Redwood County, Minnesota - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 28 of those read), 1916

The churches of Redwood county have exercised a strong influence upon the life of Redwood county, even outside of the religious purpose for which they were primarily organized and for which they are sustained.

The churches have naturally followed the population, but the population has also followed the churches, and the churches of the various nationalities and denominations have been a strong factor in bringing to the locality of the church, people of like inclinations, nationality and beliefs.

The earliest settlers of Redwood Falls being Americans, the first churches were those of the Methodist and Presbyterian churches. Bishop Henry B. Whipple's interest in the Minnesota river country caused an Episcopal church to be established in Redwood Falls not many years after the Methodists and Presbyterians had organized. Previous to the massacre there had been an Episcopal mission at the agency.

As the settlers began to spread out, other Presbyterian and Methodist churches were organized. Delhi, in particular, became the center of a sturdy Scotch Presbyterian settlement. Some of these people had come here from Scotland, and some from Canada, while others, both from Canada and Scotland, had lived in Wabasha county, this state, before coming here. A few had lived in other states. All were of staunch Presbyterian faith, and the upbuilding of the churches among their first thoughts.

Before the massacre, there had been a flourishing settlement of Germans in Renville county, across the river from Redwood county, and an Evangelical association church had been organized. After the massacre, Flora township, in Renville county, became the center of a German colony, the people of which were likewise of the Evangelical association faith. Some of these people settled on this side of the river in Honner township, and services of the Evangelical association were early held in Honner township for their benefit.

other Norwegians came in, services were held as a part of the work which was heing carried on among the solid Scandinavian settlements of western Renville county, not far away. Religiously and socially the people of Swedes Forest were closely connected with the people of Renville county for many years, an association which even to the present day is not entirely severed.

As the Scandinavians, mostly Danish, came up the Cottonwood, and settled in Sundown and Brookville townships, a Norwegian and Danish Lutheran was organized in Sundown township, and a Danish Advent and a Danish Lutheran church in Brookville.

A few Americans settled in the southern part of the county and in addition to Methodist churches at Walnut Grove and Lamberton, Congregational churches were organized in each of these

The Swedish people formed the nucleus of a settlement in the southwestern part of the county, and a Swedish Lutheran church was organized in North Hero township.

The majority of the pioneers of Brown county were Germans. This brought many of their fellow countrymen to this part of the country, and the settlement which was in time to dominate the southern, central and western parts of Redwood county, was started in the townships of Charlestown, Lamberton, Willow Lake and Waterbury. For these people, German Methodist services were held at Waterbury, and German Lutheran and German Evangelical services in Charlestown.

Among these Germans were also many Catholics. Catholics had also begun to settle in Redwood Falls. A few Irish also drifted into New Avon and Three Lakes. These people were served by the Rev. Alex. Berghold, a devout and scholarly priest from New Ulm. He held mass at Redwood Falls and Lamberton, in the seventies, and also visited isolated families of his faith in various parts of the country, administering to them the consolations of his religion.

When the central part of the county began to be built up, many years later, the people were for the most part of the Catholic and Lutheran faith, of German and Bohemian nationality.

The present denominations of the county are the Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, Congregational, Evangelical Association, Advent, Episcopal, Christian and Brethren.

In 1914 the Rev. L. F. Badger, then pastor of the Presbyterian church, at Redwood Falls, took a canvass of religious life and work in Redwood county. The following statistics are from the report of that canvass :

12; total number of churches, 69. Communicants in: Englishspeaking churches, 1,588; German-speaking churches, 2,384; Scandinavian-speaking churches, 1,474 ; Roman Catholic churches, 2,299; total, 7,745. Total population of county over 14 years of age, according to U. S. census, 10,975. Total over 14 years of age, not in any church, 3,282.

"Children under 16 years of age enrolled in Sunday school or 'instruction classes:' English-speaking churches, 831; Germanspeaking churches, 610; Scandinavian-speaking churches, 524; Roman Catholic churches, 581; Union Sunday schools, 90; total under 16, getting religious instruction, 2,636. Total population 6 years to 17 years, according to U. S. census, 5,646. Without regular religious instruction, 3,010.

"Number of farms in Redwood county worked by renters, according to U. S. census, 778; number of renters' families connected with some church by at least one member, 203; renters' families with no church members, 575; farms operated by the owners, 1,519; farm owner families represented in the churches by members, 1,248; farmers owning farm where no member of the family is member of any church, 273.

"There are twelve English-speaking ministers and one Indian in Redwood county. There are two vacant churches, the Methodist churches at Milroy and at Nettywynut with a membership of three and four respectively. There are two churches which do not have regular pastors, the Advent church near Wayburn and the Brethren at Vesta. Six churches have each the full time of a pastor.

"There are 22 English-speaking churches, including one Indian, as follows : Presbyterian, 8 ; Methodist, 6 ; Congregational, 3; Episcopal, 2; Brethren, 1; Advent, 1, and Christian 1.

"The Methodist churches have 569 members; outside the city of Redwood Falls, 192 members. The Presbyterian churches have 550 members ; outside of the city, 402 members. Other denominations have a membership of 476 ; outside the city of Redwood Falls, 216. Total membership of English-speaking churches in county, 1,590. Net increase in church membership during the last five years, 99. The largest church in county, Redwood Falls, Methodist, 427 members. The smallest church in county, Sanborn Methodist, members 0. Three churches have been organized during last five years, all Presbyterian ; five have increased their membership, six have lost, and seven have neither lost nor gained.

"Five churches have no organization besides the Sunday school. Seven churches have ladies' aid only; two have brotherhoods, Redwood Methodist and Paxton (Indian) Episcopal. Four churches have four other organizations : the Methodist and Presbyterian of Redwood Falls, Presbyterian of Delhi, and Methodist of Lamberton.

"Three churches have no building, Underwood and Ashford Presbyterian and Vesta Brethren. $77,000 are invested in buildings for English-speaking congregations. Half of this in Redwood Falls, one-fourth in Redwood Falls Methodist church. The total seating capacity of all these and two school houses used by church organizations is 4,460. The average attendance, morning service, if there are more than one, is 1,440. Only one church, Delhi Pres byterian, has an average attendance equalling its seating capac ity. Only two, Redwood Falls Methodist and Paxton Indian have an average attendance equal to one-half the seating capacity

"Total paid for salaries $12,695, an increase in five years of $1,675. All Presbyterian churches have increased salaries; one Methodist, one Episcopal, one Christian. Outside of Redwood Falls the largest salary paid (Presbyterian) $1,000; smallest $950. Methodist: high salary $750; lowest $600, outside of Redwood Falls. Only one minister, English-speaking, outside of Redwood Falls, besides Methodist and Presbyterian, receives a salary of $800.

"Statistics of foreign-speaking churches in Redwood county show the following: Number of churches, 35; German-speaking, 21; Scandinavian, 14.

"Of German-speaking the churches are: 2 German Methodists ; 5 Evangelical Association ; 6 Ohio Synod Lutheran ; 5 Minnesota Synod Lutheran; 2 Missouri Synod Lutheran; 1 Evangelical Lutheran.

"Four German churches have each the full time of a pastor. No one Scandinavian church has the full time of a pastor. Seven German pastors supply two churches; five supply three or more. Two Scandinavian pastors supply two churches ; six supply three or more. Only one German church has more than one service on Sunday. No Scandinavian church has more than one service on Sunday. Eight German churches do not have services every Sunday. Only two Scandinavian churches have services every Sunday.

"The largest church of any denomination or language in the county is the German Lutheran church of Sanborn with 485 communicants - more communicants than the entire population of the village in which it is located. The smallest foreign-speaking church is the Evangelical Lutheran of Sanborn, with a membership of fifteen.

"One German church has lost in membership during the past five years. No Scandinavian church has lost in membership. Figures as to growth could not be obtained from ten churches. One new church has recently been organized, the Norwegian of Lucan.

"Three churches have no buildings: at Walnut Grove, Lucan and Belview, all Scandinavian. The value of the church buildings is estimated at $58,000 for the German, and $24,000 for the Scandinavian churches. In only three churches does the average attendance equal the seating capacity of the building: Willow Lake, Milroy and Vesta, all German. Eight churches have an average attendance equalling half the seating capacity. In all the other churches the average attendance falls below half of the seating capacity of the church.

"The following are some of the facts brought out by the house-to-house canvass of Redwood county. Much of the canvass was very thoroughly and conscientiously done. Some of it - a very few cases - was evidently done in a very perfunctory manner. Out of the 113 school districts in the county the canvass has been completed in eighty-three. One township, Lamberton, has done nothing in any of its districts, the only whole township to fail. Of the sixteen villages and the city, eight have failed to make any returns, viz., Belview, North Redwood, Redwood Falls, Wabasso, Sanborn, Lamberton, Revere, Walnut Grove. It has been much easier to get the canvass done in the country than in the villages. Just half of the town districts having been canvassed but 75 out of 97 of the rural districts have made their returns.

"Some of the totals are as follows: Number of families canvassed, 1,617; number of these families which report no church members in the family, 248; number of Lutheran families, 789; number of Catholic families, 339 ; number of families not Lutheran or Catholic, 594; number of families where no member of the family attend church, 301 ; number of persons over fourteen years in the families canvassed who do not attend church, 633 ; number of children between five and sixteen years who are not reported as attending Sunday school, 1,501 ; number of families which are reported as taking a religious paper, 381.

"In the three of the four districts in Swedes Forest township which reported, every family is Lutheran ; every family has church members; there are no adults who do not attend church.

"There seems to be little or no overchurching in the county, only three towns having more than one English-speaking church. There are two abandoned churches in the county. One organized as a Union affair by some people believing in holiness, the church going down as this class of people moved away. The other the result of a Methodist church organizing in a small town where there was already a Presbyterian church. There is one unused Catholic church because a town sprang up near by and in the town the congregation put up a $20,000 new church. There is no Catholic church in the open country."

Since the above survey was taken, the Catholics have erected a magnificent church at Redwood Falls, and a splendid structure has been put up by the Swedish Augustana Synod church at Belview. The Methodist Episcopal church at Wabasso has been moved to New Avon township, and a Methodist congregation organized under the pastorate of the pastor at Redwood Falls. The Union church in New Avon township has been reopened as a Christian church under the pastorate of the pastor of the Christian church at Redwood Falls. Bethany Congregation of the Missouri Synod, German Lutheran church, has been established at Wabasso, meetings being held in the village hall.

An effort has been made to secure a history of each individual congregation in the county. Repeated letters have been addressed to pastors and others on the subject. In the following material a complete list of the churches of the county is given. Where no detailed account of the church appears, the reason is the failure of the pastors or members to respond to inquiries. The histories here appended are of value for several reasons. They are fairly typical of all the churches, and they will be in this volume preserved long after many of the church records have been destroyed.

In Redwood county there are six German Lutheran churches of the Ohio Synod, located in Waterbury, Johnsonville, Morgan, Lamberton, Wanda and Milroy.'

Evangelical Lutheran Christus-Gemeinde (Christ's Congregation) of Wanda, Minn. This church belongs to the denomination known as ' ' Evangelical Lutheran church of the Evangelical Lutheran Joint Synod of Ohio and Other States." The first meetings, as well as the divine services of this congregation were held in "Eichten's Hall," Wanda, where at the second meeting, Jan. 13, 1902, it was organized under the presidency of Rev. Geo. Appel, of Springfield, Minn. In October, the same year, the members - only eleven in number - succeded in erecting a church edifice, with a seating capacity of 100, which soon after was dedi- cated to the service of the Triune God and His Kingdom. Rev. Geo. Appel preached the sermon on this occasion. In the services of the church, including the sermons, the German language is used exclusively, except on certain special occasions, when English is made use of. At present the congregation consists of twenty-two joint members, or "families," and families not belonging to the church but attending the services; of the latter some six or seven from some of which the congregation receives financial support. In spite of the considerable expenditures for other purposes, which have been necessary from the beginning, the congregation in 1910 managed to provide a nice little parsonage, located in town, for their minister. The present pastor, Rev. Th. Tyehsen, who came here three years ago, also has charge of two other congregations about the same size as this - one at Comfrey, Minn., and the other in Stately township, ten miles southeast of Sanborn, Minn.

The "Wanda congregation has no parochial day school, but the children are expected to attend the Sunday school (where they have to recite their catechism text or Bible history, and are taught the reading and spelling of the German language) until they reach the age of from 13 to 15 years. At that age the congregation provides that every child, for a period of six months, shall be given by the pastor an explanation of the catechism, instructed in the Holy Scriptures, and taught the confession of the Lutheran church ; in addition to which the catechumens take up a general course in reading, writing and language. This short term of "confirmation-teaching" is held every second year, either in the church, public schoolroom, or in some other suitable building.

It should be of interest to learn that the pioneer members of the church were Paul Doepke, August Tonack, Herman Bloedow, "William Bloedow, Mrs. Aug. Bloedow, John Hoffman, Carl Goedde, Carl Kagel, Emil Tonack, Albert Spalding, Louis Sandberg and Henry Schrader. The latter two have moved away from here; otherwise all of the pioneers are still living, except William Bloedow, who was called away by death in the spring of 1913. As incidental to the history of the church it may be mentioned that in the year 1908 the building was struck by lightning, and the repairs, together with a lightning-rod system put on, cost the congregation the sum of $900. Three years ago the church was renovated inside, and a new organ and carpets bought, the total cost of which amounted to $350. The present value of the property in $2,000. Since its organization the following ministers have served the congregation: Rev. Carl Ganchow, installed on a Sunday in July, 1902, accepted a call to Shakopee, Minn., in October, 1903. Rev. Rud. Kohlrusch, who took charge of the congregation in January, 1904, stayed until March, 1906. Rev. H. Bruss served from July, 1906, until November, 1907.

By his removal the congregation was left without a pastor for almost two years, when Rev. A. Nischwitz accepted a call to the pastorate and was installed in July, 1909. After four years he accepted a call to Nebraska, in June, 1913. Since July 1, 1913, the present pastor, Rev. Th. Tychsen, has had charge of the congregation. It is worthy of note that whenever the church has been without a pastor, ministers from neighboring towns have made the best provision for the people that was possible under the circumstances.

The church book contains the following record of some "first" events connected with its history : First baptisms - George Bloedow, Walter Hoffman and Ida Kagel. Confirmations - Bertha Tonack, Elisa Schmechel and Sahra Hoffman. Marriage - F. C. Becker and Anna Hesse. The first death, a child of Rev. and Mrs. A. Nischwitz, in 1911.

Very often in the history of this church its future prospects looked dark, but its few members kept up their courage and continued to hope and work, and it can now be said that the congregation really is growing and developing spiritually and materially, inwardly and outwardly, in a satisfactory way.

Evangelical Zion's Congregation of Lamberton, Minn. This church, which is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Ohio and other states, originated in the latter part of the year 1884, when the first services of the denomination were held in District Schoolhouse No. 16, Charlestown, about six miles southeast of Lamberton. The Rev. D. Lang, a Lutheran minister of Springfield, Minn., presided as pastor. The congregation was organized in Charlestown, December 16, 1884, the first officers being August Koenig, August Rogotzke, Franz Wichmann, George L. Wagner and Wilhelm Schuch. The first and only church edifice was erected in the village of Lamberton in the winter of 1885-6 and has been since renovated. In the summer of 1886 the parsonage was erected near the church. The bellfry and sanctuary of the church were built in the summer of 1900. In addition to the officers above mentioned, some of the prominent members of the congregation were and are the following : Heinrich Steffen, Christian Kastner, Johann Kastner, Johann Stechmann, Johann Joeckel, August Holznagel, Wilhelm Holznagel, Johann Wagner, Wilhelm Kasten, August Stern, Edward Arnsdorf, Daniel Radatz, Ludwig Joeckel, August Groechel, Wilhelm Vollmer, Carl Spaulding, Guenther Becker, Carl Bauch, August Kastner, Carl Beyer, Julius Grund, Asmus Bendixen, Franz Kaats, Otto Herder, Otto Vogler, Julius Pfarr, Wilhelm Degner, Heinrich Wahl, Johann Buetow and others. Among the first births recorded are those of Frederick Wilhelm, Ester Emma and George Andreas, children of Chr. and Katherine Kastner; Anna Stechmann, Karl August Johannes Koenig, Alma Auguste Emilie

Moede, "Wilhelm Johann Seidler, Ella Berends, Wilhelm Johannes Schuch, Ida Matzke and Anna Pauline Joeckel. The first marriage recorded was that of Johann G. W. Wagner and Emilie H. P. Joeckel, who were united in holy wedlock April 29, 1886. The first death was that of Hermann Johannes, son of Wilhelm and Anna (Koenig) Schuch, who died June 6, 1889. Others who died soon after were Heinrich Steffen, Elma K. S. Wagner, Carl A. H. Schuch, Paul R. Timm, Emma A. Dommer, Bertha M. Groechel, Anna D. Kastner, Ida Schulz and Joh. Reppel. The Rev. D. Lang was the first pastor of the church, serving from 1884 to 1885. He was followed by Rev. J. G. Appel, 1885 to 1887 ; Rev. P. H. G. Voelker, 1887 to 1890 ; Rev. C. Althof, 1890 to 1891 ; Christian Langholz, 1891 to 1895, Rev. W. L. Keller, 1895 to 1904; Rev. Paul Cornils, 1904 to 1913; Rev. Ewald Michaelis, who assumed charge in 1914 and who is the present pastor, serving also two other congregations, both of which are in Cottonwood county. In the congregation there are today nineteen voting members, 110 communicants and 184 baptized members. The German Ian guage is nearly always used in sermons. Though there is no parochial day school in Lamberton, about three months of catechetical instruction previous to confirmation are given in a small school house near the church. The only society connected with the church is the "Frauenverein," or Ladies' Aid Society. The present value of the church building is $2,000.

Evangelical Lutheran St. John Church, of Vesta, Minn. The first meeting of the original members of this congregation took place June 10, 1900, at the residence of Emil Kratzke, in Vesta, and in the fall of the same year a church building was erected, in which the congregation has since worshipped. The pioneer members of the church were Otto Maasch, Emil Kratzke, Carl Rehfeld, Rudolph Kletscher, Carl Dietz, G. Steinkraus, Carl Gladitsch, Julius Jordan, August Jordan, Dick Rust and John Gassier. In 1914 the church building was enlarged and the property is now valued at $1,600. A school building was erected in the fall of 1909 and nine months of school are kept each year. The congregation was served by Rev. Ph. Martin from September 29, 1899 to 1906. He was followed by Rev. G. Adascheck, who was pastor from 1906 to 1907, since which time Rev. P. R. Gedicke has had charge of the church, being its present pastor. The congregation now numbers 225 members. The first baptism recorded on the church book was that of Dorothea Rust ; the first marriage was that of Gustav Dallmann and Anna Jensen, and the first death that of Dorothea Hohnstaedt. In 1908 the church joined the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Minnesota and helped to build the Dr. Martin Luther College of New Ulm, Minn.

St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, at Redwood Falls, Minn. Was founded in 1898. On January 2 of that year a small number of Lutherans living in or near Redwood Falls came together for divine worship in an old Adventist church, which they had rented. After the services they held a business meeting, in which they organized themselves as St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church by adopting a constitution and electing a board of elders consisting of three men, namely: Louis Gaedy, August Heuer and Ferdinand Keil. Aside from these three the little congregation consisted of the following members: Friedrich Sauke, Christian Babzin, Gustav Massow, Anna Theiring and Robert Gruendemann. Occasionally services had been conducted here before that time by Rev. William Shekel of Posen township, Rev. J. Bauer of Town Eden and Rev. William Fettinger of Morgan. In 1899 the number of members had increased to fifteen, and these took upon themselves the burden of erecting a church, which they joyfully dedicated to the service of the Lord on October 30, 1899. After its organization, the congregation at Redwood, which had at first been part of a parish Avhich included St. John's church in Town Sheridan and Zion's church at Morton. The first minister of this united parish was Rev. H. Koch, who resided in Redwood Falls. In 1900 St. Paul's church at Seaforth was organized and this congregation was united with the one at Sheridan, both calling a new pastor to serve them. Since then, until 1916, the congregations at Redwood Falls and Morton also formed an independent parish, of which Rev. Koch remained pastor until 1901. During the last year of his pastorate he lived in Morton, where the congregation had built a new parsonage for him. Rev. P. Hinderer, who was called to the parish in 1901, also lived in Morton, from which place he served both congregations until he accepted a call to South Dakota in 1902.

For a year the parish was without a pastor. During this time the congregation at Redwood Falls was cared for by Rev. William Schoknecht of Morgan and Rev. A. Zich of Sleepy Eye. In the fall of 1903 Rev. H. Paustian was called by the parish and accepted. According to an agreement between the two congregations, it was decided that hereafter the pastor should reside in Redwood Falls. A parsonage was built for him in 1905. After having served the parish for six years, Rev. Paustian accepted a call to Wisconsin and in July, 1910, the present pastor, Rev. A. Schaller, came to take his place. During all these years the congregation at Redwood Falls had grown continually, and in the beginning of the year 1916 numbered about fifty-five members. In the same year the members came to the important agreement with the congregation, that the parish should he separated, each congregation having its own pastor. On the 27th of August, Rev. H. Parisius, who had been called to Morton, was installed in that congregation, and since then St. John's church at Redwood has also been an independent congregation, retaining the services of its pastor, Rev. A. Schaller. The pastor also serves Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church at Morton, Renville county, Minn. The following items taken from the church records may be of interest to the reader. The first baptism recorded was that of Karl Jordan, son of Herman Jordan, born April 20, 1898. The first burial services in the church were held for P. Stroschein, December 2, 1899. The first members to be married in church were Ferdinand Panitzke and Louise Jordan, March 16, 1900. The first Holy Commmunion recorded was attended by thirty people. The first class of young people was confirmed in the church March 31, 1901. They were Alma Huehnerkoch, Alma Stage, Alwina Keil, Amalia Joern, Emma Hoepner, Maria Marquardt, Herman J. Raddatz, Franz Jordan, Herman Luessenhop and Emmanuel Buerger. The church has now fifty-two voting members, the number of souls being 260. Most of the sermons are preached in the German language, but once a month English services are held. The Ladies' Aid Society is an important factor in the work of the church, while another is the well selected library of 300 volumes. The parochial school is taught for six months each year by the minister to prepare the young for confirmation. The value of the church property is $2,000 ; the parsonage, $2,000, and the school, $200. The average Sunday attendance is seventy-five persons.

St. John's Lutheran Church of Sheridan Township. The members who later on organized this church held their first meeting in Redwood Falls in 1870, the presiding pastor being the Rev. J. J. Hunziker of Lyon county. They were the first people of the Lutheran denomination who settled in Sheridan township. In 1892 they erected a church, 20 by 40 feet, with a seating capacity of 150 people, on five acres of ground which were donated by Friedrich Muetzel, the church costing $1,800. The Rev. J. J. Hunziker was their minister until 1896 and they were served by Rev. H. Albrecht of Renville, Minn., for a year and a half. In 1897 Rev. H. Koch was called as their minister, and in the following year they joined the Minnesota Synod. The parsonage, which is located near the church, was built in 1899 at a cost of $1,400. In the same year Rev. J. Mittelstaedt was called as their minister and served the congregation until 1904. He was followed by Rev. H. F. Eggert, who remained until 1910, after which Rev. John Piper of Echo, Minn., took charge of the congregation and was the minister until 1911, when the Rev. Julius X. Lenz was called to the pastorate from Meadow, S. D., and is still serving therein, being also pastor of the Seaforth and Bethany congregations. The year after his arrival a parochial school house was built, in size 24 by 32 feet. At present the congregation consists of thirty-four members.

The Seaforth Evangelical Church was organized in the year 1900, among its first members being Theo. Zorn, Dan. Staege, Theo. Staege, Leopold Staege, Ed. Schulz, William Schroeder, J. Schroeder, Carl Lueck, G. Wotschke, Herman Schulz, August Reddermann and others. The first minister was the Rev. H. Koch, of Redwood Falls, who served the congregation until 1901. He then accepted a call to Wisconsin and was followed by Rev. John Mittelstoedt, who was pastor until 1904, when the Rev. K. F. Eggert was called. In 1902 the congregation joined the Minnesota Synod. When Rev. K. F. Eggert accepted a call to Michigan in 1910, Rev. Paul Gedicke, of Vesta, took charge of the congregation until 1911, when the Rev. Julius X. Lenz, the present pastor, was called from South Dakota. The property of the congregation, which consists of 15 members, is valued at $2,000.

The Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Congregation at Wabasso is a recent addition to the religious forces of the county, having been organized in 1915. At present services are held in the city hall, but a church building, 30 by 32 feet in size, in process of erection. The pastor is Rev. Julius X. Lenz, who serves also the church at Seaforth and St. John's Church of Sheridan township.

Evangelical Lutheran Trinity Church, of Willow Lake Township, is located in the northeast corner of the southeast quarter of section 10. As far back as 1886 meetings were held at the residences respectively of John Hoffman, Emil Hoffman and Fred Fenger, who were among the early members of the church, together with Fred Raedel, Robert Hinz, Hr. Ristown and A. Beckman. The church edifice was not erected until ten years later - 1896 - at which time the congregation numbered only twelve members. This building cost $1,750 and has since been used for the services of the church, which are usually conducted in the German language, though in English when required. In 1913 it was remodeled and enlarged at a cost of $1,600. January 1, 1816, the congregation numbered forty-four members. A parsonage was built in 1901, across the road from the church, at a cost of $1,250, thus materially increasing the value of the church property. A school had been built in the previous year - 1900 - costing $400, the labor being furnished by the members of the congregation. It is taught four days a week from October 1 to the latter part of May. In the forenoon religion and German are taught, a public school course being given in the afternoon. Until the year 1910 the congregation belonged to the Minnesota Synod, but since that time it has been a member of the Missouri Synod. The original congregation consisted of only three families, who were served by the pastor residing at Sanborn, services being held only every third, sometimes every fourth or fifth Sunday. The first four pastors, who resided at Sanborn and served this congregation as a mission, were: Rev. J. Bauer, 1886 to 1890; Rev. August Graebner, 1890 to 1893; Rev. Chr. Meyer, 1893 to 1899, and Rev. W. Schulze, 1899 to 1901. The first resident pastor was the Rev. H. Westphal, 1901 to 1902. He was followed by Rev. W. Schulze, 1902 to 1903 ; Rev. H. C. Kothe, 1903 to 1915, and since July 4, 1915, Rev. H. L. W. Schuetz, who also serves the church at Clements. The first births and baptisms, as recorded on the church book, were: Emma Maria Elizabeth Hoffman, daughter of John Hoffman; Paul Adolph Raedel, son of Fred Raedel, and Fred Herbert Fenger, son of Fred Fenger. The first marriages were: Herman Ristow and Bertha Schlesner; Edward Nehring and Margaret Reimer, and Cark Zick and Adeline Fenger. The first deaths : Hugo Raedel, child of Fred Raedel; Henry Hinz, child of Robert Hinz; Augusta Beckman.

Evangelical Lutheran Bethlehem Congregation, of Clements, Minn. The pioneer members of this church were August Raddatz, William Strieker, William Muenchow, J. Schlekau, Carl Kemfert, Albert Juhnke and Henry Schwantes. The first meetings were held in 1905 in the depot of the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad at Clements, and also in the town hall. In the following year Rev. H. C. Kothe organized the congregation and the church building was erected which has since been its religious home, and which is valued at about $3,000. The auditorium has a seating capacity of 180 persons. There is no parsonage, as the church is served by the pastor of Willow Lake church, now Rev. H. L. W. Schuetz, who succeeded Mr. Kothe July 4, 1915. There being also no school building, religious instruction is given for several weeks every spring in church and also in the Sunday school. January 1, 1916, there were thirty-seven members in the congregation. The services of the church are usually conducted in the German language, but occasionally in English. The first record of births and baptisms contained on the church book gives the names of Sylvester Backer, son of Gustave Backer; Leon Schlekau, son of J. Schlekau, and Louis Kahle, son of Christ Kahle. The first marriages were those of Adolph Zuehlke and Emma Fennern ; Herman Schulz and Augusta Reetz, and Christian Jensen and Emma Hartwig. The first deaths recorded were those of Elsie Heidemann, Louis Kahle and Arthur Volk.

The German Methodist Church of Johnsonville Township. When and where the first meetings of this society were held has not been definitely ascertained, but the church edifice was erected in 1889 and is still in use. It is a small building, valued at about $1,000, the seating capacity of the auditorium being seventy-five persons. The congregation, which numbers thirty-four members, is composed of people of German birth or origin, and the German language is used in conducting services, the preaching services being held four times a month, one sermon being preached each Sunday. The present pastor is Rev. William Boemmels, who has served the church for one year, residing at Echo, Minn. Mr. Boemmels also serves two other congregations, both outside the county. In connection with this church there is a flourishing Sunday school. A cemetery forms part of the church property.

The Evangelical Association has four churches in Redwood county, which are located respectively in Wabasso, North Redwood, Lamberton and New Avon. In addition to these there is another which is located just across the line separating Charlestown township and Cottonwood county, but which is regarded generally as a Redwood county church.

Pilgrim Church of the Evangelical Association at Wabasso. In the spring of 1900 the first members of this congregation met for worship at the Northwestern depot, Wabasso, and in the fall of the same year a church building was erected, which is still the religious home of the people. The pastors since the founding of the church have been as follows: C. P. Kachel, 1900 to 1901; C. G. Roesti, 1901 to 1902; H. Hensel, 1902 to 1906; B. Simon, 1906 to 1908 ; J. D. Moede, 1908 to 1911 ; C. C. Engelbart, 1911 to 1915 ; A. A. Schendel, 1915 to the present time. The members of the congregation are mostly of German origin and services are conducted in both the German and English languages. Among the pioneer members of this church were John Block, Christ Bagdons, Sr., Joe Neuenberg and Dan Zimmerle. The pastor, who resides in the parsonage in Wabasso, serves also Salem church in New Avon township.

held in the nearby schoolhouse. The congregation now numbers sixty-two members and there is a well attended Sunday school. Services are conducted in the English language. The societies which aid in the work of the church are the Evangelical Ladies' Aid Society of New Avon, and the New Avon Cemetery Association. During the last two years the church has been served by the Rev. A. A. Schendel, who is also pastor of the church of this denomination at "Wabasso, where he resides.

The Roman Catholic church is represented in Redwood county by twelve churches, respectively located in Wanda, Walnut Grove, Clements, Wabasso, Seaforth, Lemberton, Sanborn, Redwood Falls, Lucan, Milroy, Morgan and Vesta.

The Church of St. Catherine, Redwood Falls, Minn. In the fall of 1870 the Rev. Alexander Berghold, pastor of the Holy Trinity Church at New Ulm, Minn., visited Redwood Falls and said mass in the home of John O'Hara, there being but six Catholic families then in Redwood Falls and vicinity. The number of Catholics had increased to but thirteen families by the summer of 1884, when the first church was erected. This was a frame building, 24 by 40 feet and cost $900. Matthias Offermann and Frank M. O'Hara donated the two lots for the church. Mass was said in the church for the first time in the year 1885, by Rev. Father Ogulin, then pastor of the church of Immaculate Conception, St. Peter, Minn. The following priests attended to the spiritual wants of the people until the first pastor was appointed: Rev. Father Schnitzler, Mankato, Minn., 1885 to 1886 ; Rev. Father Tori, Sleepy Eye, Minn., 1886 to 1887 ; Rev. Father Reichel, Sleepy Eye, Minn., 1887 to 1888; Rev. Father Shonen, Madison, Minn., 1888 to 1890; Rev. Father Rosen, Fairfax, Minn., 1890 to 1893; Rev. Father Vanderlage, Morgan, Minn., 1893 to 1897. In 1897 Rev. James J. Woods was appointed resident pastor and so remained until the fall of 1908, when he was succeeded by Rev. Valentine Schiffrer, who stayed until August, 1910. The latter 's successor was Rev. Joseph J. Tomek, who took charge of the parish on the first Sunday of Aiigust, that year, and who is still the pastor. Before coming here Father Tomek was stationed^ for three years as assistant in the Cathedral of St. Paul, at St. Paul, Minn.

Perhaps the most important event in the history of the parish was the building of the new church in 1914. This fine structure, which is the finest church edifice in the county, has the ground dimensions of 44 by 120 feet, its total cost being $25,000. The corner stone of the new church was laid at 2:30 o'clock p.m., on the 8th of July, 1914, Rev. R. Schlinkert, of New Ulm, officiating and preaching the sermon. The windows, costing $75.00 each, were donated by the following members of the parish: The Lauterbach family, St. Michael; Altar Society, St. Catherine; Jackson family, The Resurrection ; Oscar Warner, St. Margaret ; O'Callaghan family; Catholic Order of Foresters; J. R. Keefe and P. Farrell, The Assumption ; Mrs. C. Cummins, St. Joseph ; Knights of Columbus, St. Patrick ; J. J. Tomek, the Last Supper. The following made other donations: The Sewing Circle, pews costing $750.00; Mrs. John Lauterbach, statue of Sacred Heart; Mrs. Elizabeth Zima, statue of St. Joseph ; John Wilt, statue of St. Catherine ; Fred Warner, statue of St. Ann ; Miss C. Carroll, statue of St. Anthony. Mrs. Edward Cummins, baptismal font. Mass was said for the first time in the new church March 7, 1915.

The dedication of the church took place November 16, 1915, Bishop J. J. Lawler officiating and preaching the sermon at the Solemn High Mass. Rev. Valentine Schiffrer, former pastor, celebrated Mass. The services of dedication concluded in the afternoon at 2:30 o'clock with solemn benediction and the Rev. James Klein, of Sleepy Eye, Minn., preaching the sermon. Many clergy from the neighboring parishes were present at the dedication. The English language is used in preaching the sermons. The parish now contains seventy-five families. The societies connected with the church, or more or less closely affiliated with it, are the Altar Society, Catholic Order of Foresters, Knights of Columbus and the Sewing Circle. In the fall of 1897, when Father Woods was appointed resident pastor, the parsonage was erected. It is a modern frame building, with hot water heating system, electric lights, water and other conveniences, and cost $3,000. In 1905 two lots were purchased across the street from the church for $450, to serve as the site for a parochial school. The school has not yet been built but its erection will probably be an event of the near future. Religious instruction is given to the children every Saturday afternoon and Sunday after High Mass, fortyfive children attending. The pastor of St. Catherine's also attends the church at Bechyn, Renville county, Minn., every second and fourth Sunday of the month, that parish consisting of sixtyfive families.

The Church of St. Ann, Wabasso, Minn., was organized by Father Woods of Redwood Falls, in 1900, the year in which the village of Wabasso was incorporated. The charter members were from parishes in the townships of Sheridan, Redwood Falls, Morgan and Willow Lake. The most prominent families were represented by the following members: George Goblirsch, John Goblirsch, George Mahal, Joseph Salfer, Theodore Daub, John Daub, Adolph Etle, Conrad Etle, Mrs. John Johanneck, Robert Collner, Robert Collner, John Collner, John Huber, George Citzman, George Bray, Carl Brau, Bernard Manderscheid, George

Mandel, Anton Welsch, John Stodick, Joseph Brix, Joseph Gutter, John Frank, Joseph Hammerschmidt, Frank Hagert, John J. Hoffman, Mathias Schueller, Adam Cins, John Zeren, George Baun, Wenzel Frank and John Koller. The last-mentioned was one of the most active organizers and his funeral was one of the first held in the church. The church edifice, a frame building 37x80 feet in dimensions, was erected in 1900, the year of organization, the first services being held September 9th of that year, with Father Woods as the officiating priest. Father Duescheck took charge in the winter of 1901 and remained until the fall of 1902. He was succeeded by Father Stuckelmat, who in turn was succeeded in 1907 by Father J. H. Leydeckers. The latter remained in charge of the parish until July, 1910, when the present Father Francis Roemer became pastor. In 1902 the present parsonage was built - a two-story frame structure, 32x36 feet, with an L, 16x16 feet in dimensions. The parish is in a flourishing condition. The societies more or less intimately connected with the church are the Altar Society, the Roman Catholic Benevolence Society, the Foresters, the Christian Mothers' Society and the St. Monica's Society.

St. Mary's Church, of Seaforth, Minn., originated in the year 1880, when the first Mass was said in the town of Sheridan. The church was erected in 1886 and is a building valued at $2,500. The parishioners being mostly of German nationality, sermons are preached in both the German and English languages. The pastor for the last eight years has been Rev. Father Roemer, who also served the churches at Wabasso and Vesta, his residence being in Wabasso. The societies affiliated with the church are the Catholic Order of Foresters, the Christian Mothers' Society and the Bohemian Society.

Our Lady of Victories Church, Lucan, Minn. In 1871 a little community of settlers in Westline township, Redwood county was known as the Murray Settlement. A few devoted members of the Catholic church met at the home of Martin Murray in the southeast part of section 13, Rev. Father Alexander Berghold coming from New Ulm by team occasionally to hold divine services. In 1879 Rev. Father Johnson of Ghent, Minn., held regular services there the first Monday of each month. From 1889 to 1894 monthly services were held at the home of J. B. Zeng, Sr., by the Rev. Father Vanderlager from Morgan, Minn., as pastor, J. B. Kollec, secretary, and J. B. Zeng, Sr., treasurer. During the years of 1895 to 1899 monthly services were held in the schoolhouse of district No. 79, Granite Rock township, then located in the northeast corner of section 29, Rev. Father Dash of Tracy, Minn., officiating. The parish was organized in the spring of 1899, Joseph McGough donating five acres of land in the southeast corner of section 13, Westline township as site for the church. That summer a frame building, 32x56 feet, costing $1,700, was erected on the land, Rev. Father "Wood of Redwood Falls being in charge. The church thus organized had forty-eight charter members and officers. In the fall of 1893 Father Wood was succeeded by Rev. Father Emil Polasek from Lamberton. September 6, 1903, at a special meeting of the officers of the church held at the home of Thomas Reed, W. G. Costley, secretary, John Zeng, treasurer, it was voted that a division of the parish was advisable on account of the recent organization of the present villages of Lucan and Milroy. Sixty-five per cent of the members being located nearer Lucan, they bought the church building and in the fall of 1904 moved it to its present location in the village of Lucan. The rest of the members organized the present parish of St. Michael in Milroy, with John F. Cain, treasurer, and Thomas Reed, secretary. In the fall of 1903 Rev. Father Valentine Schatz took charge of the Lucan parish. A year later, in the fall of 1904, the present parish house of Lucan, a fine two and a half story square frame house, 32x36 feet, was built at a cost of $3,500. Father Valentine was succeeded by Rev. Father F. Schafar, the present pastor. The present membership of the parish is about eighty. The following is a list of the charter members and officers: Joseph McGough,* John Casserly, Sr., Peter Casserly, J. B. Zend, John Zeng,* Mrs. John Cull, John Dobias, Sr., James Dobias, John Dobias, Jr., Patrick Curtin, Sr.,* Patrick J. Dollan,* John F. Cain, Martin

Castley,* Michael Kollar,* John Koytine, S. Kartak,* J. S. Molitor,* Frank Ouskey,* Jacob Marshack,* Charles Kollar, Andrew Petrack, Thomas Murphy, John Casserly, Jr., John Kollar,* Hugh Reed, Joseph Casserly, Thomas Reed, James Casserly, Mike Mahoney,* William Shanley, Sr., Daniel Redding, Charles Brau, Mike Skoblik,* Pat Bulger,* Thomas Walsh, Charles Gahagan, Andrew Grundler, Andrew Kollar, J. B. Wagner,* Joseph Wagner,* James Cain, Sr., George Bauer,* and Nels Larson.* Those whose names are marked with an asterisk (*) went to Lucan. Those who went to Milroy were Mrs. John Cull, John Dobias, Jr., John F. Cain, Martin Murray, Hugh Reed, Joseph Casserly, Thomas Reed, Daniel Redding and Charles Gahagan. The others had died or moved away. In connection with the church there are several societies - a Young Girls' Sodility, a Men's Fraternal Society and an Altar Society. The church building is valued at $4,000 or more.

St. Joseph's Church, of Clements, Minn., was built in 1902, the first Mass being said January 4, 1903. The parishioners, numbering forty-five families, are mostly of German nationality, and both the English and German languages are used in preaching the sermons. The present pastor, Rev. John Schulte, O. M. T., who resides at Wanda, Minn., has served this parish since Novem- ber, 1915. The church building is valued at about $5,000. The affiliated societies are: St. Thomas (Ben's) Society, St. Aloysius (Young Men's) Society, St. Elizabeth's (Women's) Society, and St. Cecelia's (Young Ladies') Society.

Church of St. Michael, Milroy, Minn. The history of this church up to 1904 is identical with that of Our Lady of Victories, at Lucan, Minn. In September, 1903, at a special meeting of the officers of the church, it was voted to effect a division of the parish, which took place accordingly in the following year, the parish of St. Michael being organized with John F. Cain, treasurer and Thomas Reed, secretary. Among the first members of the parish were Mrs. John Cull, John Dobias, Jr., Martin Murray, Hugh Reed, Joseph Casserly, Daniel Redding and Charles Gahagan.

This denomination is represented in Redwood county by six churches, located respectively in Belview, Rock Dell, Delhi, Springdale, Walnut Grove and Revere.

Rock Dell Lutheran Congregation was organized November 28, 1872. Its first pastor was Rev. J. E. Berg, who resided at Sacred Heart, Minn. Its first board of trustees consisted of T. Mostod, T. Iverson and H. A. Bakke, T. Mostod serving also as secretary. Religious services were first conducted in a log house rented from T. A. Rudy, which at present is used as a horse barn. Rev. J. E. Berg served as pastor of the congregation for thirty years. In 1902 it severed connection with the Sacred Heart congregation, and together with Belview congregation, called Rev. A. O. Aasen, who served as pastor for twelve years. The present pastor is Rev. M. F. Mommsen. In 1890 the congregation built a church at a cost of $4,000, which was at that time one of the finest country churches in this section. At the organization about fifty souls joined the church, while at present sixty-five families, or 350 souls are members. A parochial school has been maintained from the beginning and about 400 persons have been confirmed and admitted into the church. In 1913 a fine parsonage with modern improvements, was built in Belview at a cost of $6,000. Besides meeting the current expenses, the congregation has given large sums to missions and charitable institutions - last year (1915) to the extent of $2,500. Of those who joined the church at the beginning, ten are still living having been organized May 22, 1874. Some of the pioneer members were R. Jensen, L. Hajem, M. Bredvold, C. Peterson, 0. Olson, J. S. Johnsen, L. Bredvold, J. Bredvold, J. M. Christensen, and J. Lawrence, with families. The congregation was organized with a membership of eighteen, meetings being held in residences and schoolhouses and presided over by itinerent clergymen and evangelists. The first three pastors lived at Westbrook, coming to Sundown once a month. The settlers were poor and the pastors shared the hardships of their flocks. In 1886, when more prosperous times had arrived, a church building was erected in which the congregation has since worshipped, the Norwegian language being used, except a few sermons each year preached in English. The congregation at present numbers 294 members. In connection with the church there are two Ladies' Aid Societies and a Luther League. Since its organization the congregation has had but five pastors. The Rev. Lars Lund served from 1874 to 1876 ; L. 0. Pederson, 1878 to 1881 ; C. J. Jacobsen, 1882 to 1901 ; R. K. Pjeldstad, 1901 to 1912 ; L. R. Floren, November 9, 1913, who is still pastor, being also the pastor of St. John's Lutheran church of Springfield, Minn., where he resides. Among the earliest records of the church there appears the following : Births - Anne Sophie Lorents, Niles Oustav Waag, Laura Pedersen. Deaths - Christian Josias Meyer, Ludwig Alfred Bredvold. Marriages - J. W. Johnson to Annie Molberg, R. Jorgensen to Maren Johnson. The church has meant much for the moral, intellectual and social life of the community, elevating and ennobling the people.

Three churches of this denomination help to sustain the religious life of Redwood county, one being located in Lamberton, one in Milroy and another in Lucan.

Immanuel Lutheran Church, of Belview is one of the comparatively recent acquisitions to the religious life of the county, the first meeting having been held in the Norwegian church in Belview, at 2:30 p.m., January 7, 1911. The pioneer members of the church were as follows: Axel Frederick Hultquist, his wife, Josephina Maria, and their six children; Adolph Gunnard Mattson ; Carl Anders Tillman, his wife, Hulda Gustava Tillman ; Carl Oscar Tillman ; Leander Johnson, his wife, Matilda Christina Johnson, and their three children; Clara Sophia Johnson, Emma Maria Johnson; Axle Engberg, his wife, Alma Caroline

Engberg, and their two children ; Johan Edward Engberg ; Axle Wilhelm Mattson, his wife, Hilina Christina Mattson, and their three children. David Joseph Carlson, his wife, Elsa Maria Carlson, and their one child; Charly Bergquist, his wife, Josephina, and their one child ; Swan P. Peterson, his wife, Sadey Peterson, and their five children ; Ludwig Roseburg, his wife, Hilma Sophia Roseburg; Niles Johan E. Nelson, his wife, Matilda Elizabeth Nelson, and their one child ; Ralph Verner Nelson ; John Larson, his wife, Hildur Larson, and their nine children; Carl G. Telleson, his wife, Emmeli Telleson, and their three children; Otto Edwin Carlson ; Anders Johan Sundine, his wife, Hilma Sundine ; Elin Maria Carlson and Alber L. Nelson. Rev. S. A. Lindholm was elected vice pastor January 6, 1911, until a regular pastor could be procured, but resigned January 9, 1912. The congregation elected Rev. A. P. Lundquist the same day (this being their yearly meeting) to fill Rev. Lindholm 's place, so that Rev. Lindquist served as vice pastor from January 9, 1912, until the regular pastor came. The latter was Rev. L. A. Lindahl, who took charge of the congregation August 17, 1912, and was installed August 23d of the same year. From October 31, 1915, to April 23, 1916, there was a vacancy, which was filled when the present pastor, Rev. Emil E. T. Anderson, took up the work of the church. The church edifice was built in 1914. The congregation now numbers 154 members. Both the Swedish and English languages are used, the former for the morning and the latter for the evening service. The church has no parsonage, the pastor residing at Gibbon, Minn., where he serves another congregation. A confirmation school is held two hours a week on Saturdays, eight months in the year. The church, however, is in intimate harmony with the public school. It is a religious and social center for the Swedish people and, by intermarriage, for those of other nationalities. The first birth and baptism was that of Kenneth Adolph Peterson, son of R. A. Peterson, M. D. and his wife, Evelyn. The first funeral was that of John Peter Friberg, who died August 20, 1911.

Fredsminde Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church, Brookville. The pioneer members of this church are Lars Walter, of Sleepy Eye, Minn., Hens Jensen, H. M. Jensen, M. Jensen, Theodiore Jensen and Rasmus Hansen, all of Evan, Minn. The first meetings of the congregation were held, about 1877, in what is known as Soren Hansen's schoolhouse. In 1891 a church edifice was erected, which is still in use, and which is valued at $1,500. Its auditorium has a seating capacity of 125 persons. The preaching services, which are held twice a month, are conducted in the Danish language. The first birth and baptism recorded are those of Alice Matilde Jepsen; the first marriage, that of Lars Mogensen to Caroline Larsen ; the first death, that of Peter Andersen. Rev. L. Hansen was the first pastor of the church, serving as such from 1877 to 1882. He was followed by Rev. S. C. Madsen, 1883 to 1893 ; Rev. H. L. Dahlstrom, 1893 to 1895 ; Rev. J. C. Borgaard, 1896 to 1899 ; Rev. J. K. Jensen, 1900 to 1902 ; Rev. N. P. Lang, 1903 to 1907 ; Rev. H. W. Bonde, 1908 to 1912, and Rev. H. M. Hansen from 1912 up to the present time In addition Mr. Hansen serves three other congregations. The church services are conducted in the Danish language. A Ladies' Aid and a Young Peoples' society are affiliated with the church and take an active and helpful part in its good work. Since 1909 a parochial school has been held in a public school building for one month each year, taught by a theological student from the seminary of the denomination. The studies include the Danish language, Bible history and the catechism. In connection with the church there is a library of 300 volumes.

Bethany Danish Lutheran Church, located near Gilfillan, Minn., had its origin in 1902, when the first meetings were held in Gilfillan public schoolhouse. Its pioneer members are J. B. Hansen, John Nielsen, Hans Christensen, J. Christensen, J. C. Hansen, Carl Christensen, and Hans Knudsen, all of Gilfillan, Minn. The present church building, erected in 1904, is valued at $2,000. Its auditorium has a seating capacity of 200. The congregation now numbers eighty members. There is a Young People's Society connected with the church, the members of which are active and useful in religious work. The Rev. J. C. S. Borgaard was the pastor in charge from 1898 to 1899, the subsequent pastors being Rev. J. K. Jensen, 1900 to 1902; Rev. N. P. Land, 1903 to 1907 ; Rev. H. W. Bonde, 1908 to 1912 ; Rev. H. M. Jansen, from 1912 to the present time (1916). The services are conducted in the Danish language. The first birth and baptism recorded on the books of the church were those of Ethel Sylvine Kjargaard ; the first marriage, that of Hans Peter Christensen to Lena Nielsen, and the first death that of Niels M. Nielsen.

Of this denomination there are seven churches in Redwood county, located respectively in Redwood Falls, Lamberton, Walnut Grove, Sanborn, Nettynyynnt, Milroy and New Avon.

First Methodist Episcopal Church, Redwood Falls, Minn. This church is an institution of many years' growth, dating back to October 27, 1867, when Rev. Nathaniel Swift, who had charge of the Redwood Falls circuit belonging to the Mankato district, started a class of eight members in an old building belonging to A. Northrop, which had been previously used as a saloon. Prom that time on the church has had a steady and healthy growth until it now has a membership of over 500 persons. The first church services were held in a hall on Second street. Later they were transferred to a schoolhouse on Jefferson street. A parsonage was built as early as 1870, but it was not until 1876 that the first church edifice was erected, at a cost of $3,000, the material for it being hauled by team from New Ulm, which was at that time the nearest shipping point. A new parsonage was built in 1888. Within a few years after the old church was found too small to accommodate the growing membership, and, accordingly in 1894-5 the present edifice was erected. This is a splendid structure, valued at $20,000, and among the equipment is a good pipe organ. The body of the old church was utilized in the new building and practically comprises the class-room wing of the present structure. The foundation and basement, now used as the dining parlors, was completed when the great financial panic of 1893 swept over the land. Business was at a standstill and so, for a time, was the Methodist church. Services were held in the basement for several years until brighter financial skies gave courage and means to finish the belated work. The church is now numerically and financially strong, and is fully organized. It has a flourishing Sunday school with an enrollment of about 400, which, with an Epworth League of sixty members provides for the training in Christian activities of young people. There are two Ladies' Aid Societies, a Woman's Foreign Missionary Society, two Young People's Missionary organizations, namely: the Standard Bearers and the King's Heralds, and a Methodist Men's club for regular meetings during the winter months, which gives occasional suppers and invites noted speakers from abroad to address it. The predominating nationality of the congregation is American and the services are conducted in the English language. Among the pioneer members were Edward and Catherine March, Charles Polsom, E. Folsom, D. L. Hitchcock, P. D. Hitchcock and wife; Catherine McMillen and William Z. Ruter. The following is a list of the pastors : N. Swift, October, 1867 to 1868 ; C. F. Wright, 1868, who died October 5, 1869 ; D. W. Hammond, 1869 to 1871 ; A. McWright, 1871 to August, 1872; L. P. Smith, 1872 to 1875; E. Goodman, 1875 to 1876 ; George Galpin, 1876 to 1877 ; E. H. Bronson, 1877 to 1878 ; S. M. Davis, 1878 to 1879 ; C. H. S. Dunn, 1879 to 1881; John Pemberton, 1881 to 1883; W. L. Demorest, 1883 to 1884 ; C. Bristol, 1885 ; F. A. Cone, July, 1885 to October, 1885 ; George Geer, 1885 to 1887 ; F. A. Cone, 1887 to 1891 ; A. J. Williams, 1891 to 1892 j L. L. Hanscom, 1892 to 1895 ; R. C. Gross, 1895 to 1896; J. F. Porter, August, 1896 to October, 1896; T. A. Jones, 1896 to 1897 ; Geo. H. Way, 1897 to 1899 ; C. H. Stevenson,

The New Avon Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1915 by the Rev. N. deM. Darrell. The old Methodist church building at Wabasso, vacant for some ten years, was moved to the southwest corner of the southeast quarter of section 12, New Avon township and thoroughly renovated. The church is in a flourishing condition, maintains a splendid Ladies' Aid Society and Sunday school, with sixty-five members. The Rev. Darrell is still in charge and during the coming winter, services will be held every Sunday.

Milroy Methodist Church, Milroy, Minn. This church was erected in 1904 and was formerly located on the opposite corner, on the present site of the B. Schmid residence, being afterwards moved to where it now stands. Among the pioneer members of the church was J. B. Christiansen and family. The members of the congregation are mostly of American birth and the English language is used in conducting services. The present pastor is Rev. William A. Mulder, who serves also the churches of this denomination at Amiret and Porter, Minn., his residence being in the former place. A Ladies' Aid Society is connected with the church and takes an active part in its works of benevolence.

There are eight Presbyterian churches in Redwood county, located at Redwood Falls, Delhi, Morgan, Wabasso, Seaforth, Vesta, Underwood (school district 66) and Underwood (school district 36).

The First Presbyterian Church at Redwood Falls was organized March 9, 1867, by Rev. A. G. Rulifson, district secretary of the committee on Missions. James Harkness, Mrs. Maria Harkness, Birney Flynn, Mrs. Josephine H. C. Flynn, Mrs. Mary A. Davidson, Mrs. Lucinda W. Teppera, Lawrence O. Root, Mrs. Eliza C. Root, on profession, and Mrs. Matilda Hall, by letter, were received as members and pronounced duly organized as the First Presbyterian Church of Redwood Falls to be connected with the Presbytery of Dakota. The services were held in Behnke's hall on Second street until 1870, after which time the schoolhouse was used until the new church was ready for occupancy in 1871. The membership did not increase for some time, as there were only five members when Rev. S. D. Westfall became pastor in 1869. The first year of his pastorate, however, twenty-one members were added to the church roll. During Mr. Westfall's pastorate a church building was erected on Bridge street. The building of a new church seventy miles from a railroad was an event of importance at that early day. It was not only that the people were a long way from any means of transportation, except by team, but that they seemed still farther from the four or five thousand dollars necessary to erect a church building that would be a credit to the community. The Redwood Falls people gave as generously as their means would permit, Mr. J. W. Paxton raised a considerable sum through eastern friends, and generous help was also received through the board of church erection. The ladies gave of their funds for the plastering. The lumber was hauled by ox teams from Mankato. The first service was held in the new church in September, 1871, but the building was not finished until the following year. The total cost was about five thousand dollars. Mr. Westfall preached in the afternoon at Beaver Falls and had some support from that charge. Following the resignation of Mr. Westfall late in 1871, Rev. W. B. Chamberlain was secured as stated supply in 1872 and preached for two years. Rev. H. A. Dodge became pastor in 1875 and remained five years. For two or three summers during the time, Mr. Dodge preached in the schoolhouse at Paxton in the afternoon. Rev. William Marsh of Illinois followed Mr. Dodge in charge of the church, but, owing to poor health, was obliged to leave within a few months and for a time the church was supplied by Rev. M. Loba. Rev. R. E. Anderson accepted a call to the church at the beginning of the new year. January 28, 1S82, the church building burned, entailing a severe loss on the church and community. Nothing was saved except a few seats and a basket of books. The Gazette of the time said: "It was the most complete and attractive public building in the village." Fortunately, it had been insured by the ladies for $3,000 and this proved a great help toward the building of a new church. Services were held in the courthouse until the fall of 1883, when the present church was ready for occupancy. It cost about $7,000. Rev. J. O. Rhieldaffer, D.D., accepted a call in 1886. At this time the church became selfsupporting. During this pastorate the lecture room was finished, the church was seated, a furnace put in, and other necessary improvements were made. The largest accession of members up to this date at any one time was twenty-two, added during this period. Rev. John Sinclair, having supplied the pulpit for six months, received a unanimous call in the spring of 1892. There was a marked improvement in many lines of church work during Mr. Sinclair's pastorate, especially worthy of note, being the increased interest of the young people in the work of the church and the advancement made by them in those things which are essential to its progress. A salient feature of the church work during Mr. Sinclair's pastorate was the purchase of a bell, which had been wanted by the congregation for a long time, but how to get it was the question. Finally the ladies, the most persistent working force in all churches, lit on the expedient of arranging with the publishers to become sponsors for the thanksgiving number of the Gazette, which was only issued November 28, 1895, and called the "Ladies' Edition." Mr. Sinclair resigned in January, 1898, and was followed by Rev. P. G. Barackman, who took up the work May 1st and remained until the spring of 1902. A strong feature of Mr. Barackman 's pastorate was his work among the young people. The Christian Endeavor Society was already well organized, but being a young man with a thorough training in the work among the young. Mr. Barackman was successful in interesting and holding the young people of the church. Rev. L. P. Badger came to the church as stated supply June 1, 1902, and at the expiration of a year was elected pastor. During his time as pastor a dining room and kitchen were put in the basement of the church and a manse was built. The largest accession of members to the church in its history was during Mr. Badger's pastorate. The increase mainly was the result of the meetings conducted in a tabernacle by Evangelist Sunday. Mr. Badger resigned in the spring of 1906 and in November was followed by Rev. R. P. Chambers. The present pastor, Rev. B. P. Holt, B. D., was installed June 13, 1916. In connection with the church there is a flourishing Sunday school, Missionary Society, Mite Society, Ladies' Aid Society and Christian Endeavor Society. There is also a good library. The church property has been well managed and the present value of the building is about ten thousand dollars.

Seaforth Presbyterian Church dates back to 1901, in which year a few people began to meet for services in the depot. The society grew slowly and it was not until 1912 that the church building was erected in which the congregation has since worshipped. This building, the auditorium of which has a seating capacity of 150, is valued at $2,500. The services are conducted in the English language. The Rev. George Bollinger, the present pastor, assumed charge three years ago, and also ministers to the church at Wabasso. The congregation now numbers forty members, most of whom are American born. The average attendance in the Sunday school is twenty-eight.

The Church of the Holy Communion, Redwood Falls. The first service of the church was held by Bishop Whipple, July 16, 1869, while en route to the Sisseton and Wahpeton and Sioux

Indians. On his return trip he preached Sunday, July 25th. At this time there were no communicants of the church in Redwood Falls. No attempt was made for the planting of the church until 1876. In 1871 Judge H. D. Baldwin and family moved from Waseca county, Mrs. Baldwin being a communicant of the church. In 1876 a meeting was held at their residence for the purpose of organizing a Sunday school. Among those present were Mrs. H. D. Baldwin, Mrs. William Flinn, Mrs. Powell and Miss Anna E. Baldwin. From that time the Sunday school was kept up and Rev. E. Livermore of St. Peter's was asked to come and hold service. His first service was held March 12, 1876. About this time a church society was organized with Mrs. A. M. Northrop, president ; Mrs. Willia Flinn, vice president ; Mrs. N. Bixby, secretary, and Miss Anna E. Baldwin, treasurer. June 1, 1876, a class of six was confirmed by Bishop Whipple, one more being confirmed the next morning.

August 6, 1876, Rev. E. J. Hunter entered upon charge of the work, Dean Livermore continuing as priest in charge. Here Mr. Hunter completed the enclosing of the church. His last service was held June 9, 1878. Services were frequently held by the Dean. The Rev. Henry I. Gurr, a deacon, was appointed missionary at this place and Marshall and entered upon his work August 24, 1879. He remained but a short time, leaving about October 12, 1879. The services were again conducted by the Dean as opportunity offered. February 14, 1881, Rev. William Richmond was appointed to hold regular services the second Sunday of each month. His last service was held August 7, 1881. Dean Livermore once more took charge of the mission, giving a monthly service. From this time the mission was in charge of the clergy of St. Peter, the Dean until he resigned, April 22, 1883. Rev. Caleb Benham from July 22, 1883, to July 22, 1886. Rev. D. F. Thompson from November 1, 1886, to May 12, 1889. On this last named date the church was consecrated by Rev. M. N. Gilbert, assistant Bishop of the diocese, by the name of the Church of the Holy Communion. The Bishop's committee at the time of the consecration, May 12, 1889, were H. D. Baldwin, H A. Baldwin, James McMillan, W. P. Dunnington, and S. S. Goodrich. The Rev. Stuart B. Purves was placed in charge of the work and held his first service July 7, 1889. Services were held every Sunday except the last Sunday of the month. On August 4, 1889, the mission was organized as the Parish of the Church of the Holy Communion, with Judge H. D. Baldwin as senior warden and Calvin W. French as Junior warden, and HA. Baldwin, S. S. Goodrich, C. F. Thompson, C. V. Everett, James McMillan and Henry C. Ackman as vestrymen. At the following Easter parish meeting, the missionary having been previously advanced to the priesthood, was elected rector of the parish. The Rev. S. V. Purves held his last service on February 28, 1892. Rev. Ed H. Clark took charge and held his first service the following Sunday. Mr. Clark remained only a couple of months or so and then the parish had no rector until Rev. Henry Beer took charge January 15, 1893. During the first year of Mr. Beer's incumbency the church building was moved to the east side of the church property and the building put in a good state of repair. Mr. Beer resigned his charge January, 1896, to accept missionary work in the newly created district of Alaska. On March 10, 1896, the Rev. W. H. Knowlton took charge and on Easter Day there were fifty-four communicants. On December 2, 1896, a chapter of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew, with eleven charter members, was organized by Mr. Hector Baxter, council member for Minnesota. The new rectory was completed early in November, 1896. In 1899 this parish, in comparison to its members and resources, led the Diocese in its contribution to missions and outside objects, giving $108.20. Mr. Knowlton resigned February 13, 1900. The Rev. William Mitchell, rector of St. Luke's Church, Terre Haute, Ind., accepted the call of the vestry and entered upon his duties September 23, 1900. Several memorials were placed in the chancel during his rectorate. He resigned September 14, 1902, to become chaplain of Breck school at Wilder and rector of the Church of the Good Shepherd at Windom. On January 23, 1903, Rev. A. Coffin took charge of the parish, continuing as its rector until April 16, 1906, when he resigned and went to Pine Island, Minn. For the next seven months the parish was vacant. On November 4, 1906, Rev. Charles Stanley Mook, of the district of North Dakota, held his first service as rector. During 1909 the parish lost a great many of its members by death or removals, which seriously handicapped its work, but new members came in and the work was continued with enthusiasm in spite of difficulties. The present rector is Rev. A. A. Joss, D.D. In connection with the church there is a Ladies' Guild, the work of which is for the home church and for diocesan and foreign missions.

The Christian Church in Redwood Falls was organized December 20. 1888, by the Rev. Harrison, with thirty-four members. The pastors from that date to the present time have been as follows: Rev. J. G. Harrison, from December 20, 1888, to September, 1891 ; Rev. M. H. Tipton, January 30, 1892, to September 4, 1892 ; Rev. W. L. Stine, January 22, 1893, to 1895 ; Rev. Ernest Thornquest,

July 1, 1895, to May 3, 1896; Rev. S. P. Fullen, from May 17, 1896 ; Rev. K. W. White, from July 11, 1897 ; Rev. Henry Goodacre, from August 28, 1898; Rev. H. T. Sutton, from August 19, 1900; Rev. E. A. Orr, from May 1, 1901; Rev. F. L. Davis from November 29, 1902; Rev. B. C. Nicholson, from November 15, 1903 ; Rev. S. M. Smith, from October 1, 1908. Since the ministry of Mr. Smith the church has been served by : Rev. C. F. Martin, Rev. J. F. Ainsworth and the present pastor, Rev. Grover C. Schurman. The real activity of this church and its place among the other congregations begins with the ministry of Mr. Nicholson. The congregation having lost its church building by fire, he, with untiring zeal and energy started plans and inaugurated the work of erecting a new edifice, which resulted in the present beautiful and commodious building, one of the finest in southwest Minnesota. Work on the new building was commenced in the early part of 1906 and it was completed for dedication on January 27, 1907. Oliver W. Stewart of Chicago preached the dedication sermon. The total cost of the building was $25,000. It is located diagonally northwest of the county courthouse, and across the street from the Methodist Episcopal church. It is built of gray cement blocks, with oak finished pews and white enamel walls. The auditorium proper will seat eight hundred people ; and there is a modern Sunday-school plant in the basement that is not surpassed by anything in the state outside of the twin-cities and Duluth. Grover C. Schurman, the present pastor, with his wife, was educated at Drake University of Des Moines, Iowa, he in the theological course and she in music. They have been here since June 1, 1914, coming from the University Place church of Minneapolis, Minn.

The Christian Church of New Avon Township was recently organized. It is under the charge of, and was organized by Rev. Grover C. Schurman, pastor of the Christian church at Redwood Falls. The congregation occupies the building erected as a Union church many years ago, and for some time abandoned.

Brookville Church of the Seventh Day Adventist denomination, is located in the town site of Wayburne, two and a half miles south of Morgan. The founders of this church were originally members of the Golden Gate church, but about 35 years ago it was thought best to divide and the people living in Broukville township formed what was, and is known as the Brookville church. Between 35 and 40 years ago the Golden Gate church joined with the Baptists and Lutherans and erected a church in Brown county, where they met. Later, in 1888, the Brookville church joined the Baptists and Lutherans and built a union church in Brookville township. The first services of this church, however, were held in the homes of the members, in schoolhouses and in other churches, and were presided over by an elder, or leader, as is largely the case at present, with occasional visits from a regular pastor. In those early days the services were conducted in Danish, but now the English language is used almost exclusively. In 1902 the present church edifice was erected in Wayburne. After its erection, however, the water became so high that it could not be used, and it is now the intention to move it to a dryer and more convenient location. The congregation numbers 22 persons, most of all of whom are of Danish descent. In connection with the church there is a Sabbath school, Tract and Mission society and Missionary Volunteer society. Pending the removal of the church, services are held in the residences of some of the members. Among the pioneer members of this church were Jens Mortenson, Soren Peterson, Christopher Johnson, H. E. Hanson, Louis Johnson, J. H. Johnson, H. P. Nelson, Jens Johnson, Peter Christensen, H. N. Hanson, Hans Danielson and J. C. Larson. Most of the old members are dead or moved away, only a few being left. Nearly all were poor in this world's goods but rich in grace. With their oxen and lumber wagon, or sleigh, they would drive many miles to meeting, which began at eleven o'clock, after which there was Sabbath school, then five minutes recess, then Bible reading for two hours, and afterwards lunch and the drive home. Among those who served as elders were Jens Mortenson, Christopher Johnson, J. H. Gardner and Peter H. Christensen, Mr. Gardner serving many years as elder, treasurer and clerk. After the Brookfield church was organized it grew until it had reached a strength of thirty-six members, there being often fifty or more present in the Sabbath school. Later the membership diminished owing to removals, those who went away, however, helping to spread the faith in other localities. One from Golden Gate church has been a missionary in southeastern Africa for over twenty years. A member of the Brookville church is president of the Wisconsin conference and his son is also studying for the ministry, and so the influence of these pioneers widens, the final results being in the hands of God.

References. "A Canvass of Religious Life and Work in Redwood County," 1914, made by L. F. Badger, on behalf of the Mankato Presbytery and Redwood County Sunday Schools' Association, with the co-operation of the Presbyterian Department of Church and Country Life, Board of Home Missions of the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A., 156 Fifth avenue, New York.