In the fall of 1847, just months after her arrival, Miss Bishop recorded her desire to worship with other believers. (pp 99-100) Her conclusion is an apt principle for believers today.
“Will there ever be a church built here? Will faithful gospel watchmen ever stand upon this ground? And will there ever be here a people who shall fear God?—were the frequent and anxious inquiries of the heart. And shall the rum-traffic ever cease? And will there be even one man who shall dare stand up boldly in defense of temperance? They were mental interrogatories to be answered in due time. I now learned an important lesson—that we are not to look for ‘full corn in the ear’ as soon as the seed was sown.”
Excitement rippled through the small community of St. Paul when talk turned to building a 25 x 30 foot school building. This building not only housed Miss Bishop’s school, but also court, elections, church, and any other public gathering. When recording the part women played in the process, 
Miss Bishop’s thoughts on the value of women comes through loud and clear. The account is found at the beginning of Chapter XXII “The First School-House,” page 101.
“Joseph R. Bowron, of St. Croix, proposed that a ‘Ladies’ Sewing Society’ be instituted, to aid in the erection of the proposed school-house, and for our encouragement, generously pledged $10 for a commencement. Accordingly, the ‘St. Paul Circle of Industry’ was formed, with eight members, and several gentlemen as visitors. These little circumstances were important in the early history of this glorious country; and we remember, with an allowable pride, that the first payment on the lumber for the first school-house was made with money earned with the needle by the ladies of this ‘Circle.’ It was no marvel, then, that they should feel a deep interest in the work, or that some should solicit subscriptions where men failed of success; or ride to the Fort [Snelling] for the presentation of so important a consideration, and the securing of $50.”
The building was erected for $300. Without having a precedent to follow, people believed that the structure would serve the community well for the next ten years. The building was ready a year later, but Miss Bishop was bedridden for many weeks prior to the completion and missed observing the progress. The dank conditions of the dwelling she called home had taken its toll on her health. Heeding good advice, she left by canoe for the Mission, where her health improved.
