USA > Minnesota > Freeborn County > History of Freeborn County, including explorers and pioneers of Minnesota, and outline history of the state of Minnesota > Part 67
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Lessons that show ns we can and we must, Lessons that will help us to keep our place, In this great, and hard, and worldly race."
As to the present condition of the schools in the city, a reference to the returns of the work done shows that they are in a healthy condition, and in competent hands.
From the first annual report of Prof. J. C. Alling, the Principal and Superintendent of the schools of Albert Lea, which includes the school year ending on the 1st of July, 1882, the follow- ing statisties are gathered :
Whole number of scholars entitled to ap-
portionment 548
Not of school age, or non-residents paying tuition. 24
Separate names enrolled during the year. . 572
Days of school. 195
Total attendance, in days, by all scholars. . 60,559
379
CITY OF ALBERT LEA.
Average daily attendance.
311
Whole number of teachers-one man and
seven women .
8
Pupils enrolled per teacher . 72
Average attendance per teacher 44
Percentage of perfect attendance through the year. 55
Number of grades below the High School. 8
Cost of supervision and instruction, based
on average daily attendance, per capita. $12.34
HIGH SCHOOL.
Whole number of pupils enrolled during the year.
76
Greatest number present at any one time .. 67
Number of days of school .. 195
Average daily attendance. 45
Percentage of perfect attendance on enroll- ment . 59
Number of teachers. 2
The curriculum of statistics embraces the higher English branches and Latin.
-
At the commencement exercises, in June, a wide range of subjects was embraced, and those having parts acquitted themselves in a very creditable manner.
RELIGIOUS.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ALBERT LEA .- It must have been in April, 1857, when Rev. S. G. Lowry visited this place, and he, in connection with Rev. Isaac McReynolds, a Methodist clergyman, who still lives in the county, were the first to break the bread of the word to the people in this region. For three years Mr. Lowry continued to hold meetings from time to time, but finally his health failed, and Rev. Mr. Cook, a Congrega- tional minister, of Austin, visited the town and was invited to preach, and the result was that a church was organized under the Congregational form, with six members, three of whom had been Presbyterians, and three Congregationalists. This church, which was maintained in this form until the autumn of 1868. is alluded to under its own heading.
At the Fall meeting of the Presbytery of South- ern Minnesota, Old School, a petition was pre- sented, subscribed to by the members of the Congregational Church in Albert Lea, and a few other persons, requesting the organization of a Presbyterian Church. The petitioners were eigh- teen in number, all expressing a desire to become
members. In response to this petition, the Pres- bytery appointed Rev. D. C. Lyon and Rev. A. J. Stead a committee to meet the petitioners, and, if the way should be clear, organize the church. Accordingly, on the 29th of September, 1868, these brethren held a meeting for this purpose in the Court House in Albert Lea. Rev. S. G. Lowry and Rev. Theophus Lowry, of the Presbytery of Mankato, New School, were present by invitation, and assisted in the proceedings. The Church was then formally organized, under the name of the First Presbyterian Church of Albert Lea, with the following members: Benjamin Brownsill, Mrs. Elizabeth Brownsill, Curtis B. Kellar, Samuel Eaton, Mrs. Clarissa Eaton, Mrs. S. M. Robinson, Mrs. Eliza Hunt, Mrs. Harriet J. Barden, Mrs. Mary F. Armstrong, Samuel Thompson, Mrs. Amanda Woodruff, Mrs. Darrow, Mrs Henrietta Ruble, Mrs. C. E. Sheehan, Thomas Sherwood, Clarence Wedge, Mrs. Mary Buell, Samuel Batch- elder, and Wm. J. Squier-19. Samuel Batchelder, Samuel Eaton. and Curtis B. Kellar, were elected Ruling Elders, to serve respectively one, two, and three years. A public service was held in the evening; a sermon was preached by Rev. A. J. Stead, and the elders were ordained-the charge to them was given by Rev. Theophus Lowry. Brief addresses were made by Rev. S. G. Lowry and Rev. D. C. Lyon, and the meeting was dismissed with the Apostolic benediction.
Thus the former Congregational Church of this place was, by the unanimous choice and action of its own members, merged into the Presbyterian Church; and they, with a few others received at the time, constituted the original membership of the present organization.
Rev. Dr. W. M. Paxton, of the First Presby- terian Church of New York City, was here during that summer, on his vacation, and conceived a lively interest in the people and the church, going so far as to offer to build a church, if the people desired it and would contribute what they were able. This proposition was accepted by the people, and the Congregationalists considered that it was the best they could do, under the circumstances, as it involved no sacrifice of any article of belief: the real difference in the two denominations being in their form of church government. In this way. then, the Presbyterian church in Albert Lea came into existence, and was organized as above recorded.
380
HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY.
They at once commenced to build, and before the following winter had fairly set in, this house was raised and enclosed. It was completed the following summer, and was dedicated to the wor- ship of God on the 15th day of August, 1869. The Presbytery of Southern Minnesota was in session here at that time. and the dedicatory ser- mon was preached by Dr. Paxton. from Matt. 26;8. "To WHAT PURPOSE IS THIS WASTE ?" The success of the enterprise was largely owing to the liberality and energy of one who has since gone to his rest. Angustus Armstrong, who. though not a communicant, was nevertheless one of the wisest in couneil and the most oflieient in exeenting all that was needful to the establishment of the church. While he lived he manifested a lively interest in the growth of the church. spirit- nal as well as material; and was always to the min- ister a prudent and safe adviser.
Along with the names of Dr. Paxton and Mr. Armstrong, honorable and grateful mention must be made of Miss Mary Gelston, a member of Dr. Paxton's church, from the city of New York, who from first to last has contributed more than half the means necessary to build and complete the church property in its present form. "This excel- lent christian lady, though an entire stranger to every one of us. became interested in Albert Lea and this church through her Pastor, and sent us $3,000 for the church building and grounds, $2,000 towards building the Manse. and less than two years ago sent us $500 more to assist in the erection of our chapel, besides at one time a handsome donation for our Sabbath School Library. Altogether we have received from her nearly $6,000. It is her munificence which, under God, has raised up and established this church. Let us record her name in our hearts with most affectionate remembrance, and in our prayers let us seek for the blessings of God upon one through whose beneficence so great blessings have come upon ns. This church has been raised np and fostered by Mary Gelston: let it be her everlast- ing memorial. Let it tell to the end of time what well directed giving can accomplish. And may God grant that her unselfish devotion to the cause of Christ, and her liberal spirit in giving to build up the church, a church she has never seen - may be imitated by the people she has blessed -by all of us upon whom the blessing has come."
Mrs. Armstrong and Clarence Wedge gave the land. The pulpit was presented by Mr. Tuttle, the bell by Mr. Darlington of Pittsburg. The Bible and hymn books, to the value of $100, were presented by Mr Denney of Pittsburg. H. D. Brown presented a three years' policy of insur- ance on the church for $5,000. at a net cost of $75.
For nine months after the church was organ- ized. it was supplied with preaching hy different ministers. Among these were Rev. Charles Thayer. of Farmington, Rev. John L. Gage, of Kassou, and Rev. R. B. Abbott, who first preached on the 21st of March, 1869. He soon received a formal call, and removed here from St. Paul in July. On the 15th of Angust the church was dedicated in the morning, and the pastor was installed in the evening. The sermon was preached by Rev. W. S. Wilson, of Owatonna, the charge to the Pastor was given by Rev. D. C. Lyon, and the charge to the people by Dr. Pax- ton,
The resident membership at this time consisted of eighteen persons, as follows :- Mr. and Mrs. Brownsill, Mr. and Mrs. C. B. Kellar, Mr. and Mrs. Eaton, Mrs. Robinson, Mrs. Armstrong, Mrs. Barden, Mr. Samuel Thompson, Mrs. Woodruff, Mrs. Ruble, Mr. and Mrs. Squier, Mr. Batchelder, Mrs. Buell, Mr. Clarence Wedge, and Mr. Sher- wood.
Up to the centennial year, when Mr. Abbott preached a historical sermon, from which many of these facts were gathered, there had been a total number received into the church of two hundred and sixty-four. .
The Sabbath School was at first commenced as a union one, and although there have been losses by detachments going to make up other sehools, it has kept on growing.
There are connected with the Sunday school work, half a dozen mission schools, with an aggre- gate attendance of two hundred and fifty children.
In 1874, the church undertook the erection of a chapel, which was felt to be a necessity, and here that estimable woman, the fast friend of the church, Miss Gelston, did not fail them, for she sent $500, and, with another $500 added, it was completed.
Rev. Mr. Abbott has been the pastor since his installation. The church may be said to be in a flourishing condition, with a good house of wor- ship. and a commodious Manse adjoining.
.
38J
CITY OF ALBERT LE.I.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH .- Like the most of the frontier regions, this vicinity early received the attention of the itinerant Methodist preacher. Isaac W. MeReynolds, who was a local preacher, but had never been ordained, came here and took a farm, a mile west of the village, in 1856. He was born in North Carolina, in 1806. He came here in the fall of the year, and the next season went back and brought his family, in an ox-team. Mr. Me Reynolds, it is likely, was the first to hold religious services in the county. which he did in Shell Rock, in the fall of 1856. Rev. Mr. Wilson was also at Shell Rock several times, at the house of brother Scott. Preaching was also done near the State line, at Gordonsville, and a class was formed, with Jacob Beighley as leader; also at Bear Lake and other places, where there was an opportunity. The very first in Albert Lea must have been at the house of George Ruble, near the saw-mill. Mr. Gates, with his family, attended in an ox-team. Mr. McReynolds was one year in the employ of the conference as a supply, which must have been the conference year of 1858. Thomas Kirkpatrick was the Presiding Elder. Classes were formed where it seemed to be feasible, at Bear Lake, Rice Lake, Glendale; and although there was a stated supply at Geneva, no class was organized there. In Albert Lea there was occasional preaching. Several more or less promising organizations were formed, but from various reasons they failed to be sustained. There was a kind of floating population; restive individuals, who would remain a certain time and then push on west. Regular supplies were started several times by the conference. Rev. Mr. Wat- sou, Rev. John Garner, and perhaps. one or two more. but the ground was either stony or was preoccupied.
---
One year, Mr. MeReynolds told the conference that if they would send a man who had no family, he would board him for a year without cost, and I. W. W. Wright was sent; but, after a time, find- ing his affinity, he got married, and went to keeping house. The young man soon preached the schoolhouse, where the meetings were held, empty. A few of the heads of families, as a mat- ter of duty, kept on attending, Init it terminated in a collapse of the Methodist interest here. It is told that on one occasion this ecclesiastical lumin- nary announced, among other things, that Abraham was the first one to proclaim that the
universe was governed by one God. But to the young man's credit, it should be stated that, hav- ing accepted what he considered a call to preach, he also had the good sense to stop preaching in obedience to a like mandate, which is sometimes all unheeded.
Late in the fifties a Sunday School was started; it was a umion school, patronized by all denomi- nations.
When Mr. McReynolds had finished his confer- ence work, he took charge of the school in the schoolhouse, and really made a good success of it.
When the Mothodist influence waned as above related, the Congregational predominated, and it finally became denominational and was at last merged into the Presbyterian, and is still in exis- tence, one of the largest and most flourishing in town.
Thus matters remainel until the year 1878, when the interest was revived and the church re- organized on a firm basis.
In February, 1878, Rev. Robert Fobes, of Waseca, who had been an agent of Hamline Uni- versity, but at that time had no charge, came down here to look over the situation, and he start- ed out in a business way; went and secured the use of the Court House, and then canvassed the the village for an audience; the result was he got a good hearing, and the next week he went around again drumming up delinquents. telling them to come round and listen to the best sermon they ever heard.
This went on for some time. He did preach good sermons, and at last came to the subject of a regular church organization, and one Sunday, invited those who would join, to rise, and sixteen responded to the invitation. Two weeks from that time was set for the regular organization. When the time came, about half of the number had weakened and the reverend gentlemen was a good deal cast down, and hesitated as to what he should do. He consulted Mr. J. H. Parker, who declined to advise either pro or con, but Mrs. Par- ker happened along while they were talking it over. Mr. Fobes asked her what he had better do? She replied: "If there is ever going to be a Meth- odist Church in Albert Lea, now is the time to start it; you came down for that purpose and yon better go on and organize Jim and I, if no- body else is present!" That settled it. The
382
HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY
church was duly organized with nine members. The list is mislaid, but from memory there were: Mr. J. H. Parker and his wife Mary J. Parker; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Tilton, C. B. Parkinson, Mr. J. W. Abbott, Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Bond, and Peter Nelson. Eddie Nelson had applied to join as a probationer before the church was formed.
While Rev. Robert Fobes was here the Sunday school that is still in existence, was started, and it has kept up to a good state of efficiency ever since.
In October. 1878, Rev. J. W. Klepper was as- signed here by the conference, and building oper- ations were soon commenced. A lot was purchas- ed at a cost of $100. about one third of its market value, and the church was built at a cost of $1,700. The business men and citizens generally, took hold and did what they could. The sum of $200 was borrowed from the church extension fund. and a like sum was also donated from that fund. Mr. Klepper remained two years, when Mr. Henry Frank was stationed here and still remains. He eame from Kansas in October 1881. He formerly resided in Chicago.
In October, 1881. Mr. Frank started an eight page four column illustrated paper, called the "Church Visitor," intending it for a speciel pur- pose and continued it up to July, 1882.
Mr. Frank is an advanced thinker, a good worker, and a remarkably fine speaker.
The Sunday school is in a good condition under Mr. J. H. Parker as superintendent, and has an enrollment of more than one hundred, and a large average attendance.
THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF ALNERT LEA .-- The first preaching with any sort of regularity in this place was by Rev. D. H. Palmer, in the school- house. This was before the war. Rev. Amory Gale. the very first State missionary, also held service here, and so much of an interest was man- ifested that it was resolved to organize a church. and after suitable preliminary meetings, a council of brethren convened ou the 29th of September for that purpose. Rev. Gilead Dodge was chosen Moderator, and Rev. D. H. Palmer, Clerk. The customary examination resulting satisfactorily, 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, Maggie E. Morin, Jolm Wood, Emeline A. Wood,
Renben C. Cady, Rodab Lowe, Alden G. Dong- lass, and Winnah Pride, with H. D). Palmer pastor of the church. On the following day Sister D. Stage was baptized and admitted to full fellow- ship.
At the organization the following services took place: Sermon by Rev. H. 1. Parker; hand of fel- lowship by Rev. A. L. Cole; prayer by Rev. Gilead Dodge; charge by Rev. E. L. Rugg; benediction by the pastor, Rev. D. H. Palmer.
In connection with these services. rich aud ap- propriate discourses were preached by Brothers Cole, Parker, Dodge, and Rugg.
It should be mentioned that the venerable mis- sionary, Rev. M. W. Hopkins, rendered invaluable aid to the society during the preliminary labors incident to the organization.
Elder Cornelius Smith was the next pastor, com- mencing his duties on the 1st of October, 1868.
After Elder Smith left, the church was for a time pastorless. Elder Weeden was invited to temporarily supply the pulpit.
The church was duly incorporated on the 13th of May, 1871. In October, 1873, Rev. Amos Weaver became pastor. In October, Rev. Norman F. Hoyt became pastor of the church, and remains still at his post.
On the 5th of February, 1874, the subject of building a church was vigorously taken in hand, the parsonage having been previously built. Services at this time were held in Masonic hall. It was rapidly pushed to completion, and dedicated on the 1st of November, 1874, at 10:30 A. M. Amory Weaver was the pastor. Several other ministers were present, among them Rev. S. F. Drew, R. B. Abbott, and' George Prescott. The cost of the structure was $3,585.56, and there was a debt upon the property of $2,300, which was reduced by contributions at that time by the sum of $856. The building is a rather severely plain gothic, 28x 50 feet, with sixteen foot posts, a recess 4x14 feet in the rear and a tower 10 feet square, with the spire reaching an altitude of 63 feet. The front has a tine large window-6x14 feet of stained glass. It is supplied with patent seats, is carpeted, and is really neat and tasty.
In 1876 this church was without a pastor, and the debt upon it was pressing heavily upon the few members who were struggling to preserve the altar they had erected with such self-sacrificing devotion, so, after much thought and consultation,
383
CITY OF ALBERT LEA.
it was resolved to make an appeal to the denomi- nation generally, for help. Implorations not un- like this have been sent east from every State in the Union, beginning with the Pilgrims-as they planted religious liberty on Plymouth Rock. This circular is printed, that coming generations may see how the early settlers adapted means to ends, and that while the injunction has always been to put religion into business, that here they did not hesitate to put business into religion.
AUSTIN, MINN,, March, 30, 1876.
DEAR BROTHER .- Freeborn County, in the Southern tier of counties, in this State, has a pop- ulation of over 13,000, and is constantly filling up. Its county seat is Albert Lea, a thrifty and important railroad center in a township of 1,900 inhabitants. The little Baptist Church there, of 27 members, mostly females, is in trouble. As one of the nearest Baptist Ministers, I have be- come deeply interested in the needy condition of this church. I know its members to be earnest and self-sacrificing. They are in danger of losing their neat house of worship, which was recently built, and for which they have worked so hard. After raising, in two years, over $2,500 for religi- ons purposes, they can do little more and are liable to lose all they have thus far gained. On a property, (including a parsonage, built some years ago ) valued at over $5,000, they owe about $1,800. The meeting house, costing $3,500, is completely finished and furnished-except an organ. The united testimony of the community is that the expenditure has been very economical, and without many favors received must have been greater. To-day this church is without a pastor or preacher, and burdoned with this debt. There are two other small native churches in the county accessible from Albert Lea, but without preach- ing, so that there is not a single Baptist Minister in the county to-day, excepting the Swedish. Re- move this dept and we can put a pastor in this field and he will find a good support. Let it drag Albert Lea Church down, and Baptist interests in that whole section suffer irreparable injury. Look at the map and see how important a point it is for us to hold. Its possibilities within ten or fifteen years are very great. Now, Baptists can raise this debt and not feel it. We ask of your whole church the specific sum of two dollars. How easy in a few moments to raise so small an amount and thus rescue this clinrch. The only
expense in this movement is the printing and sending this circular, so that every dollar you send goes directly to raise the debt. If you re- spond, the amount required will be raised. Per- haps your Sabbath school would like to own a share in one of God's houses out on these broad prairies. Will you, for the Master's sake, help to make this plan a success? If we had asked a hundred dollars, you might lay this appeal aside as useless, but surely the amount named is not a large one. If you treat this as a small matter and lay it aside unnoticed, of course the plan fails. They need help at once. Three are waiting baptism. Ground can now be occupied, that soon will be out of reach. Contributions may be sent to John Wood, or Mrs. M. E. Morin, Albert Lea, Freeborn County, Minn .; to Rev. W. W. Whitcomb, Owatonna, or to me. Yours fratern- ally.
C. D. BELDEN, Minister of the Baptist Church, Austin, Minn,
We, the advisory committee to the State Con- vention Board, from the Minnesota Central Associ- ation, of which body the Baptist Church at Albert Lea is a member, heartily endorse the above movement for the relief of that church, and wish complete success.
W. W. WHITCOMB, J. D). DENISON, C. D. BELDEN.
This paper was indorsed by the trustees of the Minnesota Baptist State Convention as certified to by A. A. Russsell, Secretary of the Board. It was quite extensively circulated and the result was contributions to the extent of about $500, which relieved their present necessities, and in October 1874, Rev. Norman F. Hoyt located here, and since that time the society has beem moving along in a prosperous way, and now has a good membership and a thriving Sunday school.
ROMAN CATHOLIC-THE CHURCH OF ST. THEO- DORE .- A beautiful brick church was erected in 1877, and dedicated ou the 9th of September. Bishop Irelan 1, Rev. P. Riordan, and Rev. Theo- dore Venn, were present and conducted the exer- cises, the Bishop preaching a sermon on the Rules of Faith. There are sixty families connected with this church. The pastor is Rev. James Fleming, who came in November, 1881. His predecessor was Rev. P. F. Dargnault, and before him was Rev. Theodore Venn. There are several mission
384
HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY.
churches in the county, with Albert Lea as the mother elarch. One of these is in Bath, oue in Newry, one at Twin Lakes, and another at Alden, which are supplied from here with services at regu- lar intervals. In the whole parish there are 210 families. The connection is with the St. Paul Diocese, under Bishop Grace.
The parochial residence was built in the sum- mer of 1882, at a cost of $1,950. The cost of the church was upward of $4,200, and it is without doubt the tinest and most durable edifice for church purposes in town.
THE FIRST UNIVERALIST SOCIETY OF ALBERT LEA .-- There had been religions services in the interest of this form of belief for some time, with more or less regularity, in the Court House, and on the 14th of May, 1870, pursuant to four weeks notice, a meeting was held for the purpose of or- ganizing. Wm. C. Pratt was chosen chairman, and Alonzo Brown was appointed secretary. On motion the meeting adjourned to the house of C. : R. Ransom.
Ou reassembling the Committee on Constitu- tion, which had been previously appointed, re- ported a Constitution and Articles of Faith, which were unanimously adopted. The document embraced twenty-one articles, including the Dec laration of Faith.
The following officers were elected: Moderator. C. R. Ransom; Clerk, E. C. Stacy: Collector and Treasurer, C. R. Ransom: Trustees, E. C. Stacy, A. Brown, and M. M. Luce.
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