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These oral histories were performed in 38 different community churches in central Minnesota during the late 1970s.  Most of the churches are in or around the St. Cloud area or Brainerd between Interstates 94 and 35.  Ordinarily, the interviews include the church pastor and several elderly members with long family ties to the church.  All the interviews begin with the basic biographical data of the participants including birth dates, the reason their family immigrated to the area and where they came from, length of association with the church, and ethnicity.

The ethnic backgrounds of the congregations and communities are discussed in many of the oral histories.  Attention is given to the ethnic foundations of each church. Americanization of the congregation appears to be significant in many of the histories.  Frequent mention is made of the efforts and influence of church groups, particularly women’s groups, and the concern over an aging congregation without new members joining.  Several interesting anecdotes appear as part of the personal histories, church history, or discussion of the community. The issue of language is particularly noteworthy as almost all the interviews discuss the switch to English from original immigrant languages for Protestant services or from Latin to English for Catholic mass.

Many histories describe the past and present efforts to maintain the church.  Early construction, maintaining church membership (particularly youth), splits and conflicts between churches and denominations over doctrine, and how the changes of the 20th century impacted their community and church.  Notable accomplishments of the churches are also described including community involvement, ministry and counseling, missionary work both locally and internationally, and continual improvement of facilities.  Church association with education is a common topic either as established church or parochial schools, Sunday schools, or as temporary efforts in the early parts of the 20th century.

Transcripts of the interviews are available unless otherwise noted below.  The audio tapes for some of these oral histories are presently unavailable.  Those histories are mentioned in the individual finding aids below.  Most of these histories do have full transcripts available, however.  Some folders include photographs of the church, interiors, grounds, and occasionally interview participants.

A question mark (?) for date of death does not necessarily indicate the participant is deceased.

One reel-to-reel tape.

One reel-to-reel tape.

Also interviewed Clark D. Howe (1917-1988), Kenneth Price (1912-?), and Isabelle Reem Welton (1901-?).

Accomplishments of the church are discussed including expansion of the church over the years, maintaining a debt-free congregation, and the possibility of closing in the 1950s. The significance of the church to the community and the hope that the church continues on is also expressed. Time is spent on the various fixtures in the church (bell, organ) and the occupational diversity of the congregation.

Also interviewed Margaret Bronnichi (1913-?) and Margaret Ellens (1916-1988).

As a former priest, Gaughn discusses the theological differences between Catholicism and Methodism and his reasons for switching. He also discusses administrative differences at the parish versus the religion level and differences between rural and urban churches. Gaughn also speculates on the state of religion in the U.S. The history of the church and region is covered including the Hinckley Fire and World War II as well as the influence of various church groups and counseling outreach programs. Only summary of interview is available.

Also interviewed Elsie England Fredeen (1909-1999), Gordon B. Fredeen (1904-1983), and Ruby Johnson (Mrs. Clifford) (1906-2002).

Discusses the improvement of the facilities over the previous 100 years including schoolhouses and the church itself. The ethnicities in the congregation and the activities of the church groups are detailed. Only summary of interview is available. There is no audio for this interview.

Also included here separately is an interview of Belvina Koehler (1896-1983).

The impact of Vatican II is discussed as well as the possible changes in the future. The gradual construction of the church and the growth of the congregation is described as well as the increased group activity (youth, women's, and parish council). The significance of changes to the mass (music, language, etc) is described from the point of view of the pastor and a long-time parishioner.

Also interviewed S. Marie Soderman (1910-1996) and her daughter, Bud Soderman Sedlachek (Mrs.) (?-?)

The parishioners discuss the growth and construction of the church but also describe the challenges their church faced with sharing a minister. The resulting closure of their church due to the lack of a minister and re-opening 13 years later is described. The impace of the resort business and their expanding congregation are also discussed. Audio is currently unavailable.

Also interviewed Sam Droogsma (1907-?) and John Vedders (1899-1966).

This church is of Dutch descent and so the interview covers how the Dutch migrated to the area, either from Dakota, Iowa, or in the wake of the Hinckley Fire. The organization and development of the Christian Reformed Church as a whole is discussed. The development of the community and the church over the years is described including the school and church groups.

Discusses the challenges faced as a small church without a permanent priest. Describes the development of the church, its present condition, and its plans/prospects for the future. Only summary of interview is available.

In this interview the history of the church is discussed. The changes through the 1900s both to the church and community are detailed. Audio is part of Owens tape.

St. Cloud State student graduating in 1932 and 1941.

As church treasurer, the finances of the church is discussed.  Events in the church history like a fire in 1925 and the absorption of other smaller congregations are covered as well as the ethnic and age changes to the parish.

Also interviewed Herman Duscha (1891-1987) and Annie Duscha (1897-1988).

Vaudt discusses the history of the church, issues of doctrine and change, interdenominational cooperation, fund-raising, and parish ethnicity and growth. The Duschas talk about the region and community including schools, community changes, and economic development. Only summary of interview is available.

Reverend Wied talks at length about doctrine differences, the challenges and differences between rural and urban churches, and pressures on the church overall. The administration of churches resulting from changing congregation sizes is discussed and the growth in community outreach. The value of producing radio broadcasts is also discussed.

Two 60 minute audio cassettes.

Two 60 minute audio cassettes.

One 60 minute audio cassette.

Two 60 minute audio cassettes.

Two 60 minute audio cassettes.

Two 60 minute audio cassettes.

Also interviews Eshter Hasti (1896-?) and Mamie Keskey (1904-?).

Relations between the different ethnic groups (Finn, Swede, Norweigan) and the continuation of ethnic customs from the old country to the new are discussed. Also describes the economic activities and family dynamics at the time.

This history details the personal background, conversion, and work experiences of Pastor Carrol.  He describes the history of the Swedish Baptist Church on the large scale and the development and construction of the St. Cloud church he ministered.  Detail is given to the accomplishments of the church in the local community including support for missionary work in the US and abroad.

Also interviewed Fran Voelker (1931-2012) and Ludmilla Padmos Voelker (1930-). Fran Voelker was a St. Cloud State University professor in Mass Communications from 1959-1991, as was Ludmilla Voelker.

This interview covers the growth of the Newman Center and its role in the community. The relationship with the University is discussed and its effects on membership and outreach. The role of the church as leaders in social issues is discussed as well as many specific issues relevant to their members.

Nelson gave a detailed description of his motivations and experiences as an immigrant to the United States. He also described his ministry education and service during World War II. The history of the South Isanti church is described in part.

Also interviewed Arthur Miller (1900-1981).

Ostlund discusses the administration of an interdenominational parish. In addition to the church history, the history of central Minnesota is given including discussion of cheese production. Only summary of interview is available.

Also interviewed Richard Rooney Brooten (1935-?), Helen Rooney Felling (1904-1997), Math Jennissen (1902-?), Josephine Roooney (1906-1980), and Adolf Weiner (1910-?).

This interview discusses the significance of the Canadian Rooney family in settling the area and establishing the church. It also covers the many priests associated with the parish. The interactions between the various ethnicities of the area is discussed including frustrations when the various parishes were consolidated. The impact of a 1940s fire and the arrival of several orphans from New York is discussed. The positives of a rural parish and community are given as well. Audio is currently unavailable.

The historic interactions in the area among the Protestant faiths is discussed. The development of the church is described in detail as well as the administration and outreach of the different church groups. Only summary of interview is available.

Experiences growing up in St. Cloud, especially during the Depression, are described as well as the homefront experience in St. Paul during World War II. Travel and education experiences are discussed follwed by the changes in the church that he witnessed. Only summary of interview is available.

One 60 minute audio cassette.

Two 60 minute audio cassettes.

One 60 minute audio cassette.

Three 60 minute audio cassettes.