First Presbyterian Church of Fargo Records
Collection
Identifier: Mss 2030
Scope and Contents
Pastor information Series – Contains information on former pastors Dr. Boyd (1937-1951) and Mr. Strahl (1951-1956) and his immediate family. 1/2: newspaper article referencing Dr. Boyd’s resignation as pastor and acceptance of a new position in Kansas. 1/3: bulletins from his previous congregation concerning his departure; information relating to his time as pastor at First Presbyterian in Fargo, ND; information regarding his wife and daughters activities during their time at the church.
Church Anniversary Series – Contains information concerning the 50th (1927), 60th (1937), and 75th (1952) anniversary celebrations. 1/4: The Past Made Present, a church history from 1877-1927; programs with related information. 1/5: correspondence concerning the 60th anniversary; program from the event. 1/6: a published church history 1877-1952; newspaper articles related to the event; programs from related events.
Church Centennial Series – Contains Information regarding the events and preparation for the centennial celebration of the church in 1977. Large portion of this material came from the files of Ross Robson. 1/7: event plan revisions; logo proposal for the event; budget proposals. 1/8: Correspondence from Ross Robson to pastors inviting and informing them of the centennial celebrations. 1/9: event calendar; church-wide potluck picnic and sing; report on the centennial art show. 1/10: general information on featured speaker Charlie Shed; program from centennial seminar; correspondence with Ross Robson. 1/11: Correspondence with Ross Robson concerning his speaking engagement, program from the event. 1/12: General information on Joy Simpson; correspondence and contract for her performance in centennial celebrations. 1/13: General information on Lenus Carlson, singer featured in one of the centennial concerts. 1/14: General information on Susan Hegberg who performed organ concert for centennial celebrations. 1/15: General information on Jamestown choir, performed during centennial celebration
Westminster Guild Series – 1/16: Monthly Minutes, 1924-1943; 1950-1952. 1/17: Annual Reports, 1943-1949, also contains copies of the Guild’s constitution and bylaws for each year as amended. 1/18: Treasurer’s Records, 1941-1950. 1/19: Monthly Financial Reports, September-November 1946, January-March 1947, May 1947, August-December 1947, March-April 1948. 1/20: Minutes, Correspondence, Clippings, and Cards, November 1958- November 1966
Church Member Organizations Series – 1/21: Ladies Aid directory,1915; Event program, 1952. 1/22: Friendship Circle records and minutes, 1961-1962. 1/23: Outreach Committee reports, 1983-84.
Church Publications Series – 1/24: Church Membership list, 1970-71, 1973-78. 1/25: United Presbyterian Women Directories, circa 1937-1950, 1968, 1970, 1972, 1974, 1976, and 1978 1/26: proposal for the current church building, 1928, proposal for the memorial windows, 1946. 1/27: Bulletins from Easter services; religious leaflets; programs from the 25-year club; 1892-1971.
Media Series – 1/28: Photos; Dr. Boyd’s farewell banquet, 1952; interior of the sanctuary, 1949, 1952; church choir, circa 1950’s; other photos, circa 1890’s-1970’s. Portrait of Reverend O.H. Elmer, 1872. Architect Drawing of proposed Church Building, 1928. Noah’s Flood (Cassette), 1978. The Spirit is Alive (VHS), circa 1990’s.
Correspondence Series – 1/29: Correspondence from missionary R.G. Coonradt in Tsingtao, China, June 19, 1927.
Presbyterian Church North Dakota Series – 1/30: North Dakota Presbyterian synod minutes, 19691972. 1/31: North Dakota Presbyterian directories containing contact information for the Presbyterian churches throughout the state, 1972-74, 1976. 1/32: Presbyterianism in North Dakota By W.C. Hunter, 1957; study book of overtures, 1975, Lords Prayer pamphlet, 1976.
Other Publications Series – 1/33: Poster from ecumenical worship festival sponsored by Fargo churches, 1976; Program from the Original Black Hills Passion Play, circa 1950’s. Confessions of Faith, circa 1890’s
Dates
- 1872-1998
Access
The collection is open under the rules and regulations of the NDSU Archives.
Copyrights
Copyrights to this collection is held by the NDSU Archives.
History
The First Presbyterian Church of Fargo was initially part of The First Presbyterian Church of Moorhead, MN with whom they shared Rev. O.H. Elmer from December 1871-1877. The church was officially founded by Rev. C.B. Stevens on December 30, 1877. The first church building was constructed in 1880 with seating for 200 and was not replaced until the construction of a new church building in 1906. Social organizations such as the Ladies Aid Society were essential to the success of the church through their fundraising and social activities that promoted growth of both the building and the congregation. Another well established organization within the church was the Alpha Chapter of the Westminster Guild established in 1905. The guild’s purpose was to study two books per year, and raise funds for both foreign and domestic missions. The current church building located at 650 2nd Ave. N. in Fargo, ND was
erected in 1930. Throughout the church’s history anniversary celebrations have been major events particularly concerning the centennial celebration in 1977-78.
Extent
1 Linear Feet (1 linear foot.)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
The First Presbyterian Church of Fargo records consist of information on former pasters, church anniversaries, the church centennial, the Westminster Guild, member organizations, publications, media, correspondence, and the Presbyterian Church of North Dakota.
Provenance
Donated by First Presbyterian Church of Fargo in 2001 (Acc. 2030).
Property rights
The NDSU Archives owns the property rights to this collection.
- Title
- Finding Aid to the First Presbyterian Church of Fargo Records
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
Repository Details
Part of the Institute for Regional Studies Repository
Contact:
West Building N
3551 7th Avenue North
Fargo North Dakota 58102 United States
ndsu.archives@ndsu.edu
West Building N
3551 7th Avenue North
Fargo North Dakota 58102 United States
ndsu.archives@ndsu.edu