First Congregational Church and the Deere Family

By Gretchen Small
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26 Oct, 2020
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I am often asked, “What church did the Deere Family belong to?” My answer is the First Congregational Church of Moline. The church was chartered in January 1844, three years prior to John Deere’s move from Grand Detour to Moline. Eighteen charter members are listed in the church records, including Mr. and Mrs. Charles Atkinson. More on why they are important later.

The Methodists and the Congregationalists were the early churches in Moline, which makes sense. Moline was founded by settlers from northeast United States with Puritan backgrounds. Then later as Swedish immigrants arrived a Lutheran church was organized. In 1847, John Deere moved his family to Moline. His growing business necessitated the move as his plow shop needed the more reliable waterpower of the Mississippi River and the supply lines of the river and coming railroads. It was those same northeastern founders of Moline that enticed John to select Moline as his new home. John, who was born in Vermont, probably felt comfortable with his new community.

Soon after, John Deere was added to the Congregational Church roll. Very little is known on how active John and Demarius Deere were in their church. Snippets include John being on the building committee in the late 1860s. His daughters and their spouses were also members. His son-in-law, Stephen H. Velie, participated in fundraising by hosting an oyster supper at his home.

The original fundraising goal was $15,000, but the final cost totaled $33,000. Through more fundraising the final debt came in at $7,200. J.S. Keator and John Deere started a final drive by pledging $1,000 each. Supposedly John was known for giving initially a smaller gift to a collection and would later send by mail a larger sum.

Now back to why I mentioned Mr. & Mrs. Charles Atkinson. As an original founder of Moline, Charles Atkinson was most likely one of the leaders sent to entice John Deere’s move to Moline. Included in the Deere family was their young son Charles Deere. By 1860, the 23-year-old Charles married Mary Little Dickinson of Chicago. Mary's uncle was Charles Atkinson. Mary Deere quickly became involved with the church and was an officer in the Ladies Aid Society.

Photos of Charles and Mary Deere — *Charles and Mary Deere*

Photo of Church pew assignment — *1899 Pew Diagram with Names of Renters - C.H. Deere eighth row from front*

In the late 1800s, a new generation of Deere family became active in the church. Namely Charles Deere, Merton Yale Cady and later Katherine & William Butterworth. MY Cady married Alice Deere, John Deere’s youngest daughter. Cady was known best as “so genial and skillful was he as chef for picnics and suppers,” which aided in church fundraising.

Photo of Merton Yale Cady — *Grandson Warren Skinner with Merton Yale Cady*

William and Katherine Butterworth’s names pop-up in the church history as actively involved in various endeavors. In 1898, the church began talking about a major remodeling of which the couple was appointed to the building committee.

I imagine that when the church decided to build a church at a new location in 1917, William and Katherine were involved. That location is still used today at 2201 7th Ave, Moline.

And finally, the story of the Deere family’s relationship ends with Katherine Deere Butterworth (Charles Deere's daughter). In 1938, the church needed more seating for their larger congregation. Katherine stepped forward and offered to remodel and enlarge the sanctuary as a memorial to her parents, Charles and Mary Deere. The remodeling would provide additional seats and a new chancel. The completed cost of the project was $122,000, paid by Mrs. Butterworth.

“Memorable virtues of Charles H. Deere and Mary Little Deere are emphasized in left and right panels of the window by biblical characters whose lives typify the outstanding traits of the couple. The panel at left, dedicated to the virtues of Mrs. Deere, displays these figures: Ruth, for love; Martha, for service; and Esther, for loyalty to her community and people. In the panel at right, in tribute to the characteristics of Mr. Deere: are the figures of David, for music and arts; Paul, for the pioneering spirit; and Daniel, for courage." The First Congregational Church of Moline: A One Hundred and Twenty-Five Year History 1844/1969

Photo of Chancel — *Charles H. Deere and Mary Little Deere Memorial Chancel*

An excellent source for much of this material came from The First Congregational Church of Moline: A One Hundred and Twenty-Five Year History 1844/1969 available at the Rock Island County Historical Society Library. The book is an extensive history of the church.

Side Note: One funny story found in the book describes an event during the wedding of Katherine and William Butterworth in 1892. Not sure if this would be the lighter touch I would want at a wedding.

“When Katherine Deere and William Butterworth were married, Alice (Wheelock) and some other girls put up a ladder outside one of the church windows to watch. They were tending a baby, also named Katherine, in a carriage at the foot of the ladder. In the midst of the quiet wedding ceremony the voice of the baby-sitter came through the open window: “Lie down, Katherine, dear.” This surprise provided the lighter touch which every wedding needs.”

First Congregational Church and the Deere Family

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