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158 YEARS AND COUNTING . . . 
     
     The First Presbyterian Church of Blue Earth was organized in the spring of 1859 in the
log hotel located on Main Street. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Constans, proprietors of the hotel,
were Presbyterians. The Rev. J. E. Conrad, an intinerant pioneer preacher, was founder
and became the first pastor of the church. In the spring of 1858, four families of Scottish
immigrants traveled from Palmyra, WI, by covered wagon in search of good farmland.
Eventually they reached the small settlement of Blue Earth, which had been established
two years earlier. They settled in the area now known as Pilot Grove. These settlers were David & Mary Ogilvie, James & Helen Ogilvie, Andrew & Jeanette More, and Archibald & Anne Cardle. On March 7, 1859, these eight people along with several others became the charter members of the First Presbyterian Church in Blue Earth.
     In 1897, having outgrown their first church building, the Presbyterians built the church at Sixth and Galbraith Streets where it still stands in near original condition.  The church building was designed by Kinney and Orth, architects of Austin, MN. The architecture is Romanesque in arched windows, Gothic in the steeples and gables, and Medieval in the towers. The sanctuary seats 300 people and by raising the panel doors at the left of the congregation, the capacity is increased. The building has spectacular stained glass windows, quarter-sawn oak woodwork and pews. All are orginal. The second floor was used for Sunday School and social functions. In 1946, the unfinished basement was developed and a Fellowship Room, modern kitchen, and restrooms were added.  
     Eventually, the Pilot Grove Presbyterians started their own church in the country. In 1940, the two congregations merged and the Pilot Grove Church was closed. Fourth and fifth generation descendents of the Pilot Grove founders are still among members in the church.The beautiful oak communion table was brought to the Blue Earth Church and is still in use today. 
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