ST. PAUL'S ENGLISH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN Tradition has it that in the early '50s efforts were made to establish an English Lutheran church in Davenport, and it is a matter of regret that no documents of any kind are to be found save one, in which the banking firm of Cook & Sargent agree to convey to the trustees of the First English Evangelical Lutheran church of the city of Davenport lot 1 in block No. 3 in Green's second addition to the city of Davenport, for the consideration of one dollar, provided the said trustees erect thereon a two story building not less than forty by seventy feet.  However, the conditions were not met.  The names of the late Dr. Stukenberg, Rev. Kissel, and others, had been associated with these early attempts, but nothing permanent resulted until Rev. George W. Snyder was appointed the missionary by the board of home missions, his commission dating April 1, 1879.  During the preceding year Rev. Snyder, in conjunction with Rev. G. W. Diveley, had canvassed the city and secured the signatures of some thirty persons desirous of becoming members of the new organization.  These persons were not formed into a congregation until later.  The missionary, not having a suitable place to hold services, started on a canvassing trip throughout the church, without holding nay religious meetings here until he had secured $4,000 dollars for the erection of a suitable place of worship.  The lots on the corner of Main and Fourteenth streets, where the church and parsonage are located, were purchased at a total cost, including sewer and other expenses, of $1,740.  The chapel, now part of the new edifice, and used as the Sunday school room, was erected during the fall of 1881 and spring of 1882.  The first service therein was held January 22, 1882.  The Sunday school was also organized that day with thirty-four present.  Of the original signers of the constitution the following formed the nucleus of the new congregation: H. B. Martin, Mrs. A. S. Martin, Mrs. Jane Rhodes, Bernhard Reilley, Mrs. Catherine Reilley, Miss Anna A. Reilley, Philip Garner, Mrs. Susan Garner, Miss Lucinda Garner, now Mrs. John Roth, and Mrs. Laura B. Snyder.  The congregation having been received into connection with the Evangelical Lutheran synod of Iowa, on October 30, 1879, now began its real work.  During the year 1882 sixteen new members were added to the church.  Of these, who might be well considered the charter members, the following remain on the honor roll:  Mrs. Jane Rhodes, Mrs. Catherine Reilley, Miss Anna A. Reilly, Mrs. Lucinda Roth, Miss Emma Heden, Miss Laura Rhodes, and J. A. Rhodes.  Death has claimed several and others were dismissed by letter. The chapel was dedicated on April 30, 1882,  Rev. G. W. Stelling, D. D., then of Omaha, preaching the dedication sermon.  Rev. J. W. Goodlin, the secretary of the board of home missions, was present, as well as Rev. S. D. Barnitz, the western secretary of the board, who assisted in the services.  There was a whole week of rejoicing and preaching.  The offerings on the following Sunday were sufficient to liquidate all indebtedness.  The same fall the present parsonage was built at a cost of $2,292.  Of this amount the board of church extension loaned the congregation $1,625.  This indebtedness taxed the young mission for several years, but on June 5, 1889, the last farthing was paid.  On April 1, 1891, Rev. George W. Snyder closed his pastorate at St. Paul's to assume the charge of a new mission at Council Bluffs.  During the vacancy that occurred after the departure of Rev. Snyder, Rev. E. F. Bartholomew, D. D., from Augustana college, supplied the pulpit, and various brethren visited the church with a view of becoming the pastor.  On the 7th of May, 1891, the present pastor, Rev. W. Henry Blancke, was invited to the pastorate, and on June 24, 1891, the call was accepted.  The church and Sunday school increased and grew in number and efficiency.  The chapel became too small to suit the needs of the congregation, so on February 26th, it having been determined to build a new church edifice, a building committee was appointed consisting of W. B. Murray, M. S. Like, F. L. Secoy, P. Paulson and A. H. Puttcamp, with full instructions to erect a building not to exceed in cost $12,000.  A finance committee was also appointed consisting of H H. Vogt, Lars Johnsen, and Jacob Olsson.  The pastor was an ex-officio member of both committees.  At a final meeting of the congregation the bids and plans were submitted for a $22,000 structure, which were accepted, and on May 4, 1902, the beautiful edifice was dedicated with a total cost of $26,000, including organ and furnishings.  Rev. E. F. Bartholomew, D. D., preached the dedication sermon in the morning and Rev. J. A. Wirt, D. D., of Des Moines, preached the evening sermon.  At both these services the offerings amounted to nearly $6,000.  Since Rev. Blancke's pastorate began up to the present time there have been received into the church over 300 new members, and the Sunday school has an enrollment of about 250.  In  connection with the church is a Young People's Luther league of about seventy-five members. 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