A century-old love story is receiving a chilling twist this spring as the Caledonia Memorial Global Methodist Church prepares to host Tragedy at the Altar, an immersive murder mystery dinner on Saturday, May 31.
The event is set in 1909 and is based on the real wedding of Iva Brocklesby and John Boldt, the first couple to be married in the newly-built church. The construction was funded by philanthropist Anna (Richardson) Harkness, a native of Caledonia and widow of one of the wealthiest men in the world: Stephen V. Harkness, an investor in John D. Rockefeller’s Standard Oil company. Mrs. Harkness donated $100,000 to construct a world-class church in Caledonia that would serve as a memory to her mother, Anna Maria (Ranck) Richardson-Underwood.
Local Couple Inspires Story
Brocklesby, a young beauty who served as the church’s organist and lived two houses south of the construction site, caught the eye of Boldt who arrived in Caledonia from Cleveland in 1908 to manage the construction of the church. The two began courting.
The bride, Iva Brocklesby, was deeply rooted in the Caledonia community. She was active in both church and civic life. Known for her intelligence and strong will, her marriage to John Boldt was considered a significant union.
“This is more than a dinner—it is a living history experience with a dramatic twist,” said Cody Higley, local historian and organizer of the event. “We are honoring Caledonia’s past by bringing it to life in the most engaging way possible.”
The evening will begin in the church’s basement at 5:30 p.m. with a historically-inspired meal served on antique church dinnerware with music from the period.
“We are recreating Iva and John’s wedding in great detail—including the pastor, organist, and full ceremony,” Higley said. “However, unlike the real wedding, this one will take a dark and unexpected turn.”
Key Characters from Real Caledonia Residents
Guests will assume the identities of real Caledonia residents from 1909. A selected group of participants will portray suspects in the unfolding mystery, while others will form teams to solve the crime. Attendees are encouraged to wear historic attire. At the time, Caledonia had two clothing stores on Marion Street and three milliners.
“With garments arriving by rail from major cities, local residents were able to dress as fashionably as those in Chicago or New York,” Higley said. “We hope this inspires attendees to come dressed in their finest vintage attire. You might even take home the prize for best dressed.”
The mock ceremony will be held in the church’s Gothic-style sanctuary. When tragedy strikes, Town Marshal Phillip Meister, portrayed by Higley, will place the church under lockdown as attendees work in teams to solve the mystery.
Local Leaders: Rev. and Mrs. Gray
The current pastor of Caledonia Memorial Global Methodist Church, Reverend Terry Burkhardt, with his wife, Barbara, will portray Reverend James Gray and his wife, Susan Violet Gray.
Mrs. Gray led the church’s Ladies Aid Society, which provided support and assistance to community members in need, especially women.
Both Reverend and Mrs. Gray were actively involved in the Temperance Movement, which advocated for the prohibition of alcohol. Due in part to their leadership, alcohol was banned from the village for a period of time prior to the national prohibition that took effect with the passage of the Volstead Act in 1919.
Future Caledonia Mayor: William Harrington
William Harrington was the Caledonia Railroad Agent and later became mayor. He and his wife built a home on S. High Street in 1909.
All the town’s major players will be portrayed, including the butcher, baker, grocer and the clerk.
“We believe this experience will help everyone gain a better understanding of what Caledonia was like in 1909 and offer insight into the real people being portrayed in the mystery,” Higley added.
In 1909, a three-bedroom frame house in Caledonia cost $1,500. Farmland averaged $100 per acre. The average American worker earned approximately 22 cents per hour, totaling about $457 per year.
“This church was built on stories—of love, loss, and legacy,” said Higley. “On May 31, we will be adding a new chapter.”
For more info:
Attendance is limited to 80 guests, with tickets priced at $30 on a first-come, first-served basis.
To reserve a ticket, email caledoniahistory@protomail.com. Please include each attendee’s name, age, sex, occupation, phone number, and email address in order to receive a character assignment.
Reservations and payments—accepted by check or in person at the church—must be received no later than May 19.
Proceeds from the event will support ongoing preservation efforts at the historic Caledonia Memorial Global Methodist Church.
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