History of Rice County, including explorers and pioneers of Minnesota and outline history of the state of Minnesota, Part 63

Author: Neill, Edward D. (Edward Duffield), 1823-1893. 1n; Bryant, Charles S., 1808-1885. cn
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Minneapolis : Minnesota Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 626

USA > Minnesota > Rice County > History of Rice County, including explorers and pioneers of Minnesota and outline history of the state of Minnesota > Part 63

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The two churches moved along in an uneventful way until 1874, when the old organizations were discarded and the members merged into a new so- ciety and church with the name at the head of this sketch. There is now a membership of 275, and without doubt this church has been, and still is one of considerable influence in the community, as its leading members are also leading public spirited men in the city and county.

As to the pastors of this church, the first, as above mentioned, was Rev. L. Armsby, whose place was held by the first church until his return from the army, covering about ten years. Then came E. Gail, whose services were seven years; J. W. Strong and E. M. Williams, who was installed on the 11th of October, 1871. Rev. Mr. Chapin was next, and following were, Dr. Perrot, T. C. Gardiner, Mr. Wilkie, T. C. Northcott, and E. Gail again, the present pastor. Up to the time of the organization, from the period of the seperation, of course some two of the ministers were here at the same time. When they united, the original church had 150 members, and Plymouth had 135. The church was largely made up of New England people, who have always assisted in building other churches.

BAPTIST CHURCH .- The movement for the or- ganization of this church was commenced in June, 1856, by the following persons: Mr. and Mrs. M. Cole, E. Q. Rising and wife, J. L. Smallidge and wife, L. A. Fish and wife, D. Haskins and wife, Mrs. A. Van Brunt, Mrs. Emily A. Howe, and Mr. E. Darling. The organization was publicly effect- ed on the 7th of September, 1856, delegates being present from Prescott, Owatonna, Hastings, Minne- apolis, and St. Paul. The clergymen who partici- pated were the Revs. T. B. Rogers, of Prescott, Iowa; T. R. Cressey, of Cannon City ; Rev. Towne, of Owatonna; Rev. E. W. Cressey, of Hastings; Rev. D. S. Deane, and M. Bailey, of Illinois. The first officers elected were: Trustees, Davis Haskins, M. Cole, E. Q. Rising, J. B. Cooper, and G. G. Howe; clerk, L. A. Fish; treasurer, E. Q. Rising; dea- cons, Davis Haskins and E. Q. Rising. Since or- ganization the church has had 300 different mem- bers, the present membership being about 115. There has been eleven deaths of members.

The church has had eleven pastors, in order as follows: Rev. T. R. Cressey, Rev. H. C. Haven, Rev. T. S. Nize, Rev. Charles Swift, Rev. T. R. Peters, Rev. W. L. Sanders, Rev. R. F. Gray, Rev.

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HISTORY OF RICE COUNTY.

C. J. B. Jackson, Rev. S. S. Utter, and Rev E. C. Sanders.

After organization the congregation met for some time in Phelp's Hall, subsequently, in 1857, Metropolitan Hall was rented for three years .. The resolution to build a church edifice was adopted in May, 1857, but owing to various hindrances the building was not erected until May, 1862, being dedicated to the worship of God on the 4th of February, 1863. Three of the brethren purchased the lots on which the church stands, for the society, personally assuming the obligation. When the erection of a church was decided upon the society raised $900 and concluded to go on and build to the extent of their finances. Geo. W. Tower offered them all the timber they wanted, and their funds were expended long before the building was covered. A committee appointed for a 4th of July celebration offered them the proceeds of a dinner to be served upon the occasion, if they would undertake the labor. The offer was ac- cepted and the ladies of Faribault provided the food, netting $300 towards the church.

On the 28th of December, 1881, the church cele- brated the 25th anniversary of organization, and the Faribault Republican says in commenting upon it, "The first settlers of our city, who were largely of New England origin, brought with them the attachment to schools and churches that has ever characterized the descendants of the Puri- tants, wherever transplanted. It is not surprising therefore, that, as early as 1854, only a single year after the colonists had reared the first log cabins on the town plat, initiatory steps were taken for the organization of churches, the Baptist element being among the first in the field." The church is a comfortable frame structure situated on the corner of Fifth and Maple streets.

FREE WILL BAPTIST .- A church was organized on the 8th of April, 1858, Elder Smith, of Wasioja, Dodge county, officiating. Rev. D. O. Hink was the preacher and meetings were held in the school room with more or less regularity for some time.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL .-- The first class was or- ganized in the summer of 1855, by Rev. T. M. Kirkpatrick, in the house of Mr. Truman Nutting This minister was appointed to the Cannon River mission by the Wisconsin Conference. The class mentioned was composed of the following persons; Truman Nutting and wife, Morgan Noble and wife, J. M. White, E. J. Crump, and H. T. Raw-

son. Soon after, Rev. T. M. Kirkpatrick was ap- pointed presiding elder of the district and Dr. J. L. Scofield was employed to supply the Cannon River mission The Minnesota Conference was created by the general conference of 1856, and met at Red Wing in August of that year, when Rev. Mr. Jennison was transferred from Iowa and appointed to Faribault. He remained in Faribault six weeks, when, from some cause unknown he re- signed the charge and returned to Iowa. Rev. Wm. Mckinley next took charge of the society. During this time meetings were held in Crump's Hall, and that was continued as their "meeting-house" until they built a church.

Rev. Kirkpatrick preached his first sermon in the office or bar-room of Nutting's hotel, to a respect- able audience, among whom was . Gen. James Shields. The first quarterly meeting for Faribault was held in Crump's Hall, in November, 1856, and was organized by Rev. Mr. Mckinley. The latter gentleman says that when he arrived at the place of meeting, at the hour set, he found three boys performing on fiddles, who, upon being asked if they knew anything of the quarterly conference that was to be held, replied, "Nixie Jim!" Not- withstanding this discouraging reply the quar- terly meeting was held, by going to the houses and "drumming up" the members.

The society built a church in 1860, and in No- vember of that year dedicated it to the worship of God, and although small, gave the society.

"A local habitation and a name."

The lot for the church was donated to the society by Gen. James Shields.

The order of ministers to officiate here has been as follows: Revs. T. M. Kirkpatrick, William Mckinley, J. H. White, Thomas Day, J. O. Rich, W. H. St. Claire, C. G. Bowdish, E. R. Lathrop, J. M. Rogers, Ezra Tucker, I. H. Reddick, David Tice, J. F. Chaffee, E. R. Lathrop, A. B. Bishop, Robert Forbes, and in the fall of 1881, Rev. Chas. N. Stowers accepted a call to the charge and is the present minister. The present membership is about 110.

The building first erected by the church was used until 1875, when the present neat edifice was erected. It was not completed, however, until 1881, the cost heing about $12,000. It is of brick and is located on Third Street, a block below the Court House.

GERMAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH .- This

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CITY OF FARIBAULT.

congregation was organized on the 23d of No- vember, 1868. The earliest meetings were held in Mr. Klemer's house by Rev. Felix Funk. Serv- ices were held over the store of Charles Degens for several years. In 1870, the church was built, at a cost of $3,578. There is a parsonage in the rear of the church. The first trustees were Rev. F. Funk, F. Deters, Jacob Roth, and C. H. Klemer. There are now 110 members. The church edifice is located on Third between Maple and Cherry streets.

The first quarterly conference was held in 1869, in Degens' Hall; Rev. F. Kopf was the presiding elder. F. W. Buckholz was the minister in charge. Rev. George Hartung is the present pastor.

NORWEGIAN LUTHERAN CHURCH .- An organiza- tion was effected in 1869, the first services being held in Metropolitan Hall. Rev. Mr. Quemmen was an early preacher. In 1876, the Congrega- tionalist society having built a new church, the old one was sold to this society for $2,250. Its location is on Third street nearly opposite the engine house. At that time it had thirty mem- bers. now it has 100. The officers of the church are: Trustees, Ole Peterson, J. Madsen, and N. Torkelson; treasurer, A. K. Brandvold; secretary, L. Torvson.

ZION CHURCH OF THE EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION OF NORTH AMERICA .- Was organized in 1879 with forty-three members. The first services in this in- terest were held in private houses by Rev. J. Blank and Rev. W. C. Lydow for about six mouths prior to the organization. The church was soon erected, at a cost of about $2,500, on the corner of Cedar and Sixth streets. There are now about sixty-two members. The following Reverend gentlemen have been the ministers here: W. C. Lydow, George Husser, L. Van Wald, and George Staeth, the present pastor.

ROMAN CATHOLIC: THE CHURCH OF THE IMMAC- ULATE CONCEPTION. This is sometimes called the " Irish Catholic," on account of the prevailing na- tionality of the worshipers there. Father Ra- vonx and Father Francis held mass in Mr. Fari- hault's honse at an early period of the settlement of the town. In 1856, a little frame building was put up for a church, in which missionaries had service. In the fall of 1857, this was burned, and in the spring of 1858, the building now in use was started. Services were held there before its com-

pletion, which was not for some years. It is on the corner of Maple and Front streets. Father Genis was here when it was finally completed.

The first stationed priest was Father Keller, who remained about ten years; Father Rivelle came next, and remained about two years; then Father Cheney, and after him was Father Genis, who still remains. There is a most excellent house of wor- ship. Land was given for this church by Alex- ander Faribault, by Norbert Paquin, and General James Shields, two men of French and one of Irish descent. The predominating influence at first was strongly French, but after a time the Irish mem- bership became the larger, and the French mem- bers gave up their share of the church property and went by themselves.

CHURCH OF THE SACRED HEART .- Or, as it is called the " French Catholic Church." The first separate services were held in April, 1877, by Rev. Father A. Payett, of St. Paul, services being held in the old church. A building was soon com- menced by contract for $4,743. At the time of the separation there were 140 families in this di- vision. The cost of the structure up to this time is $10,000, and there are now abont 150 families worshiping here.

In 1880, a parsonage was commenced, and com- pleted in 1882, at a cost of $1,200. The church is on the corner of Sixth and Cherry streets, and the parsonage is near. The priests since Father Payett have been, Father Joseph Leonard, and the preseut priest, Father John Van Leent.

GERMAN ST. LAWRENCE -CATHOLIC .- This de- nomination was for a number of years merged with the Irish Catholic, or Church of the Immacu- late Conception. In 1869, this class withdrew from the above-named society, and on September 19th of that year, effected an organization. The first mass was said on that date by Father Keller, in the building now used for a blacksmith shop on Fourth street, to an andience of about thirty- five families. The building was purchased of Mr. Lange, and this was used until their church edi- fice was erected in 1876, on the corner of Chest- nut and Eighth streets, at a cost of $5,400. Their pastors have been the following: Fathers Keller, Chaffee, Beaumann, Stecker, Sewazkey, Lette, and Father Van Leent, the present priest. The pres- ent officers are: Father Van Leent, President; E. Kaul, Secretary; Adam Weyer, Treasurer. A neat and substantial parsonage was erected in 1876, at a cost of $1,000.

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HISTORY OF RICE COUNTY.

This society is upon almost as substantial foot- ing as any religious denomination in the city, and has a good membership.

PAROCHIAL SCHOOL OF THE IMMACULATE CON- CEPTION .- This was cammenced at an early day, on the coming of the Sisters of the Order of St. Dominie. At first the school was in the basement of the church, but there is now a large, two-story stone building, and the school has an attendance of 250 pupils, who are taught by four of the Sis- ters. It is near the church. Scholars taking a course of music are instructed in the Bethlehem Academy, which is situated near the school.

BETHLEHEM ACADEMY .- This institution, a branch of the St. Clara Academy, Sinsinawa Mound, Wisconsin, one of the leading educational institutions of the Northwest, is now prepared to offer to the public every educational advantage. A new and commodious Academy, furnished with all modern improvements, has lately been erected on a pleasant and commanding point in the south- ern part of the city. The higher branches, draw- ing, music, painting, the languages, etc., are taught. At the present time there are about fifty children in the institution. The school is held from September to June in each year, and it is a regular boarding school where each one com- mitted to its charge receives a kind and fostering care.

As to its early history, the Sisters came here in August, 1865, and at first were located in a small building near the Straight River, which was pur- chased of Maj. Fowler, There they got together from twenty to twenty-five day scholars, and taught a parochial school in the basement of the church. In 1869, they removed to a frame building in the rear of the church. In 1875, the building now in use was commenced. The intention is to have the school incorporated under the laws of the State, and to regularly graduate those who suc- cessfully pass through the curriculum. The Lady Superior in charge is Sister Gertrude.

PARISH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD-THE PROTES- TANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH .- This church through its schools, the Cathedral, the presence of the Bishop of Minnesota, whose residence is here, has a pronounced influence on the city in many re- spects, aside from its moral and religious power. The Divinity School, the Shattuck School, and the St. Mary's Hall, may be considered a part of the Episcopal Church which thus has tendrils

entwining hearts scattered over a wide region. It is impossible that such educational influences thrown around so many youthful minds during the years of yielding susceptibility, should not be continually held by those ties, which are so far from being fetters; and then the action and re-ac- tion which a coming to maturity involves, intensi- fies, and consolidates this influence, and helps to sustain the parent truuk. The Episcopal Church here is a nucleus, which, viewed in a cur- sory way, may not display its full value, but its effects are far-reaching, and its worth in the direc- tion of its peculiar usefulness is not to be easily estimated or comprehended.

This church has the confidence and esteem of the whole community, and Bishop Whipple and his co-laborers have wide reputations as philanthropic religious teachers, and as Christian citizens. The membership of the church is large, among so many churches of other denominations, amount- ing to 300 communicants.

The initial service of this church was in Fari- bault on the 30th of June, 1855, Trinity Sunday, at 10:30 A. M., and at 3 o'clock. A child of Mr. Crump was baptized. The next was on Sunday, September 9th, 1855, and again on the 15th of December. In the meantime Rev. T. Wilcoxson, who was the pioneer missionary, had held services in Northfield and other places not far away. On the 29th of September, in connection with Bishop Kemper of Wisconsin, services were held in the Congregational church here.

The history of the early struggles of this church is a counterpart of what occurred with so many others all through the country when it was filling up with men with such diversified views. As near as can be gathered the first continued service in the Episcopal form was by the Rev. J. Lloyd Breck and Rev. A. S. W. Manney, who came after Breck, who were two devoted missionaries, clear headed, and large hearted. They had a vision of the future requirements of this community, which was prophetic, and they set themselves at work with a zeal that knew no flagging, and an intelligent de- votion that laid a foundation for the success that has followed, and that is so largely indebted to their patriotic christianity. The commencement was in 1857, meetings were held in all eligible points that could be reached by these unwearied missionaries of the Cross. Mr. Breck was from Pennsylvania. Rev. David P. Sanford came as an

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CITY OF FARIBAULT.

associate in the work in 1858. Faribault was selected as the permanent missionary station, and incursions and excursions were, in the true evan- gelical spirit, made in all directions for many miles.

The services here were at first in a store where Major Fowler afterwards kept. After a few months a building was erected that is known as the "Old Chapel," which is near the public park, and a parsonage called the "Mission house" was constructed, which stood until 1869. A school started at an early day which has already been de- scribed under the appropriate head.

Rev. Mr. Sanford remained here about one year. Rev. Dr. Manney remained here until the time of his death in 1869. Rev. Dr. Breck, remained up to the year 1866, then went to California where he died in 1876. He was a born missionary, a model pioneer who could submit to his surround- ings were they ever so disagreeable, if they could not be improved, which he always promptly set himself to do. He was sadly missed, but the monu- ments, of which he laid the foundation, will endure while America remains a nation.

It was stated that there were but three church members at first, besides Dr. Breck.

Rev. H. B. Whipple, who was pastor of the Free Church of the Holy Communion in Chicago, was elected Bishop of Minnesota in June, 1859, and was consecrated to this service on the 3d of Octo- ber, 1859, at the St. James church, in Richmond, Virginia. He visited Faribault in February, 1860. Here he found J. L. Breck, S. W. Manney, and E. S. Peake, who had organized an associate mission. Rev. Mr. Peake was in charge of the Gull Lake Indian missou. They then had the school in oper- ation. The Bishop moved here with his family in May following. The first permanent building was the Cathedral, the corner stone of which was laid in 1862, and it was completed at a cost of abont $50,000, and consecrated in 1869, under the name of the "Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour." It is a gothic structure of stone, located on the corner of Chestnut and Sixth streets. The tower, which springs from the northeast corner, is as yet only carried about half way up the height of the church, but will be completed in due time. The consecration was on the 24th of June, St. John's day, and among those present were: Bishop Kemper, of Wisconsin; Bishop Whitehouse, of Illinois; the resident Bishop Whipple; Rev. Dr. Gear, of Minneapolis; Bishop Armitage, of Wis-

consin; Rev. Dr. Buel; Rev. Dr. Patterson; Rev* Dr. E. R. Welles; Rev. Dr. Knickerbacker; and Rev. Mr. Wilkinson, of Milwaukee. The services were impressive and there were several ordinations

When it was resolved to build a Cathedral, Rev. Dr. Breck went East on a collecting tour, and was engaged in this work for two-thirds of a year or more, and secured between eleven and twelve thousand dollars toward the object. And the promises made then, to "become helpers," are be- ing constantly fulfilled. In the Congregational Church Sunday school, in July, 1882, they were raising funds to help buy an organ for another Sunday school in Dakota.

The Bishop has a fine residence on Sixth street, opposite to the Cathedral.

The first records of the church are in relation to a meeting of the vestry on the 27th of Febru- ary, 1859, of the church of the "Good Shepherd." Mr. Syntell was in the chair and called the meet- ing to order when G. L. Frisbee was elected chair- man. On the 5th of April the following named brothers were elected vestrymen: G. C. Tanner, Joseph A. Carter, S. W. Hinman, G .. Y. Syntell, and E. J. Crump, the latter being elected Senior Warden.

On the 8th of February, 1860, a proposition was received from E. J. Crump, offering land for a burial place consisting of ten acres at $30 per acre, Mr. Crump to donate $50 and retain a single lot himself, which was accepted. At this meeting a committee was appointed to draw up articles for the organization of the church.

The Cathedral was built by the Seabury Mission, and the parish really owns no church. Regular church services are held in the little old chapel in the corner of the Cathedral lot, in the Norwegian language.

The Episcopal Church in Faribault is so closely connected with the several schools under their patronage, and the direction of the efforts of the clergy and laity has been so earnestly and closely devoted to their interests that really the history of the one is the history of the other, and in the ac- count of these schools, will be seen, at all points, the hand of the church. It is rare that so much that is real, visible, and substantial has been ac- complished in such a comparative brief period, and it speaks of the devotion of all, from the Bishop, through the various grades.

The ministers connected with the Cathedral are:

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HISTORY OF RICE COUNTY.

Rt. Rev. Bishop H. B. Whipple, D. D., who is the Rector; and Rev. George B. Whipple and Rev. E. C. Bill, assistant ministers. The professors who belong to the Divinity School, and those of the Shattuck School who are clergymen, may also be said to belong to the Cathedral establishment.

FRATERNAL AND OTHER ORDERS.

The fraternal orders which seem to be so rap- idly multiplying in this country, and most of the new ones with specific insurance features, are well represented here. The Masonic order which, pre- vious to the anti-Masonic excitement as long ago as Gen. Jackson's administration, occupied this ground solitary and alone, was early in the field, and instituted s lodge, afterwards a chapter, and finally a commandery.

There is unquestionably a taste in many minds for a participation in --

" The ancient rites and regulations, The pass-words, the grips and signals, Used among the pristine brothers, In that eastern nation, In the land of milk and honey, Where the grapes grew in clusters, Where the palm spread its branches, Where the fig tree was loaded With its rich and luscious treasures, Where they taught its lessons, The wholesome silver Jegends, The truthful teachings, Its principles of virtue, Its simple traditions."

Whatever may be thought of these various or- ders by the uninitiated, there is no question but that each ritual teaches the tenets of morality and virtue, but it is nevertheless true, that the character of each order must and does depend upon the character of the individuals who compose it; as no mere didactic instruction in initiatory exercises, however imposing, can radically modify the ruling disposition of any candidate. The sketches of these orders are all necessarily brief.

MASONIC.

FARIBAULT LODGE No. 9 .- A dispensation to open a lodge was granted on the 3d of March, 1856, and a charter was issued on the 6th of January, 1857. On the 1st of June, 1865, the old charter was surrendered, and on the 7th of June a dispensation was granted. On the 25th of October the same year a charter was issued under the number of 53. On the 9th of January, 1868, this was changed to the old number, 9, which it still retains. Most of the property and records of the

lodge were burned with the hall, mentioned else- where.

Among the earlier members were: George W Du Bois, Luther Dearborn, C. N. Daniels, John Mullin, Dennis O'Brien, Daniel N. Russell, Zenas Wilson, Thomas Carpenter, B. L. Van Horn, W. T. Sargent, J. C. N. Cottrell, G. W. Batchelder, Gordon E. Cole, George B. Whipple. The lodge has a large membership, and is in a flourishing condition.

ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER-TYRIAN No. 6 .- The early records of this chapter were burned when the Masonic Hall was destroyed. It was instituted about 1863. The present officers are: A. E. Ha- ven, H. P .; Thomas Mee, K .; George B. Whipple, S .; Thomas Carpenter, C. of H .; John Mullin, P. S .; Alexander Smith, R. A. C .; D. O'Brien, T .; J. R. Parshall, G. Ist V .; C. L. Lowen, G. 2d V .; S. L. Crocker, G. 3d V .; J. B. Gwathmey, Sen.

The following companions have held the office of H. P .: C. W. Daniels, John Mullin, E. A. Rice, George H. Davis, J. G. Shants, C. E. Rogers, Alexander Smith, and A. E. Haven. This branch of the Masonic order is in a healthy condition here.

KNIGHTS TEMPLAR-FARIBAULT COMMANDERY .-- The first meeting was on the 3d of March, 1874. The charter members were: Charles N. Daniels, J. H. Harding, John Mullin, J. M. Bemis, Moses Cram, G. B. Whipple, E. A. Rice, George W. Du Bois, A. B. Rogers, L. Z. Rogers.

The first officers were: C. N. Daniels, E. C .; E. A. Rice, Gen .; L. Z. Kogers, C. G .; G. B. Whipple, Pre. and acting Rec.

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History of Rice County, including explorers and pioneers of Minnesota and outline history of the state of Minnesota, Part 63

Author: Neill, Edward D. (Edward Duffield), 1823-1893. 1n; Bryant, Charles S., 1808-1885. cn Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Minneapolis : Minnesota Historical Co. Number of Pages: 626

Author: Neill, Edward D. (Edward Duffield), 1823-1893. 1n; Bryant, Charles S., 1808-1885. cn
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Minneapolis : Minnesota Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 626