Morning journal and courier., 1885-01-17
CORRESPONDENCE.


Some Church Matters in Minneapolis.
 MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., Jan. IA.
 To the Editor of the JOURNAL COURIER:
 Now that our new chapel is actually dedi- cated, my friends and others who watch the growth of religion in these western cities may be interested in some of the steps leading to this consummation. About eighteen years ago, when Minneapolis was in it's infancy, the pastor of Plymouth church, Rev. C. c. Salt CT, originated the Second Congregational church, which struggled along under suc- cession of brief pastorates, enjoying slow but steady growth. Ten years ago, by sacri- fees that can hardly be exceeded if the means of the members be taken into account, a church edifce was erected at total cost of $22, 900. Under the faithful leadership of Rev. E. s. Williams, Yale graduate well known in New Haven, the church was lifted wholly out of debt and made not only self-supporting, but strong and influ ential in the community. But with the ''boom' of 1880, lasting till 1884, and that carried the population of Mime apolis from 40, ,000 up to 12O, 1000, there came thousands of Scandinavians, sober, industri- ous and highly religious people, but not readily assimilating with native Americans. For some reason these foreigners selected that part of the city where our church stood as the location for their homes, places of business and churches. The inevitable re- suit was that we were crowded out Seven foreign churches were built within two squares of ours, and eighth will be built next season. The religious public has kind ly insisted on it duty to min ister to these Scandinavians. But when we undertook to do so, we found that they were more faithful than ourselves in church going, more studious of their Bibles, more staunch advocates of temperance and other reforms, and that, instead of recognizing our pious advances, they claimed to have special .mis- sion to reconstruct American religion after their own ideas. They are now poor, and for that reason need help; but with their frugal and industrious habits they are going to be rich and will always be independent. They have, to great degree, shaken off the letters of the State religions of Europe, and advocating an independence all most amounting to individualism. For the last year we have been trying to see our duty and do it in regard to these inter esting people. The final result is that we have built anew on lots half a mile distant, and have invited Rev. MT. Skogsberg Ia man whose name may not be familiar to your readers, but who is famous throughout all Scandinavia, to open a theological seminary in our old church. This invitation was promptly accepted and the institution is now in operation The intention is to make it the headquarters of home missionary movements among the Scandinavians of the Northwest
 The dedication of our new house of wor- ship on Park avenue is more of circumstance than one living at a distance might suppose. The building itself is a model of church arch lecture, and we find ourselves suddenly transplanted from one of the least desirable to one of the most eligible locations in the entire city. The edifce was crowded to hear the dedicatory sermon by Rev. R. G. Hutchins, D. D., the eloquent pastor of the Plymouth church, fol- lowed by brief addresses from nine other pastors, whose presence on the first Sunday of the year indicated their interest in the oo- casion. The importance of the site we have chosen, as strategic point, may be inferred, on learning that the city limits are three miles south of our chapel, the space is rapid 1y filling up with permanent residents. most ly Americans, and there is not at present @ single competing church of any denomination in all that wide and inviting field! Of course there are those whose lines reach beyond us but my remark refers to houses of worship It would seem remarkable that such broad area should have been hitherto unoccupied were it not that most of the dwellings in it, and varying in style from the laborer's cot tage to the princely mansion of the retired capitalist, have been constructed sduring the last two years. H. O. HovEY