USA > Minnesota > Rice County > History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. II > Part 17
USA > Minnesota > Steele County > History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. II > Part 17
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On January 31, 1863, through the differences of opinion which had arisen, the present Baptist Church of Owatonna was organ- ized with fifteen members, nearly all who had taken their let- ters from the old organization placing them here, and this organization was recognized as the "Baptist Church of Owa- tonna" by the council of the Minnesota Central Baptist Asso- ciation held at Wasioja, February 3, 1863. The society met once in two weeks for worship, being supplied by Rev. J. F. Wilcox. October 1, 1863, this church was first represented at the State convention, the delegates being G. W. Shaw and E. K. Smith. On April 8, 1865, the two Baptist churches were con- solidated with a united membership of sixty-four, and they took the name of "The First Baptist Church of Owatonna." For a time the pulpit was supplied alternately by Revs. J. F. Wilcox and D. S. Dean. The former, however, continued as regular pastor of the church until June, 1866, when his labors closed, and he was succeeded by Rev. A. L. Cole. After the union of the two bodies, the building which had been erected under Elder Town's direction had been purchased by the church and used as a place of worship. In the autumn of 1866 it was sold to the school district for $1,250, the use of it for one year being reserved. In the fall a new church building was erected,
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size 32×58 feet, with tower, in which was hung a 1,000-pound bell. It was dedicated on December 22, 1867, Rev. Parker, from Austin, preaching the dedicatory sermon. The cost of the build- ing was $4,152.64, which had all been provided for, leaving the church free from debt. The following winter will long be remembered as a time of religious revival. There were forty- three baptisms, and many more united with the church by con- version and letter. Rev. Cole resigned in April, 1869, and Rev. E H. Cressey succeeded him, remaining thirteen months. On February 1, 1871, Rev. H. H. Beach came from Winona, and after serving a year and a half he also resigned. Rev. E. P. Dye succeeded him as pastor and remained until June 28, 1874. Among the events recorded about this time is found the follow- ing interesting item: "June, 1873-A deed was presented to the trustees by Sister Reiggs (now deceased), on behalf of the ladies of the church, of a lot for a parsonage. On motion a vote of thanks was extended to Mother Hunkins for her untiring zeal and her effort in helping to pay for the lot." In 1878 the lot was sold, and the proceeds used toward paying for the pres- ent parsonage, bought at that time. The ladies have cheerfully helped to bear the burden. A sewing society established about this time is still faithfully attended, the proceeds from which have been no little help financially. Rev. W. W. Whitcomb accepted a call to the pastorate September 20, 1874, and re- mained for three years. The Minnesota Academy, now the Pillsbury Academy, was located here during his pastorate, and he was untiring in his efforts to attain that end. Rev. C. H. DeWolfe succeeded him in February, 1878, and after a service of nearly five years was, on account of ill health, compelled to resign, October 25, 1882. The church remained without a pas- tor until April 26, 1883, when Rev. J. H. Thompson accepted a call to the place, remaining about fifteen months. After his resignation they were again without a pastor until the autumn of 1884, when Rev. W. A. Spinney accepted a call from this church. During the summer of 1885 material improvements were made on the church properties in the way of papering and painting, and a vestry, 16x26 feet in size, was added, so that the church was spacious, and being well furnished abundantly filled the purpose for which it was built.
On August 4, 1889, Rev. Stanley A. MeKay, D. D., began his ministry, during which the present brick edifice was erected at a cost of $17,000. At the time of the dedication, February 9, 1893, the indebtedness was provided for. The beautiful organ was a gift to the church from Mrs. Margaret S. Pillsbury. On May 10. 1895, Rev. Elijah B. Jones, D. D., began his services in Owatonna and for seven years was a potent influence in the
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life of the church, academy and the city. Rev. Edwin S. Stucker became pastor of the church on March 1, 1903. Mr. Stucker held several evangelistic meetings throughout the state during his ministry. In 1906, Deacon L. C. Woodman presented to the church a neat parsonage on East Vine street.
Rev. Jolin G. Briggs, A. M., B. D., entered upon his ministry February 24, 1907, which charge he holds at the present time. In 1908 Deacon Woodman supplemented his liberal gift by building a barn on the rear of the parsonage lot. The church renovated the parsonage in the summer of 1907 at an expense of $600. During the summer of 1910, the ladies of the church provided for the redecorating of the auditorium of the church and for the cork linoleum carpeting of the gallery of the audi- torium and of the parlors at a cost of $800. Since 1865, there has been a continued progress from year to year. Revival sea- sons have been frequent. The church has stood for a fervent evangelical spirit. In 1877 the institution now known as Pills- bury Academy was opened in Owatonna, the faculty and stu- dents of which have had a vital part in the effciency and spir- itual development of the church. The church is thoroughly or- ganized, and is doing progressive work in most of the depart- ments. The Sunday school has four departments-the kinder- garten, primary, intermediate and senior school, with graduating exercises in the primary and intermediate departments each fall. The Ladies' Aid Society hold meetings once a month and assist in the social life of the church. The Mission Circle and Young Women's Missionary societies have programs once a month. The Baptist Brotherhood have programs from time to time. The B. Y. P. U. Society holds its meetings every Sunday evening. The present officers of the church are as follows : J. C. Briggs, pastor ; J. L. Ingraham, church clerk ; deacons, L. C. Woodman, W. E. Martin, M. P. Price, J. Holland, J. L. Ingra- ham, E. J. Owen, A. Seidel; deaconesses, Mrs. M. B. Price, Mrs. J. L. Ingraham, Mrs. W. E. Martin, Mrs. A. M. Kinyon, Mrs. N. P. Peterson. Board of trustees: Dr. W. C. Roberts, chairman : Milo B. Price, secretary board ; W. E. Kimball, L. F. Loomis, N. P. Peterson.
First Congregational Church. Years ago a small company left their homes in Ohio and traveled by team to Minnesota. As we reached the top of the hill, just east of the present city of Owatonna, and gazed upon the beautiful landscape, we could not as now count many church spires. Upon inquiry we found there were no church organizations in the village, although the Methodist was organized the same month, and they and the Baptists were holding services on alternate Sundays in the old log schoolhouse. The first service in Steele county was held
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in Owatonna in 1855. From Mrs. Avery Adams I received the account of this service. "Our first pastor, Rev. O. A. Thomas, had, a few weeks previous, arrived in this vicinity in his emi- grant wagon drawn by oxen, and taken a claim in Clinton Falls and was preparing the logs for his cabin. On a lovely Sabbath morning in June, he, with his estimable wife, called at our cabin door and invited us to accompany them up Straight river three miles, where there was a little settlement, in order to hold Sab- bath service. We readily assented, and found a hearty welcome from Mrs. A. B. Cornell, and a room full of people, seated vari- ously on boxes, benches, etc., and soon there sounded for the first time over these beautiful prairies the voice of public prayer and praise. After the exercises were concluded the rude seats were removed, the tables spread, and the hospitable lady pre- pared dinner for us."
From that time, services were held by the different denomi- nations in the old schoolhouse, until the fall of 1857, when a few who were wont to worship together called a meeting at the home of A. N. Stoughton, to discuss the advisability of or- ganizing a church. After some discussion the meeting adjourned to meet in the old schoolhouse on Mill street (where our first ward building now stands), on Thursday, October 22, 1857, at 2 p. m., at which time the organization was completed. The churches of Faribault and Clinton Falls were invited to assist. Faribault did not respond. The Clinton Falls church was rep- resented by its pastor, Rev. Ozra A. Thomas, who preached the sermon. Rev. John C. Strong, from Bradford, Iowa, who was in the village for a few days, assisted in the public services of formation and recognition. Twelve persons entered into cove- nant as members of the First Congregational Church of Owa- tonna, viz : A. N. Stoughton, Mary A. Stoughton, his wife; Wait Stoughton, Melburn C. Burr, George W. Danford, Lydia H. Hall, George Hall, Emeline Hall, Charles A. Strong, Jessie B. Gailad, Emery C. Walden and Naomi L. Stoughton (Towne).
As the schoolhouse was occupied by other denominations, it was not always available for the services of this church, so during the winter we joined from time to time with the other denominations in union services which resulted in many addi- tions to the churches. At our first communion, March 6, 1858, Rev. I. A. Thomas preached the sermon and seven united with us, viz : Richard Miles, Mrs. Adaline Miles, Emily A. Raymond (Chambers), Hannah L. IIall, Mrs. Elizabeth Sibley, Emily Strong (Donaldson), Minerva Strong (Bodle). At this time we had but one deacon, A. N. Stoughton, who was elected to that office February 25, 1858, which office he still held at the time of his death. At the same time Charles A. Strong was elected
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clerk. Being unable to find a suitable room in which to hold our meetings, in the spring Deacon Stoughton employed Mr. Miles to build a wing on the east side of his home (which house still stands on East School street, between Elm and Grove) for this purpose. The church worshiped until the fall of 1859 in this room, and not our church alone but other denominations, the Methodists, Episcopalians, etc.
In April, 1858, Rev. O. A. Thomas began his labors among us as pastor of the church at a salary of $200 or $250 a year. Continuing to reside on his farm in Clinton Falls, he preached on alternate Sundays to the Clinton Falls and Owatonna churches, going once a month both to Somerset and Meriden. In May. 1858, our first trustees, three in number, were elected- Dea. A. N. Stoughton, Wait Stoughton and Richard Miles. The summer following was a trying one to the pioneers of Steele county. The financial panic of 1857 was still felt by the people of the vicinity. A severe hailstorm, coming just before the harvest, destroyed all the grain, and many farmers lived on cornmeal, some on boiled oats, and one family lived for weeks on boiled pigweed. Barley and peas served for coffee, and a mild weed which grew on the prairie as tea.
It was in the autumn after such a summer that the Ladies' Mite Society was organized with Mrs. A. N. Stoughton as presi- dent, Emily Strong (Donaldson) secretary, and Mrs. Elizabeth Ware. treasurer. In July, 1858, we welcomed Deacon Thom and family. He was chosen deacon in 1860 and was never per- mitted to return to the ranks. We worshiped two years in Deacon Stoughton's house. and in the summer of 1860 in Mor- ford's hall (the upper part of the building on Bridge street, where Mr. Rosebrock's store now is) a series of meetings was held in which the evangelist, Rev. Morgan, assisted, which greatly strengthened the church. As soon as the new school- house was finished, in 1862, it became the meeting place of this as well as of other denominations. Deacon Stoughton, having purchased a small organ, carried it each Sabbath morning on his wheelbarrow to the church. His niece, Mrs. Hughes, often speaks of how she used to carry a lamp and steady the organ when going home at night. Before this. "Ye old time choir," consisting of Wait Stoughton, John Hale Abbott. Elder David- son, Mrs. Bliss, Mrs. Abbott, Emily Strong (Donaldson), and Naomi L. Stoughton (Towne), had taken the pitch from the tuning fork which Wait never forgot to carry.
In the fall of 1863 we bade farewell to Rev. Thomas, who had been with us through those first trying years, and the church was without a pastor the following winter.
December 10, 1863, occurred the death of Isaac Styles Wads-
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worth, Mrs. A. N. Stoughton's son, who left a legacy of $1,000 for the church. A part of this was used to buy the lot on which the house stands, the remainder being the first money received towards the erection of the building.
The next spring (1864) Charles L. Tappan accepted a call to the pastorate, which he filled for two years at a salary of $400 to $450. During his ministry he preached at Somerset, where a number of the church members resided. In November, 1866, these eight members were dismissed from the mother church to form an organization of their own.
In the spring of 1865 our Sunday school was organized. Pre- vious to this a union school had been held with Deacon Stough- ton as superintendent. Dr. L. H. Kelly was elected superin- tendent and Raymond A. Stoughton secretary, treasurer and organist ; teachers, Deacon Thom, Deacon Stoughton, Mr. Adams, Mrs. Ware. Mrs. Sargent and Mrs. N. L. Towne. In August, 1866, Rev. Leverett S. Griggs became pastor of our church at a salary of $800.
In the spring of 1867 work was commenced on our new church (a part of our present structure). The building was 36x60 feet, with a tower 12x12, and an extension in the rear 7x8 feet for a pulpit, and an orchestra in the west end for the choir. Although not finished we moved into our building in the fall. It was grouted upon the sides and sheeted and furnished with movable seats. Work continued during the winter, the shavings being swept up every Saturday evening. In October, 1867, five more of our members, thinking it their duty to help organize a church in Waseca, asked for letters from our church, which were granted to Frederick J. Stevens, Lucy P. Stevens, Mrs. Lydia H. Vinton, W. H. Vinton and Gordon Henshaw. In the autumn of 1868 the church was plastered. The Methodists kindly invited us to worship with them, which we did for a few weeks. In June, 1869, Rev. Leverett S. Griggs was com- pelled, on account of ill-health, to resign. On July 3, 1869, Merton made a great demand upon the church and thirteen were dismissed. Among the number were Philo J. Sheldon and wife, Mrs. Abby Tulth and her son Fenrick D. and daughter Alice. August 22, 1869, Rev. Chester Craigan, a recent gradu- ate of Chicago Theological Seminary, began his work with us at a salary of $1,000. He was ordained the following year on February 17. During the session of the general conference, on Sunday, October 17. our church was dedicated. In the spring, 1871, Rev. Charles C. Craigan resigned, and in the fall of the same year Rev. Newton H. Bell took up the work, remaining with us until 1873, when he went as a missionary to Turkey.
C. W. Hall, a young man who was professor of our high
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school, and is now at the State University, read sermons through the winter and until the coming of Rev. Orson C. Dickerson, July, 1874, He remained with us until October, 1876. The following year. Dr. D. M. B. Thom left us to go to Turkey as a missionary. In November, 1876, Rev. Darius A. Morehouse came to us, remaining with us five years, until June 1, 1881.
In 1876 the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society was or- ganized with eleven members. Mrs. Morehouse was chosen president. Mrs. Spellman, secretary and treasurer. The follow- ing year the Home Society was organized and the money was divided between the two societies, and in 1880 we voted that each alternate monthly meeting should be a home meeting. In September. 1881, Rev. J. Newton Brown began his labors among 11s. During his pastorate a Young People's Society was organ- ized, which held its prayer meetings each Sunday evening just before the service. A little later the Christian Endeavor Society was organized.
In 1881, Rev. J. Newton Brown was called. April 28, 1889, he tendered his resignation, but this was not accepted. Later, November 24, 1889, he again tendered his resignation, which was this time accepted. May 1, 1890, came Rev. James A. Chamberlain, who remained a little over six years. During his stay, parlors were built on the church and other improvements made. January 21, 1897. Joseph H. Chandler took up his work here. After three years he was followed by Rev. J. Sidney Gould, who in turn was succeeded in 1904 by Rev. James Par- sons. May 1, 1906. Rev. Everett Lesher took charge of the pulpit, and he was succeeded about a year and a half ago by the present pastor, the Rev. Alfred E. Gregory .- Compiled from article by Mrs. Naomi L. Towne.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church. The first service of this church in Owatonna was held by the Rev. J. Lloyd Breck, of Faribault, June 22. 1858. In the fall of 1859 Bishop Kemper and Mr. Wil- coxson left Hastings September 29. They reached Faribault at night, where the bishop preached. The next day's journey brought the travelers to the rural district of Somerset, in Steele county. Their route lay up the valley of Straight river, past a few scattered houses known as the village of Owatonna. They found hospitability at the house of a farmer, Elijah H. Sibley, and held a service, the first Episcopal Church service in Steele county. In the afternoon they preached at Bancroft. October 3 found them in Medford, where the good people gladly listened to the preaching of the word, and two children of Mr. Colgan were baptized. A year later there were three communicants. After the associated mission was formed at Faribault, Owatonna became one of the regular missions and was cared for by the
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Revs. Moses, Breck and Sanford in turn, or by a student from the Seabury Divinity School. In the summer of 1859 the Rev. Solan W. Manney became one of the clergy of the mission and visited Owatonna, holding services every other Sunday. Others who officiated were the Rev. George C. Tanner and Rev. S. S. Bruleson, who were also members of the mission, the former a teacher, the latter a student pursuing his studies and in dea- con's order. The Rev. Mr. Bruleson was in charge of the serv- ices for a time, until he moved to Northfield in 1864. At the time Mr. Breck visited Owatonna, so far as known, there was but one Episcopal family, Mr. and Mrs. David Potwin, both of whom were communicants. There were a few people kindly disposed towards the Episcopal Church, but not members. Among them were M. A. Daily and family, who kindly gave Mr. Breck the use of his office, on the corner of Cedar and Main, for his service; also Mrs. E. Y. Hunniwell, who came to Owa- tonna in 1857. Though not a communicant, her house became the home of the missionary. Mr. and Mrs. Sylvanus Yearly were confirmed by Bishop Whipple, December 23, 1860. Mrs. Hunniwell and Mrs. Bessie Pearce Hanna were confirmed at Bishop Whipple's second visit about November 14, 1862.
On August 19, 1860, St. Paul's parish was duly organized by the Rev. Solon W. Manney. M. A. Daily was elected clerk of the meeting; David Potwin, senior warden; John Clozier, junior warden; N. M. Donaldson, S. M. Yearly, John Odell, W. A. Ware, M. D., William H. Kelly, M. A. Daily, vestrymen. The parish was admitted into the union with the convention of the Diocese in June, 1861. At the time of the first service in 1858 the population of the village was about 300. Services were held for a time in the wing of Deacon Stoughton's house. All bodies of Christians held services here, each using the room in turn, the people all attending the several services. After some time a frame schoolhouse was built near the present Bap- tist Church, and this was the common place of religious serv- ices. Then a hall known as Morford's Hall, on Bridge street, was used until the Presbyterian Church was built just west of the Arnold house, which was loaned to this congregation for a service on alternate Sundays.
About November 1, 1864, the Rev. J. H. Babcock moved to Owatonna, took charge of the parish, adding Wilton to his care.
From April 1, 1867, to November, 1886, Rev. George C. Tan- ner (Faribault) was in charge of the church in Steele county. In May, 1867, he removed to Owatonna, the first service being held on Palm Sunday. During the summer of 1867 a small chapel was erected, with seating for about 125, at a cost of about $1,500, of which half was given by the people of Owatonna and
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the rest by the bishop and friends abroad. The building was used for the first time for divine services in July, though it had neither windows, doors or pews, and consecrated as a chapel and parish schoolhouse, November 15. The building was used for church services until August 17, 1884. Soon a house was built on Grove and Rice streets, partly with funds given by friends in the parish and outside and in part with the private means of the rector. Though known as the rectory, the title was never in the parish, and when the new church was built, in 1884, the amount which the church had contributed, $900, was returned to the parish and used towards the building fund. Dr. Tanner always held the property of the rectory in his own name.
Dr. Tanner held services regularly part of the time at Wells, in Blue Earth, Winnebago City, Havana and Lemond. He per- formed occasional services at Austin. At times he was the only Episcopal clergyman in the region south of Faribault. For a few years the church received accessions and the parish pros- pered. In 1876 some business changes occurred, which caused removals that were a serious loss; this was followed by emigra- tions to newer parts of the state, so that in following years it was a severe struggle to maintain the church. Dr. Tanner was also superintendent of schools for fifteen years, from 1872 to 1887, until he resigned care of the parish. In this position he was able to perform many ministrations, which he could not have done. During a visit to Blooming Prairie a wish was ex- pressed for the services of the church. A service was held in the schoolhouse then standing on the site of the present church. Other services followed, resulting in the building of a church. Services were also held in schoolhouses within five or ten miles of Owatonna and in the towns of Aurora, Somerset, Lemond, Meriden and Dodge City. Dr. Tanner held services in Manter- ville, Kasson, also at times in Wilton, Waseca, Janesville. Dur- ing the year he made a monthly visit to Albert Lea and assisted in raising money for a church there. In the fall of 1883 the foundation for a new church was laid, and the building was com- pleted in the following year. The first service ever held in the new church was the funeral of John Locke. October 18, 1884. The first service on Sunday was by Dr. Tanner, October 26. The church was consecrated by Bishop Whipple, August 17, 1885 ; the cost, including the furnishings, was about $5,000. The last service of Dr. Tanner as rector was held November 21, 1886. The following week he entered upon his duties as chap- lain at Bethany College, Kansas.
During the winter of 1886-1887 services were kept up by clergymen from Faribault. After five months, Rev. R. E. Med- calf entered upon his duties May 11, 1887. He was also in
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 967
charge of services in Waseca. From 1887 to June 1 he held regular services there, and was highly esteemed in both places. At Owatonna his work prospered, and his resignation on Janu- ary 20, 1889, was sincerely regretted by all. Mr. Medcalf was followed by Rev. Andrew Harper, who was in charge from July, 1889, until February 2, 1890, when services were supplied from Faribault. In July, 1891, Rev. P. B. Peabody entered upon his work in Owatonna, in charge until 1894. Dr. Tanner minis- tered to the people until July, when Rev. Theodore Payne Thurston was appointed to minister to the people. He resigned to take duty at Winona, 1897. He was succeeded by Rev. A. G. Pinkham, who was in charge until November, 1906, when Rev. Elmer N. Schmuck assumed charge.
Mr. and Mrs. Hunniwell came to Owatonna in 1857. The church was much indebted to them for the support of services. Mr. Hunniwell died in 1893, leaving all his wealth to his wife. She died February 4, 1896. She was a charter member of the Episcopal Church, a regular and devoted attendant and gave generously. Being of a liberal and public spirit, she bequeathed a large part of the estate to public institutions, $20,000 to the public library of Owatonna; $32,000 to Breck school at Wilder ; $10,000 to St. Mary's Hall at Faribault, to provide scholarships for the daughters of missionaries; to St. Paul's Church in Owa- tonna, $3,000 for a rectory and $10,000 for an endowment .- By George C. Tanner, D. D.
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