Ausmus, Ralph (1922-1989). First Presbyterian Church, Pine City, MN

Also interviewed James W. Clark (1893-?) who taught at St. Cloud State University from 1922 to 1924. Clark was a published historian, textbook author and state government employee with the Department of Economic Development. Ausmus owned the property where the original church stood and discovered the remains of the original mission on his land in 1951.

The interview covers the mission's history from its founding in 1836 as an attempt to convert and bring Western education to the Ojibway to the mission's end in the 1840s following an attack by the Sioux. The mission history includes details about how they were supplied and functioned as well as listing their significant accomplishments. The location of Pine City between Sioux and Ojibway territory give them opportunity to discuss local Indian history as well. They discuss at length the history of both the city and county. Topics include the economic development of the area from lumbering to railroads, settlement patterns and varying ethnicities of immigrants, and the impact of the Hinckley Fire on Pine City. They also describe how church attendance and finances have changed and been maintained over time and their uniqueness for having a woman as a pastor as of 1973. Only summary of interview is available. There is no audio for this interview.