HISTORY OF VINEYARD METHODIST CHURCH Rev. Russell V. Carr, November, 1952 Early in the year of 1866, Dr. A McWright, Methodist minister, located in Glencoe as a physician. Almost immediately he began to hold services in Glencoe and Hutchinson, continuing to do so in Hutchinson whenever the weather would permit. Meetings were held in the homes, in the only general store, owned by Sumner and Parshalls, and in the small log schoolhouse which was also the town hall and general meeting place. In 1857 the Methodist Conference appointed Rev. John Pugh to Glencoe, then a part of the St. Peter District. He and Dr. McWright came to Hutchinson that fall and assisted in organizing a Methodist Society here. No record has been kept of the membership of this first society but we know the Asa Hutchinson family was a part of it. A year later, Rev Henry Elliot was appointed to the Methodist Church in Glencoe and Hutchinson and Rev. J.J. Hill to the Glencoe Congregational church. These men preached here on alternate Sundays. Between 1860 and 1870, the following served the church; Rev. Judd, Rev. F. Savage, Rev. Wm. Bawdish, Rev. Chas. Fasig, Rev. Chas. Bawdish and Rev. Cobb. Part of this time Hutchinson was attached to Cedar Mills and Greenleaf, and part of the time to Glencoe and New Auburn. During these years at least six revivals were held in Hutchinson, the most successful being conducted by Rev. Savage and Rev. Chas. Bawdish. In 1869, W.H. Harrington gave the village of Hutchinson 20 acres of land for park purposes setting aside lots for the first church to be built in the community and for school purposes. Questions about title to the property were settled by a special act of the 1870 State Legislature with Lewis Harrington as McLeod County representative. Early in 1870, Asa Hutchinson purchased a load of lumber and work began on the Methodist Community Church. A letter from O.D. Hutchinson, 75 year old surviving member of the tribe of Asa, received in June 1932 tells of the activities of his family in the early church program. Because of depression conditions, the Tribe of Asa went East and sang in many of the New England states helping to raise money for the building of the church back home. Included in this group were Asa, Lizzie, Abby, Fred, and Master Dennett. During that summer the family took a cottage at Martha's Vineyard and sang daily at the Methodist Camp Meeting. At the end of the Camp Meeting at the suggestion of the Presiding Bishop, a love offering was taken for our local church and in token of appreciation that church has since been known as Vineyard Methodist Church. Many gifts were received on this Eastern trip besides money, among these was the bell in the tower, given by friends in Boston in 1874. The procession of pastors continues with typical short Methodist pastorates of that date. In 1871, Levi Gleason was appointed, in 1872, Rev. Mr. Windsor. In 1873, Rev. L.P. Foster served and a board of trustees was set up with Wilbur Higgins, D.H. Lynde, Asa Hutchinson, Herman Dayton and H.B. Goldsmith. During the earlier years a number religious groups used the church, which is now the Youth Chapel. Th e of the building was denied to General Putnam who wanted to hold a lecture on Spiritualism therein. So he broke the lock on the door and the lecture was given, no record was kept of the size of the audience. In 1874, Rev. H. Brook was appointed and had a successful three year pastorate. Rev. L.P. Smith was appointed in 1877 and also stayed three years, Then Rev. Brook returned for one year, leaving the ministry at the end of that year to become a prominent West Coast contractor, as he was not able to support his growing family on ministerial salary. The first parsonage was built west of the during his pastorate. Rev. A. Matson followed him for two years, and then Rev. B.Y. Coffin who remained for one year. (We hope to have greetings from his daughter, Miss Isa Coffin, who still lives in North Minneapolis, at our anniversary). In 1884, J.W. Clapper was appointed and remained two years. His son, Horace, graduate of an Eastern College, was the first curve ball pitcher ever to come to Hutchinson, and baseball was a delight to the home fans while he was here. In 1886, the Presiding Elder, Thos. McCleary preached a number of Sundays until Rev. Thos. Chipperfield arrived from Central Illinois with his wife who was also a preacher. She conducted a number of revivals in neighboring communities as well as in Hutchinson and the records indicate that about 400 were converted under her ministry that year. Rev. J.L. Farber was here in 1887 and Rev. G.W. Burch began a four year pastorate in 1888. During his service, the Epworth League was organized. During the two year ministry of Rev. L.W. Ray beginning in 1892. The church was rebuilt to its present size, even in the face of nation-wide depression. Several gave up trips to the Columbian Exposition in Chicago to give money for the church building. This large building program was financed for about $5,000. Memorial windows ($800) were installed with the largest one being financed by the Epworth League. Dr. J.C. Shelland followed Rev. Ray and also stayed for two years. Rev F.W. Hart was appointed by Bishop Fowler and remained four years. During this time the church sponsored many lectures and entertainments and in 1898, the Northern Minnesota Conference was held here presided over by Bishop Joyce. Rev. J.C. Crozier served from 1900 to 1904 followed by Rev. E.H. Nicholson for one year and Rev. J.L. Pickard for two. Rev. Wm. Hodgson served from 1907 to 1909; Rev. S.S. Farley from 1909 to 1912, Rev. J.R. Davies from 1912-1913, and Rev. Calvin J. Graves from 1913-1915. In 1915, Rev. E.A. Cooke (who may be present at the Anniversary) came to Hutchinson. During his three year ministry, the building was remodeled, raised and a full basement put under the entire structure. This made the church the most complete church plant in the city. Rev. Cooke was busy not only in the church but in various war activities such as Red Cross, YMCA and Liberty Loan drives throughout the County. In 1918, Rev. A.L. Richardson became pastor. During his four year pastorate a union revival was held with Rev. Aldrich in charge. Five churches cooperated. In 1922, I.L. Seager began a six year pastorate, the longest up to the time. Both he and Mrs. Seager were effective in the church program. In 1928, J.W. Robinson was appointed and served four years. In 1932, Paul J. Snyder was appointed to Hutchinson, coming from Calvary Methodist Church in Minneapolis. During his ministry a remodeling job was done on the Parsonage, moving it, putting in a full basement and hot water heating plant. Unfortunately, Mrs. Margaret Snyder passed away on April 27 of 1935 and Rev. Snyder asked to be transferred at Conference the following fall. He was followed by James Burns. During his ministry the Lake Jennie church was rededicated and the Spring Grove church reopened. The Hutchinson church was rededicated in 1936 and in 1939 further changes were made at parsonage. Rev. Floyd Kufus was appointed in June 1940 and served until 1945. The church continued to show steady growth and some repairs were made on the building including a new roof. At the close of his ministry, Thomas Barnard entered the full time ministry in North Dakota. In 1945, Russell V. Carr was appointed to Vineyard Methodist Church and is now in the 8th year in this pastorate, the longest in the history of the church. During these years a number of changes have been made in the church plant: a new Hammond organ, gas heating, and modern rest rooms, redecorated basement including sanded and refinished flooring. The church attic was insulated and the Youth Chapel and church office were constructed, and a Church School library set up during the last several years. This past summer the auditorium was completely redecorated and several new memorials will be dedicated on Anniversary Sunday. During these same years a stoker, hot water heater and a number of other improvements have been made at the parsonage. During the past seven and one half years, about 275 members have joined the church, with the present membership at about 600. Heading the list of officers for the present year are Ben Benjamin, Lay Leader; Lay member Annual Conference, Albert Sander, Francis Ahrens and Grant Christianson, Pres. and Secy. of Trustees; Mesdames Herman Schmidt and Dorothy Sellen, Financial Secretaries; Arthur Benjamin, Treasurer; Chas. Stocking, Chairman Finance Committee; Mrs. George Tews, Pres. W.S.C.S.; Mrs. Lida Rolander, Pres. W.S.G.; Lois Christianson, Pres. Youth Fellowship; Ivan Hurt, Head Usher; Mrs. L.M. Lerberg, Director of Music and Mrs. H. Felepe, Organist. The Ninety-Fifth Anniversary program will get under way on Sunday, November 2nd with Sunday School at 9:45. At the 11:00 morning Worship, Dr. Edward Foote, District Supt., will speak and dedicate several memorials; at 3:00 the Informal Anniversary service: "Looking Backward and Forward" with messages from former members, former pastors, etc., and this will be followed at 5:30 by a pot luck supper at which out of town folks will be guests of the home folks. Dr. Paul Snyder of Mankato, pastor here from 1932 to 1935, will speak in the evening. Special memorial plates picturing the church with a brief history will be on sale throughout the day. ------------------------------ Transcription and html preparation by Bill Carr, last updated 03/12/2000. Please provide me with any feedback you may have or supplementary information concerning the contents. wcarr1@nycap.rr.com