North Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1867-current, 1869-12-01
For the TiH.s.
A Stray Shot.


For the TIsss.
A Stray Shot.
For several days past, in consequence Of
affection in my family, have been closely
confined at home, and having perfect
horror Of idleness and inactivity, l
thought would pen a few para
graphs for your very excellent paper.
Before emigrating to this renowned
city, often heard and read Of its towers
ing hills and magnificent streets, but not
until made my advent upon Main street
did fully comprehend its situation.
Several weeks ago, while in converse.
ton with friend in the western part of
the State. he remarked that, the ravine in
which the City Of McGregor is located,
was so exceedingly narrow. that it was
impossible for man to put on or take off
his overcoat, without crossing over to
Prairie du Chen or going to the top Of
some of the surrounding hills. But hay
ing had frequent occasion to use both
over-coat and shawl, during my. short
residence among you, ! am prepared to
say that his statement was somewhat
over.drawn. It is certainly true that we
have not quite as much elbow room here
as they have in many of the prairie
towns, but We do not need SO mucl,a as the
most of our merchants and mechanics are
kept so busy, that they have neither time
nor disposition to cultivate from one to
Eve acres of land. So far as my personal
observation extends, l sm not prepared to
say whether as q City We are increasing
or diminishing in population, but one
thing / am certain of, and that is, that we
are not as thoroughly church>going
community as we ought to be. Why our
Churches are not all filed with devout and
humble worshippers is not for me to say,
but it certainly does not result either from
sickness, bad roads, or unavoidable en-
gagcments. 1t is possible that the dull>
ness and want of ability in the ministry,
has something to do 10 accounting for the
thinness of our congregations, and yet, l
am inclined to think that the various pull
pits in our city, are as ably represented as
in most western towns. It is, perhaps,
possible, that many of our citizens are so
thoroughly posted in Theology and Bible
truths, that they do not need farther
instruction. When man reaches q
point, where he feels that he is walking
Encyclopedia of useful knowledge, and
that he is THE man, and that wisdom will
die with him, it is-a very difficult matter
to make him see himself as others see him.
If we would attract prominent and inf1u-
entail men rs permanent citizens Of our
town, it is indispensably necessary that
we encourage and sustain the various
benevolent enterprises of Christianity, and
this may be done both by our means and
personal influence. There are but few
towns west of the Mississippi which, in
the future, will afford better school and
church privileges, than the City Of Nc
Gregor.
The Congregational and Baptist socie.
ties, as well as the Catholics, German
Presbyterians, and German Lutherans,
have each, neat and commodious houses
Of worship, and the Methodists will SCOT
have completed one of the most beautiful
and costly church edi6ces in the State.
This church is being built at cost of
over twenty thousand dollars, and will
comfortably seat, when finished, five hun
dred persons. The basement room is now
nearly ready for occupancy, and will be
opened for divine service in about three
weeks.
1t is surely not necessary that I should
say any thing in regard to our Lawyers,
Doctors, and Editors, Tor they are already
sufficiently known for all practical pur-
purposes, especially the Doctors, who for
the past few weeks have had the pleasure
Of forming quite a number Of new &C.
quaintances, and am sorry to say, that
among the number. you may reckon your
correspondent.
UP STAIRS IN METHODIST Hollow.
McGregor, Nov. Goth, 1869.