Anamosa - A Reminiscence 1838 - 1988

Eve Candlelight service was begun and Olga Crockett
closed the service singing, Silent Night, in German.
Rev. John Hosmer came in 1953. He edited a monthly
church paper called, ‘Congregational Chatter‘. He
also conducted a yearly campaign by the men of the
church called, ‘Fishers of Men’.
Rev. Robert Cleveland was chosen in 1958. and it was
during this time that the Educational Building became
a reality.
In August 1965, Rev. Charles Yoak and his wife moved
into a completely remodeled parsonage.
The Organ Fund was started, which monies would be
used to rebuild and electrify the pipe organ. Rev. Yoak
conducted very impressive Communion Services.
Rev Boyd Bonebrake and his family came to the
church in August 1969. Under his leadership the
church extended into the community, in witness of
faith.
Rev Ronald Benfer was chosen in 1973. and was
pastor until August 1986. Rev. Benfer initiated the project
of ‘The Hanging of the Greens‘, whereby church
members meet the first Sunday in Advent to decorate
the Lord's House for the Christmas season.
He also held numerous outdoor services. The
physical aspects of the church and parsonage were
greatly improved under his pastorate. His confirmation
classes were outstanding and a challenge to the youth.
Those serving as pastors since 1846 are the Revs.
Alfred Wright 1846-1854; E.O. Bennett, 1854; H.W.
Strong, 1855; S.P. LaDue, 1855-56; Samuel A. Benton.
1856-61; O.W. Merrill, 1862-1878; William Patten.
1870:
R.W. Sawyer, 1871-72; J.B. Fisk. 1872-88; W.W.
Willard. 1888-89: E.W. Beers, 1889-90; R.W. Stewart,
1891-93; S.F. Milliken, 1893-1903; James H. McLaren,
1903-04; A.O. Stevens. 1904-05; C.H. Beaver. 1905-
11; (unknown) Jones. 1911-15; Ernest Evans, 1915-25:
David Beggs. 1926-39:
Benjamin T. Schwab, 1939-40; Homer Dalrymple,
1940-46; Barney Crockett. 1946-52; John Hosmer,
1953-57; Robert Cleveland. 1958-65; Charles Yoak.
1965-68: Don Light, 1968-69; Boyd E. Bonebrake,1969-
73; Ronald Benfer, 1973-86; interim pastor Jo Green,
1987; Rev. Billy Duay.
St. Mark's Episcopal Church
Much of the following was taken from accounts in the
1938 Eureka Centennial Edition.
Due chiefly to the efforts of the Rev. Walter F. Lloyd.
St. Mark's Episcopal Church was organized in
Anamosa on Aug. 14, 1859. The congregation
immediately made plans for the building of a church for
their place of worship. This was accomplished by the
membership within a year. The cornerstone was laid
March 15. 1860. and the building was completed by
July.
The first service was directed by the Rev. Lloyd, who
was instrumental in the erection of the church. The
first vestrymen elected were: C.W. Laing. E.H.
Sherman, A.H. Peaslee, J.S. Dimmitt, E.E. Blakelee.
Bedford Fisher, William R. Loecke. Matt Parrott and
John J. Welch.
ac’
, r. g-',___ Q) __..__:-......_,_,
f
' " -
sifl ii:
-4
t "-
frI.._,/ ‘ya? ' QO'\-‘Q.
--I-rum
i
>.‘\.
1’}|T"'
Four churches in a row are located on First Street in
/\h¢1m08fl. the Old Episcopal Church, the old Methodist
208
-- . '
Church. new Methodist Church, new Congregational
Church. (Donated by the Anamosa Historical Society)