Stories from the First Cathedral 48

Last week we discussed the Guild at the First Cathedral. The two guilds were the Altar Guild and the Social Activities Guild. Women at the First Cathedral were a vital force from the beginning, even before the Cathedral building was constructed from 1862-1869. The Church of the Good Shepherd built several blocks away from the Cathedral was the origin of the congregation. The Church of the Good Shepherd was a vibrant parish in the 1850s with many women in leadership, which was the catalyst of its growth.

 "For six years - 1914-1920- a Faribault woman, Mrs. H. C. Theopold, served as president of the Minnesota Auxiliary. According to her, the Cathedral Auxiliary branch was one of the strongest in the Diocese for over fifty years. According to Cathedral records the chapter had over 40 members." (The First Cathedral by Mr Robert Neslund and The Venerable Ben Scott, 1987, p195)

The Cathedral Auxiliary was active in fulfilling two causes. They raised money for local needs for the Cathedral church as well as donating funds for missions in the continental United States along with concerns around the world.

Anna Cole Theopold led the charge at the First Cathedral in inspiring women to be active in social activities and honorable charitable acts. Anna was born into the high society of Faribault. Her father Gordon Cole was the Minnesota Attorney General (1860-1866) and a one-term mayor of Faribault. He was a prominent town founder, owning the Theopold Mercantile Co and the Morris Candy Co. 

In 1878 Anna organized the Ladies' Literary Club (The Monday Club). This club was the upper crust of well-to-do women who met regularly to study literature, fine arts, and history. Anna had the background, the financial means, the social status and family background to get things done during the early years of the First Cathedral's existence. 

Next week we will meet a woman opposite in nature to Anna Cole Theopold, who had little social status, but humbly served the First Cathedral in a significant way.