FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH When Mr. Barrows ended his chronicle of the First Presbyterian church the congregation was worshiping in the building which had been erected in 1853 on the north side of Third between Main and Harrison streets.  Rev. J. D. Mason had resigned his pastorate and his successor had not been chosen.  Rev. S. McAnderson came from Pennsylvania to fill the vacancy, commencing his service in January of 1860 and continuing until December 31, 1869.  It was during this pastorate, in April, 1864, that the congregation sold the Third street church building to Woeber Brothers, carriage makers and bought St. Luke's church on the corner of Seventh and Brady streets.  It was virtually an exchange as far as financial value is concerned, the consideration in each case being $6,000, although the construction cost of St. Luke's had been considerably more. In the spring of 1870 Rev. J. B. Stewart, D. D., became pastor of church and continued in that relation until October 1, 1872.  Next New Year's day Dr. C. D. Nott, a grandson of the Rev. Dr. Eliphalet Nott, president of Union college, came to the First church and remained until 1880.  Rev. Dr. N. M. Clute next filled the pulpit and cared for the spiritual health of his people until May, 1885.  Upon his resignation a search for his successor was made and it was almost a year before Dr. J. B. Little took up the work.  The date was April, 1886, his installation following June 15, 1886. In June, 1896, Dr. Little resigned and November 8 of the same year Rev. Dr. John B. Donaldson came from Minneapolis to succeed him.  Preparations were begun for the erection of a new church building which should be more commodious, nearer the center of the parish and more in acccord with what is now considered a church building should be.  March 18, 1898, ground was broken at the corner of Kirkwood boulevard and Iowa street.  July 20th the corner stone was laid.  December 17, 1899, the completed church was dedicated. The new structure is built of Marquette brown stone which has a magnesian stain, known as the "rain drop" marking.  It makes the warmest, richest, stateliest structure that heart could wish.  The architecture is Romanesque, the tower in the style of Richardson the eminent Boston architect and the carved oak leaves and foliage in the gables are of renaissance design.  The interior is octagonal in shape while the ceiling is marked with a Maltese cross and a Greek cross.  Every convenience and adjunct has been given place in this splendid building and it is considered a model church home by all who have seen it. In April, 1907, the old building on Third street which was the location of the First Presbyterian church congregation for so many years was torn down to make room for a fine business block. July 22, 1907, Dr. Donaldson, greatly beloved by his people for his ready sympathy, pulpit excellence and spirituality, resigned.  His successor, Rev. Leroy M. Coffman, of Sidney, Ohio, accepted a call to this church, April 26, 1908, and has since his removal to Davenport been the shepherd of the flock.  He has been assisted for some months by Rev. H. C. Anderson, who has special charge of the work at Newcomb chapel. 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