History of Goodhue County, Minnesota, Part 46

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: Chicago, H.C. Cooper
Number of Pages: 1264

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HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY

GERMAN METHODISM.

The first missionary to work among the Germans in the United States was Dr. William Nast. The territory assigned to him was the whole state of Ohio, and his salary the first year was $100. The first society was organized in Cincinnati, Ohio, and had thirty members. among whom were many who became very influential in church work in later years. Mention might be made here of Rev. Henry Nuelsen, whose son, Rev. John L. Nuelsen, D. D., was the first German to be elected a bishop of the Metho- dist church. He was elected bishop by the General Conference in May. 1908. The field of labor among the Germans was so large and promising that other missionaries were sent out, and soon societies were organized throughout the state of Ohio, and, follow- ing the course of immigration westward, it has expanded, till now German Methodism comprises ten general conferences, with 605 preachers and 63,500 communicants.

It was about fifty-five years ago that large numbers of Ger- mans came to Minnesota in search of new homes. As there were no railroads. the majority of them settled along the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers. The pioneer preachers followed them, to preach to them the Gospel, to minister to their spiritual needs and to organize them into societies. The first preacher in Minne- sota was Jacob Haas, who, in the fall of 1850, was sent to St. Paul, and organized the first German Methodist Society in Minne- sota, and built a small church. The first presiding elder was Rev. John Plank. a resident of the state of Iowa, who made a journey of four hundred miles to St. Paul and vicinity to hold communion services and quarterly conferences.

Societies were organized in Minnesota before the German work became a separate branch of the Methodist church. The first preachers were members of the Upper Iowa Conference, and were organizers of some of our most prosperous societies. The work grew rapidly, and societies were formed at Winona, Red Wing, St. Paul. Stillwater, Salem, St. Anthony (now Minneapolis), Jordan, Le Suer. New Ulm, etc. It soon became evident that the work could be carried on more effectually if it were under German supervision. The General Conference therefore, in 1864, organized German conferences. The societies in Minnesota, Wisconsin, northern Iowa, and northern Illinois, including Chicago, formed the North- west German Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Eight years later a division was made, and Wisconsin and the Chicago district were organized as the Chicago German Confer- ence. Sixteen years later another division of the Northwest German Conference was advisable. The southern part retained the old name, while the northern part was organized as the

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Northern German Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

In 1855 the Red Wing society was organized, with Rev. Gustav Zollman as pastor and Gottlieb Ziebrasse as local preacher, and the following persons as members: A. Koch, Fredrich and Mary Koch, William and Katherine Koch, Margeretta Koch, Lena Hoff- man, Otto Kaschube and Katherina, his wife; Henry Banze, Fred- erich and William Siebrasse. Margeretta Siebrasse. Anna M. Sie- brasse, Herman Kalterjohn, Gottlieb Post, Anna Post, Conrad Singenstrue, Charles Ahlers, Sr .. Louise Ahlers, and Charles Ahlers. Jr.

After the organization of the society, and until the erection of a house of worship, their meetings were held at the residence of A. Koch. In the summer of 1856 the Red Wing town proprie- tors donated the society a lot for a church building at the corner of West avenue and Seventh street. This society has the distine- tion of erecting the first church building in the village of Red Wing. a small frame structure 24 x 36 feet, which cost $400. The church was dedicated in November, 1856, by the presiding elder, Rev. H. Roth. For many years this building served as a place of worship. It was finally sold to M. B. Lewis, who moved it up the hill to Sturtevant street, where it still stands as one of the old landmarks of Red Wing. The society then erected a new build- ing at a cost of $2,500, which was dedicated in 1892. and, with some improvements made later, is still the place of worship of the society today.

A parsonage had also been built on the church lot. This was remodeled in 1902, to a large and roomy house, at a cost of $1,000.

Besides the above described property in Red Wing, there is also a large church at Hay Creek and one at Belvidere. The statistics not being at hand, we cannot give the details as to time and cost of erection. These two churches now form a part of the Red Wing circuit, and have promising congregations. For a time services were also held in Cannon Falls and Minneola, and these places, together with Belvidere, formed a separate circuit, with the pastor resident at Belvidere. Cannon Falls and Minneola, however, have been dropped, and Belvidere was restored to the Red Wing circuit.

The following are the pastors, in succession, since 1855: G. Zollman. 1855-56; Philipp Funk, 1856-58; H. Kolbe, 1858-59 : C. Hollman, 1859-61; J. G. Speekman, 1861-63; A. Lamprecht, 1863-65; HI. Boetcher. 1865-67; II. Schnittker, 1867-70; C. Holl- man. 1870-72; G. IToerger, 1872-75; Adam Mueller, 1875-76; George Hartung, 1876-79; William Schriener. 1879-82: C. F. Stroeter. 1882-84; J. C. Jahn, 1884-86; George Hartung, 1886-87 : G. Raihle, 1887-89: H. Ziegler, 1889-91; A. Biebighanser. 1891-94;

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HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY

Jacob Durbahn. 1894-99; E. J. Funk, 1899-1900; C. H. Sauter, 1900-01; Anton Peik, 1902-04; H. J. Hobert, 1904-06; W. H. Miller, 1906-07 ; W. F. Koerner, 1907.

Sabbath schools are maintained at all three churches. The superintendent in Red Wing is Peter Tubbesing; in Hay Creek, Edward Meyer, and in Belvidere, Clans Fitsehen.

Rev. William F. Koerner, who has pastoral charge of the German Methodist Episcopal churches at Red Wing, Belvidere and Hay ('reek. is a native of Nora Spring, Iowa, born February 4, 1872, son of William and Mary (Vennekolt) Koerner, the former born in Germany and the latter in America of German parents. The father received his education in Germany and upon coming to this country located in Freeport, Ill. In 1870 he en- tered the Northwest Conference as a clergyman of the Methodist Episcopal denomination, and has since continued in ministerial duties. His present location is at Reinbeck, Iowa, where he is pastor of a large church. William F. attended the public schools of Iowa. and graduated from the Charles City College, Charles City, Iowa. in 1894. In 1901 he entered the ministry and was stationed successively at Dows, lowa; Schaller, Iowa. and Mason City, Jowa. after which he returned to the Charles City College and took a post-graduate course. For two years he occupied a pastorate at St. Paul and in 1906 took up his present duties in this county. being a member of the Northern German confer- ence. St. Paul district. Rev. Koerner is a Republican in politics. He was married July 10. 1901, at Charles City. Iowa. to Pauline Mathews, daughter of Christopher and Elizabeth (Young) Math- Pws. The father, who was a shoe dealer. died October 29, 1908. To Rev. and Mrs. Koerner has been born one son. Allan M .. No- veniber 26. 1905.

SWEDISH METHODIST.

The Swedish Methodists have three churches in the county. at Vasa. Red Wing and Goodhne.

The Vasa Congregation was organized in 1860. when some Methodists from Sugar Grove. Pa .. immigrated there. The organi- zation consisted of twelve persons. In 1862 a church was erected. which in 1885 was replaced by a new and better one. The first minister was N. S. Ahlstrom. Ile remained there from 1859 to 1862. and was succeeded by P. Long. P. M. Johnson. C. F. Lind- quist. P. M. Johnson, B. Borgeson. A. Olson, J. A. Johnson. C. C. Forsberg and C. F. Graner. In 1883 Vasa was visited by J. A. Palmquist, pastor in Red Wing: later by C. J. Peterson, 1884-86 ; C. G. Johnson. 1886-91: A. J. Forsberg. 1891-93; C. M. Holmberg. 1893-98: J. A. Palmquist. 1898-99: Olf Nelson. 1899-1901: K.

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Selin, 1901-03; O. W. Ostrom, 1903-04; C. M. Holmberg, 1904-06. In 1906 Vasa was connected with Red Wing, and L. G. Edgren became pastor, residing in Red Wing.

The Goodhue Congregation was organized in 1868, when some members from Massachusetts immigrated there. The first mem- bers were Gustaf Newman and his wife, John A. Peterson, Anna Peterson, Daniel Larson and Kathrine Larson. In 1877 a church was erected a mile and a half northwest of Goodhue. It has been in connection with Vasa until recent years.

Red Wing Congregation. The first Swedish Methodist minis- ter that preached in Red Wing was C. F. Lindquist, in August, 1859. Later, preachers from Vasa visited Red Wing and preached in a little chapel, which was built in 1870 on a lot belonging to (. F. Lindquist. A congregation was organized September 15, 1873, and the little chapel was used as a church until 1877, when a church was erected on the corner of East avenue and Seventh street, where it is at present standing. The following ministers have served this congregation : . A. J. Wicklund, L. Dahlgren, J. A. Johnson, C. G. Nelson, O. J. Stead, C. G. Forsberg, C. Nord, J. A. Palmquist, A. A. Dahlberg, J. O. Alven. C. J. Melberg, J. A. Palmquist, J. W. Swenson, E. A. Wahlquist, and L. G. Edgren, the present pastor, who came here in 1906, and remains here when this is written.

ROMAN CATHOLIC.

The missionary spirit bequeathed the world, when the Savior sent the Apostles to teach all nations what He had taught them, first manifested itself in these regions in the summer of 1860. It was then that Father Hennepin. of the great Franciscan Order, passed np Lake Pepin and the Mississippi river to the falls which he named in honor of his patron, St. Anthony of Padna.

More directly connected with our immediate vicinity is the arrival of the Jesuit missionaries, Fathers Gnignas and DeGonor, with a French exploring and trading expedition in 1727. The French authorities were seeking a location for a fort to protect their interests, suitable for carrying on trade with the Indians. The site of the Villa Maria. near Frontenac. seemed ideal. and thereon was erected Fort Beauharnois. A log chapel for the missionaries was built, and dedicated to St. Michael the Arch- angel, being the first Christian temple in this vast northwestern region. For a time the expectations were realized. An extensive trade in furs and Indian produets was carried on. Priests minis- tered to the soldiers and traders, and reached, as best they could, the Indians who came to the post.

The political changes at that period, in the old world as well as in the new, made progress in evangelizing the natives slow and

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difficult. Soon the work had entirely ceased. Strife amongst the rival claimants to the new world engaged the minds and energies of men. The struggle for existence in the colonies developed strength of character, and the increasing number of inhabitants fostered the natural desire for independent nationhood, just as the passing from childhood and adolescence begets a desire for the rearing of new families. Thus came about the birth of the new republic and the severing of political ties with all outside powers. that brought out in youthful vigor and aspirations the United States of America.

The extensive territory of the then Northwest offered golden opportunities to those seeking temporal gain, and an abundant spiritual harvest for those whose life's work was to bring the Gospel of Peace and the saving means of Grace to roving inhabi- tants of this vast section. The opening of the nineteenth century turned the eyes of the nation to the upper Mississippi valley. President Jefferson, in 1805, sent Lieutenant Pike with a few sol- diers, who prepared the way for founding Fort Snelling, in 1819. This gave greater security to the adventurous, who felt a strong attraction for the good things offered. Canadians, owing to drought and grasshoppers, drifted south from the Selkirk colony in Manitoba. Thus a twofold tide of immigration set in towards Minnesota, centering around Fort Snelling and St. Paul.

In July. 1839. Bishop Loras, of Dubuque, accompanied by Father Pelamorgues, came up Lake Pepin and the Mississippi river. and found a large number of Catholics in St. Paul and the surrounding country. The bishop was enthusiastically received, and arrangements were at once made for building a church. The need of a priest who could speak the French, English and Sioux languages was imperative, and in the - following year Father Galtier arrived to take charge.

Rev. A. Ravoux, a young French priest. was commissioned by Bishop Loras, of Dubuque, in 1841, to visit the Sioux in Minne- sota. Accordingly. Father Ravoux entered upon his heroic mis- sion of converting the Sioux of Lac qui Parle and Chaska. He returned to the vicinity of Mendota and St. Paul to relieve Father Galtier, while the latter was making a missionary tour among the scattered Catholies along Lake Pepin and the Chippewa river. Father Ravoux called at Red Wing on the fifth of April, 1843, when traveling afoot to Dubuque.

The great influx of Europeans, dissatisfied with conditions in their native land, made necessary the formation of the diocese of Milwaukee in 1843, and of St. Paul in 1850. The Rt. Rev. Joseph Cretin, D. D., was the first bishop of St. Paul, the erection of which diocese was proposed to the Apostolic See by the Fathers of the Seventh Provincial Council of Baltimore, in 1849. Several

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HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY

priests were ordained by Bishop Cretin, and administered to the faithful dispersed throughout the diocese. Priests from St. Paul and Hastings occasionally visited Red Wing, reading mass at the home of Thomas Taylor till 1859. It was at this time that Minne- sota was admitted to statehood.

In 1858 Rev. Felix Tissot was given charge of the Catholics living in Wabasha and Goodhue counties, with residence in Wabasha. From the latter village the youthful missionary began regular trips through his extensive parish. The baptismal rec- ords in Wabasha bear witness of a goodly number of Catholics in Goodhue county at that time. On his visit to Red Wing, January 12, 1859, two children were baptized by Father Tissot.

The Rt. Rev. Thomas L. Grace was appointed successor of Bishop Cretin in 1859. The opening of government land for set- tlers then attracted a large number of Catholics from the older states. The glowing accounts sent to Germany and Ireland by Catholics who first came induced others to follow. In eonse- quence, Father Tissot's labors seem to have materially increased in 1860 throughout the county. The number of the faithful became too large in Red Wing for services in private houses. Lots five and six, at the corner of Fifth and Park streets, now occupied by St. Joseph's school, were secured, and organization of the parish was begun. Arrangements to build a suitable church were made during the periodical visits of Father Tissot. On April 14, 1860, he baptized three in Red Wing, and on the 25th two more. On the 26th, he baptized one in Cherry Grove, return- ing to Red Wing on the 27th to baptize another. On July 6, 1860, we find an account of his visit to Pine Island, where he adminis- tered the sacrament of baptism to twelve, whose plighted vows were faithfully observed by the Martins, Kennedys, Doyles, Gor- mans and Keanes, the pioneers of the church in that section. In Belle Creek he placed an O'Reilly upon his record, July 10. The same day saw four added to the church in Hay Creek. Frontenac furnished three in December. Koch, Miller and Schlundt. Father Tissot, in 1861, continued to make the same rounds through the county. On April 13, 1862, Red Wing gave evidence of the need of a place of worship, when eleven were presented for enrollment as Christians.

The following interesting statisties from the records at Wabasha present to our view the busy life of this early mission- ary: May 1. baptized at Red Wing, 1; May 13, baptized at Pine Island, 4: May 14, baptized at Cherry Grove, 2; May 15. baptized at Belle Creek. 2; May 16, baptized at Red Wing, 1; May 17, was at Wabasha. Upon his visit to Red Wing, in June, that town redeemed itself by having five for him. On his visits, which seem to have become monthly, he labored among the evidently inereas-

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ing number of Catholies by administering not only the saerament of baptism, but all the other sacraments as well, save holy orders and confirmation. July 11, 1865, being Trinity Sunday, was indeed a red-letter day for the Catholics of Red Wing. Upon that occasion the Rt. Rev. Thomas L. Grace. assisted by Rev. L. Cailliet and Father Tissot, dedicated their new church, placing it under the patronage of St. Joseph. The right reverend bishop adminis- tered confirmation to a class of fifty-five.

The rapid increase of the Catholic population rendered it impossible for Father Tissot to attend to the spiritual needs of both counties. The Rev. Chr. Joseph Knauf was appointed by Bishop Grace as pastor of Goodhne county, with residence at Red Wing. Father Knauf. with Red Wing as a center, took up the rounds to Belle Creek, Cherry Grove and Belvidere. The number of Catholics increasing with the flow of immigration, Father Stariha. now bishop of Lead, S. D., succeeded Father Knauf in June. 1872, as pastor of Red Wing and its adjoining missions. Father Stariha erected a school building in the following year, and secured as teachers three zealous School Sisters of Notre Dame, from Milwaukee. Sister Bathildis, acting as superioress. remained at St. Joseph's until 1892.

The missions in charge of Father Stariha were now too large to admit of his attending them; accordingly, Revs. C. Walter, A. Holzer and J. Meier were assigned as assistant priests. About this time a munber of Catholic churches were erected throughout Goodhue county. At Belvidere and Cherry Grove stone structures were built. The Belle Creek Catholic church was erected in 1860. In 1877. the frame building of St. Joseph's church at Red Wing having grown too small, was replaced by the present stone struc- ture at the corner of Sixth and Park streets. Upon the removal of the parish to the new church. the old structure was annexed to the school building, to furnish better accommodations for the sisters and school children.

During the year 1878 Rev. W. T. Roy was assigned as resident pastor of Belle Creek, with missions at Cannon Falls and Cherry Grove. In the same year Rev. John Meier, assistant to Father Stariha, was assigned as resident pastor at Belvidere. Father Stariha, relieved of the care of the missions, retained charge in Red Wing until January, 1884, when he was called by Archbishop Ireland to organize the parish of St. Francis, in the city of St. Paul. He was consecrated first bishop of Lead, S. D., in 1902. but, broken down in health, he resigned in 1909, and returned to Austria.

Rev. John Meier assumed charge of the Red Wing parish upon the transfer of Father Stariha, and remained until August, 1885. The old parsonage built by Father Knauf, and located on the

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school lot, being at too great a distance, Father Meier erected a new parochial residence adjoining the church. Shortly after this he was promoted to St. Joseph's church, Winona. He was suc- reeded by the Rev. W. M. Stulz. who exercised pastoral care until 1889., Father Stulz was then given charge of the large church of St. Mark, Shakopee. Rev. I. Linberg followed for a short time as pastor of St. Joseph's. Red Wing. Rev. George Pax was next placed over this parish. and acted as pastor until September, 1890. when he was transferred to the larger and more important parish of Sleepy Eye. September 27, 1890, Rev. James H. Gaughan was transferred from St. Mary's church, Shakopee, to St. Joseph's church, Red Wing.

Intimately connected with the church is the school and canse of education. Centuries ago, in compliance with the Savior's mandate to teach all nations, the Apostles set out to rude and illiterate peoples, and by the sweet influence of the Gospel, won them to Christ. so that their hitherto unbridled passions were brought into submission to the Christian law. Schools were estab- lished as soon as practicable to train and develop the mind and heart. . There grew up in every Christian land monasteries and convents that were schools and colleges for training the young in letters and Christian virtue. Father Stariha and the people of St. Joseph's parish realized the need of that auxiliary for the little ones committed to their charge. Having erected the portion of the present St. Joseph's school building. facing Park street, for a convent and two school rooms, Sister M. Bathildis and two sis- ters were secured from the mother house of the great teaching order. the School Sisters of Notre Dame. Milwaukee. Wis.

November 4, 1873, the school was formally opened after sol- emn high mass by the pastor. Rev. J. N. Stariha. assisted by a deacon and sub-deacon, and an appropriate sermon by Rev. James Trobee, of Wabasha, now bishop of St. Cloud. Ninety pupils were at onee enrolled. On the completion of the new church, on Sixth and Park streets, the old church building was converted into an addition to the school, and a third schoolroom was fitted up and opened in 1878. In 1884 a special music teacher was required, and Sister M. Hildegard took charge. The work has since then been ably carried on by Sister M. Prudence, Sister M. Euthemia, Sister M. Edgar and Sister M. Illidia. The careful and judicious training given by the sisters has done much to develop the musi- cal talent of Red Wing's youth, and contributed not a little to the reputation enjoyed by the ladies of Red Wing for their ability to appreciate good music, and on occasions to delight others by their cultivated talents. Painting, decorating and needlework receive special attention, instruction in the latter being given to all the girls.

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For eighteen years Sister M. Bathildis, so well known for her success as a teacher and rare skill in needlework, directed the schools. She was succeeded by Sister M. Capistran in 1891, Sister M. Edwardine in 1895, and Sister M. Ignatia in 1898, all cultured and brilliant women, who, with an able corps of assistants, have carried on the arduous work of training the youth of the parish. Owing to the generosity of Mrs. Anna M. Busch, the large brick residence so long the home of the Frederick Busch family, on Seventh street, was given in 1908 for the use of the sisters, and fitted up as a convent. At the same time, to accommodate the increasing number of children, a fourth room was equipped, and 140 pupils enrolled. The sisters teach German and the eight usual common-school grades, preparing the children for high-school work. They endeavor also to give specific training in Christian life, that prepares for useful citizenship ; to "render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." The present community of sisters (1909) consists of Sister M. Ignatia, superioress, Sister M. Bellina, Sister M. Mildgintha, Sis- ter M. Illidia, Sister M. Amica, Sister M. Cuthburga, and Sister MI. Alonza. The munificent gift of the Fred Busch homestead on Seventh street for school purposes opens up a still more propitious future. Arrangements are under way for the erection, next to the convent, of a $20,000 school building, with all modern con- veniences, thus adding another gem to the crown of educational institutions of Red Wing.

Belle Creek and Goodhue. As a mission in Red Wing, Belle Creek flourished with the surrounding country. The great tem- perance, or total abstinence, movement inaugurated in Minnesota by Father Ireland, now archbishop of St. Paul, was early and earnestly taken up by Belle Creek parish. Fidelity to the cause of Father Mathew has made the name of Belle Creek prominent at every Catholic total abstinence state convention. Even when general apathy threatened abandonment of organized effort, the delegates from St. Columbkill's parish were in the forefront to carry on this battle against the demon Drink. The power of per- sistent and unrelenting opposition to intemperance by the pio- neer members of the Total Abstinence Society has shown itself in the rising generation's temperate and edifying lives. The flour- ishing community requiring greater attention than could be ren- dered by the pastor of Red Wing, Rev. W. T. Roy was appointed first resident pastor in 1878, with Cannon Falls and Cherry Grove as missions.

Rev. James O'Reilly, Rev. Hugh MeDevit and Father Ansbro followed, until 1886, when Rev. Robert Fitzgerald took charge, and beside the two missions above, visited Zumbrota, holding

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services in the home of Leo Shafer. During Father Fitzgerald's pastorate was erected the imposing brick church whose lofty spire can be seen for miles.

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History of Goodhue County, Minnesota, Part 46

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn Publication date: 1909 Publisher: Chicago, H.C. Cooper Number of Pages: 1264

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: Chicago, H.C. Cooper
Number of Pages: 1264