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Places of Worship
HISTORY
Beth El Synagogue
The first Jewish families moved to Fort Dodge in the early 1900s. By 1912 there were 20 families who formed a congregation and incorporated under the name Congregation Tifereth Israel (Splendor of Israel). For many years the congregation conducted religious services and classes in rented rooms. In the early 1940s, with the dream of one day having their own synagogue, the congregation initiated a capital campaign. The generosity and leadership provided by Max Spilka made this dream a reality, and in the summer of 1948 the congregation moved to its permanent home at 501 North 12th Street. The new synagogue was named Beth El Synagogue (House of God).
Architecture
Designed by Griffith Architects of Fort Dodge, the blond brick synagogue building has amber colored glass windows and a large Jewish star on its façade. The sanctuary on the main floor had seating for 100 people, a balcony provided seating for an additional 20. At the front of the sanctuary was the Bimah, a raised platform from which services were led and the Torah (scrolls of the Five Books of Moses) read. On the back wall of the Bimah was the Aron Kodesh (Holy Ark), an ornately draped cabinet containing the Torah scrolls. Above the Ark hung the Ner Tamid (eternal light), a lamp representing God’s constant presence. Written in Hebrew above the Ark was a phrase commonly seen in synagogues:
דע לפני מי אתה עומד
Know Before Whom You Are Standing
On a wall of the sanctuary were memorial boards with the names of Beth El members who had passed away. On the Yahrzeit (anniversary of one’s death) a small light was lit next to their name and a special memorial prayer recited. The names on the board also served as an informal historical record of former members of the congregation. The Spilka, Robinson, Glazer, Lurie, and Rabiner families were some of the founding members of Beth El Synagogue, as well as pillars of the Fort Dodge community as early as the turn of the century.
The basement of the synagogue had a social hall that could be converted to classrooms and a full Kosher (adhering to Jewish dietary laws) kitchen for hosting holiday meals and congregational celebrations.
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Rabbinic Leadership
In the 1940s, Rabbi Eugene Mannheimer from Temple B’nai Jeshurun in Des Moines came to Fort Dodge to lead Confirmation classes for the teenagers in the congregation. In later years, Beth El Synagogue affiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, the national umbrella organization for Conservative Judaism in the United States.
In the 1960s the congregation built a house next to the synagogue. This became the home of its Rabbi. Over the years, Beth El Synagogue was served by rabbis from across the United States, including Rabbi Samuel Levi who served the congregation from 1965-1983. Rabbi Levi, who was ordained in France, was a Holocaust survivor who escaped from a Nazi concentration camp and then fought in the French Resistance. His son and first wife were murdered in the Auschwitz concentration camp. After WWII he married Lore Furst and served congregations in Ohio and Florida before coming to Fort Dodge.
At times the congregation had no rabbinic leadership and depended upon its members to lead Sabbath and holiday services and to teach religious classes. Herbert Jonas often filled that role. Dr. Jonas, who came to Fort Dodge with his family in 1956, was a local veterinarian who had studied in Jewish schools during his youth in Germany. He often led services and helped prepare students for their Bar/Bat Mitzvahs (a religious ceremony marking the beginning of adulthood). In 1979, Michael Libbie moved to Fort Dodge and he too often led services and helped with synagogue administration. Mr. Libbie later became the lay leader of Adas Israel Synagogue (Community of Israel) in Mason City.
In the later years, Beth El Synagogue brought guest rabbis to Fort Dodge to assist in leading services on the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Two of these leaders were Rabbi Dr. Bezalel Porten, a rabbi and scholar of Biblical Archaeology in Israel, and Dr. David Passig, a professor of Anticipatory Anthropology, also in Israel.
Community
Beth El Synagogue also had an active Sisterhood. The Sisterhood organized and prepared meals for Jewish holidays such as the Passover Seder and the break-the-fast meal served after Yom Kippur. The women of the Sisterhood also contributed financial support to the synagogue. Each spring Beth El Sisterhood hosted a dinner-dance gala at the Fort Dodge Country Club for the entire Fort Dodge community. The women of Beth El prepared traditional Jewish foods, such as handmade cheese blintzes and other Jewish delicacies for the event. For many years the annual dinner-dance was a must-attend event among business and community leaders of Fort Dodge.
At its peak, Beth El Synagogue’s membership included 25-30 households, attracting families not only from Fort Dodge, but also Webster City, Algona and other surrounding communities. In the late 1980s, Beth El began to experience a decline as younger members of the congregation moved out of town and older members either passed away or left Fort Dodge in order to live closer to their families. In 2000, the congregation officially disbanded and the synagogue building was sold to the First Presbyterian Church. Now called the Shalom (Peace) Center, the church uses the former synagogue building as a youth center.
When the synagogue closed, a portion of the assets were donated to The Fort Dodge Community Schools Foundation.
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Beth El Synagogue
1948
The generosity and leadership provided by Max Spilka lead to the construction and opening of Fort Dodge's first synagogue, Beth El Synagogue.
Coppin Chapel
1979
Fort Dodge Coppin Chapel A.M.E. Church is part of the national group of Coppin Chapels.
The Early Catholic Church in Webster County
Prior to 1856, there were little Catholics within the state. A few mission priests traveled the prairies and wilderness on horseback from house to house to find the scattered members of the church. Among these men was Rev. Matthias Hannon, who came from the southeast in 1853.
Father John Vahey was the first priest to come to Fort Dodge as a regular pastor in 1859. He built a small cabin to live in and started building the first of the church from rough-hewn logs. Among those who helped cut and hew the logs were Dr. W. L. Nicholson, Peter Reilly, William Reilly, and John P. White.
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In the fall of 1857, Father Vahey left. Father McCullough came and remained for the winter. He was succeeded by Father Ellwood who remained for about two years. After Father Ellwood, Father Marsh came in 1860. He was well beloved and gentle, and he remained until his death in 1865. His remains are resting in the Catholic cemetery north of the city. A gentler, kindlier, and more well-known man never stepped on the soil that constituted his parish, which extended from Fort Dodge to Emmetsburg and Spirit Lake on the north, and to Sioux City on the west. Often, in the dead of winter, he would drive with his ox team across the prairies to minister to those in distant parts of his parish. Father Marsh and some of his parishioners cut logs and lumber from the hillside near Arnold’s damn to build the first Catholic school in Fort Dodge.
After the death of Father Marsh in 1865, Fathers Delany and Butler came and remained until 1870. Along came Father Thomas M. Lenehan whose long and successful pastorate is a part of the general history of the state. He remained until 1897, when he was made Bishop of Cheyenne. Father Lenehan built the present Corpus Christ Church which was dedicated January 1, 1883. He also built the Old Convent and began construction of the present school.
Bishop Lenehan was succeeded by Father Campbell under a temporary appoint. In September 1897, Rev. P. J. Burke was assigned as pastor and remained until September 1903.
Rev. B. C. Lenehan, the vicar general of the Sioux City diocese, whose long and faithful service as priest earned him the honor of promotion as Monsignor, came in 1905. He was succeeded by Rev. James T. Saunders.
Corpus Christi
1859
Father John Vahey was the first priest to come to Fort Dodge as a regular pastor in 1859. He built a small cabin to live in and started building the first of the church from rough-hewn logs.
The First Baptist congregation has been serving the Fort Dodge community for almost 145 years.
Prior to 1871, occasional services were held in Fort Dodge by pioneering Baptist ministers such as Rev. H. D. Weaver who lived in Webster City, east of Fort Dodge. He continued to be alert to Baptists arriving in Fort Dodge, keeping in touch with them as he conducted these occasional services.
At last, this group of Baptists numbered 17 and the conviction was reached that the time for organization had come.
On June 16, 1871, this group met and Rev. Weaver was elected moderator of the group. The New Hampshire confession of faith was adopted, officers elected and so the First Baptist congregation of Fort Dodge came into being. Shortly thereafter, Rev. Weaver was called as the first pastor of this new congregation, a Sunday school was formed and a meeting place was secured.
Its first services were held in the old brick schoolhouse on Second Avenue south. In 1876 the congregation built a church on the corner of Central Avenue and Tenth street, where the Wahkonsa Hotel now stands. Rev. George W. Freeman was pastor at this time. The church was closed for several years and the congregation disbanded. In the winter of 1892. Rev. T. S. Bovell reorganized the church, holding a series of meetings which resulted in a number of additions to the church membership, and also served to increase the interest. Rev. Bovell served as pastor for seven years, and was followed by Rev. Arthur Parks, who was ordained by the church in June, 1899. Rev. Robert Carroll succeeded Rev. Parks in 1901. During his leadership a church building on First Avenue north and Tenth street was erected. The dedication took place in November, 1903.
First Baptist is part of a wider fellowship of Baptists in the Mid-American Baptist Churches (Iowa-Minnesota) and American Baptist Churches USA. First Baptist is also committed to cooperation with other churches and Christians in our community and world.
Source:
*https://firstbaptistfortdodge.wordpress.com/
First Baptist
1871
The First Baptist congregation has been serving the Fort Dodge community for almost 145 years.
The First Congregational Church was founded on February 29, 1856. On that day, Mr. and Mrs. William Plumb, Jr., Mrs. D. A. Haviland, and Mrs. A. J. Haviland met at William Plumb’s home. His home was one of the houses of the old fort. In that home, the organization was created. Officers were elected as follows: William Plumb, clerk; A. J. Haviland, treasurer; D. A. Haviland, deacon.
Sunday services were held at the old schoolhouse, which is just back of where the Wahkonsa school building now stands. Rev. T. N. Skinner, a missionary with headquarters at Webster City, met with them and preached their first sermon. At this meeting, they celebrated their first communion service. Rev. Skinner supplied the new church until spring, when Rev. William Kent, the first pastor, came from Waterloo. He served only a short time. Up until 1864, there was no regular pastor, but the church missionaries satisfied the needs of the church. The well beloved Father Taylor, the "Bishop of Iowa" ministered frequently at the church.
In 1864, Rev. H. E. Boardman became the first permanent pastor. The yearbook for 1865 gives the following data: members, nineteen; received during the year, seven by letter and five on profession of faith; one dismissed, and one absent. One baby baptized; one adult baptized; eighty in the congregation; forty-five in Sunday school; benevolent contributions $32.00. In the year 1866, the Congregationalists formed a partnership with the Presbyterians, where services were being held in the Presbyterian Church. During this year, Rev. Boardman resigned, and Rev. C. F. Boynton began his ministry and remained until 1868 until Rev. Phillips came. However, Rev. Phillips was not pastor for long due to health problems, forcing him to give up the work. For a year, the church was without a pastor, and they continued to meet with the Presbyterians. A meeting on May 29, 1869 decided the Congregationalist should form a separate organization if Congregationalism were to be preserved.
Letters of dismission were granted to all who wished to join other churches. Nine Congregationalists remained: George Killam, Mr. and Mrs. L. W. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. O. P. Fuller, Mr. and Mrs. G. S. Killam, and Mr. and Mrs. G. S. Webber. Rev. David Wirt was called in 1869, and the following became members: Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Payne, William K. Laughlin, Jr., Thomas A. Laughlin, Mr. and Mrs. Clark Fuller, Mr. and Mrs. Bronson R. Merritt and daughter Miss Helen R. Merritt, Rev. and Mrs. David Wirt, and daughter Aliss Julia Wirt, making twenty-one members in all. For a while, services were held in Henry’s Hall, located on the north side of Central Avenue between Sixth and Seventh. Services were then held in the Child’s Block, located south of the present courthouse. Services were also held in the courtroom in the old courthouse.
In 1869, a new constitution was adopted and the following officers were elected: C. H. Payne, deacon; O. P. Fuller, treasurer; and G. S. Killam, clerk. The five trustees were Thomas Laughlin, L. W. Smith, O. P. Fuller, William K. Laughlin, and G. S. Killam. The congregation decided to build, so the following made up the building committee: Rev. David Wirt, O. P. Fuller, G. S. Killam, and G. S. Webber. During the same year, a contract for a building was given to B. D. Beach for $1,750.00. The location was the present site of the Carter Building, which was located in the middle of Tenth and Eleventh Streets on the north side of Central Avenue. This building was dedicated on January 23, 1870. Rev. C. F. Boynton gave the scripture reading and prayers. The dedicatory address was made by Rev. J. Guernsey. When the Congregationalists moved in 1887, the old building was used by the Christian Church and the Salvation Army. It was a plain, unpretentious brick structure that could seat, at the most, about three hundred people.
The first baby baptized in the “little brick church” was Perry Page Killam. Hon. George E. Roberts, who was the director of the United States mint, was a janitor of this church building. The records show he received a salary of one dollar for a month's labor. Rev. Wirt resigned in the latter part of 1870, and for a year, Rev. William A. Patton and Rev. Julius House supplied the pulpit.
In 1872, Rev. Thomas O. Douglas was called as pastor and served the church for two years. He was followed by Rev. D. M. Breckenridge, who remained for four years. During Rev. Breckenridge's pastorate, the church membership increased to one hundred and nineteen.
In 1878, Rev. L. L. West became pastor. During his leadership, the present church on the corner of First Avenue North and Seventh Street was built. This structure cost $10,000.00, and was dedicated on January 1, 1887. Rev. Thomas O. Douglas and President William Brooks of Tabor College conducted the dedicatory exercises. Rev. West's pastorate was the longest in the history of the church, extending over a period of twelve years.
He was succeeded by Rev. E. S. Carr in 1890 who served until 1894. He was followed by Rev. E. R. Latham. Rev. Latham served three years and in 1897, Rev. H. D. Wiard was called and remained until 1901. Rev. W. I. Suckow began his pastorate in June 1902 and continued until 1905. In that year, Rev. Reuben L. Breed came to the church and served until the fall of 1909 when the present pastor, Rev. Nelson Wehrhan, began his work.
First Congregational
1856
First German Methodist
1873
The First German Methodist Episcopal society was organized in 1873. At first, services were held in private homes and halls. In 1879, a lot was purchased, and a church was built on the corner of First Avenue North and Twelfth Street. Afterward, the lot was sold to the Christian Science Church. Currently, the church does not have an organization in Fort Dodge.
In the fall of 1851, in the hospital tent of the military post in Fort Dodge, the first congregation gathered to hear the word of God. The congregation consisted primarily of soldiers, a few carpenters, a few trappers, and frontiersmen. The meeting, conducted by Rev. J. A. Burleigh, a Methodist minister, lasted three days.
First United Methodist Church of Fort Dodge had its beginnings in the 1850's. In 1851, a traveling Methodist preacher, the Reverend J. H. Burleigh, came to Fort Dodge to minister to the soldiers, the carpenters and the laborers in and around a forty mile strip of neutral ground near the Des Moines River where a military headquarters called Fort Dodge was established. This first congregation gathered to hear the word of God by Rev. Burleigh. The meeting lasted three days.
By 1854 a Methodist Class was organized and the following year (1855) the Fort Dodge Methodist Church was organized, originally named First Methodist Episcopal Church. Rev. S. B. Guiberson, the pastor, was sent east to raise money and through persistent effort and liberality on part of the public, the church was built. Within three years a white frame structure was built on the southeast corner of Seventh Street and Second Avenue South. Until that time the congregation had been meeting in a brick school house across the street. It was the first church built in the city. It was a large, roomy building, and its erection was an exciting development for the young town.
With twenty years passed and under Rev. Lozier’s pastorate, the church membership largely increased and the need for a new church became apparent. At a session of the quarterly conference held on May 15, 1873, the matter was up for discussion and a committee was appointed to formulate church building plans. This committee consisted of E. E. Prusia, Isaac Garmoe, D. M. Crosby, D. A. Weller, John F. Duncombe, N. M. Page, G. R. Pearsons and F. M. Grant. Within two months, they had raised two thousand dollars. With this amount, the trustees of the church decided to go ahead with the building. Isaac Garmoe, E. E. Prusia, D. M. Crosby, G. R. Pearsons, N. M. Page and F. M. Grant were appointed to the building committee, with Mr. Pearsons as chairman.
At a session of the board of trustees January 8, 1874, plans were submitted for the new building. The board chose Mr. A. V. Lambert’s plans, and he was chosen as the architect. His instructions were to furnish designs and specifications for a church building to cost not less than fifteen thousand nor more than twenty-five thousand dollars. The construction started soon after, and the foundations were laid by Patrick O'Conner. The cornerstone for the new church building of Gothic architecture was laid in 1874 at the corner of First Avenue North and Tenth Street.
The work on the church was carried on during fall and winter. Messrs. Mitchell and Sulzbach had the contract for the brick work, and Mr. Israel Jenkins had the supervision of the structure. The First Methodist Episcopal Church was first occupied for services in August, 1875, although the building was not yet completed. Lack of funds made it necessary to postpone the completion of the building. Under his pastorate of Rex. I. N. Pardee, the church building was completed and formally dedicated on June 3, 1878. The building costs total was just share of twenty-two thousand dollars. Fifteen years later, the parsonage was built at a cost of $3,000.
The date when the First Methodist Episcopal Church’s name was changed to First United Methodist Church is not known.
The present church building of Greco-Roman design, was built on the same site and was
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dedicated in 1915, to become known as the "One Foot in Heaven" church because of a book of that same name written by Hartzell Spence, son of the Reverend William Spence, pastor of the church during its construction. An Austin pipe organ was installed and has provided music leadership through the years with a new console and pipework added in 1955. Additional work in rebuilding was continued in 1969, 1988 and 1992. The building features a beautiful center dome and a bell tower. Bells, eleven in number, were given in 1915 by Mrs. Jonathan P. Dolliver in memory of her husband and other family members.
Through the years, members of the congregation were involved in the formation of other Methodist congregations including Riverside United Methodist (1892) and Epworth United Methodist (1906), development of Friendship Haven, a United Methodist related retirement center in Fort Dodge, creation of the Mission in the Valley, known as Urban Visions, the Lord's Cupboard - a food pantry housed in the church's office building and operated as an ecumenical project in the community, and a host of other projects dedicated to the ministry of Jesus Christ in this community.
In 1975 a medical clinic building to the north of the church was purchased and renovated to house our offices as well as additional class and meeting rooms.
The year 2003 saw extensive renovations begun on the 1914 building. New boilers, air handling and air conditioning were installed. In 2004 and 2005 the interior of the sanctuary and adjacent hallways were redecorated and newly carpeted. The chancel area of the church was enlarged.
In 2004, the congregation, led by its pastors, embarked on an outreach ministry - "Taking It To The People". An 18 wheel diesel tractor was fitted to bring the ministry of the church to people. Sidewalk Sunday School sessions, Worship in the Park, extended visits to other congregations and sites in other communities encompass an extended ministry outside the walls of our church.
In 2005, the congregation celebrated 150 years of ministry and mission in this community. Various worship services and program activities allowed us to "Remember our Past --- and Embrace the Future. The congregation gave thanks to God for members and friends from 1851 to the present day who have assisted in all the ministries of First United Methodist Church.
Sources:
*History of Fort Dodge and Webster County… by H.M. Pratt
*First United Methodist Church website
First Methodist Episcopal
1914
First United Methodist Church of Fort Dodge had its beginnings in the 1850's. This first congregation gathered to hear the word of God by Rev. Burleigh. The meeting lasted three days.
First Presbyterian Church was organized on September 22, 1856 by Rev. S. T. Wells, a missionary. The first members were Maj. W. Williams, Jeanette J. Williams, Samuel Rees, Eleanor Rees, and Andrew Miller. The first minister was Rev. Edward L. Dodder. Andrew Miller and Samuel Rees were ordained elders.
On July 21, 1856, William Wilson, Jr., of Philadelphia, of the firm of Wilson, McBane & Co.,
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drew up a subscription paper soliciting aid "to build a Presbyterian meeting house in Fort Dodge." On September 22, 1856, the trustees received a donation from the proprietors of the town of lot three, block twenty-five, valued at $100.00. Money to erect a building was raised by subscription, and the church was completed and dedicated on February 25, 1856. The cost was $2,207.00. As the church grew, this edifice proved too small, and two lots were secured in 1880 on the corner of First Avenue South and Eighth Street for $1,600.00. Donations of $10,292 were raised. Work began the same year, and the church was dedicated on October 7, 1881 under the pastorate of Dr. Robert F. Coyle.
During the years 1861-69, the Presbyterians and Congregationalists held union services. The church has always been active in missionary work, and has supported a mission west of Moorland, at the Duncombe mills, and the Memorial Chapel on the corner of Fourteenth and Tenth Avenue South.
The Memorial Chapel was built by Mr. E. H. Rich in memory of his son, Willis Rich. The following have served the church as pastors: Rev. Edward L. Dodder, Rev. Lyman C. Gray, Rev. R. F. Coyle, Rev. Ezra B. Newcomb, Rev. J. Milton Greene, Rev. Phil C. Baird, and Dr. E. E. Hastings, who has been pastor since 1908. The belonged to the Presbytery of Dubuque, but now forms a part of the Presbytery of Fort Dodge.
First Presbyterian Church of Fort Dodge traces its roots to the very beginnings of the community. When the military post was abandoned in 1853 only a handful of civilians remained behind and the future was uncertain. It was only when the federal land office for North central Iowa was located in Fort Dodge that the economy of the new community began to boom. In 1855 and 1856 five churches were organized: Methodist, Congregational, Episcopal, Presbyterian and Catholic.
Credit for the organization of the Fort Dodge Presbyterian Church can be given to Rev. S. T. Wells, the first minister commissioned by the Board of Domestic Missions of the Presbyterian Church as a missionary and evangelist for the Synod of Iowa. Rev. Wells sent Rev. E.I. Dodder to serve as the first pastor in October of 1856. During the first two months, the congregation met in people’s homes but in December services were moved to the new but uncompleted public school.
The first members were Major William Williams (founder of Fort Dodge), Jeanette J. Williams, Samuel Rees, Eleanor Rees, and Andrew Miller. The first minister was Rev. Edward L. Dodder. Andrew Miller and Samuel Rees were ordained elders.
On September 22, 1856, the trustees received a donation from the proprietors of the town of lot located on the east side of Seventh Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenue North. Money to erect a building was raised in the community and the church was completed and dedicated on in July of 1857. The cost was $2,207.00.
The new church, like most frontier churches, suffered through difficult times. When Rev. Dodder left in 1861, membership had fallen to sixteen. Without a pastor, regular worship services were suspended temporarily.
In 1863, the Presbyterian Church and the local Congregational Church agreed to unite for worship and share a pastor. Under this agreement, which lasted until 1866, Presbyterian membership fell to only ten members. Over the next thirteen years, the church had eight different pastors.
When Dr. Coyle arrived, membership had reached 119 with 175 in the Sunday school. Under Dr. Coyle’s leadership a new church was built at 1st Avenue South and 9th Street, the largest church in the city, capable of seating nine hundred. With the support of the First Presbyterian Church membership, the Fort Dodge Collegiate Institute was established, the predecessor of Buena Vista University.
As the church began to grow, the building proved too small, and two lots were secured in 1880 on the corner of First Avenue South and Eighth Street for $1,600.00. Donations of $10,292 were raised. Work began the same year on a new building and the church was dedicated on October 7, 1881 under the pastorate of Dr. Robert F. Coyle.
Growth continued over the next few years as the church was blessed with several excellent pastors.
Especially noteworthy was Dr. J. Milton Greene, who came to the church in 1893. He led the church to greater commitment to Christian outreach, including the organization of the First Presbyterian Calvary Church of Barnum in 1899. Under Dr. Green’s successors, the Rich Memorial Chapel was organized in the Pleasant Valley neighborhood and Sunday school centers near Duncombe School, at the gypsum mills, and at the brick and tile plants were established. Several women’s groups were established and successful efforts were also made to establish church youth groups.
Dr. Greene was succeeded by Phil Baird, a brilliant preacher and lecturer, and Dr. Hastings who entered the ministry after a career in law.
In 1916, Dr. Harless assumed the pastorate and served twenty years, the longest pastorate in the history of the church. During his term, membership grew and eventually exceeded one thousand, making it the 4th largest Presbyterian church in Iowa. In 1922, lots were bought at the site of the current church and a new building fund was started. The Depression of the 1930’s and World War II created financial hardships for the church, and plans for the new building were placed on hold.
Rev William Paden became pastor in 1936 and he brought a new vitality to the church. For the first time, focus was placed on families with the organization of the Mariners clubs. Church life was disrupted by the coming of the Second World War. One hundred and thirty-eight members served in the armed forces, roughly 15% of the membership. Others moved to new places to work in defense plants. In 1945, Rev. Paden entered the military as a chaplain and his position as pastor was filled by Rev. Harrison Hilscher, former missionary to China.
The return of peace brought a renewal for the church. The drive for a new church building was revived and in 1948 ground was finally broken. The new church was opened a year later in 1949. With expanding church programming, the congregation raised the money to add the East wing (the Commons) in 1970, offering staff office space, youth classrooms, a new kitchen and a commons for small church gatherings.
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During the post-war, baby-booming 1950s, there was a revival of religion. Indeed, some at the time considered it a third great awakening. Then came the societal changes of the 1960s, which included a questioning of religious institutions. American culture changed drastically in the 1960s and 70s and the change was apparent in church life as well. Church attendance nationally declined and worship styles, which satisfied the previous generation, lost their appeal for the baby boomers and later generations. First Presbyterian responded by placing an increased focus on its youth programs, hiring full time professionals to expand the offerings.
Traditional styles of worship were also reconsidered and it was determined that an alternate style of contemporary worship might more effectively meet new needs. In response, the congregation purchased the former Jewish synagogue and named it the Shalom Center. First Presbyterian also committed itself to the construction of another addition, the Christian Life Center (CLC). Funds were raised in 2011-2012 and the new addition was completed in 2013. The CLC is a beautiful multipurpose facility that houses a new, more contemporary worship service for church members. It also was space used for large group meetings as well as youth recreational activities. A Hispanic ministry was added in 2004, which started its own church in the Spring of 2010. Vida y Esperanza Iglesia Presbyteriana was the first new church development of North Central Iowa Presbytery in roughly forty years.
In the first decade of the new century, First Presbyterian began two other new ministries that continue to enrich our community today. In 2003, the church began the KidZone Christian Childcare Center. The program has since expanded to include a three and four year old preschool, and care for children through elementary school. The ministry is a wonderful and valuable service to families throughout the community of Fort Dodge.
In 2004, First Presbyterian completed the Outreach Ministry Center, located across the street and just south of the church. This facility houses First Presbyterian’s wheelchair ministry and provides a space where people come together to work on a variety of projects for others. Through the tools and machinery in the OMC, members of the church are able to refurbish wheelchairs for Hope Haven International, help repair items for community events, and help others in need.
In the most recent years, First Presbyterian has mobilized numerous mission trips in other states and countries, helping the less fortunate while spreading the Gospel of Christ. In addition to these short-term mission projects, multiple members have begun non-profit ministries here in Fort Dodge and beyond including Gateway for Discovery, a women’s recovery home in Fort Dodge that opened in 2013.
The history of First Presbyterian Church is a story of commitment to advancing the ministry of the church by constantly striving to attract new members to the church and to embrace God’s Word. It is also a ministry that continually strives to reach and help people where they are in the community and even in other countries. This same ministry continues today and people of all ages are invited to join the First Presbyterian ministry and make their story part of the ongoing history of First Presbyterian Church.
Pastors through the Years
1856-1861 The Rev. W.I. Dodder
1863-1866 (The church had 8 different pastors during this time)
1867-? The Rev. Dr. Coyle
1893-? The Rev. Dr. J. Milton Greene
?-? The Rev. Phil Baird
?-? The Rev. Dr. Hastings
1916-1936 The Rev. Dr. Harless
1936-1945 The Rev. William Paden
?-? The Rev. Dan Ogada
1945-? The Rev. Harrison Hilscher
?-? The Rev. Dr. Gene Seikman
?-? The Rev. Gary Heinman
1990-2006 The Rev. David A. Feltman
2006-2007 The Rev. James H. Guyer (Interim Pastor)
2008-2012 The Rev. Jeffrey J. Martens
2012-2013 The Rev. Dr. Nancy A. DeVries (Interim Pastor)
2013-Current The Rev. Dr. Austin D. Hill
First Presbyterian
1856
First Presbyterian Church was organized on September 22, 1856 by Rev. S. T. Wells, a missionary.
Riverside Methodist
1892
Fort Dodge was growing, so dividing the First Methodist Church was needed. In 1892, the Riverside Methodist Church, located in West Fort Dodge, was organized. A church structure was built the same year. Rev. C. E. Leitzell was the pastor, ad he also was in charge of the Epworth Methodist Church, located at the corner of Eleventh Avenue South and Twenty-First Street.
Sacred Heart Parish was established June 3, 1897 by Arch Bishop Henessy. Father Edmond Heelan, rector of the Cathedral at Dubuque, was appointed to take charge of the new congregation. On July 21, 1897, work began on a church costing about $4,500.00. On Sunday, October 24, 1897, mass was celebrated in it for the first time and on Sunday, November 7, 1897, the church was dedicated with solemn and appropriate ceremonies by Monsignor Ryan and a large number of priests. Rev. R. Slattery of New Hampton preached the dedicatory sermon at morning mass, and at the evening service, Rev. W. Halpin lectured to a large audience.
The two Fort Dodge congregations are now among the most prosperous in the state. In 1910, the Knights of Columbus erected their building on First Avenue South and Ninth Street. St. Joseph's Hospital, built in 1908, was dedicated March 21, 1909 by Bishop Garrigan.
When Father T. M. Lenehan came here in 1870, there was only the little old. Today there are two churches in Fort Dodge, two parochial schools and residences, a fine brick church, a school in Clare, and churches in Barnum, Moorland, Lehigh, Duncombe, Vincent, Coalville, and the church on the Lizard, almost on the Pocahontas county line. The parish he had in 1870 has now over one hundred sub-divisions but few of his old co-laborers are living.
The soldiers left the old fort in 1854, and fast upon the advancing and protecting rifle came the Catholic pioneers. In 1855, Mrs. Hannah Reilly and family came. They settled upon the north half of section thirty-three in the Cooper township. They received a patent from the United States government. This patent was held for nine years, and then they were evicted. George Crilly was another of the vanguard coming in 1855. He settled upon the quarter section of land that is now a part of Oleson Park. He, too, had a title from the government but lost his land. For many years, Mrs. Reilly and George Crilly fought for their homes. Mrs. Reilly's case went to the United States Supreme Court, and George Crilly stormed the chambers of congress pleading for his home. They both lost but bravely turned their faces to the future and began again. Mrs. Reilly died here in Fort Dodge, and George Crilly died a few years ago in South Dakota.
Sacred Heart Parish
1897
Sacred Heart Parish was established June 3, 1897 by Arch Bishop Henessy. Father Edmond Heelan, rector of the Cathedral at Dubuque, was appointed to take charge of the new congregation.
On July 22, 1855, a community meeting called together by Rev. Mr. Peet, rector of the St. Paul’s Church in Des Moines, organized St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.
The first work of the congregation was to obtain a church building. Just one year after the organization, Bishop Lee offered to raise the remaining funds necessary for a chapel if Fort Dodge raised $1,000.00. The offer was not accepted. On February 17, 1858, the vestry resolved to build a church the next summer. Mr. J. L. Cheney, Mr. E. Bagg, and Dr. S. B. Olney were appointed the building committee. This building was a frame structure, standing just north of where Tobin College now stands.
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The building was not completed until 1873-76 due to the panic of 1857 and the Civil War. This was made possible through the generosity of J. F. Duncombe, Webb Vincent, Beth Vincent, B. Grayson, H. Beecher, and Dr. S. B. Olney. On June 28, 1876, the church was consecrated by the Rt. Rev. H. B. Whipple and D. D., bishop of Minnesota.
The church was destroyed by fire on January 5, 1892. Immediately, steps were taken for the erection of a new structure. The vestry headed by Rev. J. W. Paige and Mr. Leon Vincent were appointed as the building committee. In the early spring of 1893, Rev. Page died. On April 23, 1893, the vestry appointed Messrs. J. C. Cheney, Webb Vincent, Leon Vincent, and A. J. Arthur as the new building committee. On May 24 1894, Mr. C. B. Hepler presented a proposal to build the new church with a cost of $7,000.00. This was accepted, and the building was erected. In 1898, the chancel was enlarged and a new organ was installed at a cost of $2,683.00.
St. Mark's Episcopal
1855
On July 22, 1855, a community meeting called together by Rev. Mr. Peet, rector of the St. Paul’s Church in Des Moines, organized St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.
St. Olaf's Norwegian Lutheran
1891
St. Olaf's Norwegian Lutheran Church was organized on September 22, 1891 by Rev. B. K. Berkeland with twenty members. For three years, services were held in the Swedish Lutheran Church. During the summer of 1893, a movement was started to raise funds to build a new church. Plans were drawn and accepted. In September of the same year, the foundation was laid. The church was finished and dedicated the last Sunday in October 1894. The pastor was Rev. P. C. Danielson.
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The first Lutheran church service was conducted in the home of Leonard Fessel on January 20, 1861 by Pastor Frederick Fickenscher, an immigrant from Germany. The earliest entries of baptisms, marriages and deaths in the records of St. Paul Lutheran Church were signed by Pastor Fickenscher.
In 1864, a building site was acquired on 3rd Avenue South where the first St. Paul Church was erected. It was built of native gypsum rock recovered from quarries by members of the congregation. The original church was 24’ x 40’ by 16’ tall. The wood in the edifice was of black walnut.
The church was also used as a school. The pews were made so that a drop leaf on the back of each pew could be used for the students’ desks.
St. Paul was the first congregation in Iowa to be affiliated with the Missouri Synod. The congregation enjoyed rapid growth from the years after 1864. Many Lutheran immigrants were arriving in Iowa during those years and became members of the church. Growth was so substantial, that in 1882, the congregation decided to build a new church on a new site. A plot of ground with a house on the corner of 4th Avenue South and 13th Street was purchased for $2,300. The house was used as a parsonage. A newly constructed church was dedicated on November 28, 1886. The church was built in Gothic style, measuring 99’ x 40’ x 33. The old church was converted into a school. For many years, church services were conducted in both English and German.
In 1924, members of the St. Paul Lutheran Church congregation contributed funds to support the newly formed Lutheran Slovaks Congregation of Fort Dodge. A new church was completed in 1926, now known as Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.
In 1928, St. Paul Lutheran Church participated in a fundraising campaign for the building of a Children’s Home, located at 234 9th Avenue North, completed in 1930. The organization was now known as the Lutheran Home Finding Society. By the early 1950’s the home had cared for more than 1,000 children. Lutheran congregations took direct responsibility for the physical care and spiritual nurture of these children.
In the 1960’s, society was changing dramatically. Children awaiting placement with a permanent family were being cared for in foster homes, so the Children’s Home was no longer needed. The ministry remained focused on reaching out to those in need. Some unmarried women who became pregnant were not accepted in their home communities and needed a place to stay until their babies were born. The Children’s Home became a home for unwed mothers.
Also in 1960, the St. Paul congregation decided to enlarge the church, add a new heating system and a new pipe organ for a total cost of $50,000. During the same time, the church helped to open Lutheran Hospital, now UnityPoint Regional Medical Center on Kenyon Road.
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The church’s ministry continued to grow through the decades, but in 1999, the church was destroyed by a fire that was started by vandals. This loss was crushing, but the congregation rallied and began a fundraising campaign to build a new church, which was called “Ashes to Glory – Lift High the Cross”. In 2003, a cornerstone ceremony was held and the cornerstone that was spared by the fire was placed in the corner of the new building. A new church was erected, and in subsequent years, a new fellowship hall, church kitchen and hallway to the school and church library were completed under the direction of Pastor Al Henderson.
In October, 2019, St. Paul Lutheran Church suffered another tragedy. Pastor Al Henderson was assaulted outside the church and died from his injuries. The congregation and the community were devastated and heartbroken. Pastor Henderson was a well-known and much beloved member of not only the St. Paul community, but of the Fort Dodge community and the First Responders and EMS community, having also served as the pastor to local law enforcement agencies.
St. Paul Lutheran Church continues to be a strong leader and asset in the Fort Dodge Community. It continues to provide education, leadership and spiritual guidance to residents in the region.
Sources:
*St. Paul Lutheran Church History...The Messenger
St. Paul's German Lutheran
1861
The first worship service of the small congregation in Fort Dodge was held in the Leonard Fessel home on January 20, 1861 . The Rev. Dr. Frederick Fickenscher walked from Boone to Fort Dodge to conduct services once every 4 weeks.
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