USA > Minnesota > Rice County > History of Rice County, including explorers and pioneers of Minnesota and outline history of the state of Minnesota > Part 74
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Arcturus Z. Conrad argued that "Strong Con- viction is the Vital Element of Progress " in his oration. The influence of this mighty power makes itself felt upon individuals, developing in them sincerity, decision, courage, and independence, and has given us the heroes and martyrs of his- tory. It exerts its magic power upon society and nations, and causes revolutions and reformations, which mark the progress of mankind.
The audience rested itself by rising while the orchestra played the "Reign of Venus" waltz, after which Mr. Hale H. Cook orated in answer to the question, "For What Will Our Age be Remem- bered?" To our age, said he, much has been given, and of it much will be required. What is it which pre-eminently makes and is to make memorable our age? Ours is the age of develop- ment, past ages have been ages of discovery, this is the age of development. Its influence is mak . ing its stamp upon science, philosophy and mor- als of the age.
Miss Emily M. Brown, in her philosophical oration, discussed " Mysticism," which she defined as a belief in a direct and immediate intercourse between man and his maker, as one of the many theories man has made in his search after and study of divinity and infinity. Mysticism and skepti- cism are the two extremes. The one believes too much, the other too little. Mysticism is scarcely less baneful than skepticism, and ought to receive the attention and opposition of champions of truth, not lies.
" The Citizen of the Future " was the subject of an oration by. William P. Powell. The advance of civilization is placing more and more responsi- bility upon the individual, the government of the future is to be the republic of the present per- fected. The citizen of the future must be quali- fied for his position and prerogative by the char- acteristics of integrity and honor.
The orchestra held the audience spell-bound by the soft strains of the "Turkish Patrol," and there- upon Mr. Merrill A. Robinson held their attention by his presentation of the "Mission of the Educa- tor." It is the privilege and duty of the educator
to train and cultivate young and plastic individu- ality, which is to play so important a part in soci- ety and government. He stands at the point where to start the rivulets which will soon become the great rivers, and he may and does, to a large ex- tent, direct their future course.
Lynn C. Skinner portrayed the wonderful char- acter and career of Savonasola, the Italian re- former, whose noble struggle in life and death for principle and fellow men marks him one of the greatest martyrs of the world.
The last oration of the day was that of William A. Selleck, who made " Historic Perspective " his theme. Greatness, he argued, is a relative term, circumstances, times, and conditions modify con- ceptions of things and events. In the historic perspective we see things in their true relations, uations in their proper hearings. By forecasting the future perspective of our country many facts and features of our natural life are made to stand ont before us more clearly. And now we turn to the narrower perspective of college life.
THE VALEDICTORY .- Mr. Selleck addressed suc- cessively President Strong, the Board of Trustees, the Faculty, the citizens of Northfield, and his classmates and schoolmates appropriate words of farewell, infusing into the common-place valedic- tury an unusual amount of good sense and good sentiment.
PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS .- After music by the orchestra, President Strong, with the permis- sion of Professor Noyes, president of the Board of Trustees, presented the diplomas. To the follow- ing were given degrees of bachelor of arts:
Byron Abbot, Kandiyohi.
Selden Bacon, Norwich, Conn.
William T. Bill, Northfield.
Arcturus Z. Conrad, Sterling.
Hale H. Cook, Leslie, Michigan.
Merrill A. Robinson, Plainview.
William A. Selleck, Owatonna.
Lynn C. Skinner. Northfield.
Charles C. Wheelock, Mantorville.
Emily M. Brown, Granger.
Mary E. Griffin, Northfield.
Mr. Selleck also received a degree for complet- ing the literary course.
To William P. Powell, of Medford, was awarded the degree of Bachelor of Science.
The Master's degree was given to Mr. H. C. Wilson, who graduated in 1879, and has passed the required examinations.
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HISTORY OF RICE COUNTY.
The President stated that the Trustees had in- structed him to state that those who had com- pleted the English course of the College should not take part in the commencement exercises or receive degrees. He then presented to Misses Esther E. Adair, of Owatonna, and Ruth E. Reed, of Lime Springs, Iowa, certificates of graduation in the English course.
THE AWARD OF PRIZES .- Next in order was the announcement of the prizes, which were made by the Chairmen of the committees, who acted as judges. Rev. Mr. Kendall, of Northfield, after a few interesting and amusing remarks, presented to C. D. Decker, of the senior preparatory class, the prize for the best declamation, and to P. E. Kent the prize for the best essay.
Rev. Mr. Brown, of Owatonna, with pleasant words of congratulation and counsel, gave to E. K. Cheadle, of the junior class, the prize for the best argument in debate; to Mr. F. N. Dickson, of the freshman class, $16.50 of the freshman prize, and to Miss Cheadle the remaining $8.50 of the prize. President Strong announced that the Reeve prize for perfect deportment and highest scholarship was awarded to Miss Emily Brown of the senior class.
The exercises, which were throughout more than usually interesting, were concluded with the bene- diction pronounced by Prof Kiehle, State superin- tendent of public instruction.
Each of the speakers, on leaving the stage, re- ceived numerons tokens of regard in the shape of beautiful bouquets.
THE DINNER .- Immediately after the exercises at the church a large number of invited guests, including the graduating class, trustees, faculty, alumni, and friends, repaired to the dining room at the Ladies' Hall. Here they found tables well laden with good things, to which they did ample justice. The feast was elaborate in all its parts and set and served in attractive style.
As soon as a moderate degree of order could be secured, President Strong said it was time for the intellectual feast to begin, and called Prof. Noyes to the chair, who, after a few remarks, expressing his satisfaction in the exercises of the day and his gratification at the prospects of the college, in- vited Rev. E. M. Williams, of Minneapolis, to pre- side over the exercises. Mr. Williams made a short sharp speech, and in turn called on Prof. Kiehle, Gen. Nettleton, Gov. Hubbard, Rev. M.
W. Montgomery, and Dr. Noble, of Chicago, who each responded with striking felicity, keeping those present in a constant state of laughter. The general tenor of the remarks was highly com- mendatory of the exercises of the day, and con- gratulatory of the college on its prosperous pree- ent, and hopeful future. Ex-Gov. Pillsbury said, "I congratulate the state of Minnesota on having snch an institution as this within its borders. I am officially related to the State University and believe in it and rejoice in its prosperity ; but not more than I do Carleton College on its marvelous success. There is an abundant field for both in- stitutions. With one exception I have attended every such anniversary exercises at Carleton Col- lege since the beginning, and have watched with increasing interest and pride its steady growth, and witness to-day's exercises with keen pleasure."
I have been greatly pleased with what I have seen and heard to-day, said Prof. Kiehle; for I see here the growth and fruits of Christian education. This institution bears an important relation to the educational work in the State. I believe in the State University, but I believe in Carleton College also, and think there is ample room for both to do great things.
Dr. Noble said he had noticed a general ten- dency among educators in the West to dwell upon the advantages of small colleges; but he advised those who speak of and for Carleton College not to argue on this line, but to expect of the college great things. The prospect is that this institution is to be one of the great educational centers of the Northwest, great in its resources, in its influ- ence, in its numbers, and in all things.
For the first time speeches were called for and given by a number of the alumni, who told their regard for the Alma Mater, and their joy in her prosperity.
This was one of the most enjoyable features of the anniversary exercises, and all dispersed with a feeling, of personal satisfaction and pride in the young institution under whose auspices they had met.
THE PRESIDENT'S RECEPTION .- In the evening the president's reception took place at the residence of Mrs. Norton. A large number of ladies and gentlemen connected with and interested in the college, accepted President Strong's invitation and passed an unnsually pleasant evening.
THEIR PROSPECTS .- The graduating class is
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made up of strong material and commence life under favorable auspices. So far as they know at present their several prospects are as follows: Conrad will enter the Union Theological Semi- nary, New York, in the fall; Miss Brown will go to Japan, under the auspices of the A. B. C. F. M., as principal of a ladies' school, known as the " Kobe Home." Mr. Bacon intends to study law in Yale law school; Messrs Abbott and Bill will read law somewhere in the West; Mr. Robinson, Miss Griffin, and Miss Adair will teach for a while; Mr. Cook, after teaching for a time will probably study law. Miss Reed expects to make a further study of music. Mr. Selleck will teach a year, then take up the study of law; Mr. Skinner will eventually go into the banking business; Mr. Powell purposes going into business in Wisconsin; Mr. Wheelock intends for the most part to pursue linguistic studies at Yale."
RELIGIOUS.
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF NORTH- FIELD .- On a Sunday afternoon in September, 1854, Elder Cressey, a Baptist missionary, preached in an unfinished log house of Alexender Stewart which all the Congregationalists were glad to attend. On the 10th of June, 1855, Rev. Rich- ard Hall preached in the same place, and on the 1st of August there were services in the cabin of Thomas H. Olin. In May, 1856, Rev. J. R. Barnes visited Northfield and found a few Congregra- tionalists, and on the 15th held service in the fore- noon in a half built house, afterwards Jenkins' Tavern, and in the afternoon another meeting was held and the importance of starting right was urged in relation to religious matters particularly. At that time there was no plastering in the houses, or fences in the fields. During the summer a schoolhouse was built, and there were services once in two weeks or so. At that time there were but eleven Congregational churches in existence in Minnesota, six of them being organized that summer. A council was called on Saturday, the 30th of August, 1856, to regularly organize the church. There were no delegates present and bat two ministers, Rev. J. R. Barnes and a chance visitor, Rev. Joseph Peckham from Massachusetts, and the next day the church was duly organized with twelve members. Mr. Barnes continued until May, 1857. Rev. Joseph S. Rounce then located here and remained six years.
In 1858, there was a revival and fourteen joined
the church. In 1860, there were thirteen who withdrew to form a church in Waterford. The Sunday-school and the prayer meetings were union at this time. The little band struggled on up to February, 1862, meeting in the schoolhouse and Methodist church. .
By a great effort a church fund was got up amounting to $1,100, and a church was erected 24x40 feet and when completed was made free from debt. The next summer a $90 melodion was purchased and the event was looked upon as an evidence of prosperity and progress most encour- aging. In 1863, Mr. Rounce removed from North- field and there was no pastor, Rev. J. G. Wilcox, the Baptist minister, and the evangelist, Rev. H. H. Morgan, supplying the pulpit. Rev. E. P. Hammond, the revivalist, was also here for a sea- son and forty members joined the church, and the thirteen who went to the church at Waterford re- turned. That year the increment to the church amounted to ninety-two souls, and after a greater or less dependence for eight years upon the Home Missionary Society, it became self-supporting.
On the 5th of April, 1864, Rev. Edwin S. Wil- liams, just from Oberlin, Ohio, came, and his ordi- nation followed on the 10th of June. In 1865, the church was enlarged by the addition of twenty feet, and a bell, the gift of eastern friends, was hung up. In 1867, another enlargement was made by an east wing 20x22 feet, and costing $1,000. In 1868, a west wing of like size was added.
In 1866, the State Conference located Carleton College here, and thenceforward the church and the college have had a propinquity which has been mutually advantageous, as it has been intimate, cordial, and helpful. Rev. J. W. Strong was in- augurated as president of the college in 1870. Mr. Williams continued his pastorate for six years re- signing in May, 1870. In June, 1872, Rev. James A. Towle was chosen pastor and broke the bread of the word to this people until the 1st of April, 1875. The evangelist, Rev. Mr. Cadwallader, was here in the wiuter of 1874 and '75.
The plan of weekly offerings was adopted in 1875, and has proved successful. President Strong preached until Rev. D. L. Leonard came, in July, 1875, and he resigned in July 1881.
On the 19th of May, 1880, the church was burned, and measures were at once taken to re- build, a site being secured in a beautiful location
27
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HISTORY OF RICE COUNTY.
nearly opposite the public school building. A most elegant church was erected in a modern style, which has ample seating capacity, is well heated and ventilated, and most admirably adopted for church purposes, at a cost of over $20,000.
Rev. Hemy L. Kendall was called to become pastor on the 18th of November, 1881.
The membership of the church at the present time is 323. When it was organized there were eight members, as follows: Moses Porter, Mrs. Moses Porter, Ammi M. Nichols, Mrs. Lucie A. Nichols, Daniel W. Kingsley, Allen N. Nourse, Thomas H. Olin, and Mrs. Sarah Olin. This little band of Christians must indeed have had extrava- gant expectations if in that day of small things they could have anticipated the condition of the church and its surroundings that we now behold.
A list of those who have been clerks of the so- ciety is here appended: Allen N. Nourse, Myron W. Skinner, Joseph H. Spencer, Horace Goodhue, James J. Dow, Henry S. French, Mrs. Nellie L. Bunker, and the present clerk Miss Emma Whea- ton. On account of this being the home of Carle- ton College this church must continue to be the leading one in town.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH .- The first meet- ings in this vicinity were held in the house of Mr. Larkins, three miles south of Northfield on the road from Hastings to Faribault, on the 24th of July, 1855, by Dr. John L. Scofield, a local preacher from Racine, Wisconsin. Rev. Mr. Mckenzie, from Illinois, also preached for some time at Mr. Larkins', at Cannon City, and other places. At the Wisconsin Conference, in the an- tumn of 1855, Rev. T. M. Kirkpatrick was ap- pointed to the Cannon River Mission, which extended from the mouth of that river westward.
Early in September the meetings were held here in the house of Joseph Drake, and also at Foun- tain Grove. The first quarterly meeting was held on the 1st of December, 1855, at James McGinnis' residence. In February, 1856, Mr. Kirkpatrick was appointed presiding elder. Dr. Schofield was appointed a leader of the class which was formed with seventeen members. When the schoolhouse was built, in 1856, Rev. William Mckinley preached at the several appointments, and by 1859, about 100 members and probationers were gathered within the circuit. At this time a board of trus- tees was appointed and a lot procured, and ar- rangements made to build a church, which was
completed in 1859. Its location was several blocks southeast of the present edifice. Among those who were stationed here were the following Reverend gentlemen: Thomas Day, J. Stagdill, T. W. Rich- ardson, G. W. Bennett, J. M. Rogers, under whom a debt of $500 was paid, S. J. Sterrett, J. W. Martin, now presiding elder of Mankato district, which brings it up to 1870, when Noel Lathrop followed and T. M. Gassart, W. W. Park, S. G. G.ile, G. R. Horr, and Levi Gilbert, the present pastor. A parsonage was built at an early day. The new parsonage was built in about 1875, and the new church erected so as to be occupied on the first floor in 1878, at a cost of over $8,000. There are abont 200 members and a Sunday-school of 100. The main audience room of the church is now in process of completion.
MORAVIAN CHURCH .- It is claimed that this church originated in Moravia and Bohemia as long ago as in 1415, having been started by John Huss as a schism from the Catholic church, and thus antedating the Lutheran.
In 1869, this society was organized in North- field, there having been service for some time previous. The church is on Division street, and is a neat structure. Among the clergymen who have administered to this little flock may be named, Rev. C. L. Reinke, Rev. D. Z. Smith, and Rev. Ernst Schwartze.
ALL SAINTS' EPISCOPAL CHURCH .- The first remembered service in this belief was at the house of Harley D. White, on the 9th of March, 1856, and in the evening there was another service, and one infant was baptized. Services were occasion- ally held by Rev. R. J. Lloyd Breck, Rev. D. P. Sanford, and others from Faribault. On the 1st of November, 1858, the parish was organized, and there was service by Rev. Mr. Breck, Rev. S. W. Manney, and students from the Divinity School at Faribault. The first visit of the Bishop was on the 26th of February, 1860. Rev. Solomon Stevens Burleson officiated from the 3d of Jan- mary, 1864, until September, when he was or- dained into the priesthood and became Rector, and weekly service was afterwards held. On tl: : 22d of March, 1865, a lot was purchased of. Sam- uel Wing and deeded to the Seabury Mission. The edifice was begun in May, 1866. The sum of $1,100 was raised, and the building was ready for service that winter. The consecration took place on the 11th of April, 1867. Right Rev.
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CITY OF NORTHFIELD.
H. B. Whipple and Rev. Edward R. Wells were present. A communion service was presented. In October, 1868, means were raised to purchase a parsonage, which was done, and in November it was occupied. In 1869, the children of the Sun- day school began work to secure funds with which to procure a bell, and by September they had got together $35. The citizens made up the balance, and on the 14th of October its peals rang out.
Among those who have been pastors here since that time, may be named: Rev. T. S. Pycolt, George B. Whipple, Rev. A. R. Graves, Rev. A. J. Yeater, Rev. J. Dudley Ferguson, Rev. George L. Chase, Rev. E. S. Wilson, and A. W. Ryan. As to their having a pastor now can be judged from the reply received on asking A. O. Whipple, one of the leading members of the church, "What is the name of the pastor?" he said he "did not know they had a pastor."
BAPTIST CHURCH .- The meeting held for the purpose of organizing was on the 27th of July, 1856, and the following persons constituted the membership: Charles F. Whittier, Mrs. Mar- garet A. Whittier, Joseph Harris, Ransom V. Smith, George W. Smith, Hannah F. Smith, and Alvah Cole.
On the 27th of September following the organ- ization was completed; Elder Cressey was Mod- erator.
At a meeting iu October, the church was for- mally organized by the other churches of the same denomination already in existence within hailing distance. A third meeting was held on" the 23d of November, when Elder Cressey was called as pastor, with a salary of $100 for one- fourth of his time for one year. On the 31st of March, 1857, it was resolved to build a church.
Rev. J. G. Wilcox came in April, 1858; he had been an agent of the American Baptist Home Mis- sionary Society at New York. He became pastor and succeeded in building the church which still stands. He remained until 1869, when Rev. T. R. Peters came and remained eleven months. According to the records, he was ordained on the 24th of May, 1870.
Rev. J. H. Wilderman was the pastor in 1872. Rev. S. S. Utter was afterwards pastor, and while here he was instrumental in building the parson- age, which was done in 1874 and '75, at a cost of about $2,000. Rev. John Rounds became pastor in March, 1869. There are now sixty members,
There is a Sunday school with J. T. Wyman as the superintendent.
ST. DOMINIE-ROMAN CATHOLIC .-- About the first service in the interest of this church was in 1860, by Rev. Father Keller and Rev. Father Shene, and the other priests up to 1882 have been, Rev. Father Ralph Hoose, Rev. . James McGlone, and Rev. John Pahein who came in 1875. The land was procured and building begun in 1866. Since the church was built it has received an addition, and there is a parsonage adjoining. Its location is on the west side. Rev. Mr. Pahlın also has another charge, "the Church of the Annunciation', located in Webster township.
GERMAN METHODIST .- The church where this congregation worships is on the west side of the river. The earliest services were held in about 1856. The ministers who have labored here are: Rev. H. Hermsmyer, Rev. Charles F. Richster, Rev. Henry Schneicker, Rev. Henry Roth, Rev. Wil- liam Bucholz, Rev. William Reltered, Rev. Jacob Keller, and Rev. William Pogenhat, the present pastor. The church was built about 1876, at a cost of $2,000. The circuit embraces several other places, Prairie Creek, East Prairie, and others. There is a Sunday school under the superintendence of Michael Tramm.
FIRST NORWEGIAN N EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CONGREGATION-ST. JOHANNES. - Meetings were held in 1869, in the schoolhouse and in Thoreson's Hall, by Rev. N. A. Quam- men at irregular intervals. Since then at the German Methodist; and the Moravian Church was leased at one time. This congregation is closely connected with St. Olaf's School, Rev. Mr. Mohn being the present pastor. The church was built in 1881, at a cost of about $3,000.
In 1877, the question of temperance agitated this church, many meetings were held, and it was finally decided that those who habitually drink intoxicating beverages could not be admitted as church members. In 1876, the society joined the Synod. There is a membership of fifteen families.
The Trustees are: O. T. Lysne, H. O. Graff, and Edwin Alfson; Treasurer, S. A. Siverts; Clerk, M. A. Boe.
ASSOCIATIONS AND SOCIETIES.
THE OLD SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION .- This club, which is a county society, an account of which appears in another part of this work, met in Northfield on the 26th of January, 1876, and the
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usual variety of exercises were gone through with and Mr. H. Scriver, the Mayor, delivered an ad- dress, which is preserved here:
"Selected by your Committee to open the cere- monies of this festive occasion, I feel like the boy on the Fourth of July morning who has the honor of firing the first anvil, a little nervous lest the noise, or the powder, or the anvil have would a disagree- ably elevating effect, and he come to some sad end, like a good many little boys doing their coun- try's duty. Nevertheless, like him, cheered on by the reflection that it will be the opening chorus to a good deal of thrilling music contributed by my friends and neighbors, and as the explosions of wit aud humor, of tales of by-gone days, burst forth, rocket-like, from your well-filled memories' store, I will be amply repaid for the risk I take. And first I must congratulate you upon the day; a day to become dearer to us as the pleasant as- sociations are increased with the revolving years.
A generous, whole-souled, large-hearted person must he or she have been who first conceived the idea of having a day set apart for the purpose of reviving the memories of the buried past, to con- tribute to the hearty cheer and good-will of the present. A day to lift us out of the slough of the cares and anxieties of this busy life, and make us "('er a' the ills o' life victorious." Farther north at a certain season of the year, as the sun sinks below the horizon, the aurora follows the circuit of the sky until the sun again bursts forth in all his glory of light and heat. So the recol- lections of this day will follow us as the year rolls around, and we will feel its influences and have its cheer to help us through many a dark moment of trial.
We cannot have too much "oil of gladness " in this wearing, active life of ours, and it is a pleas- ing feature to be noticed tlfat the days of good fellowship and pleasant associations are on the in- crease among us. We may say of the day in the words of Burns:
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