From the Foreward: In 1986, the Iowa City Public Library Foundation followed in the footsteps of the founders of the Iowa City Public Library who originally raised the funds necessary for our Library. Realizing the importance of our free public…
A history of the First Presbyterian Church, from 1840-1965, written by Clarence A. Andrews. The booklet covers 125 years of Church history, and includes photos of some of the founding members and pastors of the Church.
Memorandum of Agreement between First Presbyterian Church of Iowa City and the Austin Organ Company for the purchase and installation of a new Austin Organ, 1934.
“$120. By the 1st June 1869 I promise to pay the trustees of the (north) Presbyterian Church. One hundred and twenty dollars for [unreadable…] after maturity. For pew #14. Joseph Barker. August 14, 1868”
A letter from Guy Barnes detailing the McCready family. It mentions James M. McCready and Sarah McCready, who were early members of the Church in Iowa City. It also mentions Almon Barnes, who was ruling elder in the First Presbyterian Church in Scott…
Letter from University of Iowa President Willard (Sandy) Boyd to members of First Presbyterian Church regarding the University potentially purchasing the church building
Letter from H. A. Chakoski of the American Seating Company to the Kilgen Organ Company and First Methodist Church regarding matching the organ console to the finish of the pews and furniture.
A request by the Board of Trustees of the First Presbyterian Church of Iowa City, to the Treasurer of the Church, stating that Rev. Michael Hummer should be paid $490.00 out of any available Church funds. This request comes after many months of…
Handwritten contract between Sheets and Adams carpenters and the Board of Trustees of the First Presbyterian Church for a new spire. The contract details the amount to be paid and the conditions under which the spire will be built. Signed: Rush…
A warranty obligation created by Sheets & Adams, binding them to the Board of Trustees for $1500 (or the cost of damages) if they do not fulfill their contract for the spire. Signed Sheets & Adams; Jos. [illegible]; Mortimer Ryan; R M…
Document recording a meeting where the First Presbyterian Church has been asked to consider a purchase of the Stone Church on Burlington St. by Rev. S. S. Howe. The document details the state of the building as well as its liabilities and any value…
A re-telling of Craig Schell's account of the Church's missing bell, by J. Kirkwood Craig. Schell's account was from 1911, and Craig is giving an abbreviated version of it in 1941, and adds his own recollections and information to the story.
Letter from J. Kirkwood Craig to A.J. Larew. Craig mentions that he is sending his recollections of the missing Church bell, and also speaks about his grandfather, John Shoup.
Report by Rev. John Crozier to the Board of Trustees of the Church, detailing two monetary claims against the Church. The first claim is held by Rev. Michael Hummer, former pastor of the Church, for $658.00. The second claim is held by Miss Legare,…
Report by Rev. John Crozier to the Board of Trustees of the Church, detailing his attempts to settle Rev. Michael Hummer’s claim against the Church for unpaid salary. The report was written in Burlington, Iowa, where Rev. Crozier had gone to meet…
Rev. John Crozier (August 27, 1822-December 23, 1891) was pastor at First Presbyterian Church from May-August, 1853. During his short tenure he met several times with Rev. Michael Hummer to discuss the stolen Church bell and Rev. Hummer’s claims for…
Letter written by Rev. John Crozier to Rev. Edward Barrett in 1890. In it, Rev. Crozier talks about Rev. Michael Hummer at length, including information about his parents, his education, and his early days as a reverend. Crozier states that Hummer’s…