The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1912-09-11
AN OLD LANDMARK
IS BEING REMOVED
Was First Methodist Church Building
in Denison-6rings to Mind
Many "reminiscences.
BUILDING WAS ERECTED IN 1868
Some Of the Most Stirring Religious
Events Took Place Within Its
Four Walls.

During the past week workmen
have been leveling to the ground q
building on South Main street, oppo
site to the east, of the residence OF
Mr.. Chas. Tabor Only those knowing
to the history of our city understood
that the structure thus demolished
was the first Methodist church build
ing Of Denison. The contemplation
OF the incident brings to mind thou.
sand "reminiscences.
The first religious meetings in ev.
cry new community are usually held
in the public buildings, such as the
court house or school houses. There
comes, however, to each society or
church denomination feeling to have
'home" of it's own and plans are
ever being made looking to that end.
1t was in 1868 after the coming of the
railroad that the Methodist people
thought themselves strong enough to
build. The Northwestern road
brought the building material needed
free of charge. Mr.. Albert Bond did
the brick work, lathing and plaster
ing and Mr. J. L. Mcclellan had much
to do with the woodwork
The new building stood on the site
of the present church and faced the
south All about was the native
prairie and it was reached by di-
rect path to the business blocks at tho
north, and the Northwestern depot to
the southeast, the old location. A
proud day it was when the edfice was
ready for use. Rev. A. w. Snodgrass,
grandfather OF DR.. j. G. Robinson, was
then the pastor.
1t was in this church building that
Morris McHenry superintended the
Sunday school for so many years. in
his noisy, vigorous and successful
way; Mrs. Eta Carr taught the little
ones to sing Little lambs so white
and fair" J. B. Romans led the young
peoples class, and A. F. Bond taught
the boys. Over the altar rail played
that child of the church, Harry Ro-
mans, sun-crowned in disposition and
personal beauty, until he was taken
to the fold above.
1t was in this church that H. c..
Laub and wife led and gave expression
to their religious experiences; that
stately pillar Of Methodism, c. Green,
eXhcrted and prayed; Mr.. Shaw began
his active church work, leading up to
his being delegate to two or more
general conferences. Within its walls
Archie Steel consecrated himself as
missionary to Africa, and here the
altar rail was crowded with commun-
icants and seekers after the better
life.
Behind the we'll remembered pulpit
Rev. Jacob Fegtley lifted his voice in
strenuous, pleading tones in 1886;
f. w: Sage expounded his texts word
by word; D. Austin made an impress
on the community which still lasts
with his short, forceful sentences.
practical suggestions and impressive
delivery There Rev. Thornbrue, the
eX-union soldier and a prince OF men
and friends, showed himself a good
soldier of the cross as he had been
for his beloved country, and Rev. Wei
born, with pleasing, winning tones,
showed the better way while his wife
in the parsonage exemplitied the cul-
tured, christian pastors wife. Once in
the summer of 1877 the good women
prepared the church after extensive
repairs neat and clean for the hold
ing of quarterly meeting on Sunday.
Saturday night came mighty wind
which shook the new plaster from the
walls and made the interior sight to
behold The Baptist membership
kindly offered the use of their build
ing for the quarterly meeting.
With the building of the new church
edifice the old was transferred for
the use of the M. e. congregation
and moved on lots opposite the high
school building, and the first pastor
to occupy was Rev. Schuldt, one of the
most Cody, earnest ministers it has
been the good fortune of that demon
ination in Denison to secure. After
ron wears of use by the German Meth
odists they secured their new church
on North Main, and the old was sold
and moved to it's last location on
South Main, it's last use being for an
automobile garage. Now it is torn
down, and it's work done.
Only the final accounting can tell