Written by Phil Wala
1874 (September 5)
Most local newspapers have been devoting considerable attention to the conflict within Centenary Methodist Church, but only the Gopher Mirror publishes the more sensational details, such as the apparently unfounded accusations of fathering an illegitimate child that were going back and forth between Methodist ministers.
To find out more about this conflict within Centenary Church, and how it led to the founding of Hennepin Avenue Church, read Aspire! 150 Years at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church, on sale at the church beginning September 28.
1889 (September 4)
Rev. R. N. McKaig has been told that his assignment as pastor of Hennepin Avenue M. E. Church will not be renewed for a customary third year. In his place, the church board has arranged for the services of Rev. Otis Tiffany, a well-known Methodist pastor from the east coast. Church members are reportedly sympathetic towards McKaig and his wife Laura, sympathy no doubt enhanced by the tragic event that began his final month at Hennepin – the death and burial of their 22-month-old daughter. (Minneapolis Tribune)
1892 (September 4)
The new Asbury Hospital, which opened its doors three days ago in the former Medical College building at 6th and Portland (top photo), is dedicated, with Bishop Fowler as the principal speaker. Hennepin Church member Sarah Harrison Knight, daughter of church founder Thomas Asbury Harrison, is the main donor to this project, and former pastor Rev. J. F. Chaffee serves as president. In 1906, the hospital moves into a new building across from Elliot Park (bottom) where it will continue to operate until 1959 when it moves to St. Louis Park and is renamed Methodist Hospital.
From the Hennepin Church archives, a color film clip from 1942 highlighting Hennepin’s visitation ministry includes a scene of a visit to Asbury Hospital at its Elliot Park location.
Watch this film clip:
1913 (September 9)
Hennepin pastor Andrew Gillies had been somewhat lukewarm on the topic of women’s suffrage until a trip to England changed his mind. (Minneapolis Tribune)
1922 (September 4)
WLAG, the first full-time high power radio station in Minneapolis goes on the air – and the very first day of broadcasting features vocal performances by Hennepin Church soloist Karolyn Harris. In 1924, this station will be sold to the Washburn-Crosby Company (later renamed General Mills) and change its call letters to WCCO. (Minneapolis Tribune -excerpt)
1948 (September 7)
Broadway star and Minneapolis native June Hawkins is in town and says her heart is full of gratitude to Hennepin Avenue Church, and to her godfather, T. B. Walker. (Minneapolis Star)
1968 (September 7)
Rev. Roger Lynn, Minister of Education at Hennepin Church, joins the protests at the Democratic Convention in Chicago. (Minneapolis Star – excerpt)
1971 (September 7)
Three years after the Democratic Convention, Rev. Roger Lynn again finds himself, not just in the news, but in the history books, as the officiant at the country’s first legally recognized gay marriage. To find out more about this event read Aspire! 150 Years at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church, on sale at the church beginning September 28. (Minneapolis Star)
1998 (September 6)
Rev. David Wheeler joined the staff of Hennepin Church in June 1997 as Minister of Evangelism (later changed to Minister of Invitation). On this Sunday, Rev. Wheeler took the bold step of speaking extemporaneously, using his sermon time to answer questions submitted by the congregation. In this recording, you will also hear a children’s message from Rev. Tom Biatek, Minister of Youth and Young Adults, and a liturgy honoring Labor Day.
Listen to a recording of this service here: