The little band of only six members, enjoyed, during their first year, the ministrations, of Rev. James Hankins. He was succeeded by Rev. J. M. Dudley, who had charge of the small but rapidly increasing flock for two years. Mr. Dudley gave place to Rev. W. S. Darwin, who continued with the church two years. During his second year, a church edifice was commenced, on the comer of Onondaga and Kellogg streets, on grounds donated to the society for that purpose, by Hon. John I. B1air. Rev. J. R. Williams, of Indiana, donated the sum of one hundred dollars to aid in the construction of the building. Many citizens of AMES and vicinity, also made very generous contributions for this object. The result of this effort was a very tasty and convenient church building, surmounted by a modest looking belfry, containing a fine toned bell of appropriate size.

In the year 1867, Rev. T. P. Newlin succeeded Mr. Darwin, and in 1868 was himself succeeded by Rev. E. Kendall. Mr. Kendall remained with his charge two years, being very popular both with his church and the community. During his pastorate he succeeded in nearly relieving the church of financial obligations incurred in completing the house of worship. In obedience to the rules of the church, Mr. Kendall, after two years of profitable labor, gave place to Rev. J. G. Eckles. After one year of very acceptable service Mr. Eckles was in turn succeeded by Rev. A. Wilson who remained in charge two years. Though a man of marked ability, the labors of Mr. Wilson here were far from successful. During his pastorate difficulties arose which proved nearly fatal to all the interests of the church. But under the ministrations of Rev. A. Brown who took the charge in September 1873 the church was fully relieved of its financial embarrassments and recovered much of its lost vigor and usefulness. The pastorate of Mr. Brown terminated in the fall of 1875, his successor being Rev. I. T. Miller, an old citizen of our county, and an earnest worker in the cause which he has espoused. Discord has given place to harmony of thought and action, and never in the history of this organization has its future seemed more promising than now. While the membership is slightly reduced from its maximum, the loss in numbers is fully compensated by the unity of purpose now existing, and which at one time had nearly deserted them. The present membership is one hundred and ten.

Baptist Church
The initiatory steps toward the organization of the Baptist Church at AMES, were taken July 11, 1868. Fourteen persons were associated in this effort, and four others became united with them during the same month, and on September 5, of that year, we find the membership increased to twenty-three. From October, 1868, to April, 1869, Rev. S. P. Day officiated as pastor, being succeeded in the latter month by Rev. H. A. Barden, a young man of good ability, under whose charge the church continued until the following October,

During the season of 1872 the church building was erected and enclosed and in the early summer of 1873, though not fully completed, it was dedicated and occupied by the church. The size of this house of worship is 34x50 feet with an alcove where the pulpit is situated ten feet in depth and of appropriate dimensions. The cost of the building thus far has been about $3,500.00, all but $400 of which was paid during Mr. Mitchell's pastorate, the latter sum having been paid since he left. About $1,000 more will be needed to complete the church building in accordance with the architects plan's and the intentions of the church. There need however, be no doubt entertained but the early and full completion of this tasty church edifice will be accomplished, when we consider that its interests are in the charge of individuals and an organization who have already given so convincing evidence of determined energy in the fonner progress of this enterprise. It was undertaken at a time when business of a11 kinds was depressed, when the truthful cry of "hard times" was upon every lip; under conditions indeed where difficulties and discouragement seemed unsurmountable. Its successful prosecution under these circumstances reflects great credit upon Mr. Mitchell to whose persevering action it is largely due, and also upon the Baptist church of AMES and our citizens generally, without whose generous material aid it could not have been accomplished.

Mr. Mitchell found the church with a membership of less than forty, with only occasional service at uncertain periods, and this service held in a small and inconvenient hall; after five years of such labor as few men could have been found competent to perform, he surrendered his charge, being himself called to higher and seemingly more important duties, with a membership increased to seventy-five, active, earnest and united workers, a church edifice of fair proportions, so nearly completed as to be fit for occupancy, and what is of great importance, nearly paid for, and all the evangelizing agencies of the church thoroughly organized and in successful operations.

On the 1st of January 1875, Mr. Mitchell was succeeded in the pastorate of the church by Rev. D. D. Proper, the present incumbent. Mr. Proper is a man of rare energy of character, devoted to his profession and the church of his choice and constantly gaining in favor both with his own peop1e and other classes of our citizens.

Since the commencement of his pastoral charge, the debt then existing has been paid off and the influence

Congregational Church
The First Congregational church of AMES was organized November 5th, 1865, with a membership of nine persons, and under the temporary pastoral charge of Rev. Jolm White, formerly of Woodstock, Conn. The church edifice is a tasty looking and convenient building, but in size, quite inadequate to the accommodation of the present attendance of worshipers. Initiatory steps have been taken to enlarge its dimensions, which together with other improvements is likely soon to be accomplished.

The fine toned bell, at whose call worshippers here congregate, was the gift of Hon. Oakes Ames, of Mass. Other gifts from his hand have challenged the admiration, and awakened the grateful feelings which the Congregational society and the citizens of AMES will ever cherish for the munificent donor.

Mr. White continued in charge of the church until the spring of 1868. By his judicious management, and strict attention to its many interest, its membership was very largely increased, and its influence and usefulness greatly advanced. Ill health compelled Mr. White to sever these pleasant and useful relations, and he was succeeded by Rev. S. Gilbert, a gentleman of great Literary attainments, and of highly social tastes and habits. Owing to some difference of opinion among the members of the church, it seemed to the majority that its interests would be subserved by the withdrawal of Mr. Gilbert from its service. From April, 1869, until the following November, the church was without a pastor or stated preaching. At the latter date, Rev. A. A. Baker assumed pastoral relations therewith, which continued until October, 1874. A good degree of prosperity and growth was enjoyed during this period, though some portion of it was unfavorable to the progress of a new enterprise, owing to circumstances connected with the history of the town.

March, 1875, Rev. Geo. G. Perkins entered upon the pastorate, removing his family here in June; meantime, the building east of the church had been erected as a parsonage and about July 1 was occupied for that purpose. This, including the fence enclosing the lot, has cost about $2,000.

In the consummation of this work, a unity of purpose and a general co-operation was manifested. The ministrations of Mr. Perkins here have given great satisfaction to the church and people. He is a man of fine ability, thorough education, an earnest and fluent speaker with his whole heart given to the work in which he is engaged. Never since the organization of this church have its prospects seemed more flattering or its future success and usefulness better assured.

The tenth anniversary of the organization of the church, Nov. 5, 1875, was observed by a "Praise and Fellowship Meeting," which was attended by a goodly number of the membership.

Episcopalians
As early as the spring of 1871 an effort was made to establish a Mission station of the Episcopal church at this place, with very encouraging prospects of success.

Quite a number of persons, who were formerly members of this old established organization, had temporarily united themselves with other churches here, with the understanding that the establishment of service by the "Mother Church," should leave them free to withdraw from the connection thus made. But owing to an unexpected and unfortunate combination of circumstances, the scheme, at first so promising in the end, proved abortive.

Lately however, it has been revived with good hope of permanent success. We have promise of Mission service, for the present monthly, or oftener, and the friends of the church indulge earnest hope that the desire of years is about to be accomplished, and they again blessed by the ministrations of the church in whose bosom their childhood and youth were spent, and to whose beautiful service and form of worship they are devotedly attached.

Commercial Interests
From very small beginnings the commercial interests of AMES have acquired quite large and promising proportions. The first goods offered for sale in AMES, were brought here by H. F. Kingsbury Esq., in the summer of 1865, only eleven years ago, and were exposed for sale in the depot building which had just been erected by the railroad Co. and where Mr. Kingsbury, in addition to his mercantile pursuits, discharged the duties of railroad agent, express agent and post master. Shortly after, N. A. Rainbolt became associated with Mr. Kingsbury in trade, very soon becoming sole proprietor and moving the stock into a building erected by Mr. K. at the corner of Onondaga and Duff Streets, wherein is now kept the New York House. Mr. Rainbolt continued in the mercantile business until the summer of 1869 when he sold out and devoted himself to more congenial pursuits.

The second commercial enterprise in AMES was started by S. O. Osborn who erected a fine store building at the corner of Onondaga and Douglass Streets, for the drug trade in which business he continued until 1872 a part of the time being associated with John J. Bosquet, the firm being Osborn & Bosquet. The interest of Mr. Osborn passed to a brother of Mr. Bosquet and the business is still continued at the old stand by J. J. Bosquet & Co. In 1866 S. H. Miller erected a store building on the N. E. corner of Douglass and Onondaga Streets, which he occupied as dealer in Hardware. The firm was shortly known as MiUer & KeIT who in 1867 sold to Mr. J. H. McLain who enlarged and continued the business. The next year he sold an interest to H. R. Boyd, the firm of McLain & Boyd continued until 1871, when Mr. McLain sold his remaining interest to Wm. O. Boyd, and the firm became Boyd Brothers who still occupy the old stand with an extensive and constantly increasing business. They