Portland Prairie
Church History |
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Jeff and Nate's Page
The Portland Prairie
Methodist Episcopal Church
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The Portland Prairie
Methodist Episcopal Church
This church was established in 1855 by
settlers from Rhode Island and Massachussetts. The small but vigorous
congregation met in private homes and at the local school house until
this building was built in 1877 from plans brought from St. Paul by
Senator J. McNelly. The first class was formed by Mr. and Mrs. Peter
Paige, Mr. and Mrs. J. McNelly, Mr. and Mrs. A. Gilbert, Mr. and Mrs.
Albert Green, Sarah Albee, and Mr. Kramer. J. McNelly was designated
leader.
George and Ellen Cass donated the land for
the church and cemetery. Mr. Tuttle of New Albin, Iowa, build the
church.
Served by Circuit Riders who ministered to
several rural church, regular services were held until 1935. Special
services are still held each year. The church is associated with the
Caledonia United Methodist Church. Many of the original prairie
settlers are buried in the cemetery, which is still in use.
The building is on the
National Register of Historic Places
Dedicated in July 1996
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Interior of the Church |
Interior of the Church looking towards the back |
Here's my son Jeff playing the organ. It was a
study in coordination,
because you had to pump with your feet to provide the "power" for the
organ, as well as keep your hands going on the keyboard.
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Kerosene light fixtures |
Close-ups of the wood burning stove. |
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