Dr. Crum, during his residence here was considered almost indispensable. He was broad-minded, patriotic, highly talented and was always ready and willing to perform any public service assigned to him. He died at Marshalltown and was buried in Graceland Cemetery at Webster City.

The name of the church was changed to St. Paul's Universalist church and under that name the organization was incorporated.

THE GERMAN LUTHERAN CHURCH

The German Lutheran church was first established in Webster Ctiy in 1874, Wm. and John Horn and August Witte being among its first members. A small church and parsonage was then built in the 1000 block on Second street and Rev. H. W. Rabe was called as pastor. For years, Rev. Rabe conducted the church and a small parochial school, preaching and teaching in German. Rabe was succeeded by Rev. J. C. Cramer and he by Rev. F. J. Ochlert. In 1893, while Rev. E. R. Hanow was pastor, a new church and parsonage was erected at the corner of Bank and Prospect streets. E. R. Hanow was succeeded by Rev. A. Wilner. Rev. Wilner was succeeded by Rev. W. F. George, who was pastor until 1912, when he resigned to accept the presidency of a college at Mankato, Minnesota.

UNITED BRETHREN

This organization formed its first class in the White Fox neighborhood in 1887. In 1890 the United Brethren church at Mulbury Center was dedicated. At the close of the service it was found that the church was comfortably seated, carpeted and out of debt.

In 1892 the church at Webster City was built and about 1898 the Oak Glenn church which had been built by the Methodists was acquired by the United Brethren and a congregation established there.

It has been usual for the minister assigned to Webster City to fill the pulpit at Oak Glenn and Mulbury Center. The pastors who have served since the building of the church at Webster City are S. S. Eslick, N. F. Hicks, C. J. Stark, J. D. Snyder, L. W. Nine, B. J. Clark, A. B. Roberts, A. A. Pruitt, O. C. Buxton, J. W. Shoemaker, E. F. Clark, S. B. McVey and J. W. Peterson.

THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH

Christian Science was discovered in 1866 by Mrs. Mary Baker Eddy. It was brought to Webster City in 1886. Meetings were held in private homes a short time. As the attendance increased, the Odd Fellows hall was rented and afterwards the G. A. R. hall. Then the Hamilton County State Building was completed, rooms were fitted up there, where the organization remained for four years until 1900, when the present church home on Bank street was finished. First Church of Christ (Scientist) was organized under the state laws of Iowa in December, 1895, the late Judge Hyatt obtaining the charter. The organization has a membership of about 50.

HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF WEBSTER CITY, IOWA. 1855-1912

By Capt. Frank E. Landers.

The Webster City Congregational church was organized by Rev. Thomas N. Skinner of Toledo, Iowa.

The first records contain this account:

"Met on the 12th of August, 1855, to organize a Congregational church in Webster City, consisting of five members:

George D. Wheeler and wife, Leslie Grant and wife, John G. Hancock. Appointed Rev. W. L. Coleman, chairman.

Appointed G. D. Wheeler, secretary.

Opened by prayer and proceeded to organize.

Adopted as our articles of faith and covenant the following: We believe," etc. This meeting for the organization of a church was held less than a year after the plat of the town of New Castle was signed, only thirty days after the signing at New Castle of the plat of the town of Webster City, and twenty-eight days before the postoffice was established.

Hamilton county at that time formed the east part of Webster county, and Boone township, which comprised a strip six miles in width running across this county, had a trifle over two hundred inhabitants.

The building in which the meeting was held was owned by Leslie Grant, and located on the east side of Superior street and south of Fourth street.

There was very little preaching for the first year, or until August 15, 1856, when Rev. Thomas N. Skinner "commenced labors as a home missionary."

Many of the church services were held in the store of Mr. Wheeler, which was situated on the south side of First street and west of River street.

On November 15, 1856, H. M. Barstow and wife were admitted to membership, joining by letters from Lisbon, Ill., they being the first additions to the church.

At the close of one year's services, Rev. Skinner declined further labor on account of ill health.

During the year 1857 there was no regular preaching, and until January 15, 1858, when Mr. Skinner was invited "to preach as he thought duty called," on every other Sabbath.

At this time, Rev. Skinner and wife and John R. Clark and wife united with the church, and we are told that "it was communion season." This is the first communion service of record.

Contemporary accounts tell us that the five charter members had moved away previous to this time, leaving Mr. and Mrs. Barstow the only resident members, so that, wherever they were, whether at their daily labors, the table, the fireside, or their family altar, there was the Webster City Congregational church, and church services were held seven days in the week. But help came so that there were now six in the family, three men and their wives.

On April 1st Rev. Skinner was engaged to preach for one year.

During this year there were four additions to the church, two of whom were Joseph Fisher and wife.