Goodhue County, Minnesota - Chapter 24: Goodhue County Churches, 1909 (part 2 of 2)

The Methodist Episcopal Church in Pine Island is closely connected with the early history of this section of the state. Early in 1857 Rev. J. M. Rogers formed a .Methodist class in Pine Island, with William Rock as class-leader. In the same year at the annual conference, which convened at Winona. July 30, Pine Island circuit is first named. Its territory is said to contain "indefinitely, more or less, the south two-thirds of the counties of Goodhue and Wabasha, and the north half of the counties of Dodge and Olmsted, extending east to Winona county and west to near the village of Kenyon." Rev. W. T. Wright was the first preacher appointed to Pine Island circuit. He found within the bounds of his circuit seven local preachers, viz.: Revs. A. E. Standish, of Mazeppa; <'. McMannus and M. Woodly, of Pine Island; J. M. Gates and H. Webb, of Roscoe; N. .Moon, of New Haven; S. A. Wing, south of Oronoco, and R. L. Fraser, of Bear Valley, instead of trying to spread himself over the entire territory, -Mr. Wright preached regularly at Pine Island, Roscoe, Oronoco and Center Grove, and he prepared ;i plan by which the other preaching places were supplied by the Loeal preachers. lie arrived on this new held of labor on Friday, September 18, 1857, and preached a1 Pine Island and near Roscoe the following Sunday. "The first service was held in a log cabin on the south bank of the Zumbro, opposite the hotel."' Afterwards the dining room of - the hotel and private douses were used until the school house was built, in 1858. When, after several weeks, Mr. Wright finally secured rooms in Pine Island to live in. the moving of his family is thus described by himself years afterwards: "The trip from Red "Wing to Pine Island. November 19 and 20. 1857, over trackless prairie, with a wife not well, and a babe sick, was the most perilous I ever made. The snow was deep, the wind terrible, the cold intense." During the second year of his pastorate a wonderful religious revival swept over the community, resulting in about 130 accessions to the Methodist society. But even at that early date with the opening of spring a large portion of these moved in different directions in search of new homes for themselves. At the annual conference of 1859 Pine Island circuit was divided into three circuits: Greenwood, Oronoco and Pine Island. Rev. G. W. Richardson was appointed to Pine Island. He was succeeded in 1860 by Rev. Thos. M. Kirkpatrick, during whose pastorate of two years a parsonage property was bought. In 1862 Rev. Thos. P. Morse was appointed to the charge, and it was during his pastorate, in 1864, that the first church, a brick building, was erected on the lot just east of the present parsonage. In the fall of 1864, Rev. J. W. Powell became pastor. In 1865-66 Mr. Powell had as his associate pastor Rev. J. L. Farber. They were succeeded by the following pas- -tors, respectively, appointed in the years indicated : Rev. Boyd Phelps, appointed in 1869; Rev. A. V. Hiscock, in 1870; Rev. W. W. Rork, in 1872; Rev. Chas. T. Barkuloo, in 1875; Rev. John Bernard, in 1877; Rev. B. F. Kephai't, in 1879; Rev. Noah Lathrop, in 1880; Rev. J. W. Mower, in 1882; Rev. J. Milton Akers. in 1884; Rev. J. W. Raveill, in 1887; Rev. A. J. Roberts, in 1880;

Rev. R. R. Jennison, in 1889 ; Rev. Israel Putnam, in 1890; Rev. J. J. Elftman, in 1891; Rev. C. J. St. Hill, in 1892. During Mr. St. Hill's pastorate of two years the old parsonage property, which had served as a home for the preachers for over thirty years, was sold, and a new building erected on the lot directly west of the church, which constitutes the main part of the present parsonage. Rev. H. I. Pharo was placed in charge in 1894, and in 1896 he was succeeded by Rev. AY. M. Gillis, whose pastorate continued for six years. The parsonage was enlarged and improved during his pastorate into the commodious and comfortable house it is at present. And it was during this pastorate that the old brick church, which had accommodated the society for thirty-four years, displaced by the splendid frame church now standing on the east corner of the block on which the parsonage stands. This church stands as a monument to the tireless energy and faithful work of Mr. Gillis, and also of the liberality and loyalty of the people of the church and community. It was dedicated by Bishop Isaac Joyce on August 26, 1900. The value of this church and parsonage property is upwards of $10,000. In 1902 Rev. Herbert Jones was appointed to this charge, and he was succeeded in 1903 by Rev. R. O. Lawrason. who remained until the fall of 1906, when the present pastor, Rev. W. J. Robinson, was placed in charge. At the time of this writing a complete list of the church officials from the beginning is not available. The present board of trustees is as follows: T. H. Bunn. II. A. Castle, C. E. Hutchinson. George M. Rogers, T. S. Mellinger, C. AY. Coleman. AY. AY. Jewell. L. L. Cornwell and Dr. C. B. McKaig. A1 the time of the organization of the church a Sunday school was also organized, which has continued for over half a century as a center of religious instruction and influence in the community. M. R. Hopper is at present the popular and efficient superintendent. The ladies of the church and congregation are organized into a Ladies' Aid Society, which affords opportunity for social intercourse, and has proven a strong factor in improving and keeping the church property in repair as well as contributing generously towards the current expenses. The officers for the year just closing are as follows: Mrs. F. A. Howard, president ; Airs. T. H. Bunn, vice president ; Mrs. A. Burpee, secretary; Airs. H. H. McCray. treasurer. At this writing the church in all departments is in a prosperous condition.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Zumbrota was organized in the fall of 1869 with Zumbrota, Roscoe and Goodhue as appointments, being at that time in the Red AVing district. Rev. Boyd Phelps was pastor and Rev. J. O. Rich presiding elder. Both remained in the same capacity for the following three years.

In the fall of 1872, Zumbrota was placed in the Rochester district and with the Rev. Henry Gooclsell as pastor and Rev. W. C. Rice as presiding elder. In 1873 plans were proposed for building a church and the present edifice was erected in the spring of 1874 and dedicated August 2, 1874. A wing has since been added. Since the Rev. Goodsell the pastors have been as follows: 1875, H. P. Satchwell; 1877, E. R. Lathrop; 1880, Noah Lathrop; 1880, R. Washburn; 1883, William B. Bowdish ; 1885, S. G. Briggs ; 1886, W. L. Langrow ; 1887, Joseph Hall ; 1889, John AVatson; 1892, W. L. Rice; 1897, W. S. Cochran; 1898, George H. Wareham; 1900, J. A. Hovis; 1902, C. E. Hawkins; 1905, E. A. Palmer; 3908, John Lowe. The church has the usual societies and is in a prosperous condition. The congregation owns a neat parsonage in the' same block with the church.

Congregational

First Congregational Church, Zumbrota. In April, 1857. the spring following the first settlement of the village of Zumbrota, the Rev. Charles Shedd gathered around him a few Christians and commenced preaching services in the village. This resulted in the formation of the First Congregational church, June 28, 1857, the Revs. Richard Hall, of the American Home Missionary Society, and Charles Shedd, officiating. They took into the fellowship of the church Josiah and Nancy W. Thompson, of the John Street church, Lowell, Mass. ; Charles C. and Elizabeth D. AYcbster, of the Congregational church, of Canaan, N. H. ; George and Abby R. Sanderson, of the Presbyterian church, Red Wing, Minn. Ter. ; Charles and Harriet E. Ward, of the High Street church, Lowell, Mass.; Albert and Lucy Ann Barrett, of the Congregational church, of Staffordville, Conn. ; D. Berkley and Sarah H. Goddard, of the Old South church, Worcester, Mass. ; Nathaniel Mullihen, of the Congregational church, of Brookline, Mass.; and Thomas P. Kellett. of the Methodist Episcopal church, of Lowell, Mass.

The organization was completed September 4, 1857, by the election of Alpheus Hall, clerk; Charles Ward, treasurer; Josiah Thompson, Charles Ward and Joseph Bailey, prudential committee. Later Albert Barrett was elected deacon for the term of one year, and Charles Ward for two years.

Rev. David Andrews was called to the pastorate of the church July 12, 1857, commencing his work in October and serving for one year. History made fast for the small organization, hardly a Sunday passing without seeing new names ;t<hled to the roster of members. The first recorded baptism was that of Anna Myra, the infant daughter of Charles and Myra AY. Jewett, Sunday, November 15, 1857.

At the annual meeting of January 28, 1860, the question of a permanent home was discussed and a committee consisting of Ibmry Blanchard, T. 1). Rowell, Charles Ward and Charles C. Webster was appointed to locate a suitable site for the building. The present edifice was the result, it being erected in 1862. The building was lengthened and the vestry added during the sum- <uer of 1880. In April. 1869, four lots as a parsonage site were donated by I. C. Stearns. The building was erected the m\t vear.

Emily Hartwell, missionary to Poo Chow, China, is a member of this church, she having joined on confession of her faith July 7, 1867. She was at that time attending school at this place and she has never severed her connection with the ehureh organizal ion.

The presenl officers are the Rev. John Hayes Barnett, pastor; Mrs. Emma P. Freeman, clerk; \. T. Wedge, treasurer; Henry Scofield, James Cram, Walter < '. Rowell and Edward P. Mahaffy, deacons, Messrs. Scofield and ('ram having been elected to the office for life, as an appreciation of their faithful services; Mrs. Henry Scofield, deaconess; and .lames Cram, Lewis Scofield and Prof. J. T. Fuller, trustees.

A Ladies' Aid Society, organized during the early days of the church. Its officers are .Mrs. X. T. Wedge, president; Mrs. Nora Scofield. vice-president ; Mrs. Florence Mosher, secretary, and Mrs. Lettie Mclntire, treasurer.

A Women's Missionary Society, organized August 19, 1882, with Mrs. ('. 11. Rogers, directress: Miss Hattie Rogers, secretary, and Miss Cornelia Chaffee, treasurer. Its work is now under the supervision of Mrs. Florence Mosher, president; Mrs. Emma F. Freeman, vice-president ; Mrs. Nora M. Barnett, secretary, and Miss Nettie Barrett, treasurer.

A Sunday school, with Prof. J. T. Fuller, superintendent; Mrs. Emma F. Freeman, assistant superintendent, and Mrs. E. F. Mahaffy. secretary- treasurer.

A Christian Lndeavor Society, officered by Percy Ward, president; Cora Wedge, vice-president: Lawrence Mahaffy. secretary, and Blanche Scofield, treasurer.

A Brotherhood, organized in November, 1908, with Lewis Scofield, president: Abel Anderson, vice-president, and S. DeForresl Warren, treasurer.

Of the above, Rev. Joseph S. Coggswell was ordained to the ministry by a council convened in the church November 18, 1868. The council was composed of Rev. N. W. Grover, of Mantorville; the Rev. W. B. Dada, of Lake City; the Rev. E. P. Dada, of Rockford, 111. ; I. C. Stearns, of Zumbrota, and George W. Allen, of Mazeppa.

Rev. John Hayes Barnett, born in Bridget on, Cumberland county, New Jersey, May 15, 1871, is the pastor of the First Congregational church, of Zumbrota. By the death of his father, March 22. 1872, his mother was left with the care of two boys, the elder of whom was four years of age. Their mother presented them with a newT father in April, 1877. They moved to Colehour, nowT a part of Chicago, 111., in March, 1881. In 1885 they settled in the northwest corner of Indiana, on what is now the site of Indiana Harbor. Leaving school at the age of fourteen, after having completed the grammar school course, he became car accountant and timekeeper for the George P. Benton Gravel & Sand Company. When the Standard Oil Company started to erect their refinery at Whiting, Ind., he entered the pipe department of the company, remaining with them until June, 1893. In 1894 he commenced to learn the printer's trade, using this to pay his way in the Moody Bible Institute, of Chicago, and the Ridgeville (Ind.) College, which he entered in the fall of 1897. He received his first preacher's license in September, 1896, it being granted by the Michigan City, Indiana. Association.

He was sent out as a student missionary for the American Sunday School Union, in Wisconsin, during the summer of 1897. Shortly after leaving college he became lessee and managing editor of the Whiting (Ind.) "News," leaving this to take up the active ministry in 1901, his first charge being at Shipshewana, Ind. Since then he has been pastor of the Congregational churches at Andrews. Ind.; Brightwood (Indianapolis), Ind.; Doon, Iowa, and his present charge. Ordination was conferred upon him October 23, 1903, while pastor at Andrews. Ind. His theological training, aside from five months at the Moody Institute, was secured by home study, as was the preparatory work for college. He is an active member of Typographical Union No. 1, of Indianapolis* and while pastor in that city was honored by the State Association of Churches and Ministers by being elected a member and secretary of the State Association industrial committee. The Federated Ministers' Association of the Congregational, United Brethren and Methodist Protestant churches, of that city, sent him as a fraternal delegate to the Indianapolis Central Labor Union, to study its methods and carry fraternal greetings. He commenced his labors at Zumbrota July 15, 1908.

He was married July 2. 1899, at South Bend, Ind., to Nora M. Welbaum. by whom he has one daughter, Laura, born in Laporte county, Indiana, April 8. 1900.

The First Congregational Church of Cannon Falls was organized July 31, 1856. at the school house. Kev. R. Hall, of the American Missionary Society, conducted the first service and was assisted by J. R. Barnes. The'firsl members were J. R. Barnes, Caroline M. Barnes. Julia Barnes. Jos. Peckham. Mark H. Peckham, Charles \V. Gellett, Jane R. Gellett, Sherman Hale, Jonathan L. Clifford. Mrs. J. L. Clifford, Sidney Munson, Mrs. H. G. Munson, Joseph E. Chapman, Hannah A. Chapman, Levi Hillman. Mary Hillman and .Mrs. Paxton. J. L. Clifford and Sherman Hale were deacons, Luther Scofield, treasurer, and H. Peckham, clerk. At a meeting held in January. 1857, S. Munson was chosen treasured in place of Luther Scofield. resigned. At a meeting held for that purpose. January 31, 1857, Sherman Hale, J. E. Chapman and Eli Ellsworth were elected trustees. April, 1862, Rev. John X. Williams was called as regular pastor, but resigned in 1864 and Rev. J. R. Barnes was elected in his place. March 28, 1866. the church was re-organized under the state law and entitled the First Congregational Church of Cannon Falls. The trustees were S. L. Chapman, W. H. Scofield and Sherman Hale. Under the administration of these trustees a church edifice was erected and completed in 1868, in size 35x48. at a cost of $3,000. It was dedicated by the Rev. E. S. Williams, of Northfield. January 2, 1868. September 23. 1867. Rev. E. AY. Merrill was called, and chosen

The Khv 1 Public Lib

February 23, 1870. September 3, 1874. Rev. C. A. Ruddock became acting pastor, holding that position until September 3, 1877. B. Fay Mills was also pastor for a short time. In 1908 a new church building was erected on the northeast corner of Main and Third streets at a cost of about $14,000. The building is of stone and is a handsome modern structure. The present pastor is Rev. G. Vincent.

Presbyterian

The First Presbyterian Church, of Red Wing, was organized January 13, 1855, by seven persons - C. J. F. Smith, O. F. Smith, William II. Wellington, J. W. Hancock, Mrs. Margaret Culbertson. Mrs. Rachael Vandenburg and Mrs. Sarah R. Hancock. Of this number, J. W. Hancock was the first pastor and C. J. F. Smith the first clerk and elder. The records show that in the early days this church and congregation worshiped in a carpenter's shop, at another period in a dwelling, at another in a hall over a store and at another in a little brown schoolhouse, the first and only public school then in the place and in the county. In 1856 a brick church was commenced, and finished in 1857 ; this was the first church building in Red AVing and contained the first church bell in the city. After some years this original building was increased about one-third in length by an addition in the rear. The statements would indicate that much sacrifice was endured in meeting the cost of this original church building, which was something near $5,000. D. C. Hill did the carpenter and mason work and was also the first janitor. The church was lighted with candles until the early sixties, when oil was introduced. The property of the church now consists of half a block of land, a large parsonage, a barn and the church building. The lawn surrounding all these buildings is attractive and well kept. In 1884 Martha Harger. upon the marriage of Rev. R. J. Service, provided the ways and means for repairing the parsonage, at a cost of about $500. so as to make a pleasant place for the new bride. Mr. and Mrs. Service organized the Y. P. S. C. E. of the church in 1886. During this administration, also, money was raised to repair the interior of the old church, the church was recushioned at a cost of $300, and a new pipe organ was installed at a cost of $1,700. In 1890 the present Sunday school and prayer meeting room and the new tower were constructed at a cost of about $10,000. In the meantime the ladies entirely renovated the parsonage. A Sunday school has been maintained throughout the existence of the church. AVhen the fiftieth anniversary was celebrated, in January, 1905, there had been 413 members admitted to the church by letter and 601 by profession of faith, and the contributions to various objects had amounted to $139,898. George H. Cook, who has been closely identified with the history of the church for many years, delivered at the semi-centennial a speech which embodied the foregoing facts. He closed with this appreciation of the. work of some of the prominent members and workers: "I wish to mention C. J. F. Smith, who was one of the first members and who acted as trustee, elder, senior Bible class teacher, and who was always present at all the meetings; E. W. Brooks, elder, trustee, junior Bible class teacher and a liberal contributor, who by his gentle manner and great fund of anecdotes was able to hold and mould the lives of all young people who came under his charge; D. C. Hill, for his faithfulness in attendance during nearly fifty years and for his work as officer in different departments during that time; W. H. Putman. who for years lias been treasurer of the church and whose work in that office alone has taken weeks in time in entering the Sunday collections, and who has acted as trustee, elder and adviser through all these years and never at any time has anyone heard a word against him, the things done by him for the upbuilding of the church unknown to its members being greater than the known things ; Charles E. Sheldon, who for years has sung in the choir both morning and evening and in the Sunday school at each session, and who set a high standard for the young singers who are to enter into the next fifty years' history of the church ; L. H. Stiles for his universal kindly ways and sympathetic manner, who seemed to know beforehand that you were in trouble and who always was at your side to give you comfort; M. B. Lewis, for his loyal, faithful service in .many departments of the church and whose ministrations have been tender, loving and helpful, far beyond the knowledge of the average member. As I mention these names the list begins to grow so rapidly in my mind that I must stop at once, for to mention the helpful labors of all those whom I have known would be to lengthen this historical sketch to too great a length." The pastors of the church have been as follows: J. "W. Hancock, 1855-1861; P. H. Snow, 1861-1862; Sanford H. Smith, 1*862-1866; J. A. Annin, 1866-1867 ; D. E. Wells, 1867-1873 ; R. F. McLaren, 1873-1879; Walter Condit, 1880-1882; Robert J. Service, 1883- 1888 ; Plato T. Jones. 1888-1892 ; J. H. Sammis, 1892-1898 ; Eliot H. Moore, 1899-1901; Charles D. Darling, 1905-1908; and John T. Fulton, 1908.

Protestant Episcopal

Christ Church, of Red Wing, had its beginning November 17, IS.")."), when services were conducted by a missionary, Rev. Timothy Wilcoxson, an associate of James Lloyd Breck. who started the famous Associate Mission movement at the General Theological Seminary, of New York. This first service was held in a building occupied as a law office by I lolonel William Colvill, at the foot of Broadway, near the present site of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad station. Rev. AYilcoxson was accompanied on one of his trips, April 28, 1858, by Bishop Kemper. The record Bishop Kemper made of his visit here was that he found "a fewzealous members of the church preparing to organize a parish and build a church." The preparatory work to which the bishop referred in that record was the meeting of some citizens held in Judge E. T. Wilder 's office on Christmas day, 1857. The notice of this meeting was circulated by Judge Wilder and Dr. Hawley, and besides them there were present W. C. AYilliston, Dr. AY. AY. Sweney, AYarren Bristol, George Wilkinson, H. C. Hoffman, AY. AY. DeKay, Judge Welch, Colonel AVilliam Colvill, James Hamilton, Ira McClenthen. AVilliam Freeborn, P. M. Wright, N. B. Bennett and Isaac Green. At the instance of Dr. Hawley a call was extended to the Rev. Edward R. AYelles, then a deacon of the diocese of western New York. In the following June (1858) Dr. AYelles made his first visit to the parish and held his first service in the Presbyterian church, permission having been granted by the Rev. J. AY. Hancock. At that time arrangements were made for perfecting the organization of the parish and for the return of Dr. AYelles in the early autumn, to be its pastor. On Sunday, October 3, 1858, the first service of Dr. AYelles' rectorship was held in Philleo Hall, he having in the meantime been ordained a priest by Bishop DeLancey. All the early services were held in the hall. The salary of the pastor the first year was fixed at $700 a year. No missionary aid of any kind was ever given to this parish. During the winter the matter of building a church was thoroughly canvassed, plans were examined and a church lot secured at the head of Broadway, one-half of the lot being given by Dr. AY. W. Sweney. On June 1. 1859, the vestry entered into a contract with the Messrs. Whitney and McClenthen to build a church edifice for the parish. The first Episcopal visitation of the parish was on June 26, 1859, at which, in the morning, Bishop Kemper preached, and confirmed ten persons. At 6 o'clock evening prayer was read, and directly after, the bishop, rector, wardens and vestrymen proceeded with the congregation from the hall to the church lot, an event which is always referred to as the "laying of the cornerstone," although no cornerstone, as such, was ever laid. On November 29. 1859. Bishop Whipple made his first visitation and consecrated the new church. The entire cost of the church, church lot, furnishings, etc., was $2,967. Of this, about $401 was contributed by friends in the East. The services in the old church, now used as a parish house, were of more than ordinaryinterest on the ordination of Rev. C. P. Dorset, in 1860, the convention services of 1861, the ordination, in 1865, of Rev. H. C Batterson to the priesthood and of Rev. S. P. Chandler to the deaconate, and the service for the first company of volunteers that enlisted in Red AVing for the Avar. In the summer of 1868 it was felt that the growth of the parish made the building of a larger church edifice an absolute necessity. In the autumn of that year work was commenced on the new building in accordance with plans furnished by Henry Dudley, of New York. D. C. Hill, of this city, contracted to do the carpenter work, except the seats.- the contract for which was let to E. Simmons. G. A. Carlson was given the contract for the stone work. The cornerstone was laid June 24. 1869, on which occasion, in addition in Bishop Whipple and a number of clergymen of the diocese, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Armitage, of Wisconsin, was present and made an address. The consecration of the church took place December 19, 1871, and services have been conducted there ever since. The church cosl about $23,000. Us walls are twenty inches thick. The rectorship of Dr. Welles lias been the longest in the history of the parish. During the sixteen years of his residence in Red Winy', besides building up around him a strong and vigorous parish, his work reached into the surrounding towns and villages. In Wabasha, Lake City, Belle Creek, Zumbrota. Pine Island and Prontenac parishes were organized and churches built under his supervision. His rectorship ended only with his elevation to the episcopate as bishop of Wisconsin, September 27, 1874. Bishop AYelles was succeeded as rector of Christ church by the Rev. George W. Watson, D. D.. who had been his friend and classmate at Hobart College. Dr. AYatson's rectorship lasted ten years. During this time the same characteristics of strong, conservative development marked the parish life as at first. Many things were added to the church in the way of substantial improvements. A new altar was set in the chancel, the gift of Judge E. T. Wilder. The pipe organ was placed in the church in March, 1880, and the present rectory was purchased in 1881. At the close of Dr. "Watson's rectorship the parish was possessed of a property valued at $36,000. The parish grew steadily in commuicants until about the year 1879, when the exodus from Red AVing began and continued so persistently that when Dr. Watson resigned, in 1885, in spite of large numbers confirmed every year, the communicants numbered 196, but six more than he found ten years before. AVhen Dr. AVatson resigned and went to Smeds- boro, X. J.. Rev. Charles II. Plummer became rector of the parish, and continued until September, 1889, when the condition of his wife's health compelled him to resign. During his rectorship the missionary society and the "Parish .Messenger" came into existence. The next rector was Rev. Dr. Edwards, and from 1890 to 1892 came Rev. Edward H. Clark. The Daughters of the King were organized under his rectorship. Mr. Clark went to the church at Redwood Falls. In October, 1892, after a short period during which the Rev. E. J. Purdy had charge of the parish, the Rev. Alfred A. Butler became rector and began a vigorous leadership. The Junior Aid Society was organized, Si Andrew's Brotherhood was introduced into the parish, and the Sunday schools and choir reorganized and strengthened. When he resigned, in 1895, to become warden of the" Seabury Divinity School, he left one of the best organized parishes in the West. The parish and community will long feel the impress of his work. In 1895 the Rev. C. C. Rollit took charge of the parish, remaining until January 31, 1901. Dr. Charles Pool then had temporary charge until August 1, 1909, when Rev. Addison Knickerbocker became rector. One of the beautiful features of the church building is the Foot Memorial Chapel, erected in memory of Mrs. S. B. Foot, by her husband.

Right Reverend Edward Randolph Welles, S. T. D., third bishop of Milwaukee and first rector of Christ church, Red Wing, was born January 10, 1830, at Waterloo, Seneca county, New York, second son of Gardner Welles, M. D.. and Paulina Fullet Welles, the former of whom was curator of the Geneva Medical College, at Geneva, N. Y. Rev. Welles came of Puritan stock, his mother being from Massachusetts and his father from Connecticut. The subject of this sketch received his early education in the academy at Waterloo, N. Y., and after being prepared for the sophomore year of college, entered Hobart College, at Geneva, in 1847, graduating in 1850. After graduation he started the study of law, although convinced, probably, even at that time, that he would some day take up the ministry. He was confirmed March 7, 1852, by Bishop DeLancey, and soon afterward became a tutor in a private family at Bath, Steuben county, New York, where he was admitted as a candidate for orders, October 31, 1853. At this time he was studying under the direction of Rev. Dr. AVilson. In November, 1854, he took charge of a school for young ladies at Vicksburg, Miss. Two years later he went back to AVaterloo, N. Y., and after a short visit at home became teacher in the newly-opened Deveauz College, at Suspension Bridge, N. Y., remaining from May, 1857, to September 28, 1858. During this period (December 20, 1857) he was admitted to the deaconate, and aside from his duties as teacher, supplied the pulpits of the churches at Lewiston, Suspension Bridge and Lockport, N. Y. At the instigation of his friend, Dr. A. B. Hawley, he came to this part of the country in June, L858, in company with his father. He held a service at Red AVing and later received a call as pastor of the newly-planned parish, which he accepted shortly after his return to Deveaux College. Bishop DeLaneey ordained him priest at St. Paul's, Waterloo. September 12. 1858, and on September 28 of the same year he left for Red Wing, where he held his first service as recto]- of Christ church October 3, 1858. At once he took the preliminary steps for the organization of a parish. Such organization w;is perfected October 26, 1858, the parish at that time numbering in its communicants but six women and one man. The story of the*erection of buildings is related in the history of Christ church in this volume, in which article also appears mention of the parishes organized by Dr. Welles in the neighboring towns. During the sixteen years of his administration there were 559 baptisms, 263 confirmations, and contributions made to outside purposes to the amount of $7,456.98. In 1865 Dr. WTelles was elected secretary of the diocesan council, and in 1866, when the diocese was districted, lie was appointed by his bishop as dean of the Southern convocation. To the first of these offices lie was thereafter elected, and to the other appointed, annually, as long as he remained in this diocese. In 1865, and continuously until he became a bishop, he was elected a deputy to the general convention. In 1874 he was elected bishop of Milwaukee. After many years of faithful service in that diocese he died, October 20,

Grace Church of Pine Island. The first service of the church of Pine Island was held by Bishop Whipple the evening of January 10, 1861. when he baptized three children. May 29 of the same year he held a second service and a third on February 13, 1862, and on February 14, a special service was held, when three adults were baptized. Rev. E. R. Welles visited Pine Island a number of times during the year, and in 1863 Rev. P. S. Ruth took charge of Pine Island in connection with the church at Mantorville. The first service was held July 5, 1863, in the Methodist chapel, and a Sunday school was maintained. Judge Wilder, of Red Wing, donated a lot for the church and the work of erecting a church was commenced. The foundation was laid and the laying of the corner stone was celebrated by Bishop Whipple, in the presence of several of the clergy, September 26, 1867. After this several of the families interested in the church moved away, the building was never erected, and later services were discontinued, Rev. Ruth was removed and only one family remained. In 1874 Rev. Charles E. Grover visited the place and held his lirsi service March 1. From that time .services were continued every Sunday evening until July, when Rev. Grover ' was elected to the rectorship and preached his opening sermon July 5, L874. The parish of Grace church bad been organized April 21 by the election of wardens and vestrymen as follows: Senior warden, (dies Hay ward; junior warden. 1). E. Sawyer; vestrymen, Dr. C. Hill, Mr. Simmons, II. Ahneman, W. E. Seargeant, G. W. Parge, and Charles Parker. Ji was decided to build a chiii-. di at .nice at a cosl of $3,000, and the building was erected on the spot where the lirsi foundation was laid. The corner stone was laid July 13, by Rev. Welles, of Red Wing. The church building was begun in Augusl and was so far completed that the first communion service was held in the church on Christinas morning, it was formally opened February 1, 187"). In seven months there had been thirty-nine baptisms, of which eighteen were adults, and fourteen persons continued. A Sunday school had been gathered oumbering over one hundred children, with an average attendance of sixty-nine. December li. 1875, Rev, Grover resigned and Rev. A. Cornwall took charge, holding his first service the 'fourth Sunday in Advent. He resided at Kasson, and served two years. Rev. Robert Reed Goudy then took up the work, serving until July 1, 187!). when he was succeeded by Rev. L. F. Cole, who served until 1881. He was succeeded by Rev. Higgins, who took charge for one year: then lor a number of years the pulpit was filled by students from the Seabury Divinity School at Faribault, the last to serve being II. S. St reefer, who gave up the charge August 31, 1895. Bishop Gilbert then appointed Rev. W. B. Magnan, who took charge September 1, 1895. One year later he severed his connection with the mission, and September 27 Rev. H. D. Chambers took charge of the missions at Pine Island, Mazeppa and Zumbrota. In the spring of 1897 a bishop's committee was appointed and they immediately built a rectory, giving their personal notes for $600, the building to be deeded to the mission when paid for. Rev. Chambers resigned in March, 1878, to take effect June, 1898. Rev. E. AYilson was then appointed, served until October 16, 1899, and was succeeded by Rev. Frederic Pitts, deacon, who remained until August 15. 1901. Frederic S. Carson, a student at Seabury Divinity school, kept up the services until November, when the archdeacon. Rev. Houpt, held services once a month until June, 1902, after which Rev. J. S. Budlong, deacon, was appointed by Bishop Edsall. He resigned November 29, 1903, on account of failing health, and Stephen Gould Updyke, a student of the Seabury Divinity school at Faribault, took up the work. March 3. 1905, he was advanced to the priesthood at Seabury chapel. April 22.

1906. Kev. Alex. Coffin was assigned to Grace church and closed his work with the parish May 10, 1908. On May 17, Albert Twichell was appointed. October 8 Bishop Edsall made his annual visitation to this parish. At 8 p. m. Grace church was well filled by a congregation of 125 people. The Rev. Charles W. Holmes, of West Concord, assisted Mr. Twichell in the service. Mr. Twichell presented a class of six adults for confirmation. October 9 at 9 a. m., Bishop Edsall ordained Albert Twichell to the deaconate. The candidate was presented by the Rev. Frank A. Me Aiwa in, warden of Seabury Divinity school. A student from Seabury Divinity School took up the work as a lay reader by appointment of Bishop Edsall. The sermon was preached by the Rev. William Wilkinson, of Minneapolis; Revs. Rollitt, Fowler and Holmes taking part in the service. After the ordination services, by invitation the clergy with the vestry and their wives repaired to the house of L. F. Irish, where they were entertained at a sumptuous banquet, which was followed by a most delightful social hour. On Sunday afternoon, November 15, 1908, fire caused by a defective flue broke out in the church edifice, which ruined the interior. Services were continued without a break in the Guild hall with a constantly growing congregation. As soon as the matter of insurance on the church edifice was settled they immediately commenced the renovation of the church. In March, 1909, one Sunday before Easter, services were resumed in the renovated church. The pastor. Rev. Twichell, having completed his studies and examinations for priest's orders, was advanced to the priesthood on Easter, April 11, 1909, by Bishop Edsall, in All Saint's church, Minneapolis. The rectory project, which was planned before the fire, was again taken up and sufficient money raised by the rector to pay the purchase price of a property that was originally built for the rectors of the church. The latter part of August, the rector moved into the rectory after it had been thoroughly renovated.

The Church of the Redeemer (Episcopal), of Cannon Falls, was the outgrowth of the labor of Timothy Wilcoxson, who walked all the way from Hastings. Minn., a distance of nineteen miles, for the purpose of preaching a sermon in a small frame house owned by William P. Tanner. This event, important in the religious annals of Cannon Falls, took place November 3. 1857. At that time there were but four communicants in the village of that faith: Mrs. William P. Tanner. Mrs. A. E. West, Miss H. A. Love and Mrs. J. D. Wheat. Rev. Wilcoxson continued holding monthly services until September. 1865, when the Rev. S. S. Burlson, of Northfield. took charge until June 24. 1866. Febrnarv 20. 1866. a meeting was held at the school house, at which time it -was arranged to build a stone church. The building committee named was: J. E. Chapman, Eli Ellsworth, J. D. Wheat, J. D. Jennings and W. P. Tanner. This committee solicited subscriptions and bought lots 3, 4 and 5, block 34, in Cannon Falls. This building was begun on February 28, 1866. The parish was duly organized under the state statutes, April 16, 1866, with J. E. Chaplain and J, D. Wheat as wardens. Eli Ellsworth, \V. P. Tanner, James H. Abbott and A. J. Phelps were elected vestrymen.

The corner stone of the church was laid June 28, 1866, by Bishop H. B. Whipple, the Rev. S. S. Burlson assisting. The stone was laid on the northeast corner. It contained a copper box, in which was deposited a New Testament, prayer book, and the usual newspapers and specimens of coin. The edifice was completed in March, 1867. The first services were held on the last Sunday in March, 1867, Rev. S. S. Burlson officiating. The communicants at that time numbered fifteen. In February, 1867, a call was extended to this divine to become the rector, but he declined. Rev. G. W. Dunbar became rector on Easter day, 1867. The church was consecrated by Bishop Whipple, May 1, 1867. The cost of the edifice as reported, including lots and furniture, was $3,577.86, of which $300 wras raised outside the parish. December 11, 1870, Rev. G. W. Dunbar resigned, and J. D. Wheat, a parishioner, conducted the services until June. 1872, when the Rev. William John Carley became rector. He resigned in 1875 and again Mr. Wheat conducted the services until July, 1877, when Rev. F. J. Tassell was called. In 1877 a rectory was built' at a cost of $1,300. The present pastor is Rev. T. G. Crump.

Baptist

The First Baptist church of Red Wing was organized January 21, 1855, at the home of Rev. T. R. Cressey, in a house located on what is now Fourth street, between East avenue and Bush street. At this meeting the Rev. Cressey acted as presiding officer and W. S. Grow was chosen secretary, the organization being perfected under the title "First Baptist Church of Red Wing," with the following charter members : W. S. Grow, Martha M. Grow, Mary A. Whelan and Cecelia A. Browm, admitted by letter, and Jeremiah and Hannah Fuller, admitted as new members. W. S. Grow was elected as first clerk and the Rev. Cressey called as pastor. First services were held in a district schoolhouse located on what is now the corner of East avenue and Fourth street. In 1869 a church edifice was dedicated on the same property. Among the pastors following Rev. Cressey were :

The Baptist Church at Zumbrota had its beginning in June, L858, when the Rev. Isaac Waldron, of Northfield, assisted by the Rev. Air. Shephard, held services in a little board house owned by Joseph Cate. July 17. 1858, the church was organized with ,i membership of thirteen, and Samuel Person was the first deacon. A church edifice. 21x36. was built in 1861. This church went out of existence many years ago.

Swedish Baptist

First Swedish Baptist Church in Red Wing was organized March 1. 1892, and consisted of the Hollowing members : Thomas Hallberg, Mrs. Anna Hallberg, Alfred Hallberg, J. A. Oman, Airs. Matilda Oman, John Seline, Mrs. August Pehrson, Airs. A. Johnson, Gustaf Falk. Airs. Anna Falk, Fred Johnson, Lars P. Sandberg, Andrew Sandberg, Emil Carlson, Airs. Hanna Alen. The tirsi officers were: Chairman, Emil Carlson; secretary, L. P. Sandberg; treasurer, Alfred Hallberg; deacons, Emil Carlson and Thomas Hallberg; trustees. John Seline. Fred Johnson, Emil Carlson. The Sunday school and a ha. lies" Aid Society were also organized and are still at work.

The lirst pastor was Rev. L. J. Walters. Following him were Rev. C R. Anderson. Rev. Anton Nelson. Rev. J. 0. Backhand, Rev. Al. Ohlin, Rev. Augusl Nbrdine, and the present pastor, Rev. (>. s. Lindberg, who took charge of the church October 1, 1906. In 1893 a house and lots were purchased on the corner of Fifth and Potter streets. The house was remodeled into a church, where the services were held until the summer of 1903, when a modern church building was erected, which was dedicated September 27 of the same year. The old meeting house was again remodeled into the present parsonage.

A Young People's Society was organized in April, 1895, and now numbers thirty-one members. The present membership of the church is seventy-three, and the present officers are: Chairman. (). S. Lindberg; vice-chairman. G-. Gustafson ; secretary, W. Stone; treasurer, C. A. Hanson; treasurer of the building fund. A. AV. Fredine; deacons, Thomas Hallberg, G. Gustafson, John Monson; trustees. Fred Johnson, G. Gustafson and John Alonson. The officers of the Sunday school are: Superintendent. Mrs. Alma Hopkins; vice-superintendent. Ingvar Juhiin ; secre- tary, Roy Hopkins; treasurer, Esther Pehrson. The officers of the Young People's Society are: President, Ingvar Juhlin ; vicepresident, Edith Lindberg; secretary, Charles Krantz; treasurer, Fred Johnson, Jr. The officers of the Ladies ' Aid Society are : President, Mrs. Hannah Dahl, treasurer, Mrs. G. Gustafson.

Christian Science

Christian Science in Red Wing has had a history parallel to that in most places. On April j 5, 1905, a few Christian Scientists met and held services at a private residence, Ida G. Beauford acting as first reader. On March 14, 1906, they organized temporarily, to be enabled to transact business. In the same month two rooms were rented in the Gladstone building, in which to hold services and open a reading room. Services were held in these rooms from March 25 until July, when, larger quarters being needed, Fraternal hall was rented for the Sunday services, the Wednesday evening meetings being held in the reading rooms. In August, 1907, Miss Beauford decided to make her home in Chicago, and Mrs. Sara E. Myers, of Ripon, Wis., was invited to read. In November, 1908, Mrs. Myers withdrew from the society and Mrs. Clara M. Palmer w;is elected to fill the vacancy. In March, 1909, the society was organized in conformity with the rules and by-laws of the church manual of the First Church of Christ Scientist, in Boston, Mass., with twelve charter members, as follows : Miss Grace Thoburn, first reader ; Mrs. Laura Etta Purdy, second reader; Mrs. Ellen M. Schuetz, president; Mrs. Clara M. Palmer, treasurer ; Gena Thoburn, secretary ; G. W. Allison, director; Amos Staples, director; Sybil McConnell, Mrs. Nellie Velander, Mrs. Mary Staples, Mrs. Dora Buel, Jennie Erickson. The Sunday services at Christian Science churches consist of similar services to that of other church denominations, aside from the sermon, which in Christian Science churches consist in reading from the Bible and the Christian Science text book, "Science and Health, with key to the Scriptures," by Mary Baker Eddy, and the lesson sermon is uniform throughout the world. At the reading rooms in the Gladstone building the public are always welcome.