This chapter begins with the roll call of church works beginning in the territory—Presbyterian, Episcopal, and German Methodists. Although she doesn’t mention it here, Miss Bishop welcomed the religious influence because she saw the drinking problem of so many residents being resolved when they “got religion.” Her entry on pages 122-123 is optimistic and hopeful.
“The reader must have learned by this time, that the interests of education and religion were among the first to receive attention from the settlers of this territory, and as we have heretofore said, the church and school-house were planted side by side. A few years have accomplished in Minnesota, what required centuries in New England. Eight church-bells ring forth their Sabbath morning peals, inviting the population of the Capital to the sanctuary of the most High, where talents, eloquence, and pious fervor, beautifully harmonize to attract simple men to the cross of Christ.
“The legislature of Minnesota has incorporated three important denomination institutions, viz, ‘Hamline University,’ Methodist; ‘College of St. Paul,’ Presbyterian; and Minnesota Central University,’ Baptist. The first, located at Redwing, opened in 1858, is already in a flourishing condition; the second opened its primary department in 1856, and all of these will soon rank among the finest institutions of our country.”
No mention is made of where Minnesota Central University was located, but for now, it is sufficient to say that this institution is the forerunner of Pillsbury Baptist Bible College.
