website watertownhistory.org
ebook History of Watertown, Wisconsin
First Congregational Church
Former: 504 S Fourth, Now home of First Brigade Band
and D/JCGS
New:
PC_125
1916 note:
Built by Ferdinand Behlke, General Contractor
1845 ESTABLISHED
06 07 THAT BELL !
Last spring a subscription was circulated in this city
to procure a bell for the First Congregational church but for the last six
weeks we have heard nothing of it.
A good bell is much needed. One that could be used not only for religious
purposes, but as a time regulator, for fire alarms, etc., would be a credit to
our city.
We hope our citizens may give this project all needed
encouragement. When we saw the
subscription list half the amount necessary to purchase a superior bell had
heed subscribed, and we could think of many prominent citizens whose names were
not down.
In
conclusion we can only say, Good citizens, see that we have that bell ! Watertown Chronicle
Cross
reference note: Bell moved to new church in 1992
1855
11 01 We learn that this church, last week,
renewed the call which they gave a year ago to Rev. W. A. Niles to become their
pastor. We cannot say whether this
gentleman has yet returned a favorable answer to this expression of high esteem
and regard in which he is held by the members of his congregation, but we
believe the wish is so general and earnest that he should do so, that he will
not decline an invitation that is not the less complimentary because it was
made in his absence, and without his knowledge. WD
1858
07 22 Ladies Festival, effort towards payment of
the small remaining debt WD
10 28 Annual renting of pews
will take place at the church on the 1st of November at 2 o'clock p.m.
11 25 A donation visit paid to Rev. W. A.
Niles at his residence WD
1859
01
12 Children of the Sabbath School held a
festival in Cole’s Block WTranscript
04
28 Wooden sidewalk, constructed in front
of, Wisconsin St WD
05
26 Mr.
Holdrege, music teacher, children WG
12 22 The children belonging to the Congregational
Sunday School are to have a Christmas Festival tomorrow evening at the Council
Rooms. We hope the tree around which a
hundred smiling faces gather will be loaded with just such presents as they
most desire, and as will be sure to encourage them to get their lessons better
during the year that will intervene before another festive season shall
arrive. WD
1860
05
24 Membership increase, due to Rev. Charles Boynton, successor
of Rev. Niles WG
07
19 Rev. Boynton
voted pastor WD
08 02 PIC NIC AT PINE LAKE
A Pic Nic excursion to
Pine Lake for the benefit of the Congregational Sabbath School took place
yesterday. The day was bright, cool and
breezy, the ride through a beautiful and rich country, the place of resort a
charming spot, and there is no reason why all should not have a delightful
time. But how all enjoyed themselves,
how the children were pleased, how the waters sparkled and the groves were
melodious with wild-wood notes, can be better told when all is over, and that
will not be until after our paper is printed.
WD
08
09 Sabbath School
Pic Nic to Pine Lake WD
08
16 Discourse on
progress of religious truth in SW states WD
10
12 INSTALLATION
On Monday evening last,
Rev. Charles Boynton was installed as pastor of the First Congregational church
of this city. The exercises were
conducted by Revs. D. C. Noyes, of Sauk City, C. D. Helmer, of Milwaukee, H. M.
Parmelee, of Oak Grove, J. J. Mitre, of Beaver Dam and N. C. Chapin of La
Crosse, and were of an impressive and interesting character. Mr. Boynton has been laboring for nearly a
year past in the church over which he has just been installed, and by his
admirable qualities as a man and a Christian, has become justly endeared to his
people as a minister of the gospel. WR
11
30 LADIES FESTIVAL
The ladies of the First
Congregational church in this city propose to give a festival at Cole’s Hall on
Thursday evening next, for the benefit of that church. There will be a good supper, of course, for
we believe the ladies having the matter in charge have never yet been known to
get up any other, in all the enterprises of that character with which they have
been connected. The committee, we
believe, have adopted a little different plan from that generally in vogue on
such occasions and propose to leave it to the liberality of their guests to
make such payment as they may see fit for entertainment provided for them,
instead of charging them a fixed price.
It is to be hoped that the attendance will be large, and the
contributions liberal. The public
generally are invited to attend. WR
12
06 SOCIAL RE-UNION
The Ladies of the
Congregational church hold their Social Re-Union this evening. They extended a cordial invitation to the
public generally to attend and contribute to an object that must be admitted to
be worthy the aid and liberality of all who have been favored with means to
spare for the noblest of objects. One of
our strongest safeguards is the Christian religion. Here it is sustained voluntarily for the
blessings it confers on the race. Let
all do what they can to render it a more efficient instrumentality for good in
our midst, for it is that which exalts alike individuals and nations, makes
them happier and better, even if we narrow our considerations down to its
temporal results, and say nothing of those infinitely higher influences which
it exerts, when we look at the future, and the destiny that awaits us. WR
1861
01 11 A DOUBLE SURPRISE
A few evenings since a
party of ladies took it into their heads to pay the family of Rev. C. Boynton a
surprise visit and leave their husbands at home. A few of the latter got an inkling of what
was going on and determined not to be outwitted in that way and thought that
they would try their hands at “surprising” also, and accordingly repaired to
the reverend gentleman’s residence, arriving at a very opportune moment, for
the ladies were just serving their refreshment.
It was difficult deciding who were the most surprised—Mr. and Mrs.
Boynton at the unexpected arrival of the ladies, or the latter at that of their
husbands. Taking it all around, the
affair was a very pleasant one. We think
the ladies had better get up another. WR
1863
01 08 A
PASTORAL VISIT
On the first evening
of the New Year the Rev. Charles Boynton, pastor of the Congregational church
of this city, invited all in any way connected with the Sunday School of that
denomination, to make him a visit at his residence. Of course such an intimation was gladly
received, and at the appointed hour the reception rooms of the good minister
were filled with a throng of bright and smiling faces, made more happy by the
cordial welcome given to them and the kindly and unfailing attentions bestowed on
all.
The many fine things
intended to please and gratify the Sabbath School Scholars were arranged and
displayed with a taste and skill well calculated to make the most favorable
impression on the minds of the youthful guests, and we venture to say that
those present have enjoyed few festive evenings more delightfully than the one
they passed at the house of their pastor on this occasion.
After a season[?] of
social intercourse, then came the tempting and bountiful refreshments, the
whole concluding with the distribution of appropriate and gratifying presents,
after which the joyous company of teachers and children separated to their
respective homes, with words of hope and benediction sounding in their ears –
all grateful for the thoughtful hospitality that had enabled them to spend the
first evening of the New Year in a manner so likely to inspire renewed interest
and activity in the cause of Sunday Schools – than which there is no
instrumentality for imparting early religious instruction more deserving the
prayers, efforts and study of Christians.
WD
07 02 SUNDAY
SCHOOL PIC NIC
The
Superintendent and teachers are making arrangements to give the children
belonging to the Congregational Sunday School a Pic Nic in Richard’s Grove, at
3 o’clock in the afternoon of the 4th of July.
If the day is cloudless and bright on that gala day, as we hope it will
be, we shall expect to see many hopeful and sunny faces gathered together in
that beautiful grove on this occasion.
The little members of that Sabbath School will be sure to have a fine
time, with nothing to do but enjoy themselves in the best way they can, with
any quantity of good things amply provided for them. WD
1864
01 21 PEW
RENTALS
The
pews in the Congregational church will be rented for the current year, at
public auction, at 7 p.m. on Friday, January 22nd, 1864. The rent to be paid quarterly in
advance. WD
09 29 NEW ROOF, REPAINTED AND
REMODELED
The Congregational
church in this city has recently been newly roofed and repainted, its interior
appearance improved and beautified and made far more pleasant as a place of
public worship. The pews, window
casings, and all the wood work have been grained in the finest style – the wood
imitations being as nearly perfect as it is possible to make them. This work was done by Messrs. Straw &
Goodrow with their new graining patterns, which they have accomplished with a
taste and skill that do them the highest credit. In that branch of their business known as
graining they are certainly unrivaled and unsurpassed and uniformly successful
in their efforts, giving the amplest satisfaction to all who secure their
services. WR
12 08 A PLEASANT SURPRISE
Last Thursday evening
the ladies of the Mite Society of the Congregational church of this city
prepared an agreeable and welcome surprise for their pastor, the Rev. C.
Boynton. It being the annual meeting of
the society, most of the members were present to witness the ceremony, which
made the attendance unusually large. A
little after 9 o’clock Mr. J. T. Moak, on behalf of the Ladies, in a short but
appropriate address, presented Mr. Boynton with a copy of “The Life of Jesus,”
well filled and richly illustrated with more than two hundred dollars’ worth of
the finest and most desirable engravings, which our banks are accustomed to
issue and circulate as the representatives of so much gold, but which now
command only a corresponding amount in “Greenbacks.” WR
1865
03 23 UNION
RELIGIOUS MEETINGS
“ . . . These meetings are not to
be denominational in design or character – the sole object being to induce men
to become Christians. We extend to you a
respectful and earnest invitation to attend all these meetings and we ask your
influence and active efforts to secure the attendance of others.
“We especially urge upon all
Christians, in view of the spiritual wants of our city, to lay aside, as far as
practicable, their secular occupations and sustain these meetings.”
C. Boynton, Pastor of the Congregational church, and I. Searles,
Pastor of the Methodist church. WD
03 30 REVIVAL
MEETINGS
During the past
week a series of interesting Union meetings have been held at the
Congregational church in this city. They
were conducted by Rev. J. D. Potter, whose earnest and faithful labors seem to have been blessed with great success.
His powerful and almost irresistible appeals have brought a large number
to a lively sense of their dangerous condition and led them to seriously
consider the things which belong to their salvation. On the awakened minds of many, such deep and
lasting impressions have been made that there is every reason to believe
numerous additions will soon be made to the church. Our great business in this world should be a
full preparation for the next. We cannot
too highly value or too well improve such providential occasions as the present
to calmly resolve henceforth to tread the bright pathway of the Life
Eternal. WD
12 07 AN
INVASION
It may be remembered that last spring we mentioned
a burglary at the residence of Rev. C. Boynton, pastor of the Congregational
church of this city, when his house was entered while the family were at church
on Sabbath evening and money and jewelry belonging to this wife stolen. We have now to record that his dwelling was
again entered on Monday night, the 28th, by an immense crowd.
In this instance Mr. Boynton was out making
calls upon his people and, having occasion to pass within sight of his
dwelling, saw indications that somebody was there, and turning his footsteps
homeward, caught the whole gang before any had time to escape. As they had but just commenced depredations,
the matter ended without litigation by their handing over two hundred and forty
dollars of greenbacks. The issue was so
favorable to their finances that Mr. and Mrs. Boynton express themselves highly
pleased with the whole affair and much obliged to those who invaded their house
and to their accomplices who were not present.
It does not appear that the most kind feeling
between the parties has been at all disturbed by the occurrence. WD
c.1865
Ella Boynton. Daughter of Rev. & Mrs. Charles Boynton
1866
VIEW FROM DISTANCE
1872
08 08 IMPROVE AND ENLARGE WHOLE EDIFICE
Enlargement
- Pretty extensive repairs on the Congregational church having become necessary,
and the pews being all occupied, it has been decided to improve and enlarge the
whole edifice. The ladies of the
congregation, having earnestly taken hold of this enterprise, and by their
efforts insured its accomplishment, it is no more than right to award to them a
large share of the credit for what has been and will be hereafter done. Two of their number, Mrs. J. A. Hall and Mrs.
C. H. Prior, have succeeded in procuring a subscription of nearly a thousand
dollars for this object, the balance of the estimated amount to be furnished by
the Mite Society, which is also conducted by the ladies. We understand the plan of enlargement drawn
by an architect has been accepted, and the work will be commenced immediately. It is supposed that it will be some five or
six weeks before the contemplated addition and repairs will be completed, and
the church be again ready for use as a place of worship. Commendable liberality has been shown in this
matter - many not belonging to the congregation having cheerfully contributed
towards carrying out the plan. In this
was the structure can be made commodious for some time longer, when it may be
possible to replace it with a new and more beautiful one. WD
1878
02 27 TELEPHONE LECTURE AND DEMO
The second
lecture in the Lyceum Course called out a large audience on last Friday
evening, in spite of the unpleasant weather.
The church [*] was connected with Gaebler's music store on
4th Street, six blocks distant, by an insulated copper wire, which was the
medium of transmission.
Prof.
Lovewell, the lecturer, traced the progress of
Telephony from Page's galvanic music in 1837 to its final development in
1872 by Bell, Gray, Edison and others.
The
different forms of apparatus were illustrated by chart diagrams, and the
Professor explained as clearly and concisely as the nature of the subject would
allow, the scientific principles of acoustics and electricity involved. To the greater majority of the audience the
most interesting part of the entertainment consisted in their listening to the
sounds transmitted over the wire. This
continued until a late hour and afforded much amusement, especially to those
who remained in the church after the majority of the audience had
dispersed. The different musical
instruments were distinctly heard, every note being accurately transmitted.
The singing
of Messrs. Gaebler, May and Charboneau was much enjoyed as was also a
controversy on the Silver Bill, in which Mr. J. B. Bennett played an important
part. The Watertown News, 27 Feb 1878
[*] Lyceum courses were held at First Congregational church, then
located at 504 S. Fourth St.
1883
PARSONAGE BUILT
In
1883 a cozy parsonage was built, which is still the home of the minister
attending the charge. 07 16
1909 story
It is thought that this parsonage
was replaced soon after 1909 when the church was replaced.
1889
12 06 ADDITION
TO NORTH END OF CHURCH
The trustees of the
Congregational church have decided to build church parlors, and the money which
is raised at the festival given by the Clover Club on the 17th. inst, will be
devoted to that object. WG
12 11 ADDITION
TO CHURCH
The Congregational
church society broke ground Monday for an addition to the north end of their
church, to contain parlors and kitchen for social entertainment and gatherings
incidental to church work. The addition will be 20x50, and it is intended to
have it completed in a month’s time. WR
12 20 CLOVER
CLUB BAZAAR AND FESTIVAL
The bazaar and festival given at lower Turner Hall by
the Clover Club last Tuesday evening, notwithstanding the unpleasantness of the
weather, was attended by a large number of people. The supper served was an excellent one and
was heartedly relished by all who partook of it. The fancy work articles offered for sale were
the finest ever displayed in Watertown and found ready sale. The ladies treated their patrons in their
usual cordial manner and took particular pains to see that all departed
well-pleased with the treatment received.
About $150 was realized. WG
1890
02 21 ADDITION
TO CHURCH
The
suite of rooms, consisting or parlor, dining room and kitchen, has been added
to the Congregational church. This is a
much-needed improvement. The rooms, which
are very commodious and tastefully furnished, will be put to a variety of
uses. They will be opened on Monday next
by a series of religious services, to be held every evening during the week. In these services the pastor will be assisted
by Dr. Stoddard, of Black Earth, Wis.
All are cordially invited to attend.
WG
1891
02 20 SOUTH
DAKOTA SUFFERERS
The
members of the Christian Endeavor society of the Congregational church are
gathering supplies to send to the South Dakota sufferers. The committee will be in attendance at the
church parlors on Saturday afternoon next and will be glad to receive donations
of clothing or other articles. All kinds
of clothing and footwear for children are especially wanted.
03 04 SOUTH
DAKOTA SUFFERERS
One
box and four barrels of clothing were sent to the Dakota sufferers last week by
the young people of the Christian Endeavor society of the Congregational
church. WR
03 27 GENTLEMEN,
CHOOSE YOUR DINING PARTNER
The
Y.P.S.C.E. of the Congregational church will hold a sociable at the church
parlors on Monday evening, March 30, 1891.
Gentlemen choose their partners for supper by having only the toe of the
ladies' shoe for a guide, the young ladies being hidden behind a curtain. A full attendance of young people is desired
and expected. WG
1894
11 07 SUCCESSFUL
HALLOWEEN ENTERTAINMENT BY CONGREGATIONAL GENTLEMEN
The
gentlemen of the Congregational church auspiciously observed Halloween with an
oyster supper at the church parlors last Wednesday evening. It proved to be, as was promised, one of the
leading social events of the season, and the projectors are to be congratulated
over the complete success that attended their efforts. Supper was served from 6 o’clock until all had
been bountifully fed.
As
much interest had been aroused as to the proficiency of the men in handling
affairs of this nature, the parlors were crowded with a large and agreeable
gathering, and it must be said there was no disappointment over the treatment
extended. The dining tables presented an
inviting and cheerful appearance, each tastefully arranged and adorned with a
liberality of chrysanthemums, while in corners of the rooms were placed palms
and other plants.
The
tables were attended by a corps of colored waiters, each in the conventional
burnt cork [1} and porter’s white duck jackets.
There were six of these — W. C. Stone, E. W. Schultz, Ed. May, Dr.
Eugene Goeldner, G. W. Webb and Frank Eaton — all in charge of S. R. Sleeper as
head waiter, who closely looked after the comforts of his guests. The waiter system was a distinct and most
efficient feature of the occasion.
In the
kitchen the following gentlemen served: Will Buthorn, Jesse Stone, Theo. Schnitzler,
John Chapman, Chris Martinsen and William Meyer. They did the cooking of the hot dishes and
were “out of sight” to the guests; probably it is just as well that they were.
When the time came for collecting the quarters, Fred Ryder’s benign countenance
beamed upon all, and he gathered in many shekels for the good of the church.
Means
of entertainment were provided the guests while waiting for supper. The Mandolin orchestra played several
selections, and pleasing recitations were given by Miss Edna Chadwick and
Mollie Laflin, of Milwaukee, the latter a little miss of only 8 years, whose
work was indeed surprising for one so young.
`
The
gentlemen worked with an untiring will for the success of their venture and
much credit is due them. It was amply
proven that hereafter the ladies have need to do their best if they wish to
sustain their reputations. The supper
was profitable to a large degree, $75 being realized. Will Buthorn was the prime mover and is
entitled to great praise for his excellent management of the affair. The Watertown
Republican, 07 Nov 1894
[1]
blackface. Not realized as offensive at
the time
12 12 CLOVER
CLUB: FAME AS SUPPER-GIVERS
A large
degree of success has ever crowned the efforts of the Congregational church
Clover Club ladies over their annual suppers and bazaars, but Fortune’s smiles
were unusually profuse at their entertainment last Thursday evening. The lower Turner hall was crowded with
patrons all evening and the club reports that it achieved the greatest of its
successes on this occasion. The fame of
the ladies as supper-givers has gone abroad and there was a great demand for
seats at the tables, where an abundance of good things for the hungry were
served. It is safe to say that no one
was disappointed as to the supper’s quality, and no one’s appetite was
unappeased. At the booths fancy articles
and pretty wares galore were offered for sale, with a lively disposition of the
same. The proceeds of the evening were
about $160. WR
1895
05 22 UNION
SERVICE AT REFORMED CHURCH
The German Reformed church, on
Cole Street, which has undergone a remodeling, including a new steeple, was
formally dedicated last Sunday with appropriate ceremonies. Three services were held, the first at 10 A.M
conducted by Rev. C. H. Nott, of Milwaukee; the second at 2 P.M., were Rev. H.
Rusterholz, of Montello, preached, and the third at 7:30 in the evening. The latter was a union service, in which the
Congregational and Moravian churches joined.
Rev. G. C. Weiss, of the former, delivered an English address, while
Rev. A. Haupert, of the latter, preached in German. At all meetings the attendance was large and
the dedication awakened considerable interest.
The ceremonies were in charge of the pastor, Rev. E. Hinske. WR
1898
02 02 FREE
LECTURE ON "NATURAL METHOD"
The
Congregational church parlors were well filled last evening, when Prof. Otto
Cohahn gave his free lecture and test lesson on his "Natural Method"
of imparting a conversational knowledge of the French and German
languages. The audience was composed of
some of our best people and all seemed enthusiastic over the project. Prof. Cohahn's illustrations of the method
were to many a surprising revelation of the possibilities of acquiring a good
acquaintance of these languages, in a comparatively brief time, under the
tutorship of an able master of them, such as the professor is known to be. This afternoon at 4:30 Prof. Cohahn will meet
all who want to take either of the two courses, at the Congregational Church
parlors, and from all indications he will have large classes. WR
03 30 ADDRESS
ON THE GOOD OF A FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY
L. E.
Stearns, the librarian of the Wisconsin Free Libraries Commission, will occupy
the pulpit of the Congregational Church next Sunday evening and give an address
on "The Child and His Books."
This will be in no sense a church or ecclesiastical affair, but an address
by a library official, touching on the good of a free
public library. There will be no
collection taken, nor will there be anything sectarian in the movement. Miss Stearns is an interesting speaker and
represents a cause worthy of the serious attention of all our citizens. An invitation is extended to all, regardless
of of their creeds or church affiliation, to give Miss Stearns a hearing in
this matter, Sunday evening. The
businessmen of the city are especially invited.
WR
10 12 AIDING
FOREST FIRE VICTIMS
Tonight
a large consignment of wearing apparel will be shipped from here to the people
of Northern Wisconsin who lost their all by the recent forest fires. The work of soliciting donations and taking
care of the same has been in charge of the committee of the Congregational
church women, with headquarters at 203 Main Street. Citizens who desire to aid in this noble
undertaking can still do so this afternoon.
WR
1899 CLOVER
CLUB THANKED by Woman's Guild / Old Maids' Convention
03 22 Will
the Clover Club please accept the thanks of the Woman's guild for their neat
compliment in last week's Republican?
The good reputation earned we shall try to retain. We are sorry to announce that our spring sale
will be held a few days before that august body of old maids assembles here;
but if they only knew of the beautiful garments we shall display at this sale,
and the wonderful bargains to be made, they would without a doubt appear in advance
of their date, while a glance at our menu for a "measuring" supper to
be served on the European plan at this time would draw even more fastidious
people than the Walkers and the Anthonys.
Their fears must not be aroused by the word "measuring," as a
flight of years does not come under our "rule" on this occasion. However, if Dr. Mary Walker and Susan B.
Anthony do not arrive in time for this sale we hope to meet them at the
convention. – SECRETARY WOMAN's GUILD. WR
04 05 OLD
MAIDS' CONVENTION
The
funniest local entertainment for years will be the Old Maids' Convention to be
given under the auspices of the Clover Club, at Turner Hall, Tuesday, April
11. Tickets at 25 cents each are now on
sale. Seats may be reserved without
extra charge at Gamm's drug store on and after Wednesday, April 5. We wish to call special attention to the
dainty buffet to be served by the delegates after the entertainment. A cup of coffee may be had for 5 cents, a
dish of ice cream for 10, to which you may add as much or as little as you feel
inclined. WR
04 12 OLD
MAIDS' CONVENTIONS
What
amusement providers are pleased to term "Old Maids' Conventions" has
been quite the vogue this season in nearby cities, but it is perhaps a safer
venture to say that none of these entertainments has met with such unbounded
success as the one given last evening at Turner Opera house under the patronage
of the Clover Club of the Congregational church. The gratifying results that rewarded the efforts
of the energetic women comprising this popular society was but another
achievement in the line of successes which have come to be anticipated as a
certainty in whatever they undertake.
The production, we understand, was under the direction of Mrs. Frank E. Woodard, who has been
congratulated on all sides by her careful management. WR
Cross reference to “Old Maid’s Societies”
02 20 1900:
Our exchanges often speak of the organization of “Old Maid’s Societies”
in their respective cities. A canvass of
the city of Fort Atkinson reveals the fact that the number of ancient maidens
is not large enough to make it pay to organize such a society. Fort Atkinson girls are in such demand that
old maids are not to be found there. WR
06 20 LUNCHEON
GIVEN BY CLOVER CLUB
Though
the weather was not very favorable for a long lawn fete on Thursday evening,
the luncheon given by the Clover Club was well patronized. The gorgeous lawn in front of the home of J. T. Moak was well fitted up for the
occasion and swarms of people tripped lightly over the lawn to the music of
Blaesius’ orchestra. Booths were
arranged in which refreshments and various commodities were disposed of by
pretty maids, and the dining table, which was under the protection of a liberty
bell, was tended by charmingly ladies in the garb of the colonial days and
powdered hair. WR
1900
11 30 CLOVER CLUB RECIPE BOOK
The
ladies of the Clover Club has now in the press to a book which will prove
valuable to every housekeeper. Watertown
has always been famous for its good cooks, and the ladies of Watertown have
contributed the very cream of their recipes to the "Clover Club Cook
Book," which will be on sale at the annual bazaar and supper to be held at
Concordia opera house December 6. What
more useful Christmas present than a first- class up-to-date cook book,
reliable in every detail, for
We may
live without poetry, music and art,
We may
live without conscience and live without heart,
We may
live without friends, we may live without books,
But,
civilized man cannot live without cooks.
WG
1901
07 05 RECITAL,
WATERTOWN SCHOOL OF MUSIC
A
select audience attended the pupils’ recital last Monday evening at the
Congregational church parlors under the direction of Wm. S. Mullen, and Mrs.
Ackerly Townsend, both of whom have been associated with the Watertown School of Music. The piano selections were rendered by pupils
of Mr. Mullen’s classes at Oconomowoc, Juneau, Richwood and this city. All acquitted themselves most creditably, and
reflected much credit on their instructor, who by his zeal and devotion to his
chosen profession is fast forging to the front as one of the best musicians in
this section of the state. The vocal
selections were by the pupils of Mrs. Townsend, who had been attending our
local conservatory, being Miss Genevieve Mullen and Miss Anna Smith, both of
whom have most pleasing voices and on this occasion showed the effect of the
good training they have been receiving during the past year. WG
08 16 IN
PRAISE OF THE RUMMAGE SALE
What you have long sought for you will find
here, when the ladies of the Clover Club open their famous sale on Tuesday,
September 10th. The rummage sale, all
hail the festive rummage sale, the greatest paramount issue since the dinner
pail. The fad that clears the attic and
likewise clears the cellar. There is
nothing new beneath the sun nor in the modern rummage sale; it looks as if the
stock in trade were gathered by a Texas gale and people crowd the bargain room
all clamoring to buy. Variety is the
essence of this social endeavor and what you can’t find at the sale you will
never find at all. The list is all
embracing, ranging from a looking glass to cooking stoves . . . . every kind of
wood and tin and crockery things to puts things in. All this and more you will find among the
rag-tag relics of this latest craze, the rummage sale. A committee of ladies from the Clover Club
will wait upon you. Lay aside what you
don’t want and they will send their wagon round to get it. WG
1902
05 15 JESSE
STONE FUNERAL
DEATH Of LIEUT.
GOY. JESSE STONE
Funeral Services at the Congregational Church.
—Eloquent Sermon
State Officers and
Members of Legislature in Attendance
The funeral was held under the auspices of the Masonic order at the
Congregational Church, Rev. Win, Fritzmeier
officiating. Interment in Oak Hill
Cemetery.
1903
Orlena
and Anna Moak funerals
1904
10 10 MEN'S
SUNDAY EVENING CLUB
The
matter of a Men's Sunday Evening club at the Congregational church is being
broached. These organizations are becoming very popular, and wherever they
exist have proved to be conducive to interesting young men especially in church
attendance. That there is ample fuel for such movement in our midst is a fact
not to be denied and it is hoped something may materialize of this project.
1905
Church
minister, Thomas B. Thompson, beneficiary, Fannie Lewis' will.
1907
02 22 KNIGHTS
OF KING ARTHUR return to annex of church
The
Knights of King Arthur have given up their room in the Masonic Temple used as a gymnasium and
returned to their rooms in the annex to the Congregational church and will be
under the supervision and instruction of Rev. H. C. Rehm, who will continue the
work inaugurated by the Rev. T. B. Thompson, his predecessor as pastor of the
church. The room in the Temple will be
occupied by Dr. H. V. Pitschmann, who will fit it up for a gymnasium with all
of the latest apparatus and appliances usually found in those in the large cities
and make it an ideal place for the young men of our city, who can go there for
recreation and exercise that which will be helpful and healthful.
1908
10 02 New Woodcraft Indians club met and elected
officers
1908
1909
01 01 Men's Club hosted Schildkret
Hungarian orchestra at Turner Opera House
WG
01 01 Special Christmas musical program
prepared by the choir; sermon WG
01 15 Decision made to build a new church,
dimensions; $7500 has been subscribed; Clover Club promises generous
donation WG
04 02 Turner opera house dramatic show, given under the auspices of the Clover
Club WG
04 02 EDWARD RACEK BUYS OLD CHURCH
Edward Racek purchased the
Congregational church building last week, and has removed it to his
lots in Second Street, where he will have it fitted up as a double flat
residence building. WG
Structure
dates to c.1845 making it one of the oldest homes in the city.
06 11 Rev.
Henry Rehm’s song set to music WG
1909
07
09 WILL
LAY CORNER STONE
The corner stone of
the new Congregational church will be laid next Sunday. An elaborate program will be prepared,
including music and addresses. Rev.
Charles Parker Connolly, pastor of Plymouth Church, Milwaukee, will deliver the
chief address. Mr. Connolly is a new man
in the state but comes from Kansas with a fine reputation as an orator. Superintendent Carter of the Home Missionary
Society will lay the corner stone and will also preach at the Masonic Temple in
the morning at the regular services. A
platform will be erected at the front of the church and seats provided. The services will be held at 4 o’clock in the
afternoon. WG
07
11 CORNER STONE CEREMONY
07 16 CORNER STONE LAID
Last
Sunday afternoon the corner stone of the new Congregational church, corner of
Fourth and Wisconsin streets, was laid with impressive ceremonies. There was a large number of people present to
take part in the proceedings, including the various church societies, people of
other denominations and quite a number from out of town. The weather was ideal for the services and
everything passed off in a most excellent manner.
The
corner stone was laid at the southeast corner of the building, it is of Bedford
sandstone and has inscribed on it "1909." A brief history of the church, copies of the
local newspapers and a number of other documents were placed in the stone. Rev. H. W. Carter, D. D., of Beloit,
superintendent of the missionary department, Congregational societies of
Wisconsin, laid the stone, and Rev. Charles Parker Connolly, pastor of Plymouth
church, Milwaukee, delivered the principal address. His remarks were eloquent and interesting,
and thoroughly appreciated by all present.
The program in full was as follows:
Sentences from Scripture ........Rev. H. C. Rehm
Doxology ........................Congregation and
Choir
Invocation ......................Rev. H. C. Rehm
Vocal Quartette .................Mr. and Mrs. Wm
Sproesser, Edw. L.
Schempf,
Mrs. C. R. Feld,
Reading of report ...............C. A. Skinner
Address .........................Rev. P. C.
Connolly, Milwaukee
Song ............................Choir
Reading of contents of stone ....Rev. H. C. Rehm
Laying of corner stone ..........Rev. H. W. Carter,
Beloit
Hymn,
Blest Be
the Tie That Binds ..Congregation and Choir
Benediction
The
initial step in the movement leading to the building of the new Congregational
church was taken in January 1908, at meeting of the Clover Club. It was voted at that time that the club
pledged itself to raise $1000 for a church building fund. This action and the heroic way in which the
members and officers of the club at once went to work encouraged the church to
look forward to larger things. It has
long been realized that this church was in need of extensive repairs. It was
also felt that this would at least require a complete remodeling of the
building.
At a
meeting of the church and congregation held June 22, 1908, the sentiment seemed
to be in favor of a remodeled church, but a committee consisting of Mrs. L. L.
Parks, Mr. R. Achtenhagen and Mr. Rehm was appointed to canvass the situation
and ascertain whether it would not be expedient to plan for a new church.
This
committee was empowered to decide for a remodeled or a new church. After considering
the matter all summer this committee decided to submit the question to the
trustees, the Sunday school superintendent and the president of the Clover
Club, which organized itself as a joint committee with the original committee. This joint committee decided to recommend
building a new church on condition that $7000 including the Clover Club pledge
be raised. It was also voted to build
according to plans drawn by Van Ryn & DeGelleke of Milwaukee, for the Two
Rivers Congregational church.
The $7000
was soon pledged and at the annual meeting of the church and congregation on
January 11, 1909, it was decided to build a new edifice costing about $11,000.
In March the old building was sold and contracts let to Ferd. Behlke,
carpenter; Mallow & Kaddatz, masons; William Schiebel, plumber; Schmutzler
& Heismann, painters.
The
building committee consists of the Rev. H. C. Rehm, chairman, R. Achtenhagen,
E. A. Pratt, A. D. Platz, Mrs. L. L. Parks, and Chas. A. Skinner. The cost of the building will be about
$12,300 which includes price of the memorial windows donated by C. A. Skinner,
Mrs. W. C. Stone, Mrs. C. Berrymann, Lee Skinner for the late C. B. Skinner and
wife, and also by Mrs. G. B. Lewis for the late G. B. Lewis, by Mrs. H. Donner
for a Bennett memorial, by Mrs. Jesse Stone for former Lieut. Gov. Jesse Stone,
by Mrs. F. M. Piper for a Piper Memorial.
Mrs.
Katherine and Lucy Hall have also contributed $400 each which will be used in
payment on the $2,150 Kimball pipe organ purchased for the new church. This instrument will be a Hall memorial.
The
First Congregational Church in Watertown was organized by Rev. Stephen Peet,
agent of the home missionary society, July 13, 1845, or just sixty-four years
ago. The first meeting was held in the only schoolhouse up to that time within
the city limits of Watertown. The
society was composed chiefly of Presbyterians, but an organization was effected
in accordance with the Congregational faith.
The first communicants were George Breakenridge, Wm. Dunlavey, O. K.
Coe, Nancy Breakenridge, Jane A. Dunlavey, Mary J. Scott, Paulina S. Coe, Maria
Shears, Harriet Montgomery.
A
church edifice was erected in 1850 on the site of the proposed new church at a
cost of $1500. It was enlarged twice
since, the first time in 1858 and again in 1872.
The
first pastor was the Rev. B. F. Parsons, and during his pastorate services were
held in the old Cramer block, 113-115 West Main Street. The succeeding pastors were: Revs. J. C.
Craighead, N. C. Chapin, W. A. Niles, Charles Boynton, W. H. Ryder, Charles C. Craigin, W. A.
Hendrickson. R. C. Bedford, James M.
Campbell, G. C. Weiss, W. T. Ream, Wm. Fritzemeier, Thos. B. Thompson and
the present pastor, H. C. Rehm.
In
1883 a cozy parsonage was built, which is still the home of the minister
attending the charge.
The present
church now under construction is being built at a cost of $12,500, and with an
organ costing $2,100, will cost the congregation the sum of $14,600.
The
pastor, Rev. H. C. Rehm, is entitled to the credit of initiating the move for
the building of the new church, and he has labored incessantly and hard to
bring about the success of the movement, and every member of his congregation
gave him encouragement in his good work.
10 01 FIRST SERVICES
The
first services in the new Congregational church will be held on October
10. The afternoon meeting at the
Methodist Church will be continued next Sunday.
Arrangements have been made to have the Sunday school room completed so
that it can be used both for the school and the regular services which will be
held at the usual hour in the morning.
This has been done in order to get the routine of church activities on a
working basis before dedication. It has
been practically decided that the date for dedication will be October 24. At that time it is expected to have the
church completed, including the memorial windows and a pipe organ. WG
10 15 DEDICATION OF CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
The
building of the new Congregational church has been an unusually successful
enterprise and plans are now being made to dedicate on October 31 with two
elaborate services. Prominent speakers
from out of the city will be on the program, while a choir of about thirty
voices will contribute the music. All
the details of the occasion will be announced later. Contrary to the general impression the
building will be completed in October, which means that it has taken less than
six months to erect this church. The
weather has been exceptionally favorable and there have been no delays in
securing material. The contractors have
pushed the work and there was no conflict in the arrangements.
Another
feature deserving mention is the comparatively low cost at which the building
was erected. The total outlay, including
all fixtures, pews, lighting, etc., will not exceed $13,000.
It
is to be regretted that the new two manual pipe organ which represents an
expenditure of over $2000 will not be in place on dedication day and will not
arrive until about Christmas time.
However, a fine two manual pipe organ will be installed temporarily by
the Kimball Organ Company at once and will be used at the dedication.
All
the windows with the possible exception of the largest will be installed next
week. It is hoped that these windows,
made of the finest Tiffany or drapery glass, will prove one of the features of
the edifice. The pews are all of oak
with quartered sawed ends. A new pulpit
donated by the Wilder family is a beautiful piece of furniture and together
with a new American Revised Bible will harmonize with the surroundings. All who have seen the tinting of the walls
and the wood work stain are delighted with the color harmony that has been
secured.
It
is certain that everything has
been done to make this new church homelike and restful as well as thoroughly
modern in all its equipment. WG
10 29 DEDICATION POSTPONED
The dedication of the
new Congregational church has again been postponed and the plans are now to
hold the service incident thereto on November 21st. A delay in filling the order for the church
pews is the cause, as the church is in readiness for occupancy. WG
11 19 DEDICATION OF NEW CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
Beginning
with Sunday next the Congregational church has arranged for a week of
celebration and jubilee in the new church.
Two big services on Sunday will be of unusual interest, as marking the
opening of an epoch of larger usefulness for the congregation and because of
the presence of two speakers of exceptional ability and reputation. Pres. E. D. Eaton of Beloit College will
preach the regular dedication sermon in the morning, while Dr. C. H. Beale of
Milwaukee Grand Avenue church will deliver the address in the evening. Dr. Homer W. Carter, Home Missionary of the
state, will be at both services and take part in the program.
The
senior and junior choirs have been consolidated for the occasion and will sing
two anthems at each meeting. There are
to be three soloists, Edward Schempf, Mr. and Mrs. William Sproesser, and a
quartette consisting of Mr. and Mrs. William Sproesser, Mrs. C. R. Feld and
John Schempf.
Because
of the delay in securing the pews it has been possible to perfect all
arrangements and to make far better preparation for the occasion.
On
Monday there will be a homecoming meeting for all those who have in the past
been in any way connected with the church, the choir or the Sunday school. This has been arranged purely for the purpose
of giving expression to our interest in and affection for the old church. Rev. T. B Thompson of Rockford, Ill., and J.
T. Moak of Ft. Atkinson will speak on behalf of the home comers, while Mayor
Mulberger will give the word of greeting.
Entertainment and refreshments will be provided, but no
charge or collection of any kind will be made.
During the week there will be a house-warming for the boys and one for
the girls. An outside speaker will be
secured for the mid-week service and there will be a union vesper service with
the Methodist church on Thanksgiving day.
WG
11 19 A FINE MUSICAL TREAT / First
of the Series of Artist Recitals
Music
lovers of Watertown and vicinity will be pleased to learn that the first of the
series of artist recitals arranged for the coming season will be given at the
new Congregational church, Friday evening, November 26th.
The
artists who will appear at this concert are:
Marion Greene, the eminent Basso Cantante, whose rise to the high rank
which he has attained among American artists has been phenomenal. He is constantly filling the most desirable
engagements with prominent choral and orchestral organizations throughout the
country. In connection with Mr. Greene,
Harry Karl Gillman, an American violinist who has studied abroad with some of
the leading masters and who has created a sensation in European as well
American cities wherever he has played, will be heard. In addition, Manson Orsay, the superb lady
harpist, will appear in several solo numbers.
Those
of our musical people who have arranged the recital series for Watertown
guarantee that the artists who will appear at the recitals are all artists of
the first rank and no lover of music should miss hearing them. Over 200 tickets for the coarse have already
been sold on subscription to leading Watertown people. The price of course tickets—3 concerts—is
only $2.00, and they will be ready within a few days.
The
second concert will include the well-known Steindel trio (possibly during
Christmas week), and at the third concert, Jessie Lynde Hopkins, the well-known
Chicago contralto, will be the leading artist. Further particulars
regarding this series of concerts can be obtained at the store of the Schempf
Co. WG
11 26 CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH DEDICATED WG
Last Sunday the new
Congregational church was dedicated, dedication services being held at 11
o'clock in the morning, at which Dr. Edward Dwight Eaton, president of the
Beloit College, delivered the dedicatory sermon. The program carried out at this service was
as follows:
Organ Prelude
Doxology
Invocation
Chorus—God Hath
Appointed a Day Tours
Reading of the
Scriptures
Solo—Lord God of
Abraham Mendelssohn
Mr. William Sproesser
Prayer of Consecration
Hymn 131
Dedicatory Sermon
Dr. Edward Dwight
Eaton
Quartet—Seek Ye the
Lord Roberts
Edward Schempf, tenor
soloist, Mrs. William Sproesser, Mrs. C. R. Feld, William Sproesser, J. W.
Schempf
Offering
Chorus—The Heavens Are
Telling Haydn
Dedication Services
Prayer of Dedication
Rev. O. L. Robinson
Dedication Hymn
Benediction
Silent Prayer
Organ Postlude
The evening services were
held at 7:30 o'clock, the Rev. C. H. Beale, D. D., of Milwaukee delivering an
able sermon. The program was as follows:
Organ Prelude
Doxology
Invocation
Chorus—God Hath
Appointed a Day Tours
Reading of the
Scriptures
Solo—Arm, Arm Ye
Brave Handel
Mr. William Sproesser
Prayer
Hymn
Sermon
Rev C. H. Beale, D. D.
Solo—With Verture
Clad Haydn
Mrs. William Sproesser
Offering
Hymn
Benediction
Silent Prayer
Organ Postlude
The organist at both services
was Mrs. A. Speer of Milwaukee, a most excellent musician, her playing being
one of the pleasing features of the day's program.
The attendance at both
services was very large, many former members of the church being present from
other places. Rev. O. L. Robinson of
Madison, state Sunday school superintendent, delivered the dedication prayer,
and Dr. Eaton delivered an eloquent dedicatory sermon, among other things
saying:
The more perfect and
beautiful life may be, the more distressing is its brevity and the more
paralyzing is the effect of that brevity upon the life itself. Here is the crowning triumph of the power of
the endless life. Christ draws the eye
beyond the perishable to the indissoluble, beyond the mortal to immortality.
As business men regard
the longest investments as the best, so the interests of life which have in
them the absoluteness of eternity are the worthiest of us.
The speaker described
at some length an incident of the setting free of a young homing pigeon far out
in the open Atlantic, and its flight back to the dove cot which was its home,
and compared this instinct to the human soul for the larger life which the
church reveals as the gift of its Master.
Well may we rejoice
then in our life with all its varied, wholesome activities as interpreted and
energized by Christian faith. No shadow
of time can eclipse our exultation in it.
The earth is its present sphere, and the here and the now grip it about;
but thus it grows strong and faithful.
It bides its tune and is sure of the larger manifestation; for at its
heart is the power of the endless life.
The homecoming week of
jubilee program which began last Monday is as follows:
Monday
evening—Homecoming meeting—A reunion of all members and friends of the church,
the choir and the Sunday school, in the parlors. Addresses by the Rev. Thomas Barney Thompson
and Mr. J. T. Moak on the part of the home-comers. Mayor Arthur Mulberger will give the word of
welcome. Music and refreshments and no
offering is to be taken or charge of any kind made as this gathering is simply
to renew old interests under a new roof.
Everyone invited.
Tuesday evening, 8
o'clock—Girls housewarming—Gathering of all girls in Sunday school and choir
under the auspices of the Junior Clover club.
Different organizations are to be formed.
Wednesday afternoon,
2:30 o'clock —Clover club meeting
Wednesday evening,
7:30 o'clock—Midweek service—Plans will be made to organize the Beecher club.
Thursday evening, 7:30
o'clock—Union Thanksgiving service—The Rev. Robert Barnes of Milwaukee will
deliver the sermon.
Saturday evening, 8
o'clock—Boys housewarming—This meeting is intended to get the different classes
of boys together for the purpose of organization.
Mayor Mulberger
delivered the address of welcome Monday evening; Rev Thos. B. Thompson, former
pastor of the Congregational church, also delivered an interesting address,
followed by a reminiscent address by J. T. Moak
of Ft. Atkinson, for over 50 years a resident of Watertown and for many years
its postmaster. His address is of
unusual interest, and will be published in full in The Gazette next week, lack of space forbidding it this week.
The new Congregational
church is a credit and ornament to our city, and speaks well for the zeal of
its communicants. To Rev. H. C. Rehm,
its pastor, special praise should be given.
He has successfully carried out the work of erecting this fine edifice,
in the face of obstacles that would prevent many from undertaking the task.
12 03 RESOLUTIONS
Whereas, The splendid
success of our dedication day program was due to those who so generously
offered their services.
Be It Resolved, That
the Board of Trustees of the Congregational church, of Watertown, herewith
desire to express their appreciation and gratitude.
To Dr. Edw. Dwight
Eaton of Beloit College, for his scholarly and eloquent sermon.
To Dr. O. H. Beale of
Milwaukee, for his stirring and effective address.
To Mr. O. L. Robinson
for the helpful part he took in the program.
To Mrs. Speer of
Milwaukee, for the efficient way in which she presided at the organ, under
considerable difficulties, and for her perfect success in giving the music an
attractive and beautiful setting.
To Mr. Edw. Schempf,
for his tenor solo, which was one of the features of the program, and which was
greatly appreciated by all.
To Mr. and Mrs.
Sproesser for enriching the services by solo work which was beautiful and
finished to an unusual degree.
To Mrs. C. R. Feld for
the effective manner in which the whole musical program was prepared and
conducted.
To the entire choir,
each member of which gave so much time and talent and succeeded so thoroughly
in doing justice of the music and the occasion.
And Be It Further
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to each person mentioned
above and that they be published in the newspapers.
— W. C. Stone,
President Board of Trustees. WG
12 03 ADDRESS BY J. T. MOAK / AT THE ABOVE REUNION of former members WG
At the reunion of former members
of the Congregational church of this city last week, or rather at the
homecoming exercises, J. T. Moak of Ft. Atkinson, a former resident of this
city and who was for many years postmaster here, delivered the following very
interesting address. It will be read
with keen interest by The Gazette
readers not only in this city, but wherever it circulates:
At the suggestion of someone who
meant well, but I fear advised him wrongly, Mr. Rehm was induced to invite me
to give you this evening a chapter of reminiscences of the Congregational
Church. Having a distrust of my ability
to do this satisfactorily, at least to myself, my first impulse was to
decline. The request was couched in such
complimentary terms, and evidently with so much sincerity, that I hesitated,
for a time; when remembering how loyally Mrs. Moak and I were entertained by
this people when we left the city three years ago, I determined to lay aside
all delicacy and respond to the call as one that you or your representatives
had a right to make.
Therefore I am here to fill the
part assigned me in the program to the best of my ability. If my efforts to entertain you shall prove
disappointing, I implore you to deal with Mr. Rehm, for bear in mind that his
advent in the city was subsequent to my departure and he could not be expected,
from want of personal knowledge, to act with full understanding. If it turns out that he was the victim of
misplaced confidence he should not, in all fairness, be held accountable for
results.
As already indicated I am to deal
with some of the early recollections of the church going back thirty, forty or
fifty years, which antedate the birth of many of you and will serve to revive
the memories of some of your seniors. My
first associations with the church date
back to 1854, the year of my coming to the city. It had been organized then about nine years
and the pastor was Rev. W. A. Niles. The
church edifice was then considerably smaller than in later years, and the usual
attendance was in size commensurate with the building. Mr. Niles remained about six years and was
succeeded by Rev. Chas. Boynton, whose successors in the order named were the
Revs. W. H. Ryder, C. C. Cragin, W. A. Hendrickson, R. C. Bedford, J. M.
Campbell, A. O. Wright, G. C. Weiss, Wm. Fritzemeier and T. B. Thompson.
This covers a period of 52 years
during which time I sat under the droppings of the sanctuary, and I am
compelled to confess, which I do in the deepest humility, that notwithstanding
the efforts which these faithful workers in the Lord's vineyard put forth for
the regeneration of souls and the salvation of sinners, I never maintained any
closer relation to the church than that of a brother-in-law. However, my good wife was gathered into the
fold which may, in a measure, have been taken as part satisfaction. How often have I wondered that she has not
grown round-shouldered under the weight of these doubled responsibilities.
As a member of the board of
trustees for many years, I was quite familiar with its affairs, internal and
financial. We had often to wrestle with
difficult problems. How to pay the
minister and meet other obligations when due was sometimes no easy matter. The current revenues were not always
available or sufficient and it was not unusual for the trustees to put their
hands in their pockets and supply the necessary funds. At other times having credit at a friendly
bank, we would join in a note and have it discounted. Another of our resources was to head a
subscription list and then invoke the aid of some of the women in the church to
go out and circulate the same, as they were found to be more successful in that
work than the men. Looking back upon
this I will admit that it was a most cowardly thing to do, and for one I crave
forgiveness for having been a party to any such transaction.
There was an organization among
the ladies known as the Mite Society, its purposes being similar to the present
one known by the more euphonious name of the Clover Club. And it was very useful in its way, too, besides
furnishing amusement and promoting sociability among the church
attendants. I am not certain that it was
not in some respects an improvement on the more modern methods. In those days there were no church parlors in
which to meet—we had not attained the dignity—and the gatherings were
migratory. And they were always well
attended. There were readings,
recitations and the like, not forgetting music and thereby hangs a tale.
For hilarity and good fellowship
there were several who could always be depended upon, but the leading spirits
among them and the provokers of the most fun, I think, were good old Deacon Coe
and Jonas Sleeper. Their specialty was
singing and they were always ready to display their talents in that line on call. I do not think that either would have taken
first rank in a high-class musical organization nor would they perhaps have
been able to hold a position long in your present choir. I am certain that the
Mite Society could not have gotten along without them. The play of Hamlet with Hamlet omitted would
[not] have been quite as satisfactory.
Speaking further of their singing, one of their favorite selections was
entitled "Nicodemus," and as the song never may have been heard by
some of you perhaps I will be pardoned for giving some of the words; though out
of regard for your feelings I will confine myself to a single verse and the
chorus, which seems infliction enough.
It was as follows . . .
1910
1910
05 27 Milwaukee
district convention of Congregational churches held at church WG
06 10 Dedicatory organ recital WG
07 08 Young
ladies of Junior Clover Club, left for Lake Mills to enjoy a week's
outing WG
1911
02 09 REV. H. C. REHM RESIGNS
On Saturday last Rev.
H. C. Rehm, pastor of the Congregational church for the past four years, handed
in his resignation to take effect April 1st next. In his resignation he says:
To the trustees and to
the society of the First Congregational church of Watertown, Wis.:
Dear Friends: Pursuant to an agreement that there be a two
months notice for the termination of this pastorate, I herewith submit my
resignation as pastor of the First Congregational church of Watertown, to take
effect April 1st.
May I be permitted to
add that my relationships with this church have been in every way
delightful? These four years in
Watertown have been the pleasantest and happiest of my life and I cannot be too
grateful to the friends whose good will and generous spirit has helped me over
difficulties. I leave with not the least
sense of grievance or disappointment except that it has not been given me to
serve you more effectively in the distinctly spiritual life.
I have the greatest
confidence in the future of this church, equipped and supported as it is. I am sure you will have little difficulty in
finding another pastor who with fresh confidence and fine enthusiasm will lead
you far into the Way, the Truth and the Life.
Yours very faithfully,
H. C. Rehm
Rev. Mr. Rehm intends
going to the Pacific slope to practice law and may decide to locate in either
Salem or Eugene, Oregon. Before coming
to Watertown four years ago he practiced law for two years. In leaving Watertown Rev. Rehm will carry
with him the best wishes of all our people.
He was not only popular with his own congregation but with the people of
Watertown in general, and all will regret the departure of himself and family
very much. WG
1912 Rev. N.
CARTER DANIELL AT THE CONFIRMATION CLASS
WG 04 04 1912
The Congregational Parsonage Watertown, April 5, 1912
To the Editor of The Times:
My Dear Sir: My attention has been called to a reference
to me in the April Fool's Day edition of your paper. It was therein stated that my address at the
confirmation exercises was "in line with" an alleged statement of
Miss Perdue, concerning the moral condition of Watertown. The enclosed manuscript contains the sum and
substance of my address on that occasion and of that section which refers to
the moral condition of Watertown; much is a verbatim report.
This I attest and so also attest
several prominent citizens, who were at the service in question and to whom I
have read the contents of this manuscript.
Trusting you will extend to me the courtesy of your columns, as have the
other editors, so that the interest aroused in your April Fool Day edition may
be gratified. I remain
Yours obediently,
N. Carter Daniell.
Mr. Daniell is a writer, traveler
and preacher. His special interest is in youth, their moral and spiritual
equipment for the battle of life. His
knowledge of boys and girls after extended study and observation in England,
India and America, specially fit him for youth's leadership and instruction. In India over 1200 children attended his schools,
and both in England and America he has had daily facilities for the study of
the best conditions for the production of successful young men and women.
That was his theme at the
confirmation class.
FIRST: He spoke of the pleasure
the class had given him. He had worked unremittingly in the young people's
interests; even because no available text book had satisfied him, compiled a
concise, adequate and simple profession of faith for them.
SECOND: He paid a gratifying
compliment to the boyhood and girlhood of Watertown. He doubted whether it would be possible to
find a sturdier, brighter, more intelligent group of young people than could be
found right in our own city.
THIRD: It is the boyhood and
girlhood of the community, he said, which vitally relate us to the nation. A nation's great asset is not military power
not intellectual achievement, nor material wealth. A nation's greatest asset is good, clean,
honest, capable men and women. Rome had
military power and Rome as a nation perished.
Greece . . .
I plead that you give our young
people a chance, the best chance possible, to lay the foundation necessary for
their future success. I voiced the
future interests of these boys and girls when I asked the parents present,
won't you help me and others bring about these conditions, of cleanness, order
and purity, which make the necessary bases [basis] of their equipment for the
battle of life.
Rev. Daniell received a letter from
Miss Perdue on Thursday denying what The
Times stated regarding her in its issue on April 1st.
1913
01 09 IF I WERE MAYOR
"If I Were
Mayor" was the subject of an interesting address at the Congregational
church last Sunday evening by the pastor, Rev. F. Carter Daniell, before a
large audience. He began his talk by
saying that he
wished
it understood that he intended no personal implications in this sermon, stating
it was simply an academic story of an ideal community. He stated he asked about thirty citizens to
write him stating their policy if each were at the head, and that he received
only ten answers.
The first letter was from a gentleman whose
policy would be a "happy medium” in regard to expenditures and enforcing
the laws. He would separate the
personality of an individual from his office and would have NO PARTY LINES IN OFFICE and all would
have an equal hearing without regard to race, color or condition. The next gentleman would have the city
council consider such questions as enforcing the SALOON CLOSING LAWS, the consideration of the character of
applicants for liquor licenses, the consideration of back rooms and gambling in
saloons; also the PARADING OF GIRLS ON
MAIN STREET AFTER 9 O’CLOCK EVENING, the reduction of taxes and the
consideration of contracts about to be let.
Another would enforce the laws of the state and city and would safeguard
the young.
A lady in her communication stated that she
would urge the ART ASSOCIATION TO GIVE
THE STOREKEEPERS HINTS in regard to trimming their show windows. She would have an 11 o'clock closing law and
would have bath houses with instructors in swimming near the river.
Another citizen would ask citizens how the
city could be improved. He would be just
to all, would enforce the laws judicially, CLOSE
SALOONS AT 12 O'CLOCK, or abrogate the law, ALLOW NO NICKEL SHOWS TO RUN DURING CHURCH TIME, and would not
allow TEAMS TO BE TIED IN THE STREETS
for indefinite lengths of time, and would have funeral directors give hack and
hearse drivers the time to return after the church services so that they could
allow their horses shelter in the meantime.
He would inspect the saloons, church and schools at least once a year. He would reduce the number of saloons and raise
the license fee, and would prohibit professional beggars.
Another lady would CLOSE SALOONS SUNDAYS AND HOLIDAYS, raise the license fee to $500,
have AN EFFICIENT POLICE FORCE,
would enforce mashing ordinance, stop the use of profane language in public,
have a 9 o'clock curfew law, have A
PRISON CELL FOR WOMEN, showing no favors to sex. He should work with the school board and be
conversant with the state laws.
If he were mayor he would find out from the
department of state WHAT THE POWERS OF
THE MAYOR ARE. He would be as proud
of his city as any man of his business and would not be content until it was
pushing ahead and was equal to any other city of size in the state. He would try to make [the] city give stride
in advancement to other cities, and be the impetus and inspiration to them.
Watertown is proud of her sons who have gone
forth into the world. Her sons should be
proud of Watertown. He would endeavor to
procure the greatest conveniences and benefits for the largest number with sane
economy. He would look after the
convenience and comfort of the people.
If a bridge was closed for repairs for a long time he would not close it
after the bridge was repaired so that the road leading to it could be repaired,
but would repair the road at the same time. He would have no moonlight schedule
for lighting. THE STREETS WOULD BE
SPRINKLED AT OTHER TIMES THAN JUST BEFORE AND DURING A RAINSTORM. He would not allow builders to mix mortar on
the sidewalk. LARGE GROUPS OF PEOPLE WOULD NOT BE ALLOWED to visit on the
sidewalk in Main Street. He would try to
get GREATER CONVENIENCE AND SERVICE IN
THE ELECTRIC CAR LINES and would have them have warm cars in winter and
more cars in summer, and would try to get the company to use a car so that cars
would not raise so much dust.
He would see that the laws were obeyed. A Chicago citizen has said that America could
not be called a nation because the people do not obey the laws. Senator Borah has said, "We are the most
lawless of nations,” and President Taft said, "I believe that we do not
hold the law as sacred as we should."
The persons who raise the cry of having their personal liberty
restrained in that they wish to do as they please are mentally
deteriorated. In community life there
must be restrictions. In regard to vice
he said that IF THERE WERE INDICATIONS
OF THE EXISTENCE OF A HOUSE OF ILL FAME in the city, then he would see that
it was immediately wiped out. It should
cease from the standpoint of economy, of hygiene and respect for sex. No man comes in contact with such persons but
what his respect for persons of the same sex becomes injured. Therefore in the interest of the women of the
city and the young life, such a house should be eliminated from the city
immediately.
The Reverend Daniell stated that he had no
animus against the saloons or any saloon keeper. The city has given them the right to sell
their goods and it is perfectly just that they be allowed to do so, provided
they keep within the restrictions. He
said that a gentleman wrote him criticizing his statement that the saloon had a
legitimate function, saying that he did not believe there was a good saloon
keeper in the sight of God, and that NO
MAN WAS BETTER THAN THE BUSINESS HE CONDUCTED. The Rev. Daniell stated that that man has not
thought out the question. He said that a
number of the saloon keepers of the city have as nice families as any he knew,
and the man who assails the saloon keeper is barking up the wrong tree. Saloons should be restricted; the sealing of
the weights and measures of the store keepers and the restrictions of banks are
examples. The city gives the saloon
keeper a license to sell certain kinds of goods, and it would be unfair not to
expect control. It is only fair that
that which can be easily abused should be regulated. The banks used to abuse their privileges
until they are now greatly restricted.
Thirty dollars per capita per annum is spent
on the saloons in this city and since WE
HAVE 57 SALOONS it is reasonable to suppose that we can not support them
without injury to us. With this condition two things will result, either
bankruptcy of the saloon keeper or illegality.
The overhead charge of the city is too much and there are too many saloons.
He told of the uplifting force of the
churches and said that other attractions should not be allowed during church
services, and we should NOT ALLOW THE
TURNER OPERA HOUSE TO HAVE ATTRACTIONS ON SUNDAY EVENINGS. Other cities of this size in the state do not
allow it, and we should not be behind.
He WOULD NOT CLOSE THE SCHOOLS AT
ANY TIME and would have entertainments there, such as municipal moving
picture shows. He stated that the
teachers have complained that the children go to the shows too often and come
to school tired and sleepy and unprepared in their lessons. All dances should be put under control of a
man like we have in the city who would supervise them and they should be given
in connection with the schools and there would be NO REPETITION OF THE SATURDAY NIGHT DANCES, and there would be NO PROSPECT OF DEGENERATING DANCES
which are a physical stimulus for sinful conceptions. He would have teachers of elocution who would
train the young to give plays. The young
people should have amusement and if they have no good outlet for their energies
they will find an outlet in that which is not morally good for themselves and
uplifting. WG
10 02 POWHATAN
AT TURNER OPERA HOUSE
1914
10 08 ORGANIZE Y. P. S.
A Young Peoples’ Society was
organized at a meeting held at the Congregational church Sunday afternoon. The society will meet Sunday evenings at 7
o’clock during the winter. The following
officers were elected:
President—Garret Keel.
Vice-President—Gertrude Schatz.
Secretary—Marie Schmutzler.
Treasurer—Richard Thauer.
Organist—Mina Mendenhall.
Mrs. N. Carter Daniell will give
a series of informal lectures during the winter. She has several hundred views suitable for
the illustration of talks on travel and literature, and they will be thrown on
a screen by means of a mirror-scope. The
Rev. Daniell will give a bible character talk once each month. WG
1915
09
30 LECTURE-RECITAL ON KIMBALL PIPE ORGAN
The first Sunday evening in each of the next four
months a lecture recital will be given in the Congregational by Prof H. C.
Reichert and Rev. N. Carter Daniell. The
organ at the church, a Kimball of sweetness and strength, has recently been
improved to the extent of nearly $400.
The chief of these improvements is perhaps the oboe stop which has been
voiced with specific regard to certain musical effects. The recitals are intended to aid lovers of
music to hear those compositions which can only be rightly rendered by the
organ in its right setting.
The first
lecture will be “The Pipe Organ; Its Development, Construction and
Influence.” The lecturer is to acquaint his
friends to an instrument which all Christians should regard highly.
The
first recital will be given at 8 o’clock sharp in the Congregational church on
Sunday evening, Oct. 3. These lecture
recitals will be free to the public except for a free will offering to defray
necessary expenses. WG
1916
02
01 CLARENCE LOEKE MILLER
Third in Lyceum Course at Congregational
church Next Thursday.
Clarence Locke Miller the noted lecturer on
“Leo Tolstoy—Prophet of Peace,” will be the second number on the lyceum course
at the Congregational church next Thursday evening, February 3.
Mr. Miller gives the sublime drama of
Tolstoy’s career through the imagination and he appeals to both the intellect
and the heart.
Mr. Miller had been accused by a friend of
giving a lecture “too informing; people do not wish to think,” and he informed
his friend that the fact really is that one never feels so much satisfaction,
(and let me emphasize here definitely that I mean the average man) as when one
finds one’s self thinking, without self-consciousness, upon a subject of
genuine importance and vital interest. I
confess that in my lectures I shall endeavor to make you think — but if you
will help me I am going to try to hide the fact from your
self-consciousness. Only by this
cooperation is created interest and satisfaction.
If you come to hear my lecture and upon this
basis of mutual understanding we find ourselves able to feel acquainted, I
assure you that I shall genuinely enjoy the evening — and for you I hope it
will prove not unprofitable. Watertown Weekly Leader, 02 01 1916
1919
[may be a couple years earlier]
01
03 NEW YEAR MESSAGE: What has war taught about life and living?
The Congregational church choir rendered a
program of high musical merit last Sunday and the large congregation voiced its
appreciation. The choir has been
prevailed upon to repeat the program next Sunday. All who appreciate sweet sounds are heartily
invited. The pastor will give his New
Year message. The subject — “What has
war taught about life and living?”
Probably the war has taught many things; geography, politics, etymology,
science in its many forms, but if it has taught nothing about our life and
living then there has been an excessive investment in ivory. We talk of making the world safe for
democracy; of a better world. Neither
will be, or can be, unless you and I have learned something which we did not
know before the war, or which we did not put into operation. Lessons from the war; how to prevent future
wars. These and kindred questions will
be discussed. You are invited to come
and think, with the pastor, a plan of life; to begin the New Year with a new
way of living.
1920
Rev. GEORGE C. WEIS
Rev.
George C. Weis, formerly pastor of the Congregational church in this city, died
at Firewater, Oregon, on Dec. 6, where he was pastor of the Congregational
church. He is survived by his wife and
two daughters, also by one son by a former marriage. His many Watertown friends learned of his
death with much sorrow. After leaving
Watertown he published a newspaper for a time at Waukesha, and then went to Alaska,
where he did well in gold mining, and then located in Washington. WDT
1924
01 28 Rev.
N. CARTER DANIELL
Last
Saturday afternoon Rev. N. Carter Daniell the esteemed pastor of the First
Congregational church of this city for the past 13 years, passed
to his eternal reward at his home, S. Fourth Street. Rev. Daniell had been in poor health for many
months, still the news of his death was received by our people with great
surprise, for all had hoped and prayed for his ultimate recovery. WDT
1926 FINAL SERVICE BY REV. FOSTER
Watertown Daily Times 08
1926, (Picture)
Next
Sunday, August 22, will mark the last service to be conducted here by the Rev.
Earl Ware Foster, pastor of the Congregational Church, before he leaves to
assume the pastorate of the Olivet Congregational church at Merriam Park, St.
Paul, Minn.
Rev.
Foster has chosen for his subject “The Last Call”. There will be special music with Mrs. Inez
Mansfield, soprano, and the Buell instrumental trio on the program. The public is invited.
Rev.
Foster’s leaving is much regretted, not only by members of his parish, but my
many acquaintances and friends in every walk of life in this city. He had his
family have made many friends here. His
services to his congregation and to the community has been great and his
influence for the best in the community has been a factor in local circles.
Rev. Foster and his family have the best wishes of their fellow citizens of
Watertown.
1935
12 15 Rev.
PINKNEY PERFORMED DAVIES-HUTTON WEDDING
The marriage of Mrs. Marjorie
Post Close Hutton to Joseph E, Davies, Washington attorney, formerly of
Watertown, Wis., which took place Sunday, was emphasized as a simple and quiet
affair in early accounts relayed to reporters.
But it is difficult, it appears, to be entirely simple in a 70-room
“apartment.”
1945 JUBILEE YEAR
Joseph E. Davies Presents Church with a Painting
Picture is given as Congregational
Jubilee Memento
07 10 and 07
14
The
religious painting which Joseph E. Davies,
former United States ambassador to Russia presented to the First Congregational
church here in connection with the church's centennial now being observed is
shown, along with Theodore J. Koerner, centennial chairman, left, and the Rev.
C. W. Pinkney, pastor of the church, at the right. Mr. Davies, who was born in Watertown and who
attended the Congregational church as a youth, purchased the painting in Russia
in 1937. It is by an Italian artist and
was commissioned by Potemkin, husband of Catherine the Great. During his residence in Russia, Mr. Davies
acquired a large art collection, most of which he later presented to his alma
mater, the University of Wisconsin. The painting was made sometime prior to
1791, the year of Potemkin's death. (Daily
Times Photo)
Joseph
E. Davies of Washington, D.C., has presented a religious painting to the First
Congregational church as a gift on the 100th anniversary of the congregation
which is being observed this weekend.
Announcement
of the gift was made by the Rev. C. W. Pinkney and T. J. Koerner, president of
the board of trustees of the church and general chairman of the centennial
committee. The painting arrived by
express from Washington. It has been
hung in the church.
The
painting was purchased by Mr. Davies in 1937 while he was making a tour of the
Ukraine during his service as United States ambassador to Russia. He found it in the city of Dnepropetrovsk. [webmaster’s
note: Dnipropetrovs'k or in Russian
Dnepropetrovsk, formerly Yekaterinoslav.]
During
his years in Russia Mr. Davies, who was born in Watertown, acquired a large
collection of Russian art works and has presented a large number of paintings
to the University of Wisconsin.
The
painting is by an Italian artist and was done upon the order of Potemkin, the
husband of Catherine the Great of Russia.
The
inscription across the top of the painting [translated] reads: "St. Martyr
Barbara" and the scroll which is held in her hand is apparently the ending
of a prayer and the translation of the wording thereon is: "The pure, Holy Trinity"
In a
letter accompanying the picture, Mr. Davies wrote Mr. Koerner: "I am very happy to present this to the
church of my early boyhood . . . I am sorry that I cannot attend the
celebration of the 100th anniversary of the church. As you may have noted, the president has
asked me to go with him to the conference of Prime Minister Churchill, Marshal
Stalin and himself to be held in Germany . . .
With
warm personal
regards, I am, Joseph E. Davies."
07 17 MORAVIAN CHURCH GREETINGS sent to
Congregational on Centennial
The committee in charge
of the recent First Congregational church today made public the greetings sent
to the congregation by the Moravian
church of Watertown on the occasion of the
observance. It follows:
"Greetings and
best wishes to our sister congregation from members of the Moravian church. We
are glad to recognize this happy event, and with you to praise our heavenly
Father for all He has wrought in you and through you these many years in the
building I of His kingdom.
"Looking back
beyond the Union services of today, we recall the benefits dispensed by your
Sunday school under the leadership of the sainted C. B. Skinner and his family;
the fellowship of our C. E. societies during Rev. Weiss's pastorate and their
helping launch the Bible school under Doctor J. R. Pratt and Rev. Buswell, a
work that is still yielding fruit; the building of the scout organization under
the late Rev. N. C. Daniel and its benefits to the boys and their dads. We value greatly the moral and spiritual
influence your church has exerted here in these past decades; and we would pay
tribute to the loyal and self-sacrificing services rendered to the youth of
Watertown by your present pastor and his sainted wife. We give thanks and glory to God for the
spirit of fellowship and cooperation that has and does exist between us, and
pray that Christ our Head may still lead on, may strengthen, inspire, bless and
make you a blessing in the years to come in this our city and beyond its
borders, until His glorious return to establish His reign of righteousness and
peace.
"Signed: The Joint Boards of the Moravian
Church."
Church Expresses Its
Appreciation
In a statement the
pastor, official boards and members of the First Congregational church which
observed its centennial over the weekend, said they wish to gratefully
acknowledge the fine expressions of Christian courtesy made by friends and
sister churches on the occasion of the centennial. Continuing, the statement said:
"For the
greetings, flowers, the cooperation and help so graciously extended and given,
we thank you all.
"We also thank Cl.
H. Wetter for his kindly words of appreciation and the Watertown Daily Times
for the publicity given our program.
"We hope that in
the years to come, this church may prove worthy of your confidence and esteem
by the continued service rendered in the name of Christ, our Lord.
"Sincerely, C. W.
Pinkney, pastor."
08 13 SKETCH FOR CENTENNIAL PROGRAM.
Eunice Gruner created the sketch for the First
Congregational church centennial program.
1947
-- -- CONFIRMATION CLASS OF 1947
Our
church records: Class of 1947 were Joanne Agathen, Peter Hahn, Barbara
Henriott, Harley Herold, Robert Krueger, Phyllis Galster, James Landsverk, Carl
Stallman Jr. this list is not in correct order.
Pastor Rev. Harry Philo. / Laurel Welbourne Bentz contribution
1953
-- -- GEORGE BURMASTER
was janitor, First Congregation church.
1956
04 05 MERGER: First Congregational and First Evangelical and Reformed church
The
first of two church mergers affecting four of the city's present Protestant
congregations, first announced in the Times
in 1955, will take effect on June 1, 1957, when Watertown will have only one Methodist Church. Announcement of this date was made here today
by the Rev. William V. Stevens, minister of First Methodist and Wesley Methodist Churches. WDT
The
other merger, which is also scheduled for next year, will involve the First Congregational Church and the First Evangelical and Reformed Church. Details on the merger are still pending.
11 15 UNITED
CHURCH OF CHRIST FORMED
In June
of 1957 Protestantism will take a significant stride toward a reunited church
when the Congregational Christian churches and the Evangelical and Reformed
churches meet to form the United Church of Christ. To help people to understand this historic event
and its significance for individual churches the Congregational Church of
Watertown has planned a meeting for Sunday evening at 7:30 o’clock at which
time Dr. Wilford Evans, Congregational pastor, Sheboygan, will discuss this
matter. WDT
c.1959
CONFIRMATION CLASS
Billy
Guyer, Bob Jones, Mr. Royal Shephard, Ricky Parish, Mickey Howard, Jim
Zimmerman, Tom Brom, Jerry Zimmerman, John Frank, Beverly Hansen, Cheri
Curtiss, Kathy Klinger.
1960
08 09 RELOCATION
OF FIRST UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, EVANGELICAL AND REFORMED
The
First United Church of Christ, Evangelical and Reformed, located at North Fifth
and Cole Streets, is preparing for a program which eventually calls for the
relocation of the church. D. C. Hills
served as chairman of this committee.
Other members of the committee were the pastor, Mr. Ratzlaff, the
president of the congregation, Milton Bocher, an elder, Walter Siegel, a deacon,
Harlow Kohn and the following members of the congregation: Mrs. Gerald Mallach, Rueben Boettcher, Mrs.
Armin Genz, John Rowaldt, Clarence Froelich, George Dittman, Mrs. Ray Zier,
Miss Ruth Lapp and Fred Lincks.
1963
04 06 Two members of the First Congregational
church, Mrs. Max Rohr and Miss Jane Lord, will be honored at the church’s Palm
Sunday service at 10:30 a.m. The two
have the distinction of completing 70
years of full membership in the church and of being the only surviving members of the first
organized confirmation class. Mrs.
Rohr and Miss Lord were confirmed and received into the church on April 2, 1893
by the Rev. George C. Weiss, who served as pastor from 1892 to 1899. WDT
1964
01 28 Elected to the consistory of First United
Church of Christ at the annual meeting of the congregation held on Sunday were
the following: To the board of elders:
Arnold Strege and Gust Wolf for a three year term; to the board of deacons:
Mrs. Victor Ulsberger and Mrs. Lila Bocher, deaconesses for a two year term;
Donald Drost, deacon for a two year term; James Owen and Steven Feder, junior
deacons for a one year term. George Kunert, Sr., was elected financial
secretary of the congregation for a three year term. In other action the congregation went on record
authorizing a committee on merger to investigate the possibilities of merging
with the First Congregational church and set aside its own building program for
one year pending the outcome of the committee’s report on the possibility of
merger. WDT
1966
05 31 BEN
H. THAUER CHRISTIAN EDUCATION HALL
A
plaque inscribed, “Ben H. Thauer Christian Education Hall, dedicated in
recognition of a Lifetime of Faithful and Devoted Service to the Church and its
Lord” made its appearance Sunday on the entryway wall of the church school
annex of the First Congregational United Church of Christ at 504 South Fourth
Street as the congregation conducted its dedication ceremony following the
morning worship service. The presentation
of the plaque and revelation of its honored dedicatee, Mr. Thauer, climaxed a
litany service led by Pastor Stephen C. Evans.
Moderator, George Bausch, gave recognition to the several church members
whose volunteer services made possible the
conversion of the former parsonage to a Christian Education Building,
naming Ben Thauer, George Wolff and Ralph Ebert as designers and planners of
the remodeling job to meet requirements of the Wisconsin Industrial Commission;
Ray Lewandowski, George Day, Edgar Krebs and Harley Herold as painters and
cleaners; and the Mesdames Ruth Funk, Florence Grosenick, Russell Frase, Myrtle
Pauli and Walter Niehoff as interior decoration consultants and makers of
draperies and other furnishings. WDT
11 23 PASTOR
REV. KROMHOLZ
Members of the congregation of the First
Congregational church, UCC, cast a unanimous ballot to extend a call to the
Rev. Alan J. Kromholz for the pastorate of the church at a congregational
meeting held Sunday morning following the worship service in which the Rev.
Kromholz delivered his candidate sermon.
Clark Derleth, chairman of the nominating committee, presented the Rev.
Kromholz as the committee nominee.
George Bausch, moderator, presided at the meeting. Presently the Rev. Kromholz is serving the
United Church of Christ at Evansville. The
Rev. Kromholz, 28, was born in Merrill.
He received his B. A. degree from Elmhurst College in 1960 and in 1964
received his B. D. degree from Eden Theological Seminary. He also attended Drew University and the
University of Wisconsin, where he presently has graduate standing.
1969
02 26 GIRL
SCOUT TROOP 69
Hawaiian luau
Karlyn Flater, Barbara Schaefer, Mary Esselman, Deborah Wendt, Julie
Bloor
1991
03 03 VOTE
TO BUILD A NEW BUILDING, VACATE CURRENT
Members
of the First Congregational United Church of Christ have voted to build a new
building and vacate the current location at 504 S. Fourth St. The church has been located in three
buildings in Watertown over the last 146 years, according to the Rev. Robert
Tully. The congregation was founded in
1845 in a log school that stood on South Third Street, across from Veterans Memorial
Park.
In
1951, members dedicated a
New England style meeting house at Fourth and Wisconsin streets, struggling
mightily to pay the $1,500 cost of the building. Over the years, the building was updated with
several remodeling and expansion projects.
Finally, in 1909, the congregation decided the building no longer served
the needs of members. The building was
moved off the site to the northwest comer of Second and Milwaukee streets, and
the present building was built in its place.
1992
12 22 BELL
MOVED TO NEW CHURCH
The
138-year-old bell of First Congregational United Church of Christ was removed
last week in preparation for its installation in the cupola of the
congregation’s new facility on the Highway 16 bypass. Workers from Restoration Specialists and
Fredrick Construction eased the bell out of the church tower. It will be cleaned by Kusel Equipment
Company. The bell, cast in 1854 in East
Troy, N.Y., was originally purchased for the church by its women’s sewing group
and served as Watertown’s fire bell for several years.
1994
07 01 HERITAGE
HALL / First Brigade Band
A
Watertown landmark built in 1909 is again bustling with activity — this time
not as a church but as headquarters for a band bringing the events from 125
years ago to life. The former First
Congregational church is now known to members of the 1st Brigade Band as
Heritage Hall. It is a place where
members from far and near gather Friday evenings to practice music from the
Civil War era on authentic instruments.
With the sanctuary’s two-story high ceiling, the band has an ideal
rehearsal room. Other rooms are used for
storage, offices, sectional rehearsals, board meetings, instrument storage and
a kitchen.
2000
10 30 DEDICATION
OF CHURCH ADDITION
The
First Congregational United Church of Christ will hold an open house for its
new education wing on Sunday, Nov. 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The new 6,800-square-foot addition to its
existing building was dedicated by the congregation last weekend. The new education wing added to the south
side of the building includes a youth room and six classrooms to be used by the
Sunday school program. The wing was
added to accommodate the growing number of youth programs and activities,
according to Rev. Steve Savides, pastor for the past six years. “In the last five years, our Sunday school
classes have doubled. Over the past six
years, our membership has increased 30 percent.
The congregation now has 525 members and 115 students in youth and
Sunday school programs,” he said. WDT
2011
and 2012
EXTERIOR PAINTING PROJECT OF FORMER
CHURCH BLDG
Today 
Home of the First
Brigade Band and Dodge/Jefferson
Counties Genealogical Society
2014
06 05 RUTH
CHRISTENSEN MEMORIAL PATIO/GARDEN
A
service of dedication for the Ruth Christensen Memorial Patio/Garden will be
held Sunday at 2 p.m. at the First Congregational church, 120 Kuckkan
Lane. After a short service of
Scripture, music and messages from the Rev. John Kennedy and members of the
Christensen family, participants will proceed to the patio area on the west
side of the narthex for the unveiling of a memorial plaque in honor of longtime
church member Ruth Stewart Christensen. The service will include a guest
appearance by the Immanuel Lutheran church’s Men’s Choir, directed by Becky
Whelpley. The patio/garden was a vision
of Christensen’s husband, Don, after her passing in September 2009. The purpose is to honor her extensive
involvement in the musical life of the church through her 19 years as
children’s choir director, cofounder of the church musicals and a longtime
member of the adult choir. The
Christensens joined First Congregational church in 1976.
The
unique design by landscape architect Ann Hasselkuss of Oconomowoc features a
large brick grand piano, including a keyboard, as a reminder of Christensen’s
musical influence. She was instrumental
in incorporating Orff instruments into the children’s choir program, providing
an exciting opportunity for the singers to accompany themselves with a unique
sound.
As a
member of the Choristers Guild for many years, Christensen attended numerous
workshops and conventions, bringing back to the choir new ideas for performance
literature. As Steve Savides, former pastor, said, “I well remember my own
children rushing off eagerly to choir practice with ‘Mrs. C.’” In 1989,
Christensen and Vi Tully, wife of Pastor Emeritus Robert Tully, produced the
first church musical as an outreach program through the children’s choir. WDT
2015
09 17 WILDLIFE
AWARD FOR GARDEN
The
National Wildlife Federation (NWF) celebrates the efforts of First
Congregational UCC to create a garden space that improves habitat for birds,
butterflies, frogs and other wildlife by providing essential elements needed by
all wildlife, such as natural food sources, clean water, cover and places to
raise young.
First
Congregational church sits on a grassy knoll on the Highway 16 bypass. It has been at this location since 1993. In
the last 20 years, the church has improved the land by adding a large
wildflower garden that incorporates the use of native plants and grasses. Bluebird houses have been placed in the
garden. The church also has many plants
throughout the gardens to provide berries, nectar, sap, twigs and pollen. It
has been a continuous effort to plant multiple deciduous
trees and evergreens around the property.
Many of these have been donated as memorials or honoraria for members of
the church.
2018
04 02 STEPHEN WELCH TRANSFER
(Interim Pastor)
. . . This is the last
opportunity I will have to share a message in The Chimes as your intentional,
transitional, [long time!] Interim Pastor. How do I say “good-bye”? Even though
we began preparing for this moment on the day that I started this ministry with
you, it is not easy. It is not simple. Despite the truth of those words, I find
this moment to be a moment of JOY! We have prepared well to be able to welcome
with open arms the Rev. Robert Koepcke as the next settled pastor of First
Congregational United Church of Christ. . . .
04 02 REV. ROBERT KOEPCKE
APPOINTED PASTOR
2022
09 18 FIRST BRIGADE BAND SERVICE CHURCH
Cross reference:
< PORTFOLIO OF PICS
History of Watertown,
Wisconsin