Miss Bishop’s response to Dr. Williamson’s letter expresses the desire of her heart.
This was the first I had heard of St. Paul, or even of Minnesota, and the impression was at once riveted on my mind that I must go; and when, after two weeks of prayerful deliberation, the question was asked, “Who will go to St. Paul?” I could cheerfully, though tremblingly, respond, “Here am I; send me.” Every possible obstacle was presented; the difficulties of the almost unknown route; the condition of society; doubts as to a welcome by the people generally; the self-denials to be exercised; the privations to be endured—all of which were to me as so many incentives to persist in my decision. In short, I came because I was more needed here than at any other spot on earth, and because there was no other one of my class who felt it a duty to come.
Friends violently opposed. Those who dare not oppose did not encourage, and vice versa. It was evident that all considered it hazardous in the extreme, presuming on, yea, tempting Divine Providence. Only one had said, ” Go, and the Lord will be with you.” And thus, with no human aid on which to rely, the arm of the Invisible was my support. And though comparatively ignorant of the world and its evils, I went forth to struggle with its waves; to tread the unknown future—a path hitherto unexplored—a thorny maze; but with the certainty that, where thorns abound, roses often bloom, and their sweet fragrance has refreshed me when weary, and been a sweet savor unto my soul.
I was happy then; I am happy in the retrospect. Never has a regret for the decision crossed my heart; on the contrary, it has ever been a theme of gratitude that I was enabled to overcome all impediments, and come at a time when no other one would venture.
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Each week visitors to this site will be able to read about a segment of Minnesota Baptist Association (MBA) history. Much of the information will come from a booklet published in 1983 entitled A Light in the Darkness by John Ballentine and Wellie Midgley, two pastors who served in MBA churches. Other information will be taken from Annuals containing the minutes of the annual meetings back to the beginning of the association in the 1850s, along with articles from the North Star Baptist magazine and from The History of Pillsbury Baptist Bible College written by Larry Pettegrew. -Carolyn Van Loh
