Goodhue County, Minnesota - Chapter 24: Goodhue County Churches, 1909 (part 1 of 2)

Chapter 24: Goodhue County Churches

Religious influence has ever been tremendously powerful in Goodhue county. Father Hennepin, a Franciscan priest, bore the crucifix when he landed al the foot of Barn Bluff in 1680. The stockade a1 Frontenac in 1827 enclosed a mission house of the Jesuit order. The first modern settlers of the county were the Swiss missionaries, Denton and Gavin. Their successors were Aiton and Eancock, Presbyterian clergymen. Wherever the pioneers settled' they no sooner had their houses roofed over than they began to hold religious services. With so large a Scandinavian and German population, it is natural that the Lutheran faith should hold a leading position in the county. Not all the people of Scandinavian and German birth, however, subscribe to the tenets of that faith, as the Swedish, Norwegian and German Methodists, and the German and Swedish Baptists are also represented. The Roman Catholic church is important, and the Episcopal and Methodist Episcopal chapels and churches are scattered throughout the county. There are also a number of Congregational churches and one Presbyterian church. The Christian Scientists hold services at Red "Wing, and the Salvation Army has at various times endeavored to gain a foothold here.

Norwegian Lutheran

The United- Church of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran faith is represented in Goodhue county by twelve congregations. Lands (Zumbrota Chapel). Minneola, Holden, Dale, Vang, Urland, Vang's Prairie. Gol. Moland, Kenyon and Hoff.

Holden Congregation was organized September 12, 1856, on lot H. section If), in Wanamingo township, in a grove where, in more recent years, the residence of Dr. Charles Gronvold was erected. The eireuil of the congregation then reached within ten miles of Faribaull and cast to Zumbrota, and consisted of upwards of seventy heads of families. The organization was effected under the supervision of the Rev. H. A. Stub. The trustees were Knut K. Finseth, Kjostel Gr. Naeset, Ilalvon O. Huset and Christopher Loekrem. The trustees secured 100 acres of land, on section 19, for church purposes, which they afterward improved by the erection of a good parsonage, barn, granary and outbuildings. After their organization they hail no regular pastor, bid were occasionally visited by Revs. J. S. Munck, L. Larson and A. C. Preus, until the arrival of Rev. B. J. Muus, in 1850. In 1861 they built their present church, a tine building capable of seating at least 500. The Rev. Fjelstad is pastor.

Lands and Minneola Congregations were originally a part of the Holden Congregations and were served by the Rev. B. J. Muus. In 1868 the two congregations were organized as a separate charge and the Rev. N. Th. Ylvisaker chosen as minister. The church in Lands was built in 1868 and the church in Minneola in 1871. Rev. N. Th. Ylvisaker died in 1877 and his brother, Rev. John Ylvisaker, was called, remaining until 1879, when he became a theological professor. In 1879, Rev. L. M. Biorn was called and he served the charge twenty-nine years. He died in June, 1908, and is buried at Lands Church. Rev. G. S. Froiland was chosen as his successor and still remains. In the controversy in the Synod, these congregations sided with the anti-Missourians. The minister has free use of a beautiful piece of land of about fifty-six acres, upon which is situated the pleasant parsonage. Lands has a membership of about 1,000 souls. The present church is too small and the congregation is contemplating building a new church. Parochial schools are held about eight months in the year, divided between the several school districts. Minneola has a membership of about 500 souls, and also maintains parochial school eight months of the year. The congregations have young people's societies, a young ladies' society and several ladies' aid societies.

Ludvig Marinus Biorn, now deceased, was born in Moss, Norway, September 7. 1835. - His father was a minister in the state church of Norway, and some of his ancestors held high military and ecclesiastical positions in Slesvig. Biorn became a student at the University of Norway in 1855, graduating as a theological candidate in 1861. The following year he emigrated to America, being called as pastor by the congregation of the Norwegian Synod in Manitowoc county, Wisconsin. Here Rev. Biorn met all the hardships incident to pioneer life. The war, too, added to the difficulty. Company F, of the Fifteenth Wisconsin Regiment, was mostly taken from his congregation. In 1879 he removed to Good- hue county, to the congregations of Land and Minneola. The year before the crops of the Northwest were a failure, and Goodhue, with the rest of the counties of this section, were suffering from that failure. With his parishioners, he set to work with a will, enlarging his congregations, establishing schools, forming missions and other societies in connection with the church. He taught the young and the old, visited the sick, assisted the poor and buried the dead. Reverend Biorn was one of the leaders of the Anti-Missourians in the great predestination controversy, and when, after the division of the synod, the United Church was organized ou1 of three Norwegian Lutheran denominations, Reverend Biorn became the vice-president of the new body. The North, in 1893, said: "Reverend Biorn has a frank, honest, prepossessing face. He is a thoroughbred gentleman, a popular preacher, an able writer, and, last but not least, there is a vein of true poetry in his psychical makeup, which has found expression in a number of poems, two or three of which are gems of their kind.*' Reverend Biorn died June 14, 1908, and a grave in Land's church cemetery marks the resting place of his body, but his life still lives, and will continue to live as long as those who knew him live. The result of his labor will live much longer. He was first married to Bollette Fleisher, who died in September, 1881. In 1884 he married Mathilda Johnson, of Wittenburg, Wis. Eleven children survive: Ragnar Biorn, of Minot, No. Dak.; Mrs. Anna Foxen, residing in Norway; Herman, a practicing attorney at St. Paid ; Nels, a physician of Ada, Minn. ; Mrs. Mellby, wife of Professor Mellby, of Northfield ; Sigurd, Aimar, Valborg, Harold, Nina, and Inga, of Zumbrota.

Dale Congregation was organized in 1856 or 1857 by the Rev. P. A. Rasmussen, of Lisbon, 111. The church is located in Cherry Grove township. Rev. Fjelstad is the pastor.

Vang's Congregation consists of Norwegian farmers who believe in the faith professed by Luther, and who reside in the north of Holden and south of Warsaw. Until 1862 the farmers in that vicinity had no public place of worship, and the log cabins of the farmers had to be used; but in 1862 the farmers in that vicinity organized as a "Sogn," and commenced building a small church. The church was completed in the fall of 1867. and dedicated October 18, the following year. It was located one mile south of the town line between Warsaw and Holden, and at the southwest corner of section 4, of Holden. The congregation was not at that time incorporated, and was largely controlled by the Holden congregations, and Rev. B. J. Muus served them all as their minister. They, however, adopted a separate name, and called themselves the Vangs congregation. The word Vangs means in English a wing, and is used here because most of its members hail Prom a congregation in Norway called Vang, in Valders. In 1883 the congregation was incorporated, the following persons signing the articles of incorporation : Peter E. Bakke, Simon 0. Gjellum, Halvor L. Lilleskov, Torgor Thompson and Nils Torstenson. On the south of Yangs church reside a fine settlement of Germans, who are very prosperous, and came to stay, but on the north side were a good many other nationalities, who wanted to sell; and as the Norwegians are generally industrious and prosperous farmers, they were always ready to buy, and as a result the congregation continued growing north, leaving the church in the south part of the congregation. Finding the old church too small for the large increase, they built a new church nearly in the center of the member's homes. Two years ago the congregation bought a beautiful and high-grade pipe organ. An expensive parsonage is located near the old church site.

The following pastors have served the congregation: B. J. Muus, M. 0. Bockman, T. Aug. Hanson, J. N. Kildahl," N. Oefstedahl, C. A. Mellby, and A. Hauge, the present pastor.

The church maintains parochial schools in several districts. It has four auxiliaries. The present membership is over 600. It belongs to the United Norwegian Lutheran Church of America. The present trustees are: Ingebright Bakke, M. 0. Mering, Th. Bakken, B. Swenson and 0. Kumperud; treasurer, C. T. Haugen; secretary, O. Flaten ; organist, E. Rude.

Wangen's Prairie is a congregation located in Warsaw township. Reverend Hauge is pastor. It was organized and incorporated January 9, 1908. Its members belonged formerly to the Urland congregation. The first trustees were : Joh. Lillskov, Hans Loven, and John P. Wangen. Its church building was dedicated in 1902. It is in connection with Vang and Urland congregations as one call, the present pastor being Rev. A. Hauge. The church maintains a parochial school and two auxiliaries. The present membership is over eighty. The congregation belongs to the United Norwegian Lutheran Church of America. The treasurer is Joh. Lillskov, and the secretary is Oliver Fretten.

Urland Congregation originally belonged to Holden congregation. In 1868 it was decided to organize Urland as a "Sogn," and in 1872 it was incorporated as a congregation. Articles of incorporation were signed by E. L. Otterness, Ragnald Johnson and William Olson. The trustees were Lars Flom, Torsten A. Melhouse, Ole A. Melhouse. Ragnald J. Ohnstad and Johannes Ingebritsen.

A church building was erected in Leon township in 1872. and was dedicated in 1874. and capable of seating 500 people. The building committee consisted of Ragnald J. Ohnstad, Ed. L. Otterness and A. A. Flom.

This summer - 1909 - a beautiful and high-grade pipe organ was bought and placed in the church, and dedicated by Dr. C. A. Mellby the 18th of July.

As Urland forms a call together with Vang, the parsonage is a joint property. The following pastors have servedkthe congregation: Revs. B. J. Muus, M. O. Bockman. Th. Aug. Hanson, J. N. Kildahl, N. Osfstedahl, C. A. Mellby and A. Hauge, the present pastor. The church maintains parochial schools in several districts. It has three auxiliaries. The present membership is over 600. It belongs to the United Norwegian Lutheran Church of America. The present trustees are P. J. Otterness, 0. E. Ohnstad. R. O. Underdahl, J. E. Flom, and S. Charleson, trusteeat-large and treasurer; secretary, I. D. Hustvedt, who has also been the parochial teacher and organist in the congregation for more than thirty years.

Rev. B. J. Muus, the venerable old patriarch of the Norwegian churches of the county, was born in Norway, March 15, 1832. He graduated from Christiania University in 1854, and a few years afterward immigrated to Minnesota. In 1859 he came to Goodhue county and took charge of all the Norwegian Lutheran congregations at that time organized in Minnesota, including the congregation of Holden. He was the first minister of the established church of Norway to locate here, and for some years had sole charge of the congregations in eight counties in Wisconsin and Minnesota. His work resulted in the formation of new parishes, until his district included seven congregations, as follows: Holden congregation, in Wanamingo; Dale, in Cherry Grove; Urland. in Leon: Yang's, in Holden; Gol and Halgre in Kenyon, and Moland, on the county line. All these congregations, except Moland. owned fine church buildings, and in taking charge of the congregations Rev. Muus was aided by two assistants. Over twenty parochial schools were also conducted in connection with these churches. Under the care of Pastor Muus these congregations grew and prospered, and in the course of time many secured pastors of their own, one after another. Reverend Muus retained charge of the Holden congregation until a short time before his death, in Norway, May 25, 1900. He served as president of the

Minnesota Synod of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church, as president of St. Olaf's school, at Northfield, and for many years occupied a high place of honor and respect in the counsels of the church with which he affiliated. In 1876, when the Norwegian synod was divided into three districts, Mr. Muus was elected president of the one emhracing Minnesota and the states to the west. He was the founder and first president of St. Olaf college, at Northfield. In his latter years he differed with his synod on doctrinal questions, and was finally expelled, but was, in spite of this, respected for his learning and high character.

Prof. F. A. Schmidt, D. D., is professor of theology at the United Lutheran Seminary at St. Anthony Park. He is one of the best known Lutheran scholars in the northwest. He was born in Leutenberg, Rudolstadt, Germany, January 3, 1837, and came to America in 1841, after the death of his parents. After spending six years in the parochial schools in St. Louis, he entered college, and graduated in 1853. He studied theology three years, served a congregation in Eden, N. Y., and later another at Baltimore, Md. After two years he was called as professor in the first Norwegian high school in America, now knoAvn as Luther College, in Decorah, Iowa. This was in 1861. Later he taught theology five years at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and then removed to Madison, Wis., teaching there eleven years in the Norwegian Theological Seminary. "When the United Norwegian Lutheran church was formed in 1890, he was transferred from Northfield, whither he had gone in 1886 to teach in the seminary of the Anti-Missourians, to Minneapolis, where he is still teaching, although he is now seventy-two years of age. In 1883 he received the D. D. degree in recognition of his honorable services. His wife, Mrs. Schmidt, formerly Caroline Allwardt, is still living. On Tuesday, December 8, 1908, the aged couple celebrated their golden wedding. Mrs. F. A. Schmidt was born in Mecklenburgh-Sehwerin, Germany, October 11, 1812, and came to Chattanooga county, New York, when she was eight years old. She 'was married to Dr. F. A. Schmidt fifty-one years ago at Olean. N. Y. Dr. and Mrs. Schmidt have a number of sons and daughters, among whom is Prof. E. W. Schmidt, of the Red Wing Seminary.

The Evangelical Lutheran Trinity Church, of Red Wing, at one time known as the First Norwegian Evangelical Church, of Red Wing, belongs to the Synod of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. The first Lutheran sermon in the Norwegian language was preached in Red Wing in 1858 by Rev.

L. Larsen. A faithful, but small, body of believers continued to bold services at the homes of members, in halls, at the' courthouse, and in various other places, Rev. Larsen continuing as religious instructor and pastor. He was succeeded by Rev. B. J. Muus, under whose pastorate the church was formally organized as a Norwegian-speaking church, in the basement of the German Lutheran church, February 18, 1864. The original organization had a membership of eight families. In 1865 the lot on the corner of Bush and Sixth streets was bought, and a church erected. The cornerstone was laid October 10, 1866, and the church was dedicated October 18, of the same year. On the same day the Rev. Nels Th. Ylvisaker was ordained, and became the first resident pastor. He was succeeded in 1875 by Rev. R. Larson, who the next year was followed by the Rev. K. Berven. During his pastorate the predestination controversy divided the congregation, and twenty-eight families severed their connection with the church. Reverend Berven remained pastor to 1887. Then for a year the congregation was served from Minneapolis by Rev. 0. P. Vangsnes. In 1888 the Rev. K. Bjorgo was installed as pastor. In 1891 he was elected president of the Minnesota district of the Synod. He had the following assistants : D. P. Growe, 1891-94; P. A. Kittelshy. 1894-96; C. Doring, 1896-97. It was during Reverend Bjorgo 's pastorate that English work was begun in the congregation. The English Mission Society was organized in 1890 with Rev. J. A. Detzer, of St. Paul, in charge from 1890 to 1892. He was succeeded by Rev. E. F. Haertel, who served from 1892 to 1897. In 1897 the English Mission Society was merged into the congregation proper, and the congregation adopted its present name and the English language as its official tongue. The duties of district president required more and more of Reverend Bjorgo 's time. He therefore resigned as pastor, and was succeeded in 1897 by Rev. H. G. Magelssen. Reverend Bjorgo remained as assistant pastor. Reverend Magelssen 's pastorate extended to January, 1903. when he was succeeded by the Rev. E. I. Strom. In 1900 the corner of Fifth and Dakota streets' was purchased for a site for the new church and parsonage. In 1902 the house on the property was remodeled for a parsonage. In September. 1904. the excavation for the new church was commenced. The cornerstone was laid April 9, 1905, and the church was dedicated July 15. 1906. The new church is of Red AVing stone, 84x48, with a seating capacity of 400. It is heated with steam and lighted by gas and electricity. The basement extends under the whole church, and is used for school and societies. The church property as it now stands cost, in round numbers, $30,000. A regular day school has been conducted since the fall of 1903. with the pastor and Elizabeth Clausen as teachers. The

Ladies' Aid Society meets on the first Thursday of every month. The Young People's Society and +he Priscillas meet at the call of the presidents. The Sunday school meets regularly every Sunday after service.

Rev. Eimar Ingvald Strom, who resigned as pastor in May, 1909, and is now pastor of two churches in Chippewa county, Minnesota, was born in Zumbrota, this county, June 9, 1871. In the fall of 1886 he entered Luther College, at Decorah, la., where he wTas graduated in 1895. He was ordained August 1.9, 1895, in the church at Zumbrota. His first parish was in Ward and MeHenry counties, North Dakota. In 1897 he became principal of Luther Academy, Albert Lea, Minn., where he remained until 1902. He then served the Crow River parish, in Kandujohi county, for one year, and came to Red Wing in May, 1903. During his stay in Red Wing he served as trustee of the Lutheran Ladies' Seminary and as trustee and treasurer of St. John's Hospital. He was married in 1897 to Helina Marie Nedrud. This union has been blessed with six children, Kristine, Carl, Agnes, Nora, Ingvald and Solveig.

gregation at Bayfield, Minn., and the pastor was the Rev. John Linnevold. Later the congregation associated with the Zumbrota congregation, at that time in charge of Rev. S. J. N. Ylvisaker. In the fall of 1908 the congregation was served a short time by the Rev. Th. Xornian, of Hayfield. Since that time the pastor has been the Rev. S. Bervin. The church has a parochial school and the usual societies. The church building was dedicated September 22, 1901, by Rev. K. Bjorgo, assisted by Prof. Hans Allen, Rev. H. G. Magelssen, Prof. J. U. Xavier and Rev. S. J. N. Ylvisaker. Among the early members were: G. K. Xorsving. Bk. Xorsving, K. K. Tasa, Th. 0. Quam. T. T. Hoverstead, Ole J. Broen, J. 0. Broen, H. 0. Broen, John Broen, Ole Xesseth. Ole 0. Braaten. Erik Odegaard, Roar 0. Xesseth. Tver 0. Xesseth, Martin Jjellum, II. B. Underdahl, Bernt Xesseth. Baard Xesseth and Knute Tasa. The parsonage is at Zumbrota.

Rev. Sven Berven was born in Bergen. Norway, September 21, 1874, son of Kristen and Ingeborg (Sexe) Berven, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1875 and located in Springfield, 111., where the father attended a theological seminary, graduating in the following year. He received a call from the Trinity Lutheran church of Red Wing and served as their pastor until the fall of 1888. He then went to Day county. South Dakota, and had charge of a church until 1899, when he resigned from the ministry. Rev. Sven Berven received his education at Luther Xormal School at Sioux Falls, S. D., and at Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, graduating in 1901. In the fall of 1901 he entered Luther Seminary at Hamline ; graduated in 1904 and was ordained to the ministry. He received a call to Luverne. Minn., which he served until December. 1908, when he was called to take charge of the churches of Zumbrota. Little Cannon and Valley Grove. He was married, April 26, 1905. at Minneapolis, to Luella Erickson, daughter of E. M. and Johanna (Hjort) Erickson. the father a traveling salesman out of Minneapolis, where they reside. Rev. and Mrs. Berven have two children.

St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Congregation, of Red "Wing, was organized April 9. 1866. and incorporated under the state laws of Minnesota. The first board of trustees consisted of the following members : Ole 0. Hegna. Lars Siverson and Xils Jacobson. The first year the congregation had about thirty communicant members. In 1866 a lot between Sixth and Seventh streets, on Bluff street, was bought, and a building erected on same, which served as the place of worship till 1886. when the present church, situated on the corner of Seventh and Bush streets, was dedicated.

Several years before the organization, in 1866, of the congregation of the so-called Eaugefs people. Rev. 0. Hanson had served those who later composed the St. Peter's congregation by monthly visits to Red Wing, and the meetings were generally held in the old firemen's hall, then situated on Third street, between Bush and Plum streets. Rev. 0. Hanson was the first regular pastor, and was present at the meeting when the congregation was organized. He continued to serve until January 8. 1876, when Rev. Chr. 0. Brohough was elected to the charge. May 9, 1881, Reverend Brohough resigned, and the congregation called Rev. I. Eistenson. who served but one year. From August 10, 1882. till April 30, 1885, St. Peter's, congregation was served by Rev. A. Weenaas. For a few years the congregation had no regular pastor, but in 1889 a call was extended to Rev. 0. S. Meland, who accepted, and preached his introductory sermon Sunday, July 1, 1889. Rev. 0. S. Meland has since been the regular pastor of St. Peter's congregation. The present membership of the congregation is about 500.

Rev. Ole S. Meland, pastor of St. Peter's Norwegian Lutheran church, was born in Norway, October 6, 1854. He received his education in the public and high schools of his native town, and later attended the seminary at Balestrand. In 1875 he emigrated to America, and located in Dane county, Wisconsin, where he worked on a farm in the summer, attending school in the winter. He engaged in teaching for three years, after which he entered Augsburg Seminary, at Minneapolis, where he studied for five years. On account of failing health he left school and went to Norway. He entered college at Christiania, and remained two years. Later he received a call to the Red Wing Seminary, as instructor, to succeed Prof. Sven R. Gunderson. This position he held for eight years, and was principal the last two years. In 1889 he was called to become the pastor of St. Peter's Norwegian Lutheran church, which he still serves. Mr. Meland is also a member of the Seminary board and the pastor of the school. September 1, 1887, Rev. Meland was married to Elida C. Simmons, daughter of Thor K. and Hannah S. (Hawkins) Simmons, of Red Wing. Rev. and Mrs. Meland have four children : Alvin Simmons, born June 20, 1888, a student at Williams College, Massachusetts; Aneva Maria, born September 10, 1892; Norman, born June 20, 1894, and Jennette, born May 11, 1897, all of whom are attending school. Reverend Meland is Republican in his politics, and is an active and interested worker in the Anti-Saloon League.

Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, of Aspelund. was organized in 1859 by Rev. A. E. Boyuni. Although not ordained, Oesten Hanson took charge of the congregation, and in 1861 was ordained, remaining until his death. At the time of the organiza- tion the membership was about thirty-five, and the officers were : Deacons, Stephen Lee and Ole J. Lee ; trustees. Ole J. Lee, Hans M. Sande and Knut Sanden. The present pastor is the Rev. C. C. Holter, who has been in charge of the congregation about eleven years. The church has a membership of 350. and the meeting place is a fine church building, erected at a cost of $5,000. The present secretary of the church is 0. S. Haugen, of Wanamingo. A board of trustees and a board of elders, and the other customary officers, constitute the governing board.

Hauges Evangelical Lutheran Congregation, at Kenyon, has a membership of 210. and two churches, one in the village and the other in the country. The two churches are valued at about $8,000. The secretary is A. Anonby, of Kenyon, and the other officers are as usual. These churches, like the others of Hauge's synod in their vicinity, were organized about fifty years ago, and were for many years in charge of Rev. O. Hanson, now being served by Rev. ( '. C. Holter, who has been the pastor about eleven years. The Kenyon congregation, the Stordal church and the Immanuel church unite in a parsonage at Kenyon village valued ai about $5,000.

Stordal Evangelical Lutheran Church, at Roscoe Center, is one of the old churches of the county, and has a membership of about 300. The church building cosl $5,000, and the secretary is O. G. Etomo, of Zumbrota. Like the other two congregations now in charge of Reverend Holler, this congregation was for many years served by Rev. O. Hanson.

Rev. C. C. Holter, pastor of the congregations at Kenyon, Roscoe Center and Aspelund, is a clergymaD of acknowledged ability, and took up his present parishes about eleven years ago. He is the editor of the "Budbaeren," a 24-page weekly church paper, which has a wide circulation among the communicants of the llauge synod.

Rev. Oesten Hanson was born July 8, 1836, in Norway, and died August 4. 1S!)S. At the age of fifteen he emigrated with his parents to this country, and with them lived for a time in "Wisconsin. In 1856 they moved to this county, and here Reverend Hanson was ordained, in 1861, serving the congregations at Aspelund. Kenyon and Roscoe Center until his death. In 1875-76 he was president of Hauge's synod, was its vice-president for about twenty years, was president of the board of regents of the Red AVing Seminary for several years, and was again elected president of the synod in 1887.

The Free Church, which has a congregational form of government, is represented in this county by two churches, one in Wanamingo, and Hegre in Kenyon, near Skyberg.

the following officers elected: Erick Erickson chairman), E. T. Sandstrom secretary). Otto Thoreson. Nils Clnistofferson, Erick Erickson and John Swenson, deacons. The constitution of the Augustana synod was adopted with qo changes. August 31, 1869, a meeting was held for the purpose of falling a pastor, and Rev. L. K. Green, of Poresl City. la., was chosen. Johannes E. Skaar presided at this meeting, with Herman < '. Sorum as secretary. The first annual meeting was held January -'!. 1870, when Tosten Thoreson, John A. Skaar, John Swenson and Carl Swenson were chosen to serve as trustees, and Herman C. Sorum as treasurer.

January 13, 1872, Rev. X. E. Viekre, of Christinia, Minn., was called. He accepted, and remained until 1881. December 2, 1872, a meetng was held to discuss the building of a church, and a subscription was taken among those present, which amounted to $898.00. At the annual meeting, held March 3, 1873, at the home of Haagen Saetran, they decided to build a church 40x32x16, with a balcony for the choir 18x18. A committee was chosen, consisting of Johannes Skaar (chairman), H. Enerson, Lars Sorenson, Haagen Saetran and Tosten Thoreson. May 26th a meeting was held at the home of Edward Larson for the purpose of choosing a delegate to the annual conference. Ole Anfinson was elected as the first representative of the church.

In the fall of 1877 the church was finished and dedicated the twenty-fifth Sunday after Trinity. The tower was built in 1886. August 14, 1881, Rev. Gerhard Gjertsen, of Rochester, Minn., was called to succeed Reverend Viekre. December 27, the same year, the members met again for the purpose of selecting a pastor. A question arose of joining with the Dale church, and calling Reverend Munck, of Xorway, but it was finally decided to join with Rochester, and call Rev. L. Lund to serve both churches. In November, 1890, the Rochester church severed her connection with Wanamingo, and that left them again without a pastor, so a meeting was held September 13, 1891, when Student R. Halvorson was called. He remained two years. In the fall of 1892 Wanamingo, Hoff and Hegre churches joined, and called Student R. Halvorson to assume charge of the three churches. He served until September, 1901, and Reverend Rislov, the present pastor, was called.

At a meeting October 14, 1889, the constitution of the United Norwegian Lutheran Church of America was adopted, and a resolution passed to take part in the effort to raise the sum of $22,000 in the conference. S. S. Hommedal and Ole Sletten were elected as delegates to attend the conference at Minneapolis in 1890. March 25, 1897, the Wanamingo church separated from the United church. There are at present about 230 members, and of the founders, only one - Edward Larson - is living. The church

Hegre Congregation was organized in the year 1878. Among the first members were P. P. Hegseth. A. II. Hegseth, J. P. Hegseth, Haagen Danielson, N. 0. Rodningen. L. A. Jarstad, S. A. Ofstedal, L. J. Kyllo, P. J. Borstad, P. II. Katran, A. Kinseth and P. J. Kyllo. The erection of the church building was started about 1880. but was not completed before 1902. It was dedicated November 2. of the same year. The present membership is 200 souls and 123 confirmed members. The following pastors have been in charge of the congregation: B. J. Mnns. M. O. Baekman, A. Winther, X. Ofstedal. R. Halvorson and S. Rislov, the latter of whom is now in charge The church is located in Kenyon.

Norwegian Methodist

The Eidsvold Norwegian Methodist Church of Leon. The first meetings were held in the homes of the members, in the school house, or under the trees when the weather permitted, in the year 1859. and the church was organized a year later. In 1875,

Gulbrand Nelson, a church Avas erected, and has since been supplied by the pastor of the church of Belvidere. It is located in section 20. The present membership numbers eleven, and its leading member and main supporter is John Ring.

The Norwegian Methodist Church of Belvidere. (By Mrs. David A. Larson.) The first meetings were held in the homes and in the schoolhouse as early as 1858. These meetings, led by a local preacher. Knut Knutson, were usually well attended, the old settlers sometimes walking a distance of eight to fifteen miles to be present. In 1874 a church was erected and dedicated the following year, July 11, by the presiding elder. .1. II. Johnson, assisted by the pastor of the church. Rev. G. Oleson, also Revs. C. F. Lindquist and A. Olaveson. The first members were : Knut Knutson. a local preacher; Amund Larson, a preacher who was a soldier in the Civil War, and died September 2, 1865, of disease contracted in the service; Hans H. Danielson, also an old soldier, who suffered the loss of a limb in the war, and his wife, both active church workers, and whose home was always open to friends and strangers; Swen Hendrickson, a soldier who died after the Avar, and his wife; Thor Erickson, also a soldier, and

Ins wife, both of whom have passed to the Great Beyond; Herman Hanson, now deceased, and his wife, who resides in Wisconsin. The pastors who have served this church are: Revs. Nicholas S. 'Olstrom, who enlisted in 1861, as chaplain in the army and died there; P. M. Johnson, who served the church during the war; Rev. Long, C. F. Lindquist, now living at Red Wing; Rev. Borgeson, E. Arveson, now deceased; Arne Johnson, Christian Oman, who died in 1894; A. Knntson, now of Minneapolis, who was the prime factor in the erecting of the church in 1874, but did not stay until it was dedicated; Paul Seim, 1885; B. E. Olin, 1886; C. Christoferson, 1887, new of Deer Park, Wis.; Axel Olsen, who was a preacher and Parmer, and is now dead; Rev. Gustav Thoner, who served one year; X. C. Hanson, 1896; Xels Jacobson, 1897-99; 0. S. Holland, 1900; A. \Y. Rosness, 1901-02; Arnt M. Anderson, 1903; O. A. Doblough, 1904; O. A. Hofsted, 1905. L. A. Larson, who served in 1907, died August, 1908, and is buried beside the church in Belvidere. His mother, Bertha Larson, donated the lot on which the church stands in section 20.

Rev. J. A. Jacobson is the present pastor, and is serving his second year. He was born in XTorway, and came to America when a youth, and received his education in Chicago. Since his ordination- to the ministry, he has had several charges. He served the Xorwegian Methodist church in St. Paul and was presiding elder for six years. He preaches equally well in both the English and Norwegian languages. He wTas married in 1888 to Hannah Bernson, of Minneapolis, and has two daughters : Ruth is a school teacher, and Gertrude attends school. They have also adopted an orphan boy.

The present officers of the church are David A. Larson, Mrs. H. H. Danielson and Otto Larson. There is a Sunday school of three classes, of which David Larson is the superintendent and secretary, and Caleb Larson, treasurer. The church also supports a society called the Band of Helpers, the officers of which are President, Edna Danielson ; vice president. Mrs. A. B. Larson ; secretary, Alison B. Larson ; treasurer, Otto Larson. Mrs. H. H. Danielson is the only surviving charter member of the church, and is still an active worker.

Swedish Lutheran

The Augustana Synod of the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran church is represented in Goodhue county by eight congregations, Vasa, Zion (Goodhue), Red Wing, Cannon River, Welch, Prairie Tsland, Spring Garden and St. Ansgars (Cannon Falls).

Cannon River Church was established May 11, 1857, by the Rev. E. Norelius. The first members were Andrew Swanson, Nejs Hawkinson, Gustof Anderson, A. P. Johnson, Andrew Lindstrom, C. F. Johnson, Magnus Nelson, John Peterson, Jacob Anderson, Magnus Lundell, August Peterson, Swan Nelson, Gustof Johnson, Olof Ostberg, John Johnson and Jonas Engberg, Jr. The meeting was held at the house of Andrew Swanson, on block 51, in the Cannon Falls city addition, where the mill was afterward erected. The trustees elected at this meeting were Andrew Swanson, Xels Hawkinson and Jonas Engberg. The latter was also elected treasurer. It was decided to build a church and subscriptions were raised to the amount of #465. At a later meeting, held June 8, 1857, it was arranged to build a frame church. 30x40, eighteen feet high, with a tower. Andrew Limb strom laid the foundation in June, 1857, but the church was not completed. In 1862 the congregation built a church in the township, on section 3, 20x26. This edifice was used until the summer of 1878, when the congregation erected a frame church on section 1, 30x60, with a tower, at an estimated cost of $4,000.

An interesting story once related by G. Westman is to the effect thai during the year 1858, the congregation was to have the Lord's supper administered, and a collection was taken up and a bottle of wine procured. On the morning of that eventful Sabbath the wine was to be brought from the south side of the Little Cannon to the north side. The river being high, the seven members residing on the south side were to be taken over in a skiff. With them was the wine. When they reached the middle of the stream, the boat was upset. With the assistance of the people on either shore, all were saved except old Mrs. Angberg, whose body was recovered several months later, eight or nine miles down the stream. It is needless to say that the wine also was lost.

Spring Garden Church was organized July 19, 1858, at the residence of Peter Johnson, on section 15^ Leon township, under the charge of Rev. P. Beckman, who continued for some time thereafter as pastor. The first congregation was composed of the following members : M. Edstrom and family, C. A. Haggstrom and family, John G. Wanberg and family, Jacob Johnson and family, John P. Johnson and family, A. W. Johnson and family, Isaac Holm and family, Peter Johnson and family, Nils Chalberg and family, Peter Lundell and family, Bengt Anderson and family, A. Enberg and family, Paul Nelson, John Holm, G. Holm, P. O. Holm, C. Holm, Johannes Holm, John Edwall, John Lager- strom and S. Anderson. The officers were : Deacons, M. Edstrom, for one years ; John P. Johnson, for two years ; Peter Johnson, for three years. Trustees, Jacob Johnson, for one year; Nils Challberg, for two years, and S. Anderson, for three years. For a time the congregation met in private houses or in schoolhouses. In 1862 a small church was built on section 11. This church was later replaced by a fine edifice, erected on the site of the original structure, with a capacity of 600 people.

According to the official reports of the church, the present edifice was erected in 1876, the present value of the property being $13,800. There are 563 members, of whom 398 are communicants.

St. Ansgar's Church, of Cannon Falls, was organized August 15, 1869, at the school house, by the Rev. P. A. Cederstam. Among the early members of the church were G. Westman, A. P. Johnson, John Matson, Gustof Bergman, Magnus Anderson, John Anderson, Gustof Wedestroni, John Beck, Otto Johnson, A. AY. Carlson, Lewis Larson, C. Jackson, C. P. Swanson, John Moline, Gustof Thumberg and Swan Widholm. The first trustees were G. Westman, A. P. Johnson and John Matson. - At a meeting held February 17, 1872, it was resolved to build a frame building, 34 by 50. The structure was started in the spring of 1872 and completed the same year. Including furniture and an addition built in 1874, the cost was $3,000. This church was rebuilt in 1909 at a cost of some $7,000, enlarging its capacity and making it modern.

Zion Church, in Goodhue, was organized in 1869 and incorporated in 1873. A frame building was erected in 1874, the entire valuation at the present time being $3,000. There are 127 members, of whom 91 are communicants. Dr. E. Norelius has for several years served this church as pastor.

Welch Church, in Welch township, was organized and incorporated in 1873, and in 1878 a frame church was erected, the present valuation of the church property being $8,000. There are 334 members, of whom 258 are communicants. The parochial school has about thirty pupils.

Prairie Island Church was organized and incorporated in 1876, and in 1897 a frame church was built, the present value of the property being $1,500. There are ninety-five members, of whom sixty-five are communicants. The parochial school has about twenty pupils.

English Lutheran

St. Paul's Church, at Red Wing, was organized November 20, 1886, by the Rev. G. II. Trabert, D. D., of Minneapolis, who continued to serve the congregation every two weeks. The congregation at first held its services in the Swedish church, then in the school house belonging to the church. Later the services were transferred to a hall at the corner of Third and Bush streets, and from there to the chapel of the Episcopal church. The present lot was secured in The summer of 1889 and the building erected. This was enlarged in the year 189!). The congregation began with seven members and has increased to 300. There are 200 scholars in the Sunday school. Services are held each Lord's day morning and evening. Five pastors have served the congregation : Revs. G. II. Trabert, D. D.. 1883-89; C. B. Lindtwed, 1889-92: A. stn,,, I,.. 1893-95; J. A. Leas, 1896-01. The present pastor is Rev. A. -I. Reichert, who has served the congregation since May 1. L901. The congregation has qow no indebtedness.

First English Evangelical Lutheran Church, of Cannon Falls. In the early pari of January, 1899, several persons of Cannon Falls, among whom was F. R. Anderson, were desirous of having English Lutheran services held in Cannon Falls. Mr. Anderson conferred with Rev. -I. A. Leas, who was then pastor of St. Paul's church, of Red Wing. Rev. Leas made arrangements, and the first service was held in the Methodist church ;it Cannon Falls on a Sunday evening. A goodly number was present at the service, and many expressed a desire that services be continued at the convenience of the pastor. In a few weeks another service was held, but after that service Reverend Leas was so occupied with the duties of his own parish that no further services were held for several months. In May, 1899, Reverend Leas and the Rev. Mr. Boulton visited Cannon Falls, and, having found a number of families that desired the continuance of English Lutheran services, arrangements were made to hold Sunday evening services every two weeks in the Methodist church. These services were conducted by Revs. Leas and Boulton from May 9 to October 15. About the first of October, 1899, a meeting was held for the purpose of organizing an English Lutheran church, but owing to the fact that one or two of those who were the prime movers of the work at first, becoming somewhat fainthearted, and being inclined to enter the Swedish Lutheran church, which had formerly refused to admit them to membership, the other persons interested thought it not advisable to organize at that time. However, arrangements were made to hold services regularly every other' Sunday, both morning and evening, in a hall rented for the purpose. P. A. Peterson, postmaster, kindly offered the use of a small hall near his place of business. The first service was held I fctober 15, 1899. These services were so well attended that after mi Sunday evenings the hall was round to be too small, and manj had to stand during the entire service. In March, 1900, arrangements were made to use the hall of the A. 0. U. \V. The hall being large and comfortably furnished, the attendance at services continued very satisfactorily. In May, 1900, at a meeting called by Reverend Boulton, who had conducted the services from October 15, 1899, the First English Evangelical Lutheran church, of Cannon Falls, was organized with nine charter members, as signers of the articles of organization. The total membership was twenty-five communicants. The congregation elected the following named persons as its firsl officers: Secretary. P. S. Aslakson : treasurer. B. R. Johnson; deacons. S. J. Edlund, O. L. Benson. A. J. Ullevig; trustees. S. J. Baeklund, X. A. Winslow, A. E. Gilbertson. The congregation was received into the Synod of the Northwest at the synodical meeting in Goodhue, June. 1900. On the first Sunday in Advent. December 2. 1900. Rev. Merrill E. Boulton was installed as pastor by the Rev. G. H. Trabert, D. D., of Minneapolis. Rev. M. E. Boulton served as pastor of the congregation until May, 1903, when he resigned, to accept the pastorate of the Firsl English Evangelical Lutheran church, of Mishawaka, Ind. In June, 1908, Rev. R. A. Helms accepted the call, and served as pastor until 1906, when he tendered his resignation. During the pastorate of Reverend Helms a lot was purchased, and a new church erected thereon at a cost of $2,500. It was dedicated in May. 1905. Rev. Willis Beck assumed the pastorate in December, 1906. and is its present pastor, serving it from Zumbrota. The present communicant membership is 100. It has an energetic ladies' aid society of thirty members, a Luther league, and a Sunday school of ninety members, of which P. S. Aslakson is superintendent.

First English Evangelical Lutheran Church, of Zumbrota. On October 5, 190."). Rev. R. A. Helms, who had been requested by J. A. Langslorf, Herman Kalass and others to hold English Lutheran services at Zumbrota, came here and conducted a meeting in Anderson Hall. The attendance at this time was forty persons. At the next meeting," two weeks later, the attendance was eighty-three. Services were then held every two weeks, until November 27, 1905, when the church was regularly organized as the First English Lutheran Church of the Redeemer by the Rev. R. A. Helms, assisted by Rev. J. A. Reichert. of Red Wing. The original signers of the constitution were Herman Kalass. Mrs. Herman Kalass. Julia Frederieh, Harnett Abend, Mrs. Anton

Johnson, Anton Johnson, Fred Lohmann, Lizzie Lohmann. August King, Elinor Klug, J. II. Langsdorf. Augusta Langsdorf, William Langsdorf , H. E. Weiss. B. A. Kolbe and Anna Kolbe. Reverend Helms resigned as pastor in the early part of 1906.

Rev. AYillis Beck became pastor in December of the same year, and is the present pastor. Services were continued in Anderson's Hall until the beginning of 1907, when the congregation secured the use of the United Norwegian chapel, which it used until the spring of 1909, and then rented the Episcopal church, where it worships at the present time. The membership has steadily grown. At the present time it is seventy-five. It has a ladies' aid society of twenty-five members, and a Sunday school of eighty members, of which Anton Johnson is the superintendent. In May, 1909, subscriptions were raised for two church lots.

St. Luke's English Evangelical Lutheran Church. On January 5, 1897, Rev. John A. Leas, pastor of St. Paul's English Lutheran church, of Red Wing, visited Goodhue and met K. L. Anderson, Hein Prigge and others, with a view to learning the prospects of holding English Lutheran services in the village. The project was so favorably received that a business meeting was called for January 8, on which occasion C. A. Erickson, of Red Wing, accompanied the pastor; and in the room of K. L. Anderson a meeting was held with a view of discussing further the proposed project. Those present were K. L. Anderson, Hein Prigge, William Hennings, Henry Hoist, Fred Meyer and William Kurschinshy. all of whom manifested a great interest and desire to begin such English services, with the further view of organizing a congregation. Arrangements were made for weekly services, and the first service was accordingly held in L. K. Anderson's hall, above the postoffiee, January 14, 1897. with an attendance of about eighty-five persons. Services were then held each week, usually on Friday evening, until February 19, 1897. when a congregation was organized after the services with the following charter members: K. L. Anderson. Hein Prigge, John H. Boxrud, Henry Moist, William Hennings. Fred Meyer, William Kurschinsky, John Schaeffer, F. \Y Alms and Ole Holte. The pastor presided, and after explaining the synodical connections which he maintained, and which the proposed English Lutheran church should sustain, the following elections were reported: Deacons, William Hennings, Ole Holte and Hein Prigge; trustees, Hein Prigge, Ole Holte and Henry Hoist; president, Henry Hoist: secretary, F. W. Alms; treasurer, Hein Prigge. The secretary-elect. Mr. Alms, withdrew from the organization, and K. L. Anderson was elected to till the vacancy on May 30, 1897. Regular services were held at stated times by Pastor J. A. Leas until arrangements were made to secure a supply for the new congregation. On April 2, 1897, the church council of St. Luke's congregation 'met and unanimously elected Student M. E. Boulton, of the Lutheran Theological Seminary of Chicago, to supply the pulpit during the summer. Student Boulton served the eongregation from May 9, 1897, to September 26, 1897, Leaving then to return to the theo- Logical seminary at Chicago, to finish his course. During the winter of 1897-98 the congregation was supplied by Rev. J. A. Leas, of Red Wing, and Student L. L. Mastad, of the Red Wing Seminary. On March 4, 1898, at a congregational meeting, AI. E. Boulton was given a unanimous call to act as pastor as soon as his seminary work would permit. Mr. Boulton having completed his theological studies, and graduated April 27, 1898, accepted the call, and began his labors in the congregation May 16, 1898. He was ordained at the meeting of the synod in St. John's church, Minneapolis, June 16, 1898, and on June 23, 1898, was installed as pastor at Goodhue by Rev. W. K. Frick, of Milwaukee, president of the synod ; Rev. C. L. Warstler, of St. Paul, secretary of the synod, and by Rev. J. A. Leas, of Red Wing. During the winter of 1898-99, Reverend Boulton completed his seminary course at Chicago, and again returned to his Goodhue congregation May 14, 1899. He continued as pastor until May, 1903, during which time the membership gradually increased, and a neat frame church was erected at a cost of $2,000. Rev. R. A. Helms served as pastor from June, 1903. until May, 1906, when it was vacant until December, 1906. At this time Rev. Willis Beck became pastor, and continues to serve it from Zumbrota. In the early part of the summer of 1908 there was erected on the church a new steeple and a 1,000-pound tin-copper bell, installed at an expense of $1,000. The congregation is in a flourishing condition, with a membership of 150, a faithful ladies' society, and a Luther league, which meets regularly.

Rev. Willis Beck was born in Stone Church, Pennsylvania, February 12, 1876. He was educated in the public school of his native village, Muhlenberg College, Allentown, Pa., and Lutheran Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, Pa. Before entering college he taught iu the public school for one term. He was ordained in the ministry in May, 1902, and served English Lutheran churches in Derry, Pa., from 1902 to 1905. In the spring of 1905 he organized the first English Lutheran church of Superior, Wis., and served until December, 1906, when he became pastor of what is known as the Goodhue parish, consisting of congregations in Goodhue, Cannon Falls and Zumbrota. July 7, 1903, he was married to Grace I. Klingensmith, and they have two children : Isabel R., born September 25, 1904, and Mary G, born January 11, 1906. In polities he is a Republican.

Swedish Mission

Swedish Mission Evangelical Lutheran Church, of Bed Wing. In August, 1868, a few persons gathered at the home of Nels Nelson, who lived near the Milwaukee depot, and held a prayer meeting, which was led by Nels Sylvander, who had arrived from Sweden two weeks before. After that, meetings were held every Wednesday evening and Sundays, and were usually conducted by Mr. Sylvander, except for an occasional visit by Revs. P. Undeen and -). M; Sangren, of Chicago. The meetings were well attended and in 1869 the society was organized and the following officers elected: President. Nels Sylvander; deacon, G. Bordson; trustees. G. F. Kjellstrom, P. Johnson and L. Larson, who with their wives and J. Johnson and wife, constituted the society. In 1873, a lot was purchased on Sixth street, west of Wesi avenue, at a cost of $400, and a small frame church 30x40 was erected the following year, and as soon as the building was enclosed the meetings we're held there, in 1875 the church was finished, and was dedicated by Revs. C. A. Bjork, J. M. Sangren, S. M. Youngquisl and P. Wedin. In 1877, Rev. J. M. Sangren was called to become the firsl pastor mid he served until 1878, when he died. The pastors who have served are: Revs. J. M. Sangren, A. Soderstrom, C. W. Boquist, A. Sundberg, L. Sundin, J. A. N'yvall. .1. A. Jacobson, X. J. Lindquist, Rev. C. W.- Holm, who died here in October, 1!H)7. and Henry Soderholm, who is the present pastor. During Rev. Boquist's service, the church became too small and an addition was built, also a small school room. In L900 the church was repaired and improvements made at a cost of $800, and the corner lot on Sixth and West avenue, adjoining the church lot. was purchased at a cost of .+750. In the i'all of 1908 the church was moved to this lot and remodeled. A stone basemenl was built which is used lor Hie Sunday school. The church is lighted by <ras and electricity, and is heated by steam. All this was done at a cost of nearly $6,000. This church is one of the few that is free from debt. It was dedicated March "is. 1909, by Revs. C. A. Bjork, president of the conference, G. Anderson, Prof. K. E. Forsell. J. A. Palmquist. Of the first members only three remain. Nels Sylvander, G. F. Kjellstrom. and J. Johnson. The present membership is about 150. The present Officers are: President. Oustaf Swanson; vice president, John Gompton; secretary. E. Boye; treasurer. Aug. Lindstrom; deacons. John Compton, A. E. Sundby, P. A. Olson. Edward Boye; trustees. John Compton, John Nord. The church has a prosperous Sunday school, which was organized in 1869, with G. F. Kjellstrom as the first superintendent. The present superintendent is B. A. Olson, who has held that position for twenty-six years. There is a Y. P. S. and two ladies' aid societies, a senior and junior. A parochial school is held a few weeks every summer for the purpose of teaching the children the Swedish language. The church belongs to the Swedish Mission Covenant of America.

Rev. Henry Soderholm was horn in Sweden in 1866 and came to this country in 1885. He entered the Chicago Theological Seminary, graduating in the spring of 1890. He has served as pastor in three churches previous to coming to Red "Wing, two in Connecticut and one in Chicago. He is married and has a family of five children.

German Churches

The history of the German churches of the county will be found under the head of "The Germans," an article by Prof. F. W. Kalfahs. which appears in this work.

Rev. Christian Bender. There are probably but few names that are recalled in Red Wing with so much love and so deep a veneration as that of the Rev. Christian Bender. For nearly thirty-five years he was the leading German pastor of the county, and the older Germans remember him as the one who married them, who gave advice and help to the well, sympathy and consolation to the afflicted, and whose voice spoke the last sad words when their loved ones were laid to their eternal rest. His influence on the parishes in his charge will never be forgotten, although the real extent of the vast good he accomplished in his quiet, unostentatious way can never be fully measured. He was born in Germany September 11, 1838, and as a boy attended the public schools of his neighborhood. At the age of twenty-two years he entered the Mission College at Basel, Switzerland, and graduated in 1866. He was ordained at Wittenburg, and preached in his native country about one year. During that time he became interested in the stories of the American Northwest, and learned that there was among the pioneers from his own country a vast field for religious work. Accordingly, in 1867, he came to this country, and after a week at Minneapolis, located in Red "Wing, where he at once received the appointment as pastor of St. John's German Lutheran church, also taking charge of St. John's church at Frontenae and Grace church at Goodhue. He died in February, 1901, and his death caused deep mourning among all denominations, all classes and all nationalities. Reverend Bender was married in October, 1868, to Christina Dickhudt, born at Quincy, 111., March 7, 1850. To this union six children were born: Lydia, Christian, Anna. Christina. Freda and Adolph.

German Methodism

The first missionary to work among the Germans in the United States was Dr. William Xast. The territory assigned to him was the whole state of Ohio, and his salary the first year was $100. The first society was organized in Cincinnati, Ohio, and had thirty members, among whom were many who became very influential in church work in later years. Mention might be- made here of Rev. Henry Xuelsen, whose son, Rev. John L. Nuelsen, D. D.. was the first German to be elected a bishop of the Methodist church. He was elected bishop by the General Conference in May. 1908. The field of labor among the Germans was so large and promising that other missionaries were sent out, and soon societies were organized throughout the state of Ohio, and, following the course of immigration westward, it has expanded, till now German Methodism comprises ten general conferences, with 605 preachers and 63,500 communicants.

It was about fifty-five years ago that large numbers of Germans came to Minnesota in search of new homes. As there were no railroads, the majority of them settled along the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers. The pioneer preachers followed them, to preach to them the Gospel, to minister to their spiritual needs and to organize them into societies. The first preacher in Minnesota was Jacob Haas. who. in the fall of 1850, was sent to St. Paul, and organized the first German Methodist Society in Minnesota, and built a small church. The first presiding elder was Rev. John Plank, a resident of the state of Iowa, who made a journey of four hundred miles to St. Paul and vicinity to hold communion services and quarterly conferences.

Societies were organized in Minnesota before the German work became a separate branch of the Methodist church. The first preachers were members of the Upper Iowa Conference, and were organizers of some of our most prosperous societies. The work grew rapidly, and societies were formed at "Winona, Red Wing, St. Paul, Stillwater, Salem. St. Anthony (now Minneapolis), Jordan, Le Suer, New Ulm, etc. It soon became evident that the work could be carried on more effectually if it were under German supervision. The General Conference therefore, in 1864, organized German conferences. The societies in Minnesota, Wisconsin, northern Iowa, and northern Illinois, including Chicago, formed the Northwest German Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Eight years later a division was made, and Wisconsin and the Chicago district were organized as the Chicago German Conference. Sixteen years later another division of the Northwest German Conference was advisable. The southern part retained the old name, while the northern part was organized as the

In 1855 the l\etl Wing society was organized, with Rev. Gustav Zollman as pastor and Gottlieb Ziebrasse as local preacher, and the following persons as members : A. Koch, Fredrich and Mary Koch, William and Katherine Koch, Margeretta Koch, Lena Hoffman, Otto Kasehube and Katherina, his wife; Henry Banze, Fredericli and William Siebrasse, Margeretta Siebrasse, Anna M. Siebrasse, Herman Kalterjohn, Gottlieb Post. Anna Post, Conrad Singenstrue, Charles Aiders. Sr., Louise Aiders, and Charles Aiders, Jr.

After the organization of the society, and until the erection of a house of worship, their meetings were held at the residence of A. Koch. In the summer of 1856 the Red Wing town proprietors donated the society a lot for a church building at the corner of "West avenue and Seventh street. This society has the distinction of erecting the first church building in the village of Red Wing, a small frame structure 24 x 36 feet, which cost $100. The church was dedicated in November, 1856, by the presiding elder. Rev. H. Roth. For many years this building served as a place of worship. It was finally sold to M. B. Lewis, who moved it up the hill to Sturtevant street, where it still stands as one of the old landmarks of Red Wing. The society "then erected a new building at a cost of $2,500, which was dedicated in 1892, and, with some improvements made later, is still the place of worship of the society today.

Besides the above described property in Red W7ing, there is also a large church at Hay Creek and one at Belvidere. The statistics not being at hand, we cannot give the details as to time and cost of erection. These two churches now form a part of the Red Wing circuit, and have promising congregations. For a time services were also held in Cannon Falls and Minneola, and these places, together with Belvidere, formed a separate circuit, with the pastor resident at Belvidere. Cannon Falls and Minneola, however, have been dropped, and Belvidere was restored to the Red W7ing circuit.

Sabbatb schools are maintained at all three churches. The superintendent iu Red Wing is Peter Tubbesing; in Hay Creek, Edward Meyer, and in Belvidere, Claus Fitschen.

Rev. William F. Koerner, who has pastoral charge of the German Methodist Episcopal churches at Red Wing, Belvidere and Hay Creek, is a native of Nora Spring, Iowa, born February 4, 1872. son of William and Mary (Vennekolt) Koerner, the former born in Germany and the latter in America of German parents. The father received his education in Germany and upon coming to this country located in Freeport, 111. In 1870 he entered the Northwest Conference as a clergyman of the Methodist Episcopal denomination, and has since continued in ministerial duties. His present location is at Reinbeck, Iowa, where he is pastor of a large church. William F. attended the public schools of L>w;i. and graduated from the Charles City College. Charles City. Iowa, in 1894. In 1901 lie entered the ministry and was stationed successively at Dows, Iowa: Schaller, Iowa, and Mason city. Iowa, after which he returned to the Charles City College and took a post-graduate course. For two years he occupied a pastorate al SI. Paul and in 1906 took up his present duties in this county, being a member of the Northern German conference. St. Paul district. Rev. Koerner is a Republican in politics. He was married duly 10. 1901. at Charles City. Iowa, to Pauline Mathews, daughter of Christopher and Elizabeth ('Young) Mathews. The father, who was a shoe dealer, died October 29. 1908. To Rev. and Mrs. Koerner has been born one son. Allan M.. November 26, 1905.

Swedish Methodist

The Goodhue Congregation was organized in 1868, when some members from Massachusetts immigrated there. The first members were Gustaf Newman and his wife, John A. Peterson, Anna Peterson, Daniel Larson and Kathrine Larson. In 1877 a church was erected a mile and a half northwest of Goodhue. It has been in connect ion with Vasa until recent years.

Red Wing Congregation. The first Swedish Methodist minister that preached in Red Winy was ( '. F. Lindquist, in August, 1859. Later, preachers from Vasa visited Red Wing and preached in a little chapel, which was built in 1870 on a lot belonging to C. F. Lindquist. A congregation was organized September If), 1873, and the little chapel was used as a church until 1877, when a church was erected on the corner of Fast avenue and Seventh street, where it is at present standing. The following ministers have served this congregation : A. J. Wicklund, L. Dahlgren, J. A. Johnson. < '. G. Nelson, O. -I. Shad. (\ G. Forsberg, C. Nord, J. A. Palmquist. A. A. Dahlberg, J. O. Alven, C. J. Melberg, J. A. Palmquist. J. V. Swenson, E. A. "Wahlquist, and L. G. Edgren, the present pastor, who came here in 1906, and remains here when this is written.

Roman Catholic

The missionary spirit bequeathed the world, when the Savior sent the Apostles to teach all nations what He had taught them, first manifested itself in these regions in the summer of 1860. It was then that Father Hennepin, of the great Franciscan Order, passed up Lake Pepin and the Mississippi river to the falls which he named in honor of his patron, St. Anthony of Padua.

More directly connected with our immediate vicinity is the arrival of the Jesuit missionaries. Fathers Guignas and DeGonor, with a French exploring and trading expedition in 1727. The French authorities were seeking a location for a fort to protect their interests, suitable for carrying on trade with the Indians. The site of the Villa Maria, near Frontenac, seemed ideal, and thereon was erected Fort Beauharnois. A log chapel for the missionaries was built, and dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel, being the first Christian temple in this vast northwestern region. For a time the expectations were realized. An extensive trade in furs and Indian products was carried on. Priests ministered to the soldiers and traders, and reached, as best they could, the Indians who came to the post.

difficult. Soon the work had entirely ceased. Strife amongst the rival claimants to the new world engaged the minds and energies of men. The struggle for existence in the colonies developed strength of character, and the increasing number of inhabitants fostered the natural desire for independent nationhood, just as the passing from childhood and adolescence begets a desire for the rearing of new families. Thus came about the birth of the new republic and the severing of political tics with all outside powers, that brought out in youthful vigor and aspirations the United States of America.

The extensive territory of the then Northwest offered golden opportunities to those seeking temporal gain, and an abundant spiritual harvesl for those whose lifc*s work was to bring the Gospel of Peace and the saving means of Grace in roving inhabitants of tli is v;isi section. The opening of the nineteenth century turned the eyes of the nation to the upper Mississippi valley. President Jefferson, in 1805, sen! Lieutenant Pike with a few soldiers, who prepared the way for founding Fort Snelling, in 1819. This gave greater security to the adventurous, who felt a strong droughl ami grasshoppers, drifted south from the Selkirk colony in Manitoba. Thus a twofold tide of immigration set in towards Minnesota, centering around Fort Snelling and St. Paul.

In July. 1839, Bishop Loras, of Dubuque, accompanied by Father Pelamorgues, came up Lake Pepin and the Mississippi river, and found a large number of Catholics in St. Paul and the surrounding country. The bishop was enthusiastically received, and arrangements were at once made for building a church. The need of a priest who could speak the French, English and Sioux languages was imperative, and in the -following year Father Galtier arrived to take charge

Rev. A. Ravoux, a young French priest, was commissioned by Bishop Loras, of Dubuque, in 1841. to visit the Sioux in Minnesota. Accordingly, Father Ravoux entered upon his heroic mission of converting the Sioux of Lac cpii Parle and Chaska. He returned to the vicinity of Mendota and St. Paul to relieve Father Galtier. while the latter was making a missionary tour among the scattered Catholics along Lake Pepin and the Chippewa river. Father Ravoux called at Red AYing on the fifth of April, 1843, when traveling afoot to Dubuque.

The great influx of Europeans, dissatisfied with conditions in their native land, made necessary the formation of the diocese of Milwaukee in 1843. and of St. Paul in 1850. The Rt. Rev. Joseph Cretin, D. D., was the first bishop of St. Paul, the erection of which diocese was proposed to the Apostolic See by the Fathers of the Seventh Provincial Council of Baltimore, in 1849. Several priests were ordained by Bishop Cretin, and administered to the faithful dispersed throughoul the diocese. Priests from St. Paul and Hastings occasionally visited Red Wing, reading mass at the

In 1858 Rev. Felix Tissot was given charge of the Catholics living in Wabasha and Goodhue comities, with residence in Wabasha. From the latter village the youthful missionary began regular trips through his extensive parish. The baptismal records in Wabasha bear witness of a goodly number of Catholics in Goodhue county at that time. On his visit to Red "Wing, January 12, 1859, two children were baptized by Father Tissot.

The Rt. Rev. Thomas L. Grace was appointed successor of Bishop Cretin in 1859. The opening of government land for settlers then attracted a large number of Catholics from the older states. The glowing accounts sent to Germany and Ireland by Catholics who first came induced others to follow. In consequence, Father Tissot 's labors seem to have materially increased in 1860 throughout the county. The number of the faithful became too large in Red WTing for services in private houses. Lots five and six, at the corner of Fifth and Park streets, now occupied by St. Joseph's school, were secured, and organization of the parish was begun. Arrangements to build a suitable church were made during the periodical visits of Father Tissot. On April 14, 1860, he baptized three in Red Wing, and on the 25th two more. On the 26th, he baptized one in Cherry Grove, returning to Red Wing on the 27th to baptize another. On July 6, 1860, we find an account of his visit to Pine Island, where he administered the sacrament of baptism to twelve, whose plighted vows were faithfully observed by the Martins, Kennedys, Doyles, Gormans and Keanes, the pioneers of the church in that section. In Belle Creek he placed an O'Reilly upon his record, July 10. The same clay saw four added to the church in Hay Creek. Frontenac furnished three in December, Koch, Miller and Schlundt. Father Tissot, in 1861. continued to make the same rounds through the county. On April 13, 1862, Red Wing gave evidence of the need of a place of worship, when eleven were presented for enrollment as Christians.

The following interesting statistics from the records at Wabasha present to our view the busy life of this early missionary: May 1. baptized at Red Wing, 1; May 13, baptized at Pine Island, 4; May 14. baptized at Cherry Grove, 2; May 15, baptized at Belle Creek, 2; May 16, baptized at Red Wing, 1; May 17, was at AYabasha. Upon his visit to Red WTing, in June, that town redeemed itself by having five for him. On his visits, which seem to have become monthly, he labored among the evidently increas- ing number of Catholics by administering not only the sacrament of baptism, but all the other sacraments as well, save holy orders and confirmation. July 11, 1865, being Trinity Sunday, was indeed a red-letter day for the Catholics of Red Wing. Upon that occasion the Rt. Rev. Thomas L. Grace, assisted by Rev. L. Cailliet and Father Tissot, dedicated their new church, placing it under the patronage of St. Joseph. The right reverend bishop administered confirmation to a class of fifty-five.

The rapid increase of the Catholic population rendered it impossible for Father Tissot to attend to the spiritual needs of both counties. The Rev. Chr. Joseph Knauf was appointed by Bishop Grace as pastor of Goodhue county, with residence at Red Wing. Father Knauf. with Red Wing as a center, took up the rounds to Belle Creek, Cherry Grove and'Belvidere. The number of Catholics increasing with the flow of immigration, Father Stariha, now bishop of Lead, S. I)., succeeded Father Knauf in June, 1872, as pastor of Red Wing and its adjoining missions. Father Stariha erected ;i school building in the following year, ;iinl secured as teachers three zealous School Sisters of Notre Dame, from Milwaukee. Sister Bathildis. acting as superioress. remained a1 St. Joseph's until 1892.

The missions in charge of Father Stariha were now too large t<> admit of his attending them; accordingly, Revs. C. Walter, A. Bolzer and -I. .Meier were assigned as assistant priests. About this time ;( number of Catholic churches were erected throughout were built. The Belle Creek Catholic church was erected in 1860. In 1877, the frame building of St. .Joseph's church at Red Wing having grown too small, was replaced by the present stone structure al the corner of Sixth and Park streets. Upon the removal of the parish to the new church, the old structure was annexed to the school building, to furnish Wetter accommodations for the sisters and school children.

During the year 1878 Rev. W. T. Roy was assigned as resident pastor of Belle Creek, with missions at Cannon Falls and Cherry Grove. In the same year Rev. John Meier, assistant to Father Stariha. was assigned as resident pastor at Belvidere. Father Stariha. relieved of the care of the missions, retained charge in Red Wing until January, 1884, when he was called by Archbishop Ireland to organize the parish of St. Francis, in the city of St. Paul. lie was consecrated first bishop of Lead, S. D., in 1902. but, broken down in health, he resigned in 1909, and returned to Austria.

Rev. John Meier assumed charge of the Red Wing parish upon the transfer of Father Stariha, and remained until August, 1885. The old parsonage built by Father Knauf, and located on the school lot, being at too great a distance, Father Meier erected a new parochial residence adjoining the church. Shortly after this he was promoted to St. Joseph's church, Winona. He was succeeded by the Rev. W. M. Stulz, who exercised pastoral care until L889. Father Stulz was then given charge of the large church of St. .Mark. Shakopee. Rev. I. Linberg followed for a short time as pastor of St. Joseph's. Red Wing. Rev. (ieorge Pax was next placed over this parish, and acted as pastor until September, L890, when he was transferred to the larger and more important parish of Sleepy Eye. September 21. 1890, Rev. James H. Gaughan was transferred from SI. Mary's church, Shakopee, to Si. Joseph's ehureh. Red Wing.

Intimately connected with the church is the school and cause of education. Centuries ago, in compliance with the Savior's mandate to teach all nations, the Apostles set out to rude and illiterate peoples, and by the sweet influence of the Cospel. won them to Christ, so that their hitherto unbridled passions were brought into submission to the Christian law. Schools were established as soon as practicable to train and develop the mind and heart. . There grew up in every Christian land monasteries and convents that were schools and colleges for training the young in letters and Christian virtue. Father Stariha and the people of St. Joseph's parish realized the need of that auxiliary for the little ones committed to their charge. Having erected the portion of the present St. Joseph's school building, facing Park street, for a convent and two school rooms. Sister M. Bathildis and two sisters were secured from the mother house of the great teaching order, the School Sisters of Notre Dame. Milwaukee, Wis.

November 4. 1873.' the school was formally opened after solemn high mass by the pastor. Rev. J. N. Stariha. assisted by a deacon and sub-deacon, and an appropriate sermon by Rev. James Trobec, of Wabasha, now bishop of St. Cloud. Ninety pupils were at once enrolled. On the completion of the new church, on Sixth and Park streets, the old church building was converted into an addition to the school, and a third schoolroom was fitted up and opened in 1878. In 1884 a special music teacher was required, and Sister M. Hildegard took charge. The work has since then been ably carried on by Sister M. Prudence, Sister M. Euthemia, Sister M. Edgar and Sister M. Illidia. The careful and judicious training given by the sisters has done much to develop the musical talent of Red Wing's youth, and contributed not a little to the reputation enjoyed by the ladies of Red Wing for their ability to appreciate good music, and on occasions to delight others by their cultivated talents. Painting, decorating and needlework receive special attention, instruction in the latter being given to all the girls.

For eighteen years Sister M. Bathildis, so well known for her success as a teacher and rare skill in needlework, directed the schools. She was succeeded by Sister M. Capistran in 1891, Sister M. Edwardine in 1895, and Sister M. Ignatia in 1898, all cultured and brilliant women, who, with an able corps of assistants, have carried on the arduous work of training the youth of the parish. Owing to the generosity of Mrs. Anna M. Busch, the large brick residence so long the home of the Frederick Busch family, on Seventh street, was given in 1908 for the use of the sisters, and fitted up as a convent. At the same time, to accommodate the increasing number of children, a fourth room was equipped, and 140 pupils enrolled. The sisters teach German and the eight usual common-school grades, preparing the children for high-school work. They endeavor also to give specific training in Christian life, that prepares for useful citizenship ; to "render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." The present community of sisters (1909) consists of Sister M. Ignatia, superioress, Sister M. Bellina, Sister M. Mildgintha, Sister It. Illiclia, Sister M. Arnica, Sister M. Cuthburga, and Sister M. Alonza. The munificent gift of the Fred Busch homestead on Seventh si reel for school purposes opens up a still more propitious future. Arrangements are under way for the erection, next to the convent, of a $20,000 school building, with all modern conveniences, thus adding another gem to the crown of educational institutions of Red "Wing.

Belle Creek and Goodhue. As a mission in Red Wing, Belle ( 'reek flourished with the surrounding country. The great temperance, or total abstinence, movement inaugurated in Minnesota by Father Ireland, now archbishop of St. Paul, was early and earnestly taken up by Belle Creek parish. Fidelity to the cause of Father Mathew has made the name of Belle Creek prominent at every Catholic total abstinence state convention. Even when general apathy threatened abandonment of organized effort, the delegates from St. Columbkill's parish were in the forefront to carry on this battle against the demon Drink. The power of persistent and unrelenting opposition to intemperance by the pioneer members of the Total Abstinence^ociety has shown itself in the rising generation's temperate and edifying lives. The flourishing community requiring greater attention than could be rendered by the pastor of Red Wing, Rev. W. T. Roy was appointed first resident pastor in 1878. with Cannon Falls and Cherry Grove as missions.

Rev. James O'Reilly, Rev. Hugh McDevit and Father Ansbro followed, until 1886, when Rev. Robert Fitzgerald took charge, and beside the two missions above, visited Zumbrota, holding services in the home of Leo Shafer. During Father Fitzgerald's pastorate was erected the imposing brick church whose Lofty spire can be seen for miles.

In Cannon Falls the Catholic faith, and hope of the pastor and people, blossomed into the beautiful, commodious brick church t hat added so much to the prospects of the progressive city.

The growing communities of Belle Creek, Cannon Falls, Cherry Grove and Zumbrota, being so widely separated, made the required services too difficult for the pastor. On the arrival of Father Gaughan in Red Wing, 1890, Zumbrota was detached, and made a mission of Red Wing; later on Cherry Grove was annexed to Pine Island. After thirteen years of devoted service in Belle Creek and its missions, one of the most important country parishes in the diocese, Father Fitzgerald, at the request of Archbishop Ireland, took up the work of higher education for boys in connection with St. Thomas College, Merriam Park.

Immediately upon the transfer of Father Fitzgerald, Rev. J. H. Prendergast - that pious, active, young, assistant priest of the largest parish in Minneapolis, the Immaculate Conception - -was placed in charge. The zealous care of the pastor and thorough < Ihristian spirit of the people fostered development, so that Goodhue, the thriving and ambitious burg on the Chicago & Great Western railroad, secured the beautiful home and spacious grounds of John L. Davis for a new church home. A chapel was fitted up in 1902, in which service is regularly held since the pastor was relieved of Cannon Falls. As the good mother rejoices to see her grown daughter establish a new home and family, so did the congregation and pastor of Belle Creek rejoice at the advance of Cannon Falls from a mission to an independent parish in 1905.

Though greatly reduced in territory, the pastor finds much scope for the exercise of his ministry in the two places, Belle Creek and Goodhue. The thrift and religious spirit of the parish is clearly shown in its zeal for the house of God. A fine hall has been erected, and the grounds and cemetery beautified and carefully kept, while a cement walk, lately constructed, makes Belle Creek a veritable village gem ornamenting the prairie.

Belvidere. From 'Red Wing, Father Knauf attended other parishes in Goodhue county. Among these was Belvidere, where some thirty Catholic families bought farms. Under his direction, forty acres of land were bought and a small, frame church erected thereon, which later on, in 1877, was replaced under the pastorage of Rev. J. N. Stariha by the present stone edifice. Rev. J. M. Meier succeeded Father Stariha in 1878, and was the first resident pastor of Belvidere, and established the second Catholic school in Goodhue county. This school, as the school in Red Wing, was also given in charge of the School Sisters of Notre Dame with Sister Norbert as its first superior. In 1884 Father Meier was appointed pastor of Red Wing, and then followed in quick succession Father J. Tori and Father Pius Schmidt. During the charge of the latter an addition to the church was built, and a commodious two-story brick residence erected. After nearly twelve years of labor in Goodhue county. Father Linberg was transferred to Winsted, where he died, in 1908, and Reverend Roemer was appointed pastor in 1901. Finding that the old school building was inadequate to serve its purpose, he replaced it by the present two-story brick edifice, which was erected in 1902, at a cost of $13,000. The new schoolhouse was a gracious recognition by the parish of the noble sacrifice made by the sisters when accepting tin- Savior's invitation - they left all to follow Him, in the Christian education of the young.

Cannon Falls. Feeling the need of more than mission service, Cannon Palls, in 1905, sprung into a parish, receiving as its first resident pastor the energetic young priest, Rev. Francis X. McDermott. At once new life and hopes took possession of the Catholics of that lively Little city. Realizing that the temporal and spiritual go hand in hand, t he pastor and people saw the need and the advantage of a parochial residence. With the natural reluctance and sorrow at parting from old friends, the first stone church building was torn down, and there arose on the site the present beautiful residence. The pastor, ihe people of the parish, as well as of the city at Large, have reason to rejoice at the change wrought, for it adds materially to the beauty of the thriving and progressive city. God. who blesses the least sacrifice in His honor, quickens the faith of tin- cheerful, generous giver, so that it is not surprising to find that the pastor and Ids people of the Church of St. Pius, though small in number, are large in that strong faith and living charity that is a help and encouragement to their fellow-men.

Zumbrota. The few Catholic families of Zumbrota were attended from Belle Creek and Red Wing until Rev. O. F. Rice, of Pine Island, took charge. Under his zealous and self-sacrificing administration, the generosity of the members and their friends was so aroused that an elegant and fully equipped church was erected. It was dedicated October, 1902, with due solemnity, by Archbishop Ireland, assisted by the pastor, Father Rice, and the former attendants, Revs. R. J. Fitzgerald, J. H. Gaughan and J. H. Prendergast. The grand outpouring from the neighboring parishes and cities was a tribute of praise to the builders of the seventh Catholic church in Goodhue county.

Note. - For the above article on the Catholic church in Goodhue county this work is indebted to the Rev. James H. Ganghan. Pine Island. The history of this church is found elsewhere.

Methodist Episcopal

The Methodist Episcopal church has ever taken a prominent position in pioneer life, and it is therefore natural that this denomination should have been well represented in this county since the earliest settlement. There are now Methodist churches, or chapels, in Red Wing, at Cannon Falls, Goodhue, Kenyon, Pine Island, Zumbrota, Featherstone, Dennison and Stanton.

. The Methodist Episcopal Church of Goodhue was organized in 1857, with Rev. J. G. Johnson, pastor, and Rev. T. M. Kirkpatrick, presiding elder. Services were first held in schoolhouses, afterwards in the Presbyterian church, about two miles east of Goodhue, on the Red ATing and Zumbrota road. In August, 1893, services were held in Anderson's Hall, Goodhue, and during the summer of 1895 the present church building was erected. TheVhurch was dedicated October 20, 1895. Dr. W. K. Marshall was presiding elder at this time, and Rev. H. J. Harrington pastor in charge. The pastors who have served from the time of organization are : parents, Ezra and Mary Ann Tucker, spent the entire span of their years. He lived as a boy in his native town, and later located successively in Sheboygan and Beaver Dam, both in the state of Wisconsin. In 1861 he was sent to Red Wing as pastor of the Methodist church and served in the pulpit two years. Filled with patriotism at the opening of the Civil War. he in 1862 offered his services as chaplain, and was assigned to the 108th United States Colored Infantry, with whom he spent a year. Upon his return to Red Wing he was appointed presiding elder of the district. After several. years in this capacity, he occupied the pulpit at Faribault, this state, and in 1878 went to Cannon Falls, this county, where he built a church. He next rode a circuit for a time, and then went to Chattfield, Minn., where, under liis pastorate, as a1 Cannon Falls, a church was built. After this work he retired and was placed mi the superannuated list, occasionally acting as a supply pastor until his death in Red Wing, February 16. 18D2. His widow still resides at Red Wing and is now in her eighty-eighth year.

The First Methodist Episcopal Church, of Red Wing, had its real beginning in 1852, when services were held by pioneers be-. lieving in the faith of thai denomination. The first pastor to whom was assigned charge of the Methodisl work of Red Wing was Rev. S. L. Leonard, lie was followed by Rev. .Mall hew Sorin, who in the fall of 1853 is. said to have officially organized a class of twenty-four members, composed of W. I). Chilson, Annie S. Chilson, Maria Sweney, Matilda Freeborn, Julia A. Bevans.

Spates. Charles Spates. Mary E. Spates. Maria Sorin. Elizabeth Sorin. Emily R. Sorin. Mary Sorin. John E. Sorin. Susan Sorin, Solomon Rous.'. ( !aroline Rouse. Edward Rouse. ( lharles Rouse and E. Iloyt. During the early .lay- Rev. ( '. Ilobart preached a number of sermons. The first pastor senl to Red Wing as a separate and independent appointment was Rev. Jabez Brooks in 1854 lie was also principal of the preparatory department of Hamline University. At that time the congregation only numbered twenty-two persons. During that conference year the member ship increased to ninety-five. The pastor this year organized the Sunday school and the board of trustees. Regular services were first held for a little more than a. year in the schoolroom of the university, in C. J. F. Smith's store building, near the river. When the university building was completed, services commenced and were held in the college chapel, until a fine edifice costing $11,000 was completed and dedicated in the summer of 1858. June 2. 1850. the tower, nearly one hundred feet in height. blew down, falling lengthwise, and carrying to the ground nearly the whole building with it. It was immediately rebuilt, at a cost

Jn -Inly, 1857, Rev. Peter Akers became preacher in chargi and at the close of his term. April. L858, reported to the confer ence 135 full members and 108 probationers. Hew J. W. Stodu'ill succeeded to the work and remained on the field until May, L859. In May, L859, Rev. Jabez Brooks was for the second time made preacher in charge and continued in that relation until succeeded by Rev. Silas Bolles in 1860. Brother Bolles reported to the conference 157 full members and 28 probationers. The next pastor of the charge was Rev. Ezra Tucker, who remained two years and was succeeded by Rev. George VY. Richardson. One year later Rev. T. M. Gossan! was appointed to the charge. In 1865 Rev. Cyrus Brooks began a three-year pastorate and at its close reported 211 full members and 2:! probationers. The conference of 1868 made Rev. John Kerns pastor. Rev. T. Mc- Cleary came to the charge in 1869 and remained two years. Rev. Ezra Lathrop was sent to the charge by the conference in 1871; Rev. Charles Griswold by the conference of 1872; Rev. S. A. Winsor by the conference of ls74. The conference of 1876 appointed Rev. J. II. Macomber to the field. During this pastorate the two-story brick parsonage was erected at a cost of $2,200. It is partially furnished by the congregation, which obviates the necessity of the preachers sent to the work from time to time moving heavy articles of furniture with them. In 1878 Rev. W. C. Rice was appointed to the charge and continued three years. Rev. A. G. "Wilson became preacher in charge in 1881 and Rev. W. S. Matthew in 1882. Rev. William McKinley succeeded in 1883 and remained three years. Rev. Aaron Tucker came next in order and filled a three-year term. The conference of 1889 appointed Rev. H. C. Jennings to the work. His pastorate continued for five years. Rev. F. I). Xewhouse followed and one year later, 1895, Rev. L. L. Hanscom became preacher in charge. In May. 1896, he was made presiding elder of the Marshall district of the Minnesota conference. Rev. W. S. Cochrane was transferred from Tracy to fill the vacancy. Rev. J. F. Stout became pastor in 1897 and remained in that relation until made presiding elder of the Winona district of the Minnesota conference. The conference of 1899 appointed Rev. John Stafford. At the conference of 1901 Rev. J. M. Driver began a one-year term as preacher in charge. In 1902. Rev. M. G. Shuman was appointed pastor in charge and remained five years, and in 1907 Rev. E. H. Goodell was appointed and is still serving. December 22. 1907, the church was destroyed by fire and a fine new stone

Rev. Sias Bolles was born in Williamstown, Vt., September 5, 1810. In 1836 he was called to preach, and became a member of the Genessee, N. Y., conference. From there he was transferred to the Rock River. 111., conference, to which he became attached in 1840. In 1860 he came to Minnesota. He was stationed one year at Red Wing and then a year at Winona. After that he entered the war as chaplain of a Missouri regiment and continued in the service 1ill peace was declared. He was agent of Hamline University for a time and afterwards engaged in Bible work for three years. He then bad charge of the Red "Wing and Cannon Falls circuits. After that he was a1 Money Creek. For about twenty vears. <m account of advancing age, he has been engaged in active work, leading a quiel and retired life, making his home in Red Wing, where he had a residence on South Park street. Rev. Bolles was twice married. He first married in 1840, his wife dying in L856. He married again the same year. His second wife survived him seven years. He had three daughters, .Mrs. E. li. Wood, of Wes1 St. Paul; .Mrs. II. A. Campbell, of MacaL ter. and Mrs. C. A. Robson, of this city.

Charlotte Huckins Bolles was limn in Ohio. September 4, 3830. Her parents went from New England to Ohio, which at that time was considered the Par West. She was married .-it the early age of sixteen years to a Mr. Darby, and lost her husband and an infant son before attaining her majority. !n 1856 she was married in Chicago to Rev. Sias Holies. Prom the organization of the W. < '. T. []., Mrs. Bolles was a constanl member. She attended the tirsi meeting of the State Woman's Suffrage Association and for several years was a member of the executive committee. She taughl the Preedmen in the South when her husband was a chaplain in the army, and for several years was a member of the W. R. ('. She died in October, 1908, a1 the home of her daughter, Mrs. C. A. Robson.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Cannon Falls was organized in 1856, and erected a church in 1878. It is now in a flourishing condition with a large congregation. The present pastor is Rev. R. J. L. McKelvey.