|
|
The
Shakopee Argus chronicled this day's events in the Thursday, August
26th issue of 1869. It stated the following.
The
dedication of a church building by the Germans of the Methodist
Episcopal Church in the township of Sand Creek, Scott County,
took place on Sunday, August 8th. The service was in connection
with their Fourth Quarterly Meeting, the last for the present
conference year, and the last which their present excellent Presiding
Elder, the Rev. Mr. Schaeffer, will hold for them as his term
(4 years) as Presiding Elder on this district expires at their
next Annual Conference to be held in Milwaukee, commencing on
the 16th of September next, Bishop Clark presiding.
The
morning was cloudy, but the day was all that could be wished for
the occasion. The services consisted of a Love Feast in the morning
at 9 o'clock, preaching by the Presiding Elder at 10:30, after
which the sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered. About
60 Germans, members, and the writer believes, some Lutherans,
with about twenty English-speaking Americans, partook. At 2:15
PM the writer preached in English. The congregation would number,
the writer thinks, 175 at each service.
The
building is a frame, with a very tastily finished spire; is plain
but neaty finished inside and out, and will seat comfortably,
about 140 persons.
The
arrangement made to accommodate the people to wait from the morning
to the afternoon service was excellent. The friends of the church
brought with them a cold collection, and distributed and ate it
on the spot.
The
cost of the building, as the German pastor informed the writer,
is about $700, about $150 of which was unpaid on the morning of
the dedication. After the morning service, a collection was taken
up to meet the Presiding Elder's claim; and after the sermon,
the Pastor asked for $150 to clear the building debt. In a few
minutes, he counted in cash and subscriptions, $150.
The
service as a whole was pleasant, profitable, and successful one,
and so the Lord makes His work to be.
---Thomas
Day |
|
