History of the North Star Mission, North Star Baptist Church and the LaSalle Avenue Baptist Church, Chicago ..

HISTORY

fiortY) 5tar [T^i^sioi},

|N(ortt? 5tar Baptist <^\)ur(:}),

I^aSalle /^uepue Baptist ^f^urel?

CHICAGO.

DR. LAFAYETTE WALLACE CASE.

CHICAGO:
1897.

HISTORY OF THE

NORTH STAR MISSION,
NORTH STAR BAPTIST CHURCH

AND THE

LaSalle Avenue Baptist Church

CHICAGO.

DR. IvAFAYETTE WAIvLACE CASE.

CHICAGO:

NORMAN G, LENINGTON.

1897.

CORRECTIONS.

Page 12. — For Miss Anna "Butler" read Miss Anna Beuter.
Page 14.- — After "John Cawthorne" erase the word dead.
Page 16. — After "Mrs. Elizabeth Dunlap" erase the words

NOW DEAD.

Page 18. — After Mrs. Abby Farnham" erase the word dead.

Page 18. — For "George D. Webster," read D. Webster
George.

Page 23. — After "Miss Nellie McLean" read 1863 instead of
1868.

P.I 474

HISTORY OF THE NORTH STAR BAPTIST MISSION

SUNDAY SCHOOL AND CHURCH; AND

OF THE LA SALLE AVENUE

BAPTIST CHURCH OF

CHICAGO.

By Dr. Lafayette Waixack Case.

In October, 1884, about one hundred persons united to form
the La Salle Avenue Baptist Church. Of that number only about
twenty remain in the church to-day. Many of the original
members have gone to other churches, and about twenty have
ceased their earthly labors and gone to swell the throngs of the
church triumphant.

Of the original members of the La Salle Avenue Baptist
Church nearly all came from the North Star Baptist Church, and
it seems to the writer to be a suitable time to write the history of
that church while a few still remain to live over in fond remem-
brance the joys and sorrows, the trials and triumphs, and all the
cherished Christian experience of other days.

In 1858, the Second Presbyterian Church organized a mis-
sion Sunday school, which was known as the Chicago Avenue
Union Sunday School. This school continued under this name
until i860, when it was closed. James M. Plumsted, who had
been a teacher in the school, reorganized it under the name of
Bremer Street Mission and placed it under the management of
the First Baptist Church, of which he was a member. Henry
Huntington was the superintendent for that year. The school
was located on the east side of Bremer street, now Milton avenue,
between Chicago avenue and Oak street. What was known as
the forty-acre lot lay to the north between Oak and Division
streets, and Sedgwick and Larrabee streets. On the northeast
corner of this field, a lot 130x145 feet was leased by the First
Baptist Church, and a frame building was erected which was
first occupied b}' the school Thanksgiving Day, 1862. After
this time it was known as the North Star Mission. R. M. Graves
was then the superintendent, and for several years afterward. To

I

him, perhaps, more than to any other man, is due the great suc-
cess which the mission achieved. Mr. Plumsted, latelj' deceased,
M. R. Bortree and D. W. Baker were also superintendents of the
school, and contributed largel}' to its development. Many of
the officers and teachers of the school came over from the First
Church, many of them from long distances and long before the
present daj-s of rapid transit. A half day had to be devoted to
the work, but so successful and alluring was it that there was no
lack of helpers, and the number of children in the school was
from a thousand to fifteen hundred. The North Chicago Cit}^
Railway issued a special ticket to the teachers and officers of the
North Star. This ticket was known as the "North Star ticket,"
and was sold at a generous rebate. Among those who came
from the First Church, special mention should be made of the fol-
lowing for their self-sacrificing spirit in giving their time, ser-
vices and money to the mission: Mrs. Robert Harris, a teacher
for several j-ears, wife of the president of the C. B. & Q. R. R.;
Daniel S. Garlick; Nehemiah Hawkins, a prime mover in secur-
ing the property of the North Star; Mrs. Alice A. Lj'on, wife of
Judge L3'on, a most excellent christian woman; Sarah Nicholas,
a most faithful teacher, rarely absent, now dead; Naomi SaN'les,
wife of Prof. Northrop; John E. Sa54es, treasurer of the school;
Henrj^ Tillinghast, one of the great helpers; Nellie McLean, a
teacher in the Franklin school and greath' interested in the mis-
sion. She was the first convert baptized bj' Mr. Wrenn. Mr.
George L. Wrenn came as missionary pastor in 1862, and re-
mained seven 3'ears. His work was very successful and large
numbers were baptized b}^ him. For several years the baptisms
took place in the First Baptist Church, then standing on the
corner of Washington and La Salle streets, where the Chamber of
Commerce building stands. The building was taken down, re-
moved to the west side and re-built, and has since been occupied
by the Second Baptist Church. Some years later a baptistery
was built in the North Star mission and the baptisms took place
there, though the members baptized were members of the First
Baptist Church. Mr. Wrenn on one occasion baptized repre-
sentatives of six nationalities. He was greatly beloved by all.

2

Some named their children after him. Some gave his name to
schooners on the lake, and although he has long been out of the
ministry, his services are in constant demand at the weddings
and funerals of the families of the old North Star Mission. The
admiration for Mr. Wrenn was not confined to his own people,
but extended to the general public; even the Catholics had great
respect for him, and he and Dr. Butler of the Church of the Im-
maculate Conception were on very friendly terms. In 1865 a
movement was started to purchase the property that the mission
had previously leased. Mr. Wrenn proposed the plan just before
going to Europe on a vacation. He, with Nehemiah Hawkins
and some others, made a list of the friends of the mission, and
the amounts they thought it likely each would give, and started
out to raise the necessary funds. Some tried to discourage them,
believing that so large a sum could not be raised. But to their
surprise most of the persons approached gave even more than
was expected of them, some doubling the amount. Among
others, they had put down the name of Oliver B. MuUin, long an
active worker in the mission, as probably willing to give $100.
On laying their plans before him, he said he was heartily in
favor of it, had thought and prayed over the matter himself and
had saved up some money for that very purpose. Said he, "I
will give $500." This was so much more than they had ex-
pected that Mr. Hawkins, unable to repress his emotion, threw
his arms around Mr. MuUin and embraced him, as a feeble ex-
pression of his delight. They then visited B. F. Jacobs, who
told them they were undertaking too much and could never suc-
ceed. When he had made all the objections to the plan he could
think of, they told him what Mr. Mullin had done. "Is that
so," said he, "then I'll give $100." Mr. Wrenn was obliged to
leave before the entire amount needed had been collected, but
just before taking the steamer at New York a telegram from
Chicago informed him that all the money needed had been raised.
Mr. Mullin always believed that the selection of the North Star
site was providential. On one occasion, in the earlj^ mission ^
days, after he had spent a hard day in working for the infant
mission, while crossing the forty-acre lot previousl}^ mentioned,

3

he came to the corner and feeling the burden of the work in
which he was engaged, he knelt down under a tree and in fervent
prayer asked God to help and direct him. This exact spot was
afterward chosen for the location of the new mission building.
Mr. MuUin's love for the mission extended to the church, which
grew out of it, and he was always one of the first to recognize
the needs of the church, and one of the most generous in provid-
ing for them.

In 1867, the mission building was raised and a brick base-
ment built under it. This was used on week days for a branch
of the Franklin school, and on Sunday for the German depart-
ment of the Sunday school. This German school afterward be-
came the Second German Baptist Church, now located on the
corner of Burling and Willow streets. The Swedes also had a
Sunday school in the North Star building. A brick parsonage
was also erected on the rear of the lot, fronting on Sedgwick
street, about the same time.

In 1868, an important event in the life of the mission took
place; a step looking toward the future independence of the mis-
sion. The records of the North Star Church begin with this
entry bearing the date of Aug. 9, 1868: "At the close of the
morning service Brethren MuUin, Atwood and Walker were
chosen by ballot to act as deacons, and on Friday evening, Aug.
21, the above action was ratified by the First Baptist Church,
and at the same time the privilege was extended us of receiving
members at the mission, thus making us to all intents and pur-
poses, a church, though still maintaining organic connection
with the First Baptist Church."

The deacons chosen were Oliver B. MuUin, Geo. W. At-
wood and Samuel Walker.

From this time on the feeling that the mission should be-
come an independent church continued to grow. A large number
interested in the mission lived on the field, and it was confidently
believed that the church would be self-supporting.

In 1869 Mr. Wrenn severed his connection with the mission,
after seven years of the most loyal service, to unite with others
informing a new church at Highland Park, 111., of which he

4

was pastor for two years, when he removed to Boston, Mass.
His successor at the North Star, Rev. Edward R. Pierce, was
ordained at the First Baptist Church, March lo, 1870, and was
pastor of the mission for one year. During this year the mis-
sion became an independent church, bearing the name "North
Star Baptist Church." The exact date of the organization does
not appear on the records, but on May 9, 1870, the mission voted
to ask the First Church for letters to enable them to form an in-

dependent church, and on June 13, the name was adopted. This
failure of the records to show the fact of organization, compelled
the church to legally incorporate, in 1884, before disbanding and
transferring its property to its successor, the La Salle Avenue
Baptist Church.

Rev. James M. Whitehead succeeded Mr. Pierce, coming in
March, 1S71. A few months after his coming the great fire of

5

Oct. g occurred. The church parsonage, and nearly all the homes
of the members of the church were destroyed, and the members
widely scattered. Among the few houses left belonging to the
members of the church was that of Deacon Geo. W. At wood.
A prayer-meeting was held here, Oct. 14, by a few of the mem-
bers. Mr. Whitehead made a proposition at this meeting that
he should go into the country and solicit aid for the stricken
church, to enable it to rebuild a chapel. Those present agreed
to this plan, and Mr. Whitehead went to various places in the
neighboring States and collected a considerable sum of money.
Rev. Dr. W. W. Everts, of the First Baptist Church, and Rev.
Geo. L. Wrenn also visited eastern cities and collected a large
amount of mone3% which enabled the church to build on the east
half of its lot.

It required a moral hero to continue the work but just
begun by Mr. Whitehead, during the tr)ing times immediately
after the great fire, and no man more fitting than he could have
been found to do it. He was ever ready to lend a helping hand,
and by his example cheered and encouraged and brought together
most of the scattered members.

Immediately after the fire, the Chicago Relief and Aid
Society leased the rear portion of the church lot, and erected a
large one stor>^ frame building, which was used as headquarters
for distributing supplies of all kinds to the sufferers of the fire.
On another portion of the lot a temporar}- building was erected
for church services. This was occupied for about two years,
until the building on the east half of the lot was finished and
occupied by the church. This building was erected with the
funds collected by Revs. Whitehead, Everts and Wrenn, and
contained three stores on the first floor, and the church hall and
tenements above. In 1874, consent of the First Church having
been obtained, the trustees of the North Star were authorized to
borrow mone}' and build on the west half of the lot. A three
story brick building, containing stores and tenements, was built,
thus occup3'ing the entire Division Street front. This building
was long known as the "North Star Building." After the La
Salle Avenue Church came into possession of it, it was sold to

6

the Phoenix Building Society, and is now known as the "Phoenix
Building." For many years after its erection, the First Swedish
and Second German Baptist Churches used portions of the build-
ing for their services, and after its sale each of these churches
was given $1500 by the La Salle Avenue Church.

In 1874 a number of the members got letters of dismission
to unite with others in organizing the Immanuel Baptist Church.
This church held its services for some time in the church at the
corner of Center and Dayton streets, and then moved to Chicago
Avenue and changed its name to "Central Baptist Church." It
afterward moved to Orchard Street, near Garfield Avenue, still
retaining the name "Central. ' ' Still later it purchased the north-
east corner of Halsted St. and Belden Ave., and changed its name
to "Belden Ave. Baptist Church." From the time of its organi-
zation there has been a frequent interchange of members between
this church and the North Star and La Salle Ave. Churches.

About the year 1874, the North Star Literarv Society was
formed, and became a flourishing organization. Though not
properly under the control of the church, it was conducted prin-
cipally by members of the church and Sunday School, and
attracted a number of other young people to its meetings. The
trustees of the church kindly gave the use of the church hall for
the society meetings, and in other ways encouraged the young
people in their efforts toward mental improvement.

During all of Mr. Whitehead's pastorate probably no place
was more attractive to the young folks of the North Side than
the North Star Church and its various musical, literary, temper-
ance and other societies.

Mr. Whitehead remained with the church nearly six years,
when he resigned and went to the church at Belvedere, 111., in
November, 1876. He is now in Kansas.

Rev. Robt. P. Allison, a student in the Baptist Theological
Seminary, was called to fill the vacancy in December, and
preached his first sermon Dec. 31, 1876. He was ordained
March 29, 1877.

In January, 1879, ^ mission school, supported by the North
Star and Coventry Street Baptist Churches, was established in the

7

Aurora Turner Hall, corner of Milwaukee Ave. and W. Huron
St., and called the "Milwaukee Ave. Baptist Mission School."
Officers, teachers and an advisory board from both churches con-
ducted the school until April, when the Second Baptist Church
succeeded the Coventry Street Church in connection with the
school.

In September, 1879, ^^r- Allison resigned the pastorate, and
went to the Baptist church at Barrington, 111.

In November of the same year Rev. Joseph Rowley of Ra-
cine was called to succeed Mr. Allison. He remained with the
church until October, 1883. Mr. Rowley graduated at the Uni-
versity of Chicago in 1865. While a student he supplied several
of the pulpits in Chicago and vicinity, and when Mr. Wrenn
went to Kurope in 1865, Mr. Rowley took his place at the North
Star Mission for several months, and, by his faithfulness and
earnestness, gave great satisfaction to the people connected with
the mission. He went to Racine, Wis., in 1867 and was
ordained there as pastor of the First Baptist Church, of which he
was pastor for nearly thirteen 3'ears, when he resigned to come to
the North Star. Since leaving the North Star he has held
pastorates at Vermillion, Dak., Sioux City, Iowa, and Irving
Park, 111. He has no charge at present, and resides in Chicago.

Rev. Lewis Raymond was then called to take temporar,v
charge of the church. In spite of his great age and phj'sical in-
firmities he rendered great and valuable services in re-uniting the
members of the church, and in promoting the movement which
had already begun, looking toward the organization of a new
church to better meet the needs of the denomination on the North
side of the citj-. During the ten years which followed the build-
ing of the North Star block, the vicinity had become a tliriving
business center and the church property had became ver\' valu-
able, but not suitable for church purposes, owing to the encroach-
ments of business. The spiritual interests of the church had not
kept pace with its material progress, and it Vx'as felt that a new
location, anew name, anew man to lead, and an infusion of new
members was urgently needed to bring the church up to the true
position it should occupy. Accordingly, on June 16, iSS4,the North

S

Star Baptist Church resolved to donate all its propert}- to a new
church to be made up of such of its own members and other Bap-
tists of the North Division as would organize and carry on the
work. A lot, 75x151 feet, on La Salle Avenue had previously
been bought for a new location. During the spring of that year
several mass meetings of Baptists were held at various places to
further the progress of the new movement, and several of the
leading Baptist pastors from this city and prominent men from
other places addressed these meetings. The movement prospered;
and on Oct. 10, 1884, the new organization was effected under
the name of "The La Salle Avenue Baptist Church." Rev.
Travis B. Thames of Shelbyville, Ky., was chosen pastor, and
Charles S. Waller, Dr. Lafayette W. Case and Robert P. Bates
were elected trustees. C. G. Bergstedt was elected clerk, and on
Nov. II, 1884, Charles S. Waller, Ruel D. Russell, C. G. Berg-
stedt, Roger W. Hardman and John F. Lenox were elected dea-
cons.

The North Star Church was not at this time legally dis-
banded, though nearly all its members had joined the new church.
A quorum of the North Star members, including the board of
trustees, remained as the legal church until all the necessary re-
quirements for legally transferring its propert}' had been fulfilled.
Some of its members held offices for a time in both organizations.
The trustees who transferred the North Star property to the La
Salle Avenue Church were John F. Lenox, Wm. Marshall, John
E. Bosler, Wm. Copeland, C. G. Bergstedt and Roger W. Hard-
man. This action was approved and authorized bv the First
Baptist Church, which, during all these years since the purchase
of the ground for the Mission school, had retained a sort of con-
trol of the property, and the North Star Church could not legally
make any loans on the property nor dispose of it without the con-
sent of the First Church. At a regular business meeting of that
Church held Oct. 24, 1884, the North Star Church was author-
ized to convey all its property of every description to the La
Salle Avenue Baptist Church of Chicago, which should thereafter
have full and complete control of it, and have full power to use,
mortgage or dispose of the whole or any part thereof without the

9

consent of the First Baptist Church of Chicago. This was done
by the North Star Baptist Church Feb. 24, 18S6, all its real es-
tate being on that date transferred by a quit-claim deed to the La
Salle x\ venue Baptist Church. The North Star Baptist Church
was then disbanded and the La Salle Avenue Church came intc^
fall possession of the Division vStreet property and the ground on
which the present building stands.

During the existence of the North Star Mission and Church
there were admitted to its membership more than five hundred
members. The earlier ones were recorded in the First Baptist
Church, and their name? do not all appear on the records of the
North Star Church. In some instances the names of persons
who united with the church later do not appear in the records,
through failure of the clerk" in recording. The writer of this
sketch has been obliged tr) rely on his memory and upon the
memories of several of the older members of the Mission in such
cases. Undoubtedly there ma}' be some errors. Again, there
are some errors in spelling the names of members, and sometimes
the given names of me;n")er.s a;-e not recorded, so that there may
be some reduplications of naniis or confusing of persons of same
or similar names. A careful s'ady of the records and comparison
of the result with the memories of those who have been members
of the North Star since its earliest days, gives the following mem-
bership, with date and manner of admission and dismission, and
a brief biographical sketch of many of the members. The writer
regrets that lack of data prevents him from doing more ample jus-
tice to many very worthy members of the old North vStar.

Martha A. Adams, wife ofCiarle; A iiii^, joined by letter
about 18S0; became a charter meml)er of l/i vSalle ilve.; dis-
missed by letter to Church at Newton, X. Y., [SS6.

Martha A. Adams, widow, joined iMSi by letter, and went
to La vSalle Ave. at organization ; afterwards went to Old Ladies'
Home.

John Agar, Baptized by Mr. Wrenn, 186S ; has ever since
been prominent in the work of the North Star ancl La Salle Ave.
churches ; has been trustee or deacon of both churches for 25
years ; for a short time was a member of the Central Baptist

10

Church, and came from there to La Salle Ave. soon after it.s or-
ganization.

Mrs. Ei.LEn Ag-\r, wife of John, B. by Mr. Wrenn, t868 ;
came to L^ Salle Ave. from Central 1886.

James S. Agar, B. 1S74, by Mr. Whitehead.

Wm. G. Agar, B. 1874, by Mr. Whitehead.

The other members of Mr. Agar's family were members
of the North Star Sunday School and afterwards became mem-
bers of La Salle Ave. Church.

Horace Ames, Experience, 1874; was captain of a schooner
and was drowned in the lake about 1878.

Mrs. K. Ame?, wife of al):)\'e, B. 1874; got a letter in 1879.

Mrs. Anderson, L. 1874.

Jennie " B. 1874. The record says, "Sister Ander-

son and daughter got letters to a church in Kansas, 1880."

Mrs. ANi)i{Ksnx, B. 1874.

" Dora " L. 187S, from Union Baptist Church,

Pittsburgh, and went back tliere in 18S0.

Oscar x\nderson, B. 1876; died 1894.

Rev. Robert p. Allison, L. 1877; pastor of church for 3
years.

Mrs. Jennie Allison, (wife) L. 1878 ; letters to Barring-
ton, 111., 1880.

PhcBbe Apgar, L. 1879, from 4th Baptist Church, St.
Louis, Mo.

George W. Atwood, B. 1868, by Mr. Wrenn; elected dea-
con 1 868 ; S. S. Supt. 1870 and 1871 ; a most excellent man and
a faithful worker in the church ; one of the first deacons and
vSupt. Sunday scIk^oI at the time of great fire.

Mrs. Atwood, wife of above, B. b>' Mr. Wrenn 186S. Mr.
and Mrs. Atwood left f<^r New Hampshire in 1873, and still
live there.

Anna Maria Arnander, L. 1S71, from Swedish Baptist
Church, Chicago.

Mr. and Mrs. Austrom and their son, Oscar, were mem-
bers, but no record of their admissicni appears. They got letters
in 1872.

1 1

H. D. Andrews; no record of admission ; dismissed by let-
ter in 1873.

Sarah Baders ; no record of admission ; got letter to
Greenfield, Mo., 1879.

Rev. J. K. Barry, L. 1873, from Norwood Park, 111.

Mrs. Mary M. Barry, wife of above, L. 1873, Norwood
Park, 111.

Miss Kate Barry, L. 1878, from Western Avenue Baptist
Church, Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Barry and their daughter Kate
got letters in 1883.

Henry Bonney, B. 1873; went to La Salle Ayc. in 1884.

Mrs. Catherine Bonney, B. 1874; wife of Henry Bonney;
went to La Salle Ave. in 1884.

Mrs. Anna Boatman, L. 1868, from Lockland, O.; died in
1886; one of the faithful ones, and rarely absent from the ser-
vices of the church.

Daniel Billings ; was a member as early as 1871 ; excluded
1883.

Mrs. Bartholmae, B. 1875 ; no further record.

Miss Annie Bartholmae, B. 1887 ; no further record.

Mrs. Emily P. Beresford ; no date of admission ; got let-
ter in 1877.

Mrs. Jennie Brown, B. 1874; letter to ClcYcland, O., 1880.

Miss Lydia " B. 1871 ; name dropped 1883.

George Branard, L. 187S, from Bridgeport, Conn.; he
died the same year.

Miss Anna Butler, B. 1878; to Milwaukee, 1878.

Fred. Price BoYDEN, B. 1S79; to Grand Island, Neb.,
1882.

Frank M. Buck, L. 1879, f™"^ F^ll Creek, 111.; charter
member of La Salle Ave. Church and elected clerk soon after its
organization ; an active member and officer of church until 1888,
when he went to Normal Park Baptist Church.

Mrs. Nettie (Russell) Buck, wife of aboYe and daughter
of Deacon R. D. Russell, B. 1874; was organi.st at the North
Star for some time ; died in 1886.

John E. BosleR, L. 1879, from Oquawka, 111.; took a prom-
12

inent part in church work and was a trustee for several years ; he
purchased in his own name for the church the ground upon
which the La Salle Ave. Church stands.

Mrs. Aquilla Bosler, L. 1879; wife of above. Mr. and
Mrs. Bosler came to the La Salle Avenue Church as charter
members.

Rev. H. O. Bates, L. 1876; licensed to preach 1876; grant-
ed letter 1880.

Robert P. Bates, L. 1884; one of the first trustees of La
Salle Ave. Church.

Lars Beoss, L. 1881, from Conyers, Ga.; excl. 1883.

Mrs. Belle Bloss, L. 1881, from Conyers, Ga.

C. G. Bergstedt. L. 1 881; former pastor of ist Swedish
Baptist Church, Chicago; an active member of North Star from
that time to organization of La Salle Ave.; trustee, deacon and
clerk of North Star, and deacon of La Salle Ave. ; letter to Belden
Ave. Baptist Church; 1887, now a member of Lake View Baptist
Church.

Mrs. Bray, an early member, but the records give neither
date of admission nor date of her death.

Mrs. Fanny Briggs,

Miss Maria
" Eva " These were the first members received

by the North Star Church. They came by letter from Delavan,
Wis., in 1868 and were granted letters to the 25th St. Baptist
Church, Chicago, in 1872.

Edwin M. Brice, B. 1869; letter to Oberlin, 1S74.

Mrs. Addie " B. 1869; " " " '

Olive Board, B. 1870; name dropped 1883.

x\lice " B. 1870; "

HjALMAR BUCHT, L. 1870.

Mrs. Mary Baind, L. 1870, from Carlinville.

C. C. Bartlett, B. 1871; a sailor on the lakes; letter 1874.

Mrs. T. M. " no record of admi.ssion; wife of above; let-
ter 1874.

JohaNNA BooivLUND, uo date of admission; received letter
to Aurora, 1872.

13

Mary Bookluxd, no date of admission; received letter to
Aurora, 1872.

Mrs. Emily Bogart, (see Mrs. Emih' Young.)

Mrs. Bliss, B. 1863 by Mr. Wrenn.

Charles Burgess, B. 1873; name dropped 1883.

Mrs. N. Brush, B. 1874; letter granted 1874.

Mr. Benfield, E. 1883; elected trusteee in 1883, but did
not serve, as he removed soon after to Milwaukee.

Mrs. Ann Bailey, L. 1882, from London, England.

Mrs. a. Ballard, L. 1883; died 1895.

Calvin " B. 1884; now member of La Salle Ave.

Milton " B. 1884; "

Miss Nellie Bowers, B. 1870; dead.

John Cawthorne, B. 1873; dead.

Mrs. Robert Cawthorne, (see Hattie Mabre}-.)

Mrs. a. R. Cromlish, date of admission not on record;
granted letter to North Baptist Church in 1871; afterwards a
member of Central and came from there to La Salle Ave. soon
after its organization; died 1887; a most lovely Christian char-
acter, and always ver}- active in church work; her daughter
Marj' was for mau)^ 3-ears a member of the North Star Sunda)^
School, and as Mrs. E. E. Bast was one of the charter members
of the La Salle Avenue Church.

Edw^ard Carloe, B. 1873.

Ellen Clifton, L. 1873, from Kensington, England.

Miss Cary, L. 1873, from Aurora, 111.

Mrs. Margaret Chase, L. 1874; letter to Immanuel Church
1874.

Mrs. Hiram Crawford, a member as early as 1872, but the
records give no date of admission; left to unite with others in
forming Immanuel Baptist Church in 1874; alwaj's a most
faithful and active member in both churches; now in State of
Washington.

Jennie Cameron, B. 1875.

Mrs. Eliza Cameron, L. 1874; letter granted in 1875.

Alexander " B. 1876; got letter in 1879.

Mrs. Jessie " wife of Alexander, B. 1876; got let-

ter in 1879.

14

Alice Carmine, B. 1876.
. Eliza " B. 1876.

Mrs. Carman, B. 1876; name dropped 1883.

Wm. Copeland, B. 1875; active member in North Star; a
trustee at time of disbanding, and one of the principal movers in
new organization, of which he was treasurer for some time; letter
to Fourth Bfiptist Church, Chicago, in 1889.

Mrs. Jane Copeland, wife of above, B. 1868, by Mr.
Wrenn.

Thomas Copeland, son of above, B. 1884.

Mrs. Carlson, an old member, but date not recorded; re-
ceived letter in 1883.

Mrs. IvILLIE Chapman, L. 1873, from North Baptist Church,
Chicago; afterward Mrs. Cheyne, now Mrs. C. G. Bergstedt;
charter member of La Salle Avenue Church; letter to Lake
View Baptist Church i8go.

C. R. CowELL, L. 1872; got letter before 1883.

Mrs. Fannie Cowell, wife of above, L. 1875; got letter be-
fore 1883.

Mrs. Matilda Cary, L. 1877, from South Baptist Church,
Chicago; mother of Mrs. Robert P. Allison.

Mrs. Lillie Cheyne, (see Chapman.)

Dr. Lafayette W. Case, L. 1880; a teacher in North Star
Mission in 1868, and for many years after, though a member of
First Baptist Church, Chicago; treasurer of the North Star Sun-
day School for many years; charter member of La Salle Avenue
Church; one of the first trustees, and has been a trustee ever
since with exception of two years; the writer of this history.

Mrs. Eliza Campbell, B. 1876; letter to Lake View Bap-
tist Church 1890.

Miss Belle Campbell, daughter of above, B. 1878; letter
to Lake View Baptist Church 1890.

Mrs. Catherine Campbell, B. 1876; sister of Mrs. Jessie
Smith.

James Campbell, L. 1878, from Spring Street Baptist
Church, Milwaukee.

Samuel Clark, L. 1870; a faithful and much esteemed
15

member of North Star and La Salle Avenue Churches; died 1S89.

Mrs. Joanna Clark, wife of above, B. 1870; charter mem-
ber of La Salle Avenue Baptist Church.

Julia Clark, daughter of Samuel Clark. B. 1870; died
manj^ years ago.

Charles L. Clark, B. 18S2; charter member of La Salle
Avenue Baptist Church.

Mrs. Charles L. Clark, B. 1882; charter member of La
Salle Avenue Baptist Church.

Daniel Curtis, L. 1884; letter to England 1884; dead.

Mrs. Mary Ann Curtis, L. 1884; letter to England.

Belle Clumpha, B. 1876; m. Paul Gibson.

J. H. DuNLAP, B. 1870; diedi87i; was janitor of church.

Mrs. Elizabeth Dunlap, B. 1870; wife of above; nc;w dead.

Nettie Dunlap, B. 1870;. now Mrs. Dyer; name dropped
1882.

Bertha Daglin, B. 1874.

Lena " B. 1876.

Emma " B. 1876.

M.'VGGiE Defries B. 1876; name dropped 1882.

Mary " B. 1876;

John Davis, B. 1870;

Mrs. Elizabeth Davis, wife of above, B. by Mr. Wrenn as
Miss Robinson; an active worker in North Star for many years.

George Davis, L. 1877, from Coventry Street Baptist
Church, Chicago.

Mrs. Lizzie Davis, L. 1877, from Coventry Street Baptist
Church, Chicago; left in [883.

ZOHRAB Dixon, L. 1876, from Bristol, 111.; charter member
of La Salle Avenue Church.

Mrs. Hattie Dixon, L. 1S76, from Bristol,. 111.; charter
member of La Salle Avenue Church; they received letters to
Centennial Church in 1889.

Mr. Deppish, B. 1878; letter to Western Avenue Church,
Chicago, 1880.

Mrs. Deppish, B. 1878; letter to Western Avenue Church,
Chicago, 1880.

16

Miss A. Deppish, L. 1877; letter to Western Ave. Church,
Chicago, 1880. They now reside in Chicago.

Robert Dillworth, B. 1871; letter to Kansas 1871; now in
Chicago.

Mrs. Sarah " B. 1864, wife of above; (see Phillips

family.)

Mrs. H. Dodd, L. T875; letter granted 1875.

Miss Eijza Dufield, L. 1878 from Baptist Church of
IngersoU; letter to Kansas City 1880; M.Mr. White.

Mrs. De Mude, L. 1875; letter granted 1875.

Mrs. Dunaway, B. 1877. name dropped, 1883.

Mlss Eijza DuLNiT; no date; name dropped, 1883.

Miss Julia F. Dole, L. 1877, from Fourth Baptist Church,
Chicago. Always a faithful worker in the church, especially as
superintendent of industrial school; now a member of La Salle
Avenue Church.

Jacob Eberlen,
Mrs. Margaret

B. 1873.
Eberlen

, B. 1870; dead.

Miss Maggie

"

B. 1870; dead.

Miss Louisa

"

B. 1880; dead.

Miss Sarah " B. 1870; dead; wife of A. S.
Young.

Miss Sophia " B. 1868 or before by Mr. Wrenn;
wife of Clarence H. Worrall, first clerk of North Star; she died

in 1872.

Mrs. Mary Ellis, L. 1879; niother of Mrs. Joseph Row-
ley; letter granted in 188.3.

Miss Anna Earnest, L. 1879 from University PI. Baptist
Church.

J. Jay Ellsworth, B. 1879; dropped 1883.

Wm. Eilert, L. 1884 from Canton, 111.

Isaac Eastman, L. 1873 from North Baptist Church.

Mrs. " L. 1873 from North Baptist Church.

AiLETTA " Ex. 1868; to North Baptist Church 1868;

' pEi!t)ba'bly same as next above.
'• .(i-' Mi?S;., EnqlisH;, B. before 1869; name dropped 1871.

17

John Edwards, B. 1884.

Jane Eyre, B. 1868; M. Wm. Copeland.

Mrs. Susan Fursland, B. 1866 by Mr. Wrenn; dead.

Wm. Fursland, B. 1873; son of above.

Wm. Francis, Ex. 1874; letter to Portland, Ore., 1880.

Mrs. Johanna Francis, Ex. 1874; letter to Portland, Ore.,
1880.

Mrs. Abigail Feeke, L. 1881 from Aurora, 111.; dead.

Dr. John Flood, L. 1877; to First Baptist Church, 1878.

Hattie FishgR, L. 1868 from North Baptist Church;
dropped 1883.

Mary Frederickson, B. 187 i; dropped 1883.

Caroline Flodin, L. 1871; dropped 1883.

Mrs. Abby M. Farnham, L. 1873 from Waukegan, 111.; to
Immanuel Baptist Church 1874; dead; always an active and use-
ful member.

C. W. Franzen, L. 1883.

John Gilhuly, B. 1874; charter member La Salle Ave.
Church.

Mrs. Jane Gilhuly, L. 1863; one of the first members of the
North Star Mission and church (see Phillips).

Mrs. Elizabeth Gude, B. 1873; dropped.

Mrs. Augusta Goodwillie, B. 1863; (see Hempseed.)

Paul Gibson, L. 1876 from Big Creek, Mo.

Miss Kittie Gammell, L. 1877 from S. Baptist Church,
Chicago; sister of Mrs. R. P. Allison.

Mrs. Griffith, L. 1877, from Coventry St. Baptist Church;
excluded, 1883.

George D. Webster, B. 1877; letter to Jacksonville, 111.,
1882.

Miss Flora Garrison, L. from Twenty- fifth vSt. Baptist
Church, Chicago; dropped, 1883.

Mrs. Marion Hempseed, B. 1862 or '63; the third person
baptized by Mr. Wrenn in North Star Mission. Mrs. H. (Marion
Mcintosh) was born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1824; went to Bra-
zil in 1834, where she married John Hemp.seed in 1848; came to
Chicago in 1854; he died in 1861; she lived on the North Side

18

nearly all the time, and was one of the first of the North Star
Mission, and greatly beloved by all who knew her; she died June
i6, 1894.

Augusta Hempseed, daughter of above; B. 1863 by Mr.
Wrenn; M. Joseph M. Goodwillie in 1868; both were prominent
in the North Star Mission and church in connection with musical
affairs for many years. He died May 5, 1895.

Marion Hempseed, B. 1863; daughter of Mrs. H.; died
1884.

Agnes Hempseed, B. 1873; now Mrs. Tate.

Roger W. Hardman, L. 1873, from Martinsburg, O.; a
leader of the choir, superintendent of Sunday School, deacon and
trustee of North Star, and prominent in the organizing of La
Salle Ave. Church, of which he was a deacon for several years;,
letter to Belden Ave. Baptist Church, of which he was also a
prominent member; now lives in Rogers Park.

Mrs. Georgina Hardman, wife of above, B. 1870 (see
Phillips family.

Thomas Huggett, B. 1873.

Mrs. Mary ' B., wife of above.

Miss Mary " B. 1874. daughter of above.

Miss Alice " B. 1876; daughter of above.

John C. Huggett, B. I876.

John Hopper, L. 1876; dismissed by letter.

Mrs. Ellen Hopper, L. 187^); dismissed b}' letter.

George " B. 1874.

Edward " B. 1874.

Mr. Houghton, no date, of admission, but mentioned in rec-
ords of 1868.

Mrs. Agnes Harris, L. 1874 from Ev^anston, 111.

Miss Jennie " 1874

" Agnes " 1874 "

" Ada " B. 1883;

" Lily Harris, B. 1883. Letters to mother and
daughters in 1883. They went to California.

William Hall, B. 1870; excluded 1883,

Cath. H. Ireland, B. 1870; name dropped 1883.
19.

T. L. Irvin, B. 1873; name dropped 1883; also spelled
Erving in records.

August W. Johnson, B. by Mr. Wrenn.

Clara Mathilda Johnson, B. by Mr. Wrenn; died 1877. A
lovely Christian character, whose early and unfortunate death by
drowning was mourned by many friends.

Charles A. Johnson, B. by Mr. Wrenn.

August and Charles Johnson were among the earliest
members of the North Star Mission, being there as early as 1862.
Mr. Bortree, one of the most winning of the earl^^ workers in the
missions, discovered them, with other boys, one Sunday playing
ball, and persuaded them to go with him to the North Star.
They became interested and were soon after converted and bap-
tized by Mr. Wrenn, in the old First Church. They have been
members of the North Star and La Salle Avenue Churches ever
since. They hauled the brick for the basement and parsonage
of the North Star before the great fire. They also excavated for
the North Star block after the fire. Among the ruins of the old
church was found the star which surmounted the steeple, and
which in those days shone like a beacon-light "all over the north
division. This they treasure as a precious relic of their happy
mission da.vs.

C. J. Johnson, L. 1871.

Mrs. Mary Johnson, L. 1879 from Malta, 111.; dropped

1883.

George A. Jackson, L. 1877 from Boston.

Walter Jackson, no date of admission.

Mrs. Jennie Jackson (wife), L. 1874. (See Jennie Harris.)
Mr. and Mrs. Jackson were granted letters to Leadville, Colo., in
1882.

Miss TilliE Johnson, B: 1878; name dropped 1883.

Mi^RY Jones, B. 1878; dropped- 1883.

Mrs. Mary Jones, L. 18:^9. " -'MaAri v.nj

Mrs. May " L. 1880 from First Ba'ptist Church, New
Britain, Conn.

Thomas James, L. 1868; dropped 1883.

William Jacobson, B. by Mr. Whitehead; dead.
20

Tobias Jacobson, L. 1876 from Boston; letter to Cleveland,
Ohio, 1879.

Frank Jenkins, L. 1884 from Cedar Rapids, la.

Mrs. Ada " L. 1884 "

Mrs. Kendall, B. 1876; dead.

Mrs. Kidder, B. 1877.

Miss " B. 1877.

Moles WORTH King, B. 1873.

Mrs. Posie Kimball, L. 1873.

John F. Lenox, born in Greenbush, N. Y., 1818; convert-
ed under preaching of Dr. Hodge, and united with the Green
Street Baptist Church, Albany,when a young man ;afterward lived
in New York City, where he married Mary Powell; came to Chi-
cago in 1855 and united with the Edinah Place Church, (after-
ward Michigan Avenue) of which Dr. Boyd was then pastor;
moved to the North Side in 1863 and at once became actively in-
terested in the North Star Mission. When the Mission became
independent he was elected deacon (Aug. 1870) and served in
that capacity continuousl}' during his connection with the North
Star, and on the organization of the L,.x Salle Avenue church was
elected to the same office there; he was also trustee of the North
Star for many years, and was superintendent of the Sunday
school for several years. He was always regarded as a pillar of
the church, and no important action was ever taken without
first finding out his opinion. He was fearless in reproving
wrong-doing in all places, and being sturdily upright and just
in all his dealings with others, expected the same treatment
from them. He was one of the old-fashioned Christians who be-
lieved in and contended for "the faith once delivered unto the
saints," and allowed no opportunity to pass without speaking a
word for the Master.

He was always willing to work for the cause of Christ, and took
no vacations; neither the rigors of winter nor the heat of summer
diminished his zeal in the good work, and he was always in his
place. "If two or three were gatljcred together" he was one of
them, and the Lord was with him. His pocket-book was con-
verted at the same time that he was, and every demand of the

21

church or of charity was met to the extent of his abilit}'. On more
than one occasion, when the North Star Mission was in dire
need, he, with a few others, became individually responsible for
the church's debts. He believed God would take care of
the church if the church would trust in Him. Shortly after the
organization of the La Salle Avenue church, in which he took a
prominent part, he moved to Oak Park with his family, taking
their letters May i, 1885. There he at once identified himself
with the Oak Park church and was active in the work to the time
of his death, which took place July 29, 1895. As faithful in his
business as in his church relations he had held for twenty-seven
years a most responsible position with the firm of Munger,
Wheeler & Co. His widow and two sons survive him.

Mrs. Mary (Powell) Lenox, wife of the above, was not con-
nected with the North Star Mission, but at the time of the great
fire was a member of the Michigan Avenue Baptist Church. She
came to the North Star in 1873; now resides in Oak Park.

John PowelIv Lenox, L. 1874 from North Baptist Church,
Chicago; prominent in all church work and treasurer of the
church when it disbanded; now at Oak Park.

James H. Lenox, B. 1870 by Mr. Pierce.

Mrs. Augusta Langley, L. 1873; dropped 1SS2.

Miss Augusta " B. 1873;

" B. 1874. "

Mrs. Eli^a Lincoln, L. 187S from Indianapolis, Ind.;
daughter of Mrs. H. A. Mabrey; letter 1880 to First Baptist
Church, Chicago.

Mrs. LittlEFIeld, B. by Mr. Wrenn. Sister of Mrs. Bliss.

Sarah Labrue, 1879; manner not recorded.

Anna Leith. L. 1880 from Port Huron, Mich.

Miss Eunice Lyon, L. 1869 from Lockland, O.; d. 1876; a
sister of Mrs. Boatman.

D. B. Lothian, L. 1871 from Jersey City, N. J.; d. 1875.

Mrs. M. Lawson, B. 187 i; letter 1.S74.

Mrs. Ella Linna, B. 1875; dropped 1883.

Miss Alice Lovett, B. 1883; went to Kansas.

Mrs. L. IvICHTKnstkin, B. 1883; charter member of La Salle
Avenue.

Fanny " B. 1883;

Bertha " B. 1883. " " "

(All received letters to Belden Avenue Baptist Church.)

Wm. MiVRSHALL, B. 1868 by Mr. Wrenn; has ever since
been actively interested in the welfare of the North Star and La
Salle Avenue Churches, and has held office most of the time. He
has not onl}^ been honored by election to office year after year,
but he has always been a large and cheerful contributor to the
financial support of the church.

Mrs. Mary Marshai^l, B. 1868; charter member of La Salle
Avenue Church, and prominent in Church work in both
Churches; wife of William; their children are members of La
Salle Avenue Church.

Jeff Marshall, B. 1868; d. soon after; cousin of Wm.
Marshall.

Mrs. D. a. McMinn, B. 1874; got letter 1879.

Mrs. Sarah Margretts, B. 1873; letter to Denver, Col.,
1888.

Miss Lydia MARGRErrs, dau., B. 1873; letter to Denver,
Col., 1888.

Maria Meltz, E. 1870.

Mrs. Sarah Metz, B. 1875.

Mr. S. C. Marston. (or Marsden,) E. 1877.

Mrs. H. a. Mabrey, L. 1878 from Indianapolis, Ind.

HATriE Mabrey, L. 1878 " " " now

Mrs. Robert Cawthorne.

Jessie Mabrey, B. 1883; now Mrs. Col. H. L. Turner.

Miss Nellie McLean, B. 1868; a teacher in the Franklin
School, and a most excellent Scotch woman, was the first person
from the North Star baptized by Mr. Wrenn; she died about 1870.

Mrs. Jean Maxwell, B. 1863; the second person from the
North Star Mission baptized by Mr. Wrenn; she is now the oldest
member of the Church as regards duration of membership. ■ She
and her children went to the old Bremer Street Mission when
most of the North Division was an uninhabited waste.

23

James Maxweli., B. 1876; a charter member of the La Salle
Avenue Church, but now a member of the Second Baptist
Church.

Henry B. Maxwell, B. 1864 in First Baptist Church, of
which he remained a member until 1880, when he brought his
letter to the North Star. He was for several years Clerk of the
Board of Trustees of North Star and collector for North Star
Block. Mr. Bortree, who has several times been mentioned, first
brought the Maxwell children into the Bremer Street Mission,
and on more than one occasion carried some of the younger ones
across the "forty-acre lot" to the Sunday School. He had a
faculty of winning the affections of children, and no game of
"shinney" or base-ball could hold the bo3'S when he came around,
and he rarely came into the Sunday vSchool without a troop of
children at his heels.

Mrs. Rachel McWhirt, L. 1878 from Galesburg 111.; for
many years a faithful taacher in the S. S.; a charter member of
La Salle Avenue Church; granted a letter to Englewood 1891.

Mrs. Y. E. McMeekin, no date of admission; dead.

Mr. Y. S. Malmgren, L. 1870; dropped 1883.

Mrs. Wendelin Malmgren, L. 1870; dropped 1883.

Mrs. Mary Ann Magness, B. 1871; dropped 1883.

Mrs. E. McGrath, L. 1868; letter 1874 to unite with others
in forming the Immanuel, now Belden Avenue Baptist Cliurch.

Mrs. Merton, B. 1870; dropped 1S83.

Edward Mistroop, B. 1S73; dropped 1883.

Mrs. Anna Meade, L. 1876.

James W. Mooney, L. 1S77 from First Baptist Church,
Chicago.

Oliver B. Mullin, one of the founders of the North Star.
Mr. Mullin was one of the earliest connected with the North
Star Mission, and always very prominent in carrying on the work
there, being assiduous in attendance upon the meetings of the
Mission and Church and a very liberal supporter of both in the
way of money. An instance of this has been mentioned, but
there were manj^ other occasions when he gave largel}^ A few
years after the great fire, wh?;i, in addition to a large bonded

24

debt, he, with Deacon Lennox and Messrs. Agar and Marshall,
became personally responsible and for some time carried the
burden of the Church. Mr. MuUin died in February, 1890,
being then a trustee of the La Salle Avenue Church.

Mrs. Jennie Mui^lin, wife of above, also one of the early
workers in the Mission and Church, and of the La Salle Avenue
Church.

Emily Mullin, dau. of above and wife of James Maxwell;
baptized in 1869 by Mr. Wrenn. A charter member of La Salle
Avenue, but now at the Second Baptist Church.

Alfred Mullin, brother of O. B. MuUin, L. 1873 from
Western Avenue Baptist Church; clerk of the Church in 1876-77,
now at Belden Avenue Baptist Church; an active worker in the
North Star Church and Sunday School. The other members of
Mr. O. B. MuUin's family were members of the North Star S. S.
and are now members of La Salle Avenue.

Mr. W. J. McKenzie, B. 1870; Clerk of the Church for a
time.

Mrs. J. W. McKenzie, B. 1870; wife of above.

Agnes McKenzie, B. 1870; dau. of above.

J. Abby Mace, L. 1883.

Sarah Mitchell, E. 1883; baptized in England.

Mr. A. Z. Norton, B.; Mrs. A. Z. Norton B., first men-
tioned in records in 1869; active workers; they went to
University Place Baptist Church in 187 1.

Mr. Nilson; no record of admission; letter 1872.

Mrs. Noble, L. 1877; letter to Thirty-seventh Street Church,
Chicago, 1880.

Miss Bella Orcutt, L. 1877 from Twenty-fifth Street
Church, Chicago.

Louisa Olson, L. 1871 from Swedish Baptist Church of
New York City. Married Mr. C. G. Thelin. (see below.)

Mrs. .Optigrove (or Updegrove,) L. 1882; dead; was a
member of LaSalle Avenue Church.

Mrs. Jane Parmelee, L. 1873 from North Baptist Church.

Oscar Peterson, B. 1876.

Charles Parker, B. 1874; son of Mrs. Thomas Huggett.
25

Mrs. Patton, B. 1877; letter to Coventry Street Baptist
Church 1880.

Oliver Patton, (son) B. 1878; letter to Coventry Street Bap-
iist Church 1880.

Mr. C. H. Piper, B. 1883; letter 1884 to Elkhart, Ind.

Mrs. J. Piper, B. 1878: dead; member of LaSalle Avenue
Church, Chicago.

Rev. E. R. Pierce, L. 1870 from Second Baptist Church,
Chicago. Mr. Pierce was pastor of the North Star from March
10, 1870, until the early part of 1871, being followed by Mr.
Whitehead in March 1 87 1. Mr. Pierce with others, went to
Kansas and formed a colony there. Several from the North Star
went with him.

Mrs. Sarah Pierce, wife of the above. L., 1870, from
Second Baptist Church, Chicago.

John Phillips, B. about 1865 by Mr. Wrenn.

Mrs. Sarah Phillips, wife of above, born in Dublin, Ire-
land, 1817; dau. of James Lynch, a pay sergeant in the British
Army. From him she inherited a deeply religious disposition
and received a most careful Christian education. She married
John Phillips in 1837 and came to America, settling at St. John,
N. B., where they remained until 1859, when they came to Chi-
cago. Mrs. Phillips had been brought up an Episcopalian,
but was baptized by Mr. Wrenn about 1865 and immediately
took a prominent part in the North Star Mission and in the organ-
ization of the Rolling Mill Mission. In 1874 she with several
others from the North Star took a prominent part in the forma-
tion of the Immanuel Baptist Church (now Belden Ave.) of
which she was a member at the time of her death, June 1895.
All old members of the North Star will bear witness to her faith-
ful earnestness in showing by precept and example the beauties
of a Christian life.

Jane Phillips, came to ist Baptist Church by letter from
church at St. John, N. B. in 1863. Has been a member of North
Star Mission and Church and La Salle Ave. Church since that
time. (See Mrs. John Gilhuly.)

26

Sarah Phillips, B. 1864; letter to Kansas 1871. (See
Mrs. Robert Dillworth.)

Bella Phillips, B. 1864; letter to Immanuel, 1874; came
back to North Star in 1881 and was a charter member of La Salle
Ave. Church; letter to Belden Ave. Church in 1888.

Georgina Phillips, B. 1870; letter to Immanuel 1874
afterward came back to North Star and from there to La Salle
Ave. at its organization; to Belden Ave in 1888; now^ resides at
Rogers Park. (See Mrs. R. W. Hardman.)

Elizabeth Phillips, B. 1865; to Immanuel 1874; back to
North Star and from there to La Salle Ave. 1884; to Trinity
Bapt. Mission 1886, where she now is. Her husband, Austin
Roberts died 1887. (See Roberts.)

Dr. James H. Phillips, B. 1871; clerk of the Church for
some time about 1874; now in Prescott, Minti.

John Phillips, Jr. B. 1873; died 1894.

The above all belong to one family.

Miss Nellie Powers, B. 1870.

Austin Roberts, B. 1874; charter member of La Salle Ave.;
to Trinity Baptist Mission 1886; died 1887.

Mrs. Elizabeth Roberts, wife of above. (See Phillips
family.

Isaac Russell, L. 1878 from Ninth Baptist Church, Cin-
cinnati, O.; afterwards a member of La Salle Ave.; dead.

RuEL D. Russell, one of the most prominent members of
the North Star Church, was born 1821, went to Dundee, TIL,
1841, m. ist, Philinda Sprague 1846: 2nd, Sarepta Ann Wil-
bern 1855. In 1871 he came to Chicago and at once become
prominently identified with the North Star, serving many years
as trustee, deacon, and agent of the North Star Block. He was
a charter member of the La Salle Ave. Church, and a deacon for
some time; removed to Dundee, 111., in 1888 and died there in
1893.

Mrs. Sarepta Ann Russell, wife of the above, L. 1871;
an active worker in North Star and La Salle Ave. Church and
Supt. of Infaht Dep't of S. S. for some time; now resides Dun-
dee, 111.

27

Nettie Russell, dau. of above; B. 1874; married Frank
M. Buck, a member of North Star and La Salle Ave. Churches;
died April 14, 1886.

William Rehill, B. 1876.

John Robertson, B. 1876; letter granted 1876.

Mrs. Elizabeth Robertson, L. 1872; letter granted 1876.

Rev. Joseph Rowley, L. 1879; pastor of North Star from
Dec. 1879 to Oct. 1883, coming from Racine, Wis.

Mrs. Mary E. Rowley, wife of above, L. 1879. Mr. and
Mrs. Rowley now reside in Chicago, he being in poor health and
having no pastoral charge.

Isaac Reeves, L. 1882 from Brooklyn, N. Y. Dead.

Mrs. Susan E. Reeves, wife of above, L. 1882 from Brook-'
lyn, N. Y. Dead.

Virginia H. Raymond, L. 1882 from Sterling, 111.

Mrs. Phcebe Riefensnyder, B. 1877.

Miss Maggie Riefensnyder, B. 1877.

Mrs. Clementine Rogers, L. 1877; letter to Aurora, 111.,
1879.

Miss Jennie Rogers, L. 1877; letter to Aurora, 111., 1879.

Elias Rittenhour, B. 1870; letter granted 1871.

Mrs. Anna Rittenhour, B. 1870; letter granted 1871.

Henry Ricker, B. 1874.

Mrs. Eliza Ricker, L. 1874.

Mrs. Reese, B. byMr.Wrenn.Supt. of Infant Dept. in 1869.

Mrs, Anna Robinson, letter granted to her to First Baptist
Church of Licking, Mo., 1882.

Jessie Robbins, B. 1873; married George Hopper, (see Hop-
per.)

Edward Stopp, B. about 1875.

Mrs. Anna Smith. E. 1869.

Anna K. Smith, B. 1870; H. K. Smith; William Smith,
E. 1870. These were evidently of one famil}', as they received
letters in 1876.

Rachel C. Smith, L. 1876; letter to vSecond Baptist Church,
1883.

Mr. L. C. Smith, L. 1873 from North Baptist Church.
28

John Smith Sr., B. by Mr. Wrenn.

Mrs. Jkssie Smith, B. by Mr. Wrenn. Among the earliest
members of the North Star Mission and Church. Mrs. Smith
was always a power for good in the Church, and all connected
with the North Star and the early days of the LaSalle Avenue
Churches will remember her fervent prayers and exhortations,
which came from the heart and always made a deep impression
upon those who heard her. She is now in Chadron, Neb., where
the family went in 1888.

John Smith, Jr., son of above, B, 1875.

Mrs. Fannie; (Munn) Smith, wife of John Jr., B. 1878; she
died soon after moving to Nebraska.

Mrs. Isabki^la Smith, B. 1878; a sister of Mrs. Campbell,
dead.

Mrs. Elizabeth Sayer, L. 1875.

Miss S. E. Sambrook, B. 1871; one of the most faithful of
women during her long membership in the North Star and La
Salle Avenue Churches. When she knew her death from a pain-
ful disease was certain, she made arrangements for the settle-
ment of her worldly affairs and was careful to pa}' up her sub-
scription toward Church expenses to the end of the year. She
died in 1892.

Mrs. Josephine Strand, B. (no date); letter 1883. A
daughter of Mrs. Carlson.

Mrs. M. a. Steele, L. 1877 from Coventry Street Church.

Miss M Steel, L. 1877 from Coventry Street Church.
They went back to Coventry Street Church, 1878.

Miss Mina Schotte, B, 1878; afterwards Mrs. Voigt.

Mrs. Susan Searle, E. 1880; afterward Mrs. Shafer;
dead.

Mrs. Nellie Searle, (dau. of Mrs. Searle) now Mrs.
Buckholtz, charter member of La Salle Ave. Church.

Mrs. O. C. Synestredt, L, 1869 from Second Baptist
Church, Chicago.

Rev. H. C. a. Segerblom, L. 1871 from First Swedish
Baptist Church of Chicago, formerly a Swedish minister.

Mrs. Maria C. Segerbloom, L. 1871, wife of above.
29

Williams. Swan, L. 1872; a trustee of North Star for a
short time; died 1895.

Mrs. William S. Swan, L. 1872, wife of above.

Miss Lillie Swan, B. 1873, dau. of above, all received let-
ters to Immanuel Church 1874.

Mr. Swanson, B. 1884.

Chirstine Samson, B. 1864; letter granted 1872.

Lizzie Samson, B. 1867; letter granted 1872.

Miss Elizabeth Sullivan, L. 1873.

Mrs. Margaret Stewart, L. 1874.

Charles Sjogren, E. 1874.

Ernest F. Steging, L. 1874.

Mrs. Semler, L. 1876; to Fredericksburg, Va., 1879.

M. J. Trover, L. 1869 from England. He was elected dea-
con, Nov. I, 1869 and held that office until his death; was also a
trustee and alwaj's active in church work; a model Christian
character.

Mrs. Louisa Trover, L. 1869; wife of above; letter granted
to her in 1883.

Capt Wm. Thullock, B. 1874; dead; was captain of one of
O. B. MuUin's vessels.

James M. Thomas, B. 1875.

Mrs. James M. Thomas, B. 1876.

Mrs. Elijah Taylor, B. 1870.

Mr. C. G. Thelin. L. 1871 from Swedish Baptist Church.

Mrs. Louisa (Olson) Thelin, L. 1871; letters to both
granted to Kenosha in 1875.

John Trick, B. 1867; died soon after the great fire.

Mrs. Fanny Trick, B. 1867; died a few year.s ago.

Albray Trick, B. by Mr. Wrenn, date lost.

Albert " B. 1865; now a Presbyterian minister.

Fanny " B. 1870; died 1879.

Charles " B. 1873.

All the above belong to one family and were all active in the
North Star Mission.

Mrs. Updegrove (see Optigrove) L. 1882; dead.

Miss VaxBrocklin, B. 1870; dropped 1883.

Mrs. Cath. Jane VanBlack, B. 1870; dropped 1883.

Mrs. Mina Voight, B. 1878; (see Mrs. Schotte) letter
granted 1883.

Barbara Vogel, B, 1870.

Mrs. Elizabeth Vaughan, L. 1874 from Kankakee, 111.

Charles R. VanOsdei.l, L. 1873 from Carbondale, 111.

Mrs. Ella " L. 1873 " " "

Mr. and Mrs. VanOsdell were very active workers in the
church and S. S. during their connection with the North Star.
They got letters to St. Charles, 111., in 1876.

Llbbie VanOsdell, B. 1874; daughter of Charles.

Hattie " • B. 1874; " " "

Frank " B. 1874; brother of "

, Rev. James M. Whitehead, L. 1871 from Kankakee, 111.
Pastor of church for nearly six years. Seepages 5 to 7.

Mrs. M. T., wife of Rev. Whitehead, L. 1871 from Kanka-
kee, 111.

Miss Eliza Whitehead, daughter of Rev. Whitehead, L.
1 87 1 from Kankakee, 111.

They all received letters to Belvidere in 1876. Mention has
been made in another place of the Rev. Mr. Whitehead, pastor
of the North Star for several years.

Samuel Walker, B. by Mr. Wrenn, one of the earliest
members of North Star Mission and one of the first deacons, 1868.

Jane Walker, daughter.

Dr. G. B. Walker, a member of North Star for a short
time before 1881; preached occasionally; letter granted him 1881.

Henry Ward, B.

Christine Ward, B. 1873; sister of Mrs. O. B. Mullin and
wife of Henry Ward.

John Ward, B. 1875.

Annie " B. 1873; wife of John Ward.

Charles Winja, B. 1878.

Mrs. Charles Winja, B. 1878.

Clara Winja, B. 1876.

Lottie Winja, B. 1878.

AH received letters in 1879 to Kansas City, Mo. Mr. Winja
31

was janitor for a short time.

Mrs. Abigail Williams, L. 1870.

Annie " L. 1873.

Mrs. " B. 1876.

Miss Anna " L. 1877 from Mich. Ave. Baptist.

Mary Ann " L. 188.^.

Mrs. Marion Wallace, L. 1878 from Indianapolis,
daughter of Mrs. Mabray.

Joseph Wootton, L. 1881 from Bellville, 111.

Mrs. " L. 1881 " " " Charter

members of La Salle Avenue Baptist Church.

Mr. and Mrs. Wootton have been very active in church
work from the time of their connection with the North Star and
are too well and favorably known to need further comment.

Mr. S. Wyatt. admitted by letter about 1882, but not on
the records; was elected a trustee but moved away soon after and
did not serve; went to Detroit.

Mrs. S. Wyatt, wife of above, letter to Detroit Nov. 24,
1882.

Mrs. Lila M. Wilner, no date of admission; letter granted
1882 to Central Baptist, from which she came to LaSalle Ave.
Church; died in 1887.

Mrs. Klizabeth V. Worrall, L. 1867; dead.

Clarence H. " L. 1867; church clerk in

1868, the first clerk of North Star, prominent in musical matters
for many 3^ears; now in Benton Harbor, Mich.

Emma Worrall, L. 1867; dead.

Mrs. E. V. Worrall, C. H. and Emma got letters to unite
with others in organizing the Imma^uel Baptist Church in 1874.

Sophie Worrall, first wife of Clarence H. (see Sophie
Eberlen); dead.

Mrs. Mary (Cawthorne) Worrall, second wife of
Clarence H., baptized but date not on record; a member of choii
and prominent in musical matters.

Ida WiBERG, L. 1871 from Sterling, 111.

Bertha Wiberg, L. 1871 from SterHng, 111.

Mr. Wilson, 1872.

32

Robert Wright, B. 1872; baptized in Lake Michigan in
March.

Alfred Weston, L. 1873 from Western Ave. church. Supt.
of S. S. for a short time.

Mrs. Abby J. Weston, wife of above, L. -1873 from Western
Ave. Church.

They got letters in 1878 to Third Baptist church, St. Louis.

Mr. W. Wiggins, L. 1874.

Mrs. W. " L. 1873.

Miss B. Wingren, L. 1873 from Allegheny City; letter
granted to her in 1875.

Miss Wingren, B. 1874.

Eliza White, L. 1878; letter to Kansas City in 1880, form-
erly Eliza Duffield.

Mrs. Emily Young, B. by Mr. Wrenn, date not recorded;
one of the early and active members of North Star; now Mrs.
Bogart and living in Chicago.

Mrs. Harriet Young, L. 1873 from North Baptist church.
She and her children were active in church and Sunday School.
Died 1895.

Albert S. Young, B. 1880; clerk of the church in 1882 and
1883.

Mrs. Sarah Young, wife of above; dead; daughter of Jacob
Eberlen.

The following names were omitted from their alphabetical
place.

Mrs. Minnie Hall, B.
Peter Hanson, L. 1878.
Mary Hoyle, L. 1882; from Galesburg, 111.
Mrs. Lizzie A. R. Houston, 1882, from Sterling, 111.
Mrs. Hursh, B. 1868; dropped 1883.
James Hall, L. 1871; from Little River, N. S.
Mrs. Elizabeth Hall, L. 1871; from Little River, N. S.
G. N. HosHELL, L. 1870; from Freeport, 111.; name drop-
ped 1883.

Miss Selenia Howe, B. 1871; went to New Hampshire.

33

Samuel Helsox, L. 1871; dropped 1883.
Mrs. Mary Helson, L. 1871; dropped 1883.
John Hammerberg,

Mrs. T. F. Hammerberg, L. 1871; from Swedish Baptist
Church.

Godfrey Hammerberg, B. 1866; went to Kansas 1871.

Jennie Hammerberg, B.

Matilda Hammerberg, B. 1865.

George Hamel, B. 1873; dead.

LoviNA HuNGERFORD, L. 1873; dropped 1883.

Charles Harkness, E. 1873; letter granted 1873.

Thomas M. Hughes, L. 1873.

Mrs. May Hughes, L. 1873.

Mrs. Hanniford; letter 1874.

James Handley, B. 1883; dropped.

Annie Handley, B. 1883; dropped.

Mrs. Hughes, B. 1883; dropped.

Henry Haldeman, B. 1884; Letter to Elgin.

Belle

Nettie " " " " "

Emma " " " " "

Members of the North Star Baptist Church who went into the
La Salle Avenue Baptist Church, Oct. 10, 1884.
Mrs. Martha A. Adams, wife of Chas.
Mrs. Martha Adams, widow.
Mr. Henry H. Bonne y.
Mrs. Catherine Bonney, wife of Henry H.
Mr. Francis M. Buck.

Mrs. Nettie (Russell) Buck, wife of Francis M.
Mr. John E. Bosler.
Mrs. Aquilla Bosler, wife of John E.
Mr. Carl G. Bergstedt.
Mrs. Ann Bailey, widow.
Mrs. Anna Ballard, widow.
Calvin Ballard, son of Mrs. Anna.
Milton Ballard, " " "

34

Robert P. Bates.

Mrs. Anna Boatman, widow.

Mrs. Hattie (Mabrey) Cawthorne, wife of Robert.

Mr. Samuel Clark.

Mrs. Joanna Clark, wife of Samuel.

Mr. Wm, Copeland.

Mrs Jane Copeland, wife of Wm.

Thomas Copeland, son of Wm.

Mrs. Lily Cheyne, widow.

Mrs. Matilda Cary, widow.

Mrs. Eliza Campbell,

Miss Belle Campbell, dau. of Mrs. Eliza.

Dr. Lafayette W. Case.

Mr. Charles L. Clark.

Mrs. " " wife of Charles L.

Mr. Zohrab Dixon.

Mrs. Hattie Dixon, wife of Zohrab.

John Edwards.

Mrs. Abigail Feek, widow.

Mr. John Gilhuly.

Mrs. Jane Gilhuly, wife of John.

Roger Wm. Hardman.

Mrs. Georgina Hardman, wife of R. W.

Miss Mary Hoyle.

James Handley.

Mrs. Annie Handley, wife of James.

Mrs. E. Hughes.

Henry Halderman.

Mrs. Belle Halderman, wife of Henry.

Nettie Halderman, daughter of Henry.

Emma

Mrs. M. Huggett.

August W. and Chas. A. Johnson, brothers.

Mrs. L. Lichtenstein.

Fannie " daughter of Mrs. L.

Bertha " " "

John F. Lenox.

35

Mrs. Mary Lenox, wife of John. F.

John P. Lenox, son of John. F.

Mrs. H. a. Mabrey.

Miss Jessie Mabrey, daughter of Mrs. H. A.

Mrs. J. A. McMichen, widow.

Wm. Marshall.

Mrs. Mary Marshall, wife of Wm.

Mrs. Jean MAx^vELL, widow.

James " son of Mrs. Jean.

Emily " wife of James.

Henry B. " son of Mrs. Jean.

Miss Rachel McWhirt.

Mrs. J. Piper.

Miss Bella Phillips.

Austin Roberts.

Elizabeth Roberts, wife of Austin.

RuEL D. Russell.

Mrs. " wife of R. D.

John Smith, Sr.

Jessie " wife of John Sr.

Fannie " " "Jr.

Isabella Smith.

Miss S. E. Sambrook.

Mrs. Susan Shafer, formerly Mrs. Searles.

Nellie Searles, daughter of "

Mrs. F. M. Trick, widow.

Mrs. Updegrove.

Mrs. Marian Wallace, daughter of Mrs. H. A. Mabrey.

Joseph Wootton.

Mrs. " wife of Joseph.

Mrs. Mary Ann Williams.

Isaac Russell.

John C. Huggett.

Mrs. Margaret Eberlen.

The thirteen members of the North Star who remained until
the disbanding of the church are included in the aboYe as char-
ter members of the La Salle Ave. Church.

36

With the above, the following, not members of the North
Star, united to organize the La Salle Ave. Baptist Church:

Rev. Travis B. Thames, Pastor of La Salle Ave. Baptist
Church.

Mrs. Sarah Thames, wife of the pastor.

Charles S. Waller, one of the first trustees and deacons.

Mrs. Norah " wife of Charles S. Waller.

Geo. F. Wessells, first Superintendent of the S. S.

Mrs. " wife of Geo. F. Wessels.

Fred. " son " "

Mrs. Mary Bast, wife of E. E. Bast.

Mrs. M. Byron, (Mrs Amorette,)

Mrs. Jane E. Wood, widow.

Miss Irene " daughter of Mrs. Jane E. Wood.

Mrs. Susan Waldo, wife of J. A. B. Waldo.

Several others were actively interested in the organization of
the church but did not present their letters until a later date.
Among these were the following:
K. B. Miller.
Mrs. Sarah Miller, wife,
Mrs. a. R. Cromlish.
Wm. a. Clark.
Mrs. Clark, wife.
Mrs. Mary R. Pratt.
Hiram N. Colvin.
Mrs. Mary E. Gould.
Edwin F. Heywood.
Mrs. Anna Heywood.

Mrs.

Jos.

H. Smalley.

Mrs.

Sm alley, wife.

Mrs.

R. F. Redell

E. P.

VlNING.

Mrs.

ViNING.

0. B.

, MULLIN.

Mrs.

MULLIN.

E. E.

, McMillan.

Mrs.

McMillan.

Miss Julia F. Dole.

Nyman.

The La Salle Avenue Baptist Church.

Immediately after the organization of the church, steps were
taken to provide a house of worship. A temporary building was
put up on the rear of the church lot, during the building of
which the church held its services in the chapel of the New
England Congregational Church. The first service was held in

37

the temporary building, Jan. i8, 1885, and the last one in June,
1886, when it was vacated to build the present structure. Though
an unpretentious barn- like building, scantily provided with the
comforts of modern church buildings, there are man)' who look
back upon the da3's spent there as among the happiest ones in
their experience. During the erection of the present building the
church again held its services in the New England Congregational
church. The North Star property had been sold to the Phoenix
Building Society in March 1886, for 870,000. Of this amount
$1,500 was given to the 2d German Baptist church, a like
amount to the ist Swedish Baptist church, and after paying all
the mortgages on the church properties, there remained a little
more than $30,000 in cash, which added to the value of the
ground upon which the building stands, exceeded $50,000 donat-
ed by the North Star to the La Salle Avenue Church.

The building was erected by John Woollacot & Son, accord-
ing to plans by S. S. Beman, at a cost of about $35,000, includ-
ing furnishing. At a later date the organ was put in at a cost of
$3,000, and the basement was finished and some other changes
made, making the total cost of the propertj- belonging to the
church about $60,000. The house was dedicated Feb. 27, 1887.

Special mention should be made of a large accession of mem-
bers in one body in the earl}' histor}- of the La Salle Avenue Bap-
tist Church. The}' came from the Central Baptist Church (for-
merh' Immanuel, previously mentioned), and were about fifty
in number. Forty-seven came on a general letter and a few
others shortly after. These members added great strength to the
church, not only in numbers, but in the active part that many of
them took in all matters relating to the church's welfare. Many
of them are still with us, and among the most influential mem-
bers of the church. Though coming a little too late to be called
charter members, they deserve mention on account of the promi-
nent part they took in the earl}' history of the La Salle Avenue
Church, The list is as follows :

M. E. Holton and wife Sarah M. Holton; Chas. R. Hough,
wife and daughter Lillian; Wm. S. Livingston and wife Susannah
Livingston; John M. Green and wife, Elizabeth Green; J. Fred

38

Metzgar, wife and sons J. F. and Arthur; John R. Jones; Mrs.
Maria Dustin, sons and daughter. in-law; Mrs. M. D. Winslow;
Mrs. Harriet D. Dye, her daughters Minnie A. and Alma H. and
son Geo. M. Dye; Wm. M. Farrar and wife E. L. Farrar; Nettie
Fraser; Lydia Ford; C. E. Robinson; John Agar and wife, Mrs.
Ellen Agar [and sons James S., William G., Woodbury S. and
daughters Minnie H. and Nellie Agar; Irven Marshall; Mrs. C.
E. Wilner; P. A. Russell and wife; Mrs. D. Rawlins and daughter
Lou M. Rawlins; A. Wineberg and wife; W. S. Bartholomew;
W. S. Aikman; Geo. W. Marsden; Mrs. C. T. Parkes, Mrs. E.
P. Brown.

Mention should also be made of Mr and Mrs. H. O. Nourse,
who came during the first year. He was Superintendent of the
Sunday school, and they were both very active and useful mem-
bers during their stay with us. Also of Malcolm McNeil and
family, who came early and have taken a very prominent part in
the church work ever since. Also Elmer L. Corthell, an active
member and liberal supporter of the church.

During the early history of the church no man took a more
active interest in its welfare than Mr. Joseph H. Smalley. He
was born in Lebanon, N. H., in 1840, and came to Chicago in
1 86 1. Being the son of a Baptist deacon he naturally sought a
place to work for the cause of Christ, and went into the North
Star Mission, being one of its earliest teachers, and an active
worker for several years. Soon after the organization of the
La Salle Avenue Church he came with his famil}^ and at once
became one of its most useful members, holding the offices of
deacon and member of the finance committee, and in other ways
always being untiring in his devotion to the interests of the
church. His purse was always open to any demands the work
of the church made upon it, and his time was given unsparingl}-
to all branches of church- work. Even failing health did not
diminish his zeal, and up to the time ot his death, which occurred
in April, 1888, his first thought seemed to be for the church.

Travis B. Thames, the first pastor of the Lasalle Ave. Bap-
tist Church, was born in Claiborne, Monroe Co., Alabama, August
t8. 1854. His childhood was spent at Selma and Mobile, in

39

liis native state. At the age of sixteen he united with the Siloan'
Baptist Church of Marion, Alabama, where he was attendins
college. He completed his college course at Howard College, tht
denominational college of his state, taking the degree of B. S.
He graduated at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in
1879. Immediately thereafter he was called to the Baptist
Church at Shelby ville Kentucky, where he remained until he was
called to the LaSalle Ave. Church in 1884. During his five
3'ears pastorate here the church increased largely in members
and influence and had come to occupy a leading place in the de-
nomination in this city.

Mr. Thames resigned his charge in October 1889, ^^^ ac-
<:epted a call to succeed the Rev. Dr. Geo. B. Eager as pastor of
the First Baptist Church of Danville, Virginia, one of the largest
and best churches in the south, and which has been served b}- a
noble line of Baptist preachers. He began his ministry there the
first Sunday in Dec. 1889 and his pastorate there of seven years
duration still continues with every token of mutual content and
satisfaction on the part of pastor and people. Not only his own
people have delighted to honor him, but the denomination gen-
erally have appreciated his talents and he has served upon the
leading committes and boards connected with the denominational
enterprises of the state and at the recent meeting of the Baptist
General Association of Virginia at Richmond he preached the
introductory sermon which was generally regarded as a master
•effort. In 1892 at its annual commencement, Richmond College,
the leading denominational College of the South, conferred upon
Mr. Thames the well merited degree of D. D. Mr. Thames is
editor of the Baptist Union.

Mr. Thames married Miss Sallie E., daughtor of John S.
Long, of Louisville, Kentucky, in 1879. They have had four
children, Mamie, born in Kentucky, John, born in Chicago, and
two others born in Virginia, Lydia and Sarah, the former of whom
died at the age of eight months.

Twice since removing to Virginia he has revisited his old
charge in Chicago, where a cordial welcome alwaj'S awaits their
warm-hearted first pastor who retains an unabated interest in

40

their work and an undying affection for the old flock and field.

Shortly after the resignation of Mr. Thames, the LaSalle Ave.
Church extended a call to the Rev. Dr. H. O. Rowlands, the
talented pastor of the First Baptist Church of Elgin, 111., which
he accepted. He began his labors here in Feb. 1890. He was
born of Welsh parentage near Waukesha, Wis., in 1845 and spent
a considerable part of his boyhood in the west. He was brought
up in the Presbyterian faith j but was early led to independent
investigation of the question of Baptism which resulted in his
joining the Baptist Church. His preparatory training was at
Beaver Dam, in Way land Academy. In 1867 he entered Madi-
son University, graduating with the class of 1872, and from the
theological department in 1875. Dr. Rowlands ranked among the
foremost students, and gave unmistakable evidence early in his
course of the scholarship, thoroughness and ability characterizing
his subsequent career. He was active in Christian work, sup-
plying feeble churches and was notably successful in South New^
Berlin, N. Y., where his labors were honored by one of the most
wonderful and far reaching revivals that ever occurred in the
state. He enjoyed pleasant and profitable pastorates, in Whites-
boro, N. Y., and in Oshkosh, Wis., where his labors were espec-
ially owned of the Master and the people greatly endeared to him .
His long and successful pastorate in Elgin, 111., demonstated his
power as a winner of souls, a wise Christian teacher, and a dis-
creet, consecrated pastor.

During his pastorate of nearly five years in the LaSalle Ave.
Church he repeated measurably the large success attending his
labors elsewhere. About 250 were added to the church, many of
them by baptism. He was especially faithful in the matter of
pastoral visitation and endeared himself to the members by his
love and sympathy. He enjoyed in a large measure the confi-
dence and respect of his brother pastors and was honored by be-
ing chosen to fill important positions in connection with denom-
inational work. When he resigned to accept the important posi-
tion of pastor of the First Baptist Church of Lincoln, Neb., there
was a general and genuine regret that so good and earnest a
workman should be taken away from Chicago.

41

Dr. Rowlands has traveled extensivel}- both in this country
and in Europe, always seeing with the eye of the scholar and
poet. He has written extensively for the religious press and his
literary work has been of a high character. In i88S he followed
Drs. Armitage and Peddie in the annual "theological lectures"
at Colgate, and was honored with the degree of D. D. from his
Alma Mater. He resigned the LaSalle Ave. pastorate in Oct.,
1894, and went to Lincoln, Nebraska, where he now is.

On Jan. 7, 1895, the Rev. J. O. A. Henry, D. D. of the
First Baptist Church of San Francisco, Cal., was unanimousl}'
called to the pastorate of the Lasalle Ave. Church and he began his
work here March 31, 1895. Previous to going to San Francisco
he had held pastorates in Portland, Oregon and Denver, Colrado.
Mr, Henry enters upon his new work with the hearty and
united support of a strong church of about five hundred mem-
bers favorably located in a field which promises much if pas-
tor and people labor together faithfully in the way the Lord
marks out for them. Profiting by the experience of the past
may they avoid the faults and emulate the virtues of those who
have laid the foundations of the church. May it be the privilege
of the future historian of the LaSalle Avenue Baptist Church to
record that success which awaits those who unhesitatingly and
valiantly follow the Master and do his bidding!