Stories from the First Cathedral 17: Bishop Whipple's Presence in Faribault

"When I began my work there [as Dean of the First Cathedral], he [Bishop Whipple] was away, and for several months I could see how, even in his absence, his spirit dominated everything in the town. It was not only that people were proud of him; they looked up to him as to a father, and all seemed to have some personal association with him." (Certain American Faces  by Charles Lewis Slattery, 1918)

Last week I commented on the physical appearance of Bishop Whipple. In this story, I wish to comment on the character of Bishop Whipple. Charles Slattery witnessed the importance of Bishop Whipple's presence in the city of Faribault, the home of the First Cathedral. Despite Bishop Whipple's denomination as an Episcopalian, everyone, no matter what faith community in Faribault, felt a special attachment to him. Bishop Whipple believed that the First Cathedral was more than an Episcopal Cathedral. The Cathedral in Faribault was in the center of town and radiated a sense of welcome to the entire city. The Guild House on the Cathedral city block was a place of social gatherings. The Cathedral church was a place to gather to honor God and for corporate worship for all people no matter what color or belief. The source of this acceptability came from the Christ-like character of love, exhibited by Henry and Cornelia Whipple as they lived among the population of 19th Century Faribault.