USA > Minnesota > Freeborn County > History of Freeborn County, Minnesota > Part 34
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In 1878 the Ladies' Guild was organized and has continued one of the very helpful societies of the church. St. Hilda's Guild and a branch of the Woman's Auxiliary are also strong organi- zations.
Rev. George H. Mueller is a native of Germany, being born in Holstein, March 25, 1857. He was educated in the gymnasium in his native town and at the Seabury Divinity school, Faribault, Minn. In 1886 he returned to Berlin and studied one year. He was ordained in 1881 by Bishop Whipple. In 1884 he married and his first wife died in 1900. March 2, 1902, he married Emma B. Nelson.
The First Church of Christ, Scientist, is a branch of the Mother Church of Boston. The first meetings in this county were held in 1894 and for the following three years they were held at irregular intervals. In the year 1897 an organization was perfected with Mrs. Helen R. Mitchell as first reader; Mrs. Ella Wilkinson, second reader ; Mrs. Mary Rolfson, clerk, and Andrew Rolfson, Hans Peterson, Sarah Peck, Florence Cure and Ella Wilkinson, directors. After organizing meetings were, for a time, held in the Masonic hall, and were subsequently held in
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other convenient places. They are now held in the Syndicate block, where a reading room is kept open a large part of the day and evening hours. The reading room is a very important part of this church work. the intention being that knowledge of the church will insure members, and for this purpose a continu- ous campaign of education is carried on. A building fund has been started and it is hoped by the members that a few years more will find them appropriately housed. The membership is at present forty-four. The first reader now is Mrs. Mary Rolfson.
The First Baptist Church is affiliated with the Central Associ- ation and the Minnesota Baptist State Convention. The first regular preaching services were conducted by Rev. D. H. Palmer in the school house, in 1859. Rev. Amory Gale, the first state missionary, also held services here and so much interest was manifested that it was decided to organize a church. A council for that purpose was appointed and convened on September 29. for the perfecting of an organization. Rev. Gilead Dodge was chosen moderator and Rev. D. H. Palmer, clerk. The church was duly organized and the following named persons admitted to membership: Eunice Jennings, Lydia C. Jennings, Charles Green, Sarah Green, Jeremiah Walker, Mrs. J. Walker, Margaret E. (Wedge) Morin, John Wood, Emeline A. Wood, Reuben C. Cady, Rodah Lowe, Alden G. Douglass and Winnie Pride, with H. D. Palmer as pastor. On the following day Mrs. Stage was baptized and admitted to full membership. Elder Cornelius Smith was the next pastor and took up the work in October, 1868. After Cornelius Smith left the church was for a time without a pastor. but was supplied by Elder Weeden. In 1874 the matter of a church building was agitated, the parsonage having been previ- ously built. Services at this time were held in the Masonic hall. The time was ripe for the church building and with unusually rapid work the building was planned, built and occupied. and on November 1, 1874. it was dedicated. this during the pastorate of Amory Weaver. The building was of attractive design and good workmanship. The debt on the structure at time of completion was considerable, but through the generosity of the members and their friends this debt was soon reduced. In the following twenty years of church growth the building became inadequate to the needs of the congregation. but not until 1904 was the proposition of a new building seriously considered. In 1905 the trustees were authorized to purchase the present church site on Clark street and the building committee was instructed to proceed with plans for the building on the newly purchased site. The present attractive structure was erected at a cost of $25,000 and was dedicated entirely free of debt in November. 1906. Since that time the church has been
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one of growing and strengthening good in this community. As has been stated Rev. Amos Weaver was the first resident pastor in 1873. Since his pastorate the following pastors have been in charge: Norman Hoyt from 1875 to 1883, H. M. Jones from- 1883 to 1887, F. M. Archer from 1887 to 1889, Samuel Gorman from 1889 to 1891. From 1891 to 1895 the church was without a pastor, but in the latter year came R. C. Mosher, who was suc- ceeded by F. F. Dewett and in 1908 Rev. A. L. Kinter relieved him and remained till 1911. At the time of this writing the church is without a pastor. Rev. C. D. Belden has been a helpful factor in the church for many years. Several helpful societies. the membership of which is made up entirely of church members, have proved to be of great assistance in advancing the good work of the whole organization. Among the most helpful are the fol- lowing: The Ladies' Aid and Missionary Society, the Men's As- sociation, Baptist Young People's Union, the Light Bearers. and a Young Ladies' Missionary Society.
The Dano-Norwegian Baptist Church had services from a very early time but was not organized nor did it have regular services until 1874. In the early part of that year steps were taken to perfect an organization. Having met the requirements, on all necessary preliminaries, eleven members formed the church. The necessity for a building soon presented itself and a building committee was appointed. On July 2, 1876, the church building was completed and was on that day dedicated by Rev. Ostergreen and Rev. Lunde. This original building was enlarged in 1888. The eleven original members were Mr. and Mrs. Carlson, Mr. and Mrs. S. C. Jason, Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Matt- sen, Marie Mattsen, Soren P. Peterson, Nels Mattsen, Jens Lee, and Mrs. Lars Arnstrom. Rev. A. Carlsen was made pastor and also served some other churches in this vicinity, one at Clark's Grove and Alden. Mr. Carlsen was pastor five years. He worked faithfully and well and never received remuneration for his ser- vices as pastor. From 1879 to 1885 there was no regular pastor, but the following served at various times: C. Carlsen, Peter Daniels, E. Olsen, A. Brant. In January, 1885, Rev. R. Christo- pherson was called here as pastor and he remained till 1890. During this pastorate the church enjoyed a period of substantial growth. In January, 1891, Rev. N. S. Christiansen came here and was in charge of the church three years. He was succeeded by Rev. H. A. Rekenbach, who was here six years, during which time the membership was reduced from 165 to 150. There were, however, several reasons for this apparent falling off in the mem- bership. The reorganization of the First Baptist Church was the occasion for a number of members withdrawing to unite with them. In January, 1900, Rev. O. H. Skitheim continued the work
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so well begun by his predecessors, and remained in charge nearly six years. During his pastorate the membership was increased to 203 members. From July, 1905, to September, 1908, the church was served by Rev. N. H. Byers. He was succeeded by Rev. August Broholm, who has since been in charge of the work here and is successfully advancing the work. Rev. Broholm is of the opinion that the three churches of this denomination at Clark's Grove, Alden and Albert Lea have a larger membership than any other county of this denomination in any state of the United States.
The Ladies' Aid Society was organized in 1883 and has since been one of the strong organizations of the church. The Sunday school was organized January 13, 1878, with C. Carlsen as super- intendent and P. H. Hansen as secretary. The school has con- tinued in good working condition and is a healthy financial asset of the church.
The Swedish Baptist Church was organized in 1883. In the late eighties a church was erected, which is still used. The rec- ords of this church have not been preserved. The present pastor, Rev. John Lundin, came here some three months ago, and his de- voted and energetic work has endeared him to the people with whom he labors. The Berglund family was an active factor in the organization of this church.
The Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church, of Albert Lea, is of the Iowa Synod. . Its parent church in this county dates from 1861. The Albert Lea congregation was originally organized in 1868 under the guidance of Rev. E. Wulfsberg, who served this congregation and three others in this county. The work of the four churches proved too great for him and in 1874 Rev. O. H. Smeby was called here to assist him. For two years Rev. Smeby continued as assistant and 1876, at the division of the parish, became pastor of the congregations at Albert Lea, Hay- ward and Oakland. The latter two have been cut off, and Rev. Smeby still continues as pastor of the Albert Lea church. The present building was erected in 1873, and with excellent judgment and wise foresight was planned and built larger than was at that time required. So well did those builders provide for the growth of the congregation that the original building with some alterations and enlargement has been adequate for the needs to the present time and will no doubt serve for some time to come, not only as a place for worship but one of which the city may well be proud. In 1879 the dedication took place and since that time has enjoyed a healthy growth and is now one of the great and powerful organizations for good in this county. There are at present 450 communicant members. Both the English and Norwegian languages are spoken. In 1893 a commodious and at-
REV. OLUF H. SMEBY
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tractive parsonage was erected at 219 Fourth street and since its completion has been occupied by Rev. Smeby and family, he hav- ing been here for more than thirty-seven years. Among the very helpful societies of the church are the following: The Ladies'. Aid Society, Young People's Society and the Men's Society.
Among the early members of the church were: Carl Christo- pherson, Peder Sneve, Jacob Bergerson, John Erickson, Jens Garness, Frederick Frost, John Gullickson, Mathias Nelson, Even Nelson, Peter Nelson, Ole Ellingson, O. P. Hanson, Jens Aasted, Ole S. Hove, Gullick Hauge, Daniel Peterson, Ingebrigt Hammer, Nels Dahl, Albert Mickelson, Charles Kittelson, Martin Olson, Ole E. Olson, Gilbert Guldbrandson, John A. Anderson, Lars Knud- son, A. L. Aasgaard, B. H. Skaug, N. L. Nelson, Ole Tang, Hans Haukness, Ole N. Garness, H. A. Hanson, August Peterson, A. L. Tockle, Martin Hanson, P. Scotland, Ingebrigt Svendson, K. G. Lee, Ole Hammer, Michael Johnson, Vegger Guldbrandson and others.
The officers of the various institutions of the church are: Official board-Rev. O. H. Smeby, pastor; Solva Strom, organist ; Alfred Christopherson, treasurer; S. S. Tviet, secretary ; P. A. Peterson, sexton. Trustees-Aleck Erickson, J. M. Nelson, O. J. Dammen, Edward Ellingson. Lutheran Sunday school-C. T. Helgeson, superintendent. Ladies' Aid Society-Mrs. Oluf Hellie, president; Mrs. Carl Hallum, vice president; Mrs. Charles Lembke, treasurer. Officers of the Young People's Society- Thora Fossum, president; Anette Overn, secretary ; Otto Fossum. treasurer. Men's Society-Ole K. Hellie, president; J. G. John- son vice president ; Edward Fretheim, secretary ; Aleck Erickson, treasurer.
Rev. O. H Smeby is a native of Wisconsin, but his parents moved to Iowa soon after his birth and there he grew to manhood and attended the common schools. Later he attended the Luther college at Decorah, Iowa, and completed his theological studies in St. Louis. He was ordained in Chicago in 1874 and came di- rectly to this place, where he has continuously labored. In 1876 he married Marie Carlson and their lives have been consecrated to the upbuilding of their church and the extension of influence in all good works.
The Salem English Evangelical Lutheran Church, of Albert Lea. The Evangelical Lutherans, as a rule, have a tenacious love for their church because of its history, going back to 1517 when the match was struck which kindled the fire of all Protest- antism, and to 1530 when the great Confession of Augsburg was formally presented to the Emperor and the diet. The previous year the Evangelicals, called Lutherans out of scorn, presented a protest at Spire, against certain abuses in the church and were
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hence called Protestants, so that Archbishop Bramhall rightly admits that " The name Protestants is one to which others have no right but by communion with the Lutherans." Added to this history they have a complete and thorough system of doctrine and a course of spiritual teaching which has borne some wonderful fruit at home and abroad. For this reason and not out of bitter- ness or bigotry, Lutheran parents wish to have their children re- ceive all the advantages in spiritual things that they have re- ceived. When, therefore, those using a foreign tongue in their service, saw that their children needed the old faith in the Eng- lish language it became necessary to establish an English Lu- theran church, as the Norwegian, Danish and German churches, though having some English in their services, did not have enough to supply the demand. As a result many of the homes were being split up in their church life, some going to one, some to another house of worship, whilst the parents clung to their own dear old faith. This led several of the leading citizens of Albert Lea to feel that a purely English church of the Lutheran faith was a necessity, and Julius E. Nelson opened correspondence with Field Missionary Frank E. Jensen, of the English Synod of the North- west, who was finally persuaded to meet those interested at the home of Judge A. U. Mayland, 425 East Third street, on Thurs- day, April 18, 1907; the following evening at the home of J. E. Nelson, 623 Fountain street, the constitution was adopted and on Wednesday, May 1, the first church council was elected at the home of Martin Wulff, 914 Oak street, at which time forty-five charter members signed the constitution, as follows :
Hon. and Mrs. A. U. Mayland, Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Nelson, Hon. and Mrs. C. L. Swensen, Mr. and Mrs. L. J. Okre, Len H. Okre, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Haugen, Clara B. Peterson, Mr. and Mrs. H. F. Wittmer, Mr. and Mrs. Lumen Land, Mr. and Mrs. John Monsen, Adelia Monsen, Mr. and Mrs. M. J. Wulff, Myrtle Wulff. Julia Solberg, Mrs. J. J. Sullivan, Mr. and Mrs. Simon Clement, Cora M. Clement, Erwin P. Nelson, Russell Nelson, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Olson, Oscar Olson, Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Hoyne, Byron Hoyne, Mrs. Anna M. Grinager, Martin Solberg, Edith Subby, Mr. and Mrs. N. C. Sorenson, Sheriff Oscar Subby, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Subby, and Mr. and Mrs. E. O. Friske.
The first services were held on Sunday, May 5, 1907, in the Universalist church on West Clark street, opposite the park ; which was rented for $15 per month at which time the Sunday school was organized with thirty-two pupils and ten officers and teachers, Julius E. Nelson being the first superintendent. At this first service also the first church council was installed, consisting of L. J. Okre, who died by accident October 28, 1908; J. E. Nel- son ; Judge Mayland; Mayor Swensen; Henry Wittmer, who re-
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moved to Kiester, November, 1910; and Lumen Land, who re- signed June 16, 1908. Edward Olson, N. C. Sorenson and John Monsen were subsequently elected to fill the vacancies.
July 10, 1907, the articles of incorporation were finally filed- and on the twenty-third of the same month a call extended to the Rev. John Keehley, of Minneapolis, to became the first regular pastor. The call was accepted and he entered upon his duties on the first of the following November.
On February 1, 1910, the church and lots were bought from the Universalists and on the fifteenth of that month Rev. Keehley presented his resignation as pastor to accept a call to be mission- ary in Milwaukee, Wis. This resignation was finally accepted to take effect June 26. On the eighteenth of July a call was ex- tended to the Rev. Alexander J. D. Haupt, D. D., of Pittsburgh. Pa., which was accepted, and he began his labors on Sunday. October 9, 1910. The congregation numbers among its members some of the most prominent and promising citizens. Its Sunday school has the full graded system of the Evangelical Lutheran church with Normal and Bible classes, while the pastor has his classes for the children in the Catechism and mid-week study in Bible doctrine, all of which are well attended.
The congregation is blessed with two very active societies. the Women's Home and Foreign Mission Society and the Young People's Luther League. The officers of the former organization are : Mrs. C. L. Swenson, president; Mrs. A. U. Mayland, vice president ; Mrs. N. C. Sorenson, recording secretary ; Mrs. Lumen Land, treasurer; Mrs. L. J. Okre, treasurer of the sinking fund. This organization has accomplished great good for the church in its short history of four years. The Luther League is an or- ganization for the moral and social improvement of its members. with religious, topical meetings on Sunday evenings which are well attended and the papers and discussions of a high order. Otto Lichtenstein is president; Clara Peterson. vice president ; Julia Solberg, secretary, and Leander H. Okre, treasurer. The League numbers twenty-five members.
In 1891 the several English Lutheran missions and congrega- tions in Minnesota. Wisconsin and North Dakota decided to form a synod for the better prosecution of the great work they felt called upon to do. This was effected in the fall of that year in Memorial English Lutheran church, of St. Paul, Minn., and a few years later this synod, under the name of the English Evangelical Lutheran Synod of the Northwest, united with the general body known as the General Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in North America. This general body does its work through the local synods aided by its general boards and publi- cation house. It extends from Boston to Portland and from the
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Canadian possessions to the Mason and Dixon line and even beyond. It now numbers about one million baptized members under the care of 1,600 ministers. This general body was organ- ized at Fort Wayne, Ind., in 1867.
The Trinity Danish Evangelical Congregation of the United Danish Evangelical Lutheran church in America, was organized February 24, 1877, and the first meetings were held in the school house of district 54. The first preacher was Rev. Jens Danielsen and the first trustees were Hans Anderson, C. Anderson and Christ Jensen. The congregation prospered, and in 1879 erected a church on Winter street. The present edifice on West College street was dedicated in the spring of 1885. The Rev. R. J. Oste- gaard was called in February, 1885, and served for one year. Rev. G. B. Christiansen served from May, 1886 to 1890, and was followed in October of the latter year by Rev. P. Nielsen. Rev. Nielson died in 1891 and his remains were laid to rest in the cemetery west of the city. Rev. L. Johnson came in April, 1892, and served until 1898, being followed by Rev. J. J. Kildsig from 1898 to 1901 and Rev. H. O. Frimodt from 1901 to 1904. Then came the present pastor, Rev. Olaf Rye Olsen, the efficient and devoted pastor, who is still serving. The officers of the various church organizations are as follows: Trustees-P. Clausen, N. C. Anderson, Hans A. Thorp, H. J. Mortensen, H. P. Hansen and H. Martin Hansen. Deacons-P. Clausen, Chr. Berthelsen, N. P. Larsen, L. P. H. Highby. Ladies' Society-President, Mrs. N. C. Andersen ; cashier, Mrs. P. Clausen ; secretary, Mrs. James Ander- sen. Young People's Society-President, Rev. O. Rye Olsen ; cashier, Christ Hansen; secretary, Christ M. Jensen. Sunday School-President, L. P. H. Highby; vice president, P. Clausen ; secretary, Jens P. Jensen. The parsonage is located in the lot west of the church, and was erected in 1887. Two years later it was enlarged. It is a two story building of good size and modern equipment.
Rev. Olaf Rye Olsen was born in Denmark, July 6, 1867, and came to the United States in 1897. He was called to the pas- torate of Trinity Church in March, 1904.
The German Lutheran Church is located at 503 South Wash- ington street, and was erected in 1899. The church has a small and devout congregation, but no resident pastor.
The Seventh Day Adventists have a church on South First avenue, west, at the southeast corner of William street.
The Church of St. Theodore. (Roman Catholic). The devout Catholics in this vicinity received spiritual consolation in the early days through the visits of several pioneer priests, who held services, celebrated mass, baptized and confirmed children, and performed other priestly rites. In 1877 a suitable edifice
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was erected on the present site of the Newton house, southeast corner of Newton and Main streets. The church was dedicated December 9, 1877, by Archbishop Ireland, assisted by Rev. P. Riordan and Rev. Theo Venn. May 9, 1893, the present church, on East Clark street, was dedicated. West of this church a four-room brick school house has been erected in 1911, which is used as a Parochial School, in charge of the devout Sisters. Among the early pastors of the church may be mentioned Rev. Theodore Venn and Rev. P. F. Dargnault. The Rev. James Flem- ing, for several years pastor in the eighties, is remembered by Catholics and Protestants alike, for his saintly character, his devout works, his polished manners, and the interest which he took in the development of Albert Lea. The present pastor, Rev. James E. Donavan, has been here for some years.
First Congregational Church. The early history of Congrega- tionalism in this city is identical with that of Presbyterianism. Some years after the Presbyterian Church was organized here, it was determined to make an effort to also establish a Congre- gational body. Accordingly, sometime in the seventies, Mrs. Ruben Williams took a leading part in raising funds among local people for the erection of the Congregational Church. Most of the money, however, came from outside of the city. A very attractive structure was completed. The first pastor was Rev. Drew, who, after considering the conditions here thoroughly, became a Presbyterian, going to a pulpit in Preston. Rev. James D. Todd was the next Congregational clergyman here, but he too resigned and went to the service of the Presbyterian ministry. The last pastor was the Rev. Chalmers. When he left, services were discontinued, and the church building is now owned by the Trinity Lutheran congregation.
The First Universalist Society of Albert Lea held religious services in the interest of this form of belief for some time at irregular intervals in the court house, but on May 14, 1870, pursuant to notice, a meeting was held for the purpose of organ- izing. William C. Pratt was chosen chairman and Alonzo Brown secretary. The committee on constitution, which had been pre- viously appointed, reported a constitution and articles of faith which were unanimously adopted. This document was com- prised of twenty-one articles. The following officers were elected : Moderator, C. R. Ransom; clerk, E. C. Stacy; treasurer, C. R. Ransom; trustees, E. C. Stacy, Alonzo Brown and M. M. Luce. March 4, 1872, a meeting was held to consider building a house of worship. At this meeting a committee consisting of E. C. Stacy, Charles Levens, Frederick Cochran, A. H. McMillan and J. M. Pratt was appointed to solicit funds for a building. Progress in this work was slow and it was not until more than
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four years had passed that the erection of a building was possi- ble. In the fall of 1876 the work was begun and early in 1877 "Our Fathers' Chapel" was completed and christened. On April 22. 1879, articles of incorporation were filed in the register of deeds' office. The first preaching was by Rev. Woodbridge. who was succeeded by Frederick Cochran, A. Vedder and G. S. Gowdy. For want of interest and numbers for the work neces- sary to the success of the Universalists the work was some years ago abandoned, and since that time there has been no active organization of this society here.
CHAPTER XXVII.
ALBERT LEA FRATERNITIES.
Many Beautiful Lodge Halls in the City-Masonic Orders-Odd Fellows-Knights of Pythias-Elks-Eagles-Owls-Commer- cial Travelers-Fraternal Insurance Orders-Patriotic Orders -Scandinavian Lodges-By John F. D. Meighen.
The sociability and spirit of brotherliness which exists in Albert Lea is shown by the number of societies and clubs that flourish here. Practically all the standard organizations are represented, one of the local lodges dating back to the fifties. In order to furnish a meeting place for this large number of orders halls have been equipped as follows: The Masonic Tem- ple, which occupies the entire second floor of the building at the southwest corner of Broadway and Water streets; the hall and rooms of the Danish Brotherhood, which occupies the entire second floor of their building at the northwest corner of Clark and Newton streets; the Castle Hall of the Knights of Pythias, which occupies the entire floor of the Wiegand building at the southwest corner of Broadway and William streets; the Elks' hall and club rooms, at the northeast corner of Broadway and Main streets; the Odd Fellows Hall in the Broadway Theater building at the corner of Broadway and College streets; the club rooms and hall of the Catholic Order of Foresters in the base- ment floor of the building at the northwest corner of Broadway and Clark streets; the Yoeman's Hall, which occupies the entire third floor of the Hewitt building at the northwest corner of Broadway and William streets. All these halls are conveniently located, nicely furnished and well adapted for the purpose for which they are intended.
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