An illustrated history of Nobles County, Minnesota, Part 25

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

USA > Minnesota > Nobles County > An illustrated history of Nobles County, Minnesota > Part 25

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Presiding Elder Wright met with the Worthington Methodists and completed the work of organization. There were about thirty charter members, among whom were the following: Mr. and Mrs. Otis Bigelow, Mr. and Mrs. I. N. Sater,

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HISTORY OF NOBLES COUNTY.

Mr. and Mrs. Elias Spaulding, Mr. and sirs. W. Chase, Mr. and Mrs. C. Z. Sut- ton, Erastus Church and Henry Humis- ton. Rev. B. H. Crever served as pastor .Wo years. Miller hall was rented during the first year's life of the church. Then, in 18:1, the property was purchased, the building dedicated, and services were held there regularly until the building was destroyed by fire in 1818. The loss of their place of worship was an almost Insurmountable blow. The Presbyterians came to their aid and tendered the use of their church building. The offer was accepted, and the Methodists worship- ped there a few months-until January 1, 1819, From that time until July 1880, the Nobles county court house was utilized as a house of worship. Bennett hall (now the Masonic building) was leas- ed at that time, and thereafter, until a home of their own was completed in the fall of 1882, the Methodists oceu- pied that building. The congregation was poor, and the struggles during the early days to continue the church organ- ization were severe,'

The first Methodist church building, located at the corner of Fourth avenue, and Ninth street, was began in the fall of 1881. under the pastorato of Rev. W. T. Hobart, a missionary to China. The labor was largely donated, and the pastor personally took a hand in the work, he doing the Jathing. The work of Imilding was slowly and steadily kopt up until the fall of 1882. Under the pis- torate of Rev. B. F. Kephart the church was dedicated. The cost of the building was abont $2,000; of that amount $1,600

""A few words on the character of the founders of this church may be appropriately added. Of the carly struggles of the church none Pin have but a faint conception of its many hardships except those who participated in them. But be it said of the carly members that, in their periods of depression, and in many and various difficulties they, like the Puritan fathers, never lost sight of their one purpose, to serve their God and their Master.

had been paid or pledged and the re- maining $100 was raised on the day of dedication. The building was not en- tirely finished . until 1885, when Rev. Win. Copp, who was then in charge, pushed it to completion.

While the carly day struggles of the church were severe, better times were alicad, and its recent history is one of prosperity. The membersship grew and its wealth increased. The old church building, which had seemed so fine in the early days, was no longer large enough. It was during the pastorate of Rev. Carl A. Anderson that the erection of a new church building was first con- sidered. When Rev. Thos. Hambly was appointed to the charge in 1901 interest in the proposed building was revived. Generous subscriptions were received during the winter and spring, and in the summer of 1902, work was begun on the foundation of the new structure. 'The corner of Eleventh street and Fourth avenue was selected as the site, and the residence of Otis Biglow, which occu- pied the site, was removed. Work pro- gressed rapidly, and on May 3. 1903, the beautiful modern structure was dedicated. It valuation is placed at $20,000, and it is one of the best church buildings in Minnesota. The auditorium arrange- ment, with the spacious gallery, makes it most convenient and desirable in pro- viding for large assemblages. Concerning the more recent history of the church, a member has prepared the following :

In the middle of his third year as pastor Rov. Thos, Hambly was, at his own request. transferred to the North Ohio conference hy Bishop Fowler, who at the same time ap-

They were firm set in the principle of hon- esty and the practice of virtue. They were sober, industrious and frugal: resolute, zealous and steadfast. In the school of adversity they gained the discipline of patience. They were the children of adversity but are becoming the fathers of renown. Their work is done. Seered be the trust committed to our care,"_ D. B. Kumler, in History of M. E. Church.

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HISTORY OF NOBLES COUNTY.

pointed Rev. G. A. Cahoon to the pastorate of the Worthington church (February, 1904). But one Sunday intervened between the elos- ing of Mr. Hambly's pastorate and the as- suming of the pastoral relations by Mr. Ca- hoon, who came here after a pastorate of .nearly six years at Goodhne, Minn., and who at the time of the preparation of this work is on his fifth year as pastor of the Worth- ington church.

During this latter pastorate the church has been strengthened both numerically and spiritually. The pastor was one of the lead- ers in arranging for and carrying through the famous tabernacle meetings, conducted by Evangelist Wm. A. Sunday, and which con- tinned for nearly five weeks, beginning Dec. 7, 1906. The Methodist church, in common with several other churches, was greatly strengthened by this series of meetings. The membership was stirred to greater activity. while about one hundred fifty persons united with the church, either on probation or by letter, as a result of the meeting. The larger number of the probationers later eame into full membership, ard among them are many of the substantial and active members of the church. The following description of the services held in the church Sunday morning, Jan. 13, 1907, and which apeared in the Worthington Advance of Jan. 17. 1907, is a matter of historie value. and will be of in- terest to many :

"The Methodist church was filled with an interested and happy company of people last Sunday morning. The large ehorus choir led the singing of some of the old hymns and the andienee took hold with enthusiasm. A male quartette sang a selection. and Dr. F. B. Cowgill preached an able sermon. The pastor Rev. G. A. Cahoon. spoke briefly eoneerning some characteristies of Methodism and the conditions of membership. and extended an in- vitation to those who desired to do so to come forward and unite with the church.

"Tellers were stationed at the end of the side aisle. down which the company came, and after the name of each had been recorded they were received by the pastor and presid- ing older. A committee representing the var- ions activities of the church were at the altar to welcome the new members, who re- mained standing. Afterwards all those who had signed cards at the tabernacle meetings, and who desired publicly to renew their vows, were invited to stand, and many arose. The pastor extended a cordial welcome on behalf of the church, and Dr. Cowgill. the presiding elder. expressed his gratification at the results of the service and added words of wise counsel. The tellers were asked to report their lists, and it was found that ninety- >ix persons had identified themselves with the church at this one service. It was certainly a great day for the Methodist church in Worthington."

5Six months-June to December.

Following is the list of pastors, with the dates of their service, who have filled the pulpit of the Methodist church of Worthington :

B. H. Crever, 1873-1875.

J. W. Lewis. 1875.5

J. C. Ogle, 1875-1818.

C. II. Dixon, 1878-1849.

Charles Sheldon, 1879-1880.

T. II. Kinsman, 1880-1881.

W. T. Hobart, 1881-1882.

Geo. Merritt, 1882.8

B. F. Kephart. 1882-1884. Wmn. Copp. 1884-1885.

E. R. Lathrop, 1885-1888.

II. J. Harrington. 1888-1890.

Win. Brown. 1890-1892.

W. J. Robinson, 1892-1895.

W. A. Putnam, 1895-1896.

J. M. Bull, 1896-1899.

C. A. Anderson, 1899-1901. Thos. Hambly, 1901-1904.

G. A. Cahoon, 1904 to date.

The church has never been so pros- perous as at the present time, and all its members feel that the church has entered upon a carcer of marked pros- perity and splendid usefulness. E. W. Goff is chairman of the board of trus- tres. A. T. Latta is secretary, Win. Schroeder is recording steward and 1. . J. Goff is church treasurer. Several aux- iliary societies are maintained.

WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERLIN CHURCHI.

So early as February 3. 1873, while the religious community was undecided as to the course to pursue in regard to churches, thirty residents petitioned the Presbytery for authority to organize a Presbyterian church at Worthington. The Mankato Presbytery took favorable ac-

6W. T. Hobart served nine months of this church year and Geo. Merritt three months.

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HISTORY OF NOBLES COUNTY.

tion on the petition early in May, and on the 25th of that month - just a few days after the birth of the Congregational and Methodist churches the Westmins- ter Presbyterian church of Worthington was duly organized. The organization was perfected by a committee appointed by the Mankato church authorities. The committee consisted of Rev. Jacob. B. Little, Rev. Edward Savage. Rev. D. C. Lyon and Rev. E. J. Hamilton. The fol- lowing were admitted as members at the time of organization : Allen Chaney, Miss Inlia Chaney, Andrew Buchan, Mrs. Dol- ia A. Buchan, J. S. Shock. Mrs. Anna Shuck, Cornelius Stout. Joseph Tarbert, Mrs. Nancy Tarbert, Dr. Josephus Craft. Mrs. Clara Craft. M. II. Stevens, Mrs. Lydia A. Stevens, Mrs. Charlotte E. Good- now, Richard Newman, Mrs. Sarah Newman. Daniel Rohrer, Mrs. Henrietta A. Lyon, Mrs. Ofti N. MeLaurin .?

Allen Chaney. Andrew Buchan and J. S. Shuck were elected ruling elders, and Mr. Chaney was chosen clerk of the session. A board trustees was chosen as the following certificate shows :?

This is to certify that the members of the congregation of the Westminster Presby- terian church of Worthington did meet on the 21st day of June, A. D. 1873, at the of- fire of J. S. Shuck, in said town of Worth- ington, for the purpose of electing a board of trustees for said church pursuant to no- tice which had previously been given for at least two successive Sabbaths at the place where said congregation steadily met for the public worship where said congregation had assembled. J. S. Shuck and M. H. Stevens, members of said congregation, were nomi- nated and elected to preside at said meeting. to receive the votes and determine the quali- fications of voters. The following named persons were then duly elected as a board of Daniel Rohrer, H. D. Bookstaver,

7"According to previous announcement. a Presbyterian church was organized last Sab- hath. Notwithstanding the unfavorable con- ditions of the Weather and of the roads. twenty members were included In the or- ganization. It is expected that there will be a considerable accession to the number at an early day." Western Advaner, June 1

1873.

M. Il. Slovens, J. Craft and J. 1. Town, they and their successors in office to be forever known by the name of the board of trustees of the Westminster Presbyterian church of Worthington.

Given under our hands and seals this 21-t day of June, A. D. 1873.

Delivered in the presence of E. T. Dilla- baugh.

J. S. SHUCK [Scal.] M. H. STEVENS. [Scal.]

The congregation worshipped in the southwest room of the lower floor of Miller hall for over a year and a half. In the summer of 18: 1 preparations were made for the erection of a church edi- fice, and carly in September work on the building was begun, the plans being furnished by L. W. Chase. The building cost about $2.000, was occupied for the first time Jan. 2. 1815. and served as the home of the church until March. 1900. Although completed and occupied early in 1875, it was not dedicated until Do- cember 31, 1826, at which time all indebtedness had been paid.

Following is a list of the pastors who have filled the Presbyterian pulpit since the organization of the church with the date of their service :

W. P. Jackson, July, 18:3.

(. Otis Fletcher, Jan., 1821, to May 6. 18:7.

Hiram F. White, July 8. 1822. to 1818.

D. K. Millard, Ang .. 1878, to 1880.

J. C. Robinson. 1880 to June 1. 1885.

William Il. Hartzell. Sept. 1, 1885, to ISS9.

Robert Medine, 1889 to 1890.

11. P. Cory, Feb., 1892, to July, 1893,

›Other ruling elders who have served the church since its organization have been Dr. Josephus Craft, Geo. J. Day, Geo. D. Day- 1on. E. F. Buchan, John Ramage, Henry M. Palm. W. W. Loveless, Dr. W. H. Gangh, Geo. D. Palm, J. W. Read, G. V. Pettit, C. DeBoer and William Chaney.

"Filed June 23, 1873. In the miscellaneous record in the office of the register of deeds.

WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN

CATHOLIC

EPISCOPAL

WORTHINGTONS

CHURCHE'S

METHODIST EPISCOP

GERMAN

EVA IGELICAL

SWEDISH MISSION

SWEDISH LUTHERAN

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HISTORY OF NOBLES COUNTY.

Wilson Anll, May, 1894, to 1896. F. C. Bailey, July, 1896. to 1898.

Wilson Aull, Aug., 1898. to June 1. 1904.

E. W. Lanham, Sept. 1, 1904, to Oct. 1. 1907.

Grant B. Wilder, Dec. 1, 1907, to date.

It was during the pastorate of Rev. Wilson Aull that the handsome church edifice now in use was erected. It was occupied for the first time March 18. 1900, and was dedicated March 25. The cost of the building was $16,531. A pipe organ was installed at a cost of $1.118, and other improvements have brought the total value up to about $20,000. It is one of the finest church buildings in southwestern Minnesota. The present membership of the Presbyterian church is over 300.

The following have served as superin- tendents of the Sunday school from the date of its organization to the present time: Dr. J. Craft. J. C. Robinson, Geo. D. Dayton. E. F. Buchan. H. M. Palm. W. W. Loveless, Geo. D. Paln. William Chaney. Dr. Henry Wiedow.

SWEDISH EVANGELICAL LUTH- ERAN CHURCH.

Among the early day settlers of Nobles county were quite a number of Scandi- navians, who settled mostly in Indiap Lake and Bigelow townships. Nearly

1º"T. Peter Thompson. the secretary ap- pointed at a meeting held by the members of the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran church of Worthington. Nobles county, Minnesota. on the fourth day of May. A. D. 1876. as here- inafter mentioned. do hereby certify that the persons constituting and belonging to the

Swedish Evangelical Lutheran

church of Worthington. Nobles county. Minn., did on the fourth day of May. 1876. assemble at the house of Charles Rue, in the village of Worth- ington. Nobles county, Minn. for the purpose of incorporating. that due notice of the time and place of said election was given to the persons entitled to vote thereat; that thirty-nine (39) duly qualified persons assem- bled at said place of meeting on said fourth

all were members of the Swedish Evangel- ical Lutheran church, and it was but natural that the members, gathered to- gether in the new country, as Nobles county then was. should desire to band themselves for the purpose of worship. So early as 1822 an informal organiza- tion was effected. and for several years services were held, more or less fro- quently, at different points in Worthing- ton and in Bigelow township. There was no regular pastor, but the congregation met in regular worship, and occasionally a minister of their denomination would be present with them to assist.

Thus matters continued until the spring of 18;6. On the fourth day of May, of that year. the church was for- mally organized by the following charter members: C. J. Paulson, Peter Thomp- son. Oliver Thompson, C. W. Beck, Chas. Larson, C. A. Sundberg, Nels John- son, Sander Nelson. Casper Nelson, Swen Johnson. August Falk. C. A. Tellander, Nels Erickson. Erick Mahlberg, Lars Elof-on. Peter Wickstrom, Peter Larson. Lars Erickson. Peter Nystrom, Sr .. Peter Nystrom, Jr., Frank Sundberg and Nels Ellingson. On the date of this organization it was decided to incorpor- ate, but this was not done until eighteen years later.10 The church was without a pastor for several years after its organ- ization and also without a church build- ing. Meetings were regularly held, how- ever. the pulpit being supplied part of

day of Mav. A. D. 1876, duly organized and appointed Rev. L. A. Hocanzon chairman and said Peter Thompson secretary and then and there determined to incorporate for religious purposes and then and there duly elected Peter Thompson. C. A. Beck and Peter Wickstrom trustees of said corporation. and then and there determined that said trus- ters and their successors in office shall forever he known as the Swedish Evangelical Luth- eran church of Worthington. Nobles county. Minn.

"In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 12th day of January. A. D. 1894. Peter Thompson. Secretary." Articles of Incorporation. filed Jan. 12. 1894.

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HISTORY OF NOBLES COUNTY.

the time by students and other ministers under the general church body. Various places in the village served the pur- pose of a church building.

There was great activity among the members in 1883, and during that sum- mer a church edifice was erected. the first services being held therein in June. The work on the building was all done by the members, or donated. The outlay was for materials alone, which cost about $1.200. The pastor, Rev. A. H. Ran- dall. was a carpenter, and he did a large share of the work.

Before the church was built, however, the congregation had been able to support a regular pastor, and in 1880 Rev. J. IT. Randall was installed. The pastors who have supplied the pulpit have been : J. H. Randall, 1880-1882: A. H. Ran- dall. 1882-1884; S. C. Franzen. 1884- 1890: Svante Anderson. 1890-1895; E. M. Erickson, 1895-1905: C. O. Swan. 1906 to date.

On Nov. 28. 1889. a parsonage was purchased, which served as a home for the pastor until 1907. It was then sold. and during the same year a new one was erected at a cost of $4.000. On January 1, 1907. the membership of the church was 212.

ST. JOHN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCHT.

This church was organized in the fall of 1881, and came into existence largely through the efforts of Rev. D. Gunn. The church building, still used as the place of worship by the congre- gation, was created that fall, and was opened for worship carly in 1882.

There is a pleasant little piece of his- tory connected with the organization of the church. For two years years prior to its establishment a party of southern-

ers spent their summers at Worthing- ton. Among these were Mr. and Mrs. John Forsee and their mother and Mis- Minturn, members of the Episcopal church at St. Joseph, Mo. These friends took the first steps toward the organiza- tion of a church of their denomination in Worthington. They raised $25.50, which they placed in the hands of Rev. Gunn.

There were only a few Episcopalians in the village. and there was little sympathy with the efforts to start another church. Mr. Gunn, who took the most active part in the plans to perfect an organization, was at one time so discour- aged that, after consulting with the bish- op, he withdrew his regular appointments and was about to retire. Then interest was revived. Mr. Gunn stated that he would ereet the church if the members of the society, which had then been or- ganized. would build the foundation.

W. A. Peterson took him at his word. and after a determined effort, did raise the amount necessary. assisted by Miss M. Madison and Miss Maggie Chadwick as a committee of collection. The lum- her for the building was purchased with three checks. one of $100. Edward For- guson and sister, New York; one of $100, Chas HT. Contoit. of New York; and one of $14. Geo. W. Cass, ex-presi- dent of the Northern Pacific Railway company. The hardware, etc. was bought with The check of Henry B. Renwick, New York.

CATHOLIC CHURCH OF ST. MARY

A meeting of Catholics was held in Worthington in August, 1885, when it was decided to organize a society and creet a church edifice. The building was completed in the summer of 1886 at a

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HISTORY OF NOBLES COUNTY.

cost of about $1,500. The first service was held August 1, and was conducted by Rev. Father Ogulin, of Heron Lake.

The church was incorporated March 31. . 1902. by Bishop Joseph B. Cotter and Vicar General James Coyne, of the Wi- nona diocese, Father Joseph Sand, and Andrew Collins and Michael Reiter.

EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION'S CHURCH.

The Evangelical Association is an or- ganization which was founded by Ger- mans in the year 1800. Its principal char- acteristic is its missionary activity. The Worthington church dates its existence from the year 1889. The year before that Rev. L. S. Stapf, who ministered to a congregation of Germans south of Luverne, came to Worthington in search of new preaching appointments. His ao- tivities resulted in the organization of a local society, which was organized in 1899 with the following charter members : H. Apel, Heinrich Apel, Sr., Gertrude Apel, Margreta Apel, Louis Apel, Hen- ry Apel, Jr., William Apel. Katherina Apel. Philip Anton, Lizzie Anton, J. IT. Shuck, Anna Shuck, J. Dohlheim, Louise Dohlheim. Emilia Apel. Albert Dohlheim Fred Dohlheim. Ida Dohlheim, W. F. Moss. Mary Moss, George Hacker, Theda Hacker, Maggie Hacker, Albert Wild, Anna M. Wild. Geo. Doeden, Gratia Doeden, An- drew Docden. Tona Doeden. George Doeden. Jr .. Fred Doeden, Maggie Doe- den. C. HTilke. Blondena Snyder, Mary Weis, John Apel. Frederick Kasdorf. Johanna Kasdorf. Louise Kasdorf.

The church was incorporated June 10. 1891. under the name of Emanuel Society Church of the Evangelical Association of North America. The trustees at the time were Philip Anton. W. F. Moss

and Heinrich Apel. Immediately there- after construction was commenced on the church building at the corner of Fourth avenue and Fourteenth street. The church was finished that fall, making the seventh church building then in the village. The cost was $1.650. It was dedi- cated Dec. 6, 1891. Prior to the build- ing of the church services were held in the hall over the Farmers' Store. ou Main street. In 1902 a commodious manse was erected beside the church at a cost of $1,827.88.

Since its organization the following pas- tors have filled the pulpit of the Worth- ington church: L. S. Stapf, 1899; S. B. Goetz, 1889-1892: F. IT. Draeger. 1892-1895: C. W. Wolthansen. 1895-1899 ; F. C. Schmidt, 1899-1902 : J. H. Mnel- hausen. 1902-1906; G. G. Schmidt. 1906 to date.

The present membership of the Evan- gelical Association's church of Worthing- ton is 103. The German language is being supplanted by the English, and over half the services are now conducted in the language of the land. From Worth- ington the society reached out and did effective work in Wilmont, Fulda. Wild- er and Ewington township. In the last named place, known as Spaffords. the Methodist church was purchased and a mission established, which is being sup- plied from the Worthington church still. The departments of the church are Sun- day school, young people's alliance, mis- sionary society and ladies' aid society.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.

About the first of January, 1893, Rev. A. D. Trumbull, of Nebraska. came to Worthington. There he found a number of Baptists who requested him to preach and try to organize a Baptist church in

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HISTORY OF NOBLES COUNTY.

Worthington. He agreed, and an ap- Worthington Swedish Lutheran church; pointment was made for January 15 in Rev. J. Schultz, of Sibley; and Rey. (. W. Pratt, of Sheldon. Favorable ac- tion was taken by the council, and the First Baptist church of Worthington was recognized by the general body.

the old Grand Army hall. After the service the members of the Baptist faith were requested to remain for consultation, which resulted in organizing a confer- ence, preparatory to the organization of a Baptist church. Twenty-one persons -ignified their desire to become mem- bers of the new church.

The formal organization was made Feb. 26, 1893, under the direction of Rev. A. D. Trumbull, with the follow- ing charter members: R. R. Smith, Julia .1. Smith. T. M. Brooks, Sarah Brooks, William E. Stoute-

myer. Emmogene Stoutemyer, An- drew C. Hedberg. Mary Hedberg. JJohn R. Moberly. Mary J. Moberly. Gust Swanberg. Hannah Swanberg. Belle Chaf- for. Eric P. Johnson, R. H. Barnard, Milton S. Smith. John Staubns, Mrs. John Staubus. R. W. Moberly. Annio Moberly, Mrs. Morrison.11 The deacons elected were R. R. Smith. A. C. Hedberg and W. E. Stoutemyer. A. C. Hedberg was chosen treasurer and M. S. Smith elerk.

A council of recognition met at Worth- ingion June 30. 1893, by invitation of the twenty-one members of the new or- ganization, who asked that they be recog- nized as a regular Baptist church. The churches named below were represented by the following: Luverne. Rev. C. W. Lisk and C. C. Drew: Pipestone. Rev. C. T. Hallowell : Windom. Rev. . J. M. Thurston and Rey. W. S. Black: St. James. Rev. E. M. Jones and J. C. Rutherford: Mankato. Rev. T. Borg- strom and W. F. Jenson : superintendent of missions. Rev. T. R. Peters. D. D. There were added to the council Rev. . J. Hollefrom and Hans Nystrom, of the

The church was incorporated July 27. 1895, the trustees at the time being Gust Swanberg. J. H. Maxwell and W. E. Stoutenyer. Early in 1899 steps were taken to build a church edifico, services having been held for several years in the old Grand Army hall. A handsome and comfortable little church was erected that summer at the corner of Fourth avenue and Fourteenth street, the total cost of which was $2,925.53. It was dedicated Nov. 12. 1899.

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An illustrated history of Nobles County, Minnesota, Part 25

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