The Mankato free press., 1902-06-27
GIFT OF COL. WIDELL AND FAMILY
A. @. Eberha rt Makes Formal Presenta-
ton, and Rev. A. E. Ericsson Re-
spends with Fitting Words
INTERESTING MUSICAL PROGRAM

TO modern times CnorS ls duOGneT
prominent Swede that the country
owes debt of gratitude to, and that
is brave old John Ericsson. His
genius and ability gave the North the
power to crush hydra headed rebellion
and give us the freedom we have. One
who did not participate in the war
can scarcely realize what the country
owes to him. He inaugurated new
mode of naval warefsre, and modern
navies are the evolution of the moni-
tor planned by him.
Gov. Van SAINT said that he was
pleased to see the decorations in the
church, and the flag among them.
The flag is sometimes not found in
churches, but he was one of the num-
Der who believe that religion and
patriotism should go hand in hand.
There is no place too sacred for the
flag. This is your country as much
as ours. We come from every coun-
| try, but we are American citizens if
we love the flag. Your race is doing
its duty everywhere, and is helping to
develop this country, and is true to
every trust. You are welcome here.
We have equality of citizenship and
of opportunity. A poor boy came to
America from Sweden twenty years
ago, and by push and energy has won
wealth and prominence. He is our
own Col. Widell. bid you all God
speed and hope you will live long to
hear the peals of this organ, the
princely gift of your fellow citizen.
Miss Jennie Hughes sang the solo.
CANCELS Ever Bright and Fair, by
Handel. in an accomplished manner.
DR.. Lagerstrom followed with the
organ solo, "The Thunder Storm, -
by Ryder. 1t gave an opportunity to
display the volume and range of the
organ. When the storm was at its
height the building was filed with
deep peals, as though Of thunder. that
verberated and reverberated about
the ceiling, making a very realistic
effect, The organ is certainly a fine
one, with pure, soft notes and great
range
DR.. Carlson gave an address in
Swedish, that frequently moved his
hearers to laughter. He is an interest
ing and forcible speaker.
Messrs. Rosenberger and Aamold
gave the violin and cello duet, "The
Holy City," by Adams, in very
pleasing manner.
Gov. Van SAINT and DR.. Carlson at
this point excused themselves. in
order to catch the train.
The quartet sang, "The Beautiful
Land" by Jones, effectively.
Harry Iverson played a cornet solo,
"Solvejgs Song, :" by Grieg, with
organ accompaniment. ne displayed
great deal of ability as musician.
A. o. Eberhart said that the pleas
antest task had been allotted to him.
This was the only instance of it's kind
in the history of the church. Several
wealthy members had contributed lib
orally, but none so we'll understood
the secret of church progress as Col.
Widell, as this beautiful pipe organ
showed Mrs. Widell also had part
in it, as it was at her suggestion that
a new instead of second hand one
had been purchased. Six months ago,
nobody thought that the church would
be able to get pipe organ in less
than FIVE years, and it would have
been considered beyond the range of
possibility had anyone suggested
that the governor would be pres
ent. All were proud of his
presence and also of the best colonel
on his staff. Mr.. Eberhart said that
he would suggest that when Gov.
Van SAINT reappoints his staff after
election he advance Col Widell to the
highest position on it.
Mr.. Eberhart said that the church
would fully appreciate this. useful
gift, which had been given in most
unselfish spirit. Had Col. Widell de-
sired notoriety, he could have made
the gift to larger and stronger
church. While no limitations were
placed upon the gift, the donor has
the earnest wish that it may never be
used to cover up discord in the
church, or to lull to sleep a dormant,
inactive congregation. The work of
the pastor, church and congregation
has been exceptionally harmonious,
and an absence of envy and strife has
been enjoyed. With this fine gift, the
church is in a position to accomplish
much more than in the past, for
words of song are more attractive than
preaching. No better reward can be
given the donor than that the pipe
organ mingle it's rich, sweet, powerful
strains with the united voice of the
congregation.
On behalf of Col. Widell and his
family, Mr.. Eberhart said that he had
the pleasure of presenting as a gift
forever to the-chnrch the nine, n--~..