The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1910-06-30
Generosity of J. A. Caughren
Makes Dedication
Possible

This is a big week for Congrega-
tionalism in Sank Centre.
Half a century ago the American
Home Missionary Society sent a
young man into the then wilds OF
north central Minnesota to preach the
gospel. That man was G. S. Harri-
son. He took up the burdens laid
upon him, doing his work well and
laying the foundations deep and
strong for the future. Mr.. Harrison
began work at Paynesville where he
remained for a time. He then came
on to this point. Two years he
continued in the harness here, doing
as fine earnest and successful mis-
siOnary work as any man in the west.
From the good seed sown by Mr.
Harrison sprang the First Congrega-
tional church of Sank Centre, which
was organized early in January, 1867.
That year a building was erected, a
second was purchased from the Pres
kyterians in 1872, the present hand
some brick structure was completed
and occupied in 1904. This last build
ing was dedicated on Monday, June
81.
TIL anniversary services began Sun
day morning, June &c, when the hand
members Of the church and congre-
Cation and others interested. Mr..
Harrison was present, whlte-halred
hut vigorous, and delivered the ser
mon The present pastor, Rev. F. h.
Oehler, the ninth who has served
the church in that capacity, presided.
A special choir consisting of Mrs. O..
II. Schl usener and Miss McMasters,
sopranos: Mesdames R. (. Hansen
and A. w. Austin, altos; messrs. A.
F Strebel and A. w. Austin, bass;
Jas. A. Norris, tenor; furnished the
music. Miss Winifred Cooper accom-
panying on the piano. Mrs. Austin
rendered a fine vocal solo Immediate
Nv b.fore the sermon. The church
was Hastily decorated with foliage
plants and cut flowers.
Mr.. Harrison's discourse contain
ed many interesting "reminiscences OF
his early work here and in Paynes-
Vile. He took his text from Psalm
72:16: There shall be abundance OF
grain in the earth upon the top OF
the mountains He enunciated the
principle that whenever the spirit OF
God is in any work that work will
prosper in spite of all opposition, dis
enlargement and obstacles. Inc
work Of the early days in this locall-
tv. said Mr. Harrison, was done under
great stress. Many privations were
suffered and much suffering endured
He arrived in Paynesville in 1857,
and held the fort until 1860, when the
Methodists came in. He then came C
Sank Centre and labored for two
years. Mr.. Harrison related many
interesting stories Of his hardships
his privations, his faith and his re
wards He 1t fully rewarded fer all
his labors, when he looked upon the
fine house Of worship the Congrega'
tional church Of Sank Centre now
enjoys. Mr.. Harrison's sermon was
listened to attentively by the large
audience, all Of when were greatly
interested.
The o'clock vesper service was
featured by fraternal greetings pre-
sented by the pastors of the other
Protestant churches of the city. Rev
T. T. B. Smith, pastor of the Meth
odist church, was the first speaker
He referred to Christ's words when
he said: 81 am the vine; We are the
branches This smile, said the
speaker, applied to the church today
There are many denominations, bu
one church. The church is the vine
the denominations the branches. Eaci
denomination has it's own special wor
tc do. but all occupy common grount
in that they are laboring for the ex
tension of Christ's kingdom in thu
world. He presented the cordia