Written by Phil Wala

1874 (September 22)

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The conflict in Centenary Church wasn’t just making headlines in Minneapolis. Here’s what the St. Paul Dispatch had to say in a blistering editorial. For a more even-tempered and objective analysis of the conflict that led to the formation of Hennepin Church, read Aspire! 150 Years at Hennepin Avenue UMC, available September 28. 

1878 (September 17)

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Three years after its formation, Hennepin Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church is so identified with the “Tabernacle” building it now occupies, that many now refer to it as “Tabernacle M.E. Church.” And in contrast to the opprobrium attached to the Centenary conflict, the Minneapolis Tribune now describes the new Hennepin church in glowing terms.

1896 (September 22)

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Hennepin Church hires Bavarian violinist and composer Emil Oberhoffer as its new choir director, a role he will fill for six years. After his time at Hennepin, Oberhoffer organized the Minnesota Orchestra, and served as its conductor for the first nineteen years.

1943 (September 23)

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In the process of directing people to the blood donation center, a Minneapolis Daily Times columnist learns the architectural term for Hennepin’s spire.

1950 (September 23)

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The Minneapolis Star editorial page congratulates Hennepin Church on tomorrow’s dedication of the new educational wing and welcomes back Bishop and former Hennepin pastor Richard Raines after two years’ absence.

Incredibly, the church archives has an audio recording of this 1950 service on reel-to-reel tape. It is by far the oldest audio recording we have. Raines’ pastorate had ended just two years earlier when he was made bishop. Harold Ruopp was pastor. And the church, celebrating its 75^th anniversary, was one-half its present age. The recording contains Raines’ message entitled “Christianity’s Promises and Demands,” followed by the dedication ceremony.

Listen to this remarkable piece of history from 75 years ago: [Click Here]

And read the 75^th anniversary booklet, which contains the order of service, a brief church history, and also the program for the three anniversary dinners being held that same week.

[Click Here]

1959

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Hennepin’s University of Life was launched in September 1934. In 1959 a booklet was published commemorating the program’s 25^th anniversary, including a short history of how the University of Life started. To read this booklet click here.

1986 (September 19)

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Bob Keeshan, better known as television’s “Captain Kangaroo,” comes to Hennepin Church. (Minneapolis Star Tribune)