
Teaching With Digital Media
Digitally Inclined Students
3D Printing
The Teacher’s Role in a Global Classroom
14
Concluding Thoughts
Chapter Review
Key Terms
Review the Learning Outcomes
InTASC Standards
Journal Prompts
Part IV Classrooms, Communities, and You
Chapter 9 The Classroom as Community
Building Community in the Classroom
Classroom Management and Classroom Community
Rules, Procedures, and Routines: A Collaborative
Effort
Is a Well-Managed Classroom Silent?
School Community Influences Classroom Community
Being Fully Conscious
The Classroom as a Safe Space
The Responsive Classroom Approach to Community
Building
Tips for Creating a Classroom Community
Community Building in the Secondary Classroom
Preventing Harassment and Bullying
Sexual and Sex-Based Harassment in School
Bullying
Cyberbullying
School Safety and Gun Violence Prevention
Classroom Community and Goodness of Fit
Concluding Thoughts
Chapter Review
Key Terms
Review the Learning Outcomes
InTASC Standards
Journal Prompt
Chapter 10 Making the Decision to Become a Teacher
Goodness of Fit
The Importance of Observing and Participating in the
Field
The Purposes of Public Education and the Role of the
Teacher
One Size Does Not Fit All
Creating a Culture of Caring
15
Looking Again at Multiple Ways of Teaching and
Learning
Using Current Technologies
Know Your Acronyms
Getting Started in the Teaching Profession
Certification and Standards
Teaching Positions Here and Abroad
Tips for New Teachers
Educational Associations
The American Federation of Teachers
The National Education Association
Build Your Teaching Portfolio
Concluding Thoughts
Chapter Review
Key Terms
Review the Learning Outcomes
InTASC Standards
Journal Prompt
Appendix 1: Building Your Teaching Portfolio
Appendix 2: How to Contact Your State’s Teacher Licensure Offices
Glossary
References
Index
16
Preface
For the college or graduate student, making the decision to become a
teacher is often fraught with uncertainty, complexity, and confusion. What
should I know? What courses do I take? How do I get certified? How can I
be sure this career choice is right for me? Although some aspiring teachers
approach this journey with more personal confidence than others, most
find it challenging to make the transition from the college classroom to
their own classrooms. Teach is designed to help them meet that challenge.
I wrote this text in response to colleagues who felt I could speak to future
teachers plainly and clearly.
The most important task of this text is to invite readers to look inside
themselves to their own dispositions for teaching and to look outside of
themselves to the demands of an ever-changing culture filled to the brim
with iPhones, iPads, tablets, laptops, and endless text messages. Choosing
to become a teacher requires that one analyzes his or her own personal
strengths and weaknesses to ask if this profession is a “good fit” between
one’s personal and cognitive attributes and the demands of the teaching
profession. This is not a simple exercise, so Teach encourages readers to
think sincerely about the complex aspects of a “good fit.”
One overarching idea of the text can be summed up by this statement: “We
teach who we are.” By this, I mean that an individual’s entire self is
present in the classroom and who we are, what we believe, what we think
about ourselves and our students are exposed through the dynamic
processes of teaching and learning. By the time a student finishes this
book, he or she should have a clearer personal sense of what it may mean
to be a teacher.
An Introduction to Education course is the first occasion when students
are asked to think critically about the field of education. Planning to
become a teacher is a complex activity that requires both personal
reflection and an understanding of how schools came to be the way they
are today. Combining historical and contemporary perspectives, this text
helps future teachers examine the ways in which society and culture shape
schools and the ways in which schools are shaped by society and culture.
How did we get to “now?” What changes has American public education
17
undergone since its inception? Why do we need public schools, and how
are they transforming to meet the needs of diverse populations of students?
Whether the initial course is titled Foundations of Education or
Becoming a Teacher or simply an Introduction to Teaching, Teach:
Introduction to Education, Fourth Edition, offers several features to
engage students in personal reflection and critical thinking.
Pedagogical Features
The Chapter Introduction contains Learning Outcomes and the
InTASC Standards relevant to that chapter’s content. The end of the
chapter brings the student back to the InTASC Standards and the Learning
Outcomes while explicitly defining the Key Terms in an integrated
Chapter Review section. Model answers for the questions at the back of
each chapter are provided. Journal Prompts at the end of each chapter
encourage the readers to continue writing about their journeys toward
becoming teachers.
Each chapter features stories from teachers and classroom observations
that bring authenticity to the chapter content, answering the question:
“What does it look like?” … To be a classroom teacher? To develop a
teaching style? To create curriculum? To engage students in their own
thinking? To create community? To become a professional?
Fourth Edition Content Features
This new edition of Teach explores topics that have emerged as major
issues in contemporary education since the last edition, as well as
foundational concepts that received new attention.
These topics include the STEM, STEAM, and maker movements; school
choice and homeschooling; sexual orientation and gender identity; gun
violence in school; the impact of backward design and authentic
assessment in teaching; the enormous role that technology plays in
teaching and learning, as well as the potential pitfalls of social media and
smartphones; emphasis on student diversity; the process of building a
professional portfolio; and the overall importance of personal wellness in
teacher success.
18
New to SAGE, the fourth edition seeks to make the process of deciding to
become a teacher and the philosophy of teaching and learning accessible
and relevant to introductory education students.
Digital Resources
Coursepacks
Instructor Resources
SAGE coursepacks and SAGE edge online resources are included FREE
with this text. For a brief demo, contact your sales representative today.
SAGE coursepacks for instructors makes it easy to import our quality
content into your school’s learning management system (LMS)*. Intuitive
and simple to use, it allows you to
Say NO to . . .
required access codes
learning a new system
Say YES to . . .
using only the content you want and need
high-quality assessment and multimedia exercises
*For use in: Blackboard, Canvas, Brightspace by Desire2Learn (D2L),
and Moodle
Don’t use an LMS platform? No problem, you can still access many of
the online resources for your text via SAGE edge.
With SAGE coursepacks, you get:
quality textbook content delivered directly into your LMS;
an intuitive, simple format that makes it easy to integrate the
material into your course with minimal effort;
19
assessment tools that foster review, practice, and critical thinking,
including:
diagnostic chapter pre-tests and post-tests that identify
opportunities for improvement, track student progress, and
ensure mastery of key learning objectives
test banks built on Bloom’s Taxonomy that provide a diverse
range of test items with ExamView test generation
activity and quiz options that allow you to choose only the
assignments and tests you want
instructions on how to use and integrate the comprehensive
assessments and resources provided;
assignable SAGE Premium Video (available via the interactive
eBook version, linked through SAGE coursepacks) that is tied to
learning objectives, and produced exclusively for this text to bring
concepts to life, featuring:
Engaging interviews with teachers and principals sharing the
biggest joys and challenges of being an educator, as well as their
passion and enthusiasm for their students.
Video Cases that show footage from real classrooms
demonstrating what a typical day is like in an elementary or a
secondary school. You will see lead teachers and
paraprofessionals working together in small groups with their
students, as well as students learning together as a class and in
smaller, differentiated groups.
Corresponding multimedia assessment options that
automatically feed to your gradebook
Comprehensive, downloadable, easy-to-use Media Guide in the
Coursepack for every video resource, listing the chapter to
which the video content is tied, matching learning objective(s), a
helpful description of the video content, and assessment
questions
chapter-specific discussion questions to help launch engaging
classroom interaction while reinforcing important content;
exclusive SAGE journal articles built into course materials and
assessment tools, that tie influential research and scholarship to
chapter concepts;
editable, chapter-specific PowerPoint® slides that offer flexibility
when creating multimedia lectures so you don’t have to start from
scratch;
sample course syllabi with suggested models for structuring your
20
course that give you options to customize your course to your exact
needs;
lecture notes that summarize key concepts on a chapter-by-chapter
basis to help you with preparation for lectures and class discussions;
integrated links to the interactive eBook that make it easy for
students to maximize their study time with this “anywhere, anytime”
mobile-friendly version of the text. It also offers access to more
digital tools and resources, including SAGE Premium Video; and
select tables and figures from the textbook.
Student Resources
edge.sagepub.com/koch4e
SAGE edge for students enhances learning, it’s easy to use, and offers:
an open-access site that makes it easy for students to maximize their
study time, anywhere, anytime;
video and multimedia resources that bring concepts to life, are tied
to learning objectives, and make learning easier;
eFlashcards that strengthen understanding of key terms and
concepts;
eQuizzes that allow students to practice and assess how much they’ve
learned and where they need to focus their attention;
exclusive access to influential SAGE journal articles that tie
important research and scholarship to chapter concepts to strengthen
learning.
Interactive eBook
Teach: Introduction to Education, Fourth Edition, is also available as an
Interactive eBook that can be packaged with the text for just $5 or
purchased separately. The Interactive eBook offers hyperlinks to original
videos, including video cases that feature real classroom footage and
engaging teacher interviews showing readers how to implement strategies
21
from the book into their own future classrooms. Users will also have
immediate access to study tools such as highlighting, bookmarking, note-
taking/sharing, and more!
22
Acknowledgments
Teach 4e is the result of the kind of contemporary collaboration that could
only be possible in a digitally connected world. Communication with
contributors and researchers via the Internet, blogs, Twitter feeds, and
podcasts resulted in rich and diverse sources of information for this text.
Interviews with former Hofstra students who followed their dreams and
became wonderful teachers—Amanda Prinz, Winnelle Outerbridge,
Jessica Powers, Kathryn Farley, Meredith Landau, Jaime Barron, and
Sharyn Wanderman—were complemented by interviews with my new
Maryland teacher colleagues—Ben Tarr, Cheryl O’Malley, and Helene
Schuster. Your stories add authenticity to the work, and your willingness
to share the joys and pitfalls of teaching is both kind and generous.
A large group of reviewers examined the third edition and offered
excellent guidance for Teach 4e. They include:
Curby Alexander, Texas Christian University
Dr. Carmen Garcia-Cáceres, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Casey Hamilton, Owensboro Community & Technical College
Kathleen Holt, Nashua Community College
Gregory Jennings, EdD, Lehman College, City University of New
York
Jennifer Jones, MEd, Muskegon Community College
Dr. Katherin Garland, Santa Fe College
Alfred P. Longo, PhD, Ocean County College
Peggy Perkins Auman, Florida A&M University
Dr. Lisa Repaskey, Norfolk State University
Robert J. Walker, EdD, Southwest Tennessee Community College
Many thanks to all of these expert commentators.
My sincere appreciation goes to individuals at SAGE, starting with Reid
Hester, who encouraged me to move forward with Teach 4e, and Steve
Scoble, Jennifer Jovin and Elizabeth You, whose expert advice sealed the
deal. Clearly, the final text emerged cohesively due to the superb
assistance of the development editor, Kathryn Abbott, to whom I am
forever grateful, and to the wise guidance of Diane Wainwright, the copy
23
editor. My granddaughters Sydney and Kayley Tarantino continue to
inspire me with their understanding of the possibilities for teaching and
learning in a digital age, and finally, Teach 4e is dedicated to my husband,
Bob Koch, who has always made it possible for me to pursue my dreams.
Thanks, Bobby.
24
About the Author
Janice Koch
is Professor Emerita of Science Education at Hofstra University,
Long Island, New York. She developed and taught science education
courses to elementary, middle, and secondary preservice and in-
service teachers. Additionally, she taught courses addressing
introduction to education, action research, qualitative research, and
gender issues in the classroom. Dr. Koch shares her passion for
teaching and learning through presentations as well as through her
introduction to education text Teach, Fourth Edition (SAGE, 2020).
Her acclaimed textbook Science Stories, Sixth Edition (Cengage,
2018), has been used by thousands of preservice and in-service
educators interested in creating meaningful science experiences for
their students. Dr. Koch was named one of the Top Fifty Women on
25
Another Random Document on
Scribd Without Any Related Topics
CHAPTER XXXVII
Beginnings of Churches and the
Fraternities in Cedar Rapids
The following accurate account of the beginnings of the churches
and the fraternities in the city of Cedar Rapids, written by the late
James L. Enos in the early '60s, will have a double interest. It not
only gives the story of the beginnings of the various institutions, but
also comments upon their condition and prospects at the time the
article was written.
Methodist Episcopal—This society was organized in 1844, by Rev.
Isaac Searles with nine members. As early as 1841 meetings were
held by a Rev. Hodges, but no society was organized. In 1845 the
Rev. Alexander Bushnell organized the first Methodist Sabbath
school. Hodges, Searles and Bushnell were the first three Methodist
ministers who preached in Cedar Rapids. Rev. Elias Skinner [still
living at Waterloo] was the first pastor who permanently or wholly
occupied his time with the church. During his appointment here the
church was in a prosperous condition. Since that time, from a variety
of causes, the interest of the church has fallen off and its former
popularity seems to have departed. The present number of members
is 90; number attending the Sabbath schools on both sides of the
river, about 130. Rev. Mr. Miller is the present pastor. The church
edifice was erected in 1854.
First Presbyterian—This society was organized July 9, 1847, with
seven members, of whom Mrs. Mary Ely is the only surviving
member. Bennet Rogers preached here and at Marion on alternate
Sabbaths for a time. Rev. Williston Jones was the first regular pastor.
He continued his labors with this society until July, 1856, when he
removed to Iowa Falls. Rev. L. F. Dudley was the second pastor and
J. W. Atherton followed in 1859. James Knox is the present pastor. I
have not been able to learn the present number of members
attending the Sabbath school. The church edifice was erected in
1850 and was the first of the kind in the city.
United Presbyterian (Seceders)—This church is located on the west
side of the river; it was organized in 1851 with eight members. Rev.
J. B. Forsythe was the first pastor, Rev. H. Sturgeon the second, and
Rev. J. L. Fulton the third and present pastor. The church now
numbers fifty members and is in a flourishing condition. Sixty pupils
attend the Sabbath school. The church edifice is a plain brick,
erected in 1859.
Second Presbyterian (Old School)—This society was organized May
27, 1855, with twenty members. Rev. R. H. Morrow, a most
exemplary and worthy man, was the pastor. By his admirable
qualities he won the regard of all with whom he came in contact. D.
H. Mitchell was the second pastor. Following the expiration of his
labors the pulpit was temporarily occupied by I. N. Reed, a
thoroughly Old School divine. J. B. McBridge came next, and S. W.
Miller is present pastor. The church now numbers some sixty
members, and the Sabbath school has 80 to 120 enrolled. The
church edifice is a neat but unpretending structure on the east side
of Adams street, between Market and Sugar streets. It has a bell
weighing 800 pounds and is furnished with a cottage organ. The
pastor's salary is $1,000 a year, and the church is free from debt.
Catholic—This church commenced holding meetings in Cedar Rapids
in 1853. Rev. Fr. Hannah officiated here at monthly intervals until
1857, in which year the church was formally organized. Mass was
celebrated by Rev. Fr. Emmons this same year in the home of
Alexander Hager. When first services were held, 1853, there were
but three adherents to the faith in town. The church edifice, 24×50
feet, located at the south corner of Jackson and Market streets, was
erected in 1857-8. Rev. Emmons served three years and was
succeeded by Rev. Fr. Gillespie, and he by Rev. Uhlenbrock. The fifth
and present priest of this parish is Rev. Fr. Cannon. The
congregation now has about 300 members, most of whom live in the
surrounding country. Last year (1863) a mission was conducted by
Rev. Father Weniger.
Episcopal—The organization of this church took place in 1851, with
but ten members. James Keeler was the first rector, then followed
Revs. C. C. Townsend, Samuel Goodale, Samuel Starr, William Fulton
and C. S. Percival, the present pastor. The corner stone of this
church was laid by Bishop Kemper in 1851, and was consecrated in
1856. It now has about 80 members and the Sabbath school over
100 attendants. The church building is situated on the south side of
Linn street, between Madison and Monroe streets. The exterior is
not yet completed according to original designs.
Baptist—The present church was organized by Rev. W. Eberhart, the
first settled pastor, June 3, 1860, with a membership of twenty-
eight. He continued in charge until November, 1861, resigning to
take chaplaincy in the Twelfth Iowa Infantry Volunteers. Rev. N. F.
Ravlin followed and remained with the church until April of this year
(1864). The society is at present without a pastor. The congregation
now numbers nearly 140 and the Sabbath school has about 100
attendants. The society has no church edifice but has purchased a
lot on Eagle street and will build soon.
In addition to these there are scattering members of other religious
denominations, among which are Universalists, Christians,
Lutherans, New Jerusalem adherents, Spiritualists, and perhaps
some others are represented. None of the church edifices are of the
first class. In fact each society is too feeble to erect a church
creditable to the city. We might hope for a more perfect Christian
union and with that would come the ability to sustain a sufficient
number of churches, without the necessity of appealing for foreign
aid to enable them to drag along an existence of doubtful value.
ESTABLISHMENT OF LODGES
Masonic—The Masonic lodge was instituted in November, 1850, by a
warrant of dispensation from Grand Master McCord, and its charter
was issued June 4, 1851, being the twenty-fifth lodge of that
fraternity organized in Iowa. George Greene was the first Worshipful
Master; John Vardy, Senior Warden; Isaac Cook, Junior Warden;
Thomas Downing, Treasurer; N. B. Brown, Secretary; Stephen L.
Pollock, Senior Deacon; J. H. Kelsey, Junior Deacon, and Samuel
Hook, Tyler. Seymour D. Carpenter was the first person made a
Mason in this lodge. The following have been Masters to this date:
James Keeler, Thomas Downing, John Vardy, Hiram Deem, S. L.
Pollock, Jacob H. Camburn, and James L. Enos. James C. Adams is
the present Master. The lodge numbers about 75 members and has
the reputation of being one of the best working bodies of Masonry in
the state. It was first organized as Cedar Rapids lodge, but has
changed its name, being now known as Crescent lodge No. 25.
Odd Fellows—A lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows was
instituted December 28, 1850, about a month after the Masonic
lodge was organized. It was known as Hope lodge No. 30. It
continued its existence until some time during 1860, when it became
defunct. The original charter members were George Greene, John F.
Ely, Absalom Sines, Joseph Greene and John H. Kelsey. Those who
have been honored with election to office of Noble Grand in this
lodge are: George Greene, Absalom Sines, John P. Ely, W. W. Smith,
Joseph Greene, F. A. Wilmans, L. H. Keyes, Homer Bishop, D. M.
McIntosh, Hiram Deem, Charles Weare, Samuel Milligan, George
Livensbarger and C. Fordyce. At one time the lodge was in a
flourishing condition, but through some unfortunate circumstances it
declined, and finally surrendered its charter.
Various minor orders (Good Templars, Sons of Temperance, etc.)
have had a temporary existence in the city from time to time, but
none of these now have a local being.
LATER SKETCH OF THE CEDAR RAPIDS
CHURCHES
The following extracts are from an address on Church Day delivered
by Rev. C. W. Maggart, D. D., during the semi-centennial celebration
in Cedar Rapids, June, 1906:
Without doubt the first church organization was the St. Paul's
Methodist Episcopal. The Rev. John Hodges preached here as early
as 1840, but it was not until 1841 that the "class" was organized
with twelve people, one of whom, Mrs. John Listebarger, is yet living
and with us today.
This church was organized in the log cabin of Mr. and Mrs. J.
Listebarger on the west side of the river near the west end of the B
avenue bridge. Service was later continued in the first building in
town, in which lived Thomas Sharp. At the time of the incorporation
of Cedar Rapids this church had 148 members and their own little
brick church, built in 1854, and located where the union station now
stands. This church has had thirty-six pastors. Its present church
was built in 1873 and is valued at $30,000.00. The number of
members is 669.
The second church organized was the First Presbyterian, on July 12,
1847, with nine members, with the Rev. Williston Jones as the first
regular pastor.
The first church building to be erected in the town was the "Little
Muddy" church, which was on the postoffice site, 26×40 feet, and
cost $1,200.00. It was dedicated January 12, 1851.
Fifty years ago this church had sixty-seven members. Prior to the
organization of this church a union Sunday school was held in the
first frame building in the town, in the cabinet shop of John Vardy.
This church has had five pastors, was built in 1869, and has property
valued at $70,000. It has 477 members.
The Grace Episcopal church was the third church organized in the
town. The organization took place in the school house in the
summer of 1850. The first rector was the Rev. James Keeler. These
services were later held in Tisdale's carriage factory. The upper floor
was sometimes used for grain storage, and as it would drop through
the cracks it would attract the attention of the porkers, which would
frequently disturb the meetings with responses not found in the
litany. At other times the upper story was inhabited and frequently
the service would be carried on to the music of the nurse and cradle
above. A great interest was taken in this church when Mr. S. C.
Bever and family arrived from the east with a 750-pound bell. But a
still greater interest was manifested when Judge Greene presented
the church with a melodeon. In 1856 this church had thirty-six
members. Today it has 505 members, has property valued at
$100,000.00, and has been served by thirteen rectors.
The fourth church organized was the United Presbyterian, on April
19, 1851, with eleven members; and the first pastor was the Rev.
Hugh Sturgeon. This is the oldest church now in existence on the
west side of the river. Fifty years ago they had about fifty members.
Today they have 225 members, property valued at $20,000.00 and
have been served by six pastors.
The fifth church was the Second Presbyterian, now Westminster,
which was known as the old school Presbyterian church and was
organized May 27, 1855, with twenty members. Its first minister was
the Rev. R. H. Morrow. Their first building was located on the east
side of Adams street, between Market and Sugar, and the principal
thing mentioned by former church historians was that they had a
bell weighing 800 pounds and their music was led by a cottage
organ. Fifty years ago they reported fifty members. They report
today 500 members, with a property valued at $60,000.00, and have
been served by twelve pastors. Their present church was built in
1905.
It seems that the First U. B. church was organized in 1855 in the
Dairy Dale district, which was probably then in the country. Rev.
McWilliams was the pastor. They had thirty-five members at the time
the city was incorporated. This church, however, later, went down for
some years and was afterwards reorganized. They have today 260
members, church property valued at $25,000.00 and have been
served by fifteen pastors. Their present church was erected in 1879.
The Baptist and Congregational denominations had organizations on
the west side prior to 1856 but both were too weak to live.
During the first decade of the city's history two more churches were
started, viz., the Roman Catholic and First Baptist. Fathers Hanna
and Emmons of Iowa City held services for some time before
organization and they only had three adherents. This shows pluck
and faith and devotion to their own church. The church was
organized in 1857 and Father Gillespie was the first regular pastor.
This church has had five pastors. Their present church was built in
1870 and is valued at $40,000.00. They report 1,500 members.
The First Baptist church was organized in Franklin hall, above
Kilborn's gallery, on June 3, 1860, with twenty-seven members. Rev.
A. G. Eberhart was the first pastor. They purchased a lot on Eagle
street, where their first church was built. Their present church was
built in 1894 and is valued at $50,000.00. They have had fifteen
pastors and have now 365 members.
The next decade four or five organizations came into existence. The
first Lutheran services were held in the winter of 1855-56 and an
organization was formally effected in the First Presbyterian church,
on March 3, 1856, with about twenty-two members, under Rev. H. F.
Ealy, minister, who walked from Iowa City to preach to the scattered
Lutherans. Services were irregularly held by Revs. H. F. Ealy,
Solomon Ritz, of Tipton, and J. G. Schaffer, of Lisbon, until 1868,
when the organization was re-formed in the home of J. A. Hart, 211
Fifth avenue, with thirty members under the Rev. Cephas Baird as
regular pastor.
The first church was built on the lot now occupied by the Cedar
Rapids Savings bank, Third avenue and Third street, but this
congregation refused to permanently locate there on such an
expensive lot, which was then worth $300.00. This church has now
368 members and has been served by eight pastors. The present
church was erected in 1881 and is valued at $20,000.00. A new
church costing $35,000.00 is now in course of erection on the corner
of Third avenue and Tenth street. It will be occupied early in 1911.
The Universalist society was organized in 1869 and the first pastor
was the Rev. W. C. Brooks. For nearly seven years their services
were held in a hall. Their present church was built in 1875 and has
been served by eight pastors. They have approximately 100
members and property valued at $16,000.00.
The Bethel African Methodist Episcopal church was organized in
1870, and the first pastor was the Rev. J. W. Lewis. They have had
sixteen pastors and have now seventy-nine members. Their church
was built in 1874 and is valued at $5,000.00.
In 1874 St. Wenceslaus church was organized and its first pastor
was the Rev. Francis Chmelar. They began with a church family of
sixty. They have now 1,200 members, a church property erected in
1904 valued at $50,000.00, and have been served by five pastors.
On July 1, 1874, the Second United Presbyterian church was
organized with the Rev. W. J. McCallister as minister. It continued in
existence for about twenty-four years and its property is being used
today by Sunshine Mission.
The First Christian church was organized August 1, 1875, with thirty-
four charter members. Its first pastor was the Rev. N. A. McConnell.
Since the organization there have been eight pastors. The present
church was built in 1882 and its value is placed at $15,000.00,
although the original cost was $22,000.00. They have a membership
of 350.
The Second United Brethren church was organized in January, 1876,
under the Rev. Father Bookwalter, and did good work for a number
of years, but has ceased to exist.
The German Evangelical church was organized April 30, 1877, and its
first pastor was the Rev. C. C. Pfund. They have had twelve pastors
and have now sixty members. Their church was built in 1888 and
they have property valued at $12,000.00.
The Free Methodist church was organized in 1877 and they have had
eighteen pastors. The first pastor was Rev. W. C. Thompson. Their
church was built in 1878, is valued at $4,000.00, and they have
forty-seven members.
The First Congregational church was organized on May 13, 1879,
and its first pastor was the Rev. A. T. Reed. They have had seven
pastors and have now 350 members. Their present church was built
in 1889 and their property valuation is placed at $35,000.00.
The Zion Evangelical church came into being February, 1880,
through the work of Rev. Ilion. The Rev. J. E. Stauffacher was the
first regular pastor. They have had nine pastors and have now 175
members. Their church was built in 1905 and is valued at
$23,000.00.
The German Lutheran church was organized August 24, 1884, with
twenty charter members. Revs. Studt from Luzerne and Aron from
Atkins, Iowa, preached for nearly one year on alternate Sundays
when the Rev. J. Denckmann, its present pastor, became the first
regular pastor. They have a membership of 350 and a church
property valued at $10,000.00.
The Swedish Lutheran church was organized November 8, 1885, and
its first pastor was the Rev. C. E. Cesander. They have had six
pastors and have now fifty-four communicants. The present church
was built in 1891 and they have property valued at $10,000.00.
St. Patrick's church was organized April 18, 1886, with twenty-eight
members. The Rev. T. F. Richardson was the first pastor. This church
has had but three pastors. Its present church was erected in 1892
and the value of their property is $50,000.00. They report at present
1,000 members.
In the decade 1886-1896 the first church organization was that of
Trinity Methodist Episcopal in 1887, with the Rev. Frank P. Shaffer as
first pastor. The present church was built in 1890, and the value of
all property held by this society is estimated at $20,000.00. They
have 450 members and have been served by seven pastors.
Sinclair Memorial Presbyterian church was a growth out of a Sunday
school fostered by Mr. T. M. Sinclair. Its organization was effected
October 14, 1887, and its first pastor was the Rev. Alfred K. Bates.
They have had four pastors and now enroll 215 members. Their
present church was built in 1902, the gift of Mrs. T. M. Sinclair, and
is valued at $30,000.00.
The Bohemian Presbyterian church was organized in 1889. Its first
and only pastor was and is the Rev. V. Hlavaty. They have now 257
members. Their church was built in 1889 and is valued at $5,000.00.
The Calvary Baptist church was organized on September 5, 1890,
and its first pastor was the Rev. E. F. Perry. It has been served by
four pastors, and has a membership now of 165. The present church
was erected in 1891 and is valued at $5,000.00.
The John Hus Methodist Episcopal church was organized May 15,
1892, and its first pastor was the Rev. John Tauchen. The church has
had three pastors and has now seventy members. They have
property valued at $7,000.00 and their present church was built in
1897.
The Bethany Congregation church came into being in 1893 and its
first pastor was the Rev. E. M. Vittum. They now enroll 106 members
and have had six pastors. Their present church is valued at
$3,000.00.
The Central Park Presbyterian church was organized May 4, 1893. Its
first pastor was the Rev. R. A. Van der Las. They have now 205
members and have had three ministers. Their present church was
built in 1904 and is valued at $20,000.00.
The Danish Lutheran church was organized in 1893. They have forty-
eight members, have had six pastors and have property valued at
$4,000.00.
The Danish Baptist church was organized April 1, 1895, and its first
pastor was the Rev. A. Charlsen. They have had six pastors and have
now 17 members. Their church was built in 1899 and is valued at
$700.00.
The first church organized in the last decade was the Second
Christian church which grew out of a Bible school organized in 1901
and has a membership of 125 and has been served by three pastors.
They have property valued at $5,000.00.
The Olivet Presbyterian church came into existence on May 15,
1904. Its first and only pastor is the Rev. C. F. Ensign. They have
today 160 members, a church property erected in 1904, and valued
at $8,000.00.
The Dunker church has been in existence for several years, but was
not formerly organized until 1905 under the present pastor, Dr. S. B.
Miller. They have been served by five pastors, have a church
property valued at $4,000.00 and have thirty members.
The Reformed church came into formal existence March 29, 1906.
The pastor is the Rev. Frank S. Bromer. Services were held for about
a year before this organization by the Rev. Rohrbach. They have now
twenty-nine members and are building a new church. The present
value of their property is estimated to be $2,900.00. At the
completion of this new church their property will be worth
$6,300.00.
Fifty years ago this town had about 1,500 people. Of these 386 were
members of the six churches, one in four. Today, with a population
of 30,000, the thirty-three churches report 10,286 members. With
five and one-half times as many churches and five times as many
ministers we have twenty-seven times as many members.
The city has twenty times its former population, and the churches
have twenty-seven times their former membership.
The total value of the church property today, exclusive of schools
and outside property, is above $750,000.
All of this goes to show that the churches are very much alive and
are among the most progressive institutions in the city.
Two hundred and forty ministers have served these churches since
the beginning of their history.
RECAPITULATION
Members
The Catholics report today 3,700
Presbyterians 1,814
Methodists 1,315
Lutherans 820
Baptists 547
Episcopalians 505
Christians 475
Congregationalists 466
United Brethren 260
United Presbyterian 225
Universalist 100
Dunkers 30
Reformed 29
———
Total 10,286
FATHER LOWRY
CHAPTER XXXVIII
Catholicism in Linn County
BY REV. P. J. FLYNN
All honor to those pioneer clerics and laity for the work they
accomplished under trying and difficult circumstances. In the pioneer
days no musical sound of silvery bell, from lofty steeple or tall
minaret called them on the Sabbath morn, no swelling peal of organ
or trained choir entertained or invited the worshipers in those early
days, there were no Godly ministers to bury the old and instruct the
young, no books, or papers to read and to gather wisdom from their
pages, to strengthen the weak and enlighten the dull. No need to be
scandalized if in some instances, we find men grow weak under such
trying circumstances. No wonder that pioneer conditions among
miners and others, were such as to indicate little fear of God or little
regard for men. Little do we know, in this age of ease and facility, of
the difficulties and dangers, offered in those days to priest and
people.
The effort of the writer of the following pages will be to chronicle
facts, well established and authentic, relative to the church in Linn
county, rather than to draw on imagination or to give color to his
assertions from a rhetorical viewpoint. It is the scope of history to
chronicle events relating to the past, for present and future use.
There is no assertion made in these pages that has not been
investigated and truthfully established, in most cases by those who
were eye and ear witnesses to the events referred to.
In order to understand how difficult it is to obtain correct
information about the early days in a new country it is both
educational and interesting to engage in such research. One would
not imagine that information concerning things and conditions of
less than fifty years ago would be so difficult to obtain. Yet the fact
remains, and this fact is in itself a strong argument in favor of works
like the present.
It is hardly credible that the early settlers could accomplish what
they did under circumstances as they were in those days. What
strength of character and determination of purpose these early
settlers showed in the face of difficulty and danger is truly
admirable. What noble ideals they had, and how earnestly and well
they strove for their attainment. The present prosperity is due in no
small degree to their untiring efforts in laying the foundation of
present advantages. Posterity may well hold their names in
benediction, and the heart may with pride and reverence swell with
admiration for the hardy pioneer whose heritage is now enjoyed.
The present moral standards of the people, the numerous schools
and churches and the general intelligence have been builded on the
foundations laid by our ancestors and are monuments and tributes
to their character, influence and enthusiasm. When Linn county was
but a mission district from Iowa City, meetings were held whenever
and wherever the priest found it convenient for the best results or
for the convenience of the greatest number of souls. Sometimes
service was held in a log cabin, sometimes in a district school house.
When the missionary contemplated a visit his intention was
announced through the district; the date and place of meeting were
made known and thither the scattered settlers gathered on foot or
on horseback or in wagons. They were happy in their inconvenience
at being allowed even in such circumstances to make their peace
with God and receive the consolations of religion.
Such were the conditions in Linn county half a century since. How
little we realize the advantages we enjoy in this day.
Few and far between, however, were the visits of the shepherd to
the scattered hamlets of the early settlers. Missionary men went
about, preaching and teaching and their lives were an example to all
with whom they came in contact. Of such men and their life work,
we have now to treat.
The first record we have of the interests of Linn county in things
Catholic was in 1853, when Father Emmons of Iowa City with
apostolic spirit and Christlike zeal journeyed through the trackless
wastes to cater to the needs of the children of the faith.
In those days, fifty-seven years ago, it is needless to say Cedar
Rapids was not known as the Parlor City. Its pretensions were very
modest. It consisted of only a few small residences with a few stores
to supply the needs of the people.
THE CHURCH IN CEDAR RAPIDS
The chief business industries in those days were the lumber mills of
Mr. J. J. Snouffer, Sr. The wild and trackless wastes were being
gradually cleared, and the logs were being fitted for the formation of
rough log cabins to shelter man and beast. Rough fords or bridges
were thrown across the irregular and meandering streams which
flowed in undisturbed tranquillity on their way towards the Father of
Waters. It was nothing unusual frequently to find that the temporary
bridges were carried away over night and the log dweller found
himself in the morning isolated and compelled patiently to wait the
subsiding of the waters to furnish himself with the necessaries of
life.
In these days the missionary priest passed along giving his blessing
to the work as he went, and in log cabins or improvised chapels fed
the bread of life to the hungering sheep of the fold.
The first record there is, and that in the memory of those who were
present, of mass being offered in Cedar Rapids was in 1853, when
Father Emmons of Iowa City, celebrated the holy sacrifice for the
first time in the old Dubuque House in B avenue between Fourth and
Fifth streets. It is a regrettable fact that the location has since been
turned to uses less holy. During his visits afterwards from his home
town to Cedar Rapids he always stayed, and officiated at the
Snouffer home on Second street, which in those days occupied the
site on which now stands the Denecke store.
In those days the Catholic settlers came for miles around to Cedar
Rapids, and assisted at divine service whenever the goodly priest
found it possible to come among them. In wagons drawn by oxen
they wended their way from the western part of the county, from
Fairfax, and along to the Benton county border line, and even
beyond. Often their journey meant days of delay owing to
impassable ways and washed out bridges. All honor to those pioneer
Catholics who so prized their religion and their faith. No wonder that
seed sown under such trying circumstances brought forth fruit which
abides. Among the early settlers who gave such proof of their worth
and dared difficulties for their religious opinions we find the names
of Murray, Keenan, Cook, Hayden, Lilly, Kehoe, Meehan, Flaherty,
Cahill, Langan, Christopher, Villeen, Harrington, Hager, and others.
Another pioneer of those days was Father Smith who occasionally
visited the itinerary of Father Emmons when the latter was unable to
do so. Fr. Harmon, also of Iowa City, came a few times into this
territory and assisted in sowing the seed and nurturing it in its
tender years.
After Fr. Harmon's departure the duty again rested upon the
shoulders of Father Emmons until Father Gillespie was sent by
Bishop Smith to form a new parish in Cedar Rapids, along in the
early sixties.
The first effort that was made to establish a church in Cedar Rapids
was when a piece of property was secured on Sixth avenue and
Sixth street, near the present residence of Dr. Skinner. Those who
were leaders in this laudable undertaking were J. J. Snouffer, Sr.,
Alexander Hager, and Francis Lilly. Objection was made to the
selection of the site on Sixth avenue and Sixth street from more
sources than one and attention was next directed towards the
present site on Third avenue and Seventh street. Through the efforts
of the above mentioned men three lots were secured, and
operations were begun and a little church constructed large enough
for the needs of the time. The lumber was obtained at Snouffer's
mill, the workmanship was contracted for by Alex. Hager, who was a
carpenter, and the means were supplied by Mr. Lilly, Mr. Thos.
Murray, Andrew Stark, John Meehan, Flaherty, and others. After
Father Gillespie came Father Enlinbrook, who retained the charge
only a short time. After his departure Fr. Shields came occasionally in
missionary work.
In 1865 Fr. Cannon assumed charge and remained about two years.
In the fall of 1867 Father P. V. McLoughlin came and remained about
six months.
One would naturally expect that by this time the congregation
should have grown considerably, but the fact is that on the first
Sunday of October, 1866, rosary Sunday, the congregation consisted
of between 20 and 30 souls and they were from the surrounding
country as much as from Cedar Rapids.
In 1870 Fr. Lowry (who was a convert to Catholicity) took charge of
Cedar Rapids and from that date we have a continued resident priest
and a regular history. Soon after his arrival he set to work to build a
church more in keeping with the needs of the place, since at this
time many settlers had come from Illinois and things began to look
more encouraging for our religion.
Though his resources were limited, yet he had confidence that while
the purses of the people were light, their hearts and their hands
were generous. Nothing daunted, he put his hand to the plow and
the result was the front part of the present Immaculate Conception
church. The foundation in rock work was the gift of Mrs. J. J.
Snouffer, Sr., who was ever willing and generous to aid both the
priest and the people, though she was not of the household of the
faith. I venture to predict that her generosity and true Christian
charity is on record in the "Liber Scriptus" and that it will not go
unrewarded by the Just Judge.
To aid in the completion of this great work Fr. Lowry engaged both
men and women, old and young. Among those who contributed
materially in money and cooperation in every way we find the names
of Mrs. J. J. Snouffer, Sr., Mrs. F. Lilly, Mrs. James Cook, the O'Hara
family, Hayden, Hager, Kehoe, Harrington, O'Keefe, Foley, Cook,
Mullally, Keenan, Murray, Meehan, Langan, Cahill, Flaherty, McVann,
Brecht, Peter Flynn, Killen, Thos. Murray. By the generous and
combined efforts of these and many others the desired end was
attained and God's house was a reality in Cedar Rapids.
Having secured the church the next ambition of the good and
zealous Father Lowry was to secure a parish school, wherein the
foundation would be laid and the seeds sown in future church
members and pillars. The first and only parish school up to this time
was a modest and unpretentious institution in which a young lady
named Caroline Hager taught the children of the parish, who
numbered about fifteen.
In 1874 under the direction of Father Lowry the following men were
chief among those who built the school: James McNamara, John
O'Hara, Charles O'Hara, Peter Flynn, Mr. Springer, Alexander Brecht,
John and Charles Murray, the Cannons, Mullally, O'Briens, McVann,
McDonalds.
The first Catholic cemetery was the present Bohemian Catholic
cemetery purchased by John O'Hara, Peter Flynn, John Foley, John
O'Keefe, and James Barrett. The first Catholic buried in this
cemetery was Mr. Flaherty, father of Pat. Flaherty of the west side.
The second funeral held there was that of Mrs. Martin Sheehan,
about the year 1865.
In 1878 or thereabouts Fr. Lowry secured through Mr. Mullally the
ground for the present cemetery at Kenwood for a consideration of
about $100.00. Then the old cemetery became the exclusive
property of the Bohemian Catholics of Cedar Rapids. This transfer
was effected through Father Francis Chemlar for a consideration of
$900.00. Of this amount $300.00 were contributed by E. R. and W.
H. O'Hara. In 1880 Fr. Lowry was transferred to Burlington and was
succeeded by Father T. F. Gunn, of blessed memory. At this time
many settlers had located around Cedar Rapids and it began to be
an important town. Soon the church had to be enlarged. In order to
do so, the old parochial residence which was to the rear of the
church edifice had to be removed and a new residence constructed.
When this was accomplished, an addition was built to the church,
giving it its present shape and dimensions. In the construction of
this addition and all the incidental work that such changes entail as
well as in the erection of a parochial house Father Gunn found plenty
to do during his declining years in Cedar Rapids. He was not a man
given to material building, as much as to the upbuilding of spiritual
conditions in the hearts of his people. He was active and energetic
even to his dying day. He was in sympathy with his charge and lived
in the heart of his congregation, not above them. He was a thorough
christian gentleman, and a man of honor. He believed in "being" and
not "appearing," in doing and not in saying. He was the servant of
his people, not their lord. He was a faithful follower of Him who
forgot Himself in His care for others. No man ever held a warmer
place in the hearts of the people of Cedar Rapids than Father Gunn.
Even today his name is in benediction and his praises sung by non-
Catholic and Catholic alike.
The Rev. Thos. F. Gunn was born at Strokestown, Roscommon
county, Ireland, December 3, 1840. He studied the classics in Ireland
and philosophy and theology at St. Francis Seminary, Milwaukee. He
was ordained priest at Cape Girardeau, Mo., in 1867. His first
appointment was to Cedar Falls, Iowa. At the time there was only
one priest west of him, at Fort Dodge. While stationed at Cedar Falls
Father Gunn had under his charge thirteen stations in Blackhawk,
Grundy, Butler, and Bremer counties. During these times a seventy-
mile drive in a springless wagon was a common experience.
In 1870 Father Gunn was transferred to Sioux City. His charge was
St. Mary's parish which then consisted of a modest frame structure
on West Seventh street, across Perry creek. At that time the priest's
house consisted of a one room structure. Father Gunn after a short
time in Sioux City was transferred to Dubuque Cathedral, where he
remained three and one-half years and went thence to Burlington,
where he remained till 1880, when he came to Cedar Rapids to
succeed Father Lowry.
At his advent to Cedar Rapids the condition was much different from
what it today presents. It was but an outpost of the onward march
of civilization and no one dreamt that the coming years would bring
about so great a transformation as is today in evidence. Father Gunn
was twenty-six years in Cedar Rapids at the time of his death.
Shortly before his death he delivered his last public address at the
opening of the semi-centennial celebration held on June 10, 1906, in
which he forcibly manifested his liberal views and referred to the
transformation which had taken place within his memory in the city.
Father Gunn died on June 24, 1906, and his funeral was one of the
largest and most representative ever held in Cedar Rapids. His
eulogy was delivered by Dr. J. J. Fitzpatrick, of Marshalltown, and
the speaker paid a becoming and merited tribute to the beloved and
popular clergyman. His remains lie buried in Kenwood cemetery and
the citizens of Cedar Rapids have erected a suitable monument to
perpetuate his memory and hold his name in benediction.
BOHEMIAN ST. WENCESLAUS CHURCH, CEDAR RAPIDS
ST. WENCESLAUS SCHOOL, CEDAR RAPIDS
After the death of Father Gunn, Father Toomey became pastor of
Immaculate Conception church, which position he still occupies.
Great hopes are held out by the people of Cedar Rapids
congregation for the welfare of the church interests. A new and
commodious church is talked of and the hope entertained it will
some day materialize. However as it is not becoming to praise the
soldier while he is in the firing line, and as "Praise after death" has
been my motto I must leave to the pen of the future historian to
chronicle the deeds and sing the praises of the present pastor of
Immaculate Conception church.
ST. WENCESLAUS PARISH
St. Wenceslaus Bohemian Catholic parish of Cedar Rapids was
established in 1874. Those through whose prayer and cooperation
this new and independent field of activity was called into existence
were chiefly the following: Thomas Brouzek, Vaclav Charipar, Natej
Charipar, Thos. Chadima, J. Hajek, Fr. Horek, Joseph Kofron, Jos.
Pivouka, Vit Kuba, Fr. Kofron, Hynek Krejic, V. Lessinger, Jos.
Pivouka, V. Hrebec, H. Sindelar, Jan Stolba, V. Stolba, Jos. Sefranek,
Jan Tomanek, Votja Zaruba, Ignace Sindelar, Mathew Kofron, Frank
Biskop, Jan Vanous, Marie Tuba, and some others from the
surrounding country districts.
A lot was purchased, and in August, 1874, the foundation of the first
Bohemian Catholic church in Cedar Rapids was begun. It was an
eventful day for the Bohemian element in the city. In 1875 money
was borrowed and collections made by parishioners, and all
resources were drawn on to obtain the necessary means of
perfecting the work already begun. In 1878 the balance of the debt
was paid by the united effort of a poor but earnest people. In fact
the donors, considering their circumstances, were generous.
In those days of difficulty and want the parish was in charge of
Father Chemlar, who with all the zeal and earnestness of an apostle
attended to the varied duties and needs of the scattered and needy
congregation. From his limited salary of $200.00 he gave to the
more needy and often donated his time and talent without any
consideration whatever. God be with those days of disinterested and
apostolic labors.
The old St. Wenceslaus church was a rock building 75×27 feet. It
was without a tower. The bell was erected on an improvised
structure in front of the church and its silvery tones seemed to more
effectively accomplish its mission and reach the hearts of the people,
than our costly and superior ones of today as they ring out from
their costly towers or tall minarets.
To house the good father of the flock, a modest parochial residence
was built by the people and in the basement of the unpretentious
home, parish meetings were held and school was taught for years. It
was in the days of the good Father Chemlar also that the first
Catholic cemetery was secured by the people of St. Wenceslaus
parish.
In 1889 Father Francis Chemlar was promoted to the charge at
Norway, and he was succeeded at St. Wenceslaus by Father John
Broz. Fr. Broz remained about two years in Cedar Rapids and during
his short stay was by no means inactive. He added to the seating
capacity of the church building and also built a tower in the church.
The next pastor was Father Kopecky. To his zealous and persistent
labor is due the parish school which still remains, in which the youth
of the parish receive the rudiments of knowledge in things secular
and religious from the good Sisters of Mercy.
At this time the pastor's income was only $650.00, yet from this
comparatively modest sum the good father found a modest means
of doing material good for others and himself. He was a great school
man and often spent hours in the school room, keeping at the class
work. He was popular with the people and accomplished much good.
Following Father Kopecky came Fr. Vrba who remained only a short
time and was transferred to Protovin.
In 1900 the present incumbent, Rev. Florian Svrdlik, was installed
pastor of St. Wenceslaus. Soon after his advent a new church was
spoken of and being a man of action as much as of word, he began
to feel the pulse of the parish on the matter. Seeing the interest and
earnest manner in which the new pastor took hold the people
flocked to his aid and in a short time the work assumed practical
shape. Ft. Svrdlik is not a man who builds a church on paper years
before he has his brick and mortar on the ground. He builds first and
then talks of a reality and not of a dream. With the unanimous aid of
the people, he organized a fair, and from this realized about
$4,000.00.
Through the other ordinary means of collections and donations this
amount was increased in a short time to the extent of $10,000.00.
To this fund his grace, Archbishop Keane, of Dubuque, contributed
$500.00.
At Christmas, 1903, the necessary property was secured, and on
August 4, 1904, the corner stone was laid, and on October 18, 1905,
the new church was dedicated with solemn and impressive
ceremony. The occasion was one long to be remembered by the
people of St. Wenceslaus and Cedar Rapids in general. The new
church is beautiful in design and faultless in execution. It was
erected at a cost of about $40,000.00, a lasting monument to the
zeal and efficiency of the pastor and to the piety and generosity of
the Bohemians of Cedar Rapids.
The parochial school erected in Father Kopecky's time is his
imperishable monument. It is in charge of the Sisters of Mercy. It is
a beautiful building, plain and substantial in its style, spacious and
well ventilated and well calculated to develop a sound mind in a
healthy body. There are about 175 pupils at present attending the
school and sowing the seed which will enable them to develop into
sturdy men and women.
ST. PATRICK'S, CEDAR RAPIDS
St. Patrick's parish on the west side, Cedar Rapids, was organized
April 18, 1886. Its first resident pastor was Rev. T. F. Richardson,
who was transferred from Fairfax. The first parish church was a
modest frame structure on Second avenue and Seventh street west.
While its seating capacity was limited yet it gave ample
accommodation for the few parishioners, whose interests had
heretofore been attended to, from the parent church on the east
side, and occasionally from Fairfax. Father Richardson retained the
charge till the time of his death, which occurred on September 12,
1888. After his demise the interests of the young and struggling
parish were entrusted to Rev. M. J. Quirk, who was succeeded by
the present incumbent, Rev. T. J. Sullivan who was appointed
November 17, 1889.
At this time many were locating on the west side who retired from
the country around to spend the evening of life in a well earned rest
after enduring for years the trials and difficulties of pioneer
conditions. Soon the little frame church became inadequate to the
needs of the place, and Father Sullivan, with that solicitude which
has ever marked his life and labor, began to entertain the wish of a
more suitable building. It did not take long for his efforts to be
supported by the hand and heart of his people, and on October 18,
1891, the corner stone of the present beautiful building was laid.
The late Very Rev. Father Gunn officiated and the sermon on the
occasion was delivered by the Rev. C. M. Carroll, D. D.
The new church at First avenue and Fifth street, west was dedicated
on August 28, 1892, by Bishop Hennessy, of Dubuque.
St. Patrick's church is one of the most sightly buildings in the city
and when the frescoing which is now being done is completed it will
be one of the neatest houses of worship in the city.
The building when completed cost about $15,000.00. Father Sullivan
took charge of the parish about November 17, 1889. The
congregation is now large and representative.
Having secured a beautiful church Father Sullivan's next undertaking
was the building of a school in keeping with the needs of the parish.
The corner stone of this beautiful and spacious building was laid on
May 10, 1902, by Dean Gunn.
The school is in charge of the Sisters of Charity of the B. V. M.,
whose mother house is at Mount Carmel, Dubuque. The Sisters of
Charity as educators hold a similar place in the religious
congregation of women to that occupied by the Jesuits among the
male orders. They are the leaders in their respective classes. And
the pupils turned out by both orders today are an honor to their
alma mater.
There are several sodalities and societies attached to St. Patrick's
church and the parish is growing rapidly.
THE CHURCH AT PRAIRIEBURG
It has been asserted that the first mass celebrated in Linn county
was at Prairieburg. This assertion I have sought to establish, but
have failed, so I take it for what it is worth. As far as I can learn the
first mass was said in a log house belonging to James Brislawn, but
who the priest was I have not been able to establish. The first
authentic record we have is when Rev. P. J. Maher, late of De Witt,
then at Anamosa, officiated in the home of Bernard McLaughlin in
1872. The present brick church on the prairie at which a goodly
number worship and which is in charge of Rev. Fr. I. J. Norris of
Stone City, was erected by Fr. Maher in 1874. The Bohemian element
who live in and around Prairieburg built a church a few years ago in
the town. It is in charge of Father Ballou of Oxford Junction.
THE FAIRFAX CHURCH
The first Catholic church in Fairfax was built by Fr. John in 1875. This
cradle of christianity in the wilds was located on the state road in
Johnson county about six miles southeast of Fairfax. For the
construction of this primeval temple oak logs were hauled from the
Henderson mills on the Iowa river below Robert's Ferry. From this
same mill, which was the only one at that time in these parts, except
the Snouffer mills in Cedar Rapids, the early settlers hauled the
lumber for their log cabins and for the shelter sheds for their limited
live stock. This pioneer church in Fairfax district was afterwards
removed to Walford, later to the site of the present building.
After Fr. John came Fr. Urbin occasionally from Norway. He returned
to Bohemia and died there.
Among the early settlers were John Flaherty, who came in 1855;
John B. Murray in 1858, Wm. McNamara, Andrew Stark, whose
children now enjoy the fruits of his labors; the McDonalds,
O'Connells, Donohues, Winekes, Wickies, Brechts, Springer, Barretts,
O'Hara, P. Flynn, Foleys, Cook, Haydens, Hager, Cahill, Langan,
Killeen, Kehoe, Meehan, Harrington, Lilly, Murray, Cannon, O'Brien.
Before this time however there were some scattered settlers in and
around the site of the present town. Among the early settlers were
Thos. Murray, father of J. E. Murray and Charles Murray of this city,
John B. Murray who came from Illinois in '56 or '58, and located in
Benton county. John Flaherty, father of P. Flaherty, who came from
Illinois in '55 by way of Iowa City. In those days there were very few
settlers and the country around was densely wooded where the wild
deer and wolf held undisputed sway. The nearest and only Catholic
church was in Iowa City and there the pioneers journeyed
periodically to make their peace with God. There were no roads, and
travelers were compelled to follow the beaten path through thicket
and forest. In these journeyings danger and difficulty were ever
present. The hardships endured for the sake of religion remind one
of the experiences of Saul of Tarsus. Whenever Father Emmons
came from Iowa City to Cedar Rapids, his intention was declared
some days before and a herald brought the glad news to the settlers
who came in from their desert haunts and swelled the congregation
at Cedar Rapids. These were literally the days when these faithful
pioneers, poor in the world's goods but rich in faith, hungered and
thirsted after justice.
When the church was built at Cedar Rapids the faithful at Fairfax
were looked after for some years till their number increased. Fr.
Urbin, who was stationed at Norway, later on also aided in keeping
the lamp of faith burning brightly. This was along about 1868. Later
on Fr. John Chemlar took care of their interests till in 1875 Father
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