Fillmore County, Minnesota - The whole text, 1912 (part 19 of 20)

Soon after the first organization the congregation was materially strengthened by the incoming of the familles of G, Mensink, G. Apenhorst, H. Lultink, E. Heusinkveld, W. Miller, Stroete Groteboer and Bargebos, al! from Aiton, Wis.; A. J. and W. Sikkink, B. and W. Wieberdel, - - - - Hlebrink and ~ - - - - Prinsen, from Sheboygan. Aso J. \W. Stapoelkamp. who proved to be an able churchman and served as elder for many years; as well as quite a few who came direct from Holland, among others G. Eelfrink, M, Hopemnan. Dornink Hoftizer and G. H. Wissing, who also has been a faithful worker and for many years served as elder,

Mr. Alink, the first settler, never Identifled Himself with any churelb, but financially supported the Reformed cliuureh. William Boland, also one of the first and on whoxe land the church property is located. northeast quarter of section 1, York. soon after Its organization became an active and useful memher. That Once young man, A. J, Nagel, whose good hopes were soon realized, soon beeame an ardent supporter and member and has now heconie gray, the father of a large family, who are useful members in the churels and community. Among the useful and respected families in this community who did not identify themselves with our church work, but most of whose children afterwards did, are the following: Messrs, Schievil, Vreeman, Vrieze, Nagel, Demkes. M. Ruisink, Ter Rest. Berning, Meinen and last. but not least. G. Ramaker. who. with the writer, had seen three years' active service in the Civil War, and two years after, together came to Greenleafton In the summer of 1847. Ra- Maker buying a quarter section in York and writer 120 acres in Bristo}. Ramaker moved there the following spring and after successful farming for some years sold out and started in the mercantile business at Greenleaflon and was so successful that he had to enlarge his surroundings fram time to time until it became too large for lim. when he sold out and is now "resting on his oars'' In Seatile. Wash. The writer Is stil holding down the old homestead. Altogether - time, guided by an unseen hand of Providence. has dealt kindly with us, and we feel thankful that our jot has been cast in a conimunity of so many noble people.

i have given only a history of the Holland people. but we find so many noble varieties amongst other nationalities and gond conscientious Christians in other denominations that were it our task we could say very much to their credit. But EF will close hy saying that so far as my observation goes, I am firmly convinced that the communities where religion is not simply confessed Lunt llved and worked out there you find the most prosnerous community. | am glad to have "ved In a community where that has beén the object of the majority. - Gerrit Vander Ble.

The Brethren

The Root River Church of the Brethren had 'ts inception [In 1855, when a number of families of German ancestry and Maryland birth, moved to Fillmore county and settled in or near Bristol township. Among these families were the Oggs, Broadwaters, Shooks and Mausts. A year later, in 1856, a church organization was perfected. fiariy meetings were held in such places as presented themselves as suitable gathering points - residences, schooihouses, granaries and sheds. The first communion was held in 1858, all being fed and lodged whv cared to attend. In 1872 a churck was built in section 5, one and a half miles east of Greenleafton. This structure stood until 1805 when It was torn down and the present beautiful structure completed at a cost of $3,000 under the pastorate of the Rey. J. F. Souders. In 19°9 a commodious parsonage was bullt on the church property. The penne is about one hundred and twenty-tive.

In 1860 John Ogg was ordained bishop. He preached to the congregation until! his death in 1868. In 1871 his son, Joseph Ogg. was ordained bishop and occupied that exa'ted office until bis death in 1895. Rev. J. F. Souders has lind charge of the con- Bregation since 1903 and was chosen bishop in 1908.

Two preachirg services are held each Sabbath day during the summer and fall. and one each Sabbath during the cold weather. A Chliristian Workers' meeting is held prior to each Sunday evening service,

Episcopal

Emmanuel Parish of Rushford (Episcopal).--The first service was held by the Rev. John W. Shatzel, then of Chatfield, Minn., on May 12, 1867. This was the only service of the church held in Rushford untti the Rev. GeorSe V. Palmer came to reside here 1n the fall of the same year. He commenced on the Lighteenth Sunday after Trinity, October 20, and he!d services regularly every Sunday. with the exception of three, until the second Sunday of Epiphany, January 19, 1868. Preaching. according to his report to the bishop. "at the afternoon service.'' These services were held in a pubic hall. In May, 1868, the Rev. William R. Powell commenced holding services in Rushford twice a month. in connection with Caledonian, at which place he resided. The parish was organized on November 23, 1268, vith the Rev. William R. Powell as rector.

The chureh was commenced In the fall of this year and opened for divine service at Cliristmas. The cost of this bullding was ahont $2,000. The lot was given by George G. Stevens. The Rev. Mr. Powell resigned in_ the spring of 1870 and was succeeded by the Rev. C. BF. Stred In the autumn of charee of the parish in February, 1872, residing In Rushford and holding services reguiarly, morning and evening until July 1, when from that t!me until December 1, every third Sunday was given to Caledonia. December 1, Mr. Spor moved to Caledonia, resigning this parish. Rev. Robert Reed Goudy took charge June 14, 1873. Rev. 8S. Pritchard took charge in November, 1885, and came to reside here in November, 1887. Until about the beginning of 1887 he held services each Sunday. From that time he held services on alternate Sundays. From the beginning of November, 1887. he held sees at Chatfleld on alternate Sunays. uring the clergyman's absence on

Sundays, A. E. Hazzard held service Sunday morning. <A very prosperous Sunday school was organized by Mrs. George G. Stevens, about 1867, and maintained in great efficiency by her untiring zeal and energy ever since, supported by an excellent staff of teachers. She was aided by Henry M. Smith, who took charge of the work during Mrs. Steven's absence in Florida. during the winter. Rev. Thomas K, Alien accepted the call of the vestry and entered upon his duties as rector on the first Sunday in November, 1889, giving services twice a month until the first Sunday in October, 1894, when he resigned, after a pastorate of five years. The Rey. S. Wilson Moran accepted the call. residing at West Salem. Wis. He resigned in June, 1897. Rev. C. G. Adams accepted a cal! October 7, 1897. residing In Rushford and giving one Sunday each month to Caledonia.

On June 15, 1898, the movement began for @ new church huilding. The rector invited F. M. Smith, H. M. Smith and A, E. Hazzard to inspect plans presented by John Sutctiffe, architect. of Chicago. January 14, 1890, the contract was awarded to Knutson Bros., Rushford. The old building was torn down May 8. and the cornerstone laid by Bishop Gilbert June 19. The Rev. C. G. Adams resigned, resignation taking effect October 1, 1899.

The Rev. J. McJ. Bradshaw came - 1990, and resigned July 10. The Rey. Frederic Pitts came on October 1, 1992; resigned February 10, 1993. The Rev. Sydney Smith _arrived in parish as suppiyv. the Rev. Frederic Pitts having resigned. He held services Sunday, February 15, 1993: resigned parish September 4, 1905. On the first Sunday after Easter the Rey. Philip K. Edwards became rector of the parish: resigred in February, 19°9 The Rev. Willlam Ambrose Dennis became rector on Aprii 1, 19°9. and held the first service as rector on Palm Sunday, April 4, 1909. Rev, Afr. Dennis resigred in 1919. The Rev. Wiliam Herry Pond was calied in September. 1910, anid tnoeved toa Pushferd November 1, 1919. He Is the present incumhent.

Congregational

The First Congregational Church of Spring Valley is the oldest church organization in Spring Vallev. being orgunized May 24. 1856. The meeting for orgnization wasg_held at the _residence of Dencon Washington Lloyd which was located where the present Methodist Episcopal parsonage stands. Rev. Ira Tracy of Wisconsin was moderator of the meetings and J. B. Thayer scribe. The following were the original Members. none of whom are now living: Washington Lloyd. Mrs.

Eleanor Kellogg, Mrs. David Higby, Mrs. Ezra Scoville, Mrs. I. N. Cummings, Mrs. H. A. Billings. Washington Lloyd was chosen deacon and Daniel Scoville, clerk.

The first meeting for public worship was held in the store of Billings & Strong, on the site now occupied by M. E. Motstad's store. The second meeting was in the store of Thos. Watson where the First National Bank is now located. In the summer of 1857 meetings were held in a slab shanty erected by Deacon Lloyd near where Fred Hamiin's residence is now situated and afterwards in the public schon) buliding, until the erection of the first house of worship, which was begun In 1866 and dedicated July 22, 1868. This building was of wood, 31 by 43 feet. and stood On a lot near the location. but fronting on Broadway, instead of to the south as now. In 1876 the building was turned around. enlarged to its present size, 32 by 64 feet, and veneered on the outside with brick. The church was helped more or jess in the support of ita ministers by the American Home Missionary Society until Its twenty-first year, when it became self-supporting,

Rev. Ira Tracy was the first pastor; he began his labors with the church in September, 1856. The church has had twenty pastors In all. The earliest surviving members of the church are W. L. Kellogg, S. C. Kellogg and Mrs. Amanda Kellogg, who joined In April 1859. The present membership of the church $s 179. In all. sinee i's organization, 765 persons have united with the church. The church owns a good parsonage. which is located just west of the church building.

July 15. 1881, and in all has served as clerk ahout forty-elght Years), Treasurer, Mrs. M. J. Hunt. Super- Intendent of Sun''av school, J. W

Barher. secretnry Nellle Hishy. Presldent of Christian Fndeavor Society, Vivian Parnes. President af Ladies' Benevoiert Society (Tadies Aid). Miss Alive Steffens. Trustees of the Church Socletv - Everettt Jones (chairman), Wm. Mason, S. C. Babcock. H. S. Boland. Robt. MceNee. H. H. Steffens, secretary, A. f. Jorris. treasurer. Lyle Hamlin, Atl these societies are in £001 condition and the church exerts a strong influence for goed jn the entire community.

The Connregational Church of Ham- \Iten had its teginnine June 12. 1860, when a meeting was held at the home ef Horace P. Sleerer. At that time it was voted to enll a covnell on June 21, to oreanize the chureh, At the aProinted time, the fallowine ministers and delecatea met at Hanilltan te organize. If advisable. a Congreentional church: Rev. J. F. Purhank. Carimona Congregational Chureh; Rev. J, F, Strone. of St. Charles Conerecational church: Rey. Ira Tracy. of Spring Valley Con¢regational chureh: De*con W. Floyd. of the seme ebureh: Rev. BE. D. Holt of Chatfield Presbyterian church. Rev. Ira Tracy was chesen moferatar and Rev. E. D. Holt. seribe. After a sermon bv E. D. Holt, articles of faith were adopted and the fol- lowing persons associated themselves together under the name of the First Congregational Church of Ham!lton, Minn.: Gullelmus Carter, Mrs. Letsey Carter, William Gee, Mrs. William Gee, H. P. Sleeper, Asa A. Northrup,

Rev. Ira Tracy to act as pastor, and chose G. Carter as deacon. In 1870 plans were made for a church building, but the matter was delayed until 1871. May 27, 1871, the corner stone was

Incorporate the church as such, to hold all property. In March, 1886, the act of incorporation was completed. and the soclety gave all property Into the hands of the church. The first three Pastors were Revs. Ira Tracy, S. M. Elliott and J. S. Rounce. Then came the Rey. R. S. Armstrong, - - Buss, F. L. Fuller, E. W. Merrill. D. Goodsell. W. G. Roherts, ©. F, Hunt, J. F. Marvin, J, A. Rowell. D. C, Reed and - - _ Borgess. The church !s now disbanded, desths and removals being the cause. The few remaining members now attend at Racine, in Mower county.

Congregational Church of Rushford. - This soclety was organized May 19, 1860, Rev. Wm. W,_ Snell heing the pastor, and Rev. D, Rurt, of Winona, assisting in the services. The original memhers were Wm. W. Snell and

Mr. Snell was pastor for many years. A Sunday school was onened with a dozen members In 1857. Mr. Snell was merely instrumental in the erection of the charel. Services had usvally heen hetd In Mr. Snell's small living room. But about 1859 or 1860, his father sent him the sum of $200 to use as he saw fit. suggesting at the same time thnt it miZht be properly apolied to making their dwelling house a little more comfortable. It was used toward building a house of worship, $100 being added bv a friend fram the east. and something over $100 raised by the citizens. The Ladies' Sewing Society. in the frail of 1861, resolved to procure 4 bell for the chanel. and so devoted the $20 in_the treasury to that object. Mr. Snell was going east. and took the finds along, and securing the additional amount from eastern friends. the bel! was procured and shipped ta Rushford, snd on. January 1. 1863, its sound invited the villagers to worship.

The Bristol Congreastional Church was formed nbout 1867. The edifice was in the state of Iowa. The first pastor was Rev. Mr. Jones. well known as "Tite Jones." an recount of his diminutive size, In 1859. meetings were held in Mr, Reave's house, and at the hovse of T. P. Chnse, on sections fOurteen and fifteen.

Canton Congregatiore! Church was organized about 1857, with the follow- Ing memhers: I. N. Smith and wife, James Lynn and wife, and John Miller. The meeting was held at the house of the latter. Rev. Ira_ Tracey. of Sprine Valley. afficiatine. Meetings were held at the lox schoolhouse. Mr. Tracey was follawed by the old ploneer, Rey. W. WW. Srelt. and this hecame nx branch of the Rushford sactety. From February. 1859, to sore time in 1861, Mr. Snell came regularly once in two weeks. Rev. George Bent was the next exbounder of the gospel. He remained to preach every second Sun-~ day for nine years, and was followed by Rev. John A. Cruzen, from Iowa, who supplied the pulpit for five months. Rev. GC. A. Marshall followed. remaining for about three years, having service once in two weeks. Rev. H. R. Lamb was the next supply. then Rev. James A. Mitchell. In 1876. Rev. George Sterling officiated. Rev. Charles W. Wiley preached bere up to April 26. 1880, having first arrived jn 1878. All these ministers were connected with congregations in Iowa. EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION.

Zion's Church, Evangelical Assoclation. Preston. - In the Year 1857, one Rev. Leonard Von Wald came across country from Wisconsin by way of Winona on foot to this locality and after due announcement heid his first services in an old sehoolhouse In the village of Preston in the month of August. A few people of the denomination had already moved here from

Barbara Sehwitzer and Mother Wombacher. in February of 1858, after a revival meeting, a number of others became members, among whom_wetre Christlan Brill and wife, also Christian Rappe and wife. During L. Von Eschen's pastorate jn 185%, efforts were made to establish a permanent society by building a small stone church in the village of Preston and after many hardships and much hari

Rev. L. Buehler, presiding elder of Winona District of the Wisconsin Conference. This was the first church of any denomination established in Preston.

In July, 1860, the first quarterly eonference of the congregation was held by Israel Kuter., presiding elder of the Winona district, at which time Christian Rappe was elected treasurer of thls society. At a second quarterly meeting In December, 1860, a resolution was passed that funds be gathered wherewith to begin the bullding of a parsonage the following spring on the lot adjoining the church Jet to the west. Although the first church was torn down and a new one put in place, and &@ new parsonage put in place of the one first buflt. the location of elther was not changed.

In 1869, at the first session of the newly organized Minnesota Conference held at East Prairie. Rice county, Minn.. Preston was designated as a station, a self supporting congregation. and in 1873 the congregation was incorporated. The first trustees were Christian Hiittig (treasurer), Adam Zimmerman and George Wombacher. Time was when the old church edifice would accommodate all. but during Rev. John Drehmel's pastorate the members found that the old_ bnilding would no longer accommodate ali who wished to wurship with them. so after only sixteen years of service the old building was torn down and a new brick church was built on the Same site at a cost of $3,000. The building committee were: C. Rappe. J. Wintz. A. Zimmerman. J. Link and A. Link. Although Many difficulties presented themselves to these people while securing material and in the building of their church, Yet their hardsbips were not near so many and the difhculties not near so great as experienced by the brethren who built the old stone structure sixteen years previous. Among those who helped erect the first structure might be mentioned: George Wombacher, John Link, Chris Brill, Christ Rappe, Geo. and John Hepp, Sr., Michael Anstett and notabiy Michael Diebold. who worked ali suminer as the mason In laying the walls of the building, ali labor being done free of charge, and Chris Brill, who gave his services as Carpenter,

Lenz. 1886-1889; Rev. E. J. Hielscher. 1889-1892; Rev. Fred C. Schmidt, 1492- 1895; Rev. Silas Goetz, 1895-1897; Rev. A. Zabel, 1897-1899; J. J. Boelter, 1899- 1901; Rev. A. Geyman, 1901-1905: Rev. P. A. Lang, 1905-1910; Rev. Henry C. Schmidt, 19106 to the present tlme. This was aiso the center for a number of nelghboring congregations to meet in annual camp meetings for many years. In 1902 the state Young People's convention was held here, at which time Mrs. E. M. Spreng. president of the National Woman's Missionary Society, was present and organized a locaj auxiliary. In May. 1908, the Minnesota Conference met here in their forty-first sesslon. The ministerial] meeting of St. Paul district was also held here once In late years. Three ministers and thelr wives went out From here to preach the Gospel: Rev. Ciris. Brill and wife in 1860: Rev. William Link and wife in 1900, pel Rev. Reuben Wintz and wife in 1 5

As time passed repairs were needed. During Rev. A. Zabei's pastorate the parsonage was remodeled and enlarged throughout. During Rev. A. Geyman's pastorate the old stoves were removed and a furnace placed in the basement of the church wherewith to heat the building. The main audi- 1torium of the church was also treated thorough renovation. During Rev. I. A. Lang's pastorate all the old wooden sidewalks in and along the east and south sides of the property were removed and cement walks put in place thereof. The old pews were removed from the chureh and new ones ed In place. Durlnge Rev. H. C. Schmidt's pastorate the interlor of the church was Siven a_ thorough overhauling and new electric Nght fixtures were put In place of the ola electric light fixtures. The excavation of the basement begun during Rev. Geyvman's pastorate was completed last year preparatory to putting in a class room. Preparations are also being made at present to build a much needed barn for the pastor's horse.

tive; the same can be said of the Woman's Missionary society. There is also a Young People's society. At present there is a memlership of ninety in the congregation. The trustees are Alf I. Ltiehl, president; Charles Behnke, treasurer, and Joseph Hahn, secretary. I. A. Vickerman is and has been for a number of years the superintendent of the Sunday school.

Among those who have been active in the past thirty years or more of the existence of this society are: George Wintz, J. Wintz, Albert Link. Andrew Reubder, John Reuber, Fred Behnke, Michael Anstett, Father Trende. J. Anstett. W. O. Klelmenhagen and many others.

German Lutheran

The Doctor Martin Luther Church was founded by the late Rev. Michael Reck, on September 23. 1867. At that time there were few Lutherans In this vicinity. Some of the first pioneers were: Christoph Laging, Theo. Freiheit. Jen Moenchesang, Chr. Hinze. Ernst Brandt, Fred. Jeche. Goattlie Freiheit, August Sehultz, Albert Schultz. George Sturm and Fred. Zimmer. This was the first German Lutheran chureh In Fillmore county, and from this point other Lutheran churches were eStablished. Pastor M. Reck remained here about twelve years and succeeded by Hev. Maertens. who remained for two years. He was succeeded by Rev. John Eckhoff, who remained here for a Period of nearly thirty-two years. Under his pastorate the new church edifice was erected about ten years ago, but at the same time the congregation was divided. a part forming a hody at Wrykoff, the other at Spring Valley, The new church is standing on the old site. The congregation in consequence of the division, is small in membership, counting only thirtyseven, jookIng hopefully in the future. In the spring of 1911 Rev. Eckho? lett the parish and was succeeded by Rev. E. R. Melehert. The church has its own parsonage, built many years ago and renovated since. It also has a sma!l Sunday School and a promising Ladies' Aid Sociely- - - -By FE. R. Melchert.

The German Lutheran Zion's Congregatlon of Spring Valley was organized in Decemter, 1901. This congregation and the one at Wykoff called Rev. John Hafermann = as their pastor. The ploneers of the church are August Lenz. August Kruegel, Atbert Kumm. The _ first services were hell in the schoolhouse in Spring Valley. The present church building was erected In the year 1902 in Spring Vaney. under the pastorate of Rev. John Hafermann. Soon after @ parsonage was bought near the chureh building. Rev. John Heafermann was pastor for eight years. In 1907 the Wrykoff congregation catled their own minister and Rev, John Hafermann served the congregation of Spring Valley and the congregation of Hamilton, six miles distant from Spring Vailey. In April. 1909, the conéregatinn calied as their pastor Rev. A. Schoebel. who also serves the congregation at Hamitton. The chureh has a flourishing Sunday school. The parish school is held from. November to Easter. There ts also German schoo) durlng a month in | summer. The Young People's society and Ladies' Aid society are also in a fiourishing condition. Forty-four families belong to tie congregation. The officers are: August Kruegel and Otto Kohn, elders; Fred Lenz, secretary; Albert Kumm, cashier; August Schmidt, Carl Sturm and Car! Biejjun, trustees. - By the pastor.

German Lutheran Evangelical St. Paul's Church of Preston. - The first services were held in the Court House in the latter years of the sixties. The Rev. M. Beck conducted the services. This pastor had other charges in Big Spring, Granger and Spring Valley. this venerable Rev. M. Reck tell us that he walked from Spring Valley to his other charges. As he was @ very energetic Pastor it took him but a little while to start congregations and he laid a substanUlal foundation for the future. Among those who first attended the services In Preston were: Mike Marzolf, Sr., Henry Neumann, Henry Renner, Mike Hopp, August Marquardt, August Weyrauch, Sr., Fred Diekow, Fred Bender, John Sehmidt, Carl Schulz, Henry Rohde, Joseph Joseph~ ski, Sr. Aug. Weyrauch was the first superintendent of the Sunday school.

The first class was confirmed March 29. 1874, and consisted of: Kaspar Weyrauch, Marie Kui. Auguste Gatzke, Anna Pfaff, Marie Pfaff. John Schmidt, Philipp Schmidt. and Wilhelm Haas.

Some_ of first who were married were: Willam Marquarét to Hulda Dewes, Feb. 13, 1874; Joseph Pfaff to Cornelia Hurlbert April 9, 1876; August Schulz to Caroline Sehmidt Aug. 1,

Some of the first who were buried were: Anna Blumenschein, Dec. 24, 1873, hurled by Rev. P. Herterick; Mike Marzolf. Sr.. July 19. 1874. buried

The chureh was organized into a corporate body under the laws of the state. April 28, 1886. The articles of incorporation were signed by Louis Kcraemer. Henry Luhman, Mike Hopp. Carl Kuethe, Fred Neumann, Henry Neumann and Loule Groth.

The church edifice wus erected in 1875 at a cost of $1.400. The first organ was donated by Mike Marzolf. Sr., and Mike Hopp. at a cost of $200.

The parsonage was built in 1893 in connection with a parochial schoo). These buildings are situated on the church campus. The parsonage was renovated in 1910 by the Ladies Afd Society. Electric light fixtures were also installed. A pipe organ was put into the church In 1910 at the cost of $1,000. The present church was built in 1903 at a cost of $4841.11. Joe Drier & Co. were the contrmetors,

The Sunday school is in a flourishing condition. The work Is fone in the German and English lnnguages. The present enrollment is ninety-four children, with eight teachers. Carl Kuethe has been superintendent of the Sunday school for twenty-seven Years. The Ladies' Aid Soclety now numbers twenty-eight members. Much has been accomplished by this society in locat and outside work. Another society within the church is the Mutual Aid Society which ts in connection with the German Tvtheran Synod of Iowa and other states. In case of death the cca pays the sum of $500, $1,000 or

The present membership is 65 famfilles. 385 souls. The officers of the church are: Wiliam Kuethe, Kruegel, Erich Schmidt, Albert Kriese; Herman Rathke. and Willlam Pfister.

The pastors of the church have been: Rev. Mike Beck. Rev. Sebastian Hertick, Rev. Otto Hartmann, Rev. Fred Kuethe, Rev. Adciph List, Rev. Fred Burkhardt. Rev. Henry Mueller, Rev. Paul Kumpf. The latter is serving at the present time.

96, the members having previously been associated with the Martin Luther Congregation of Spring Valley township. The first pastor, the Rev. Edkhoff served_until 1961, and then the Rev. John Hafermann wag Called jointly by the Emanuel congregation of Wykoff and the Zion's congregation of Spring Valley. Rev. Hast Was calied to the Emanuel congregatlon in 1907 and the following year came the present oad the Rev. T. Wagner. From 1896 to 1901 meetings were held in the schoo! house and in different churches. A church was erected in 1901, costing. together with the parsonage, about $8.000. The parsonage was bulit in 1903. The church has a Sunday school and Ladies' Aid society. and a summer school is conducted for the children. A regular school for the teaching of the catechism is also conducted.

The Bristol) German Lutheran So- ¢clety was Instltuted in 1871. Rev. M. Reeck was the first preacher. and at first held meetings in the schoolhouse. A church was built In 1878, at a cost of $1.500. The first trustees were Gustavus Krager, Michael Michael. and Henry Williams.

Harmony German Evangelical Church. - This society was organized in 1874. Un to the year 1882. services were held in the schoolhouse, when 4 small building was constructed on section 8. for hoth church end school purposes. When first organized there were ahout eighteen members.

Baptist

The First Baptist Church of Spring Valley. - In 1863, an organization was effected with thirteen members. The first service was by Rev. Amory Gale, of Minneapolis. in the schoolhouse. Three or four years tater the soclety purchased the old sechno! hullding and removed It. Among the early pastors were: J._G. Craven. R. H. Ketchum. M. D. Reeves, C. D. Farnsworth. James Mitchell, F. S. Wilter, and S. S. Utter.

The Feee Baptist Church of Beaver was organized July 12. 1863, with twelve memhers. at the house of Mr. Gilman. by Fider Cyrus Young. He temained on duty for about one vear, when he was succeeded by Fider Reeves. The services were at private houses and at the schoolhouse on section twenty-six. Rev. M. Young was an early pastor.

The Free Baptist Church of Fillmore. - Rev. M. . Reeves organized a snelety hrelding to the tenets of this faith In 1868. in (he house of John Crain. with eight members. [In 1872. a church e'ifice wes erected in the village of Wykoff. 26x41 feet. the cost being £1.500. "arly pastors were: Rev. M. R._Felt. Rev. W. C. Sweet and Rev. J. M. Young.

Bloomfieid Baptist Church. - -A Baptist church in Etna which was bulit in 1871, 28x36 feet, erected at a cost of $1,500. The first sermon for the denomination was delivered by Rev. Farnsworth.

Pilot Mound Baptist Church. - On May 28. 1859, Rev. G. W. Fuller, of Chatiield, assisted in the instttution of this society. W. Wendell, having changed his views In relaiion to baptism. was probably instrumental in inaugurating this movement, and united with the society. He, already being a licensed preacher. became the pastor, and was ordained September 21 following.

ona missionary tour from Elltiota. and as there were no roads he blazed the trees as he came. to find his way back. He had service at the house of Elijah Austin in section eleven, which was north of the present village. In 1846, an organization was 'effected, with Mr. Bly as preacher. Rev. Mr. Sheldon and Rev. Mr. Morse, were afterwards here. he meetings were in the schoolhouse. So many of the members moved away that the meetings were finally discontinued.

Chatfield Baptist Church. - At one time iate In the fifties there was an organization of Baptisis here. In 1858, a small one story huilding waa erected, 20x40 feet. and for quite a time there were regular services. but after a time they were discontinued.

Calvinistic

The Welch Calvinistic Church was organized i*te in the sixties by Rev. J. D. Williams and Rev. Daniel Rowlands. The Welch residents of this town had attended service In York previous to this time. at private houses and in the log schoolhouse. The above mentioned clergymen. with Rev. Jahn Evans, preached here at different times. In 1874 the church was constructed on section elghteen, at a cost of about $2,100.

Catholic

Cathotl¢ Church of Spring Valtey. - The chureh at Spring Valley was commenced August. 1878, and so far comnpleted that services were held on December 8 1878 by Rev. Father William Riordan, of Chatfield. Before the erection of the church serv-

Preble was erected in 1872. Previous to this time the services in the interest of thia faith were at irregular intervals by priests from the nearest available points. Rev. Father Penderzast, of Winona. it is helieved. held the first of these services, at the house of Martin FHlorihan. on section twenty-four. about the year 1857.

Catholic Church of Carrolton. - The first mass ever said in town was at the house of Mr. M. Mulholland in 1856, by Rev. Father Michael Kinsley. A church was commenced In the southeast corner of section seven. The farmers around found the logs and put up the building ready to receive the roof. but it was never finished. After remaining in thls condltion a few years it was destruyed by a prairie fire. The people now attend service in the village of Lanesoro. Cathollc Church of Lanesboro. - Service was held at various nouses it was resolved to erect a place of worship, and a temporary building was pul up. In 1871, another edifice was commenced, and In 1873. il was completed. Among the priests who have officiated here are Father Cahil, Father Riordan, Father Cornelius and Father Caine. The first services here are said to have been by Archbishop Ireland at the huuse of Michae) Mulholland.

Catholic Church of Fountaln. - The first muss was said at the residence of James Mulroy in July, 1856. by Rev. Father Kinsley. and afcerwards services were held in various houses until the church was bullt.

Catholic Church of Carimona. - A Catholic Church, on section thirtyone, was built in 1875, at a cost of $2,000, and is a frame Structure. The first remembered mass in town was by Father Callaghan, at the house of Edward Matoney in 1857.

St. Mary's Catholic Church of Chatfield was organized about 1856. A structure was built at this time at a cost of $6,000. Father Essing was the earliest priest and remained three years. The parsonage was built in 1868. Father William Riordan was here for twelve years. Father John Hanly took charge in July, 1881.

The Cathollc Church of Canton. - In 1889 a Cathotic Church was erected on the west slide of the Canton village Plat, the she of whieh is: thirty-+lx by sixty feet. at a cost of about $5,000; and ig known as the "Church of the Assumption.'' The church Int embraces an entire block, the -size of which is 250 feet hy 260 feet. and is a very handsome location. is ornamented with evergreen and deciducus trees.

The Vision of the Assumption. - The Church of the Assumption at Canton was built in 1889. On a bright Sunfjlay morning, in 1892, there appeared in the upper round window in the gable of the church, a woman's face of sainted outlines. For a time the woman's face appeared ajone. Then there ahpeared a woman and a child. And still later this was changed to a man, woman and child. Benefits were derived from gazing on the vision. and s00n miracles were reported. Peaple flocked to Canton from aj! over the world. <A tented city was built. special trains were run, and many people were cured of their ailmenigs. Crutches and all sorts of bodily appliances. no longer needed. were left at the church in evidence of wonders wrought. At last Bishop Cotter removed the glass and took It to Winona. In the meanthne, the glasses in the window had been changed many times. with no diminution in _the appearance of the vision. Rev. Daniel Jones, the pastor of the church. huit not only the Canton church, but also the Preston and

United Brethren

Fillmore.-Thlis society was organized in 1874, Rev. Philips being the officiating minister. In 1876, a building was erected in the southern pait of town, size 35x45 feet, at a cost of $7,000. Revs. Vance. Hillis, and Beacon were early pastors.

United Grethren Church of Fountain. - _This denomination organized a society at the schooihouse in district No. 77, In 1879. Robert Shipton was the cluss leader, and there were eleven members.

Norwegian Lutheran

There are thirty Norwegian congregations in Fillmore county, with twenty-four churches. Sixteen of the congregations belong to the United Lutheran church, seven to the Norweglan Lutheran Synod, five to the Hauge Synod. and two to the Methodist Episcopal.

Arendahl Norweglan - Evangelical Lutheran Congregation. - In the Jal! of 1856 Arne ©. Poyvum, an evangelist of Dane county, Wisconsin. held the first gospel service in the home of Nels Gulli¢kson. Present at the service were Swan T. Husetoft. Asing Anderson, Peder P. Haslerud, Harold O. Moen. Hans Bergsiand, Anders Romoren and many others,

The Arendahl congregetton was or- Banized in year 1858 when it called Arne &, Boyum, who was ordained ag its pastor. 'The first trusteern of the church were Peter Nelson, Iians Hanson _ Bergsiard, Albert Anderson (clerk), Albert Anderson (treasurer), Lars Thompson. 'The first church, a tog house. 18 by 34, was erected end dedicated in 1860. This served until 1863. when a frame house was put up, 30 by 40 feet. It was afterward extended eighteen feet. In 1899 a new, modern edifice was erected at a cost of about 38.030. The present memhership is 317 souls.

of Red Wing Seminary. He accepted it and was ordained to the pastorate and served about two years. In 1898 Rev. J. J. Breldablik, of Chicago. took charge of the church and served about four years. In 1903 Rev. M. J. Westphal, of Viroqua. Wis.. accepted a call and iy pastor of the church row.

Arendahl church has a Sunday school of about forty children and five teachers; one voung people's society; one young ladies' society, and one tadies' aid.

The first confirmation was_ held in the sunmimer of 1860, July 1. The class consisted of twelve pupils of which two still are residing members of the

The present_leading Officers of the chureh are: Deacons "A. BE. Boyum, A. J. Agtimson, T. P. Aarsvoli: trustees, Herman Jolinson, Hans I. Toreerson, Ivac J. Skarstad: secretary. John

Peterson Norwegian Lutheran Congregation. - In the year 1872 on April 2G at the home of Even O. Tuff was organized the Peterson Norwegian Isutheran Congregation. Rev. A. E. Boyunl was the first pastor, The members present at the organization were Mr. and Mrs. E. 0. Tuff, P. P. Haslerud, E. P, Quickstad, FE. A. Hielie, O. Ensberg. Rev. A. E. Boyum and others. The _tirst Officers were: Trustees. I. P. Quickstad. Ole Jensberg. Even A. Hijelle; deacons. KB. P. Quickstad, L. C. Stokland, Ole Ensberg: secretary. E, A. jelle. "The communicants numbered about fifty. At this meeting a bullding committee on church building was elected. This was I. P. Quickstad. E. A. Hielle, Ole Ensberg. and secretary and treasurer, E. A. Hjelle. Subscription toward the new church amounted to $683. The cost of the church which was built in Peterson amounted to $1,142.98 and a debt of $103.14 when the church was dedicated in the fall of 1874.

Rev. A. I. Boyum was pastor from 1874 to 1896; Rev. C. L. Rachie from 1896 to 1898; Rev. J. J. Breidablik from 1898 to 1902. From _.1903 to the present time Rev. M. J. Westphal has been pastor. In 1900 a new. modern church was built at a cost of $6,506.58. About one year later it was struck by lightning and hurned to the ground. In 1902 a new chureh was built again at about the same cost as the one that burned.

A parsonage was built at Peterson in 1897 at a Cost of about $2.509. The chureh has a very thrifty Sunday school of about ee pupils and five teachers. A Luther League of young ociety and Young Ladies' Society are doing wel! in working for the church and the missions. The total membership of the congregation at present is 167. The officers are: Trustees. John Ensberg. Lars Olness and C. R. Moen; deacens. J. C. Dayton, F. E. Thompson, Olaus Ensberg; secretary. E. Halvorson; treasurer, oO. Ensberg; Sunday school superintendent. F. E. Thompson; president Laiies' Ald, Mrs. N. Stedje; president Young Ladies' Society, Bertha Thompson: president Luther League, A. O. A. Moen.

First Evangelical Norweglan Lutheran Church of Newburg. - The rugged and sturdy rece Inhabiting the Seardinavian peninsula has for centuries past been deeply devoted to its religious traditions, serving with great devotion and fidelity the teachings and doctrine of the state chureh, which is Lutheran. When emigration for America started some time along in the twenties. almost @ century ago, they did not leave behind them this heritage, and within an incredibly short tlme after planting themselves on American soll. and having erected their rude. log cabins. the first thought of the people of this race was to provide in some way for their spiritual wants, This soon manifested itself by the building of houses of worship where they could meet and worship their God according to the teachings of their forefathers. alsa to instruct their children that this faith might be handed down to futnre generations yet unborn. 'That these old pioneers builded well and probably better than they knew, is shown by the countless churches, schaois, colleges, orphan homes, homes for the aged. hospitals, and the missionary work both foreign and domestic. At this time about 175,000 American Norwegians and their descendants embrace the Lutheran faith, most of this oe being located in the Northwest,

The early pioneers in Newburg and Preble townships who emigrated from Norway came overland mostly via the oxen and wagon toute from La Salle county. [linois, the influx having its beginning about the year 1853. Among those who came about this time. from 1853 to 1857, and who tool an active sind leading part In organizing and maintaining the First Svangetical Norwegian Lutheran Church at this place about twO miles northeast of Newburg we find the following, nearly all with a few exceptions having crossed the Great Divide from whence no traveler ever returns:

A rude Jog school house located about one mile northwest from the chureh slte was used as a meeting house until the first chureh was built in 1884, just neross the township line on land whieh belonged to Jacob Elefson.

The congregation was organized hy Rev. Peder Asbjornson June 8, 1857. On May 21, 1861, a meeting of the male members was held at the house of Jacob Larson, when the first set of trustees was elected as follows: Christlan Christopherson, elected for three years: Jacob Jacobson, elected for two years; Jacob Larson, elected for one year. Rev. A. A. Scheie was chairman of this meeting and Christian Christopherson secretary, The first ordained tninister was a Rey. Lars Morheim, who ministered to the spiritual wants of the people, but stayed lere only a few Years, The writer of this sketch being a comparatively young man. has been unable to get the life history of this man, and can say little of him. In 1856 Rev. A. A. Scheie came here from Milwaukee and bought a farm close to the little village of Newburg. About this time he was called to break the bread of life. whieh he did ably and well for about nineteen years, He was not educated for the ministry. but was nevertheless a fluent and able speaker and, being of a practical turn of mind, did much to jead_ and guide (he people during these troubious times. when many influences were slowly but surely at work sowing the seeds of discord and strife which came like @ destructive tempest a year or two after he left. In 1874 he moved to the Red River valley. Jocating near Halstad, Norman County, where he dled in 1885.

As previously stated tle first church was built in 1864. a wooden structure which was utilized. as a house of worship unti! May, 3904, when it was torn dawn and a new modern byilding was be up at a cost of about $7,000. Jt was the most beautiful eountry church for miles around and built on the old site, but was destined to a shart duration. On the evening of May 2. 19172, it was struck by Nghtning and as it was beyond human power to save it from destruction, it was in one short hour a mass of smoking ruins. On May 14 It was already decided to rebuild and as these Jines are written steps are already being taken to realize this decision.

This congregation has two cemetervies, the first and oldest one about one mile north from the church site, located on the northwest corner of the northeast quarter of section 34. The first one to be calied as the angel of death who was burled here was Inga M, Eelefson, a sister of Jacob Elefson, whose earthly strife ended in October, 1856. Here rests all that is mortal of the greatest number of the old pioneers who did so much to_upbuild and develop the so-cailed RichjJand pre where they lived and moved and not only provided for their material wants and comforts but also endeavored to satisfy that longing and craving which finds no rest or contentment here below. Long may their memory live. Up to the year 1878 no burials had been made about the church. In the fall of this year the mortal remains of Paul Hanson was laid away here and in June, 1879, the wife of the pastor died and was also buried here. From this time on this was also used as a resting lace for the departed ones and the many monuments and grassy mounds remind one of that unknown journey that we all sooner or later must take.

After A. A. Scheie Jeft, Rev. H. L. Haukeonson was called as minister for this congregation in the fall of the year 1876. Up to this time there was no parsonage but no time was lost in erecting suitable buildings for the new pastor who was to arrive. Ten acres of land was purchased of Thos. Pearson close by the chureh and the buildings went up a5 soon as it could be done at that time. Lumber was hauled from Lanesboro and Rushford and It was some time befure everything was tn shape for occupancy.

Rev. Haakonson was a young man, a gifted and talented minister of the gospel, but his coming here hroved to be an unfortunate and sad event. His ministerlal career here was attended by many difficulties for the congregation and much sorrow and tribulation for the pastor. His path was not strewn with roses while here and the mental anguish and bitter remorse which were his lot undoubtedly broke his spirit and brought about his early demise. Being very eager to see his people walk the paths of rigtteousness, he was prohably overzealous in his ways of bringing this about. A large mumber of the young people at this time were i dati 3 but what Christian and moral young peonle should be and the good pastor, wishing to have it otherwise, tried to chastise and persuade these people to mend their ways. Thus It camé about that factions arose. In December, 1881, Rev. Haakonson resigned as pastor and a number of bis parishoners seceded from the old congregation. forming a new one. For a number of years there were two congregations. each with its Own chureh and pastor. In the meantime efforts were made to bring about reconciliations, and united the two warring factions, which was finally accomplished in April. 1895. The writer will not attempt to pass judgment as to where the fault lay which hrought about_ this controversy, which was very disastrous to the spirit and growth and uplift of the chureh, hut will simply relate the historical fact that a jury of some of the ablest ministers and laymen in the synod at that time, after hearing evidence and facts In this case, decided that those who seceded upon the advice of their pastor had a right and were justified in doing so. Rev. Haakonson after living some years in Wisconsin. moved to Tehama County, California, where he died December 2, 1901.

In 1882 itev. J. J. Nessa was called and stayed about eight or nine years. He did little or nothing to bring about a2 union of the factions which existed at this time and which brought about sa much bitternass and bad feeling between nelghbor and neighbor. About 1891 Rev. Nessa moved away and Rev. A Wright, from Rushford, served the old congregation until 1895. At this time the two factions were united again. Rev. Wright resigned and I. H. Hinderaker, from near Canhy, Minn.. was chosen. From this time on peace and harmony has prevailed many of the older members having died or moved away and the younger feneration finding no reason for keeping up the feud. Reverends Nessa and Wright are still iiving, the former in Adams_ County, D.,_ and the latter at Rushford, Minn. Rev. Hinderaker stayed among us about six years and moved out to Astoria, S. D., where he has large land holdings and Is still serving a congregation as pastor. He moved away having the good will and respect of all who knew

Vikingstad, who had congregations about six or _seven miles south of Spring Grove, Minn., was called to the pastorate here and commenced his duties in the summer of 1961. In the opinion of the writer he was the Most learned and talented pastor of the long llst who have served this congregation, His knowledge of events and chureh history was amazing, and his way and style of interpreting the Holy Scriptures was inspring and educational. In Mareh, 1509, he moved out to Cooperstown, N. D., where he still Hyves, having three or four congregations. Rev. Wm. A. Rasmussen was Vikingstad's successor, who commenced his duties here about April 1. 1809, and at present is the pastor here. He has four congregations - one at Hesper, Ia., one at Mabel, Mlinn., and this one near Newburg; also a small one at Prosper, Minn. This concludes the list of pastors here up to the present time. It may also be added here that the part who seceded from the old congregation here was served by H. L. Haakonson, q Pederson, A. O. Langehaugh. and O. K. Weium. during longer or shorter intervals. . From the time of its organization up to the year 1890 this congregation belonged to the Norwegian Augustana Synod. In this year this synod, the conference, and tiie Anti-Missourian Grotherhood were united into one. adopted the appropriate and beautiful! name by which it has since been known: The Norwegian United Lutheran Chureh of America, Strange as it may seem to Many minds, there have been four large divisions or bodies of Norwegian Lutherans and two or three smaller Ones with fittle if any differences in teachings or creeds, all working with the same aim in view - the saving of souls - all using the Same means - the Holy Scriptures and the sacraments, but still pulling apart and thus wasting a food deal of their energy which might be put to better use. But a new day seems to dawn which is full_of hope and promise of better times. Vigorous efforts are now made by these uilferent parts or synods to bring all together into one strong united bouy. May this day speedily come is the wish of the writer. - By. B. Jacobson.

Satersdan! Congregatlon. - The first services of this congregation were hed in a log schoashouse in York township in 1864, in charge of Rev. T. Larson. Those who attended these services were: Ole A. Mork, Ole T. Hofto, Ole A, Lien, S. Iverson, K. Pedersen, Johannes Eillngsen, 0. S. Trydal, K. O. Wiilsen, K. H. Dale and H. Halverson. The incorporation meeting was held Noy. 24, 1864, and the first officers were Ole A. Mork, K K. Asager, K. Pedersen and Ole T, Hofto. The first church was erected in 1873. An additlon_to the chureh was built in 1897. The same year @ parsonage was bullt in Harmony on a forty-acre tract, the parsonaye be. longing to the Greenleaf. Satersdahi and B.oomfield congregations. It was later sold at auction. Among the leading members of the congregation may be mentioned J. O. Trydal, John Ivers, Ole K. Olson, Halvor Daly, Knut Hovey and Ole K. Hovey. The first pastor, Rev. T. Larson, served twentytwo years. Rev. P. Dryer served sixteen years, Rev. Bu one wear, Rev. Hartman six years, Rev. Reinartson one year. The present pastor is Rev. D. Svenungsen. He also serves at Le Roy, Minn., and at Ridgeway and Cresco, Iowa.

Among the early births in the congregatlon may be mentioned: Jorge Jorgeson, Sept. 11, 1855; Gunvor Thorson, August 24, 1856; Thor. T. Haugen, Feb. 16, 1856; Ingeborg Lawrence, June 24, 1854; Ote O. Trydal, Mar. 15, 1856. Among the early deaths may be mentioned: John Olson, Nov. 1, 1859; Helge Knudsen, ue. 22, 1859;

. Witsen, April 1, 1860; Anna Bertine. Mar. 13, 1862; Mary Olsen, Nov. 18, 1861. Among the early marriages were: Kittl Pedersen to Gunild Olsen. 1862; Ole Gjermundsen to Targor Johnson. 1862; Vetle Taraldsen to Dorthia Thorsen, 1863. - Prepared hy Joet O. Trydal.

Frederickson, from Texas, was its first Pastor. He was an eccentric personage with the Rockefeller instinct for money making. but very indlfferent as a spiritual leader. From 1863 to 1865, the Rey. L, Stern from Rock Dell, served as minister. He was a very austere man with small ability to win and lead the people. In the year 1865 the congregation was annexed to the Greenfield congregation at Harmony, Minn,, Rev. Tobias Larson, pastor. He was a noble-minded, able and conscientious minister. Under hls pastorate the congregation grew from a few struggiing members to a strong and prosperous body. Articles of Incorporation were adopted at a regular meeting Dec. 28, 1864, held at the home of Paul Sharie. The first board of trustees were Ole Nellickson, Lars A. Lundby and Paul Sharie. John Ostrud was elected secretary. In 1875 the congregation severed its connection with Greenfield and together with

Bear Creek and Le Roy (Mower County) congregations issued a_eall to Rev. O. A. Bu, just arrived from Norway and a #raduate from the University at Christiunia. He served falthfully and well for 33 years (from Nov. 25, 1875, to Nov. 28, 1908), resigned to accept a call from Duluth, Minn. The present pastor is kev. Naghard Engh. He was born in Norway fifty-nine years ago, but came to this country when a child. He was educated at Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, and at the Theoiogical Seminary of the Norwegian Synod, and also studied two years at the University of Christiania. He has a long and varied experience as a minister and is honored by all who know him, for his noble Christian character. He is married and has a large family.

In the year 1868 the first church was bullt, a frame structure, 40 by 30 feet, 16 feet high. In 1891 the climurch was remodeled and built over in the form of a cross, and enlarged to about double the original size. The church and cemetery are located on the southwest quarter of sectlon 33, town of Bloomfield. The parsonage, located one-fourth mile from the church, was bulit in 1876. The building was remodeled and enlarged tn 1909. Forty acres of good land Sees with the buildings for free use by the pastor. The Bloomfield congregation is a member of the United Church.

Services are held in one church three Sundays each month. There is a Young People's Society, a Ladies' Aid Society and a chureh choir. Parochial school is held two or three months a

The total membership is 410 at the Present time, voting members 160. Among the Jeading members are L. W. Nordgaerden, Halvor Olsen, N. O. Larson, N. A, Shaarburg, G. C, Gullickson, C. C, Christlanson, J. C. Engelstad, S. S. Dugstad, Ole Bolte, J. HiJlestad and J. J. Hanson.

The first couple marrted in Bloomfield and later members of the con- Bregation were Peter O. Nadland and Sizne Olson. This was in July, 1856. As there was no minister handy, the ceremony was performed by Robert Foster in Forestville. Of the hundreds of marriages since solemnized in the Bloomfield church not one has been broken up in the divorce court.

For various reasons twenty-two families left the congregation In 1894 and together with some _ outsiders founded a new congregation, built a church in the village of Ostrander and called Rev. N Berg of the Hauges

Evangelical Congregation was organized by Rev. Peder Dreyer. in October, 1891, with thirty-five members. The church building was erected in 1890, and was dedicated the following Year. Unti] 1893, the congregation had no settied pastor, but was served by néighboring pastors. among whom were Rev. Peder Dreyer. Rev. A. Wright and others. In 1893, Rev. O. K. Weium was called to have charge of the congregation, and was its settied pastor until] he died, July 7, 1894. In October of the same year Rev. A. ©, Langehough was called to be Rev. Wetum's successor.

by the late Rt. Rev. V. Koren, who at that time resided at Washington Prairie, iowa. His fist visit was in the year 1loo5, and the congregation was then o:ganized.

On account of the many other churches which he at tnat time seived, it was impossible for him to take chaige of the Nighland Prairie congresulivn, 80 a Call was extended to Kev. N. E. Jensen, who came from Norway in 1059, and preached his first sermon on July 25 the same year. He was insta.led by Rev, Koren. The services were to have been held in a laige 10g house, but so many came that it was found necessary 10 hold the meeting in the open air. The service was held under some large Ouk trees near the piace where the church later was erected. At this service eight children were baptized. The first child was christened Ola; he is at present storekeeper at Bradsberg, Fitimore County, Minn,

Rey. Jensen was an eloquent préeacher and was much beloyed by his parishioners. They bulit him a parsonage, which at that time was far ahead of anything of its kind in this neighborhood. It was a two-story brick bullding thirty by twenty-four feet. A farm of forty acres was also bought to be used by the pastor. This brick building is still being used as 4 parsonage, an addition being erected in 1892. The farm and the buildings on it as they stand now are valued at about $6,000.00 and are owned by the three congregations: Highland Prairie, Elstad and Oak Ridge.

Rev. Jensen served the congregations for ten years, from 1859 to 1869, when he resigned and moved to Housfoes Minn., where he died a short time ater.

Highland Prairie and Elstad congre- Zations began the erection of churches fn 1865, bul they were net completed before 1872, when they were dedicated. These houses of worship served as such until 1896, when Highland Prairie erected a new one, which was dedtcated on July 14, 1896. It has a seating capacity of aboul 600. The Elstad congregation replaced her cid church with a handsome large church dedicated in the summer of 1911. These two, together with the Oak Ridge church, are valued at $20,000.

As Is so often the case in all church work, the ladies take an active part, so ft can be said of the Jadies of these congregations. They have done much towards furthering the work. There are Ladies' Aid Societies in all the three congregations. The one on Highland Prairie was organized more than thirty years ago, and the leading spirit in it was for many years the pastor's faithful wife. The aim of the societies has been to work for the missions,

The Lutherans, although they recognize the Many blessings of the public school, have always felt the need of the instruction of the youth in the Word of God, and as this could not be given in the public school, they have gladly borne the extra expense that the parochial schoo] has necessitated. So the members of these churches have every summer set aside from one to three months fer this work. During this period the children have received instruction in Luther's Smali catechism. in Bible history and in the reading and writing of the Norwegian language, is added: "And whatsoever he doeth shail prosper." The trst settlers in this community came here, most of them very' poor, but they had brought with them trom their native home the fear of the Lord. and a love for his Word. They had no sooner settled when they arranged to have the good old gospei preached to them, and now the iittie Jog cabins have given pice to modern homes with the many comfurts, and poverty has in most cases been exchanged for wealth. One thing which is worthy of notice is the tact, that in these sixty years in a community numbering more than a thousund souls, there have been but three cases where men have been punished for crime committed.

Music has played no small part in the life of the Norwegians on Highland Prairie. As early as the seventies a male choir was organized, being instructed by Mrs. Magelssen. She also served for many years as the organist of the church, until two of her Pupils, Marie Eliertson and Tilla Jahr, succeeded her.

The church cholrs have here as In all other places had their ups and downs. They have at times had able leaders and thelr singing has ranked high. Among the leaders that deserve mention are: Oluf Glassoe, now traveling missionary of the United Lutheran Church, and Jens Mawelssen, at present deacon of the Highland Prairle church. The present leader of the two choirs, Elstad and Highland prairie, is the assistant pastor, Rev. N. 8, Magelssen, while the Oak Ridge choir is Jed by Halvor Lee. Highiand Prairie congregation installed a fine large plpe organ summer at a cost of $y 600.00. organist is Selma Overland.

Highiand Prairie Church has also a cornet band numbering about twenLly-five young men. It was organized more than twenty years ago, the present leader being Rev. N. S. Magelssen. The Bratsberg Viking Band, as it is called, always adds a great dea] to the entertainment of the congregation when it assembles at its Many festivals in the beautiful grove near the church parsonage.

In the year 1853 delegates from about twenty-eight congregations, and seven pastors, met at East Koshkonong in order to discuss the advisability of forming a union between the Norweglan Lutheran churches in thia country. t this meeting the synod for the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church of America was organized. This church body numbers now more than one thousand congregations with over 400 pastors, and has about 150,000 members. It supports missions among the Indians, the Zulus of South Africa (this in connection with a missionary society in Norway). and the Esquimaux of Alaska, and this summer (1912) has decided to begin work in the interlor of China. But the Sreatest work in this fine has been done among the Norwegians on the home mission field, more than seventy-five pastors being either wholly or partly supported in this work. The synod has also a large seamen's mission.

Two colleges, one at Decorah, Iowa, and the other at Fergus Falls, Minn., nine academies, one theological seminary, one normal school and one ladies' seminary are under the supervision of the synod. ..

As stated above, Rev. Jensen, the first resident paster, remained but ten years, and was then succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. Kr. Magelssen. In 1909 he was glven an assistant, this being his son, N, St. Magelssen, who was called from Lee, * where he was serving as the Right Reverend Norby's assistant. - Prepared by Rev. Kr. Mageissen.

Rev. Kr. Magelssen was born in Aafjorden, Norway, Apri] 27, 1839. In 1864 he emigrated to America and in the fall of the same year entered the Concordia Theorogical Seminary at St. Louis, Mo. In 1866 he was sent to New York city where he labored among his countrymen for a little More than half @ year. He returned again to St. Louis and after graduating was ordained as pastor in Decorah, Iowa, Dec. 9, 1866.

During the year 1867 he had charge of the Right Reverend H. A. Preus's congregations near Madison, Wisconsin, and the following year Rev. Mafelssen returned to Norway where he was married to Sara Stockfieth. October 27. A call had been extended to him from fhe congregations he ls now serving. his he accepted and began as pastor in 1869. The call at this tlme comprised the following congre- Sations: Rushford, Houston, Highland Prairie. Cedar Valley, Elstad, Whajan and Newburg.

Six children have been born to Rev. and Mrs. Magelssen. They are: Dorothea, married to U. S. Consul Genera! G. Bie Ravndal. Constantinople, Turkey; Hans Gynther. pastor at La Crosse, Wisconsin: Wilhelm Christian, United States Consul at Melbourne. Australia; Ludvig Daa, grocer at Mitchell. South Dakota: Nils Stockfleth, assistant pastor to his father; and Catharine, married to Rev. Finn Magelssen of Amherst, Wisconsin.

The North Prairie Norwegian Evangelical Congregation. - In 1857, Rev. N. E. Jensen held religious services in the house of Charles Anderson. In 1858, the North Prairie Lutheran Society was organized at the residence of Isaac Jackson n Arendahl. Knud Thorwaldson was chairman of the first board of trustees. The first clerk_and treasurer was Isaac Jackson. Rev. N. E. Jensen served as pastor up to the year 1869, when the Rev. M, Magnus took charge, remaining until 1876, when Rey. J. Krohn came.

A church, 30 by 40 feet, cost $2,500. was constructed in 1863. About the year 1874, a tower was bullt from the ground and eee ie with a bell weighing about 1,000 pounds. The same Year that the church was built, @ lot was secured just south of it, containing ten acres, and upon this a parsonage was huilt at a cost. including lot. of about $3,000. Afterwards thirty-three acres more land was bought of Jom Currie for the use of the pastor. This was adjoining the church tot which had been donated by Mr. Currie.

Pring Grove, the first to officiate here as the minister, although Rev. V. Koren had held services at the residence of Osten Golberg prior to this time. For about elght years Mr. Clausen kept up the services. usually at the house of Bjorn Olesen (Garnaas). In 1848. a frame Church wag completed, the congregation having been consoli- dated with a like society in Hesper, Iowa, but a disagreement arising as to the location of «a church edifice, the unlon was dissolved after continuing for three years, so that alone the con- Bregation put up their house of worship. The prominent men in church matters were Iver Gulbrandson (Ellestad) and Ole (Garnaas). Rev. H. A. Stub was a prominent minister at this time. There was an effort made to transform the society into a Methodist_one, but it was not accomplished. The con8regation was afterwards in charge of Rev. Kr. Magelssen, of Highland Prairie. In 1880, he surrendered the charge to Rev. E. P. Jensen, of Spring Grove.

Norwegian Evangelical Church of Preston. - In 1855, meetings were held In Ole Wilson's house, and afterwards in other places, but after the erection of the Lutheran Church in Harmony, the people atiended there. In more recent yeurs a church was erected in Preston.

The Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation of York. - As carly as 1855, meetings were held in the house of K. Olson; Rey, V. Koren comng from Iowa for that purpose. When the schoolhouse in district No. 88 was bullt, meetings were held there. The formal organization: on November 24, 1864. The trustees were Knud Knudson and Ole Anderson. In 1872, a neat frame structure for church Purposes was built on section 24 at a cost of $1,500. Tobias Larson was Installed as Pastor August 8. 1865.

Highland Lutheran _ - Evangelical Church. - in 1859 the society was organized. Before this time services had been held in private houses and schoolhouses. In 1870 Mr. Shattuck donated a lot and a neat little frame church 30x50 feet with a spire was built. Mr. Shay served as pastor several years and was succeeded by Rev. Wright who was pastor thirty-two years and celebrated with his congregation their fiftieth anniversary of the organizalion of the church jn October, 1909. Several years after the church was built a fine bell was put in and in 1892 the church was enlarged to a seating capacity of about five hundred. Then in 1911 it was redecorated and seated with beautiful curved oak seats and lighted with gas. The present pastor is Rev. BH. E. Rasmussen of Lanesbore, was by the Rev. T. in the basement of what was_later called the Minnesota House. There were about 100 persons in attendance. Services were afterwards held Irregularly in various places; at times in the schoolhouse and the Presbyterian chureh, until 1874. The organization was effected on February 2, 1874, at the Presbyterian church, with Rev. T. Larson as presiding officer, and E, Loveland as secretary. having at the commencement ahout thirty-five members. The first trustees were L. Nordhy, P. A. Rein. Hans Jacobson, ¥. Grondland. Ole Trolsen and Christ. Olson. From the time of oranizing until November 17, 1879, Rev. I. Jaastad filled the pulpit. Another early pastor was Rev. Paul Gotaas. The Whalan Norwegian Lutheran Evangellcal gp ak = age raga organization of this church was efiecied in

The Norweglan Evangelical Luthern Congregation of Carrolton. - The adhérents to this faith in the southern part of the town used to go up to the north side during the earliest years of the settlemeni, but about 1859 they began to have meetings at the residences of G. Olson and T. K. Bell. and afterwards in the house of A. Embretsen, and in pleasant weather the meetings would be held in the grove, Rev. c. Clauson, of Spring Grove. officlatng. After him came Rev. T. Larson and Rev. H. A. Preus. On Novemher 20, 1865, a meeting was held for organiza-~ tion at_the house of A. Embretson. Tobias Larson was elected chairman, and Ole Gulhrandson was anpotnted secretary. The trustees elected were: P. Jensen. T. Petersen. Ole Gulbrandson, A. Embretson. G, Olson and T. K, Bell. Meetings were continued in private houses. and in_ the schoolhouse til] 1871. when a church was constructed In sectlon 34. Rev. T, Larson was the first pastor; he was here over four Years. and was succeeded by Rev.

reble. - This is the name of a society which came into existence {n 1877. and the following year a church. 28 by 36 feet. wos constructed. Rev. A. Wright, of Rushford, wes an early varstor.

The Norweolan Evangelilrat Lutheran Concregation of Rushford. - This congregation was organized at the schoolhouse October 14, 1861. and the followlng trustees were anrolnted: Stark T. Giernes, Ole Raardsen and Henrik Benrikson. The first minister was N. E. Jensen. In 1866 2 church was erected. 30 by 45 feet. which was used as a ninee of worship until £881, when an addition 18 by 28 feet. was made, with a basement the same size, to he used as a school to impart religions instruetion. Rev. Kr. Magelssen succeeded Mr. Jensen. and remained from about 1869 to 18738. After him came Rev, F, Jaastad. The Norwedlan Evaneelical Lutheran Trinity Church of Rushford was organized In connection with the Norwegian Augistana Svnod, hy Rey. A. Schiele, on Mav 2. 1868. and as there was a Lutheran ehurch in town the name 'Second' was added. The question of slavery had agit»ted the church. and this was the anti-slavery wing. Elehteen families foined the new organization. Mr. Sehele_ remained one year, when Rev. P, Asbjornsen came from Winonr, and the schoolhouse was bovght and arranged as a church. In 1871 Rev. A. Wright sieceeded to the pastorate, and he is stll] the Incumbent. The church was soon found to be too small. so it was disresed of. and a lot on Rraadway secured, where a church 50 by 30 feet was erected tn 1873. In the corner stone was derastted a hihte a Taitheran eatechism, and a '"'Skandinaven."' In the fal! the house was readv for use, and the first servlee was the funeral of Haaken Arentsen, who had tuken a

The Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation of Amherst was organized in the winter of 1872, the follow- Ing belng the first officers appointed: Trustees, John Jacobson, G. Mayiand and Ole H. Oppegaard; treasurer and clerk, J. N. Johnson (Boxrud). The first pastor to hold service for this denomination was the Rev. T. Larson, of Greenfield. In 1877, the members decided to build an edifice In which to worship, and ali feeling that the prosperity of the organization demanded it, they commenced the erection of a church worth about five or six thousand dollars. and completed it the same year. The lot for the church building was donated by Henry Onstine.

The Friends

The Friends' Church of Highland. - Bightand had a quiet home revival in the winter of 1876-77 and a little society of Einglish speaking people gathered, holding prayer meetings and Sunday school in private houses. hav- {ug occasional preaching by Methodist, Congregational, and Friends at different periods. In 1886-87 the membership was transferred to the Hesper, lowa, Friends church, and in 1889 was organized as a separate meeting at Highland, belonging to the Towa Yearly Meeting of Friends. In_ 1892 a little church was bullt and E. G, Pearson, the first and only resident pastor, secured for two Years. It was a flourishing little church until the removal of many of lts members, and is still occupied by the few remaining. Pastors have since been supplied from Hesper, Iowa, Dr. Slack serving nine years, and Rev.

Sunday School Association

Fillmore County Sunday School Assotlation. - This interdenominational association, a branch of the Minnesota Sunday School Association, is doing excellent work In stimulating interest in church work for the younger people. The officers are: President, Rev. Peter Grooters, Preston: vice-presiden,t D. D. Ayer. Preston; secretary. Mrs. Julius Johnson, Preston: treasurer, Sarah Hahn, Preston. Department superintendents: Training of teachers, Mrs. J. F. Souders. Preston: temperance. A. V. Defor, Etna: elementary. Mrs. S. H. Stover. Preston: advanced. Alice Moore, Rushford: adult. Rev. Morris De M. Darrell, Chatfield; Mrs. George Woodruff, of Chatfield, fs chairman of the enteriainment committee.

The churches associated with the society are as follows, the name of the churth being given first. then the location, then the name of the superintendent, then the name of the pastor, and lastly the pastor's address.

Appendix Iv Representative Fraternities

Spring Valley Lodge, No. 58, A, F. & A. M. - Canton Lodge No, 194, A, F. & A. M. - - Mystic Star Chapter, No. 93, O. E. 5. - Underwood Post, No. 122, G. A. R. - E. L. Kenney Pest, No. 84, G. A. R. - Surprise Camp, No. 133, Royal Neighbors - Spring Valley Camp, No. 245, Royal Neighbors - Centennial Lodge, No. 56, 1. O. O. F.- - Centennial Rebekah Lodge, No. 46, I. O. O. F. - _Preaton Camp, No. 276, M. W. A, - Fountain Camp, No. 3085, M. W. A. - Chatheld Lodge, No. 89, A. O. U., W. - Spring Valley Council, No. 1636, Royal Arcanum - Fillmore County Business Men's Association - Fillmore County Poultry

While not so oid as the churches and the schools, the fraternities of Fillmore county have taken a_ prominent share in its upbuilding. The Masons have flourished from the earliest times, and there are also several venerable Od4 Fellows' Lodge. The Modern Woodmen of America, and the Ancient Order of United Workmen are also among the oider fraternitles to estab- Nsh local lodges in this county. At one time every village. and many schoolhouses. had their lodges of Good Templars. The Grange also at one time had a lodge in every hamlet.

An effort has been made by the publishers of this work to secure the history of some of the representative lodges. Information tn many cases has been refused. hence many of the lodges do not appear in this chavter. Those which do appear are representative fraternities. and from the reading of their history may be gathered a general idea of the growth, development and influence of the fraternal spirit in this county.

Spring Valley Lodge No, 68 A. F. & A. Mes The origin of Masonry ig shrouded in the mists of _ lezends, specul*tions. and the chaos of confilcting forces; which obscure events were enacted in a far off age of tyranny and oppression. Whether ft owes its origtn to the comnact of kings or to a cambination of the common peonie must forever remain an unsolved mvsterv. But that its purposes were kinelv there enn be no cnestion. The tratition that the bullding of Kine Solomon's temple was accomnlished by the ro-oreration of two kings and & famous artis?n illnstrates the rnderlying principles of Masonry- - that of absnivte eounlitv {its members. Mageonrv Is one of the oidest orzanizations among men to stan? for ahsolute equality among its memhers. Maronry includes in its membership many or most of the world's ereat lenters. and more than two millinn of the cholce men of the rtinns on the earth.

What is Masonry doing for these men, or what has !t dane for mer in the u*s*? The chief object of Masonry fe the imnrovement of the manhood of its and through them the worid fn general.

The fundamental Princinies of Masonry are these: Belief tn the existence of Gol. the immortality af the soni, the nrentire nf striet morality ard the ineuicaticn of universal benevolence.

The errty loneers having these orincintes instiled within themselves realized the necessity of lett'ne them shine forth among their fellow laborers. They met from time ta time to devise ways and means whereby a Lodge of Masons could be started and the. uninitiated made to imitate the example of that celebrited artist whom they at one time imitated.

In 1866, fifteen years after the first white man settled in Spring Valley, eleven Masons made application to the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge for a dispensation to establish a lodge and Make Masons. These men were E. J. Kingsberry, James D, Farmer, Robert Cc, McCord, Caivin W. Taylor, Senlor M. Hudson, James G. Teeter. Isaac Forkner, W. Mordoff, George L. Walker, John Q. Farmer and Sylvester Treat. They are remembered as the charter members of Spring Valley Lodge No. 58, A. F. & A. M.

of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons. of Minnesota, in ample form assembled. according to the Ol@ York eonstitutions, regularly and solemnly established under the auspices of Prince Edwin, at the City of York, in Great Britatn, In the year of Masonry 4926, viz.. The Most Worshtrful Charles W. Nash, grand master; The Right Worshipful W. 8S. Rigby. deputy grand master; The Right Worshipful Robert Stewart, grand senior warden; The Right Worshipful S. R. Murrel, grand Junior warden: do, by these presents appoint. authorize and empower our worthy brother, FE. J. Kingsberry. to be the master: our worthy brather, J. D. Farmer, to be the sentfor warden, and our worthy brother, Robert C. McCord to he the junior warden of & lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, to be. by virtue hereof. eonstituted, formed and held In Spring Valley. Fillmore courty. Minnesota. which lodge shall be distinguished by the name or style of Spring Valley Lodge No. 58, and the said master and wardens, and thetr svcecessors in offce. are hereby respectively authorized and directed, by and with the consent and assistance cf a majority of the members of the esald lodge, duly to be summoned and present upon such occastons, to elect ard insta!) the officers of the said lodge, as vacancies happen, in Manner and form as is. or may be, prescribed bv the constitution of this Grand Lodge; and further, the satd lodge Is hereby invested with full power and authority to assemb'e upon proper and lawful occasions. to make

Masons, and to admit members, as also to do and perform all] and every such acts and things appertaining to the craft as have been, and ought to be done, for the honor and advantage thereof; cunforming in all their proceedings to the conatitution of this Grand Lodge, otherwlse this warrant and the powers thereby granted, to cease and be of .no further effect. Given under our hands and the seal of our Grand Lodge, at ihe clty of St. Paui, in the United States of America, this twenty-third day of October in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-six, and in the year of Masonry five thousand elght hundred and sixty-six. - Wm, J. Combs. grand secretary."

The lodge was duly organized and in January, 1867, bexan the work of making Masons in due and ancient form, Nelson B. Smith was the first Mason made by the new lodge. From January 18, 1867, to and including September 27, 1867, fifteen of our Male citizens were raised to the sublime defree of a Master Mason. Following are the names: T. E. Loop, John H. Bennett, M. C. Gates, W. W. Williams, Otto Stevens, B. F. Farmer, S. A. Hunt, George G. Wilder, S. J. Sanborn. BE. M. Brown, J. A, Stout, J. IE. Whitman, Lemuel C. Stout, Thomas J. Stevens.

From 1910 to this writing, July, 1912, the growth has been phenomenal, the result of wise and serious truths which were impressed upon the minds of the early settlers,

The Charter of this lodge of Masons was granted one year after the dispen~ sation. The officers working under tha charter were: E. J. Kingsberry, worshtipful master; James D. Farmer, senior warden, and S. A. Hunt, junior warden. This charter, more precious to Masons than the Golden Fleece, or Roman Eagle, or the Star and Garter, or "the oll that ran down the beard, even Aaron's beard," has never been in jeopardy. and no suspicion ever attached to It.

The first and third Fridays of each month were the dates set apart by the lodge for the time of meeting. The brothers continued to meet on these dates until at a regular communication held on October 5, 1869, the time was changed to the first and third Tuesdays, and s© remains to this day.

The lodge was organized in an oid mili across the creek and for several years regular meetings were held there. {ft was not an ideal place in which to ho'd Masonic Lodge, as the shall was used for church and_other purposes, In December, 1870. W. lL. Kellogg. N. B. Smith and A. M. Adler were appointed a committee to interview IL. Griswold and "see what arrangements can be made as to the erection of a hall." This committee reported at the next regular meeting that Mr. Griswold would bultd a hall 20x40 feet with a preparation room 12x20 feet, Nothing came to a head, however, for In February, 1871, the Masons were still holding meetings in the mill. and B. F. Parmer. the worshinful master, was authorized to confer with a Mr. Lower. and. If possible, to make a contract with him to erect a hall for the use of the Masons, The lodge voted to raise, by direct tax upan the mgmbers. $100 for the rent of same, and two dozen chairs were or- dered purchased to be used in the new hall. The matter fell through, however, and in March, 1871, the lodge leased the hall to the Good Templars for $96. the Masons to furnish the ight and wood; and the committee which had the matter in charge from

Robert Morris, so weil known in Masonie Circles, was engaged to give four lectures; the first to be free and an admission fee of twenty-five cents to be charged for the other lectures. The fruit of these lectures must have been all that 'vas anticipated, for during the next next twelve months, thirteen Masons were made in due and ancient form,

In December, 1871, the lodge had its first open Installation to which the wives and daughters of the Masons were invited, January 9 1872, the lodge gave a Brand ball and festival to procure funds that a carpet might be purchased for the hall. After all expenses had been paid the committee which had the affair in charge repurted they had the sum of one dolnt toward the purchase of the carpet.

At this meeting the deacons and stewards were bothered wlth their rods, and on March 26, the junior deacon was "instructed to go to the harness shop and procure sucli fixtures as shall be necessary to keep the rods erect."

On May 23, 1872, a resolution was. nassed creating a committee consisting of the three principal officers of the lodge "ta procure such needed and necessary furniture for the lodge room, payment for which proper orders shall be drawn upon the treasurer to be pald by him out of the lodge fund, not otherwise appropriated, provided that such furniture should cost not less than $25 nor more than $50."

March 4, 1873. the Good Templars disbanded. and the furniture used by this lodge was turned over to the Masons for rent "so far as it should

On January 18, 1876, a contract was made with E. W. Allard for the rent of the uprer story of the People's Store on Broadway, at a rental of $100 a year. This room, 22x20 feet, including a preparation room to be furnished, lighted and heated by the Masons. The roof was sloping on the north and south sides and when the Masons stood up they stepped down from the raised platform and moved to the center of the hall, When seated, the room was "larfe enough."

This Was the home of the Masonic Lodge untll the Masons made a contract for the upper story of the Parson Store block. This eontract was made on December 8. 1874. It made a large and commodious room, the only Objection belng the lodge room proper waa north and south. rather than east and west. The room, however, was so large and nearly square that the uninitiated were none the wiser. The hall was handsomely finished at a cost of $145.07, and sub-let to the Odd Fellows and Temple ot Honor. The funds to furnish the hail were obtained by an entertainment Biven by the McFarland Theatre Company, the Spring Valley Cornet Band and Varney & Stacy's Concert Company. Ninety dollars was realized from the entertainment after all expenses had been te

February 1%, 1878, a petition signed by twenty-eight Masons living in Wrykoff and vicinity was presented, asking permission of this lodge to or- Sanize a lodge cf Masons at Wykoff. Consent was not given.

In September, 188%, during the administration of worshipful Master E. G. H. Adams, the lodge left the Parson Block and rented for a term of years the entire second story of the bank building being erected on Broadway and Courtland street by Strong, Farmer & Edwards, and permission given the Grand Army of the Republic and Woman's Relief Corps to occupy the hall. The contracts and arrange- Ments made at that time remain to this day. Beside the lodge room proper there is @ banuuet hall, preparation and ante-rooms. The walls and ceiling are covered with imported paper and the rooms lighted by electricity. The lodge room is situated due east and west, and the furnishings inventoried at $900.

Arrangements are being made at this time for a chapter of Royal Arch Masons, and in September it is expected the organization will be completed. A petition signed by eighteen Royal Arch Masons and sixty-five Master Masons who wish to take the degrees, has been sent to the grand chapter, the effort to secure the chapter being engineered by the present worshipful master, Dr. W. N. Kendrick, an indefatigable worker in Masonry, to whom all members of the lodge, from the youngest entered apprentice who stands in the northeast corner of the lodge, to the oldest member of the lodge look for Masonic wisdom.

A commandery of Knights Templar will naturally follow the chapter, then Spring Valley Lodge No. 68, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons will have accomplished the object the charter members had in view when the lodge was Organized in 1866.

B. F. Farmer from his initiation in March, 1867, rose to the thirty-third degree of Masonry, and at one time was the Most Eminent Commander of Knights Templar of the state.

For the first time in the history of the lodge it has an officer in Grand Lodge, Dr. W. N. Kendrick, who was made Grand Senior Steward at the last Grand Lodge communication, January, 1912.

June 6, 1911, Grand Lodge was held in Spring Vailey Lodge, the occasion being the laying of the corner stone of the new high school building, It was a perfect June day and a larga assemblage of people gathered to wit- ness the ceremony. A banquet in the Opera House followed the exercises. In the evening regular lodge was held, there belng work in the third degree of Masonry.

The work in this lodge ranks high and perfect discipline prevails. $0 perfect is its work that it attracts the attention of the state custodians of the work, and they delight to pay us an occasional visit and leave with us S00d counsel - counsel] that is timely and valuable.

I close this history of Spring Valley Lodge No. 58 by saying another red letter day awaits us. The Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons, Owen Morris, of St. Paul, will make this lodge a visit early in the fali, being one of the few lodges in the state he will visit during his term of office. -

The principal officers of the lodge are here named, the worshipful master, the senior warden and the jnior warden being given in the order named under each date.

Canton todge, No. 194, A. F. & A. M. - On June 9, 1890, Canton Lodge started to work under dispensation, and on January 15, 1891, the lodge was granted a charter by the Grand Lodge of Minnesota, A. F. & A. M.,, the charter being slgned by Jacob A. Keister, grand master: Thos, Montgomery, grand secretary. The charter Members were: Henr . Haskins, Ole A. Maland, Si hae Boyd, Van Buren J. Beach Abbott, Richard N. Vail. tra ECunpie. D, A. Mosher, D. B. Norton, A. Curtis Vail, Wesley Willford, John Manuel. C. Henry Marotz. John Milne, Frank R. Miles, W. Henry ae K. H. Knudson, Henry Hurd Scott.

The first lodge officers were: Dr. Henry H. Uaskins, W. M.; Ole. A. Maland, S. W.; Sidney Boyd. J. W.; Van Buren J. Beach, Treas.; C. Abbott, Sec'y; These together with minor officers began work in due and ancient form, adhering closely to the jandmarks of the order, and the results were growth numerically and financially.

n Dec. 25, 1899, the lodge lost its property by 'fire, and while the loss was severely feit, the craft at once took square and compass in hand, put on their work aprons and proceeded to lay their plans on the trestieboard - - for a new todge home. The Masonic Building in Canton was "raised" in 1900, and is a credit to fraternity as weil aS the town. The buliding Is 28x80, Good height of ceilings on both floors and is modern in pcb respect, dining hall. etc. The furniture, regalia and paraphernalia is of the best and the members have a temple they may well be proud of. The membership at this time is about 100 and there is considerable labor ahead in the way of conferring degrees. The regular meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesday nights of each month. The present_ officers are: Master Mason, G, W. Willford; senior

'he officera of the first meeting and while the chapter was under dispensations from Dec. 7, 185, to June 19, 1896, were: Worthy matron, Christie McLeod; worthy patron, G. W. Rockwell; associate matron, Mrs. Louise Eldred; conductress, Katharine Mc- Leod; assoclate conductress, Lizzie Currie; secretary, Jessie Dauchy; treasurer. Emma Crampton; Adah, Minnie Rockwell; Ruth, Mrs. Frances Kirkpatrick: Esther, Mrs. Florence Tyler; Martha, Mrs. Theresa Sykes; Electa, Mrs. Stena Pederson; warder,

Underwood Post No. 122 G. A. R., Department of Minnesota, was organized in courthouse in Preston, Minn., Sept. 5. 1884. Commander i Banks, G. R. Shipton, John Dain and other members_of Boler Post No. 16

R., of Fillmore, were present for the purpose of Organizing and mustering the post. On motion the post was duly organized and mustered in; thirty charter members heing present and ay ae On motion the post was named Underwood Post in honor of Joel Underwood of the Fifth Minnesota infantry. who was killed at the second patie of Nashville, Tenn., Dec.

The following were charter eee of the post: George W. Hard. A., Sixth Minn. Infantry; Charles Webb, H.. Third N. ¥. Providence Cavalry: L. H. Beers, B., One Hundred and One Penn. Infantry; Edward Stevens, F., Fourth Artillery Regular Army; Henry Jones, B., Sixtieth Ohio In-

L, Eleventh Minn. Dumond, Second _ Minn. Light Artillery; Charles S. Fifield, A., One Hundred and Fifty-Fiith. Indiana Infantry; Stephen E. Ford, E.. Seventh Minn. Infantry: Homer C. Pooler, F., Third Iowa Infantry; J. L. Brown. L, Second Minn. Sharp Shooters; M. Dumphy, D., Thirty-First Wis. Infantry; Martin Ralph, A., One Hundred and Sixth N. Y. Infantry; John Cc. Smith, K., Sixth Minn. Infantry; Gotlieb Busse, A., Second Minn. Cav-

The old veterans In line at the first observance of Memorial Day, in Preston, May 30, 1887, were: J. Gartner, John Kirvin, G. Vander Bie, W. W. Foote, W. K. Read, EB. Coffey, A. Frey, C. H. Brightman, Charles Webb, L. H. Beers, E. V, Farrington, Thomas Ryan, William Rappe, G. W. Hard, H, S. Bassett, H. B. Boyd. D. J. Brightbill. J. Utley, George Ibach, J. Sheok, F. Young. C. Barnes. Charles Schultz, C..N. Murphy, A. Leevy, F. ¥. Fraser, J, Weybright, G. Workman, H. Boyee. George Rappe, G. Baker, A. Larson, J. B. Jaquish, Dr. H. Jones, W. 8. Henry, O. V. Capron, O. Dusehee. A. WW. Patterson, B. Harmon. Thomas Thorp. J. J. McCauley, P. Casey, H. Christopherson, M. Hanson, S. Gilbert, M. Jacobson, D. Ryan, A, Blair and S. L. Nelson.

E. L. Kenney Post, No. 84, G. A. FR, Department of Minnesota, was named from Edward L. Kenney. Edward L. Kenney. enlisted as a corporal June 26, 1861. was Promoted to sergeant major, and On Oct. 22, 1862, was made second lieutenant. and on Dec. 25, was promoted to first lieutenant, and was promoted as captain Sept. 14, 1864, and discharged with the regi- ment July 14, 1865. E. L. Kenney received special mention In official reports for Ballant and meritorious conduct in action, and belonged to a regiment that never showed its backs to the enemy.

The post was organized March 27, 1884. The charter members were: John T. Hart, Wm. H. Batterson. A. F. Coffin, John T. Murphey, David Savage, Caleb Elphee, Curtis E. Burk, Lester Welch, A. Prouty, Cc. Fisher, A. V. Jennings, Alonzo Kingsley, Glibert Messer, J. M. Higley, D. A. Sherwood, Miles B. Jones. Levi Ober, David Bernard, Wm. F, Silsbee, M. W. Allen, J. R. Jones, BR. W. Twitchell and George Andrus.

Jones, commander; Levi Ober, S Vv: ; David Savage, J. Caleb Elphee, chaplain; R. W. Twitchell, surgeon; Curtiss Burk, quartermaster; Alonzo Kingsley, adjutant; George Andrus, officer of the day: Miles B. Jones, outside guard.

The following record of service appears on the rolls: John R. Jones, A., Second Minn. Cavalry (dead}; John T. Murphey, D., Third Iowa Infantry; Caleb Elphee, B.. Fifth Minn. ead): Wm. Laird, D., First U. S. Engineers: Isaac Nichols, D., Thirty-Second W1sconsin (dead); John Greentee, D., ighth Minn.; W. R. Brooks, H., Sixth Minn.; Henry Young, D., Sixth Minn. {aend); A. M. Lombard, U. S. Navy ; M. Moore, A., Fifteenth

. Case, G., Seventh Minn.; A. C. Case, A., Second Minn.; D. D. Ferrall, A., Second Minn. ; W. cC. Garratt, A., Second Minn. (dead); Jacob Gasper, C., Third Minn.; Dan Ryan, I., First Minn.; Benjamin Farrington, A., Second Minn. (dead); S. B. Sanford, H., Ninety-Sixth Ill.; Richard Tuper, D., Eighth Minn. (dead); Orson Bagley, H., Second Minn.; John Hart, D., Eighth Minn. (dead); A. C. Coffin, A., Second Minn.; W. iH. Batterson, F., First Minn. Cavon oe Burk, A., Second Minn.;

BE. L. Kenney Post has observed Memorial Day for many years. The citizens and schools have taken an active part in the exercises. Of late years on account of the depleted ranks, the business men and especially the Commercial club have been a great help to the post In a financial way. and at the last Memorial Day the citizens donated the use of twenty automobiles to take the old veterans to the cemetery.