McLeod County, Minnesota - Chapter 23: Modern Glencoe, 1917 (part 2 of 2)

First Congregational Church, Glencoe. On July 9th, 1857, a preliminary meeting was held to discuss the advisability of organizing a Presbyterian or Congregational church and it was voted to organize a Congregational church, to be known as the First Congregational church of Glencoe. On Saturday, October 24, 1857, a meeting was held in Mickels hall for this purpose and after prayer by Rev. Charles Seacombe, George Harris was elected clerk. The charter members were: B. F. Buck, George Harris, E. C. Smith, P. C. Cummings, W. W. Getchell, Samuel Parks, Mrs. Sarah Buck, Mrs. Sarah F. Harris, Mrs. Elizabeth R. Smith, Mrs. Sarah W. Hill and Mrs. Mary §S. Cummings. Rev. J. J. Hill was called as the first pastor. April 7, 1861, a meeting was held in the log school house for the purpose and Rev. M. N. Adams was delegated to collect money to "aid in enclosing and finishing our house of worship." Mr. Adams was about to make a trip East to his old home, and after visiting Buffalo, Cleveland, Erie, Panesville and other cities, the net result of his efforts was $68.50.

The first building was located where the present one now stands and while in a partly finished condition was occupied by the regular soldiers during the winter of 1862-63, to guard against the inroads of the Sioux Indians, who had risen in revolt in the memorable Indian massacre of 1862. The Civil War at this time claimed so many of the men of the community that church activities were almost at a standstill, and only for the ceaseless worl of the women, who remained here, the church history of Glencoe would read differently. After the close of the war and the return of those who had survived the rebel bullets, and sickness incident to warfare, church activities were resumed. The church building referred to above - a frame building about 36 by 60 feet, without foundation of brick or stone - was dedicated about 1867, and was oecupied until 1891, when the present building was dedicated. The cost of this latter edifice, the corner stone of which had been laid in 1890, was about $5,000, ineluding the fittings and furniture. It was erected during the pastorate of Rev. A. H. Tebbetts, and it was due in great measure to his untiring efforts that success was assured. The church and society have met with varying success during the many years since its organization. About five years ago the old parsonage, which had done duty for many years was sold and a new building for that purpose was bought at a cost of $2,000. The following is a list of pastors, with the years in which they began their respective ministry, there being occasional periods during which the pulpit was filled by supplies: Revs. J. J. Hill, 1857; M. N, Adams, 1860; B. F. Haviland, 1865; 8. H. Kellogg, 1869; E. G. Wicks, 1872; A. Graves, 1874; J. Chandler, 1876; John Bradshaw, 1881; D. M. Lewis, E. E. Rogers, 1886; A. H, Tebbetts, 1886; S. G. Updyke, 1892; C. H, Routliffe, 1895; J. W. Todd, 1898; A. S. Dascomb, 1901; J. K. Schultz, 1902; L. V. Schermerhorn, 1904; F. L. von Meske, 1905; L. Sowles, 1913; R. D. Orton, 1916, the last mentioned being the present pastor. The present membership as recorded on the books of the church, is about 215, of whom, however, some 30 or 40 Members have moved away during the last few years. Among those who have been especially prominent in the affairs of the church during this latter period are: Mr. and Mrs, B. F. Buck, Mr, and Mrs. F. E. Ford, Mr. and Mrs. G. K. Gilbert, Mr. and Mrs, M. Thoeny, Mr. and Mrs. B. Richardson and Mr. and Mrs. C. de Leeuw. The Sunday school has about 100 members, On October 26-27, 1907, the church celebrated its fiftieth anniversary by appropriate services, which proved very interesting to all whom attended. The program, Saturday evening began with greetings from former pastors and members. Then F. E. Ford, the senior deacon, elected in 1860, delivered an address entitled, "Fifty Years Ago," after which there were addresses by Mrs. Sarah Buck, the sole surviving charter member; Rev. A, H. Tebbetts, Rev. H. Holmes, of Minneapolis ; R. P. Herrick, D. D., of Minneapolis; Rev. W. Oehler, of St. Paul; and Rey. J. H. Chandler, of Chicago. The addresses Were interspersed with musi¢ by Genevieve Gilbert, piano;

Dr. Harold Nelson and Jay Gould, violin duet; Anna Kohlar, 'cello; Julia Parker, piano; and Maud A. Purdy and Henry A. Thoeny, violin duet. On the next day (Sunday) Rev, H. Holmes preached the anniversary sermon in the morning, Henry A. Thoeny and Della Gould contributing sacred songs; R. P. Herrick delivered a special address in the Sunday school, and in the evening there were addresses by R. P. Herrick, D. D., and Rev. J, H. Chandler (son of Rev. J. J. Chandler, pastor 1876 to 1880), with vocal music by Della Gould, Myrtle Anderson, Grace Albrecht, Genevieve Gilbert and the choir. The celebration was one long to be remembered by those who were present and who took part in it and as an important milestone on the road the church has traveled since its organization, is worthy of being placed on record. The Woman's Missionary Society and the Ladies' Aid Society are active factors in the work of the church.

The Methodist Episcopal Church, of Glencoe, was organized in August, 1855, with a membership of nine persons, namely: James Phillips and wife, A. J, Bell and wife, J. V. McKeen and wite, Mrs. John Smith, Mrs. John Folsom and Mrs. Doty. Class meetings were held in the house of Mr. Bell, now known as the Kingsley residence. About this time Dr. McWright, who has been called the founder of Glencoe Methodism, 'went about doing good," and also holding gospel services, wherever there was opportunity. Rev. Henry Elliott, said to have been the first minister in McLeod county, was the first appointed pastor of this church, and James Phillips, I. W. Cummings and JV. McKeen were probably the first board of trustees, The first building was erected for public worship in 1857, on the site now occupied by the Glencoe Enterprise. In 1886 the location was changed to lots where the present church and parsonage stand, During the war the original building was used by the soldiers, and many names of the first male members of the church are marked on the record as "gone to the war.' This church passed through many hard struggles in early days, but continued self-supporting and was never mortgaged for debt on the building or otherwise. Space does not allow mention of the names of those who helped to sustain the society through its ups and downs, but they are well remembered by the people and highly honored for their works' sake. The present condition of the church points to permanent success, and the number of members and adherents are about on an average with churches of this size. The official board is well organized and the usual organizations of the different departments are in working order. The property is kept in good repair, the church being valued at $8,000 and the par- Sonage at $3,000. The present buildings were erected under the leadership of Rev. J. W. Martin, who was pastor at that time (1885-86). It is one of the most beautiful and convenient churches on the district, having memorial windows, and freseoed walls within. The parsonage is quite commodious and comfortable. J. L. Parmeter is the present pastor,

The First German Evangelical Lutheran Congregation, Glencoe, was incorporated January 20, 1880, with nine members, the articles of incorporation being signed by H. F. Beneke and M. W. Peuchel. Of the original members, H. F. Beneke is the only one now surviving. The first pastor was Rev. A. Chr. Landeck, of Hamburg, Carver county, Minn., who began to preach here in 1876 and was pastor of the congregation until 1884. He was immediately followed by Rev. V. Theo. v. Destinon, who had charge until 1888. After him the Rev. C. Dryer became pastor and remained so up to 1900, at which time Rev. E. Kolbe assumed pastoral duties here and has continued up to the present time. The original church edifice was a small frame structure, built about 1880 or 1881, in which the congregation worshiped for a number of years, The Present church, a fine brick building, was erected under Mr. Kolbe's pastorate, the corner stone being laid July 17, 1904, and the church dedicated July 30, 1905, on which occasion there were 3,500 visitors. The ground dimensions are 92 by 52 feet, the height of steeple being 123 feet. The building which is of Gothic architecture, is constructed of solid pressed red speckled brick, and has a handsome interior. The entire Cost, with fittings was about $25,000, though at the present time it would be much higher. H. Beneke, G, Zimmerman, L. Hichmiller and F. Sonnenberg were the building committee, A modern parsonage is now being erected to cost from $7,000 to $8,000. In connection with the church there is a parochial School of about 100 children, under the direct charge of F. W. Friedrich, in which the pastor teaches advanced classes, the latter having been in sole charge of the school previous to 1906. The real property belonging to the congregation con- Sists of nine lots - three in connection with the church and Six pertaining to the school. The congregation includes about 200 families, or 800 communicants, and is drawn from both McLeod and Sibley counties. The church services are usually in German, but occasionally in English, and English services at regular intervals are contemplated in the near future.

Christ Church (Episcopal), of Glencoe, was founded in the memory of Sarah Fotheral Wright, of Wilmington, N. C., the funds for the purpose being contributed as follows: St. Stephen's church, Philadelphia, $1,550.00; Friends in New York, $551.00; citizens of Glencoe, $483.00. The church was first opened for service on St. Peter's Day, June 29, 1881, by Rev. William R. Powell. The Sunday school was started July 3, 1881, Mrs. Jeanette Sweet, Mrs. Samuel P. Brown and Miss Eliza D. R. Brown acting as teachers. The church was consecrated by Rev. H. B. Whipple, assisted by Rev. William R, Powell, July 31, 1881. Rev. William R. Powell was the first pastor, being succeeded by Edgar Heath (lay reader), who officiated from June, 1882, to October, 1882. The next pastor was Rev. L. F. Cole, after whose ministry there were occasional services. The ministers following were: Rev. Mr. Mueller; Rey. H. L. Gamble, June 29, 1883 to December 30, 1883; Rev. Christian Denroche, July, 1884; Rev. T. K. Allen, January, 1885 to July, 1885; Rev. James Foster, September, 1885 to July, 1886. J. Wynne Jones (lay reader), supplied the church with alternate Sunday services from Christmas, 1886 to June, 1887; Rev. J. Wynne Jones, July 1, 1888, to July 1, 1889, In September, 1887, a heating system was installed at a cost of $235. Rev. A. J. D. Kuehn began as pastor in July, 1888, and was followed by Rev. D, F. Thompson and F. M. Bacon, the latter serving from August 19, 1894, to August 19, 1895, after which no services were held until the summer of 1899, when they were resumed and held once a month by Everett W. Couper, lay reader. Then there were oceasional services by the arch-deacon until June, 1900, when Rev. C. QE. Hixon took charge of the mission until April 1, 1901. Rev. F. Willis was rector subsequently until June 23, 1902. In October, 1901, the church and rectory were repaired at a cost of $156.00. From June 23, 1902, to June 12, 1904, the church was closed. Then morning services were resumed on the second and fourth Sundays of the month, by Rev. A. W. Farnum, who served this congregation in connection with St. John's of Hutchinson and St. Mary's of Brownton. In August, 1904, the church was repainted. Rev. A. W. Farnum was pastor from June 12, 1904, to 1906; Rev. Isaac Houlgate, May 1, 1906, to October 31, 1906; Rev. Edward C. M. Tower, from October 31, 1906, for about a year, he at the same time serving the church at Hutchinson, where he had his residence. Then the Rev. C. E. Hixon again became pastor and still officiates, services being held once a month, In recent years,

Owing to deaths and removals the congregation has diminished to about six families, the loss not having been compensated for by new comers, who have been mostly of other religious faiths. Among the most prominent members of this church have been: Samuel P. Brown and family, Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Sweet, James Robinson and family, Mr. and Mrs. Asher Snyder, E. P. Day, J. P. Hilger, Marcus Carstens, C. M, Riber, George Sneere, Thomas Paine and Frederick Sandman, with their families. The rectory was built about 30 years ago ata cost of $1,100.

The First. Evangelical Church of Peace was organized in Glencoe about 1897, the original members being: John A, Karstens, Klaus Nubbe, William Soice, Louis Adams, Carl Shult, Jacob Karstens, George Hittel, George Burehardt, C. C. Krueger, William Wilde, Henry Sanken, Simeon Dasher, Wilhelm Morkee, and William Meyer. The organization was directed by C. F, Spahr, who was the first pastor. Subsequent pastors were J. T. Wenk, John Witske, Henry Schroeder, C. C. Joern and Rev. Max Strasburg, of Biscay, who is now officiating in that capacity. The church edifice was purchased from the Baptist congregation in 1899, the church being incorporated the same year, There are now about 40 members, the officers being: Robert Patrick, president; S. S. Priess, treasurer; F. William Meyer, secretary.