Anamosa - A Reminiscence 1838 - 1988

donate land on the corner of Main and Booth Sts. On
December 29, 1861, the brick structure was completed,
and dedicated free of debt. Afterward a tall spire was added,
and a new bell was purchased.
The building was a landmark on Main St. until 1904,
when the new church was completed one block south.
on the corner of First and Booth Streets.
This church, planned under the advice of pastor Dr.
J.H. McLaren, was erected free from debt, due to the
generosity of Mrs. W.S. Benton, Mr. E.M. Condit, the
Booths, and many others. A beautiful pipe organ with
its 596 pipes was installed at this time.
Rev. David Beggs came to the pulpit in April 1926.
and at the time of the church's 90th Anniversary, held
the eighth longest pastorate in the state.
The Ladies Foreign Missionary Society and the
Ladies Aid Society were organized in 1876 and met
separately until 1939, when the two groups merged to
form the present Congregational Women's Fellowship.
in 1894. a Christian Endeavor Society was organized
for young people which later changed the name to our
Pilgrim Fellowship in 1940. The first Sunday School
was conducted 90 years earlier by Dr. J .S. Dimmitt.
Rev. Schwab succeeded Rev Beggs. Mrs. Schwab
organized the first Junior choir.
Rev. Dalrymple came in 1940. He also acted as pastor
for the Cass rural church; holding services on Sunday
afternoons.
Rev. Barney Crockett came in September 1946, in
time to help celebrate the church's 100th Anniversary.
The Tower Music System was installed with recordings
of hymns played on chimes. The custom of a Christmas
51’if.
Congregational Church (Submitted by Jo Russell)
"
is !
Congregational Church when it stood on East Main
Street, now the site of theformer Superdrug building.
Dr. G.F. Brown's office building stands directly to the
west of the church. (Photo submitted by Kathleen and
Larry J. Conmey)
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