“I believe in celebrating whenever possible!” said Mary Bakeman, historian for the Hamline Methodist Church. Mary and the rest of the congregation were thrilled to learn that their place of worship had been added to the list of historic sites by the Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, an honor that coincided perfectly with the 135th anniversary of the church’s presence in the Hamline Midway neighborhood.

“Then the Bishop agreed to come, and the real work began…” said Mary Bakeman.

A special service was planned for Sunday, September 27 to recognize the close relationship this historic institution has with Hamline University and to introduce the University’s new President, Dr. Fayneese Miller. All were invited, and Bishop Bruce Ough (of the Minnesota Annual Conference) agreed to join the celebration as preacher.

“It’s the history behind our church that enables us to do what we do today and be what we can be tomorrow” said Rev. Mariah Tolgaard during the Sunday morning service. Her sentiments were echoed by President Miller during an address to the congregation which spoke of her desires for the church and the University- both historic institutions- to work and grow together as facilitators of peace and justice in the larger community. The future of the church was also brought up by Mary Bakeman as she expressed her dream that University students would come to view the church as a safe space- a space that they always feel welcomed into.

Along with President Miller’s address, also on the docket was a moment for the congregation to honor and thank Marguerite Pramaan, a member of the church, for her years of service to the church and work in preserving its history: history which has made it onto the Hamline campus as well with a new display case in the Klas Center.

The Klas Center History Lounge is home to a new mini-exhibit: a case of found objects and a commemorative video to showcase the strong relationship the University has had with the church over the years. The space is usually devoted to University history, but the anniversary of such an important and historical institution called for something special. Several Hamline students worked with congregation members to put together this tangible reminder of the connections between the church and University, connections that stretch back to the founding of the church, when its first few pastors were Hamline faculty. All of the objects featured have been found on archeological digs done by Hamline students on church grounds, as well as artifacts related to the church’s historic Minnesota State Fair dining hall. The display also includes information about past and present church activities, the Minnesota artists whose works are featured at the church, information about the church gardens, and much more. The exhibit is free and open during Klas Center hours, and an accompanying video will be played during football game days.