Written by Phil Wala

Answers to Last Week’s Questions:

1. 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? 

Answer: Hugh Galbraith Harrison was the second mayor of the city of Minneapolis, serving for one year, from April 1868 to April 1869.

2. 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? 

Answer: The Centenary Church feud that led to the formation of Hennepin Church was so bitter that at one point, a knockout punch was delivered during a Sunday School meeting. John Horton was the man who delivered the famous blow.

1962 (November 25)

This week we dig into the church archives to share an audio recording of a sermon preached 62 years ago this week. Dr. Chester A. Pennington, who was Hennepin’s senior pastor from March 1955 to September 1972, came to Minnesota from New York City, and quickly earned a reputation as one of the country’s best preachers. In this sermon from November 25, 1962 (while JFK was president), Pennington compares the Christian life to jazz music, as he answers the question, “What does God want me to do?” Some of the themes he addresses are surprisingly relevant today. Click the image of the reel-to-reel tape deck to listen.

1881 (November 27)

After six years worshipping in rented facilities and in their wood-frame Tabernacle, Hennepin Avenue Church dedicates their new building on the SW corner of 10th and Hennepin. Notice that the streets have not yet been paved. Hennepin would occupy the “red brick church” from 1881 to 1911. (photo courtesy Minnesota Historical Society)

1885 (November 26)

Pastor J. L. Pitner preaches the Thanksgiving service at Hennepin Church. Elaborate decorations featuring products of the fall harvest will be distributed to the needy after the service. (Minneapolis Journal and Minneapolis Tribune)

1897 (November 29)

Hennepin Church holds another of its monthly “Mosaic” meetings featuring educational lectures and classical music. (Minneapolis Times)

1899 (November 26)

Hennepin Avenue Church breaks the Minneapolis record for the largest offering ever received, as members donate $32,000 (not including the piece of property also donated) toward a new building for Asbury Hospital. (Today that building is North Central University’s Miller Hall) (Minneapolis Times)

1899 (November 29)

The Hennepin Church Ladies’ Aid Society agrees that all the women of the church will begin the practice of removing their hats for worship services. Other churches follow Hennepin’s lead. (Minneapolis Tribune)

1916 (November 28)

The Hennepin Avenue Church basketball team suffers a humiliating loss, made even worse by the name of the team that beat them. It’s probably a good thing they didn’t know people would still be talking about this game 108 years later! (Minneapolis Tribune)

1951 (November 24)

Dr. Harold W. Ruopp, senior pastor of Hennepin Avenue Church since 1948, resigns due to poor health. He will be replaced by associate pastor Dr. Dwight Loder. (Minneapolis Tribune)