The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1882-06-02
MANKATO CHURCHES.
Fifteen Denominations Represen-
ted, Each Having a Place
of Worship.

Wherever churches are established
and spires of school buildings pierce
the sky, there is found cnlightmcnt and
Christianity, two powerful levers which
control the world. Mankato is blessed
with her share of these civiizing in
fluences both in number and SUPERIOR
ty. OF churches we have fifteen. A
brief summary of which we append.
METHODIST.
The Mankato Mission was first formed
in Sept. 1854. 1t then, with all of
Minnesota Territory belonged to the
Wisconsin conference. There was then
only one district in the territory, which
was presided over by the now venerable
David Brooks, as presiding Elder. Rev.
Lewis Bell preached in this ocction of
country in the year as above given and
it is said preached once where the City
of Mankato now stands. In Sept. 1855
Rev. Jno. w. Rowell was sent us the
first regular pastor of Mankato mission.
The people in that early day wor-
shipped in small log school house.
We would here say that the first pastor
still lives to do valient and heroic
service for his Master. Bro. Rowcll re-
ceived SIS for his first years work. The
first Quarterly conference was held at
Mankato, March 90, 1856. George Good
see and A. p. Parrot were the stewards
and Bro. PARROT is still respected
member of this church.
In the fall of 1856, Charles G. Hidden
was appointed pastor, with the Rev.
John Kearns as presiding elder. The
Minnesota Conference was established
this year. In the year 1857 the names
of Brothers Rev. Sibley and Millnor APP
pear as church officers.
Rev. T. S. Given was the third pastor.
In the fall of 1859, Rev. b. Y. Coffin
was appointed pastor. in this year the
name of Jno. N. Hall appears in the
Conference minutes.
At the beginning of the Conference
year of 1860, Rev. A. G. Perkins was
appointed presiding Elder and Rev.
John Kearns as pastor. These names
should be enrolled among the heroes of
Mcthodism.
We now read the name of Clark Key
sor as one of the burden bearers of the
church.
April 8, 1861, Jno. Kearns resigned
the pastOrate and Rev. A. Y. Smith was
appointed.
1863, J.. G. Rich was presiding Elder,
with Rev. Thos. Day, pastor. Bro. Day
secured the lot on which the church
now stands. The people then wor-
SHIPPED in City Hall.
In the year 1864, the board of trustees
made their first written report which
was signed by Brothers Hall and Par
rOtt, rs trustees.
In the fall of 1865 David Ticc came
as pastor. Bro. Tice built the present
church ediiice, only completing the
basement. This year we read the names
of Brothers May Pearson, Bcebe and
Geo. Bradley as church officers.
In the fall of 1867 Rev. +. II. Lathrop
was appointed pastor with Rev. Norris
Hobart as presiding Elder. Bro. Ho-
bart still lives in this city, highly re-
spected and loved by all.
In the fall of 1860, Rev. S. G. Gale
was pastor, and completed the church
building but was obliged TO leave the
church heavily in debt.
1871 G. w. T. Wright was presiding
Elder and J. r. Creighton, pastor.
1878 James Door was pastor and
served the charge two years.
1875 Harvey Webb was presiding
Elder and T. McClary, pastor.
1878 Rev. j. II. McComber was ap-
pointed pastor and the present efficient
presiding Elder in the district.
In the fall of 1879, Rev. Charles w.
Savidge was appointed pastor. At the
beginning of his pastorate the church
was in debt $4,000, the last of which
was paid May II, 1882. The church
property is now valuable one, entirely
free from debt. The Sabbath school is
large and flourishing under the efficient
management of Gardner barr, who is
the very prince of Sabbath school super.
intendents. The present membership
is $50. The outlook for the church is
very hopeful.
We cannot close this short historic