chapter 20 cont. EDWARDS CONGREGATIONAL The Frist Congregational church of Davenport grew out of a Sunday school organized in May, 1839, by a few members of the First Presbyterian church.  Only two Congregational churches in the state antedate this, which was formed by twelve persons, July 30, 1839.  For some time the members met in various places, chiefly private dwelling houses, and a deacon read the printed sermons of eastern preachers.  In 1840 Rev. J. P. Stuart, who had been sent to Stephenson, (Rock Island) and vicinity, preached from July to December of that year.  From the latter date until June of 1841, Rev. Oliver Emerson ministered.  Rev. Allen B, Hitchcock, a graduate of Yale, came in 1841, and remained till 1844.  During his pastorate a building, thirty-eight by twenty-four, was erected upon a lot on Fifth and Main streets, which had been secured by the exchange of one donated by the famous Antoine LeClaire.  The pastor, who had learned the carpenter's trade, and three of the members, built this edifice, all contributing their services.  This structure was twice enlarged to accommodate the growing congregation.  At the completion of the second improvement in 1855 the roof caved in, necessitating repairs at great sacrifice to the members.  Rev. Ephraim Adams, still living at Waterloo, Iowa, followed Mr. Hitchcock, being installed in 1847.  He remained until 1855, when Rev. George F. Magoun came.  The latter was a man of high intellectual attainments and a preacher of great ability.  Under his ministry there were repeated revivals and large accessions to the membership.  The land area was increased and plans were made for a very large edifice.  In 1857 the financial crash came and the church was prostrated.  The members suffered great financial losses, and became disheartened.  An otherwise small debt weighed heavily upon them, and despite all efforts, aided by the advice of a council, by 1860 the church was practically disbanded after a prosperous existence of twenty-one years.  The membership had run up to 250.  For almost a year the church was closed, mute witness of hard times, financially and spiritually. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Debbie Clough G-erischer G-erischer Family Web Site http://gerischer.rootsweb.com/ Assistant CC, Iowa Gen Web, Scott County http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/ List Manager for: IASCOTT-L * G-erischer-L * D-encker-L Fitzpatirck-L * V-lerebome-L * Huntington-L * Otis-L * Algar-L EIGS-L * Pickens-L * McNab-L * Patris-L - Rankin-L