Morning journal and courier., 1883-08-21
In His New Home.

A Former New Haven Rabb1-HIs Work
 tn St. Paul., Mtnn.,-The Wonderful
 Growth of That Cfty-I4is New Temple
 Father WechsIer's Colony of Russian
 Jews-Six Hundred of the Refugees.
 Rev. MT. Wechsler, formerly rabbi of the Court street synagogue in New Haven, where he preached last Saturday, now of St. Paul, Minn., which place he went to from this city five years ago, finds it very pleasant revisit ing New Haven, and recalls the following concerning his new home, his work there in building fine Jewish temple which has been crowned with signal success, also regarding his efforts and work for. the well being of the Russian Jews, of whom he says St. Paul received the largest number of any city of it's size in the Union. Since going to St. Paul have built temple which was dedi- cated last August. I was assisted materially and most generously by the Christian people of St. Paul in the prosecution of the work, re- ceiving no less than $5, 900 from that source alone. It was rather more than $5, 900. Be- side that the Christian population generously helped us in a grand fair which we held, which netted $2, 900. The temple cost about $14,90O, exclusive of the lot, and is beauti- ful eaifce, standing in the most prominent part of the city. The small debt yet remain ing upon it I intend to liquidate by the pro- ceeds of another fair we will hold. I have been much helped and aided by many friends among the most prominent men in the city.
 My heart has been greatly enlisted in be- half of the Russian refugees who were sent to St. Paul, where fully 600 were received, ,- more than any other city of it's size in the Union. For the last eighteen months h ave given much time to benefit them temporarily and spiritually. The delegation sent to our care at St. Paul numbered 300, all coming at once, but we took care of them. They were sent us by the Mansion House commit tee of London. We were all very earnest in the care of them to ameGorate their cares and prevent them from suffering. The lib- erality of the city and people of St. Paul in their behalf, they can never forget. The Chamber Of Commerce there. amount was contributed for them by the Common Council of that city. Also raised large sums for them in the neighboring towns and cities where there were no Israel itish residents.
 How many Israelites are there in your church membership We have sixty fami- lies in our church-the Reformed church. Yes, we have an Orthodox Jewish church also in St. Paul.
 How did you dispose of the GOO refugee friends Did they settle with you there in St. Paul ? Many are settled there, but I founded colony of forty of them at point near Bismarck. This was in June, 1882, and this colony with accessions we sent on and the natural increase has increased to two hun dred and ten souls.
 Is the colony fourishing, and how was it maintained2 ? Yes, the colony is very flour ishing and is the most hourishing of any in the United States It is called the Wechsler colony.
 They must look up. to you in a sort of flial way. Yes, they call me their father. The place itself is called Painted Woods, and it is as said near Bismarck. had just re. turned from visit to them previous to leaving for New Haven. We have maintained them until now that the harvest is. near they can sustain themselves. We obtained for each settler a land grant of 16O acres. They have (, 900 acres under cultivation. We pro- vided them with seed, farming implements and food. For this purpose raised $11, ,OOO for them, which monies were sent tonne in- dividually for their maintenance.
 What religious denomination is numerical ly the largest in St. Paul? The Roman Catholic population exceeds by far any other denomination.
 How rapidly is St. Paul growing !? Very rapidly indeed. When I went there five years ago the population was 90, 900. It is now 8O,OOO and more. Isn't that pretty good for St. Paul?