Hastings City (part 2 of 2)

Baptist Church

Early in 1857 Rev. Mr. Hyde, a Baptist clergyman, came to Hastings, and a Baptist society was organized. For some years it flourished, and a fine church of the society's building, still stands on the hill-top. The attempts to found the Bap- tist university, and the varying success attendthem, are recorded elsewhere. At present, no regular Baptist pastor is in charge at Hastings, but the resumption Of regular services at an early date is anticipated.

Presbyterian

The first Presbyterian church of Hastings, was born of the unselfish efforts of Rev. Charles Summer Le Due, and a few disciples who gathered about him. Le Due, born and bred in Ohio, a graduate of Marietta College, and for a time, tutor there, a pupil of Prof. Stowe and Dr. Lyman Beecher, at Lane Seminary, came to Hastings, June 15th, 1866. Just previous to his arrival, he had been commissioned by the American Home Missionary society, with a salary of $600, with $100 additional for an outfit, and had been married to Miss Emma R. Butler, of Utica, New York. The young clergyman on his arrival at Hastings, was compelled to provide himself with a home, and purchase a claim a little beyond the Vermillion, for $300. A temporary dwelling, called the ''Lodge, 7 ' was first erected here, and afterward a comfortable cottage which was christened "Peace."

It was a wet, unpleasant day, but thirteen people were present. Only two or three could be found who were members of the Presbyterian church. After six services in the school-house Mr. LeDuc secured the first hall, built by Mr. Charles Smith, on Ramsey street. A portion of the pulpit, which was the work of the preacher, still remains in the hands of an early member. The next day after the hall was occupied, $23 were received for a new church, from Miss Coleman, secretary of the Ladies 7 Reading Society at Newbury port, Mass. In October a petition was sent to the Presbytery of Minnesota, N. S., requesting the appointment of a committee to organize a church at Hastings. It was granted and December 23d selected as the date, but it was bitterly cold, and so few were present that it was deferred until the following month and year. January 27th, 1856, Mr. LeDuc presented a concise view of the Presbyterian form of government with some reasons for adopting it. At two p. m.

the Rev. R. Hall, of Prescott, preached a sermon appropriate to communion season, after which ten certificates of membership were recognized and the following persons gave assent to a few articles of faith, viz.: Hammon Stowell, wife, and two daughters; P. T. Countryman and wife; Mrs. Foster, Matthews, Simmons and LeDuc. A communion service was then presented from ladies, and a cloth for the table from Deacon Dana, all of Newburyport, Mass., on condition that they were to be used only for sacramental purposes, and when no longer desired by their church, be presented to some other. The holy supper was then administered to the entire church and to members of other churches present.

In June, services were transferred to McKay's hall, on the corner of Ramsey and Third streets, where they were held until the new church was occupied.

On Washington's birthday, 1856, the trustees organized, and immediately resolved to build. A subscription paper was circulated at that meeting and $1,000 were soon subscribed, and plans received from New York. August 9th, the contract was let to Thomas Lincoln for a church, to be built of stone and completed by the middle of November, at a cost of $2,000, which was afterwards increased $500. August 18th, work was begun, and the house was occupied December 7th. The first sermon r « from the text, " Ye are God's Building." TL _ aurch was completed in April, 1857. The audience at first sat on boards, and were not very warm mt no one felt discouraged. An Indian wandered into the house one day, wrapped in his blanket, and, looking about him, in his own tongue, said: "Temple of God very good." A melodeon had been secured with great difficulty, and a choir was organized, with Alonzo Day as leader. A bell arrived before the tower was ready, but was soon swung in its place.

The house was finished, but the workmen were not paid. A death grip was laid on the property, which was never shaken off until it was sold. It was not until yesterday, comparatively, that all debt was dispelled. Many who had promised funds repudiated their paper by reason of the griping times, which have previously been described, and are well remembered. Some of the notes of the little church bore 5 per cent, per month after maturity. Senior trustee of the church pressed his costly watch into the hands of a church creditor, and the ladies held fairs and festivals, and every manner of entertainment whereby they had hope of obtaining money. Mr. Le Due gave with almost unjust liberality; a little boy in the east expressed a wish to send his $6 to the church, and after his death his father honored his request.

In 1868 it became certain that, on account of such efforts and self sacrifice, the>church building would be retained. Accordingly it was dedicated September 27th, while the synod of Minnesota was in session at Hastings.

The society of the First Presbyterian church, was organized February 20th, 1856, by the acceptance of a charter under the revised statutes of Minnesota, and the election of a board of trust. The latter was composed of C. S. Le Due, H. B. Claflin, Hammon Stowell, J. L. Belden and John Van Hoesen. In June following F. B. Curtis and Dr. Thomas Foster were added, who with the others mentioned, constituted the first board. Among those who succeeded two have died, Mr. P. Hartshorn and Mr. G. S. Winslow.

The First Sabbath school in Hastings was organized August 5th, 1855, in the school-house. The Rev. Mr. Cressy was superintendent, and Rev. Mr. Le Due taught the Bible class. The sessions were held at two o'clock p. m. and a library from the Sunday school union, was secured in September at a cost of thirty dollars. In January the school was transferred to the hall, but the superintendent declined to go there. In August, 1856, Mr. Claflin was chosen superintendent, Mr. Stearns assistant, and Mr. Taylor librarian. March 1st, 1857, a peaceable division was made by the different denominations, the Presbyterian portion of the school repairing to their church. In 1861 , Mr. Winslow was chosen superintendent, and in 1865, Mr. Curtis.

Mr. Le Due was an indefatigable worker, both in church and Sunday school. He preached often at Spring Lake and Ravenna, and was interested in starting a Sunday school there, at the house of Mr. Conway, May 4th, 1856. Another Sunday school was started at Bell's tavern, July 20th, and libraries were given them both by Mr. Le Due, from Weymouth Sunday school, Massachusetts, on condition that they would raise five dollars more for another school.

Mr. LeDuc died in 1867. He was outspoken against the sin of slavery, and made enemies by his justice, humanity and courage. These however could not compare with the number of his friends. He wrought for temperance also, in Hastings, when "refreshments, tobacco and liquors were passed freely among the guests, at a funeral which he attended;" when moreover, u he found the owner of the house on making a pastoral call, in bed intoxicated, his wife in bed sick, and a lodger present, whose nose had been lost in a fight of the night before."

Hastings, in 1856, was in need of clergymen, for its moral condition and atmosphere, like that of most river towns, was polluted with wickedness. There has been a great change since that time, and verily those who were instrumental in its working, shall have their reward.

The ministers of the first Presbyterian church in Hastings were as follows: Rev. Charles Sumner Le Due, 1855-1867; Rev. John W. Ray, 1867- 1872: Rev. Harlan Page Welton, 1872-1875; Rev. Alexander Telford; 1875-1878; Rev. John Barnett Donaldson, 1878. The church has now an adult membership of 200, and perhaps a few more. In the various Sabbath schools in which the members of this church are engaged there are about 300. Vermillion chapel and Spring Lake schools being superintended by members of this church. Vermillion chapel was mainly built by contributions from this church, but is required to be held for the use of all in that portion of the city. A flourishing Reform Club meets there every Friday. The present house of worship was commenced in 1876, and the lecture room was occupied in November of that year. The auditorium was first used November, 1880, and was dedicated on the twenty-fifth anniversary of the organization of the church, viz: January 27th, 1881. The building is of two stories, the lower one of which is of stone entirely above ground, containing lecture and class-rooms, study and parlor. The upper story is of brick, has an inclined floor, seats four hundred, which can be increased to five hundred, and was built at a cost of about $15,000, of which amount Stephen Gardner contributed one-fourth. It is well filled every Sabbath. The parsonage is just beside the church, and will probably be replaced soon by a better building. A spire of good proportions and a great organ for the church are also to be provided.

The Church Of The Guardian Angels

May 27th, 1857, block 30, of the city of Hastings, was donated to the Roman Catholic church by Messrs. Sibley, Le Due, and Bailly's. The Catholics of Point Douglas and Hastings petitioned Bishop Cretin, who was the first bishop at St Paul, for a church, and in accordance the bishop sent a raft of lumber to Hastings. Lumber being at that time very scarce, some of the early settlers appropriated this raft for their own use to build shanties. The bishop not being discouraged, sent another raft, and a church 30x50 feet in size was built on the property. It was named the Church of the Guardian Angels, the feast, according to Roman Catholics, being on the 6th of October. Father McMann was sent to take charge of the parish and remained until 1859, when he was removed and Father T. Murry was sent in his place. He remained in charge until 1860 and then returned to Stillwater, his old parish, Father Joseph Coffey being the next to officiate 'for about one year. Father Francis Hurth was the next priest, and under his pastorship the present church was built. In 1865, the building was commenced, and is built of stone, 45x100 feet, with a sanctuary 25x30 feet, situated in lot 1, block 30, completed in 1868. Father Hurth returned to France, and Rev. J. B. Halton was appointed, under whose care the parish now is. The parish numbers 1,000, and is in a flourishing condition. The old church is now used for a school. In 1865, a residence for the priest was built adjoining the church, and about a year after was destroyed by fire. In 1875, a new one was erected, where it now is, on lot 2, block 30.

St. Boniface German Catholic church was organized October 6th, 1869, Rev. George Sherrer, of St. Paul, officiating until April 1st, 1880. In 1872 he removed to Hastings and became resident pastor. Father Cornelius Wittman succeeded him and is the present parish priest. The foundations for the church were laid in the fall of 1869 and the edifice was completed and dedicated November 1st, 1870. The St. Boniface convent was located at Hastings through the efforts of the St. Boniface church. The congregation is large and among its members may be found some of the leading citizens of Hastings and surrounding country.

Lakeside Cemetery Association

A meeting of ladies was held May 4th, 1867, for the purpose of forming a cemetery association. Mrs. E. R. Le Due was elected president; Mrs. M. A. Van Hoesen, secretary; Mrs. J. M. Allen, treasurer. Trustees: Mrs. Lewis, Mrs. Allen, Mrs. Wright, Mrs. Van Hoesen, Mrs. Le Due, Mrs. Heath. The cemetery was located on the south-west quarter of section 21, on the south shore of Lake Rebecca. This is a beautiful spot and one well adapted to the purpose for which it was selected. The land was purchased in April, 1868, and is about seventeen acres in extent. The first interments were three children of A. W. Gardner, removed from Oakwood cemetery. There are now about 260 laid to rest in this beautiful spot.