San Joaquin County, CA History Transcribed by Kathy Sedler This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for non-commercial purposes, MUST obtain the written consent of the contributor, OR the legal representative of the submitter. All persons donating to this site retain the rights to their own work. History of San Joaquin County, California with Biographical Sketches - Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, CA - 1923 THE PROGRESS OF CHRISTIANITY CHAPTER XIV AMIDST the scenes of crime and dissipation that were everywhere prevalent in California in the early days, it is a pleasure to recall the first sermon ever delivered in Stockton. To the Presbyterian Church belonged this honor. The Reverend James C. Damon, then a seaman's chaplain at Honolulu, in July, 1849, visited San Francisco. Coming to Stockton, on Sunday, July 12, he delivered a sermon from on board a store ship moored along the channel. It had been previously announced through the camp that a "preacher" was coming to the town and a large crowd of sinners and a few Christians assembled to hear him. His text was from Galatians, "Be ye not deceived, God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." No more appropriate text could have been selected, and it had its effect. In ten months from that day the Sabbath bell pealing over the city invited all to worship and praise. Arrival of Protestant Pastors The evangelizing of the world is the mission of Christianity and as early as 1642 the Catholic Church sent her priests to the Western Coast.. When the discovery of gold in California was heralded around the world the Protestant denomination sent seven of their young ministers, the Reverend Albert Williams and James Woods, Presbyterians; T. Dwight Hunt, a Congregationalist; O. C. Wheeler, a Baptist; and the Reverend Flavel S. Mines and the Reverend J. I. Vermehr, Episcopalians, to the Pacific Coast. Mr. Woods arrived with his wife and two sons late in December, 1849, and was surprised to find that the other pastors had preceded him. Remaining in San Francisco some two weeks, he came to Stockton in January, 1850, with letters of introduction to Capt. Charles M. Weber and A. J. Grayson, after whom Grayson on the San Joaquin River is named. On arrival in Stockton on the little steamer, Captain Sutter, he found the mud knee deep. Removing his family and household goods on a two-wheeled dray to the Dickenson House on Center Street near Levee, the dray mired several times and men were compelled to get out and boost it along.. The following day was the Sabbath and the pastor held service in the Dickenson Hotel, the proprietor, G. D. Dickenson, being a good Methodist. Mr. Woods at once made the acquaintance of Captain Weber and declared his purpose to organize a church. Mr. Weber quickly agreed to the plan and to support the pastor a subscription list was started. Mr. Weber agreed to get twenty-five dollars a month. Mr. Woods, without any delay, immediately commenced his ministerial work and began looking around to find some suitable place to hold religious services. He found an excellent place, as he believed, in the locality where now stands the County Jail. It was a large tent with a sign over the door, "A Temperance Store." The proprietor, Thomas Atwood, was a retired sea captain, an ordained minister and later the pastor of the Baptist Church. He gave Mr. Woods permission to preach his first sermon in the tent, but he found it a very noisy place of worship. Mr. Atwood had rented the back part of his tent to a blacksmith, and while Pastor Woods was preaching the blacksmith was shoeing horses at thirty-two dollars per horse. The ring of the anvil so disturbed the services that Mr. Woods was compelled to look up another place and for the following Sunday he secured a large warehouse. It was a much better place than the store and in it he found many innocent looking barrels. Boards were placed on top of the barrels for seats. The audience was large and the pastor delivered a very forceful sermon on "The Sin of Intemperance." He was very much annoyed the following day to learn that his congregation had been sitting on barrels filled with good old Kentucky rye. Organization of Presbyterian Church After the reverend gentleman had been preaching some two months in the home of Nicholas Den on the Peninsula, and in a tent on Main Street, where later stood the church, the First Presbyterian Church was organized March 17, 1850, in the Vernon house on the peninsula, a knock-down building brought around Cape Horn by the Dr. George A. Shurtleff party. The church was organized with the following nine members: Peter Nodine, Samuel L. Yerkes, Ezra E. Washburn, S. W. Foster, Martin Potter, J. S. Anger, Levi Merriam, Ralph Wittesey and Mrs. Eliza Ann Woods, the wife of the pastor. Captain Weber Donates a Lot The pastor's experience in the blacksmith shop and among whisky barrels convinced him that the quicker Stockton had an exclusive place of worship the better for the community. Calling on Captain Weber he solicited a donation of a lot for the erection of a a church edifice. Mr. Weber quickly replied, "Get together some of the prominent citizens of the town to select a lot and then come to me." Conferring with a number of the leading people of the place, they selected the corner of San Joaquin and Main streets, where the old church stood for so many years. It was a spot well shaded with two handsome oaks, and later the spot was dubbed "The little brown church under the trees." When informed, Captain Weber very generously gave not only the selected lot but the entire quarter of the block. Years later the lot was mortgaged and then sold. It is now the location of the Native Sons of the Golden West. Having secured the lot, Mr. Woods called together the citizens in regard to immediately erecting a church. With one accord they cried, "Go ahead; we'll give you all the money you want." But not a man could be induced to take charge of the work. "We are too busy," they said. Mr. Woods then took full charge and liberally the money rolled in, the gamblers contributing as freely as the church�men. The energetic pastor soon had a bag of gold dust, and in March, 1850, he visited San Francisco for the purpose of purchasing lumber for the church. On arrival he found on sale, very cheap, a large number of knock�down warehouses, the market having been overstocked. Purchasing one of these houses, together with other lumber, the material was shipped to Stockton. Mr. Woods then engaged carpenters at twelve dollars per day, and the superintendent, John M. Buffington, mayor of the city in 1854, was paid sixteen dollars a day. In just ten weeks from the date of contract the building was completed at a cost of $4,000. The church, although a neat and tasteful structure at that time, would be a curiosity today, with its white plastered walls, green painted curtains of Chinese manufacture at the windows, and a rough hardwood floor without any carpet. The pulpit consisted of two upright pieces of undressed boards three feet apart, and a board laid across the top and the whole covered with scarlet colored domestic, making a very neat appearance for a pulpit in California in 1850. The choir seats were in the front of the church, raised a foot above the floor; an entrance on either side, and the only means of warming the room was a little wood stove in a corner of the building. The winter had been very severe and at the time that Mr. Woods was preaching in the tent a stream of water flowed past the door. Persons could not get to the church and Mr. Woods later declared "his hearers were ferried across the Stockton Slough in small boats free to those who attended service." When the day of dedication arrived, May 5, 1850, the following notice appeared in The Times: "The new Presbyterian church will be opened for worship tomorrow. Services to commence at 11 o'clock. Ferrage free for those attending service." The pastor took as his text, John xviii:38, "What Is Truth?" This sermon was published later in 1862 in pamphlet form by the San Joaquin Republican. Five years after this event Mr. Woods, in speaking of the dedication, said: "Of those present at the dedication not more than five remain in Stockton at the present time. They have returned to the East, gone to the Pacific Islands, and many are dead." Such was the unsettled condition of Stockton's first residents. Money was plentiful, "no trick at all for a minister to have $20 gold pieces in his pocket," said Mr. Woods, and at a donation party tendered the pastor in May, 1851, the members not only sent provisions by the wholesale�sugar, flour, beans. etc.�but at the evening entertainment a collection of $700 was taken for the pastor's use. After a service of a little over four years Mr. Woods resigned because of the long continued ill health of his wife, leaving behind a church membership of sixty-eight. He preached two sermons each Sabbath, taught school five days of the week�the Stockton Female Seminary�and did the housework during his wife's most severe illness. Then he made pastoral calls, visited the sick, and married the "laddies and lassies." His first marriage was that of Samuel C. Clerk to Rachel Hitchcock, August 7, 1850. His second marriage, August 17, 1852, was Andrew Wolf to Amanda Dwelley. The pioneer church building was moved over from the San Joaquin Street to the Main Street side of the lot in 1857 and two years later it was sold to the Colored Baptists and moved to West Washington Street. The building is now in use as a Buddhist Temple. In the meantime a new pastor, the Rev. John A. Anderson, had come to fill the pulpit, and immediately he began planning for a new handsome brick structure. He succeeded in obtaining sufficient money, and on June 10, 1859, the cornerstone was laid by the Masons with imposing ceremony. The Order, in full regalia, forming in line at their hall on Center Street, led by the band, marched to the church, and, passing beneath a floral arch, ascended the platform. For more than an hour, in the hot sun, the large crowd had been waiting, and immediately the exercises were begun, by the singing of an anthem by the Presbyterian Church choir. The cornerstone was laid by Edward M. Howison, worshipful master; a list of the articles placed in the box was read by William Graham; the stone was lowered into place by R. B. Parker, and the stone was squared and leveled by Gilbert G. Claiborne, senior warden, and William R. Jefferson, junior warden. The oration was delivered by Rev. William MacDonald of the Episcopal Church. The building was soon finished, and Christmas day, 1859, it was dedicated by the Rev. William A. Anderson of San Francisco, the father of John A. Anderson, assisted by the Rev. Mr. Warren. The handsome little building had been erected at a cost of $17,000, and on the Monday evening following the dedication, the pew sittings were sold with a premium for choice. The premiums ranged in value from $600 down to $75, H. B. Underhill being the highest bidder for first choice, he paying $600. The amount realized from this sale was $7,170. During the pastorate of James Sprecher, in 1885, the church front was extended twenty feet to the sidewalk, the organ placed behind the pulpit and the rooms formerly occupied as a pastor's study were converted into Sunday school rooms. The cost was about $10,000. In 1919 the property was sold and the building demolished; a new and much handsomer church and associate buildings were constructed at a cost of $200,000, where formerly stood the El Dorado public school, corner of Vine and El Dorado streets. The building was completed and dedicated March 25, 1923. This church has the finest pipe organ in the city, installed at a cost of $12,000. The first concert in the town was given in the old church May 5, 1850, by four male amateur singers. In 1852, the Rev. Mr. Kroh moved to Stockton, and his two eldest daughters, Mary and Maggie Kroh, excellent singers, were induced to sing in the Presbyterian choir. Maggie, later known as Maggie Blake Alverson, after her removal to San Francisco, became one of the most famous contralto singers in California. Their only instrument was a little melodeon, but in 1865, at a cost of $2,500, an organ was purchased. The organist was Judge H. B. Underhill, who gave his services free. The organ was dedicated on the evening of January 12, 1865, with a grand concert, the leading singers being Mrs. Marriner Campbell, the best soprano church singer of her day, and William Eliot, both of San Francisco. Gustave Scott, from Dr. Wadsworth's church, was the organist. Selections were sung from the works of Rossini, Mozart, Mendelssohn and Donizetti, and Mrs. Marriner sang the Schubert Stabat Mater. On the following evening a second concert was given from a platform in the front of the church, and Ada Fisher, Amos Durant and William Cobb of the church choir also took part. During the past twenty-five years the Misses Maggie Hubbard, Mary Parks, S. D. Waterman, Mrs. Preble and Mrs. Frank Burton have presided at the organ. The vocalists have been many in number. Among them. Mesdames Eves, Fyfe, J. P. D. Wilkins, Gertie Noble, Eliza Lang, Louise Carr and Frank Hatch, sopranos; Ret. Kroh, Lewis, Wallace, Hatch, Groves; Gifford and Gertie Hatch, altos, and George Ladd, Amos Durant and William Belding. The church during the past seventy years had had the following pastors: James Woods, 1850; W. C. Moshier, 1854; William Davis, 1856; John A. Anderson, 1858; Robert Happersett, 1862; J. S. Skinner, 1866; Ben E. S. Ely, 1869; James Roberson, 1872; L. Y. Hayes, 1876; Robert McKensie, 1878; L. M. Schofield, 1880; H. S. Snodgrass, 1882; James Sprecher, 1883; D. L. Munro and J. B. Campbell, 1892; Philo Phelps, 1895; J. W. Lundy, 1897, and J. M. Skinner, 1914. East Side Presbyterian Church This church, formerly called the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, was organized in 1858. Previous to this time Dr. S. P. Crawford had been holding services in the Henderson schoolhouse district. In that year the state Presbytery was held in Stockton in the South Methodist Church and the question was asked, "Why has not a church been established in Stockton? In a short time several hundred dollars were collected and a lot purchased on Lindsay Street between Hunter and San Joaquin. A little chapel, 30 by 40, was erected at a cost of $1200 and the building dedicated October 24, 1858, by the Rev. John Yager of Contra Costa County. The pastor of the church in 1860 was dissatisfied with the location of the building and it was sold to the Christian denomination. The Cumberland Presbyterians then purchased the Crescent City Hotel property on Sutter Street, between Main Street and Weber Avenue, paying an equal sum for the building and lot, $2,000. It was fitted up for church purposes at a cost of $4300. The services were discontinued in 1864 until 1868. Then the building was re�fitted and refurnished at a cost of $2,300, and May 10, 1869, rededicated as a house of worship. Their congregation was so small that they could not meet their expenses and the building was sold to the Christian brethren. Fourteen years later a young pastor, Thomas A. Cowan, came to Stockton from Lebanon, Tenn. Gathering together the little flock of Cumberland Presbyterians, they held service July 25, 1886, in Brainbridge Hall, then on the corner of Miner Avenue and Hunter Street. Soon afterwards a lot was purchased on San Joaquin Street, opposite the high school, at a cost of $900 and a small chapel erected and dedicated December 18, 1887. The young pastor was very popular and soon filled the church on Sunday and had a membership of one hundred. E. L. B. McClelland was the pastor of the church in 1898 and the trustees, deciding that the church was in a poor locality, a lot was purchased, corner of Main and Pilgrim streets. The building was removed to that point and rededicated in September, 1899. Some of the pastors of this church have been Reverends Sweeney, Thomas M. Johnson, Mr. Cunningham, J. M. Small, J. H. Cornwall, T. A. Cowan, J. M. Gaiser, W. D. Farr, C. D. Lane, E. L. B. McClelland, H. P. Ingram, W. D. Rushing, Squires and Matteson. Grace Methodist Episcopal Church The first notice that we have of Grace Methodist Episcopal Church is an announcement in 1852, "Divine service if not providentially prevented every Sunday at 11 o'clock and in the evening at the ringing of the bell." The building was located on the southwest corner of Weber Avenue and California Street. Captain Weber deeded them a lot, a small building was erected at a cost of $6,000, and it was dedicated November 2, 1851, by Dr. Boring of San Francisco. In 1853 Bishop Soule, the first California bishop of that denomination, delivered a sermon in the church. For several years they called it "Soule Chapel." The building was badly damaged by fire in June, 1876, the church having caught fire from the adjoining burning residence. The belfry was badly damaged and the bell, falling to the ground, was ruined. It cost $1,876 to repair the damage and buy a new bell. The Rev. O. P. Fitzgerald, then the editor of the "Pacific Methodist," a religious journal, was pastor of the church in 1871. He found the same old dilapidated building as during his former charge in 1868, and he resolved to erect a more creditable building. Subscriptions for a new brick edifice were obtained and plans were drawn for an auditorium to seat about 200 persons. A lot was purchased on the north side of the street where had formerly stood the parsonage and March 24, 1873, a cornerstone was laid by the Masonic order. The pastor of the church at this time, W. H. Mason, acted as grand chaplain, and the Rev. C. V. Anthony, grand orator. The building complete, said Judge J. V. Buckley, cost $9,156, and the edifice was solemnly set apart to God's service June 29, 1873. The Methodist conference sent to this charge in 1886 a young pastor, A. C. Bane, who had been recently ordained. Although without either name or fame, in a short time he was preaching to crowded churches. The trustees raised his salary from $600 to $800 a year, and he was returned to the same charge in 1887, and although the seating capacity was enlarged, many were turned away. Very prominent and leading members of this church were Mr. and Mrs. John N. Woods. This Christian woman died April 7, 1900, and her husband resolved to erect a beautiful new church edifice as a memorial to her. The building was to be erected on certain conditions which the trustees quickly accepted and plans were drawn for the handsome edifice now standing on the corner of Stanislaus and Channel streets, which at that time was opposite the Woods' residence. Before the work of building was begun, December 6, 1906, Mr. Woods passed away. His daughters, Mrs. Jessie Lee Wilhoit and Mrs. Mary L. Douglass, resolved to carry on the work as planned by their father. It took some time to straighten out the probate court proceedings, but on their father's birthday, June 7, 1909, the work was commenced. It was pushed forward rapidly, but in some unaccountable manner the uncompleted structure caught fire September 17 and the entire woodwork was destroyed at a loss of $2,000. The contractor, Claude Long, also a member of the church, with determined grit, said, "I will have that building done when I said I would." And it was dedicated, free from debt, March 20, 1910, by the Rev. J. A. Wailes. The beautiful edifice, with its fire�proof concrete walls, stained glass windows, furniture and fine organ, was completed at a cost of $35,000. During the dedicatory service the choir sang Mrs. Woods' favorite hymn: I know that my Redeemer lives, What comfort this sweet message gives; He lives my mansion to prepare, He lives to bring me safely there, All glory to His name. The following are some of the pastors of Grace Methodist Episcopal Church: Reverends Cyprian Gridley, 1851; Green Woods, 1852; A. M. Bailey, 1853; J. H. Kelley, 1854; J. C. Simmons, 1856; Orlando Fisher, 1857; L. D. Hargis, 1861; J. R. Tanzy, 1867; J. M. Lowell, 1868; R. T. Lattimer, 1869; O. P. Fitzgerald, 1871; W. H. Mason, 1873; A. C. Bane, 1886-87; C. E. W. Smith, 1907; J. A. Wailes, 1910, and L. S. Jones and J. A. B. Fry, 1919. The Christian Church Strange as it may appear there was no love lost between the Christian denominations previous to the Civil War. The Presbyterians, Baptists, North Methodist, Epscopalians and German Methodists were opposed to slavery; the Catholic Church stood upon neutral ground, and the Cumberland Presbyterian, South Methodist and the Christian Church believed that slavery was a divine institution. The Christian Church or Disciples of Christ were among the first of the religious denominations. The arrival of Elder Thomas Thompson was the incentive for the organization and a church was organized August 21, 1851, he preaching a sermon on that day. Two months later they observed Thanksgiving Day, November 27, Rev. W. W. Stevenson preaching in the court house, then in the McNish Building. They at once began discussing the building of a church. When James Woods, the Presbyterian pastor, asked Captain Weber for a church lot he believed the pastor was representing the Christians. Weber knew that they were talking of a house of worship and as Thomas Maxwell and Silas Hitchcock, two of their members, were under his command the San Jose Rangers during the Mexican War, he readily granted the 100 foot square: By this misunderstanding they were euchered out of the Presbyterian lot. They soon had a church home, however, as purchasing a story and a half attic house, formerly used as a store, they moved it on to a lot where now stands the Union Bank on San Joaquin Street and fitted it up as a church. The lot was deeded to them by John D. Green and Silas Hitchcock. The pastor was the Rev. W. G. Canders, then a teacher in the public schools. Two quaint notices thus appeared at that time: "Religious services will be held at the Christian meeting house, opposite the court house at early candle light. Rev. Mr. Thompson will preside." Then again, April 14, 1855, "There will be preaching in the frame building, east side of the court house at eleven and three o'clock. Elder McCorkle will preach on church government." The congregation was widely scattered. Many of them were engaged in stock raising and it was difficult for them to assemble at the church. Abandoning the edifice, they met for several years in the home of John D. Green, about six miles out in the country. Church service was again resumed in Stockton in April, 1858. Again they reorganized in April, 1860, and selling the lot on San Joaquin Street for $600, they obtained liberal subscriptions and for $2,000 purchased the Cumberland Presbyterian property on Lindsay Street. At this time William C. Miller and J. H. Tharp were the elders, C. P. Crow and Robert Hitchcock, deacons, and Samuel, William and Robert Miller and William P. Shaw, trustees. The Bible class leader was Peter S. Wilkes. They sold the property to the German School Association for $2,000 in March, 1872, and immediately purchased for $2,500 the Cumberland Church property on Sutter Street. The congregation had so increased in number in 1890 that they discontinued services in the old church and began holding services in Masonic hall. They had no permanent pastor until 1897. At that time the Rev. Thomas A. Boyer held Bible services in the hall and the trustees and congregation were so pleased with his work that they called him as their pastor. Soon after this a lot, corner of California and Lindsay streets, was purchased and a building of wood erected at a cost all told of $10,000. It was formally dedicated on the evening of April 30, 1899. The trustees, marching in a body up to the altar, presented to the pastor, Rev. Thomas Boyer, the church completed. During the entire day services were held; in the forenoon the Rev. R. L. Hatton of Santa Cruz delivered the sermon; in the afternoon the Rev. Mr. Martin of Fresno preached a discourse and the pastor preached in the evening. During the services in this church up to 1890 they had only congregational singing, without any instrument. The members were poor and they could not engage a paid choir and many of them were opposed to paid singers, or having any instrument in the church. But as time passed the old members who so strenuously opposed the choir passed to their reward. A new generation appeared with the Rev. T. A. Boyer and in the dedication services there was a choir with Genevieve Peters of the Catholic Faith, Eva Brooks and Bessie Rosenbaum, a Jewess, as the solo vocalists. Today they have an excellent choir with the pastor's wife, the best soprano in the city, as soloist, and have an organ and an orchestra of violins, cornets and clarinets. The following pastors have been in charge: Rev. Thomas A. Boyer, 1890; Thomas A. Lawson, C. W. Jopson, W. F. Daniels, 1899; E. B. Stivers, 1918; Shirley R. Shaw, 1920. The two last-named pastors are the livest wires ever in Stockton, and they increased their membership with wonderful rapidity. The Congregational Church The Congregational Church, which at first was composed of members from the other churches, principally from the Presbyterian and North Methodist, was organized by the Rev. P. G. Buchanan, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Their first service was held August 22, 1865, in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, the Rev. J. R. Warren, of San Francisco, delivering the morning, and the Rev. P. G. Buchanan the evening sermon. The church organization was effected September 16, 1865, with the following members: P. G. and Mary Buchanan, James T. and Lucy Mills, Mrs. Christina Prentice, Mrs. Cutting, Helen Burton, J. F. Woods and C. F. Baldwin. They continued their services in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, with P. G. Buchanan as pastor, until July, 1867, when the pastor resigned his charge and left with his family for the East. Two days later the members assembled and extended a call to a young theologian, James A. Daly of New York, who at the time was traveling in Europe. He accepted the call and arriving in Stockton delivered his first sermon on Sunday, May 3, 1868. The services were held in the court room with about fifty persons present. The pastor sat in the judge's chair, the judge's desk his pulpit, with a choir sitting in the jury box, consisting of Mrs. Edward Delano, Mrs. Lewis (Bert Lewis' mother) and J. T. Mills. The members and congregation were very much pleased with their new pastor. He was disappointed and greatly dissatisfied, for he did not anticipate finding a young congregation struggling for existence without a church home, but he consented to remain if they would erect a church. With this end in view the trustees purchased a lot, 30x100, on Miner Avenue, adjoining the Methodist Church, and erected a neat little building at a cost, church and lot, of $8,500. The building was dedicated on Friday evening, April 11, 1869; the night was stormy, but the house was crowded, as the eloquent Rev. A. L. Stone of San Francisco was to preach the dedication sermon. The membership and congregation increased rapidly, since this is the church established by the Pilgrim Fathers and many of those in attendance were New Englanders. While visiting in New York in 1870, Rev. Daly suddenly resigned. He recommended as his successor the Rev. John C. Holbrook of New York, a pastor of many years' experience; he accepted the charge and arriving in September of that year immediately he began his duties as pastor of the church. He was installed on the evening of December 15, 1870; that night the council again assembled, Rev. J. H. Dwinelle acting as moderator and Rev. A. L. Stone as scribe. After choir singing the moderator stated the reason of their assembling, and Dr. Stone read the minutes of the council meeting that afternoon. The Scripture lesson was read by the Rev. Mr. Brier and a sermon was delivered by Rev. Dwinelle. Rev. Samuel B. Morse (Baptist) then delivered the charge to the new pastor, and to him Rev. Ben E. S. Ely (Presbyterian) extended the right hand of fellowship of the Stockton churches, and Rev. A. L. Stone then addressed the members. Mr. Holbrook was pastor less than two years, returning to New York with his family; he left behind a daughter, Mrs. E. B. Noble. During the pastorship of the Rev. Martin Post the building was raised some ten feet and basement rooms fitted up, the church re�fitted and renovated and the chancel extended back ten feet, with the idea of placing a pipe organ. To partly meet the expense the young ladies, on May 9, 1878, gave an entertainment in the theater, producing the plays of "Caste" and "Box and Cox." The work was finished and the parlors opened with a social August 28, 1878, one of the features of the evening being the solo of Prof. G. F. Jackson, who had then located in Stockton. One of the distinctive features of this denomination is the annual celebration of Fore�fathers' Day. The event was introduced here by Rev. R. H. Sink in 1893, and has been continued since that date. On the evening of December 21, 1893, the members and congregation, at the hour of 6:30, assembled in the church parlors. A bountiful repast had there been spread and standing around the table, Rev. Sink at the head, a prayer was offered. The Pilgrim descendants then sang a hymn beginning thus : "Oh God, beneath Thy guiding hand, Our exiled fathers crossed the sea, And when they sailed the wintry strand, With praise and psalm they worshipped thee." After the speeches were in order, and Rev. Sink leading, spoke of the Pilgrim influence in government; Charles M. Keniston spoke of Pilgrim fidelity; E. W. Drury of Pilgrim mothers, and John T. Oldham, Alice Mills, M. S. Thresher, J. T. Mills and Margaret Beebe then gave short talks. The Rev. Reuben H. Sink became the pastor of the little church June 9, 1889. He saw overshadowing the church the tall spire and the brick walls of the Methodist Episcopal Church and with civic and Christian pride he resolved to have an edifice worthy of the denomination of which he was a member. His hair was silvered with gray before he accomplished this object, but May 1,1910, the beautiful temple was open for worship. One of the features of the auditorium is the organ, which was purchased at a cost of $3,300. It is twenty feet in width and twenty-eight feet in height, and contains 475 pipes. This splendid instrument supersedes the vocation that was purchased in 1892 at a cost of $900, this taking the place of a cabinet organ played for many years by Miss Alice Mills and Mary Parks. One of the attractions of this church has been the music, and the trustees, ever endeavoring to procure the best, in August, 1878, secured the services of George F. Jackson, a fine tenor singer, as the choir leader. He reorganized the choir and in March of the following year they gave a concert in the theater for the benefit of the organ fund. They were assisted by Eliza Lang, S. D. Waterman and Professor Jackson's son. In August the choir was again reorganized with Mrs. Mary Lathrop and Mrs. Alexander Chalmers, sopranos; Flora and Nettie Baker, altos; Professor Jackson and Orlando H. Close, tenors; and Amos Durant and J. T. Mills, bassos. It was an excellent choir and good results might have been expected, but late in the year the professor had trouble with one of the school trustees regarding the marking of the pupils in music, and, resigning as teacher of music in the public schools, he soon after left the city. The trustees, in January, 1888, secured the services of Norman Baker, a baseball pitcher, and a fine baritone singer. The choir at that time was composed of a male quartet and each evening Baker sang one or two solos to an audience crowded to the doors. Baker sang in the choir Sunday morning and evening and played baseball during the afternoon. The following are the pastors of the church: Reverends P. G. Buchanan, September, 1865; James A. Daly, May, 1868; John C. Holbrook, September, 1870; Martin Post� June, 1873; D. T. Packard, December, 1879; John Hooper, 1881; John Kirby, 1882; W. F. Furman, 1885; E. J. Riggs, 1888; Reuben H. Sink, June 9, 1889, with Harley H. Gill as the present pastor, and Rev. R. H. Sink as pastor emeritus. First Baptist Church The Rev. J. B. Saxton was sent to California in November, 1852, by the American Baptist Home Mission to establish Baptist churches in the new territory. Arriving in San Francisco in December he selected Stockton as his first field of labor. Coming to this place about Christmas time he later declared: "I entered the city a stranger in a strange land, but myself and family were cordially received." He found a residence where now stands the Mail Building on Sutter Street, and in his home, March 6, 1853, the first Baptist Church was organized with the following twelve members: B. W. Owens and R. Black, deacons; W. W. Webster, clerk, and Madison Walthall, B. W. Owens and R. Black, trustees. The Stockton church was received into the fellowship of churches April 20, the service taking place in the Presbyterian Church. Religious services were held in the schoolhouse where later stood the Lafayette school and the congregation so increased in number that the trustees were compelled to find larger quarters. Finding a small building on sale on Center Street, adjoining the Weber House, which had formerly been used as a Spanish fandango, the trustees purchased it and the room was fitted up at a cost of $2,300. It was dedicated May 22, 1853, with appropriate ceremonies. Captain Weber deeded the trustees in 1855 a lot on Lindsay Street near Hunter for the building of a church, and the trustees and B. W. Owens, Madison Walthall, J. S. Woods, William Moore and W. W. Webster, publicly acknowledged the donation of a valuable lot for their use and expressed their best wishes for the temporal and spiritual welfare of the donor. Preferring to erect the church on a corner they retained the Weber lot for a parsonage and in January, 1860, purchased two lots, corner of Lindsay and Hunter Streets, for church purposes. Plans were drawn for a brick building 45x87 feet with a fifteen foot basement and a spire 130 feet in height, surmounted by a large hand with the index finger pointing upward. The auditorium was planned to contain sixty-eight pews with a seating capacity of 486 people and a balcony seating fifty more persons. The work was commenced in August and September 23 the cornerstone was laid by the Rev. V. B. Cheney of the First Baptist Church, San Francisco. The work was completed in June 1861, and dedicated June 21, the Rev. V. B. Cheney preaching the dedication sermon. The building complete cost $15,300. The trustees at this time were B. W. Owens, who had been a member of the Methodist Church South; E. R. Stockwell, Jeremiah Sarles, D. K. Woodbridge and James Woods. The trustees made a great mistake in lifting the audience room fifteen feet above the sidewalk, but it was not remedied until nearly forty years later. At that time, Mrs. Amelia Darra, a leading member of the church, died August, 1899, leaving $2,000 for the building of a new church. The trustees then sold the Baptist Mission property on East Market Street and with that amount and other money given them they had a building fund of $5,100. Subscriptions to the fund were obtained, bringing the amount up to about $12,000. The front half of the old church was torn down and a new concrete and brick building erected of a modern style of architecture, facing the north. The old building faced the east. It was completed in 1906 with a cost of pews, furniture, and repairs to the organ, of $15,000. The Baptist Church, unfortunately for them, perhaps, has in some ways been the sensational church of the city. The first sensation came soon after the arrival of Elder Knapp in December 1867. He was a revivalist of national fame and since 1854 he had been engaged in this work. He was a man then sixty-six years of age, short in stature, but very muscular, with long grey hair and whiskers and sharp, piercing black eyes. Throughout the Eastern States he was known as the "Lord's Blacksmith," hammering the gospel into sinners and saving them, according to his belief, from hell and damnation, while his co�worker, Henry Miller, was called the "Lord's Silversmith," preaching in a quiet, easy manner God's love and forgiveness to those who repented of their sins. The trustees invited Elder Knapp to hold a series of revival services in the Baptist Church. He began his revival services December 8, and for fifty-four days he held three prayer meetings each day, the first one at 6:30 a. m., with a sermon each evening. His first break was December 28. William Bunker, a popular young Odd Fellow, went hunting the previous Saturday afternoon. He was found Monday morning in the tules standing by the side of his boat, his long gum boots filled with water, frozen to death. Elder Knapp, hearing of the accident, presumed he had gone hunting on Sunday and referring to his death in his sermon said: "That young man has gone straight to hell." Bunker's friends resented the remark and there was talk of a blanket tossing. The following evening he apologized and stated that he had been misinformed. On New Year's evening the Eurekas gave their annual ball in the newly erected building, Hickman's hall; Hunter and Levee Streets. The previous evening the Elder preached against the sin of dancing, and in a sermon referring to the firemen's ball, he said: "Tomorrow night the belles of Stockton will scorch their legs over hell's fire." The Eureka boys, for fun, declared that they would send Elder Knapp a complimentary ticket. He responded: "If they do, I will attend and, kneeling on the floor, will turn the ballroom into a prayer meeting." "If Brother Knapp shows up," the Eurekas came back, "We'll toss him in a blanket." "No, you won't," replied Thomas Cunningham, a foreman of the company, "you'll treat him like a gentleman." One evening while he was preaching, Jonas Stockwell, the oldest son of Deacon Stockwell, arose and left the church. "There's a young man on his way to hell," said Elder Knapp, and quick as thought Stockwell replied: "Yes, and I'll meet you there." The Elder made many converts, among them Thomas K. Hook, ex-sheriff; Joseph J. Budd, county judge, and Mrs. J. P. D. Wilkins, a notable church choir singer. They were all baptized. Immediately after her baptism, slowly ascending the steps to the platform, the black robe tightly clinging to her form, she began singing, "Just as I am, without one plea But that Thy blood was shed for me, Oh, Lamb of God, I come, I come." Dramatic, intensely so, there was a thrill passed over that crowded room, and then the audience joined in the chorus with her, "Oh, Lamb of God, I come." Elder Knapp's was the second sensation at this time, the first having taken place a few months previous to the revival. The Rev. J. A. Giles, who had formerly preached in Sonora, was called to the Stockton church and preached his first sermon January 5, 1867. He was not as eloquent a man as the former pastor, Rev. Charles R. Hendrickson, who was one of the best speakers in the state. Giles was a handsome man, with a pretty wife, she a singer in the choir. According to some, both were flirtatious in their tendencies and this caused a commotion among the members and February 11, 1869, seventy-nine members withdrew from the church. A church trial was held and the pastor was tried upon a charge of "unchristian conduct." Finally a resolution was offered for a "Continuance of the pastorate of the present pastor." The resolution was defeated. Giles immediately presented his resignation and the church refused to accept it; then his advocates withdrew. The seceding members, assembling February 12 in the city hall, formed an organization calling themselves "The Central Baptist Church." They elected trustees and by vote the Rev. J. H. Giles was selected as their pastor. The free use of the theater was tendered them, but they later returned to the city hall, where they had formerly been, and held services until August 17, 1872, Giles then preaching his last sermon. The following are the Baptist pastors: J. B. Saxton, 1853; Thomas Atwood, 1856; Clark King, 1858; C. R. Hendrickson, 1862; J. H. Giles, 1867; Samuel B. Morse, 1869; W. B. Fleenor, 1881; F. S. Lawrence, 1889; L. Palmer, 1890; George W. Swift, 1896; Samuel J. Nunan, 1899; William Thomas, 1901; E. S. Van Ness, 1906; J. Lewis Smith, the present pastor. The Episcopal Church To the Rev. Orlando Harriman, father of the railroad magnate, E. H. Harriman, belongs the honor of founding the Episcopal Church in Stockton. He held services in the city hall, then on the corner of Hunter and Channel streets, on Sunday, August 25, 1850. During the evening service the parish was organized and wardens and vestrymen elected. The Rev. Mr. Harriman named the parish St. John, and held services until September, 1850. There was no further service until 1851; then J. M. Bissell, the junior warden, acted as lay reader until 1853, the services being held for a time in the Corinthian Building. In March, 1853, the following officers were elected, B. Walker Bours, Judge A. G. Stakes, John B. Hall, the attorney, H. J. Huggins, Dr. George A. Shurtleff, F. Pinot, Edward Howison, vestrymen; Robert K. Eastman, senior warden, and Dr. H. S. Norcom, junior warden. The Right Rev. William Ingraham Kip, California's first Episcopal bishop, came to the state in 1854 and held services June 18 in the city hall where now stands the present court house. His coming created a new interest in the parish, and they requested that a rector be sent to this church. The Rev. Joseph A. Large was sent to St. John's parish from Indiana. Captain Weber in 1856 deeded the Episcopalians two lots on the corner of El Dorado Street and Miner Avenue, and a third lot they purchased. Their rector at this time was the Rev. E. W. Hager. He was an energetic and popular man, elected county superintendent on the Democratic ticket and as the membership was composed of many wealthy men, he saw no reason why they should not have a church home. The membership included B. W. and Allen Lee Bours, Willard and Austin Sperry, Harbeson and Louis M. Hickman, Henry T. Compton, Wm. Biven, George H. Sanderson, P. M. Bowen, H. T. Huggins, Andrew Wolf, R. E. Wilhoit, Henry Austin, Henry H. Hewlett, A. W. Simpson, G. W. Trahern, J. M. Kelsey, William West, C. F. Whale, Judge C. M. Creanor, H. C. Taylor, H. T. Dorrance, Gilbert Claiborne and Harry Hubbard. A subscription list was opened and over $5,000 was collected in a few weeks. The cornerstone was laid September 9, 1857, and May 2, 1858, the first service was held, Bishop Kip consecrating the building June 20 of the same year. The edifice cost about $10,000, this amount including the beautiful stained glass chancel window, "Christ Sowing the Seed.� This same window, enlarged on either side, is in the chancel of the present church. In 1862, at a cost of nearly $2,000, the lot was enclosed by a handsome iron grill fence set upon a brick base. A discussion regarding the building of a new and larger place of worship was begun in 1874, and for the benefit of the building fund the ladies gave various entertainments until they had succeeded in raising several thousand dollars. They at first contemplated building a church only, but finally the building committee concluded also to build a Guild hall for the use of the Sunday school, and social purposes. The Guild hall was erected in 1891 and services therein held in April, 1892, the work of demolishing the pioneer church commencing at that time. The cornerstone of the new building was informally laid April 4, 1892, by Bishop William F. Nichols. The dedication service was read by the bishop, the rector, W. J. Lemon, then read the list of articles deposited in the stone, the bishop closing the cavity. The church was not consecrated because of the heavy mortgage, although they held service in the auditorium since 1893. The debt was finally paid and the building consecrated Easter Sunday, April 10, 1898. A procession of the members and congregation was formed outside of the building, and led by Bishop Nichols and the choir singing "Onward Christian Soldiers" they marched into the church. During the service the bishop read the prayer of consecration, delivered the sermon and confirmed sixteen. The organ in this church is the first pipe organ in the city. It was purchased in Boston, Mass., and shipped around Cape Horn in 1858 at a cost of $1,700. The same organ with additional pipes is now in use in the present church. The first organist was a German named John Kelher, a violin and piano teacher. He was followed by Nellie Gardner, S. D. Waterman, Lewis Thwaites, Charles Owens and Professor Nutting. In 1862 an Italian opera company was singing in Stockton, and they volunteered their services in giving a Sunday sacred concert from the Messiah, the Creation, Moses in Egypt and other sacred music. The offer was accepted and the concert given Sunday afternoon, September 21. The church was crowded, the money going to the church fund. In the Episcopal as in the Catholic Church the music is a part of the service, and for many years they had a choir of four voices only, Mary Chittenden, later Mrs. Robert S. Johnson, Mrs. Charles Pinkham, Horace Vincent and Charles Pinkham. About 1880 Hugo Talbo, an English opera singer of considerable fame, came to Stockton to reside, and the church authorities engaged him to organize a chorus choir. He organized a mixed choir with Horace Vincent, Jr., Louis Hewlett, Edward Bellis and other male singers, with Belle Rodgers, Bessie Stewart and Stella Ayers as solo singers. Many of the choir were Talbo's pupils and the music was fine, selections being given from the best sacred music composers. After Talbo's death a boy choir was organized in 1892, some of the straight-laced vestrymen objecting to women singing in an Episcopalian choir. In 1896 Robert Loud, a brilliant baritone vocalist, took charge of the boy choir. Some years ago Robert Ziegler, a young baritone, took charge of the church music and organized a mixed choir of male, female and boy voices. He brought the choir up to a high standard, and at the Friday evening Crucifixion service each year the church was crowded. The Crucifixion, by Stainer, has now been given by this choir seventeen successive years. The following have been the rectors of St. John's parish during the past seventy years: Joseph A. Large, 1854; E. S. Hager, 1856; David McDonald, 1859; John G. Gasman, 1862; Elias Birdsall, 1866; Wm. P. Tucker, 1869; Elias Birdsall, 1870; E. H. Ward, 1882; W. C. Mills, 1886; W. J. Lemmon, 1888; J. T. MacKinnon, 1895; J. T. Bryan, 1901; Alfred Clark, 1904; Reginald H. Starr, 1908; Wm. Renison, 1909. St. Mary's Catholic Church The first masses in the San Joaquin Valley were celebrated in the home of Captain Weber in 1849 and in the residence of Nicholas Den in December, 1850. Both of these homes were on the Peninsula. Den was a devout Catholic and he prevailed upon Fr. Francis S. Vilirassa to organize a church. We have no further information regarding the organization, but in 1851 a party of French immigrants passed through Stockton. On of them was Father Blave, and learning that there was a Catholic Church he consented to remain and serve as the parish priest. Captain Weber then gave the church two lots where stands the present edifice. A building of wood was constructed with a belfry, and with a seating capacity of 300; the building, including the bell, cost about $10,500. The inside walls were covered with plain white cloth. The same material was behind the altar, which was made of plain boards painted a cream color, and upon the walls on plain pedestals were roughly carved figures, the stations of the cross. Whale oil lamps gave the evening light until 1861, when the church was first lit with gas. This present beautiful edifice of the Gothic style of architecture was built as you might say, in sections, each section conforming to the completed plan being erected as soon as the money was at hand. The women of the church worked for more than thirty years in obtaining money by means of festivals, fairs and dances to complete the building. As far back as 1857 they began their work and that year they held a fair in the rear of the San Joaquin Republican office on El Dorado Street. During the priestship of Father Joseph A. Gallagher the plans were completed and June 17, 1861, work was commenced on the front half of the building. The wooden building was moved over to the east and mass therein celebrated. The work was rapidly pushed along, and July 21 of the same year the cornerstone was laid by Archbishop Joseph Alemany and Father Hugh P. Gallagher, of San Francisco, a brother of the resident priest, delivered the sermon from the text: "And this stone which I have set for an altar shall be called the house of God." Mass was celebrated Christmas eve and the building was crowded although the night was stormy and many of the worshippers came in carriages. Father Gallagher was the celebrant, the choir comprising the Cahill sisters, sopranos, Mrs. H. W. Schmidt, alto, H. W. Schmidt, tenor, and Louis Beyser, bass, assisted by Miss Redeuill at the melodeon. The uncompleted structure was consecrated May 11, 1862, by Archbishop Alemany, assisted by four priests from abroad, the local priest, Joseph Gallagher, and the Spanish Father, Raphael Z. Vargas. The walls were decorated with evergreens and flowers from the garden of Captain Weber and the main aisle was carpeted with rose leaves. During the summer of 1868 work was commenced on the ground plan as it stands today and December 18, 1870, the completed building was dedicated by Archbishop Alemany. The edifice was rededicated May 23, 1880, by Archbishop Alemany, assisted by Father Wm. B. O'Connor as celebrant, Father Walsh as deacon, and Father Kenennly as subdeacon, Father Gleason delivering the sermon. The present building was completed in 1893 at a cost of $50,000, the Gothic spire, transept, sacristy and side chapels being erected at that time. At that time, 1893, the beautiful painting of Christ that now adorns the altar superseded a similar painting that hung over the altar for over fifty years. The old altar was replaced by an altar at a cost of $5,000, a gift from Mrs. Thomas Weber, a daughter-in-law of Captain Weber. The stations of the cross were presented by John Gall, who imported them from Europe during his travels there. The silver candlesticks and the candelabra were the gift of Miss Annie Tierney. A number of the beautiful stained glass windows were gifts of Mrs. Margaret Gall and the various Catholic societies of the church. Mrs. Margaret Blake Alverson says in her History of Music that the Ainsa sisters, two Spanish women, highly cultivated vocalists and instrumentalists, were the first two choir singers in the Catholic church. These two women, you remember, married Henry A. Crabb, the attorney, and Rasey Biven, the newspaper man. At the time of the rededication of the church, 1880, the choir comprised Fred W. Schmidt, leader of the Stockton brass band as director and organist, Miss Collicott Boshen and Weber, sopranos, Gertrude Elliott and Miss Wilson, altos; Le Rose Phelps, tenor, and Charles Pinkham, bass. On this extra occasion they also had a number of instrumentalists. On October 9, 1881, a sacred concert was given with J. H. Dohrman of St. Patrick's Church, San Francisco, at the new organ. The principal singers were Mrs. Gertie Noble from the Presbyterian choir, Mrs. J. L. Phelps, Nettie Baker and Professor Jackson from the Congregational choir, S. D. Waterman from the Methodist and Lottie Crawford, Helen Golinsky (Mrs. Edward Oullahan), Ada Boschen, Jennie Winters, Nan McCarty, Le Rose Phelps and Charles Pinkham of the regular choir. The two last-named sung in that choir for more than thirty years, Pinkham dying in December, 1899. As to the organists, Wm. Carmichael, an English pianist and teacher came to Stockton to reside in 1869 and was engaged to play the reed organ, continuing until his death in March, 1876; in the meantime he married Jennie Hammett a communicant of the church. He was succeeded by Fred Schmidt, who came to Stockton from Honolulu some years previous. In September, 1881, the pipe organ was installed at a cost of $4,000. It was built in San Francisco with flaring metal pipes, as suggested by Father O'Connor. Karl Bruck succeeded Fred Schmidt, who died in September, 1887, as organist and choir director until a few years ago, he refusing longer to serve as organist. The priests of St. Mary's church were Father Blaive, 1851; Father Maurice, 1856; A. Gallagher, 1860; Father Motter, an Italian, 1866: William Bernard O'Connor, June, 1872, died in his priestly office December 26, 1911. He was succeeded in February, 1912, by Father W. E. McGough. In the priests' plot in the San Joaquin Cemetery beneath a large stone lies the body of Father O'Connor. Upon the stone is a large raised cross and beneath it the inscription, "Rev. Father William B. O'Connor, 1841�1911." The spot where he lies is holy ground consecrated May 23, 1880, by Archbishop Alemany. Some time previous to this, Captain Weber, learning that Father O'Connor was looking for a new burial ground, deeded to the Archbishop, for burial purposes, twenty acres of land on North Street, then just outside of the city limits. In 1852 he deeded the church a block of land where now stands the Holt Manufacturing Company. Now overcrowded, the bodies of over 1,000 in number were transferred to the new cemetery and erected "To the unknown dead," pioneers in the upbuilding of Stockton. At the time mentioned a platform had been erected in the center of the plot and in front of it a large cross was planted, typical of Jesus Christ who vanquished death and brought about the resurrection of the body. Four other crosses of smaller size were placed at the four corners of the cemetery symbolic of the life blood of Christ that flows to the four corners of the globe. Three candles were placed at each of the crosses. At the appointed hour, Archbishop Alemany arrived, together with Father O'Connor, who acted as master of ceremonies, Father Kenennly as cross bearer, and Fathers Walsh and Gleason, readers of the litany, psalms and prayers. Forming a procession and led by the cross bearer they began their march around the ground, the fathers repeating the liturgy and prayers. In his left hand the Archbishop carried his crozier and with his right hand he sprinkled holy water, standing at the foot of the Christ cross, which the archbishop had blessed. As the procession approached each cross of the four corners the candles were lighted, thus indicating the anticipation of resurrection. It was a beautiful and impressive ceremony, never seen before in this county and probably not again for many years. The memory of Father O'Connor still lives in the hearts of the people and even before his death they determined to erect a monument suitable to his memory. For this purpose a death mask was taken of his features by a sculptor and subscriptions were obtained for a handsome lifelike statue. On a beautiful Sunday afternoon, June 7, 1914, a large crowd of persons assembled in the grounds of St. Joseph's Home, to pay honors to the memory of him whom they had known in the religious and social walks of life for nearly a half century. A platform covered with the Stars and Stripes had been erected by the side of the statue and upon it sat several priests, the orator of the occasion, John J. Barrett, Mrs. Joseph D. Peters, Miss Julia Weber, Richard Lauxen and Arthur Ashley, close friends of Father O'Connor. After a few remarks by Father McGough, the present pastor of St. Mary's Church, and the singing of hymns by the children of St. Agnes' choir, the bell of the chapel rang out. Miss Julia Weber then pulled the silken cord, the drapery fell away and with uncovered heads, and with an impressive silence, the friends again beheld the features of him "who lives forever more." John J. Barrett, of San Francisco, then delivered a beautiful tribute of honor to him who was has spiritual adviser and friend since early childhood. The bronze statue, six feet in height, rests upon a solid granite pedestal. The pedestal stands upon a three-step granite foundation, and upon the pedestal is the following inscription : "Rev. Wm. B. O'Connor Pastor St. Mary's Church 1872-1911 A good citizen, a kind friend, a wise counsellor and faithful guide. He was in all things a true priest of God." St. Gertrude Church, Fair Oaks The extension of Fair Oaks to the city a few years ago made it a more desirable place to reside and the population rapidly increased. Many of those who located there were Catholics and Father Laurence Murphy of St. Mary's Church believed that a church in that locality was an actual necessity. With this object in view a call was made and December 13, 1913, the first mass was celebrated in Fair Oaks hall. Subscriptions were obtained for the building of a handsome two-tower edifice of Gothic design, and in less than two years the building was completed at a cost of $30,000. After the erection of the building. the cornerstone was laid on July 18, 1915, by the Rev. John Cantwell, representing Archbishop E. J. Hanna. Mass was celebrated in the building with Fathers Murphy, McGough. Anderson and Sorasio of St. Mary's Church and Father Drollard of Lodi in the sanctuary. The address was given by Father Cantwell and the mass music was arranged by Mrs. Leonard of St. Gertrude parish. The cornerstone contains among other things a portrait of Father Wm. O'Connor, the program of the event and the names of those taking part in the ceremony and copies of the Record, Independent and Mail of that date. Numerous gifts were presented by the parishioners and other Catholics. The large handsome stained glass window representing St. Gertrude was presented by Miss Julia Weber, and the long tower windows on the front of the building were presented by the Knights of Columbus. The oil painting of the Virgin Mary was painted and presented to the church by Miss Theresa Monatti. The Central Methodist Church In the west end of the present edifice of the Central Methodist Church there is a beautiful glass stained window representing "The Sower Sowing the Seed." It was placed there by the Westbay family as a memorial of their father, James C. Westbay, the founder of Methodism in Stockton. Arriving here September 3, 1849, he pitched his tent near the southeast corner of San Joaquin Street and Weber Avenue and being an enthusiastic Methodist he dedicated the tent to God. Some four days later he became acquainted with George W. Pierce and Upton Reamer, two other Methodists, and they concluded to hold services in the Westbay tent. The first service was held September 15, 1849, and this was the first service of praise and prayer in Stockton. Mr. Westbay in telling of the incident said, "There were some seventy or eighty persons in attendance, many being unable to get into the tent." While the meeting was in progress a man named Hopkins pushed his way into the tent, and saving that he was a Methodist preacher and thanked God that he had found even two or three persons who had met in the name of Jesus for worship. He had just arrived that night from Tennessee and walked into town, leading a mule on which was packed his outfit. Passing the tent he at first believed it a gambling establishment, but when he heard the singing and prayer, he concluded it was a prayer meeting. Rev. Hopkins delivered a short sermon that evening, and services were conducted later in the homes of "Johnny" Green and Gallant D. Dickenson on Market Street between Center and Commerce. In the spring of 1850 James Corwin arrived here from San Jose. He was known as "Uncle Jimmy Corwin," and was a carpenter as well as a preacher, earning twelve dollars a day at his trade. Corwin formed a Methodist class which comprised James C. Westbay, Joseph Landen, Upton Reamer, Dr. R. H. Radcliffe and "Uncle John" Andrews. It was Corwin's custom to hold a religious meeting on the Levee every Sunday afternoon, taking with him Upton Reamer, J. C. Westbay and Phillip Groves, and they would sing, preach and pray. Although Sunday was the busiest day of the week, several of the boat captains suspended their work during the service and the meeting attracted large crowds. Phillip Groves, who was a very enthusiastic Methodist, was also a very eccentric person. On one occasion a very inquisitive person asked Groves who he was. He replied, "I'm a Methodist, a Whig and a blacksmith�Glory to God." In the spring of 1850 James Corwin arrived here from San Jose and organized a church with the following trustees: Joseph Lamden, Upton Reamer, James C. Westbay, "Uncle John" Andrews and Dr. H. H. Radcliffe. In the following year Captain Weber deeded two lots to the church on the southeast corner of Washington and Commerce streets, then the most populated part of the city. Subscriptions were obtained for the erection of a church and James Corwin not only put in all of his time in working on the building but donated the salary given him as pastor. The building is said to have cost $12,000. It was dedicated July 28, 1851, by Rev. Isaac Owens who was sent here from San Jose by the Methodist Conference after they learned of the "faithful little band of Methodists in Stockton". In less than five years the church members began moving from that locality, and the trustee purchasing a lot 50x100 on the northwest corner of Weber Avenue and San Joaquin Street, moved the church to the more central location. The building was remodeled and enlarged at a cost of $4,368, and it was dedicated June 3, 1860, by Bishop John T. Peck. The evening sermon was delivered by Rev. John A. Anderson of the Presbyterian Church. The increase of population, the popularity of the pastors and the patriotic services in the building served greatly to increase the church attendance, and the trustees began looking for a more commodious place of worship. At this time the Agricultural Hall where now stands the Yosemite Building was on sale. The society had there built a large brick building in 1861, and mortgaging the building was unable to lift it. The Methodists bought the building at a cost of $23,000 and converted it into a church seating about 400 persons and containing in the rear a Sunday school and a social room and a pastor's study. It was dedicated the first Sunday in January, 1870, by the Rev. M. C. Briggs, assisted by the Revs. J. H. Maddux and Dr. Thomas. It was in this church that debating society was organized by the young people regardless of creed, and their proceedings were frequently published in the Mail. Dr. J. H. Coyle. then the pastor, took great interest in the young folks and was reprimanded by some of the "old fogies," saying he was too old to take part with them. He replied, "A man is just as old as he feels," and the writer here records the splendid assistance given us in that society by Dr. Coyle. The People's Temple This was the name given to the Methodist Church during the pastorate of the Rev. William Copeland Evans. Previous to that time it had been known as the Methodist Episcopal Church, North, in distinction from the Methodist Episcopal, South, now known as Grace Episcopal Church. In Dr. Stephens' time it was called the Central Methodist Church. It is located on the corner of Miner Avenue and San Joaquin Street and its spire, 172 feet in height, looms above the tallest ten-story building in the city. It is today one of Stockton's finest buildings, an ornament to the city and for many years the only auditorium suitable for large assemblies. Time and again the old church was overcrowded, there were no accommodations for the children attending the Sunday school, and the noise and confusion on the street became so annoying that in 1888 the board of trustees began looking for another church location. Purchasing three lots on the corner mentioned the trustees proposed plans for a small building, but the pastor, Rev. S. J. Carroll, insisted in a large, fine, up-to-date structure. The old church property was sold for $30,000 and the cornerstone of the new building was laid December 21, 1889. The church was dedicated April 5, 1891, by Bishop Fowler. A splendid organ was installed, the building complete costing $87,275. It was heavily mortgaged for several years, but in 1902 the entire debt was paid. The pastors of the church are as follows: 1851, Wm. M. Morrow; '52, H. C. Benson; '53, George S. Phillips; '55, S. B. Rooney; '56, P. G. Buchannan; '58, John P. Hill; '60, David S. Dryden; '62, John W. Ross; '65, David Deal; '67, J. H. Maddux; '70, C. V. Anthony; '73, H. B. Heacock; '76, Thomas S. Dunn; '79, John Coyle; '82, J. F. Trefren; '83, A. T. Needham; '87, Westley Dennett; '88, S. J. Carroll; '93, E. D. McCreary; '97, W. C. Evans; '02, Irving Lovejoy; '10, John Stephens; '14, E. P. Dennett; '15, H. E. Beeks; '17. M. H. Alexander; A. C. Bane is the present pastor. The Two German Churches One of the oldest religious denominations in the city is the German Methodist Episcopal. A mere handful in number, they organized in 1855, and, obtaining money sufficient, built a neat little brick church where now stands the Mail Building. It was the first brick house of worship in Stockton, and the first German church in California. The little edifice was dedicated September 2, 1855, the Rev. M. C. Briggs of Sacramento conducting the service. The building, erected only a few inches above the earth, was damp and unhealthy, and below street grade, and too small for the rapidly growing congregation. In 1869 a large wooden church was erected at a cost of $7,000. It was furnished with a fine toned 660-pound bell costing $550, and it was first rang July 5, 1869. The building was dedicated August 1st, the Rev. Dr. Cox of San Francisco preaching the dedicatory sermon, the presiding elder, C. H. Afferbach, and the pastor, G. H. Bollinger, taking part in the services. The congregation worshiped in this church until 1896. At that time, however, the membership was small, as the old pioneers had nearly all of them "gone home," or left the city, and as the taxes were exceedingly burdensome because of the increased value of the property, the trustees concluded to sell. The lot, 84x150 feet, had been offered on sale in 1892 for $18,000 and it was purchased four years later by the proprietors of the Stockton Mail. The trustees then purchased two lots including two dwellings, corner of American and Lindsay streets. One of the houses was fitted up as a parsonage, and the other rented and on the corner a handsome building was erected. It was dedicated November 1, 1896, free from debt, the entire cost being less than $18,000, including the street work. In 1872 Captain Weber deeded a lot to the German Reformed denomination on the corner of American Street and Miner Avenue. The little structure that now stands there today was erected at a cost of $2,200, and it was dedicated February 2, 1873, services during the day being conducted in the German and the English language. The denomination was organized in the Christian Church on Lindsay Street March 26, 1869, by the Rev. F. Fox, a traveling missionary, and services had been held at various times since 1852, Rev. Kroh holding the first services in his residence, corner Market and Center streets. Some years after the building of the church the members began quarreling and many resigned. The members remaining then mortgaged the property, the mortgage was foreclosed and the German Reformed Church ceased to exist. The building is now in use by the Seventh Day Adventists. The Colored Congregations Since 1854 the colored population of the city have sustained two church organizations, the one Methodist, the other Baptist. The Methodist building, a little church of wood, was dedicated May 20, 1855, the Rev. Mr. Phillips of the Methodist Episcopal Church delivering the sermon. Four years later, at a cost of $1,800, they erected a little brick meeting house, and May 11, 1859, the cornerstone was laid. It was dedicated July 11 of the same year, several clergymen from abroad being present. The building was raised above grade, remodeled and rededicated May 2, 1880, the Rev. John Coyle conducting the services. The Colored Baptist, although organized in 1854, had no house of worship until 1859, they at that time purchasing for $800 the old Presbyterian Church, moving it to a lot on Washington Street near Commerce. The building was dedicated in 1860 and used as a house of worship until 1909. The colored brethren then sold the property to the Japanese residents, and purchasing the old Baptist Mission on East Market Street, fitted it up at a cost of $2,000. The old Presbyterian Church, the first church building in California, is now in use as a Japanese Buddhist temple, and across the street there is a Japanese Presbyterian chapel. The Unitarian Society In 1868, August 22, the Rev. Mr. Brown of Sacramento came to Stockton for the purpose of organizing an Universalist Church. He preached that evening in Hickman's Hall, but there were not enough persons of that belief in the city to support an Universalist society. Between the Universalists and the Unitarians there is but little difference in religious creed, and, in February, 1892, the Rev. W. E. Copeland visited Stockton with the object of establishing a Unitarian society. His efforts were successful, and February 23, in Pioneer Hall, a society was organized comprising some of the best and most cultured citizens. The installation of Rev. W. E. Copeland as pastor took place May 2, the services being conducted by Rev. Thomas Van Ness of San Francisco. Rev. E. B. Payne of Berkeley and N. S. Haskell of San Jose. Immediately the Protestant churches trained their big guns upon the new society, but the Rev. Copeland, who in intellectual ability was far above any pastor who had served here up to that period, paid no attention to their attacks. He remained three years and then resigned for a larger field of work. He was succeeded January 26, 1895, by the Rev. George Rice, who resigned his pastorate July 26, 1896, and returned to Boston. Since that time up to the present the few Unitarians have been assembling in the homes of members, hoping some day to establish a church. The Christian Science Church In 1896 reports were circulated of the wonderful physical and mental cures being performed in other cities by means of the rediscovery of Christian healing as proclaimed by Mrs. Mary Baker Eddy of Boston. A certain lady, deeply interested, began readings in the new faith as early as 1896, and joined by friends they began holding weekly readings in their homes. The number of those interested increased and in March, 1898, a Church of Christ, Scientist, was organized. Regular church services were now carried on, the Scientists meeting in Austin's Hall. They removed to Jory's Hall and in January, 1901, Dr. T. D. Felt became the first reader. In June, 1901, they removed to Miller Memorial Hall where they held services until 1910. The First Church of Christ, Scientist, formed a corporation July 3, 1902, their object to spread the teachings of Christian Science. The directors were T. D. Felt, P. H. Burgess, Laura Klench, Margaret G. Meehan and Jesse M. Stringham. Purchasing a lot at the corner of Flora and Center streets, the home for many years of W. H. Van Valear, they erected in 1910 a neat little bungalow church. This organization is visited once or twice a year by lecturers from the Christian Science Board of Lectureship who deliver free lectures on Christian Science, which are published the following day in a newspaper of wide circulation at a heavy cost. In the last lecture given in this city September 8, 1922, Miss Jerita V. Blair said in introducing the lecturer, "How grateful we are that Christian Science is again demonstrating to the world the healing power of the Christ, Truth ! The human thought is being awakened from its long dream in materiality�belief in sin and suffering�to the grand reality of scientific, true being, and proclaiming in the words of a very familiar hymn: "Theories, which thousands cherish, Pass like clouds that sweep the sky; Creeds and dogmas, all may perish; Truth Herself can never die." The Sikh or Hindu Temple Some ten years ago Hindu's from India began immigrating to California. They had money, and purchasing land, began farming. Several hundred of them located in San Joaquin County and began farming the Delta lands. Stockton was their headquarters, and on South Grant Street they purchased a lot and erected of wood a Hindu temple of worship. The building, the most noticeable of any in the city because of its peculiar style of construction, was dedicated November 21, 1915. Many invited citizens were present. but as it is supposed to be holy ground, every guest was requested to remove his shoes before entering the temple. There were no chairs nor pews and Hindus and sinners sat on the floor facing the altar on handsome and costly rugs. There were about 400 Hindus present and a white man who spoke their native tongue gave an explanation of the very unusual religious ceremony.