
Blooming Grove United Methodist Church
Monday, May 25, 2020
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors

BG History


Why do we have two steeples

at right angles to each other???

In March 1856, a young German missionary began preaching in homes in the rural area southwest of Faribault.  Out of these humble beginnings, two churches were created - Bethel and Immanuel.  Through the years, the two congregations built churches, established cemeteries, shared a pastor and a parsonage.  They also developed programs that nurtured the rural community and emphasized mission giving to the world.  Our forebears built well - their dreams are still being pursued in spite of the changes time has brought to the prairie.

In 1951, a merger symbolizing the unity of Bethel and Immanuel churches took place, creating Blooming Grove United Methodist Church.  As a physical symbol of that unity, the Immanuel building was moved several miles to the Bethel site and the buildings were joined together.  This church with its two steeples is a physical symbol of cooperation, compromise, and trust.

Link here to view the Blooming Grove UMC History Insert, an article which appeared in the Waseca Historical Society March 2014 newsletter (go to page 4).  The article is based on information provided to them by Marvin and Ardis Sutter regarding the beginnings of our church and connections to the Saufferer family.