The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1920-05-28
The Transformation
of a Community
j. M. Balm, D. D.

tuc SulSd5op duhCC
and st. Paul railroad through the
semi mountainous regions west Of
the Mississippi, that forms the gate
way to the great western prairies, a
junction is reached, bounded by two
hill ranges, forest faced and rock
capped, shutting completely out of
view well cultivated farms, the home
of peoples representing several of the
European nations. The wealth of na-
tue, beauty OF scenery and seclusion
attention of unworthy characters, who
made it rendezvous for Sunday
hunting parties, picnics of a debauch-
ed character, bowery dances and the
like. Drunken brawls, dog fighting,
reckless use of firearms, made it ply
sically as well as moral unsafe to be
in the vicinity.
Many families in the community
were far from being hostile to the
church in the earlier years of settle
ment, but because of long absence of
anything Of religious character and
frequent gatherings as stated of ut
terly demoralizing character, it was
but natural that the young especially
would imbide destructive habits, vio-
lating with impunity laws Of both
man and God.
One family with a summer resi-
dence near the station, singlehanded
had checked in a large measure the
lawless doings Of vicious gatherings
from surrounding towns and were un-
ceasing in their efforts to secure some
kind of public christian service.
IN I.,A hnt
answered and the way was opened
for the much needed reformation. A
faithful Sunday school missionary
who frequently changed cars at this
junction was appealed to for help
which was readily granted. After much
visitation Sunday school was or
ganized and Presbyterian minister
was invited to give an occasional SER
mon greatly to the delight of the few
who attended.
At the first service an old Scotch
man declared that he had not heard
a sermon for thirty five years before
congregation of whom it was said
they had never darkened the door
of a church." The school was organic
ed and carried on in the parlor of
this summer residence because the
public school building but few rods
from the station was refused for
church or Sunday school purposes.
For fear the school building might
be secured from the school board a
company of goddess fellows rode up
at the, time given out for. service with
sary, one of the company said;" while
there is drop of blood in my veins
there will never be a meeting in the
school house." When they saw that
the services were to be held in pri-
vate dwelling they rode off with
shouting and loud oaths down the
valley. The school gradually grew
both in number and interest so that in
less than year nearly all the points
on the chart of the Sunday school
standard were introduced.
Rarely did this little company meet
for Sunday school or church services
without being treated to a luncheon
by the kind lady in whose home they
met, who was a graduate of the state
university and had, been principal of
city school and county superinten-
dent of public instruction.
Not only were many won to ap-
preciative attendance upon the ser
vices but evidences of true CONVEX
sion were seen. More than dozen
young people at one time expressed
The old Scotchman after a struggle
of three hours in his cabin alone
with the Missionary and his God sur
rendered himself to Christ and is now
properly clothed with becoming Ian
guage, instead of wretchedness in ap-
pearance, profane and drunken when
ever he could secure liquor Bowery
dances with other objectional gath
erings gradually gave place to Sun
day school picnics, Christmas exerci-
es. Children's Day programs and pa
triotic celebrations. y
At service conducted by the writ
er committee was appointed to wait
upon the pastors of the, nearest viii
lage to arrange with them for a regu-
lar preaching service. i
All this by Gods blessing upon the
persistent intelligent efforts of one
family possessed with a determine
ton to better society.