Methodist Episcopal—This society was organized in 1844, by Rev. Isaac Searles with nine members. As early as 1841 meetings were held by a Rev. Hodges, but no society was organized. In 1845 the Rev. Alexander Bushnell organized the first Methodist Sabbath school. Hodges, Searles and Bushnell were the first three Methodist ministers who preached in Cedar Rapids. Rev. Elias Skinner [still living at Waterloo] was the first pastor who permanently or wholly occupied his time with the church. During his appointment here the church was in a prosperous condition. Since that time, from a variety of causes, the interest of the church has fallen off and its former popularity seems to have departed. The present number of members is 90; number attending the Sabbath schools on both sides of the river, about 130. Rev. Mr. Miller is the present pastor. The church edifice was erected in 1854.

First Presbyterian—This society was organized July 9, 1847, with seven members, of whom Mrs. Mary Ely is the only surviving member. Bennet Rogers preached here and at Marion on alternate Sabbaths for a time. Rev. Williston Jones was the first regular pastor. He continued his labors with this society until July, 1856, when he removed to Iowa Falls. Rev. L. F. Dudley was the second pastor and J. W. Atherton followed in 1859. James Knox is the present pastor. I have not been able to learn the present number of members attending the Sabbath school. The church edifice was erected in 1850 and was the first of the kind in the city.

United Presbyterian (Seceders)—This church is located on the west side of the river; it was organized in 1851 with eight members. Rev. J. B. Forsythe was the first pastor, Rev. H. Sturgeon the second, and Rev. J. L. Fulton the third and present pastor. The church now numbers fifty members and is in a flourishing condition. Sixty pupils attend the Sabbath school. The church edifice is a plain brick, erected in 1859.

Second Presbyterian (Old School)—This society was organized May 27, 1855, with twenty members. Rev. R. H. Morrow, a most exemplary and worthy man, was the pastor. By his admirable qualities he won the regard of all with whom he came in contact. D. H. Mitchell was the second pastor. Following the expiration of his labors the pulpit was temporarily occupied by I. N. Reed, a thoroughly Old School divine. J. B. McBridge came next, and S. W. Miller is present pastor. The church now numbers some sixty members, and the Sabbath school has 80 to 120 enrolled. The church edifice is a neat but unpretending structure on the east side of Adams street, between Market and Sugar streets. It has a bell weighing 800 pounds and is furnished with a cottage organ. The pastor's salary is $1,000 a year, and the church is free from debt.

Catholic—This church commenced holding meetings in Cedar Rapids in 1853. Rev. Fr. Hannah officiated here at monthly intervals until 1857, in which year the church was formally organized. Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Emmons this same year in the home of Alexander Hager. When first services were held, 1853, there were but three adherents to the faith in town. The church edifice, 24×50 feet, located at the south corner of Jackson and Market streets, was erected in 1857-8. Rev. Emmons served three years and was succeeded by Rev. Fr. Gillespie, and he by Rev. Uhlenbrock. The fifth and present priest of this parish is Rev. Fr. Cannon. The congregation now has about 300 members, most of whom live in the surrounding country. Last year (1863) a mission was conducted by Rev. Father Weniger.

Episcopal—The organization of this church took place in 1851, with but ten members. James Keeler was the first rector, then followed Revs. C. C. Townsend, Samuel Goodale, Samuel Starr, William Fulton and C. S. Percival, the present pastor. The corner stone of this church was laid by Bishop Kemper in 1851, and was consecrated in 1856. It now has about 80 members and the Sabbath school over 100 attendants. The church building is situated on the south side of Linn street, between Madison and Monroe streets. The exterior is not yet completed according to original designs.

Baptist—The present church was organized by Rev. W. Eberhart, the first settled pastor, June 3, 1860, with a membership of twenty-eight. He continued in charge until November, 1861, resigning to take chaplaincy in the Twelfth Iowa Infantry Volunteers. Rev. N. F. Ravlin followed and remained with the church until April of this year (1864). The society is at present without a pastor. The congregation now numbers nearly 140 and the Sabbath school has about 100 attendants. The society has no church edifice but has purchased a lot on Eagle street and will build soon.

In addition to these there are scattering members of other religious denominations, among which are Universalists, Christians, Lutherans, New Jerusalem adherents, Spiritualists, and perhaps some others are represented. None of the church edifices are of the first class. In fact each society is too feeble to erect a church creditable to the city. We might hope for a more perfect Christian union and with that would come the ability to sustain a sufficient number of churches, without the necessity of appealing for foreign aid to enable them to drag along an existence of doubtful value.

ESTABLISHMENT OF LODGES

Masonic—The Masonic lodge was instituted in November, 1850, by a warrant of dispensation from Grand Master McCord, and its charter was issued June 4, 1851, being the twenty-fifth lodge of that fraternity organized in Iowa. George Greene was the first Worshipful Master; John Vardy, Senior Warden; Isaac Cook, Junior Warden; Thomas Downing, Treasurer; N. B. Brown, Secretary; Stephen L. Pollock, Senior Deacon; J. H. Kelsey, Junior Deacon, and Samuel Hook, Tyler. Seymour D. Carpenter was the first person made a Mason in this lodge. The following have been Masters to this date: James Keeler, Thomas Downing, John Vardy, Hiram Deem, S. L. Pollock, Jacob H. Camburn, and James L. Enos. James C. Adams is the present Master. The lodge numbers about 75 members and has the reputation of being one of the best working bodies of Masonry in the state. It was first organized as Cedar Rapids lodge, but has changed its name, being now known as Crescent lodge No. 25.