Alameda County, CA History Transcribed by Kathy Sedler This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives http://calarchives4u.com/ These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for non-commercial purposes, MUST obtain the written consent of the contributor, OR the legal representative of the submitter. All persons donating to this site retain the rights to their own work. Past and Present of Alameda County California Joseph Baker, Editor, Volume I, Illustrated Chicago, The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company 1914 CHAPTER XVII RELIGION Religious services were first held in this county at Mission San Jose in 1797 and thereafter as long as the old order continued. No doubt the early Spanish and Mexican settlers of what is now Alameda county went to the mission to participate in the services. The first organized religious bodies of the Americans, so far as known, were located at Oakland. In June, 1852, St. John's Episcopal church was organized and is the oldest religious foundation in the city with the exception of the Roman Catholics. In the same year, when Oakland had but about half a dozen houses, two Episcopalian families met and worshipped unitedly in their homes. In March of the next year Rev. Dr. Ver Mehr, then rector of Grace church, San Francisco, visited the place and called together a meeting of about twelve persons. About the same time an Episcopal clergyman, Rev. Mr. Morgan, appeared and read the prayers under the branches of an oak tree. The next Sunday the little flock determined to have a covered church of some kind ready for the minister when he should next appear. Accordingly, a large tent, 25 by 70 feet, was erected, a communion rail was put in place, a temporary pulpit was built, and a few benches were secured for the body of the tent. A cross erected outside indicated the object of the building. Rev. Mr. Walworth, afterward the head of the Pacific Female College, preached the sermon and a collection of $19 was taken up. Next day the tent and all the seats were bought by the Presbyterians. This was the origin of that branch of Christ's church in Oakland, of which Rev. Samuel B. Bell became pastor. He bought the first bell from the owner of an old ferry boat no longer used and at first hung it from a rail laid across a fence at the corner on Broadway, and with it called the people together. Later the congregation used the little schoolhouse on the west side of Broadway and there worshipped until the new church was built. Mr. Bell was the first minister of the gospel to be settled in Oakland. He was sent out by the Home Missionary Society of New York to look after the spiritual wants of the new state. Messrs. Adams, Moon and Carpentier contributed liberally to the construction of the first building and Mr. Bell preached through the mining camps to raise funds. For a final site they selected a lot on Harrison street near Seventh, facing the plaza. The lumber was obtained from the redwood forest on the slopes back of the city. Mr. Adams used to put a $5 gold piece in the plate regularly every Sunday and bore the whole expense of lath and plaster. At this time there were about twenty families in the community and enough extra single men to bring the population up to an equivalent of fifty families. At first there were less than a dozen families enrolled in the church. Mr. Bell continued as pastor until 1863, and during this period helped to found the College of California. Another Episcopal minister, Rev. Mr. Reynolds, preached to a small congregation for three Sundays in 1853. In November, 1854, Bishop Kip celebrated divine service in a room provided for the purpose. As missionary to the Chinese, Rev. E. W. Sayle arrived in January, 1855, and at the request of the residents and upon the recommendation of the bishop, became acting rector of the embryo parish, in combination with his special mission. At the regular service on Sunday morning, January 7, 1855, fourteen persons were present. The first communion was celebrated on Sunday, February 4th, when eleven persons partook of the sacred rite with the rector. At the diocesan convention, held in San Francisco in May, 1855, the parish was represented by Dr. Carter and Andrew Williams. In November, 1854, the foundation of a Baptist church was laid in Oakland under charge and ministerial care of the Rev. Mr. Willis, a highly finished scholar and accomplished gentleman. In 1853 a room in a private house served as a place of worship for the Roman Catholics of Oakland and nearly the whole of the present county of Alameda. A priest from the Mission San Jose occasionally made a visit to celebrate mass and administer the sacraments, but even these occasional visits had to be omitted during the rainy season, owing to bad roads. The first church was erected in 1853, through the exertions of a few of the congregation, and for some time was the only Roman Catholic place of worship, save the Mission of San Jose, in the whole of Alameda county. There was no settled pastor in Oakland until February, 1865, when Father King was appointed to the parish, which then included San Pablo, San Leandro and the Amador valley, as well as Oakland. Aided by Father Croke, the original building was enlarged by subsequent additions until it was capable of holding a congregation of several hundred. The next church was consecrated on June 23, 1872, the dedicatory services being conducted by the Most Reverend Archbishop Alemany, attended by Fathers Croke, Gibney and Casadera. First Baptist church of Oakland was organized in 1854 with the following first members: Rev. E. J. Willis, Mrs. A. N. Willis, Mr. L. W. Taylor, Mr. S. Ayers, Mrs. Mary Potter and Mr. J. N. Thompson. Rev. E. J. Willis was chosen pastor, N. J. Thompson, deacon, and L. W. Taylor, clerk. In December, 1854, the first house of worship was dedicated and was the first Protestant church completed in the city. It was located at the corner of Fifth and Jefferson streets. In December, 1855, the Presbyterian church presented a bill to the council for the use of a bell. A committee appointed to inquire into this subject reported "that the First Presbyterian church of Oakland's bill for a bell, now in use for school purposes, we cannot advise to be allowed, for the following, to us, very conclusive reasons: First—That the bell was bought by subscription of the citizens and not by the church. Second—That it was bought with the understanding that when the large bell arrived (which was then understood to be on the way) it was to be placed on the schoolhouse and used for school purposes. Third—The money was collected from the people promiscuously and not from the church, some giving $1 and some $5, and the church at that time had no organization. The bell, as is well known, was used on the schoolhouse for church and school purposes, and has now reverted to its original intentional use on the school house; it is obvious therefore that the city ought not to pay for it again, the bell having once been paid for by the public." The First Congregational church of Oakland was organized December 9, 1860, with a membership of seventeen persons. Its first place of worship was the Baptist church, then situated on the corner of Fifth and Jefferson streets. Afterwards for a few months its services were held in The Pavilion, on the Plaza, Broadway, between Fourth and Fifth streets, the site of the county courthouse. Rev. George Pierson, then pastor of the Presbyterian church in Brooklyn, commenced the first Sabbath service of the church in November, 1860, and continued to supply the pulpit once each Sunday until the arrival of the chosen pastor. This was Rev. George Mooar. Rev. J. K. McLean, D. D., came from Springfield, Illinois, on April 24, 1872, and was installed in the following June. A Sunday school was organized at an early day. In December, 1863, Archbishop Alemany, assisted by Revs. Messrs. Harrington, Quinn and Gabriel, consecrated the new Roman Catholic cemetery, about four miles from Oakland. It was named St. Mary's and contained thirty-six acres, only six of which were at first inclosed. The ground was formerly known as the Mahoney ranch and was purchased from Thomas Mahoney. In April, 1864, a Methodist church was commenced on the corner of Ninth and Washington streets. The building was 60 feet long and 38 feet in width, and to cost $5,000. The building was dedicated in August, 1864. About this time (1869) Rev. L. Hamilton established an Independent Presbyterian church. Charges of heterodoxy were made against him, and he was summoned to appear before the Presbytery, but, refusing to do so, was suspended. Upon the organization of the Independent Presbyterian church the following trustees were appointed: Prof. Henry Durant, Rev. David McClure, C. W. Howard, Judge S. B. McKee, George C. Potter, J. S. Emery, A. J. Coffee, W. C. Tompkins and J. R. Glascock. A large portion of Mr. Hamilton's congregation, who were opposed to this decision of the Presbytery and Synod, organized another society, and secured Brayton hall as a temporary place of worship, where services were held until the spring of 1870, when the edifice, situated at the southeast corner of Thirteenth and Jefferson streets, was erected. The Sunday school connected with the church was organized March 6, 1869. The Second Congregational church of Oakland was organized on May 31, 1868, in the West Oakland schoolhouse. Previous to this organization a Sabbath school had been held for some time in the schoolhouse, and a "Religious Society" had been formed, and preaching services had been conducted by Prof. Martin Kellogg of the College of California. J. A. Folger, O. P. Treusdell, C. C. Fisher, H. G. McLean and Dr. D. P. Fonda were the trustees of this religious society. On the l0th of May, 1868, this society was dissolved, and in its place the Second Congregational Religious Society of Oakland was formed, of which the same persons were elected trustees. The church building was dedicated in August, 1868. The church at its organization was composed of nine members. The Rev. Eli Corwin, the first pastor, entered on his duties in November, 1868. In 1871 a half block on the west side of Broadway was sold by the Congregational Society for $65,000. It was then covered with wooden stores worth about $10,000. The stores paid about one per cent a month on the investment until 1877 when the whole tract was sold for $160,000. From about 1868 to 1872 the preachers of the German Methodist Episcopal churches of San Francisco came to Oakland on Sabbath afternoons to preach the gospel to the German inhabitants of this city. In the year 1882 the Rev. Hermann Brueck was sent here by the authorities of the Methodist Episcopal church, and Oakland and vicinity was taken up as a regular mission field. Mr. Brueck commenced holding meetings in the Congregational chapel on Second street, between Broadway and Washington street, where a few members were gathered, and a Sunday school instituted, which was attended by about twenty-five children. The first movement of any prominence by the Seventh Day Adventist church in Oakland was in April, 1874, when a large tent was pitched at the corner of Broadway and Thirteenth street, and a series of meetings held. These meetings were conducted by Eld. James White, his wife, Mrs. Ellen G. White, Eld. J. N. Loughborough, and other ministers of the faith, all of whom had but recently come from the East. As a result of this effort, about thirty persons were baptized, which, added to a few individuals who had before embraced this faith, formed the nucleus of the first church. This company rented a hall at the corner of Broadway and Twelfth street, and continued to hold regular meetings, and were represented in the state conference the following September. In May, 1875, a permanent organization was effected. Many revival meetings were conducted in Oakland in April, 1875, by the famous revivalist Rev. Mr. Hammond, assisted by Rev. Mr. McLean, Congregationalist; Rev. Mr. McLafferty, Baptist; Rev. Dr. Mooar of the seminary; Rev. D. McClure, of the California Military Academy; Rev. Mr. Pope, Congregationalist; Rev. Mr. Hulbert and Rev. Dr. Eells, Presbyterian. The services were held in the First Congregational church, which was filled to overflowing every evening. The daily children's meetings were attended by packed and breathless congregations of earnest parents and wondering children. Even street meetings were conducted by Mr. Hammond in person and the crowds that listened to his pleadings extended for whole blocks. Street singing of intense fervor and effect accompanied the street services. Numerous Bible meetings, prayer meetings, experience meetings, children's meetings, ladies' meetings were held in April, 1875. Requests for special prayers were presented at all times. The meetings finally became so large that the church committee obtained permission from the Seventh Day Adventists to erect their mammoth tent on General Williams' lot at Fourteenth street opposite City hall. The tent itself seated only about three hundred, but when the sides were raised thousands could see and hear the proceedings. The committee also tried to hire the Montgomery Queen Circus tent for the immense afternoon meetings. They failed to get the Stockton campaign tent. John Wilson of San Francisco offered his circus tent during the continuance of the revival of Oakland. This revival had no parallel in the religious history of the city. Thousands of people came by train and boat from other points to participate. At the meeting of April 23d over, one hundred persons arose and gave praise to God for the new hope which inspired their souls. One speaker humorously noted that the church was filled in spite of the fact that it was the first night of the circus. Branch meetings were held in different parts of the city. At the close of Mr. Hammond's revival the local ministers without exception endorsed his extravagant style in the pulpit. All thought differently at first, but his popularity, his wonderful influence and his striking success drew them to him in spite of their previous convictions. Instead of a sensationalist they found him an unselfish and successful worker in the Lord's vineyard. It was admitted that his most striking characteristic was an irrepressible desire to do good. He did more than any other single cause to open their eyes to a united ministry and a consolidated church service for the redemption of mankind. All were taught to surrender denominational routine and service to religious fellowship and campaign. His meetings resulted in a broader and more practical Christianity in this community. Early in 1875 a band of Paulist missionaries located on this coast and established missions at Oakland and other places in Alameda county. Among the fathers were Rev. George Desbon, Rev. J. P. Bodfish, Rev. W. J. Dwyer, Rev. A. L. Rosecrans, Rev. Walter Elliott and Rev. E. B. Brady. Father Rosecrans was a son of Major-General Rosecrans who resided at San Rafael at this date. Father Desbon was a graduate of West Point and was formerly an officer in the United States army. At a meeting held in the First Congregational church early in June, 1875, preliminary steps to form a public reading room association were taken. There were present Revs. Pope, McLean, Anthony, Eells, McClure and others. The following committee was appointed to solicit subscriptions and have general charge of the movement, all the members of the committee being church members: W. B. Hardy, Mrs. Varney, Dr. W. A. Craig (secretary), Mrs. L. P. Fisher, J. L. Barker, Mrs. Dr. Selfridge, H. Rouse, Mrs. Moore, P. D. Morrell, Mrs. J. R. Mason and S. F. Page. Early in March, 1875, the Catholics at Seventh and Jefferson streets held a series of enthusiastic meetings which were attended by crowded congregations. The meetings were called "missions" and were superintended by special missionaries of the church. Fathers Cachan, Elliott and Rosecrans were in charge of the services. Morning and evening sessions were held. The exhortations and prayers were particularly impressive, instructive and effective, hundreds of persons seeking the good offices of the fathers. The spirit shown was equal to the revivals in many of the Protestant churches. The addresses of the fathers were extremely eloquent and free from bigotry. Oakland had a church building mania in May, 1875—Methodist, Congregational, Presbyterian, Episcopal, all were determined to have new buildings. Central Mission Sunday school was established in January 1876. The first regular session was held Sunday afternoon March 19, 1876. There were present twenty-six children and twenty visitors and friends. The early officers were: William R. Bentley, superintendent; Benjamin S. Tower, assistant superintendent. January 13, 1878, the school moved to Pythian hall, on Broadway, but later moved back to the Academy of Music. Late in February, 1876, a Sunday school teachers' institute was organized at the First Congregational church, there being present about fifty superintendents, teachers and laymen of all the Oakland Protestant congregations,—First Presbyterian, First Congregational, Methodist Episcopal, Plymouth Avenue Congregational, Independent Presbyterian and Baptist. Rev. Dr. J. K. McLean was elected president and C. R. Clark, secretary. Messrs. Hoag, Craig and Chamberlain were appointed a committee to report on the advisability of organizing a normal class. The Christian Aid Union was organized by Rev. M. Hamilton's church in August, 1876. Its object was to extend help to needy strangers as well as residents and to establish a free library and reading room. The First Presbyterian church of Pleasanton was duly incorporated in May, 1877, and was designed to take over the property of the congregation already formed there and in a prosperous condition. It owned two town lots and the church building thereon. John McRue, J. C. Gibson, J. A. Neal, George Cannon and T. A. Harvus were directors of the new corporation. Rev. C. W. Anthony was pastor of the church at this time. On August 1, 1877, the following church property was owned in Oakland: Baptist, $1 ,000; Congregational, $31,000; Episcopal, $11,500; Independent Presbyterian, $16,000; Methodist Episcopal, $24,900; Presbyterian, $50,400; St. Paul's, $14,200; Second Congregational, $5,650; Seventh Day Adventist, $9,000; Centennial W. E., $1,600; Hebrew Congregation, $1,600; African, $1,750. The Young Men's Christian Association of Oakland was organized July 24, 1879, in the First Presbyterian church, with A. A. Dewing as president. It soon secured a room located at the corner of Eleventh and Washington streets, at a cost of $10 per month, and held meetings on Tuesday evening and Sunday afternoon, until August 13th, when they secured a room at Medical College hall, at a cost of $15 a month, which was occupied until June 1, 1881 when they moved to a store under the Masonic Temple, at the corner of Twelfth and Washington streets. Other buildings and rooms were occupied. Previous to May, 1882, St. Mark's church, Berkeley, was conducted as an Episcopal mission, but on that date was changed from a mission to a parish, which act vacated the pulpit. Rev. Mr. Greene was then called to the rectorship of the parish, he having previously been missionary in charge. There was some irregularity in the change and charges of improper conduct were preferred against him. It required time and patience to reconcile conflicting claims, and contentions. Beulah Park Camp Meeting Association was incorporated in September, 1883, its object being the promotion of scriptural holiness. It had members in Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda and San Francisco. At this time, also, the Baptist Chinese Missionary Society was incorporated, its object being the advancement of Chinese evangelization; it likewise had members in all four places. . In September Rev. M. S. Levy applied to the council for a change in the holiday season so that the Jewish children would not suffer loss of credit in the schools by reason of absence. Under the recommendation of Superintendent Gilson, teachers were directed not to hold examinations on the days of Jewish holidays in October nor deprive children of credit on account of absence on those days. A spectroscope for the high school was secured. The schools were ordered supplied with supplemental reading under Mr. Gilson's management. School libraries were greatly encouraged and assisted at this time. The Oakland Y. M. C. A. numbered about two hundred members and had a library of about ones thousand volumes. J. M. Buffington was president and Mr. Fowler, secretary; their hall seated 400 persons. They held twelve meetings per week and had a branch in East Oakland. Baboo Protap Chunder Mozromdar, a Hindoo of the Brahmin caste, delivered an address at the First Congregational church in November. He was one of the leaders of a movement to reform Brahminism, which Max Muller described as the most important movement of the human mind of that day. The annual camp meeting of the Pacific Coast Holiness Association was held in Beulah park in August, 1884. The one aim of the association was the experience of holiness and all the meetings and movement had this object in view. Any person who enjoyed the grace of entire sanctification could become a member. This association was organized in 1881. It sought to establish a training school for evangelists in Beulah park at a cost of $25,000. Beulah park was purchased by the association a short time before and was on the Fruitvale House railroad. The park comprised 8½ acres, enclosed by a high paling. On the grounds was a newly erected tabernacle which cost about $7,500. The Pastors' Union of Oakland was organized late in 1884 for the purpose of reviving the penal Sunday law of the state. Though public opinion and political sentiment were against the law, the union felt its necessity and accordingly worked for its rehabilitation. Rev. Dr. McLean headed the work of the union. The law was repealed in 1882, but its reinstatement was earnestly urged by the religious element of this city. The democrats would have opposed the reinstatement and the republicans dared not take a positive position. The union decided that public agitation would accomplish the reenactment of the law. The evils of Sabbath breaking were publicly urged unless, it was argued, the people wanted the churches to go down with the desecration of the Sabbath. At a big meeting of the Ministerial Union of San Francisco in January, 1885, a committee of five was appointed to act at once and vigorously in the matter; they were Revs. M. M. Gibson, Gray, Lines, McLean and Gitkens. The seventeenth annual meeting of the State Sabbath School Convention assembled in the Congregational church, Oakland, on May 6th. H. C. Sigler of Los Angeles presided. Rev. F. A. Horton on behalf of the citizens welcomed the delegates to the city. There was a large attendance and advanced movements were planned. In the old St. Anthony Catholic church of East Oakland hung a bell in 1885 that in Spanish days was tolled from the tower of the old Mission San Jose to regulate the worship and the work of the Indian neophytes. It vas hung in the church at East Oakland about the year 1860, but previous to that time, for fifty-seven years, it had rung out over the mission fields and slopes. It was brought to California from Mexico soon after the establishment of the Mission San Jose. In 1885 it was cracked and not used, though it had seen service but a short time before. When Archbishop Alemany left California forever in May, 1885, he visited the Oakland Catholics before leaving. With him were Archbishop Riordan, Vicar General Prendegast and other celebrities. Thousands who had learned to love him and regard him as the embodiment on earth of their future hope assembled to see him for the last time. Men and women poured into the car to shake his hand while tears ran down their cheeks. At the Sixteenth street station an unusual but impressive scene was witnessed. As the train stopped a crowd of three hundred or more gathered about the last car in which he sat. He arose and bowed at the window, but the people clamored for him to come to the platform. He complied and a hundred hands were stretched to clasp his and men and women crowded forward to kiss his hand. Quickly the train began to move, whereupon they all simultaneously fell on their knees—more than three hundred of them—some on the track, others on the rail and yet others on the walk. The men reverently removed, their hats. The archbishop went to Rome to report directly to the hierarchy and to the general superior of the Dominican Order. The course of educational lectures given at the Congregational church, Alameda, in 1885 included the following eminent persons, Rev. F. A. Horton, D. D., on "Rose, Shamrock and Thistle;" Pres. C. C. Stratton of San Jose on "Some of the Dangers Which Threaten Our Country and Their Remedies;" Rev. J. K. McLean, D. D., on "Eight Hours of Europe from a Car Window;" Miss Emma Manvedel on "The Kindergarten." A stereoptican exhibit by O. B. Smith was on the program. The sixth annual meeting of the Central Baptist Association was held at Bethel church, Oakland, in September, 1886. There was a large attendance and the proceedings were of great importance—affecting the growth and prosperity of the association and the church. Nearly all the distinguished Baptist divines of the state were here and participated in the proceedings. The Salvation Army under Mrs. Capt. Stilwell from Oakland invaded San Leandro in March, 1885. In 1886 a boys' branch of the Young Men's Christian Association was organized in Oakland and proved a great success. There was soon a large membership and at all meetings much fervor and enthusiasm were exhibited. It is probable that Rev. Charles W. Wendte, pastor of the First Unitarian church from about 1885 to 1895, did more than any other person to soften and assuage the rigorous and exacting teachings of orthodoxy in this community. His work was brilliant and monumental. He struck a death blow at creed bigotry and widened the faith and practice of the liberal Christians who were eager to advance in righteousness and spiritual light. He first preached in Odd Fellow's hall and then in Hamilton hall. He succeeded Mr. Hamilton and finished the work begun so well by the latter. His bold, radical and aggressive style, so like that of the Rev. Mr. Savage of Boston, attracted a large congregation and made his church a conspicuous power in the religious growth of the state. Rev. Mr. Wendte recommended the reading of Robert Elsmere by church members in a very strong sermon which he preached here in December, 1888. Among other caustic things he said was the following: "The clergy are so inbedded in their ecclesiastical establishments, like so many fossils in the post-diluvian rocks, that they cannot free their minds sufficiently from the external and mechanical functions of their office to look upon the signs of the times;" that they were the "totally blind leaders of the blind" and had "created an atmosphere of evasion, conformity, and double-dealing." But Mr. Wendte was severely criticised by many ministers in all portions of the state. Dr. Horton was particularly severe. In August, 1888, Horace Davis, president of the university, at the Methodist preachers meeting in San Francisco, reproached them for characterizing the university as a "Godless institution." He declared it was unjust. It was like every other public school in the land—sectarian instruction had been excluded, but all students could join or attend nearby churches without any obstacles being placed in their way. In fact nearly all the religious denominations had established homes and reading rooms near the university where sectarianism was taught and inculcated without hindrance. He ended by inviting the Methodists to establish more such homes. The Robert Elsmere discussion led to sharp criticisms of the university by the orthodox ministry of Oakland, but its effects were commended by the Unitarian ministers and the university faculty. John Alexander Dowie, in 1888, denounced in scathing terms the pretentious and religion of the Christian Scientists. Other speakers here denounced his faith cures. As a matter of fact both were not far apart in doctrine, because both believed in Jesus and both practised faith healing and curing. The doctrines of Christian Science were explained to Oakland audiences by Rev. H. C. Waddell of Minneapolis, in April. Grace Congregational church was organized at Mission San Jose in March. The presence in the city of a great religious revival and of Rev. Dwight L. Moody was the occasion for Rev. Mr. Wendte to oppose revivals generally as a great mistake in religious life. But the services of Mr. Moody at this time were attended by many more persons than could find seats or standing room. The interest of the people was thoroughly aroused. Hundreds arose to a confession of faith at each meeting. Oakland experienced a revival in religion that seemed at times to sweep all before it. By the last of the month there had been scores of conversions and the end was not yet. The ninth anniversary of the Oakland branch of the Y. M. C. A. was celebrated at the First Presbyterian church at this time and was the most notable religious event since the Robert Elsmere discussion. Rev. C. W. Wendte, Unitarian, and Rev. C. H. Hobart were powerful factors in church uplift at this date. On May 1, 1890, the new Young Men's Christian Association building at Twelfth and Clay streets was opened and occupied for the first time. It cost $32,000, but had been planned to cost $40,400. This was the hoped and prayed for result after eleven years of persistent effort. On June 26, 1879, the first meeting to discuss the project of organizing a branch of the Y. M. C. A., in this city was held at the First Presbyterian church; on July 10, 1879, it was formally resolved to form the branch. Two weeks later twelve members formed the association. A. A. Dewing became first president. The first room occupied was in the Wilson house. A new constitution was adopted in 1882 and a board of thirty-one directors was elected in 1885. In 1888 the association was re-incorporated for the purpose of holding land and other property.. In 1887 plans to raise money for the new building were made and the step was greatly aided and encouraged by several large cash pledges—two for $5,000 each and one of $1,000. The eighth quarterly convention of Alameda County Christian Endeavor Union was held in March, 1891, at First M. E. church—ninety-six delegates present—all societies in county were represented. Rev. Dr. McLean, Rev. Dr. Dille, Dr. R. T. Stratton, J. S. Webster participated. In June the Baptist council sitting on the case of Rev. Frank Dixon determined that he had been guilty of heresy. In the trial of the case pulpit utterances of Prof. S. B. Morse, D. D., were considered and were considered by several of the judges to be equally as heretical as those of Rev. Mr. Dixon. In May, 1892, 2,000 Adventists encamped at Bushrod park on Shattuck avenue. It was the general camp meeting of the Adventist conference of California, Nevada and Utah. The tents numbered 300 and were arranged in regular order with streets, etc. A large circular pavilion held the crowds and speakers. In May Francis Murphy, the noted Irish temperance evangelist, appeared here twice or three times daily for a week or more and succeeded in kindling more working enthusiasm than had ever been started here before. He opened at the First Methodist church and drew packed and shouting houses at every session. He roused immensely the moral sentiments of this community and was the means of materially increasing the size of many of the congregations. His vivid descriptions of the misery in drunkard's homes in England drenched almost every face with tears. A Theosophical Society was organized in Oakland in 1894; they met first in the addition to Hamilton hall. Soon a library and reading room was opened, and the organization was perfected. Gen. William Booth, of the Salvation Army, arrived in Oakland in December, 1894, and was entertained at the house of Major Keppel of the army at 2439 Piedmont avenue. While here he said, "Since I have been in America I have not been treated very kindly by many press representatives. They have lied about me in a most diabolical manner until I have almost come to believe that the American reporter has no soul." The Tribune of December 17th said, "To a certain class of newspaper reporters the foregoing will not be palatable reading, and less so, perhaps, because the implication of unreliability which it directly conveys is true." On Sunday, December 17th, General Booth received an ovation which no other religious leader ever received in this community. Mills Tabernacle was crowded to the doors at each of his three rallies. He spoke on "Conquering Christianity" and "Salvation." The best citizens of the city regardless of religion or politics were present at one or the other of his addresses. On January 1, 1903, the twenty-seven Protestant churches of Oakland had 7,024 communicants. Twenty-five of the churches had 4,644 Sunday school scholars. The latest new enterprises were young men's clubs and leagues, clubs for the study of missions, Bible study circles for Sunday school teachers, a summer school for churches, a cadet corps for boys, young folks circle for the youth of both sexes, mandolin and guitar clubs, messenger service for the King's Business, philanthropic clubs, home departments for Sunday schools, etc. In 1906 this whole community was in the throes of a social upheaval. Hospitals, parks, boulevards, playgrounds, kindergartens and reform schools were favored and advanced as never before. Scores of new organizations with betterment as their motto sprang into life and activity and the brotherly spirit took a firmer and nobler hold on all hearts. Justice and philanthropy began to be loving companions in all civic movements; humanity's horizon was widening and reaching up to the summit of the mountains of God's righteousness and resting there like a benediction. At the close of 1910 Oakland had 108 church organizations and many missions —Protestants 86, Catholics 13, Jewish 3, and independent 6. Church work was active and aggressive and several of the congregations were very large. The lack of a Sunday law withdrew a considerable attendance from the churches. The new Y. M. C. A. building at Telegraph and Twenty-first cost about two hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars. A notable feature of the work of the churches was the fine spirit of harmony that actuated all the Protestant churches of the city as shown by the influence of the church federation which was composed of delegates appointed by the different Protestant churches. It prevented the Johnson-Jeffries prize fight on July 4th and strongly supported the efforts of the probation officers, fought vice and the liquor traffic, and was active in a dozen fields of moral betterment. It became a member of the National Federation of Churches in which thirty-four different evangelical denominations were united for effective cooperation on all possible lines. This movement was at this date only five years old, but was already a wonderful power for human improvement. In 1913 the Berkeley Federation of Churchwomen began operations under the presidency of Mrs. Annie L. Barry. Nearly all the churches in the city were represented in the federation the object of which was the promotion of Christian fellowship and undenominational missionary work. Early in January, 1914, the First Methodist Episcopal church raised $12,000 to assist any local church of that denomination to free itself of indebtedness. On this occasion the new church was dedicated; it cost about $165,000.