Chapter 20 cont. Rev. William Windsor, sent out by the Home Missionary society organized the Edwards church with twenty-six members, August 17, 1861.  Mr. Windsor remained five years, gathering over 100 members, brought the church to self-support, and raised the salary from $400 to $1,000.  A prosperous work of four and one-half years under the leadership of Rev. J. A. Hamilton followed, and the membership rose from 120 to 273.  Dr. J. G. Merrill followed and remained ten years, 1872-1882.  Under him in 1873 the main part of the present edifice was erected.  In 1881 its interior was completely destroyed by fire.  This damage was quickly repaired and the building made more serviceable than before.  The pastorate of Dr. Merrill was remarkably prosperous.  During this period Bethlehem hall was erected for the mission in West Davenport, which had been inaugurated in the closing years of Dr. Hamilton's work.  When Dr. Merrill left the church roll numbered 314 names.  Upward of 1,600 persons have belonged to the Edwards church; among them many of the most substantial people of the city. In 1894 the Bethlehem mission was organized into a church, several members of Edwards church voluntarily taking their letters and constituting the nucleus of the new organization.  This mission became later the Bethlehem Congregational church which recently merged with the German  Congregational church as the Bereab church of which Rev. R. K. Atkinson is pastor. Nor is this all of Congregationalism in Davenport, for in 1854 the German Congregational church was organized. As early as 1890 plans for the chapel addition began to be considered, as the auditorium was inadequate for any expansion of the Sunday school or other work in the interest of Christian nurture.  The accummulation of money for this extension began, but the whole matter received a set-back during the period of financial depression, 1892-1896.  At the annual meeting, January, 1900, the church voted to raise money for renovating the church and building a chapel on the rear of the lot.  On November 4th, of the same year, the present structure, costing $12,000, was dedicated and the church reopened after a thorough renovation without and within, costing about $4,000.  These changes gave the Edwards congregation one of the best church plants in the state.  During the year $11,000 of the amount needed for these improvements was raised in cash and pledges. Up to 1904 Edwards church and society existed jointly, but the growing desire to incorporate as a church alone led to steps looking up to that end.  Accordingly the legal proceedings necessary to the incorporation of Edwards church, and the termination of the ecclesiastical society formerly connected herewith, and the transference of the property to the church were regularly and properly taken.  The final meeting when this business was transacted was held March 10, 1904. Still another interesting chapter might be written about Iowa college, which, after much prayer and sacrifice, was incorporated in 1847 and opened in Davenport, November 1, 1848.  Chief among its founders and supporters were Revs. Asa Turner, Julius A. Reed, A. B. Robbins and all the famous "Iowa Band."  The city subscribed $1,365 and thirteen lots, and the twelve trustees, home missionary pastors on salaries of $400, gave $100 each.  Once the college moved from the original location on Ripley street to the property now occupied by the Episcopal cathedral and the new high school.  Disputes with the city regarding a street through the property, together with a gift of land and an opening at Grinnell, led to the removal thither in 1858, where the college has prospered under the presidencies of Dr. Magoun, Dr. Gates, Dr. Dan F. Bradley and J. H. T. Main. MEMBERSHIP BY PERIODS. 1861, 26; 1865, 61; 1870, 170; 1875, 216; 1880, 322; 1885, 304; 1890, 317; 1895, 314; 1900, 325; 1905, 396; 1910, 455. CHARTER MEMBERS OF FIRST CHURCH Organized July 30, 1839 Strong Brunell, Olivia (Strong) Burnell, William S. Collins, Benjamin F. Coates, Jane C. Fessenden, John C. Holbrook, Cynthia (Mrs. John C.) Holbrook, Andonean Kendal, Mary C. (Mrs. Andonean) Kendal, Abraham Neely, Charlott (Mrs. Abraham) Neely. PASTORS OF FIRST CHURCH Rev. J. P. Stuart, June to December, 1840; Rev. Oliver Emerson, December 20, 1840, to June 20, 1841; Rev. Allen B. Hitchcock, September 12, 1841, to November 1, 1844; Rev. Ephraim Adams, D. D., November 1, 1844, to May 1, 1855; Rev. George F. Magoun, D. D., June, 1855, to September 9, 1860; Rev. William Windsor, August 17, 1861, to September 23, 1866; Rev. J. A. Hamilton, D. D., August 1, 1867, to November 30, 1871; Rev. J. G. Merrill, D. D., January 2, 1872, to August 31, 1882; Rev. Martin L. Williston, September 17, 1882, to January 1, 1888; Rev. A. W. Archibald, D. D., June 1, 1888, to November 15, 1892; Rev. B. F. Boller, January 1, 1893, to October 1, 1894; Rev. G. S. Rollins, D. D. December 1, 1894, to November 1, 1902; Rev. Charles A. Moore, Ph. D., February 1, 1903.  Dr. Moore is now pastor of the church.  During his recovery from serious illness Rev. W. J. Suckow, field secretary of Grinnell college, is serving as pulpit supply. 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