Odd Fellows—A lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows was instituted December 28, 1850, about a month after the Masonic lodge was organized. It was known as Hope lodge No. 30. It continued its existence until some time during 1860, when it became defunct. The original charter members were George Greene, John F. Ely, Absalom Sines, Joseph Greene and John H. Kelsey. Those who have been honored with election to office of Noble Grand in this lodge are: George Greene, Absalom Sines, John P. Ely, W. W. Smith, Joseph Greene, F. A. Wilmans, L. H. Keyes, Homer Bishop, D. M. McIntosh, Hiram Deem, Charles Weare, Samuel Milligan, George Livensbarger and C. Fordyce. At one time the lodge was in a flourishing condition, but through some unfortunate circumstances it declined, and finally surrendered its charter.
Various minor orders (Good Templars, Sons of Temperance, etc.) have had a temporary existence in the city from time to time, but none of these now have a local being.
LATER SKETCH OF THE CEDAR RAPIDS CHURCHES
The following extracts are from an address on Church Day delivered by Rev. C. W. Maggart, D. D., during the semi-centennial celebration in Cedar Rapids, June, 1906:
Without doubt the first church organization was the St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal. The Rev. John Hodges preached here as early as 1840, but it was not until 1841 that the "class" was organized with twelve people, one of whom, Mrs. John Listebarger, is yet living and with us today.
This church was organized in the log cabin of Mr. and Mrs. J. Listebarger on the west side of the river near the west end of the B avenue bridge. Service was later continued in the first building in town, in which lived Thomas Sharp. At the time of the incorporation of Cedar Rapids this church had 148 members and their own little brick church, built in 1854, and located where the union station now stands. This church has had thirty-six pastors. Its present church was built in 1873 and is valued at $30,000.00. The number of members is 669.
The second church organized was the First Presbyterian, on July 12, 1847, with nine members, with the Rev. Williston Jones as the first regular pastor.
The first church building to be erected in the town was the "Little Muddy" church, which was on the postoffice site, 26×40 feet, and cost $1,200.00. It was dedicated January 12, 1851.
Fifty years ago this church had sixty-seven members. Prior to the organization of this church a union Sunday school was held in the first frame building in the town, in the cabinet shop of John Vardy. This church has had five pastors, was built in 1869, and has property valued at $70,000. It has 477 members.
The Grace Episcopal church was the third church organized in the town. The organization took place in the school house in the summer of 1850. The first rector was the Rev. James Keeler. These services were later held in Tisdale's carriage factory. The upper floor was sometimes used for grain storage, and as it would drop through the cracks it would attract the attention of the porkers, which would frequently disturb the meetings with responses not found in the litany. At other times the upper story was inhabited and frequently the service would be carried on to the music of the nurse and cradle above. A great interest was taken in this church when Mr. S. C. Bever and family arrived from the east with a 750-pound bell. But a still greater interest was manifested when Judge Greene presented the church with a melodeon. In 1856 this church had thirty-six members. Today it has 505 members, has property valued at $100,000.00, and has been served by thirteen rectors.