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Plymouth Congregational Church Sesquicentennial

SPRING 2007

By Barbara Griswold Laederach

Plymouth Congregational Church had its first gathering on April 28, 1857. The church began before Minnesota became a state. The first complete history of the church, written by Dave Kenney and designed by Cathy Spengler, was published in this past October. It's received wonderful reviews. A new CD was released in December to accompany this fine written history, with voices and music of Plymouth, under direction from Philip Brunelle. We hope every member and friend of Plymouth will read and learn the history from this wonderful book and CD as a first step to celebrating the anniversary events.

Mark coming celebrations and circle the dates on your calendars. We want you all to come! 

Through June 5
The Plymouth Fine Arts Gallery exhibited historical photos and archival art and objects in a special display presented by Suzanne Payne and Dick Haines and the Board of Fine Arts.

Sunday, April 15, 9 a.m.
Members learned how a history book takes shape. At a pre-worship educational forum, Dave Kenney, historian and author, offered an inside look at the research and writing he undertook for two years to bring about Plymouth Congregational Church 1857-2007, Walking Together in All God’s Ways.

April 22, Celebration Sunday Morning Service, 10:30 a.m.
Early Plymouth Church and its congregations were represented with a tribute to all the former and present ministers. This was a mini historical pageant for members and families. The 150th Anniversary party followed the service. (See story in right column)

Tuesday, April 24, 11:30 a.m.
A Plymouth Women’s Luncheon honored and recognized women who've paved the way in early Congregational churches and in women’s roles in ministry and service. There were songs from the turn of the century, a menu from the past and recognition of all the Circles and women leaders of Plymouth and the Plymouth Women’s Organization (PWO). (See story in right column.)

Sunday, April 29, 9 a.m.
The Adult Education program was 150 years of Music at Plymouth, presented by Philip Brunelle and his special guests. He took a look behind the scenes. There were interesting stories to be told about the artists and music of Plymouth through the past 150 years. 

Sunday, May 6, late afternoon and early evening at the Minneapolis Woman’s Club
A commemorative Spelling Bee and Social was held at the Minneapolis Woman’s Club. Several “Spelling Bees” were held in the early days by Plymouth members and included members of other churches and community leaders. These contests were very successful and quite spirited. This was a retro-visit to those fun and frolicking times. Silent & Live Auction Items [PDF]

Sunday, June 10, 10:30 a.m. at Orchestra Hall
Plymouth and Westminster Presbyterian Church were founded in 1857. They were gathered congregations before Minnesota was a state.  The two great present-day congregations shared in a worship service at Orchestra Hall. This commemorated and celebrated the 150 years of service and worship these two fine congregations have enjoyed.

Early view of Eighth and Nicollet, downtown
Minneapolis, with Plymouth in the background.

 

Sesquicentennial Celebration April 22
The April 22 worship service took us back to the early 1900s, when our present building was new. All of the past ministers of Plymouth were with us in spirit or reality. An historical pageant was part of the morning. Our moderator, Scott Harder, and Katherine Ferrand told the stories of Plymouth and introduced members and visitors to some of the people who made this place wonderful.

The first story began when 18 charter members came together in the old courthouse on April 28, 1857 and organized as Plymouth Church. To them “belongs the honor of having given birth to a church which has become a power for Christian beneficence throughout the earth. Surely the spirit of God was leading them” (from Fifty Years of Plymouth Church, 1907).

Anniversary cake and punch was served following worship.

 

Women Who Paved Our Way
The women of Plymouth returned to the wonderful days of yesteryear as they celebrated our past and honored the “Women Who Paved Our Way.”

The Plymouth Women’s Sesquicentennial Luncheon was Tuesday, April 24, with great food, fun, laughs, musical entertainment and reminiscences of “Women Who Paved Our Way.”

It was one of the most enjoyable events of the many planned for the Sesquicentennial. –Joan Wicklund

Photo: Ruth Easterday – one who paved our way.