Page 195 - Cornelius Hedges Story

For This And Succeeding Generations Gardiner 182

The great fire January 9, 1874, which destroyed almost all the
business portion of the city, crippled everybody and all the resources
that anyone could command were devoted to rebuilding business
places. Just when the foundation of the new church was laid I do not
know, but it must have been in the autumn of 1874, for 1 find that on
March 29, 1875, there was a children's sociable in the new church
building, and on April 11th there was a large Sunday School held
there, at which 259 were present, and on June 20th 1875, the first
church service was held there with communion.

I think Mr. Rommel was east in the early part of 1875, for I find
an entry of April 10, 1875, of his return. I think he secured a loan of
$2,000 from the Church Erection Fund toward the completion of the
church building, the entire cost of which was about $11,000. A large
part of this was raised by the good ladies of the church by means of
bazaars, strawberry festivals, and other like means, in which their
genius and incessant devotion always shone to profit.

Though the church was tenantable it was not completed for
more than a year thereafter, for I find an entry, Sunday, July 9, 1876,
"Attended services in our church, freshly painted and carpeted."
Nine days later there was a strawberry festival for the benefit of the
church, and on Sunday, July 30th, Rev. Sheldon Jackson preached
in the church. Thursday, August 10, 1876, I was chosen an elder
against my protest, and the Sunday following, August 13, 1876, was
ordained as such. On that day the church was dedicated and Mr.
Rommel preached his farewell sermon in the evening. Our people
had become greatly attached to Mr. Rommel. He was indefatigable
in his efforts to build up the church. He was universally respected
and his services were in constant demand and always cheerfully
rendered. But he became impressed with the idea that his health was
failing and a change was necessary. He has always been remembered
with loving regrets. He promised soon to send another to take his
place, but it was not till March, 1877, that Rev. J. D. Hewitt came.
For more than six months we were without a pastor or any stated
supply, and much like a flock without a shepherd. Elders Williams
and Pyle were away, and myself, besides being inexperienced
and unfit for the duties of an elder, exceedingly occupied with the
duties of Superintendent of Public Instruction, which took me often
and much of the time away from home. The year 1876 was a very
depressing one generally in the fortunes of Helena. Those who had
rebuilt after the great fire were heavily involved, and the discovery
of gold in the Black Hills created almost a stampede to Dakota. It
seemed as if the city was going to be deserted.