William Holcombe, Henrietta Holcombe, Eliza B. Whitney, Ebenezer K. Colton, Cornelius Lyman, Emily Lyman and Samuel T. Chamberlain.

Three of the seven were elected ruling elders: William Holcombe, Cornelius Lyman, and Ebenezer Colton. The first two of these were inducted into office at this meeting and Mr. Colton was ordained and installed on the following Sabbath, the Rev. E.D. Neill presiding and administering the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.”

The services were held for a time in a schoolhouse, corner of Third and Olive Streets.

To provide a church or house of worship was not easy with so few members, not much money and personal necessities so great. Labor was scarce and building materials a thousand miles east of the Mississippi. But through self-denial, perseverance and pioneer hardiness, on a lovely August day in 1851, the first church to be erected in this region was dedicated. A sermon was preached from Hebrews 12:22-24 by Dr. Potts of St. Louis. The first church stood just north of the Elliott House which was located on the northwest corner of Third and Chestnut Streets. Rev. Mr. Whitney served this church as stated supply for four years assisted by Rev. Mr. Boutwell and Rev. Mr. Neill.”

The early 1850’s were marked in national history as a period of great unrest, for these were the pre-Civil-war days with slavery a raging issue. However, this was a period of tremendous growth in the Territory of Minnesota and in Stillwater. The city was granted its charter in 1854 with John McKusick as first mayor. Residents now had additional services and opportunities for employment. There was a bookstore, a furniture store, a boot and shoe store, a tin shop, a jewelry store. An Express Office had been opened, a foundry was in operation, an Armory Hall built, and plans were announced for the first stone building in the city.

It was December 1853 that the rev. Henry M. Nichols was called as the first regular pastor of the Presbyterian congregation, serving first as stated supply and then as pastor until 1860. During Mr. Nichols’ pastorate a prayer and conference meeting was established, to be held one Saturday afternoon each month. (According to church notes not many were present.) In November 1854, a church manual was published containing the covenant and names of the communicants, and a copy was given to every member of the church. A Copy of the Church Psalmist was placed in each pew at the expense of the Trustees. In the spring of 1856, Dr. J.K. Reiner and Rev. Boutwell were elected to the office of ruling elder. May 29th of that same year the first child was baptized.

It was a year of progress for Stillwater—1856. Main Street was being filled, graded and otherwise improved with macadam surface and stone gutters. Several hundred feet of board sidewalk had been built on Main St. and was now being added on the south side of Chestnut St. Pure delight for pedestrians! The town’s four sawmills were cutting thousands of feet of lumber daily, thus providing employment for several hundred men. It was an exceedingly hot summer, temperatures hitting over 100°. Chippewa warriors were in town to demonstrate Indian dancing with painted faces and feather headdresses. Potatoes were selling at 60¢ per bushel; flour, $9 a barrel; eggs, 25¢ a doz.; apples $5 a barrel; and chickens were 50¢ each.

And it was a year of controversy in the Presbyterian Church. William Holcombe, one of the charter members, was instrumental in formation of the Second Presbyterian Church. The division was along Old School and New School theology, as it existed in those days, Old being more traditional, and New, a more pietistic, evangelistic approach to religion. This was not just a local issue, for nation-wide there was disunion. Mr. Holcombe, a forceful, political man and public leader (two years later, when the Territory became a State, he was elected Lt. Governor), and other recalcitrants built a church on the corner of Pine and Fourth streets at their own expense. This was generally spoken of in the early days as the “Holcombe Church.”

Even with some members defecting to the new church, the First Presbyterian Church needed new and larger quarters. Plans were made to erect a new building on the corner of Third and Myrtle Streets. It was dedicated on Feb. 7, 1857. Businesses were failing in the east, but it was a year of great building “boom” in Stillwater. An estimated 120 new buildings were erected between April 1 and November 1. The people were celebrating the passage of a bill granting one million three hundred thousand acres of public land to aid in the construction of railroads in Minnesota, commencing at Stillwater and extending northwest indefinitely. Considerable excitement prevailed about the “iron horse” that would be operating between Stillwater, St. Paul, and St. Anthony, An attempt was being made by a number of young ladies to raise funds to secure a library with books to be kept in the store of Staples, Bronson & Co. They hoped this would provide the nucleus for a large library. A Poorhouse was built that year. A group of Rev. Nichols’ friends purchased a building site at the top of Chestnut Street hill. A home was built (the first manse) and the title placed in Mr. Nichols’ name instead of in the church. This indiscretion led to later difficulties, for legend has it that the Rev. Mr. Nichols eventually sold the house since the congregation owed him salary.

During that year of 1857, Mrs. Nichols called the ladies of the church together. On Feb. 11 they organized themselves as the Ladies Sewing Society. The eleven members named Mrs. Nichols the president, and agreed to pay 50¢ dues (gentlemen were welcome to become honorary members by paying $1). By August, meeting every two weeks, they had finished sewing carpet for the new church and the men helped them tack it down. By the following year interest had waned and they disbanded. When Mrs. Nichols attempted to interest the women in laying plans to liquidate the church debt that June she had little response so they disbanded again. The Nichols family answered a call to a church in Minneapolis in 1860 and shortly after met disaster. With the exception of a two-and-a-half year old son the family drowned in Lake Calhoun.

Not much is known about the next two years except that the church was supplied by Mr. Boutwell, a Rev. Richard Bull, and Rev. Nelson Clark, whose son, Thomas C. would become a Ruling Elder after he was educated and returned to Stillwater first as a teacher and later as a leading physician.

In 1862, the Rev. J.S. Howell, having served the Second Presbyterian Church for three years, and finding himself with opposing political views to the founder of that church, severed his connection there and stepped into the pulpit at the First Church, which position he filled for five years. (His life was filled with tragedy after leaving Stillwater in 1866. Within three years he had lost his wife and young child, and later a favorite daughter was killed in a runaway. Life became unbearable and he took his own life in 1875).

The women were becoming active again in 1861 when they formed the “Mite Society” and set dues at 10¢. This was the Civil War era; perhaps from a sense of patriotism they cut the offerings to 5¢, omitted serving lunches during their meetings, and used their money to buy yarn and knit mittens and socks for soldiers. A Sewing Society was also meeting and the records show that in 1862 they turned over their treasury of $3.55 to the Mite Society to buy yarn. The First Regiment of Minnesota Volunteers were the recipients of knitted articles. Surely there was heartache and anguish among parishioners who had loved ones off at war for one account tells of the cancellation of a picnic because of “sad news from the war and anxiety many had for friends from whom nothing was heard.”

The women seemed to organize to meet specific needs, for by 1864 a Ladies Sociable was created—object, to pay the sexton. (The Mite Society had disbanded the year before). The final meeting of the Ladies Sociable was held in April of 1865 at which time they bought blinds for the church, but they didn’t pay the sexton! Finally the sexton was paid in 1867 through the efforts of the reorganized Mite Society. They also raised money to pay for wood to heat the church—and then disbanded. Someone discovered the stoves weren’t paid for and the Ladies Sociable was revived to handle that debt.

“On the evening of June 25, 1866, following a day of remarkable sultriness, a storm of thunder, lightning and rain swept down upon the city from the southwest, and besides inflicting much damage to buildings, trees, etc.,….the fierce winds beat upon the steeple of the Myrtle Street church—(known by that name then)—until it finally yielded to the fury of the tempest and came crashing down into the street, and was smashed into a thousand pieces. The damage was estimated at a thousand dollars.” (Description found in History of St. Croix Valley).

An interesting account of the circumstances at that time is revealed in a letter sent to the Session by Elder Henry Crandall, dated June 15, 1913. Mr. Crandall reminisced, “When we met with the misfortune of having the spire taken off by storm, they appointed a committee to ascertain what it would cost to repair the damage together with some improvements which they wanted to make, and the estimate was $1500. They called a meeting of the trustees, and they proposed to mortgage the church to Mr. Staples and raise the money. I said, ‘No! If there is no one willing to raise the money I will’ I had the paper and raised $1500, and then the little band of Ladies always seemed to have some money and always responded when I needed money. ‘God bless the workers.’ They had $75 in money, and we needed some new chandeliers, they directed me to go to St. Paul and get them. I went to Pallack and Donaldson. I bought four at quite a discount costing $65. While in the city I thought we needed some new stoves. I called on Noyes Brothers, told them that we were just getting back in the old church, what I was doing and what we needed. Noyes (probably D.R.) says, ‘How would $50 do?’ I said, ‘Very nicely, I thank you.’ I went back to Pallack and Donaldson and told them my story and what I had done. They said, ‘How would $25 do!’ I told them it was good.

I came back with four chandeliers, two new box-stoves, and smaller gas fixtures, and burners. They all thought that was fine. The ladies had the seats cut down, and the church frescoed. So we went back in to the church well fitted up and out of debt.”

In the fall of 1867 the Rev. Edward B. Wright was called to serve as stated supply pastor at a salary of $1000 per year. (This must have seemed a phenomenal figure to Rev. Boutwell, then serving as chairman of the Trustees and whose salary as a missionary had been on $120 yr.--$10 cash and the balance in pork and flour). Rev. Wright was hired on an annual basis and it wasn’t until 1872 that he was installed as pastor, only to resign nine months later to accept a pastorate in Austin, Texas. The church was apparently hard pressed financially during those years. The church was rented out in at least one instance for entertainment purposes, whereupon the Board of Trustees adopted a policy stating that only “services of Christian worship, educational or strictly moral” meetings would be permitted.

A pew rental system, instituted earlier, was adopted on a permanent basis “for raising all sums necessary to meet the liabilities as far as the same shall be practicable.” The schedule, as listed in the old records:
$20 – middle aisle seats
$15 – right and left pews of the middle or center aisle pews
$10 – wall pews
These were yearly rentals and were apparently collected by the Trustees themselves. Parishioners were somewhat possessive about their pews too, for on Nov. 14, 1867, a resolution read: “That Sabbath School teachers or scholars should not occupy pews owned and paid for by members of the Society or congregation for Sabbath School purposes until unoccupied or unpurchased pews are filled by pupils, at which time the pews should be cheerfully surrendered by their owners for Sabbath School purposes.”

In 1868 the church was freed from encumbrances amounting to $793.58 by Mr. Isaac Staples whose firm of Hersey, Staples, and Hall, had held claims for lumber and materials used in building the church back in 1857. The financial statement at the close of 1868 included “collections of the children in the Sunday School, mostly spent in the school, but $20 sent to foreign missions—full amount collected was $73.13. Rounding off the statement was expense of Christmas tree and steamboat picnic, estimated, $125.”

During the summer of 1869 Pastor Wright was asked to stay another year, at a salary of $1200. (It was necessary to circulate a subscription paper to raise the $225 deficiency from the previous year’s salary). Mr. Isaac Staples generously offered a church bell so it was voted to hire a Mr. Rooney “to do all the carpenter work and furnish materials for the sum of $1250, including bell tower, a new cornice, staying up and strengthening roof, putting in new windows in front, extending Session Room and ready for painting, glazing, and plastering.” And it was deemed advisable to insure the church building for $3000.

The Ladies Aid purchased part of a new communion service, replacing the small pewter or German silver tumblers that had been used prior to 1869. (Perhaps it was this newly purchased set that was loaned to a new Presbyterian Church in Gordon, Wisconsin, in 1911, and remained there for 44 years).

By the next year, with creditors pressing for payment, a loan of $1200 at no more than 12% interest was authorized, and if necessary the church property would be mortgaged. Now the pew rents were raised five dollars each, payable quarterly, in advance. Business was still flourishing in Stillwater for the tabulations showed well over two million dollars worth of logs and lumber being exported annually. 1870 also marked the opening of the Stillwater Board of Trade and a gala celebration heralded the “Ironhorse” which would replace the stagecoach. Births numbered 150, death, 70. There were 11 public schools. “Opening Third Street” was the city election slogan; the large ravine was filled, thus enabling teams to pass over in safety. The town’s three breweries were doing a huge business, and the new courthouse was under construction.

During the next five years the First Presbyterian Church pulpit was filled by the Rev. Isaac Otis (1872-1877) and it was not exactly an uneventful period. One of the positive aspects was a new rotary system of selecting elders, and many new elders were elected. A church organist was hired—three years later a boy was hired to “blow” the organ. Many families withdrew and united with the Second Presbyterian Church. After the Rev. Mr. Amos Kiehle assumed the pastorate in November of 1877, many of the families returned. It was not long after that Presytery disbanded the Second Presbyterian Church (The Baptist denomination purchased the church and manse). Finally it was possible to have a united First Presbyterian Church.

The influx of members created a need for increased seating, and it can be noted the church is in good financial condition for a year or two. However, by the end of 1879 a Mr. Burlingham was named “collector with commission of 3%, owing to poor manner in which subscriptions committee have left their work unfinished!” Rev. Kiehle was asking for a salary increase from $1300 to $1500 so that he could give up his chaplaincy at the prison, and the church roof was leaking and needing repairs. With these matters pressing, by mid-1880 it was voted to take up a collection every Sabbath to cover incidental expenses, when it was time to review Rev. Kiehle’s matter employment for another year the congregation took action to make him their pastor “permanently at a salary of $1500/yr.” Also, with expenses now expected to total $2200 for the year it was time to reappraise the pew rentals and adjust to bring 20% more! Besides money the Trustees were interested in the quality of music they were to hear, and were repeatedly appointing “committees on music.”

Rev. Kiehle resigned in 1881 to move to Milwaukee, and until his successor could be named, a Rev. Norman Cary supplied the pulpit for six months. Quoting again from the Centennial booklet, “In June 1882, the Rev. Joseph Halstead Carroll of Boston, Mass. arrived and began his labors as stated supply, captivating all by his polished manners and eloquent oratory. A season of unprecedented prosperity marked the beginning of his ministry and the membership was increased to 258 communicants. The Sabbath School was similarly revived and built up until the spring of 1883 there were enrolled 356 scholars. Neighborhood prayer meetings were instituted and conducted by the elders.”

Dr. Carroll had been called at a “salary of $2000 plus $250 toward house rent.” And with general prosperity prevailing in the community an agreement was reached by the Trustees to begin plans for a larger and more attractive place of worship for the third time in a single generation. The annual expenses were expected to total upwards of $3400-$1000 more than would be available on pew rents.

By this period in history Stillwater could boast a well-organized Fire Department, probably out of necessity for there had been some disastrous fires in town. A new Grand Opera House on Main Street between Chestnut and Nelson Streets had opened its doors. The ready availability of good entertainment and fine music was a sign of the times.

The 1857 church was sold to the city, moved across Myrtle Street, and used as an armory. While the new building was under construction services were held in the Opera House for a while and later on Sabbath afternoon and Friday evenings at the Methodist Church. The cornerstone was laid in 1883, containing an eight-inch square lead box (which remained sealed for the next 86 years).

When the congregation moved into its new quarters in 1884 misfortune moved in too. The building project had been plagued with difficulties, and now there was a heavy debt of $12,000, far above original construction estimates. A loan had been negotiated with Isaac Staples at the Lumberman’s Bank prior to completion of the church. In less than a year the trustees were faced with such financial difficulties as to seek mortgage money at 8%, semi-annually. And at this point Isaac Staples resigned from the church. The history book lists him as A Trustee of the Methodist Church, so perhaps that became his church home.

Within a couple of months First Presbyterian Church had secured three mortgages as follows: First, Hersey, Bean & Brown, $1515.54; Second, North-Western Manufacturing and Car Co., $4460.47; Third, Stillwater Savings Bank, $4348.17. To that time choir members had been compensated, but now a request was made that the choir sing gratuitously in consideration of the financial condition. Plans were made to secure a volunteer organist and cornetist to conduct congregational singing in case the choir didn’t respond affirmatively to the request.

The cost of occupying a pew was getting steeper—rentals were now $80, $75, $50, $40, $30, $22.50, $15, $10. Janitor services were paid at the rate of $10 per month (after 6 months, $12.50 per month), 50¢ extra for main room meeting, 25¢ extra for meetings in Sunday School room. Collection was now taken every Sabbath evening.

More reports were made by the music committee. An attempt was made at securing a choir at $500, but the reply came back at $750. This was declined and the committee was instructed to look for an organist and leader. In the meantime (1885) the itemized grand total expenses of the new church listed at $29,967.08, including equipment. The collector’s percentage went up to 5%, and at last a choir, costing $600 for the year was agreed upon.

Next consideration was lighting the church and lecture room with electricity in 1886. Forerunner of the envelope system was adopted that year too when they were placed in pews with notices that rentals be paid on Sabbath prior to 10th day of first month of each quarter. By the 15th day bills for unpaid pew rents were to go into the hands of the collector. The financial condition improved somewhat when the mortgage was negotiated and reduced to 6% on $9000.

“The darkest hour in the then forty years history of the church was when the leader of the flock was called into the heavens. Returning from a funeral Dr. Carroll caught a severe cold and on the morning of January 8, 1887, died suddenly at the age of 53 years.” The church paid $100 for the casket and burial of their beloved pastor and stipulated that $150 be paid to the widow for 3 months.

Rev. William H. Allbright, who was the next called pastor, was hesitant to come because of the huge debt. With appeals for subscriptions this was reduced to $5000. The next three years were a period of considerable activity for the Presbyterian congregation. Not only were the Missionary Societies reorganized to cultivate an intelligent missionary spirit among the women and to engage in all forms of missionary activities of the church, both home and abroad, but also a Sunday School class of girls formed the “Allbright Band,” and later the “Allbright Chapter of the Westminster Guild” devoted to the study of missions. Again revealing the strong emphasis on music, the “Young People’s Association” whose object it was to improve the religious, social and musical stature of its members, grew from 8 to 80 members.

Two important decisions were made during the year of 1888. In what must have seemed a stroke of genius to the often burdened Trustees and collector, a weekly envelope system was adopted. However, this did not nullify the pew rental tradition, for members of the congregation were encouraged to continue their support of that expedient.

Also during the Allbright pastorate, the Board of Deacons was formed. The office was termed strictly scriptural. Deacons were to look after the poor in the congregation and distribute the offerings of the church to its different pledges. The Deacons were to sit in conference at the Session meetings with the understanding the “elders only could vote on matters belonging specifically to the church.”

Plans were instituted to interest male members in the activities of the church. And before Rev. Allbright left to accept a call in Boston, Mass., in 1890, plans were beginning to take shape for the purchase of a pipe organ, and a subsequent need for facilities for the choir. It was after Rev. Lewis H. Morey came later that year that the organ was installed at a cost of $2200, plus $100 for changes in the choir loft. Quoting from the Stillwater Gazette, August 2, 1890, "“he new pipe organ, one of the finest ever brought to the West, of the First Presbyterian Church, has arrived and will be placed as soon as possible. The new organ is a marvel of beauty and it’s grand swelling notes bid fair for many sweet echoes in time to come.”

When Rev. Morey resigned after only two years, because of ill health, the congregation called Rev. J. LeMoyne Danner of Minneapolis to act as stated supply for 6 months. This was depression era and we see the pastor’s salary having been reduced to $1500, later to be raised to $1800 when he was asked to stay. Mr. Danner was especially anxious to see the church free of debt, and worked hard at securing subscriptions of varying amounts. The last $200 remained and Isaac Staples, having returned his membership and now grieving over his wife’s death, donated that sum in her memory.

The five years of the Danner’s pastorate found an emphasis on religious education and service. The Session resolved that a Bible be presented to all baptized children of the church at the age of seven or eight. The women, in 1894, were sewing for the hospital. When Rev. Danner submitted his resignation in September of 1897, it was accepted with regret. A resolution adopted gave particular tribute to Mrs. Danner, thus: “That our sincere thanks be extended to Mrs. Danner for her untiring and unselfish labors in behalf of every effort for the welfare and upbuilding of the church.” Under her leadership the women had patched and sewed clothing and sent boxes to the needy.

In 1897, at nearly the half-century mark in the church history, the congregation welcomed an Irishman to the pulpit, Rev. Samuel Kennedy. It is interesting to note that about this time, since the outside of the church seemed so bare, a “Vine Committee” was appointed. “The women really worked. They planed, reported, replanted, reported, and were reappointed, and the last record of the Vine Committee was in 1911—when they reported that the ground wasn’t fertile enough to grow vines!” (The exterior of the old church on the corner of Third and Myrtle negates that claim. The present building is garnished with some of that same vine!)

The ladies were also busy conferring with the Trustees abut securing a manse, and in 1902 Mr. James Mulvey gave a home to the church on the corner of Pine and Fourth Streets in memory of his wife. (This was the manse until 1955 when the manse at 712 W. Pine St. was built).
The first pieces of an individual communion service were given the congregation in 1904 by a member, in memory of her husband. Gradually, pieces were added and the beautiful silver pieces are used to this day. (Through the years many dedicated people have presented gifts of silver, stained glass windows, paintings and furniture as well as functional items or hours of time which have added to the beauty of the church and enjoyment of all of us).

In 1905 the Missionary Society began meeting with the Ladies Aid. It was decided to have a missionary program the last meeting of the month, but to maintain separate officers and collections. The missionary members all made pledges—to be paid quarterly and it was a deep secret as to what each one pledged. The ladies came up with everything from ice cream for the Sunday School picnics to furnishings for the Presbyterian Room at the local hospital (only room that had a private bath).

Before Rev. Kennedy’s health failed and it was necessary for him to resign, the church had again been freed of debt—in fact, that announcement had been made a part of the official golden celebration.

Rev. Danner returned to the pulpit for nine months until Rev. John McCoy could take over in September of 1908. The women must have been very active during this period, for they voted to pledge the sum of $500 quarterly to the treasurer of the church to be used in defraying expenses, as the Trustees deemed best. As we read about three men being heartily accepted as members of the Ladies Aid (having likely paid the $1 membership fee) we can imagine the comraderie that existed at that time. The Aid bought velvet carpet, had chairs reupholstered, and bought new silver table service in 1913. The first honorary membership in one of the national boards was awarded to Miss Edna Mulvey as tribute to her loyal service. Since that time 66 memberships have been given.

The financial picture in the St. Croix Valley had changed, as the lumbering industry could no longer predominate the economy. The lush pine forests had now dwindled; transporting logs from greater distances was not feasible. There was a revision of business interests among the townspeople. The nation was involved in war when Dr. Gilbert Wilson took over as minister. (He was the first student to receive the PhD. Degree in anthropology from the University of Minnesota). This intense, warm-hearted man popularized a children’s sermon time during the worship service. He was greatly concerned for the young men during the war. Red Cross work was carried on at the church. A French orphan was adopted and supported for two years by the Aid Society. Because of Dr. Wilson’s influence a member of the congregation, Clinton Loehlin, entered the mission field in India. Dr. Wilson left Stillwater in 1920 to become field executive for Macalester College and to aid in raising an endowment fund. He was also a professor of social and political sciences.

Rev. Arthur Ratz succeeded Rev. Wilson, and it was during his tenure that the congregation made extensive church improvements. Dedication of the church annex “to the religious educational work and to the social activities” took place at the time of the 75th anniversary in December 1924.

Little is said about the men’s activities through the years, but they formally organized during Rev. Clement D. Loehr’s pastorate (1926-1929). This group assumed the responsibility for ushering. Also at this time the Christian Endeavor, a young people’s organization, was most active. Rev. Loehr is remembered as being “evangelical-minded’ and meeting some resistance from a rather “stiff-necked” congregation.

The next pastor was Rev. Jackson E. Smith who arrived in 1929. He was a straightforward, popular preacher with a very energetic wife. These were troubled times throughout the nation with banks failing and the stock market crash. During those depression years five sewing machines whirred one day a week to make clothing for the children of needy families. Boxes were going to various missions.

It was a period of cooperation among churches in the valley. The Methodist, Baptist, and Presbyterian churches united to hold a Week Day School, meeting in the Presbyterian Church. Later, the Baptist church dropped out and the Episcopal Church joined in the effort and for a while the school was held in that church.

In 1929 still another group of women started meeting, known as the Evening Guild, particularly organized for young mothers and working girls that could not attend the afternoon church meetings. Mrs. Smith, the pastor’s wife, had hoped to unite the women’s societies of the church, and worked untiringly in that direction, but the women resisted. However, they were surely successful at raising money, for they were obligating themselves to a $1000 per year missionary pledge. They now formed a “Spiritual Life” group, which met for prayer prior to meetings of the societies. Also a new Young People’s Society labeled the “Tuxis” group formed in 1933. During the early 30’s a quartet composed of Viola Loft, Madge Castle, John Schroeder and Jed Davis provided the music for worship services in lieu of a choir.

In 1935 plans for an “every member canvass” were instituted. Congregational meetings to discuss and accept budgets as approved by the Session and trustees were started. And a real mark in history occurred in 1937 when Mrs. Margarita Davis and Mrs. Eva Charlsen were named as first women elders in First Presbyterian Church and first in the state. November 1983 – The story according to Eva Charlsen written below.
“Margarita was asked to serve on Session (first woman ever asked); but said she would not be the only woman. She was then asked who would she choose and she said, Eva Charlsen.
Margarita was a long time member of the church which was much more acceptable to the other long time members then was the fact that Eva was a new member of the Presbyterian Church (having been raised a Lutheran!). This situation caused quite a little grief for Eva; but Eva and Margarita helped each other along through this time of adjustment. The two of them would meet on a certain corner on the night of Session meeting so they could go into the meeting place together to face ‘all those stern, old men.’
It was 2 years after their ordination before they as women were allowed to serve communion!
Extra note regarding the above:
On the occasion of their (Margarita and Eva) attending their first Session meeting after their election and ordination they entered the room with a great deal of apprehension due to the seriousness and sternness of the occasion. And, upon the arrival of all members, the meeting was briefly begun and the radio was turned on and all members settled back in their chairs to listen to the heavyweight boxing match in its entirety before the rest of the meeting continued! Margarita and Eva were bewildered at this turn of events to say the least!

The Smith’s pastorate ended in 1937 when they accepted a call to Cincinnati, Ohio and early the following year Rev. Carl Olson came from Colorado. Prior to his arrival the Trustees had authorized a Trust Fund as a depository for receiving, managing and administering of special gifts. The church was now 90 years old—cause for another celebration, complete with costumes and review of the history. Another war, and again the church was the scene of considerable activity. It was headquarters for making Red Cross bandages, and a center for clothing distribution to refugees. The Olsons were “fellowship-minded” and the congregation enjoyed amicability in a very active Couple’s Club and Men’s Club. The latter was responsible for a memorable minstrel show that found some most unlikely participants doing the performing. The Scouting programs flourished with the church being supportive of many groups. The church budget in the 1940’s was over $6000, of which the pastor’s salary was $2600.

The Olsons returned to Colorado in 1944, and soon Rev. Garland Rotenberry was called from a position with Macalester College and the Board of National Missions. During those next eleven years additional space for Sunday school classes was created in the basement area of the old church, and the building was refurbished as the church reached the century mark. Under Rev. Rotenberry’s guidance, the Missionary Society, the Women’s Society, and the Evening Guild were finally evolved as the “Women’s Association,” ending a 90 year history of separateness. Circles were formed and the women’s work was organized under various chairmanships, much as is done today. This well-like minister served part-time as Chaplain at the State Prison, a position he later adopted on a full-time basis after resigning the pastorate in 1955.

Rev. Paul Smith assumed the leadership of the church next. He was a very literate orator and a popular man. In 1960 land was purchased as a possible site for a new church home. No action was taken regarding construction at that time, for a split occurred in the congregation in the early 1960’s, possibly over a difference of opinion regarding a charismatic emphasis. Was history repeating itself? Rev. Smith resigned to form a Congregational Church.

Presbytery assigned Dr. O.E. Sanden in 1964 to aid in the healing of a hurt and divided people. His impact was great as he lived his faith in the church and community. His final sermon was preached the day he died – in fact, perhaps he was in the midst of a heart attack as he stood in the pulpit the morning of December 22, 1964. Two days later services were conducted in the sanctuary where stood the Christmas tree. To some it was symbolic – a life given in reconciliation.
A pulpit selection committee was activated by Presbytery and after months of inquiry, during which time the pulpit was supplied by different ministers, Rev. Merle Strohbehn of Champaign, IL was called to the pastorate in August of 1965. Within two years the congregation had voted to proceed with the building of a new church home at the south edge of Stillwater. Following many months of prayerful study, involving 50 members serving on various committees, a design for the new building was finalized. Cornerstone laying ceremonies for the present structure took place on September 15, 1968.

In September of 1969, as the congregation prepared to move into its new half-million dollar facility, the old lead box in the cornerstone of the 1884 church was opened. Contained within that eight-inch square box were: a copy of the Psalms and Hymns of the Presbyterian Church, a copy of the “Form of Government” of the Presbyterian Church, a copy of the “Directory for Worship” in the Presbyterian Church, “The Shorter Catechism” of the Presbyterian Church, The Creed, General Rules of the Judicatories of the Presbyterian Church, copies of all the Stillwater city papers published in 1883 including the Gazette, the Sun and the Messenger, copies of the Saint Paul and Minneapolis papers, a copy of the Stillwater Sun extra, giving a complete history of the various industries of the city March 5, 1883. Also contained were different copper and silver coins of the U.S. of the year 1883, the Daily Minnesotan, July 12, 1854, containing the oration by the pastor of the Presbyterian church, a copy of the last annual exhibit of the Stillwater post office with name of the postmaster and his assistants, a photograph of Father Boutwell, and a list of officers of the First Presbyterian Church and Society of Stillwater, 1883. Among mementos found under the box were: two gold wedding rings, pearl buttons, button hooks, keys, peanut shells in good condition, acorns still intact, a calling card reading “William T. Russell”, an Indian-head penny, nails, a street car token, tin label from a snuff box, a common pin through a small piece of note paper, a wooden fastener, and the program of the cornerstone laying ceremony. This old cornerstone was given a new resting-place in the wall of the narthex of the new building.

The old bell which had summoned worshippers to the two previous buildings now issues its call from a position in the spire of this building. Topping the spire is a Celtic Cross, which represents Christ, over all. The design of the building is symbolic with four identical roof gables facing N., E., S., W. as an indication of God’s grace towards all people, and an open invitation to the community and to the world to find sanctuary and shelter, courage to follow, and strength to serve the Lord. The seating arrangement in the sanctuary permits the congregation to gather as a family in worship around the Word (Pulpit) and the sacraments – the Baptismal Font and the Communion Table. The art glass windows in the north and south gables of the roof were designed to portray the theme, “Come, Follow” (N), and “Go, Serve” (S). These windows were designed and built by August Molder, artist in residence of Augsburg College. Lloyd Bergquist of Bergstedt, Wahlberg and Bergquist, Associates designed the building. The 21 rank Schlicker organ was dedicated on December 5, 1971, and the building project was complete. The old 1884 building was sold and has subsequently been converted and taken on a new life as Steeple Town Condominiums.
Through the years pastors of the church had assistance from student interns, but it was not until 1974 that an ordained minister would join the staff. Rev. Richard Ryman served on a part-time basis while he pursued graduate studies for two years. By 1977 it was apparent that the workload had increased measurably and Session authorized a search committee to find our first full-time Assistant Pastor. In June of that year, just 2 ½ weeks after his graduation from seminary, and 2 days after his ordination, Pastor William Chadwick arrived to assume responsibility primarily for youth work and Christian Education. He was indoctrinated very quickly in the pastorate when the Strohbehns left on a scheduled vacation just 5 days after his arrival! By 1979 Pastor Bill’s title was changed to Associate Pastor. With responsibilities now shared by two able leaders the congregation benefited.

In 1978 Youth Club was formed, meeting weekly on Wednesday afternoon and continuing through the dinner hour. Later it became TLC (The Logos Club) which is an ecumenical youth ministry and inter-national in scope. Presently there are 120 youth, first through ninth grade, plus 30 Senior High students who participate. With the 28 table parents plus teachers dinner is served every week to at least 160. Food preparation is done and meals served by parents. The Logos program encompasses Worship Skills (choir or bells), Playtime (recreation and crafts), Bible Study and Family Time (Dinner).

Many opportunities for study and fellowship are afforded the congregation through the efforts of the Christian Education Committee. The Sunday morning Adult Education classes attract a growing number of participants in Bible studies as well as varied short courses, which are offered throughout the year. Of course the Sunday School classes continue to provide basic religious education for all youth from preschool through high school.

In 1981 it became apparent that the increased population of apartment dwellers in the immediate vicinity of the church presented new opportunities for community service. Session authorized hiring a Neighborhood Worker to provide leadership for recreational activities two times per week. Now, 18 years later, the program has expanded and serves as many as 35 children from Kindergarten through seventh grade. Two program directors lead activities twice each week. Once each month a family event, including a meal for 25 to 40 people, is hosted by the steering committee and other volunteers.

Purchase of a used school bus in 1978 expanded the opportunities for many group activities such as retreats, youth trips for annual work camps, to Montreat, NC, for youth conferences, for concerts and many other recreational purposes. It was driven so many miles during the next 20 years that it was necessary to replace it in 1998. The vehicle is available for use by other organizations in the area.

Pastor Chadwick resigned in 1984 and later that year Session authorized enlargement of staff by calling two women as Assistant Pastors. Rev. Anita Cummings and Rev. Rebecca Tollefson were installed together. Their status changed to Associate Pastors in 1988. This was a period of tremendous growth in the youth ministry.

As a result another building program was initiated to add recreation space and additional classrooms. The “Ark” and surrounding space on the east side of the building was dedicated in 1986 at a cost of $600,000 for 7000 sq. ft. Kelly Davis, (a 4th generation First Presbyterian), architect with McGuire/Engler/Davis Architects designed the new area.

In 1990, following the longest ministry of any pastor in the history of First Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Strohbehn retired. For 25 years he had led the congregation through a period of healing growth and financial stability. Teamed with his capable and caring wife, Harriett, his pastorate in Stillwater ended. In 1990 he was named Pastor Emeritus.

For the next year an interim minister, Dr. Herbert Miller, filled the pulpit with the able assistance of the associate pastors. Rebecca Tollefson accepted a position with the National Office in Louisville in 1991, leaving Anita Cummings at the helm when Dr. Miller left.

In 1992, after a two-year search, the congregation called our present Senior Pastor, Reverend David Hansen. When Reverend Anita Cummings left to become Senior Pastor in Ithaca, New York in 1995 the Associate Pastor position was open. Reverend Linda (Kitch) Shatzer has filled that role since 1997, but she now leaves for a pastorate in Iowa, so once again the staff position is open.

Rev. C. Richard Knowles, long time affiliate in the congregation became more involved in active ministry as a designated Parish Associate following his retirement in 1995 as Protestant Chaplain for the State Prison system. And in 1998, Ann Weaver, RN, became the first Parish Nurse following special classes to help equip her as an added dimension to the caring staff of First Presbyterian Church.

The Rev. Julia Carlson joined First Presbyterian in 1999 as an Interim Associate Pastor. Rev. Hansen resigned in 2000 and dissolved his relationship with PCUSA. The Rev. Williams A. Enns joined First Presbyterian as an Interim pastor in 2001 he was followed by Robert Long, Interim pastor and Christopher Hagen, Interim pastor in 2002. Rev. Julia Carlson also left her position as Interim Associate in 2002. The Rev. Paul Gilmore joined First Presbyterian as Head Pastor in Nov., 2002. The Rev. Shirley Harper Cox joined First Presbyterian as an Interim Associate Pastor in 2003. After a year she retired from ministry. The Rev. April Davis Campbell was called in 2004 as an Associate pastor and resigned in 2009. The Rev. Gilmore resigned in February, 2010 after having accepted a call in New Canaan, Ct.

During the past seven years many organizational changes have been instituted. Eighteen elders (6 each year) are elected for 3-year terms plus 1 youth representative for a year. Elders are assigned responsibilities and act as chair on 8 different committees, which also have members at large from throughout the congregation. These committees are: Christian Education, Christian Response, Endowment & Special Gifts*, Evangelism & Discipleship, Finance & Property, Peacemaking & Social Action, Personnel, and Worship. (*Endowment & Special Gifts now oversee the Trust Fund.)

The Deacons number 12, 4 elected each year to serve a 3 year term. Each Deacon acts as head of a Neighborhood to be in closer contact with the congregation. Seventeen Neighborhoods are designated as: Antioch, Beer-Sheba, Bethany, Bethel, Bethlehem, Corinth, Damascus, Emmaus, Ephesus, Gaza, Hebron, Jericho, Jerusalem, Judah, Kedron, Lydda, and Philippi.

The membership of the oldest Presbyterian Church of continuous existence under the same name and in the same locality (city) in the State of Minnesota (and one of the oldest Protestant Churches in the Northwest) now stands at 820. The annual budget of $497,000 covers a deep commitment to mission giving, salaries for a staff of 15, plus operation and maintenance of the building. There are now three worship services each Sunday—two of a traditional nature and one contemporary during the school year. This changes to just one traditional plus the contemporary service during the summer months.

As in the early church, music continues in its importance. The congregation is blessed with many excellent musicians who share their abilities as members of the choir or as instrumentalists. On occasion, guest musicians join the choir for special concerts. With the initiation of the third worship service, a contemporary music director was added to the staff to direct instrumentalists and vocalists and give greater latitude in music choices in the worship settings. Having added adult and youth bell choirs plus the TLC vocal choirs, the strong music emphasis continues.

The various women’s organizations through the years have now evolved into simply Presbyterian Women (PW). They meet for inspirational programs 5 to 6 times per year besides an annual retreat. There are 4 active circles, which gather monthly for study, fellowship and service. Though many societal changes have occurred and the majority of women are employed outside the home, they are still found providing needed hours in the kitchen on funeral and wedding committees, preparing lunches as needed, as well as active participation on every church board. Women continue, as in its 150-year history, to be a vital arm of this church at work.

The men of the congregation, while loosely organized, do gather one time per month for breakfast and fellowship plus Bible Study and an occasional guest speaker. As historically noted, men continue to be active participants on church boards and committees.

The first Tuesday of every month finds retired people and any others who are available congregating for breakfast at Joseph’s Restaurant. This has become known as “Kaffee Klatch” time and provides an informal fellowship setting.

One of the specified goals of the original Building Committee was to make the church available seven days a week and not be saved just for Sundays. It has become a meeting space for many community activities such as the St. Croix Nursery School, Women’s Reading Club, AAUW, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Hope International, Quilting Club, Mom’s Club, and various music lessons and recitals.

As the congregation has continued to grow, constraints of limited gathering space became apparent. The narthex, which had seemed so spacious when the move was made from the old Third Street building, was now woefully inadequate. Session authorized the creation of a Building Committee to study the needs. As a result Rafferty, Rafferty, and Tollefson Architects (Paul May design architect) were hired to make preliminary plans. A successful Building Fund drive has enabled implementation of a new 5626 sq. ft. addition which includes Gathering Area, Library, Classrooms and Storage area. The 1.25 million-dollar space includes a new entrance into the sanctuary, improved light and sound plus air conditioning. As a part of the building drive, 10% of all money raised has been given to three mission projects. These have been designated to be the Logos program in Chegdomyn, Russia on an international level; the Presbyterian Church in Grand Forks for a national basis; and Sharing and Caring Hands as a local emphasis. A projected second phase will enlarge the fellowship space and provide a new and larger kitchen.

A Sesquicentennial Committee has planned and executed one special event per month during this 150th year. Starting on an extremely frigid January 10th, in a setting large enough to encourage all members to gather in a single worship service at the Stillwater Area Senior High School, this special year commenced. The massed choirs and stirring step into history with a “gothic Couple,” plus meaningful Scripture, Sermon and Hymns, helped set the tone for the anniversary year. Culmination of this celebratory year will be dedication of the latest addition to the building on December 8, 1999. It has been the desire of the committee, with strong Session support, to recall not only a tradition of faithfulness during its history, but also to help lead the ministry of its members into the next millennium through its adopted slogan, “Ever Forward In Faith.” A composer has been commissioned to write music for a hymn by that title. Special pottery and art banner also convey that theme.

So now, from that small, perhaps paternalistic beginning on December 8, 1849, the congregation of First Presbyterian Church of Stillwater, continues to grow both numerically and spiritually. We take our place on a page of history marked 150 years. The congregation has floundered, the congregation has flourished. We are an imperfect people, in an imperfect world, wanting to serve a perfect God. In our endeavor to do just that may we be prompted to move “Ever Forward In Faith” in support of the Mission Statement adopted by session on February 20, 1994:



--Submitted by Pat (Geiger) Albertson

Note:  Information has been gleaned from old church record books, from conversations with members of the congregation and from old Stillwater history books.