Written by Phil Wala
1895 (November 17)
As Hennepin Church celebrates its sesquicentennial (150th anniversary), we look back to 1895 when the church was only 20 years old. On November 17, 1895, the church published a special 24-page vigintennial (20th anniversary) edition of its monthly newsletter, “The Hennepin Avenue Church Bell.”
This 1895 newsletter is packed with articles and photos covering the first 20 years of Hennepin Church history. It includes the text of addresses and sermons delivered on anniversary Sunday, three weeks prior. There are portraits of church pioneers, letters from former pastors, and photographs of the old “red brick church” building on 10th and Hennepin. And you will read the words of our 19th-century forebears as they reflected on their aspirations for the future – little imagining that the church they pioneered would continue to serve its community through the entire 20th century and into 21st.
Click the image below to view a digital scan of this treasure from the church archives:
Who knows the answers to these questions? (answers will be posted next week)
- The memorial article about church founding member H. G. Harrison fails to mention a significant role he once played in the early days of the city of Minneapolis. What was that role?
- This issue of the “Church Bell” contains a picture of the late John Horton who played a significant role in the history and lore of Hennepin Church. What did John Horton do that earned him notoriety?
1885 (November 19)
Rev. J. L. Pitner, pastor of Hennepin Avenue Church, announced his aspiration to open a fully equipped modern hospital in Minneapolis, built by the Methodists of the city. It would treat people of all classes, including those unable to pay. His dream wouldn’t be fulfilled while he was pastor. But seven years later, Asbury Hospital (later Methodist Hospital) opened its doors.
1885 (November 22)
Rev. A. Hollington of Toledo, first pastor of Hennepin Church, returned to preach for the church’s tenth anniversary service, in the red brick church on 10th and Hennepin.
1890 (November 21)
The Methodist Church seems likely to approve admitting women as lay delegates to the general conference. Hennepin pastor Rev. Otis H. Tiffany is an avowed opponent of this move, believing it would be “unwomanly.”
1891 (November 21)
Centenary Church, the church from which Hennepin Church formed, will soon move to their new building at Grant Street and 1st Avenue South and be renamed “Wesley Methodist Church.” They have sent Hennepin Church a proposal to join them in this move and reunite with their mother church. Hennepin members would politely decline their offer.
1898 (November 22)
Evangelists Hunter and Crossley are holding revival meetings at Hennepin Church every night this week, except Saturday.
1915 (November 18)
T. B. Walker has purchased the estate of the late Thomas Lowry, across Groveland Street from Hennepin Church’s new cathedral now under construction.
1992 (November 20)
Tickets are on sale for the sixth year of “The Nativity – A Living Pageant of Christmas” at Hennepin Church.
