An illustrated history of Nobles County, Minnesota, Part 24

Author: Rose, Arthur P., 1875-1970
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Worthington, Minn. : Northern History
Number of Pages: 738

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After this faiture no further steps were taken toward holding a fair un- til 1879. Then there was organized the Nobles County Fair association, an or- ganization which had a life of many years. and was only succeeded by the Worthington Distriet Fair association in recent years. A. T .. Runyon was the first president of the pioneer organiza- tion, and C. T. Pope was the first see- retary. The first fair was held at Worth- ington October 10 and 11, 1879. There were no buildings, no race track. The fair was held in the open on grounds between West Okabena lake and the Sioux City & St. Paul railroad tracks- about where the Stoutemyer ice houses are now located. It was indeed a prim- ative affair. But while the exhibits were few and the attractions not many, everybody took a deep interest in this first exhibition of the county's resources. and it was a success.7

This was a start. Thereafter annual fairs were held. The next year the fair was spoiled by the terrible blizzard which swept over the country October 15. Land was leased on the south shore of Oka- bena lake, buildings were erected, and

night before the fair opened. ate the pump- kin, died from the effects, and that the fair was necessarily declared off.

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THESTORY OF NOBLES COUNTY.

for many years the county fairs were held there, about one mile from the city. The association was put on a business basis March 10, 1892. when the Nobles County Fair Ground association was in- corporated with a capital stock of $10,- 000. The incorporators were W. E. Stoutemyer. Daniel Shell, John H. Den- ton. John II. Scott, H. M. Palm, L. B. Bennett and J. W. Read, and the first officers were W. E. Stoutemyer, presi- dent ; J. B. Green, vice president ; Frank Lewis, secretary : If. M. Palm, treasurer.

The annual exhibits were held on the fair grounds of the old association until 1902. In the summer of that year the Worthington District Fair association was incorporated. The capital stock was $15,000, and the first board of directors was composed of Geo. W. Patterson, E. A. Tripp. A. R. Albertus, H. Pfeil. G. T. Bulick, H. N. Donglas and C. T. Tupper. Spacious grounds were pur- chased in the north part of the city. suit- able buildings were erected, and since that date the fairs have annually been held under the auspices of the new or- ganization.

WORTHINGTON CHAUTAUQUA ASSOCIATION.

The Worthington Chantanqua associa- tion is a comparatively new organization. but it has done more to advance the in- forests of the city in which it is located than many an older organization. The association came into existence in March. 1906. Many Worthington pen- ple had realized for a long time that the city had everything necessary to make a chantanqua a success. Among the culture loving people the matter had

often been disenssed, but no action was taken to crystalize the movement until one day in March, 1906, when Prof. (. If. Warne, chautauqua organizer. of Waterloo, lowa, arrived in the city. prepared to launch the movement.

The stock was readily subscribed, and on March 29 the stockholders met and organized the Worthington Chautauqua associations with the folofwing officers and board of directors: A. T. Latta. president ; J. S. Ramage, vice president : . A. R. Albertus. secretary; H. B. Lear, treasurer ; Thos. Dovery, William Chan- y, A. J. Goff, S. S. Smith and Gust Swanberg.

The beautiful city park on the north shore of Okabena lake was scoured for the chautauqua grounds, and a more beautiful place would be hard to find. Located on the higher banks of the lake. it is a beauty spot. It is convenient to the business center of the town, and af- fords unequalted opportunity for camp- ing. boating, bathing and fishing. The grounds are lighted by electricity, are connected with the city by long distance telephone lines, and are supplied with city water. There the first annual as- sembly was held August 6 to 11. and the list of attractions was such that the chautauqua was a success from the start. A permanent assembly hall was erected in 1907 at a cost of $2,500. The second assembly was held July 4 to 14, 1907. and the association was then put on a paying basis. The third assembly was held in July, 1908.

WORTHINGTON COMMERCIAL CLUB.

An organization of great benefit to the city is the commercial chub, which was Mackay. L. R. Gholz, William Chaney. T. A. Palmer, [. Hawley, H. B. Lear and C. T. Tupper.

"Those who participated in this first mert- ing were J S Ramage. A. T. Latta. H. R. Edwards, Geo. O. Moore, Ned Jones. Jas.

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HISTORY OF NOBLES COUNTY.

organized Jan. 15, 1907. The first of- ficers chosen were A. R. Albertus, presi- dent; A. T. Latta, first vice president ; R. L. Morland, second vice president; Ned Jones, secretary; Loren Clark, treas- urer. The whole of the second story of the Loveless block was leased, and the rooms were fitted up for the convenience of the members; later quarters were es- tablished in the city hall. The club takes an active part in the affairs of the village, and is a strong organization.

CARNEGIE LIBRARY.

The Carnegie Library was completed in December, 1904, at a cost of about $13.000. Of this amount Andrew Car- negie gave $10,000; the balance was raised by subscription. The city bound itself to expend $1,000 annually on its maintenance. The library was opened March 4, 1905. Its management was vested in a board consisting of C. M. Crandall, president ; F. L. Humiston, F. M. Manson, Frank Glasgow, A. T. Latta, John Ramage, secretary; C. T. Tupper,º C. P. Dolan and R. L. Mor- land. Mrs. Emma Sibley served as li- brarian from the date of opening until 1907, when she was succeeded by Mrs. Emma Mackintosh.

WORTHINGTON BATII HOUSE ASSOCIATION.

This organization came into existence in 1905 with the following officers: J. S. Ramage, president ; A. R. Albertus, secretary ; E. L. Nanee, treasurer. The association now has ahout ninety mem- bers. owns a bath house, toboggan slides, boats, efe .. valued at over $1.200. The

Upon the removal of Mr. Tupper from the city in 1907 his place on the board was taken

present officers and directors are J. S. Ramage, president; A. R. Albertus, sec- retary; W. M. Evans, treasurer; O. W. Dieckhoff, Jas. Mackay.

BANDS.

Worthington has two brass bands. The Worthington band was organized in 1906, when Prof. Wilson Abbott became the leader. The band now has nearly fifty pieces, and is one of the best bands in southwestern Minnesota. I For many years the Scandinavians of the city have maintained au excellent band-the Worthington Concert band, Carl A. An- derson, leader.

WORTHINGTON GUN CLUB.

The Worthington Gun club was or- ganized in June, 1900, with about forty members. Harvey Rew was captain of the club and O. W. Dieckhoff was seere- tary. There have been several organiza- tions since the first club started. For some time the Mauga trap was used in the tournaments but in late years the club has been using the expert system.

WORTHINGTON HOSPITAL.

In the fall of 1906 Dr. F. M. Manson founded the Worthington hospital and has since been its proprietor. The build- ing is a two and a half story structure,. located at the corner of Fourth avenue and Eleventh street.

The hospital is provided with all mod- ern conveniences. It is perfectly ven- tilated, heated by steam, lighted by elec- tricity. and is furnished with sound deadeners and electric annunciators.

by C. J. Smallwood. Otherwise there has been no change.

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HISTORY OF NOBLES COUNTY.

The arrangement of the building is admirable for the purposes for which it is used. On the first floor are a large reception room, a private consultation office, a dark room for optical work, a general practice office. a drug and sup- ply room, and a ward room, furnished with four hospital beds. All the wood- work of the lower floor is of Antwerp finished oak.

On the second floor are the nurses'

room, an operating room, sterilizing room, bath room, and private rooms for patients. All the woodwork of the ste- ond floor is white finished. The third floor is fitted up into a large sun bath room.

The institution has been liberally pat- ronized since its founding and is one of Worthington's enterprises which has been of great benefit to the community.

CHAPTER XVI.

WORTHINGTON'S CHURCHES AND LODGES.

With more propriety can the title about the organization of a church so- "('ity of Churches" be given to Worth- ington than to Brooklyn. There are in Worthington ten church organizations- one for each 230 inhabitants. Of these all except one have church edifices, which range in value from $20.000 down. The societies maintaining organizations in the village are Congregational, Metho- dist, Presbyterian. Swedish Lutheran, Episcopal, Catholic, Evangelical Asso- ciation. Baptist, Swedish Mission and Christian. Only the last named is with- out a church building.

The first three named are the ohlest, all having come into existence during the month of May, 1843. But for over a year before any of these were organized an organization, styled the "Colony Christian I'nion." a union of all the christian denominations represented in the village, worshipped regularly.

COLONY CHRISTIAN UNION.1

When the pioneers of the National colony began to arrive in Worthington in the spring of 1872 one of their first considerations was a place of worship, and steps were at once taken to bring

'For the data concerning the history of this church, as well as that of the Union Congre- gational. I am under obligations to Dr. Geo. O.

ciety. Prof. R. F. Humiston, one of the founders of the colony, was a member of the "Union Church" on Cleveland Heights (Cleveland, Ohio), and was heartily in favor of a union church in Worthington. His plan was to have a church organization which should be par- ticipated in by every evangelical chris- tian in the community, regardless of previous denominational affiliation. 1 large majority of those on the ground expressed themselves as favoring such a movement. and of those who were doubt- ful of its expedieney no one was found who did not advise the proposed plan for the first year, at least.

For some weeks before a formal or- ganization was made services were held at different places in the little village. The first service was held in a partly finished store building on Fourth avenue, which was being erected by Wm. B. Akins. On Saturday evening the shar- ings were swept up, the work bench was brushed off, and planks were laid on boxes and nail kegs to serve the pur- pose of seats. Here on Sunday morn- ing the first religious service was held in Worthington.

Moore. The facts are secured almost wholly from his pamphlet "History of the Union Con- gregational Church."

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HISTORY OF NOBLES COUNTY.

Before the next Sabbath the building Was occupied by Mr. Akins' hardware store, and the worshippers were com- pelled to seek accommodations else- where. One or two Sabbaths, services were held in a carpenter shop on the lot just to the east of the present location of the Citizens National Bank, and one Sabbath in the store building on Ninth street, now occupied by S. V. Wyckoff. In the meantime one Samuel lliley had purchased the two corner lots opposite the Worthington hotel, and on one of them proceeded to erect a frame store building (where Sterling Bros.' clothing store now stands.) Notwithstanding the well understood principles and wishes of the colony founders in regard to the sale of intoxicating liquors, a man had leased, in advance of its erection, the lliley building and had already made arrangements to open a saloon therein. Now, it so happened that there came a time when this was the only room open to the worshippers, and there a service was held before the building was com- pleted. The next Sabbath the room was completed and the bar in position, but as no liquor had yet arrived, the church people again assembled therein. One week later the saloon was in operation and the church had to seek other quar- ters.

Previous to the opening of the saloon, however, a church society had been or- ganized. The meeting was held in the saloon building on the twelfth day of May. 1872, at five o'clock in the after- noon, for the purpose "of organizing a society for the furthering of the wor- ship of God in the community." Prof. Humiston presided, and Dr. Geo. O. Moore was the secretary. The chairman suggested the formation of a "union so- ciety," with one pastor. Remarks were

made by Rev. David Bear, A. P. Miller, R. B. Plotts. G. Anderson. 1. P. Dur- fee, R. D. Barber and Geo. O. Moore in favor of the idea. 1. N. Sater cordially favored the plan for the present, but thought the time should be left indef- inite. Rev. B. H. Crever, a Methodist preacher who was a resident of Worth- ington at the time, was chosen pastor. A committee, consisting of A. P. Miller, 1. N. Sater, Dr. R. D. Barber, J. C. Clark and Dr. Geo. O. Moore, was ap- pointed to report for adoption a plan of organization, fix the salary of the pas- tor, and attend to other necessary mat- ters pertaining to the new church. The committee held two meetings in the of- fico of Prof. Humiston, and at another meeting of the church held May 19 re- ported the following recommendations, in substance:

That a society for religious purposes be organized under the name of the Colony Christian Church, to be officered as follows: A president, secretary, treasurer and an executive committee of five; that the pastor act as president, and that the other officers be elected annually; that any person believ- ing in the doctrines set forth in the Apostles' ('reed should be eligible to membership; that the society continue until May 1, 1873; that the regular services consist of one preaching service on Sabbath morning by the regular pastor, with Sunday school and Bible class in the afternoon, and that on Sabbath even- ing the free use of the house be tendered to any orthodox clergyman who may choose to preach to us; that Rev. B. H. Crever be our pastor; that a building be ereeted by volun- tary effort, 30x50 feet in size, 12 foot story, at a cost not to exceed $1,200.

The report was adopted, article by ar- ticle, and the permanent organization was completed by the election of Geo. O. Moore secretary and I. N. Sater treas- urer. An executive committee, composed of J. C. Clark, B. S. Langdon, I. P. Durfee, A. C. Robinson. H. D. Humis- ton, R. F. Humiston, I. N. Sater and Geo. O. Moore, was named.

In the meantime Prof. ITumiston and

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HISTORY OF NOBLES COUNTY.

Dr. Miller, the colony promoters, mind- ful of the needs of a place for public assemblage, took council together, and their deliberations resulted in the erec- tion of the structure known as Miller hall. The upper floor of this building was divided into one large hall, 48x55 feet, and two small halls in front on either side of the stairway. It was the intention that the large hall should be used for public worship and other pub- lic gatherings, the Union church having the preference. The hall was subse- quently leased by the society for $250 per annum, and the first services were held there Nov. 11, 1822.

It was the general understanding and wish that the organization be completed and that by vote the church place itself under the watch care of one of the de- nominational bodies, which event would place the church in position to receive aid in paying the pastor. Rev. Crever, notwithstanding repeated urging to com- plete the organization, for some reason neglected to do so. The first year ended as it had begun; all met together in one place for worship, but the organization was not perfected and there was no affiliation with any denomination. These conditions were unsatisfactory, and the discussion of the matter grew more earn- est as the first anniversary of the church approached. Finally a meeting was held at the hall on April 22, 1873, to which were asked all who were in- terested in a union organization, to comprise all of the evangelical elements of the place. J. S. Shuck was chairman of the meeting. Dr. Geo. O. Moore has written concerning the deliberations of that meeting :

After a lengthy discussion an adjourn- ment was taken to allow the Presbyterians oportunity to consult as to their course. It

had been agreed by the different state sup- erintendents that we should not be inter- fered with by them, but should be allowed to consider and decide the question among onrselves, nninfluenced by outside help or interference. In conformance with this un- derstanding, Mr. Richard Hall, the Congrega- tional superintendent, studiously avoided this part of the field, but Mr. Lyon, Presbyter- ian, and Mr. Wright, Methodist, took active part in our deliberations, both by their per- sonal presence and by written communica- tions, and it was no doubt largely owing to their influence and advice that the union ef- fore was unsuccessful.

Two or three general meetings and frequent private conferences made it plain that nothing could be accomplished in the matter of permanent organization along the lines already followed. Then a meeting was called of "all those spec- ially desiring union organization." The meeting was held April 26, 1873, and was presided over by Dr. R. D. Bar- ber. Twenty-nine residents had signi- fied their intention to take part in the deliberations of the proposed church or- ganization. A committee was appointed, consisting of C. S. Newton, Presbyter- ian; I. P. Durfee, Christian; R. F. Humiston, Congregational; Mrs. M. P. Manley, Baptist ; and J. AAmes, Independ- ent, to draft articles of faith for the as- sociation. This committee reported to an adjourned meeting on April 29 a platform, which was read article by ar- ticle, and referred back to the committee for further action. On Sunday, May 24, 1813. the committee reported a con- fession of faith, and it was adopted, ar- ticle by article, without a dissenting vote. The committee was continued. with in- structions to report a covenant to be adopted at a future meeting. Arrange- ments were made to procure a room for a church and to secure a temporary sup- ply of preaching. It was at this meeting of May 4 that, on motion of Prof. Hum- iston, the members decided to ask the

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HISTORY OF NOBLES COUNTY.

Congregational denomination to take the new organization under its watch care.

UNION CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

The idea of a union church, embrac- ing all denominations, was abandoned, and the three denominations having the greatest strength, Congregational, Metho- dist and Presbyterian, cach organized a church society. The Union Congrega- tional church was the first of these to perfect an organization; in fact, its organization was simply a continuance of the temporary arrangement of those who desired a union of all denominations in one church. For some time corre- spondence had been carried on with Rev. Richard Hall, Congregational state su- perintendent, in regard to church affairs in Worthington. On Sunday, May 18, 1813, that officer was present, and the I'nion Congregational church of Worth- ington was formally organized? with the following charter members: Prof. R. F. lumiston, Harriet Immiston, Geo. O. Moore, Clara F. Moore, John C. Clark, Lydia H. Clark, Charles S. Newton, Sid- ney Harrington, Cornelia L. Harrington, John Blodgett; and on profession of faith R. D. Barber, Mattie Barber, J. Ames, A. P. Miller and Jacob Neil Dow.3

The official title of the organization was "The Union Congregational Church and Society of Worthington." Roy's man- uel furnished the new church with a constitution, which was formally adopted, with a code of by-laws, on June 24, at

""The Union Congregational church was fully organized on Sabbath last by Rov. Richard Hall, of St. Paul. This new organiza- tion starts out with favorable prospects. We understand that no delay will be made In se- during a pastor." Western Advance, May 21. 1873.

"Others who became members of the church during 1873 were Mrs. J. Ames, B. R. Prince, Mrs. B. R. Prince, J. H. Maxwell. I. P. Dur-

which time the first church officers were elected.

The urgent need of a church building was recognized by all, and on Aug. 24 a meeting was held, when the first steps were taken looking toward the erection of a church edifice. A building com- mittee, a finance committee and a comit- tee to correspond with the Congregational Missionary societies, with reference to aid in building and in paying the sal- ary of a pastor, were appointed. These committees immediately set to work, plans were reported, and a lot was se- cured on the corner of Third avenue and Eleventh street. Bids were then asked on the construction of a building which it was estimated would cost about $3,300.

Ground was broken early in Septem- ber, 1813, and on Dec. 28, of the same year, the edifice was dedicated, Rev. Rich- ard Hall, the state superintendent, offi- ciating. The building was 33x45 feet and had a 16-foot ceiling. The auditor- imm had a seating capacity of 200, and there was also a basement, which prov- ed an exceedingly valuable convenience for Sunday school, prayer meeting and so- cial purposes. This pioneer church build- ing of Worthington was entirely destroy- ed by fire on Jan. 15, 1905, entailing a loss of $1,000, with $1,200 insurance. A handsome and commodious new church was erected during 1906 by the congre- galion. The cost was about $2,000, and it was dedicated in February, 1907.

During the summer of 1821 the first regular pastor was installed. Following is a list of the pastors who have served

fee, J. F. Hollipeter, Ellen A. Weatherbee. Elmira Hollipeter. Mary Jumiston, Mrs. M. 1'. Manley, Rachel D. Rice, A. C. Durfee, Mrs. Miller, O. I .. Howard, James Mann. Jennie A. Mann. Elfhu Smith, Gracia R. Smith, Alphens M. Smith. Mary B. Smith. Henrietta G. Smith, John W. Smith. Calista Smith and Henry J. Grant. During 1874 the following be- came members: Chas. B. Loveless, Mary C. Loveless, Amy J. Miner, Mrs. R. B. Plotts. R. 13. Plotts, Mrs. W. S. Stockdale.

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HISTORY OF NOBLES COUNTY.

the church since its founding and the dates of their service:

C. C. Foote, June 24, 1874, to Oct. 1, 1814.

H. B. Tuttle, Dec. 1, 1844, to June 1, 1879.

Chas. W. Ilanna, June 1, 1829, to June 1, 1880.

H. H. Hart, Aug. 8, 1880, to Aug. 1, 1883.

M. S. Crosswell, Oct. 1, 1883, to Jan. 1, 1884.

David Henderson, Jan. 20, 1884, to Jan. 20, 1888.

F. L. Fisk, May 13, 1888, to July 25, 1891.

Robert McCune, Aug. 3, 1891, to Aug. 1, 1891.

C. W. Merrill, Oct. 3, 189:, to Oct. 13, 1898.

J. P. Dickerman, May 1, 1899, to Nov. 1, 1900.

C. II. Curtis, Feb. 1, 1901, to Jan. 1, 1904.

C. 11. McIntosh, May 1, 1904, to Sept. 24, 1905.

John E. Evans, JJan. 1, 1906, fo De- cember. 1907.

William Fletcher, Jan 1, 1908, to date.

Following is a list of the Sunday school superintendents in chronological order, the dates of service being given of all but the earlier ones: Elihu Smith, JJ. Ames, R. F. Humiston, A. P. Miller, A. L. Runyon, R. D. Barber, M. P. Mann. 1882-3-4-5: J. W. Crigler, 1886-1-8; R. W. MeCune, 1889; J. W. Crigler, 1890; M. A. Nichols, 1891; John R. Newton, 1892; Ray Humiston, 1893; M. E. Fish, 1894; Mrs. E. L. Por- ter, 1895; Geo. O. Moore, 1896; Mr -. I. J. Indlow, 1897-8-9: Dr. G. R. Curran, 1900-1-2-3: Mrs. II. J. Ludlow, 1904: M. P. Mann, 1905-6: A. W. Fagerstrom, 1907.

FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL

CHURCH.

When the union church idea was aban- doned in the spring of 1813 the Metho- dists, under the leadership of Rev. B. H. Crever, who had been the pastor of the union church during the year of that body's existence, were among the first to take steps to bring about the organization of a denominational body. During the month of May those members of the union flock who were grounded in the faith of John Wesley banded themselves together and formed the first Methodist body in Nobles coun- ly. The first paper of record concerning the founding of the Methodist church of Worthington is the following certificate, which was filed in the office of The regis- ter of deeds of Nobles county on May 21, 1813:

Know all men that on the 19th day of May, eighteen hundred and seventh-three. 1, B. IT. Carver, pastor of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Worthington, county of Nobles and state of Minnesota, in the interim of the quarterly conference, and agreeable to the discipline and usage of the Metho- dist Episcopal church in the United States of America, and of the statutes of Mine- sota, have appointed the following named persons trustees of the said Methodist Epi -- copal church in the United States of Amer- ica, namely: Henry llumiston. R. F. Hum- iston, Isaac N. Sater, C. Z. Sutton, G. An- derson, Oti- Bigelow. W. S. Stockdale, Dr. A. P. Miller and Stephen Miller, in and for the said village of Worthington, they and their successors in office to hold in trust the property of said church in said village of Worthington under the corporate name and style of trustees of the First Methodist Episcopal church in Worthington, Minnesota. Witness my hand and seal the name and year above written.

B. H. CREVER. [Seal.]

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An illustrated history of Nobles County, Minnesota, Part 24

Author: Rose, Arthur P., 1875-1970 Publication date: 1908 Publisher: Worthington, Minn. : Northern History Number of Pages: 738

Author: Rose, Arthur P., 1875-1970
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Worthington, Minn. : Northern History
Number of Pages: 738