Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1880-07-15
CONG CHURCH OF AUSTIN
Celebration Of its Twenty.Thirsl Birth
Day.

CONG REGATlONAL CHURCH OF AUSTIN
| Celebration Of its Twenty.Thirsl Birth
Day.
The twenty third birthday of the Con-
gregational church, which was celebrated
Tuesday afternoon July Cat the residence
of Rev. G. E. Wright, will long be re-
memhered as one of the pleasant re- unions
of the society, over two hundred persons
being present. The several organizations
connected with the church were each
presented ably and in very satisfactory
manner, and thinking that the papers
which were so full of interest to those
present, might still have further interest,
we give them place in our columns.
CHURCH HISTORY.
An Interesting paper, written by Mrs.
J. NJ. King, was we'll read by Mrs. BoAe
Sherwood
One pleasant morning, just % years
ago, to-day, few persons, fifteen in all,
met in wooden building long known
as Headquarters" in what is now the
city of Austin. There was no CITY then ;
there were few houses, no churches, nor
school'houses; no railroads, nor telegraph
wires. There qoas a seemingly boundless
prairie, stretching eastwardly to the Mis-
slssippiand westward to the Rocky Noun
tains. These persons came as our fore
fathers came, to country destitute Of all
privileges; desiring to build up, not only
pleasant earthly homes, but churches and
schools, and to lay the foundations of
good society, permanent and strong.
They did not leave their religion be-
hind them, with the homes and friends
they had left. So, then, and there, they
renewed their VOWS of conservation, and
founded the church. now called "The
Congregational Union Church of Austin"
Of those fifteen, nine still remain.
Some have removed, and some have join
ed the church above; whence, we hope,
they still watch with US, and share with
US, in our rejoicing over the spiritual
progress Of those loved upon earth
Seven years this church worshipped in
the same building-the number slowly
increased; then two years in the Baptis:
church, at that time just completed; next
in the brick school house, now the Meth D.
dist church; till in 1868, our presen,
house Of worship was finished.
All who remember these early days
remember them as the days Of tolls and
sacrifices; of labor and endurance-how
they gave their money, and their time
how, like those of old, they worked
willingly with their hands; how their
pastor, Rev. Mr.. Morse, went, as their
messenger, east, and solicited of eastern
friends, funds to make up the amount
needed; how by the self same sacrificing
efforts parsonage was built, but was af
terward sold to help pay the debt on the
church; how all worked together as Que
under discouragements and opposition
even, TILL at the dedication every debt was
paid, and our present pleasant building
was truly our own. Since thu time our
church has continued to prosper aad gain
strength. The fifteen have swelled to
more than three hundred. The present
membership is 202.
Rev. Stephen Cook was first pastor
Messrs. J. L. Davidson and J. N. Cook
first deacons. Mr.. Decker was added soon
atterward. Herman r. Davidson was
the first superintendent. Deacon J. L
Davidson gave the lots on which GU,
church building now stands
There have been nine ministers. -Four
have been ordained with us: Rev. T.. c.
Humphrey; Rev. E. NJ. Williams, when
Dr.. Bartlett, now president Of Dartmouth
college, preached the ordination sermon
Rev. T.Graves, and Rev. Henry Kctchum
Twice the general conference has met
with us: once Oct. 18th, 1868, when oul
church was dedicated, DR.. Ray Palmer
of New York, preaching the dedica:ory
sermon. The second time in October
1876.
Rev. Mr.. Ketchum was the first install
the longest with US, this being his sixth
year.
These are but a few items hastily gath
cred together. Many of us can truly say
of our church, like one of old, elf tor
get thee, 0 Jerusalem, let my right hand
forget her cunning, and my tongue cleave
to the roof OF my mouth"
Some of US, as we sit in our places at
church, see faces and forms, invisible to
others, noble, manly forms; fair, gentle
faces Of the loved and lost, but unforgot
ten! The infants baptised at our altar
the children whose voices rang out SO
gladly in our Sabbath school concerts
those who led and sang once in our choir
hut whose voices are now heard in better
brighter church above. The first minis.
ter and his wife are gone, the first w
superintendent have crossed the river to
a better land. We who are LETT shall
soon follow them, pastor and people, but
We hope to meet again in home ano
church-.not made with hands, eternal il
the Heavens!
SABBATH SCHOOL.
A full account of the Sabbath school,
work, as prepared by Prof. E. Bigelow:
1t will be impossible for me today, !e
give anything like complete history OF
the Congregational Sabbath school.
This Sabbath school was organized il
the year 1857, a very short time previous
to the organization OF the Congregational
church, in the building then and since
known as "Headquarters," standing
where the elegant brick store of r. Dun:
keimann now stands.
Herman r. Davidson was the first 81