St. Columba Mission facts for kids

The St. Columba Mission was a special place for the Ojibwe people near Gull Lake in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. This area is about 18 kilometers (11 miles) north of Fort Ripley. It was home to the first Christian church for Native Americans west of the Mississippi River. This church was started in 1852 by an Episcopal missionary named James Lloyd Breck and a deacon named Enmegahbowh.

What Was the St. Columba Mission?

The St. Columba Mission was more than just a church. It was a community built around faith and learning. It aimed to support the Ojibwe people living in the area.

Building a New Community

The church building itself was made from squared logs. It was officially dedicated in 1853 by Bishop Jackson Kemper. To "consecrate" something means to make it sacred or holy, often through a special ceremony.

In November 1859, another important leader, Bishop Henry Benjamin Whipple, visited the mission. He wrote about a "sweet service" they held in the log church. He also mentioned that they dedicated a cemetery there. A cemetery is a place where people are buried.

Life at the Mission

A small village grew up around the St. Columba Mission. This village had important places like a school, where children could learn, and a store, where people could buy supplies. It was a busy and growing community for the Ojibwe people and the missionaries working there.

A Time of Change and Relocation

Sadly, the entire village, including the church, school, and store, was burned down in 1862 during a conflict known as the Dakota War of 1862. This war was a difficult time in Minnesota's history. After this event, the St. Columba Mission had to move. It found a new home at the White Earth Indian Reservation.

What Remains Today?

Today, if you visit the original site on Gull Lake, you won't see any buildings from the old settlement. However, the site is still important. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized by the United States government as a place with historical importance. A special marker has also been placed nearby on Minnesota State Highway 371 to remember the St. Columba Mission and its history.