Written by Phil Wala
1900 (June 3)
Dr. C. B. Mitchell, pastor of Hennepin Church swaps pulpits with Dr. J. S. Montgomery, pastor of Wesley Church, and suffers a wardrobe malfunction.
1901 (June 2)
Preaching at the Sunday evening service is Rev. Anna Shaw, M. D. As a young woman, Shaw wore men’s pants and short hair, determined to succeed in a world dominated by men. Although she was denied financial aid because of her gender, she graduated from the Boston University School of Theology in 1878. She was refused ordination by the Methodist Episcopal Church, so received her ordination from another branch of Methodism – the Methodist Protestant Church. Shaw was the second woman ordained in any branch of Methodism.
While pastoring in Massachusetts, Shaw earned her medical degree from Boston University. She gave up pastoring after seven years, saying that it was too hard to “fight the church in addition to the devil.” Instead, Shaw became an orator, speaking throughout the world in support of temperance, women’s suffrage, and peace.
Unfortunately, her reputation as a champion of women’s rights was tarnished by her rejection of racial equality. Eventually, Shaw succeeded Susan B. Anthony as president of the National American Woman Suffrage Association. Shaw’s lifelong companion was Susan B. Anthony’s niece, Lucy Anthony.
1916 (June 2)
Mr. and Mrs. T. B. Walker have purchased the former Lowry Mansion (near the current site of the Walker Art Gallery) and moved out of their home on the southeast corner of 8th and Hennepin (current location of the State Theater). They will host a Sunday School picnic on their lawn, continuing the tradition they had at their former home of allowing public use of their grounds, and access to their art gallery.
1922 (May 29)
Radio broadcasting is in its infancy in Minneapolis. By September, the city will have its first full-power clear-channel radio station.¹ But for now, there are a handful of low-power stations sharing the airwaves. One of those stations is WBAD, owned by the Minneapolis Journal newspaper. Tonight, Minneapolis radio enthusiasts will be able to don their headphones and tune into WBAD for a concert by a quartet from the Hennepin Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church choir.
¹ WLAG, which later became WCCO.
1937 (May 30)
The Minneapolis Journal has been highlighting local church choirs, and this week it is Hennepin’s turn. The choir is shown in the choir loft, which was above the platform until 1954. The choir director and organist is Thure Frederickson. Is there anyone in the choir that you recognize?
1965 (May 29)
Dr. Chester Pennington and his family are greeted after a service marking his tenth anniversary as pastor of Hennepin Church. (Minneapolis Star)
1968 (June 1)
The Evangelical United Brethren and Methodist denominations have merged to form the United Methodist Church. Dr. Chester Pennington helps unveil the sign showing the church’s new name. (Minneapolis Star)
1973 (May 30)
The flag on Hennepin’s flagpole gets caught on the light fixtures. The Minneapolis Fire Department ladder company comes to the rescue. (Minneapolis Star)
